Regarding Daegu Han Ma Eum Apartment

Regarding Daegu Han Ma Eum Apartment

Shincheonji Daegu church is located near Dae Myeong station and Seobu Bus terminal. Also, there are small mountain, Duryu park and Seongdang Pond near the church. And, there are countless apartments, villas and townhouses nearby.

The church is a total of 9,700 church members. It is expected that significant congregants live in the vicinity. Therefore, it is speculation to describe it as 'group residence occupied by Shincheonji' regarding living in this area which is close to the church and has convenient transportation and comfortable living environment.

Han Ma Eum Apartment is an old rental apartment built in 1985. Even though it is very affordable, there are not man applicants. It is still an unpopular residence where vacancies still exist. Therefore, the term 'preferential' and 'conjunctive' is neither grounds nor common sense.

Shincheonji church is not a real estate agent for the congregants. There is no reason for the church to care residence. Residing near the church is depend on individual's free will. Again, the church has never introduced an apartment to the congregants. It is not a residence facility and Daegu City is not relevant at all.

Regarding attempt to enter a shutdown building

(Busan Andre Institution) 

making an excuse for quarantine

Shincheonji church did not attempt to enter a shutdown building making an excuse for quarantine. Busan Shincheonji Andre Tribe Institution had been shut down until 11th of March.

Andre church conveyed a message to Donggu Office in Busan on 6th of March to execute quarantine and permission was granted. When contacting a quarantine company, 10 personnel supplements were asked since there were no people.

So, on 9th of March, 10 congregants wearing protective clothing waited until a health center official arrived. And 10 congregants were withdrawn after hearing "Shincheonji congregants are not allowed."

The personnel supplement was prepared under the judgement that it would not be a problem since there was the proposal by a quarantine company. It was not an attempt to enter a shutdown building.

Relating Corporate cancellation of Shincheonji church and tax investigation of real estate conducted by Seoul Metropolitan Government

Regarding Corporate cancellation 

of Shincheonji church 

and tax investigation of real estate 

conducted by Seoul Metropolitan Government

On 9th of March, Seoul Metropolitan Government said that canceling the permission of 'Jesus Missionaries of Charity of New heaven and New earth, The Temple of the Tabernacle' is being processed. However, corporation of 'new heaven and new earth' is not 'Shincheonji Church of Jesus, nonprofit organization. Therefore, even if corporation is canceled, Shincheonji Church of Jesus will not be disbanded. Shincheonji church enjoys continued rights to be recognized by the Constitution and the law and its existence will be guaranteed by the law. 

'Jesus Missionaries of Charity of New heaven and New earth, The Temple of the Tabernacle' is only a missionary corporation possessed by Shincheonji church. Most of other existing churches in Korea are unincorporated non-profit organizations. As occasion demands, churches have separate body corporate if necessary.

Also, on 10th of March, Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that local tax investigation on 20 real estates owned by Shincheonji church will be started.

It appears to be an administrative measure abusing the right to investigation concluding Shincheonji church as an illegal organization at time of focusing on quarantine administration leaving quarantine behind.

According to Local Tax Basic Law, tax investigations should not have other purposes and there are rules that preliminary notice has to be made before 15 days. Tax investigation on facilities that have already been closed since 18th of Feb. will only hinder quarantine.

Due to Corona crisis, many Shincheonji congregant are infected by Coronavirus. As a result, Shincheonji church is doing its best with deep responsibility about causing a lot of worries to the people. Shincheonji church opposes that some local governments use Corona crisis as a tool of political issue when the lives and safety of the people are at risk. We sincerely ask you to focus on quarantine, not politics.

Regarding expression of 'group residence' conducted by Shincheonji church

Regarding expression of 'group residence' 

operated by Shincheonji church

Shincheonji church as never encouraged church members to live together and there is no reason to do so. There are some housing and dormitories for pastors, instructors and evangelists. Buying specific apartments and housing complexes to have church members to reside is completely irrelevant.

It is possible for any religion for church members to live near the church and it is the individual's freedom. The church is not concerned with the personal life of church members. The media expressing 'Shincheonji group residence' as if operated by the church can lead to misunderstanding. Please, express more accurately.

Regarding being out of contact

Regarding being out of contact

We would like to explain regarding some local governments proclaiming that Shincheonji church members are being out of contact. Here are some examples of explanation.

The cases are...

1) In the case of contact number not updated (contact number error)

2) In the case of line being busy

3) In the case of church members on business trip abroad

4) In the case of the public health center mistakenly contacting incorrect number (calling wrong number)

5) in the case of actual address and registered address in church directory being different. In this case, two different public health centers contact simultaneously and administrative sharing between those public health centers is not made.

These cases are sometimes classified as 'out of contact' and published.

Shincheonji church encouraged church members to cooperate with the quarantine authorities over 25 times. And, church is checking the status of church members with 24/7 emergency system.

However, there are certain limitations. Shincheonji church is a church that aims to live a religious life and it not an organization collecting personal information. Church directory are recorded at the time of admission and the update cycle is not fixed. If church members move or change their contact number, church will not know unless they are informed. Change of contact number is not reflected in real time in church directory. These applies for any religious group or company.

The church is a community of diverse individuals. There are various situations among church members such as not attending in the long term, traveling abroad and local, changing contact number and not answering phone call from church.

Even in this situation, for the life and safety of church members, community and the people, Shinheonji church will promise to make every effort to end Corona crisis mobilizing every possible way exceeding the limits.

Regarding rejection of taking Coronavirus test

Regarding rejection of taking Coronavirus test

Shincheonji church has taken steps to ban church attendance even if the service is normalized unless church members are examined by coronavirus not only for the cooperation of the quarantine authorities but also for the health and safety of church members.

Especially, employees in medical industry, nursing home and multiple use facility were asked to be tested voluntarily even if there were no symptoms. Also, Shincheonji church urged all church members to be tested.

Because of these measures, Shincheonji church members are asking for the test at corona testing clinic. However, since patient who has symptoms must be tested first, asking for the test may be rejected. This happens same for employees in medical and health field.

Not considering these condition, Shincheonji church members who work at hospitals and nursing facilities do not take test deliberately is fake news. Please be careful reporting and spreading fake news.

Regarding the cause of Coronavirus being spread in Kmadi Medical Center in Daegu is Shincheonji church member

Regarding the cause of Coronavirus 

being spread in Kmadi Medical Center in Daegu 

is Shincheonji church member

According to epidemiological research, it was revealed that A corona patient who had been confirmed by Kmadi Hospital and B patient who was an out patient visiting the hospital had a poor connection each other. 

According to Yonhap News, A Corona patient showed suspicious symptoms on 14th of Feb. and was confirmed on 22nd of Feb. 

According to investigation conducted by Shincheonji church, B patient visited Kmadi Hospital on 22nd of Feb. and was diagnosed positive for coronavirus on 24th of Feb. 

We will let you know more details as soon as we find out new information. 

Regarding 31st Coronavirus patient of Daegu church worship video being deleted

Regarding 31st Coronavirus patient of 

Daegu church worship video being deleted

On 18th of February, Daegu city took CCTV video filmed inside Shincheonji Daegu church. 

In particular, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Centers, Daegu city and Namgu Public Health Center checked the video of 31st patient sterilizing hands and wearing a mask in the lobby on the first floor of Daegu church. 

The recordings are from 7 to 10 AM on 9th of Feb. and from 7 to 10 AM on 16th of Feb. Therefore, in the administrative investigation on 3rd of March, the suspicion that there is no CCTV video containing '31st patient' or that the video was intentionally deleted is not correct. 

Regarding ceremony of foundation day of Shincheonji Church of Jesus

Q&A of Shincheonji church regarding New Coronavirus Disease(COVID-19)

□ Regarding ceremony of foundation day of Shincheonji Church of Jesus 

There was no ceremony of foundation day of Shincheonji church this year. There will be no not only foundation day ceremony but also worship services until coronavirus situation is ended. Worship services will replaced online and there are no meetings nor gatherings. In addition, after corona situation ended, church members who did not take the test will not be allowed to join worship service. The relationship between church and church members are like parent and child. From a standpoint of church, nothing is more important than the health and safety of church members.

Therefore, in the situation of many church members suffer from coronavirus, there is no reason for the church to resume worship and gathering. (After 31st patient is infected on 28th of Feb., there is no worship and gathering so far.) On 11th of March, Shincheonji Thaddeus tribe notifies church members ahead of the release of self-isolation of Daegu, Gyeongbuk church members. The notifications are 1. gathering and meetings are prohibited after self-isolation released 2. use of group facilities prohibited 3. active cooperation required with Daegu city, Namgu office and police for residents who is in special management area. 

In particular, Shincheonji church said "Do not contact church members who is waiting to be hospitalized. Live a completely separate life. Do not access to closed churches and all related facilities. If church members violate those instructions, the church will take serious disciplinary action." As self-isolated church members are released, the church members will practice strict prohibition of meetings as well as hygiene management and social distance so that the locals do not get anxious. This is a measure to protect our community as well as our church members. We will continue to cooperate with quarantine authorities until Corona19 ends. 

Regarding COVID-19 Testing of Chairman Lee Man Hee 

of Shincheonji Church of Jesus

Mr. Lee Man Hee, the Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, underwent the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) screening on the evening of 29 February at the HJM International Medical Center in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province. On the morning of 2 March, the test result came out, in which he tested negative.

The HJM International Medical Center is the government-designated medical facility for the COVID-19 screening.

Gyeongi Governor Lee Jae Myung Stated on the afternoon of 2 March, "The test from the private institution came out to be negative, but we need to reconfirm the results," and asked for further cooperation to collect an additional sample.

Upon the request, Chairman Lee visited Gwacheon public health center on the evening of 2 March to re-do the testing for the virus.

Statement of Shincheonji Church of Jesus Regarding the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

19 February 2020

Respected citizens of Korea

According to the Central Quarantine Headquarters of the Korea Centers for Disease Control Prevention (KCDC) today (19 February), 10 more members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) following the infection of the 31st confirmed patient.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus has shut down the Daegu Church of Thaddeus Tribe on the morning of the 18th where the 31st confirmed patient attended. Currently, epidemiological investigation and strong preventive measures are being implemented. Furthermore, all the facilities across Korea, including the branch churches and meeting locations of the 12 tribes are prohibiting entry and all worship and meetings are being replaced with offering service online and at home.

In addition, we have identified the congregation members who visited Daegu Church and notified them to practice self-quarantine and to visit the nearest health centers upon experiencing any symptoms. Moreover, all members are being asked to be tested as soon as the experience symptoms like fever. 

Currently, Shincheonji church buildings are going through disinfection as the church requested local health centers for the cleaning, and there have been instructions to refrain from outdoor activities and for office workers to work at home.

Since the end of January, which was weeks before the 31st case was confirmed, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus implemented measures to prevent the virus spreading via official announcements restricting congregation members who traveled abroad or those exhibiting mild cold symptoms from attending church services.

Despite the church's active notices and warnings, the number of confirmed patients among the church members is on the rise as a member considered her symptoms to be a common sold since she hasn't gone abroad recently. We find it deeply regrettable to have added to the concern and anxiety of the local community.

After a member of the church has tested positive for COVID-19, Shincheonji Church of Jesus has not only gave notices regarding worship services and meetings but also repeatedly announced to strictly follow the guidelines from the government and local authorities and be fully cooperative with them.

In particular, disciplinary actions have been taken against members who spread personal guidelines different from that of the Shincheonji Headquarters or leaked groundless information such as a "manual to falsely response," etc.

We would like to restate through this opportunity that we strictly prohibit any congregation members from spreading their personal instructions as if the are official, especially if they differ from the intention of the Shincheonji Headquarters to exert utmost efforts in faithfully adhering to the government policies for the stability of the local community. In the event of such occurrence, stern measures will be taken in response. 

We would like to reaffirm our commitment to actively observe the guidelines of the government. Shincheonji is fully cooperating with the quarantine authorities and we ask media outlets who are using the national health emergency as an opportunity to slander Shincheonji Church of Jesus to refrain from making groundless, distorted reports. 

We pray for the speedy recovery of everyone who is affected by COVID-19 members of Shincheonji. Shincheonji Church of Jesus will do its best to bring a swift end to the crisis. 

Shincheonji Church of Jesus

Letter of Appeal from Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Regards to COVID-19

Letter of Appeal from Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Regards to COVID-19

We would like to express a ward of comfort to fellow citizens, who are striving to overcome these difficult times together. To contain the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Shincheonji Church of Jesus provided accurate information about all congregants, affiliated locations, and trainees in Korea and abroad, and we are cooperating with all measures of the South Korean authorities by utilizing all of our capabilities, making utmost efforts for prevention and cure.

First of all, we will explain about the situation so far.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus provided the list of all 245,605 congregants to the health authorities at their request. We provided the list of 212,324 congregants in Korea on the 25th and the list of 33,281 congregants abroad on the 26th. As for trainees, they have not been registered officially as members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, so the church could not provided the list of trainees indiscreetly. But on the 27th, the health authorities request the list on condition that they will take legal responsibility in case it is leaked, so we checked and provided the list of 65,127 trainees (54,176 in Korea and 10,951 abroad) promptly.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) sent this list to local governments on the condition of confidentiality. On the 26th, 17 cities and provinces started conducting telephone surveys with the congregants of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and those with symptoms have been tested for infection first.

In regards to COVID-19, the allegation that Shincheonji Church of Jesus in intentionally hiding the number of its congregants is absolutely not true. Shincheonji is aware of the present health crisis and, considering the health and safety of citizens and congregants as the highest priority, has submitted information based on facts.

A member of an organization that has been slandering Shincheonji Church of Jesus used Shincheonji for violating the infection Disease Control and Prevention Act by refusing to submit data or providing false data, but this is not true as we are cooperating and providing information requested by the health authorities.

As for the recent charges of embezzlement and breach of trust, an organization and its members who had been slandering Shincheonji Church of Jesus filed charges against the chairman of Shincheonji for embezzlement and breach of trust in 2019, leading to an investigation by the Gwacheon Police, who concluded the case as "cleared of suspicion" and sent it to Anyang Branch of Suwon District Public Prosecutor's Office. This case overlaps with the recent charges.

However, the witch hunt against Shincheonji Church of Jesus is carried to an extreme, and now that this has incited domestic violence and persecution, leading to the death of one of our congregants, we cannot but express our position. This is our earnest request. Please stop the curse and hatred towards Shincheonji. And we ask so me media outlets that are slandering and suppressing Shincheonji using unconfirmed information and fake news to stop immediately.

Just for the reason that they belong to Shincheonji two congregants have been killed already, one in 2007 and the other in 2018, both by a family member. For this same reason, another congregant in Ulsan faced violence and persecution by her husband, driving her into taking her own life on 26 February.

This congregant of the Ulsan Church had been suffering from domestic violence because of her affiliation with Shincheonji, and shortly before her death, she was assaulted for religious reasons and reported it to the police. Eight days after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a death was caused by religious persecution.

Is not belonging to mainline churches in Korea a reason to die? We call for the truth regarding this case. Please do not dismiss it as a mere issue related to religion or family, but please look into the fundamental nature of the issue. Shincheonji Church of Jesus did not create COVID-19. We are citizens, who have followed the instructions of authorities, and we are victims.

We make it clear once again that we did not intend to delay providing the list of congregants or hide it. But it is true that providing such a list was not an easy decision for Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Among our congregants, there are many who suffer from domestic violence, persecution, and even life-threatening situations because of their faith. This is backed by the number of congregants who are taken to so-called Cult Counseling Offices and face confinement, violence and illegal acts and the number amounts to more than 100 congregants per year. In the midst of such persecution, two female congregants lost their lives, one killed by her husband and the other by her father, and there was the third victim on the 26th.

We are deeply sorry for infections caused by some congregants who were hesitant to reveal their affiliation with Shincheonji at first. But as big-name politicians and media oulets were criticizing Shincheonji severely day after day, even calling it the epicenter of the virus, there must have been many who were afraid to say that they are Shincheonji members. We ask for your understanding once again.

Shincheonji congregants are ordinary Korean citizens who followed the instructions of the government and local authorities faithfully before a confirmed case. Shincheonji Church of Jesus accepts your rebuke seriously. But please do know that our congregants are your ordinary neighbors who fear such rebuke and cold eyes.

Since the situation occurred, some 4,000 cases of injustice against Shincheonji congregants have been reported already, which include notices of termination of employment, workplace bullying, domestic persecution, labeling, and slandering.

Please stop the curse and persecution against Shincheonji congregants now. And we ask media outlets that are reporting fake, speculative, or one-sided news based on the claims of slanderers to stop immediately. Please stop framing Shincheonji as the main culprit of the COVID-19 outbreak by turning passive attitudes of congregants, caused by fear, into actions intended to spread the virus. We will take all measures possible to protect our congregants. Also, as usual, we will fight to the end against fake news and the "cult" framing that mainline churches are doing to protect their vested interests.

There have been two coronavirus-linked deaths of Shincheonji congregants and severe persecution led to the death of one congregant. Please remember that we, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, are also victims of COVID-19.

The Shincheonji headquarters and church workers across Korea are cooperating with local governments and making phone calls to congregants, including those who cannot be reached at the moment. We promise to exert our utmost efforts in cooperating with the health authorities and local governments to bring the COVID-19 epidemic to an end as soon as possible.