On 13th August, 3156 pastors from 55 countries voiced serious concerns about what they described as recent infringements on religious freedom and challenges to the principle of separation of church and state in South Korea.

Five religious organisations gathered for the 1st World Joint Assembly of Pastors and issued a collective statement on the matter.

Participants expressed concern over what they regarded as excessive detention investigations and judicial pressure involving prominent religious leaders. They described these actions as potential violations of religious freedom and human rights and argued that the rule of law should be applied fairly and without discrimination based on religious affiliation.

The assembly specifically addressed the recent arrests and indictments of religious leaders, including Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee. Participants argued that such investigations should respect the constitutional presumption of innocence and the principle that detention should be used only when legally necessary.

Speakers repeatedly emphasised that investigative and judicial procedures should not disproportionately target particular religions or denominations.

Several speakers also stressed that judicial decisions should be based on evidence and law rather than public sentiment.

Anglican priest Heo Jong-hyeon warned that public anger, even when perceived as a demand for justice, should not determine judicial outcomes. He argued that what he characterised as a “witch-hunt style trial” could undermine the fundamental rights of an elderly religious leader if public pressure were allowed to take precedence over evidence and due process.

The assembly also highlighted concerns about government involvement in religious affairs and reaffirmed the importance of the separation of church and state.

Presbytery Chairman Kim Geon described the separation of church and state as an essential safeguard against excessive government interference in religious matters. He expressed concern that investigating internal religious activities and doctrines, imposing targeted tax audits, or pursuing the forced dissolution of religious organisations could undermine the constitutional principle of religious freedom.

Rev. Rugagi Innocent of the Evangelical Church of Rwanda, the final speaker, emphasised the importance of international solidarity on issues of religious freedom. Drawing on the experiences of churches in Africa, he warned of the consequences that can arise when government authorities seek to exercise excessive control over religious life.

He stated that, because faith transcends national and denominational boundaries, churches around the world should stand together in support of religious freedom in South Korea.

Participants also raised concerns about institutional policies that they believe could adversely affect church activities. Particular attention was given to discussions surrounding a proposed “Dissolution of Religious Corporations Act,” which participants said could give the government significant authority to dissolve religious organisations.

Rev. Im Young-woong of the Presbyterian Church of Korea warned that allowing the government to dissolve a religious corporation could establish a precedent that threatens religious freedom more broadly.

The assembly concluded with the release of a Joint Statement signed by more than 3000 pastors from around the world. Among its principal demands were:

The organisers emphasised that they view the matter as a broader religious-freedom issue rather than a dispute involving only one denomination.

“The cases presented are not just an issue for a particular denomination, but a serious warning signal regarding religious freedom in South Korea as a whole,” the organisers stated. They added that they intend to continue working with international human rights organisations and churches around the world until, in their view, the principles of fair justice and separation of church and state are upheld.

Source: vo.la/MVBGbGu