“I Am a Member of Shincheonji, a Citizen of the Republic of Korea”: Gyeonggi Tourism Organization Cancels Venue Booking on the Day of Event 

Shincheonji Church 12 Tribe Leaders Strongly Condemn Constitutional Violations and Religious Oppression Call for Apology and Compensation from Gyeonggi Province and the Organization

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CARIBPR WIRE, SEOUL, KOREA, Sat. Nov. 30, 2024: Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which has long been subjected to human rights violations and religious oppression, is currently drawing attention for its large-scale protests, expressing anger over the recent infringement on constitutional rights.

On October 29-31, the Gyeonggi Provincial Governor Kim Dong-yeon and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (CEO Jo Won-yong) abruptly canceled the venue reservation for Shincheonji’s event at the Peace Nuri Square in Imjingak, Paju, on the very day of the event, October 29. This cancellation has sparked suspicions that it was influenced by entrenched Protestant groups, leading Shincheonji to express outrage over what it calls “violations of the Constitution,” “religious oppression,” and “biased administration.”

Shincheonji Church’s leaders, including the 12 tribe leaders, have taken the forefront in condemning this action. In their statement, they declared, “We can no longer tolerate actions that directly violate the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.” As a result, the leaders have organized large-scale protests, with approximately 2,000 members of each tribe joining the protests in front of Gyeonggi Province Hall and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, continuing their condemnation of the actions.

The first large-scale protest on the 15th of the month saw over 30,000 participants gather in front of the Gyeonggi Provincial Office. Subsequent protests were held on the 18th (Gyeonggi Province: Bartholomew Tribe), the 20th (Gyeonggi Province: Seoul James Tribe, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization: John Tribe), the 22nd (Gyeonggi Province: Peter Tribe, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization: John Tribe), the 25th (Gyeonggi Province: Simon Tribe, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization: John Tribe), and the 27th (Gyeonggi Province: Andrew Tribe, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization: John Tribe).

Between the 18th and 22nd, over 4,500 people participated in the protests, and on the 25th and 27th, approximately 3,500 attendees gathered. Each week, the streets around Gyeonggi Province Hall and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization are filled with Shincheonji members, expressing their anger over what they view as unconstitutional actions. Protestors, holding signs that read “What is this biased religious oppression?!” have been staging sit-in protests for about an hour. Participants, including doctors, teachers, nurses, and university students, represent a wide range of professions and ages.

On the 27th, a group of religious leaders visited Gyeonggi Province Hall to present a formal protest letter to Governor Kim Dong-yeon. The letter called for an apology from Governor Kim and for the responsible parties to be held accountable. The letter also demanded measures to prevent the recurrence of religious discrimination. While only 20 religious leaders attended in person, the petition had 1,735 signatories, including 402 religious organizations, 758 religious representatives, and 977 individuals from various sectors.

One Shincheonji member stated, “Not only us, but Buddhists, Cheondoists, Presbyterians, and people from other religious backgrounds are also condemning Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization.” He added, “Before it is too late, Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization must apologize and offer compensation for their biased actions against religious groups.”

Citizens who observed the protests expressed their support. Seo Young-sook (incognito), who operates a restaurant near the protest site, said, “It’s clear that the governor was wrong,” and added, “Shincheonji members are not going to back down. The governor needs to apologize quickly.”

Despite their anger, the Shincheonji members maintained an orderly and peaceful demeanor throughout the protests, which attracted attention for being exemplary religious gatherings. This has been praised as a model for religious groups in demonstrating their messages in a peaceful and impactful manner.

Leaders of the 12 tribes of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus

The leaders of the 12 tribes of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Testimony (Shincheonji), have begun to raise a strong voice of condemnation against Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, driven by their firm determination to no longer overlook administrative actions that directly violate the Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom. (From top left, clockwise) Lee Ki-won, leader of the Johannine Tribe; Kwak Jong-ryul, leader of the Bartholomew Tribe; Shin Gyu-su, leader of the Seoul James Tribe; Lee Jung-woo, leader of the Andrew Tribe; Lee Seung-ju, leader of the Simon Tribe; Yoo Jae-uk, leader of the Peter Tribe.

A heavy snow warning has been issued for Seoul, the metropolitan area, and some parts of Gangwon Province. Despite this, participants at the “Rally to Condemn Biased Religious Persecution,” held in front of the North Gate of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, on the 27th, are seen shouting slogans during the relay protest.

Seoul James Tribe

On the 18th, participants are seen shouting slogans at the “Rally to Condemn Biased Religious Persecution,” organized by the Bartholomew Tribe of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Testimony (hereinafter Shincheonji Bartholomew Tribe), in front of the North Gate of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon. Around 1,000 members of the Bartholomew Tribe gathered for the event to strongly protest in defense of religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution and to oppose biased religious persecution. Earlier, on the 15th, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus held a similar rally with around 30,000 participants in the vicinity of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office to condemn biased religious persecution.

On the 20th, approximately 1,500 members of the Seoul James Tribe (led by Shin Gyu-su) of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Testimony, gathered in front of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, to hold a “Rally to Condemn Biased Religious Persecution.” The photo shows the scene of the rally.

On the afternoon of the 27th, religious leaders are seen shouting slogans in front of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office before delivering a letter of protest condemning biased religious persecution.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus-12-tribe-protest

On the 22nd, during the “Rally to Condemn Biased Religious Persecution” relay protest held in front of the North Gate of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, members of the Peter Tribe Volunteer Corps are seen providing traffic control to maintain safety and order.