An outrageous act that directly denies the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Korea has occurred. Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization have committed unconstitutional and illegal acts that cannot be justified by any excuse. What is this talk of religious oppression?
Where is Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization trying to lead this country? Are they blinded by their own political interests, dividing the people and religion, ultimately driving the Republic of Korea to ruin?
Our Shincheonji Church of Jesus intended to hold a “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony” at the Imjingak Peace Nuri in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, from October 29 to 31.
Tens of thousands of graduates and religious leaders from both domestic and international locations had already entered the country and completed all preparations for participation in the event, which involved a budget of hundreds of billions of won for a large-scale international event.
However, on the morning of October 29, the day of the event, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization unilaterally canceled our reservation without any prior consultation.
This is not a lawful treatment of the sovereign citizens and seriously undermines the national dignity of the Republic of Korea.
What explanation can we give to the religious leaders and graduates from various countries who have already arrived? The Republic of Korea, which has been shouting about the Korean Wave and emphasizing globalization, is inviting international disgrace through religious oppression. Do they want Shincheonji Church of Jesus to protest?
We proceeded with all administrative procedures lawfully. After receiving notification of venue approval on July 22, we paid the full venue fee on October 2. On October 16, and special effects usage, and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization reviewed all details of the event and completed safety inspections.
Notably, on the same day, there was news that Gyeonggi Province designated all areas of Paju as danger zones, but we received a response that this was a measure to block North Korean leaflet distribution and was unrelated to our event, with no prior notice or sanctions related to this issue. Moreover, on October 23 and 28, responsible officials confirmed twice that there were “no plans to cancel the reservation.”
Cancelling an event that had already completed safety reviews due to opposition from a specific religious group undermines administrative credibility and acts to divide the nation.
Furthermore, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon cited the flimsy excuse of “provoking North Korea” to direct the cancellation. However, other events held at the same location faced no issues.
Administrative actions based on opposition from a specific religious group directly violate the constitutional principle of separation of church and state and are unconstitutional behavior that can never be tolerated in a democratic nation.
Is Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization trying to drive Shincheonji Church of Jesus out of this land? Where is this kind of administration that permits and then cancels based on a single statement from a specific religious group? We are proud citizens of this country. Why should we be discriminated against when using public facilities funded by our taxes?
We can no longer endure this situation as it stands. Do they want tens of thousands of Shincheonji Church members to take to the streets? Shincheonji Church has made countless efforts to resolve issues peacefully, but if this is the result, we will now take to the streets for our rights and justice.
Shincheonji Church is not a second-class citizen that can be ignored or discriminated against; there should be no second-class citizens in this land.
Do they think that such discrimination and oppression will bring peace to this country? Do not be mistaken.
We sternly warn: Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization must disclose all grounds for their cancellation decision that are acceptable to the public and officially apologize to all members of Shincheonji Church and invited domestic and international guests.
Immediately cease discriminatory administrative actions against religion. If this is not accepted, we will mobilize all legal means and take to the streets with hundreds of thousands of members.
We will expose the reality of religious oppression in Korea to international human rights organizations and take all possible civil and criminal legal actions.
All citizens of this land are equal. Freedom of religion is not subject to negotiation. Shincheonji Church and all its members will fight until the day they can practice their faith freely without discrimination in this land.
November 1, 2024
From All Members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus
