Citizens' Agreement Campaign to Condemn 'Biased Religious Oppression'… Majority of Citizens Express Intent to Agree
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To date, Shincheonji Church of Jesus has conducted eight rallies in protest against religious persecution, held outside the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization in Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea.
The rallies, which began on the 15th November with a 30,000-strong crowd of Shincheonji Church of Jesus members and leaders of the Buddhist faith, is an expression of outrage that the freedom of religion specified in the Constitution of the Republic of Korea is being shaken by the biased decisions of administrative agencies.
Previously, Shincheonji Church of Jesus had secured approval - and made full payment - for the rental of the Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park in Paju on the 29th and 30th of October to hold the international event 'Religious Leaders' Forum and Graduation Ceremony for Peace, Freedom, and Unification'. However, on the day of the rental, Gyeonggi Provincial Governor Dong-yeon Kim and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization unilaterally cancelled the event, even though the Organization had stated until the day before that there were "no plans to cancel." Despite months of preparations, the event, which was scheduled to welcome 30,000 attendees from 78 countries, was cancelled last minute under alleged pressure from vested religious groups.
In order to inform citizens of Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ ongoing stance on the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization’s cancellation of its rental, the Shincheonji Bartholomew Tribe has conducted a citizen consensus activity to condemn 'biased religious oppression' three times a week in the commercial districts of western Seoul and Gyeonggi Province since 30th November.
At the civic consent activity site, citizens' opinions are being asked through five questions about the legitimacy and fairness of cancellation of the rental. The questions are on the appropriateness of the cancellation of the rental, the necessity of disclosure of reasons, legitimacy of compensation for losses, whether the decision based on pressure from a specific group is unconstitutional, equal treatment for all groups, and more.
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According to the public relations team of the Shincheonji Bartholomew Tribe, about 1780 citizens have agreed. The target is 3300 citizens.
Citizens who expressed in agreement said, “I strongly agree that public institutions should be fair and not discriminate against specific religions,” and “Religious diversity is an important value in our society - administrative agencies should respect it.”
Meanwhile, time will tell whether the citizen consent activity will help restore transparency and fairness in administrative agencies. What is certain is that Shincheonji Church of Jesus will continue to campaign to protect religious freedom and constitutional values.
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