#CCK #Truth #Cult #Coercive_Conversion_Program #PressConference  #CCK #HAC #Human_Rights #Coercive_Conversion_Program #Rally

The Christian Council of Korea (CCK) brings shame to a country that supposedly upholds freedom of religion within its constitution. On 27th January, over 30,000 people including representatives from more than 100 peace, human and civil rights organisations gathered in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, to call for the shutdown of the Christian Council of Korea (CCK), which is now well-known throughout the Republic of Korea for its corrupt, anti-national, anti-societal, and anti-religious actions.

Although the CCK has been granted absolution from its numerous crimes due to its strong political ties, this rally exposed the true nature of this organisation to the president, government, public and press. A lecture delivered by representatives of the host organisation ‘Global Citizens’ Human Rights Coalition’ exposed the dark history and evil actions of the CCK.

During Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945), the Presbyterian church (root of CCK) served as informants to the Japanese occupiers, selling them military supplies for use against their own people and forced Koreans to bow down to Japanese shrine worship. Those who refused to worship their gods were the Goshin denomination who were subsequently imprisoned. The teaching of the CCK is founded on that of the 16th century theologian, John Calvin, who killed any man, woman or child who opposed his beliefs on predestination. Over the last ten years, some 12,000 pastors of the CCK have been found guilty of crimes including fraud, burglary, drink-driving, sexual assault and even murder. In October 2007, Ms. Sunhwa Kim was bludgeoned to death with a hammer by her ex-husband for refusing to renounce her religious beliefs and receive ‘coercive conversion education’ and, on January 9^th 2018, Ms. Ji-In Gu was suffocated to death by her parents during her struggle in resisting this education. Their crime? Belonging to a Christian denomination not considered part of mainstream Christianity which the CCK identifies as a ‘cult’. Are their actions not deserving of such a label?

Since Ms. Gu’s death, there have been 147 confirmed cases of coercive conversion in the Republic of Korea, with dozens of others unaccounted for. As we speak, there are dozens of believers who have been dragged to remote locations throughout South Korea and are now suffering silently at the hands of coercive conversion pastors of the CCK. Their actions have caused tremendous division within the Christian community and they have thrown the nation into a state of confusion. Their actions are a national and international disgrace that violates human rights behind the veil of ‘religion’.

During the press conference held at the end of the rally, representatives of each organisation delivered sharp criticism of the inhumane actions of the CCK, urging the government to stop colluding with the CCK and to address the issue openly. In the words of one representative,

 “The actions of the CCK, a pro-Japanese turncoat organisation, prove that they themselves are the cult, and that they themselves are false pastors. This leads to grave reputational damage for our country and is a religious disgrace within the international community.”

Moreover,