On Friday, November 15th, tens of thousands of Shincheonji Church members gathered outside the Gyeonggi Provincial Office to protest what they call biased religious discrimination by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization.
The rally, titled "Rally to Denounce Religious Persecution" focused on alleged violations of the Constitution's guarantee of religious freedom and the separation of religion and politics. The protest stems from the sudden cancellation of a planned event by Shincheonji, the 'International Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony', in October. The church claims the cancellation, citing security concerns, was a cover for religious oppression due to external pressures.
Protesters are calling for an official apology from the Gyeonggi governor, compensation for damages, and action from international human rights organisations. They emphasised the need for equal treatment of all citizens and vowed to continue protesting until their demands are met.
Despite the event meeting all necessary legal and safety procedures, it was abruptly called off, affecting tens of thousands of graduates and international religious leaders who had travelled to Korea for the occasion.
Shincheonji Church calls for transparency and accountability from the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization. It’s time to ensure that religious freedom is upheld for all citizens, regardless of their beliefs.
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