Shincheonji Church of Jesus' Statement on JTBC's August 8th Report

Shincheonji Church of Jesus will continue to spread the gospel with love and truth, according to God's Word.

[Shincheonji Church of Jesus' Statement on JTBC's August 8th Report]

JTBC's August 8th, 2025, report, "Tracking Shincheonji's 'Proselytizing Methods,'" portrayed Shincheonji Church of Jesus and its members as a systematic group engaged in deception, distorting the facts and damaging the church's authenticity.

In particular, the expression "slyly exploiting vulnerabilities" belittles the decisions of countless ordinary young people who voluntarily chose faith, and it is deeply regrettable that genuine fellowship and gospel sharing encounters are distorted into "traps" or "captures."

In response, Shincheonji Church of Jesus states the following:

1. The step-by-step evangelism method is a common approach across all religions.

Introducing one's faith after a natural encounter through cultural activities or clubs, and then establishing a relationship, is a standard evangelism method that has long been adopted by many religions around the world.

Disclosing one's religious identity immediately upon first meeting can be a rigid and ineffective approach, and this practice is not limited to any particular religion

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2. The mission center where the Word is taught clearly states its affiliation.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus clearly states in the mission center courses that the Word is being preached by Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

After receiving this notice, students are free to continue or discontinue their Bible studies.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court has twice ruled that this type of evangelism practice is not legally problematic.

Nevertheless, this broadcast ignored these court rulings and the actual situation, portraying the church in a way that is contrary to the facts.

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3. Cultural activities are a healthy platform for exchange and the spread of the Gospel.

The cultural, volunteer, and exchange programs run by Shincheonji Church of Jesus are designed to allow young people to naturally encounter the Gospel through genuine relationships and interactions.

These activities are not a means of coercing or deceiving faith, but rather a part of sound religious practice.

Defining these activities with provocative terms like "disguise" or "capture" distorts religious activities in general and undermines individuals' right to choose their faith and their freedom of religion.

4. We request a balanced perspective and careful reporting.

This JTBC report repeatedly highlighted negative perspectives based on a few cases, excluding the voices of many believers who experienced restoration and joy in their lives through faith.

This not only fosters a distorted perception of our church, but also potentially infringes on religious freedom.[

Religion is not a simple social phenomenon; it is an essential value deeply connected to the human heart and soul.

When the media covers this issue, it requires a careful and balanced perspective, not sensational framing.

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We deeply regret the repeated generalization and reporting of certain cases, as in this report, as it threatens the human rights and safety of its members.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus will continue to remain faithful to God's Word and will do its utmost to spread the gospel based on love and truth.

Furthermore, we will take necessary measures, including legal action, against reports that are inaccurate.

August 9, 2025

Shincheonji Church of Jesus