[Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ position on JTBC’s August 8 report]

[Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ position on JTBC’s August 8 report]

The August 8, 2025 broadcast of JTBC’s report, “Tracking Shincheonji’s ‘Evangelism Tactics’,” portrayed Shincheonji Church of Jesus and its congregation members as if they were an organization that habitually engages in deception, distorting the facts and damaging the sincerity of this church.

In particular, the expression “cleverly exploiting vulnerabilities” belittles the decisions of countless ordinary young adults who voluntarily chose their faith. It is deeply regrettable that genuine meetings for fellowship and sharing the gospel have been misrepresented as “traps” or “captures.”

Accordingly, Shincheonji Church of Jesus states its position as follows:

1. The step-by-step evangelism method is a common approach of all religions.

The method of naturally meeting through cultural activities or clubs, and then introducing the faith once a relationship has been formed, is a normal evangelism method that various religions around the world have long adopted.

Revealing one’s religious identity immediately upon first meeting can, in fact, be a rigid and inefficient approach, and this is not a case unique to any specific religion.

2. At the Mission Centers that teach the Word, affiliation to Shincheonji is clearly stated.

In the Mission Center courses where Shincheonji Church of Jesus teaches the Word, it is clearly explained that the Word is being taught by Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

After receiving this information, students are free to either continue or discontinue their Bible study.

Furthermore, this evangelism method has twice been ruled by the Supreme Court to have no legal issues. Nevertheless, this broadcast ignored such court rulings and the reality on the ground, portraying the church in a way that does not reflect the facts.

3. Cultural activities are sound venues for fellowship aimed at spreading the gospel.

The cultural, volunteer, and fellowship programs operated by Shincheonji Church of Jesus are channels designed so that young adults can naturally encounter the gospel in the process of forming sincere relationships and engaging in fellowship. These activities are not tools to coerce or deceive people into faith, but rather part of healthy religious life.

Labeling them with terms such as “camouflage” or “capture” distorts religious activities as a whole and undermines personal faith choices and religious freedom.

4. We request a balanced perspective and careful reporting.

The recent JTBC report repeatedly emphasized a negative view based on certain cases while excluding the voices of the many congregation members who have experienced restoration and joy in life through their faith. This not only fosters a distorted perception of the church but can also infringe on freedom of religion.

Religion is not merely a social phenomenon but a fundamental value deeply connected to the human heart and soul. When the media addresses it, it requires a careful and balanced perspective rather than sensational framing.

Acts such as generalizing certain cases and repeatedly reporting them, as in this report, are deeply regrettable as they can threaten the human rights and safety of the congregation members Shincheonji Church of Jesus will continue to be faithful to the Word of God and strive to spread the gospel based on love and truth.

In addition, we will take necessary measures, including lawful responses, against reports that differ from the facts.

August 9, 2025

Shincheonji Church of Jesus