Citizens Sympathise With ‘Citizens’ Agreement Activity to Denounce Religious Persecution’ by Shincheonji Seoul James Tribe
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| The Shincheonji Seoul James Tribe is displaying photos related to a rally to denounce religious persecution near Junggye Station and is carrying out citizen consensus activities |
Shincheonji Church of Jesus has conducted fifteen rallies in protest against religious persecution 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, were 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. Shincheonji Church of Jesus suffered enormous financial damage, with the cancellation of preparation costs amounting to the equivalent of roughly £20 million.
In order to inform citizens of Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ ongoing stance on the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization’s cancellation of its rental, the Seoul James Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (hereinafter referred to as the Shincheonji Seoul James Tribe) has been conducting a ‘Citizens’ Agreement Activity to Denounce Religious Persecution’ since early November.
The 'Citizens' Agreement Activity to Condemn Religious Persecution' has been conducted by explaining to citizens the background of the cancellation of the venue, the extent of the damage, and the unfairness of the administration, and asking for their opinions. After hearing the explanation, citizens expressed their agreement by placing stickers on it.
As a result of activities carried out over two months, approximately 2000 citizens participated.
Hyang-mi Kim (68, female, Seoul), who heard the explanation, said, “It doesn’t make sense that a big event was cancelled because of a single word from Governor Dong-yeon Kim.”
Another participant, Bong-sik Kim (65, male, Seoul), said, “Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization should transparently disclose the reasons for cancelling the reservation.”
Shincheonji Church of Jesus claims that the sudden cancellation of the venue was a case of violation of the citizens’ rights as stated in the Constitution of the Republic of Korea. Article 11 of the Constitution states that all citizens are equal before the law and have the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of gender, religion, or social status. Moreover, Article 20 states that all citizens shall enjoy freedom of religion and that church and state shall be separated.
An official from the Shincheonji Seoul James Tribe criticised, “Governor Dong-yeon Kim has not even said a word of apology despite causing enormous damage to Shincheonji Church of Jesus,” and “In his response to the letter of protest, he only offered the excuse that it was ‘a measure for the safety of the residents of the province.’” The official continued, “Governor Kim, who consistently avoids responsibility, is not qualified to be the leader of the residents of the province. He must step down.”
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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