The Seoul James Tribe leader, who led the rally, raised his voice, proclaiming, “Cancelling the Shincheonji Church of Jesus event under the pretext of security threats while proceeding with other groups’ events is the epitome of irrational and unfair administration.”

He continued, “This is clear religious oppression and a violation of the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by Article 20 of the Constitution,” adding, “Governor Kim, who succumbed to pressure from certain forces, is not qualified to lead the people and the residents of the province.”

The believers wore red headbands and held signs with messages such as “Cease religious discrimination” and “Shincheonji are also citizens,” and also chanted slogans demanding the resignation of the Gyeonggi Provincial Governor and Head of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization.

On the same day, the ‘Rally to Denounce Religious Persecution' was held by 500 members of the Shincheonji Gwacheon Church in front of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization. It was the first rally held in front of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization.

Around 500 members of the Gwacheon Church of the John Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, filled with sorrow and frustration, raised their voices and strongly condemned the decision by the Gyeonggi Provincial Office and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization to cancel their use of the venue.

In his statement, the head of the Young Adults’ Department of the Gwacheon Church raised his voice, saying, “Despite the fact that all citizens have freedom of religion and that the Constitution clearly states that religion and politics are separate, Shincheonji Church of Jesus is being unfairly discriminated against and oppressed.”

He continued, “A large-scale international event with tens of thousands of domestic and international believers and religious leaders participating was cancelled overnight.”

In particular, he claimed that this incident was an unfair administrative action due to pressure from a specific religious group.

The head of construction read the resolution and strongly criticised the biased administration of the government and public enterprises. He especially expressed his strong will, saying, “Shincheonji will not yield to any external pressure,” and “Just as God and Jesus were victorious, Shincheonji will also definitely triumph over the biased religious oppression administration.”

A male believer in his mid-70s expressed his intense feelings, saying, “This situation where they blocked all 6300 believers from overseas is completely unjust and infuriating.” He added, “If they had notified us in advance during the preparation stage, we could have stopped or adjusted the event, but they notified us on the same day, which is utterly incomprehensible.”

Meanwhile, Shincheonji Church of Jesus plans to continue holding relay rallies in front of the Gyeonggi Provincial Office and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization until Governor Dong-yeon Kim and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization take responsibility, issue an apology, and compensate for the damages suffered by Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Shincheonji Church is also resolved to pursuing all legal measures to cease political abuse and ensure an end to religious discrimination; raising awareness with international human rights organisations about the ongoing persecution in South Korea; and advocating for equal treatment and the full enjoyment of religious freedom for all citizens as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Sources: vo.la/vDCmQc vo.la/vDCmQc