On July 12, 2025, at the rally hosted by the “Gwacheon Emergency Countermeasure Committee Against Shincheonji” held at Jungang Park in Gwacheon, regarding the false and distorted statements made about Shincheonji, we correct the facts as follows.
- Confirmation of Attendance at the Rally
At the rally held on July 12 at Jungang Park in Gwacheon, it is identified that about 800 members belonging to some established churches in Gwacheon who oppose Shincheonji attended. This rally does not represent the will of the approximately 80,000 citizens of Gwacheon. - Rebuttal of False Statements
a. Statement by Mr. Lee, Democratic Party of Korea National Assembly Member
The statement that “Shincheonji is an organization that violated quarantine rules in an anti-social way during the COVID-19 period and damaged the national quarantine network” is proven to be false by the Supreme Court’s final not-guilty ruling. In addition, allegations of unfair labor practices and sexual crimes were also closed with a disposition of no charges by the investigative authorities. Even though as a National Assembly member he has the responsibility to protect and represent the rights of the people, making false claims based on wrong information and dividing society is a very inappropriate act.
b. Statement by Mr. Choi, People Power Party District Chair
The statement to the effect that “Shincheonji cuts off the relationship between parents and children and breaks families” is a clear distortion of facts. Shincheonji Church of Jesus teaches parents and children to honor one another in God’s word and to achieve harmony in love.
c. Statement by Mr. Ha, Chairman of Gwacheon City Council
The statement “Regarding Shincheonji, change of land use should not be permitted, the ruling of victory is not reasonable, it is a closed organization destroying families, the building has safety problems, and infectious disease came from Shincheonji” was made. As a city council chairman who should speak of lawful administration and oversee the city administration, he is abusing his authority as council chairman by pressuring Gwacheon City not to permit a change of land use for Shincheonji.
d. Statement by Mr. Shin
The statement that “In Shincheonji, there is a guideline to force people to sue even their parents” is not true. Mr. Shin in the past forcibly kidnapped and confined his own daughter, and in this regard, the daughter voluntarily took legal action for her own safety; it was an issue between individuals. Shincheonji Church of Jesus values family love and harmony and does not order or encourage forced legal action under any circumstances.
Also, the statements that “it predicts a doomsday with a set date, takes away believers’ money, and is sexually immoral” are not true either. Shincheonji Church of Jesus believes according to the Bible, operates with voluntary offerings of believers without taking money illegally, forbids unlawful relationships between men and women, and does not evangelize to children or minors. - Our Demand
The rally on July 12 was led by some established church members and politicians to slander Shincheonji Church of Jesus and to obstruct the rightful exercise of property rights, which is unconstitutional and illegal behavior.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus believes in God, Jesus, and the Bible, practices faith according to the Word, and has continuously served to coexist with Gwacheon citizens and contribute to the development of the community. We clearly state that the protests by some opposing groups are slander supported by established churches.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus believes and prays as in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” We sincerely hope that the established churches will also forgive, love, and have faith according to the teachings of the Lord’s Prayer. This is the will of God and Jesus.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus has openly stated through numerous Bible seminars, “If there is any error in the Word, please point it out anytime,” but until now, there has not been a single biblical refutation.
The “heresy” the Bible speaks of refers to those who do not know the Bible and teach falsehood. Therefore, whether something is heretical should not be determined by personal feelings or religious rivalry, but only by the standard of the Bible. The church community in Gwacheon should stop calling Shincheonji Church of Jesus a cult and should hold a public Bible test before the citizens to examine and verify true orthodoxy and heresy.
We earnestly request the pastors of churches in Gwacheon not to incite conflict but to lead believers to proper faith according to the Bible.
Please stop false, distorted slander any further. Shincheonji Church of Jesus desires peace.
