[Statement] Rally to Denounce Religious Persecution

[Statement] Rally to Denounce Religious Persecution 

This action is a dismissal of the basic courtesy due to citizens who are the rightful sovereigns, and it seriously damages the national prestige of the Republic of Korea. How are we supposed to explain this to the religious leaders and graduates from various countries who entered Korea to attend this event? While Korea promotes the Korean Wave and emphasizes globalization, it is bringing international embarrassment upon itself through religious persecution. 

While the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization claims “security threats” as the reason for cancellation, other events at the same venue proceeded normally. How can they still claim this was due to “security threats”? 

Prior to the event, there were continuous complaints and protest rallies from Protestant churches, and on October 28th, a “Protest Rally to Cancel Shincheonji Event” was held. The very next day, we learned of the venue cancellation. Public officials and public enterprises, which should maintain neutrality, have colluded with certain religious groups to commit this unconstitutional and illegal atrocity. This is clearly “religious persecution.” Where are the Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization trying to lead this country? Are they, blinded by political interests, trying to divide the citizens and drive the Republic of Korea to ruin by creating division? 

Where in the world is there an administration that cancels a venue permit on the very day of the event due to opposition from specific religious groups? This is a clear abuse of power. We are proud citizens of this nation. Why should we face discrimination in using public facilities that are operated with citizens' tax money? 

We issue this stern warning: The Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization must officially apologize to all members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the invited domestic and international guests, and immediately proceed with compensation for damages caused by the same-day cancellation without consultation. Religious discriminatory administration must cease, and if these demands are not met, we will utilize all legal means available to protect our rightful claims. Furthermore, we will report these instances of religious persecution in Korea to international human rights organizations and raise our voices in the streets together with like-minded citizens.

Let us all shout together with unwavering determination 

until our righteous demands are met:

Stop the collusion between politics and religion! 

Stop illegal religious persecution immediately!

We strongly condemn the biased administration that divides 

and discriminates against citizens!

Same-day cancellation without consultation! 

Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization must apologize and compensate!

Governor of Gyeonggi Province! Do you hear our cries?

We will no longer remain silent!

We will take action for our rights and religious freedom!

All citizens of this land are equal, and religious freedom is never subject to negotiation. All members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus will fight until the end for the day when we can practice our faith freely without discrimination in this country.

November 15, 2024 wjw

All Members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus