Chicago, Illinois Nov 19, 2024 (Issuewire.com) - In a fervent display of unity, thousands of members from Shincheonji Church of Jesus gathered outside the Gyeonggi Provincial Office to denounce what they called an act of religious persecution. The rally, themed "Resolution to Denounce Religious Persecution," follows the last-minute cancellation of their international graduation ceremony and religious forum at Imjingak Peace Nuri in Paju, a decision they assert was driven by discrimination and political pressure from a specific religious group.
The abrupt cancellation of the event venue, previously approved after months of planning, was officially attributed to "heightened anxiety over North Korea." However, Shincheonji leaders argue that the decision was influenced by external religious pressure, pointing to intervention by the Seoul Metropolitan Christian Council. "This was not a purely administrative decision but an act of religious discrimination," said a spokesperson from the church.
The church emphasized that their planned event had passed all safety evaluations and was prepared in accordance with local guidelines. "The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the separation of church and state," declared a rally leader. "Today, we stand to defend those principles against the unjust treatment we have experienced."
A Peaceful Rally for Justice
Despite the emotional weight of their grievances, rally participants maintained exemplary order. Attendees remained peaceful, followed instructions, and voluntarily concluded the rally at the designated time. Afterward, groups stayed behind to clean the area, earning praise from nearby citizens and law enforcement.
"It was one of the most orderly demonstrations Ive ever seen," commented a local police officer on-site. "Their commitment to peace and respect for the surrounding community was remarkable."
Citizens who observed the rally also expressed admiration. "They werent disruptive; they were clear and sincere in their message," said a Suwon resident. "I hope their efforts lead to a fair resolution."
Demanding Accountability
Shincheonji Church is calling for Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon to issue a public apology and for the Korea Tourism Organization to provide compensation for damages caused by the abrupt cancellation. "We will use every legal avenue available to ensure this kind of discrimination against any religious group does not happen again," church leaders vowed.
The rally highlights growing concerns over the influence of specific religious groups on governmental decisions and the need to protect the constitutional rights of all faiths. "We are not just fighting for our church," said one participant. "We are fighting for the freedom of all religions to exist without fear of persecution."
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As the issue gains international attention, Shincheonji hopes their peaceful stand will inspire a broader conversation about the importance of religious freedom and the need to protect it from political interference.
Source :NHNE Midwest
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.