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Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, has finally won its so-called 'youth restoration claim' lawsuit at the Supreme Court |
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Chairman Man-hee Lee) has received a final ruling from the Supreme Court in its so-called ‘youth restoration claim’ lawsuit. This ruling has once again confirmed that there is no legal problem with Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ missionary activities and religious life.
According to the legal community on the 5th, on the 27th of last month, the Supreme Court dismissed the plaintiff's appeal in a lawsuit for damages filed by a former member of the Shincheonji Chuncheon Church, confirming the victory of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
The plaintiff demanded 46 million won in damages, claiming that Shincheonji Church of Jesus forced religious life, brainwashed people with eschatological doctrines, and violated religious freedom, but the court did not accept this.
The trial court emphasized the freedom of religion and the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution, and stated that the court must maintain a neutral stance on religion. In particular, it focused on examining whether there was any illegal coercion or behavior that went against social norms during the proselytization process of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
The court comprehensively reviewed the age, education level, social experience, and religious choice process of the target of evangelism and determined that the missionary activities of Shincheonji Church of Jesus did not infringe on religious freedom or constitute illegal coercion.
Accordingly, the plaintiff's claim for damages was dismissed. The same decision was made in the subsequent appeal, and the Supreme Court also dismissed the appeal, confirming Shincheonji Church of Jesus' victory.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus stated regarding this Supreme Court ruling, “It has been confirmed once again that freedom of religion and the church’s legitimate religious life and missionary activities are legally protected,” and “We will not be shaken by repeated lawsuits to find fault with it, and we will do our best to comply with the law and social order and help our congregants’ religious life.”
He also added, “We will continue to uphold the essence of religion, overcome criticism and misunderstandings both inside and outside the church, and strive to fulfill the role of light and salt for the congregation and society.” He added, “With this ruling as an opportunity, we promise to respect religious freedom even more and act with a sense of social responsibility.”
This ruling has once again confirmed the principle that the court has consistently applied in similar lawsuits related to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The court has maintained the position that if an adult chooses a religion of their own free will and engages in it, it is difficult to hold them responsible if there was no mental control or coercion.
This Supreme Court ruling is expected to be recorded as an important precedent guaranteeing religious freedom and recognizing the rights of religious minorities.
Some criticize that filing a lawsuit demanding compensation for damages after leaving a particular religion after believing in it is a foolish act that denies one's own past choices and can be tantamount to denying one's subjectivity and ability to make judgments.
Along with this, it is also pointed out that more efforts are needed to reduce conflict and hatred between religions in a society where religious diversity is respected.
Source: https://www.newscj.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3241330