News Americas, Seoul, KOREA, Sat. November 30, 2024: The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which has long been subject to human rights violations and religious oppression, is currently drawing attention for its large-scale protests, expressing outrage at the latest violation of constitutional rights.
On October 29-31, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (CEO Jo Won-yong) suddenly canceled the venue reservation for the Shincheonji event at Nuri Peace Square in Imjingak, Paju, on the very day of the Event of October 29. The cancellation has raised suspicions that it has influenced entrenched Protestant groups, prompting Shincheonji to express anger at what it calls “violations of the Constitution”, “religious oppression” and “one-sided administration”.
Leaders of the Shincheonji Church, including the 12 tribal leaders, have taken the lead in condemning the move. In their statement, they declared: “We can no longer tolerate actions that directly violate the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.” As a result, leaders have organized large-scale protests, with around 2,000 members of each tribe joining protests in front of Gyeonggi Provincial Hall and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, continuing their condemnation of the actions.
The first large-scale protest on the 15th saw over 30,000 participants gather in front of the Gyeonggi provincial office. Subsequent protests were held on the 18th (Gyeonggi Province: Bartholomew Tribe), on the 20th (Gyeonggi Province: Seoul James Tribe, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization: John Tribe), and on the 22nd (Gyeonggi Province: Peter Tribe, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization: John Tribe), 25th (Gyeonggi Province: Simon Tribe, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization: John Tribe), and 27th (Province Gyeonggi: Andrew Tribe, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization: John Tribe).
Between the 18th and 22nd, over 4,500 people took part in the protests, and on the 25th and 27th, around 3,500 participants gathered. Every week, the streets around Gyeonggi Provincial Hall and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization are filled with Shincheonji members, expressing their anger at what they consider to be unconstitutional actions. Protesters held placards reading “What is this one-sided religious oppression?!” they have been organizing sit-down 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 Provincial Hall to present an official letter of protest to Governor Kim Dong-yeon. The letter demanded an apology from Governor Kim and that those responsible be held accountable. The letter also called for measures to prevent the recurrence of religious discrimination. While only 20 religious leaders participated in person, the petition had 1,735 signatories, including 402 religious organizations, 758 religious representatives and 977 individuals from various sectors.
A Shincheonji member said, “Not only us, but Buddhists, Keondoists, Presbyterians and people of other religious backgrounds are also condemning Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization.” He added, “Before it’s too late, Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization must apologize and offer compensation for their one-sided 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 the governor was wrong,” and added, “Shincheonji members will not back down. The governor should apologize quickly.”
Despite their anger, Shincheonji members maintained an orderly and peaceful demeanor throughout the protests, which drew attention to being exemplary religious gatherings. This has been hailed 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, 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. (Clockwise from top left) Lee Ki-won, leader of the Johannine tribe; Kwak Jong-ryul, leader of the Bartholomew tribe; Shin Gyu-su, leader of the Seul James tribe; Lee Jung-woo, leader of the Andrew clan; 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 parts of Gangwon Province. Despite this, participants in the “Rally to Condemn One-sided 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.
On the 18th, participants are seen shouting slogans at the “Rally to Condemn One-sided Religious Persecution”, organized by the Bartholomew Tribe of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Testimony Temple (hereinafter the Shincheonji Bartholomew Tribe), in front of the North Gate of the Office of Gyeonggi Provincial Government in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon. About 1,000 members of the Bartholomew tribe gathered for this event to protest strongly in defense of religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution and to oppose unilateral religious persecution. Earlier on the 15th, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus held a similar rally with about 30,000 participants near the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office to condemn the one-sided religious persecution.
On the 20th, about 1,500 members of the Seul James tribe (led by Shin Gyu-su) of Shincheonji Church of JesusTestimony Temple, gathered in front of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government office in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, to hold a “Rally to Condemn One-sided 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 handing over a letter of protest condemning the one-sided religious persecution.
On the 22nd, during the “Rally to Condemn One-sided 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 were seen providing traffic control to saved. safety and order.
