Shincheonji "No Founding Anniversary Event on the 14th... All Gatherings and Meetings Suspended"

At a press conference held on the 2nd at the Peace Palace of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Chairman Lee Man-hee is listening to reporters' questions through an official. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Shin-won] The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji) announced that in relation to the large-scale release from quarantine of Shincheonji members in the Daegu area ahead of its founding anniversary (March 14), "not only the founding anniversary event but all gatherings and meetings will be strictly suspended."

On the 13th, Shincheonji stated in a press release, "Until the COVID-19 situation is resolved, all founding events and worship services will be replaced with online services," adding, "Even after the situation ends, members who have not been tested will not be allowed to participate in worship."

They continued, "The church and its members have a relationship like that of parents and children, and nothing is more important from the church's perspective than the health and safety of its members," emphasizing again, "There is absolutely no reason to resume worship and meetings while many members are suffering and anxious due to COVID-19 infection."

They also stated, "In particular, contact with members waiting for hospitalization at home is strictly prohibited, and members must live separately; entry to closed churches and management facilities is forbidden. If these instructions are violated, the church will take strict disciplinary measures at the organizational level."

Regarding the recent issue of 100 Shincheonji members not cooperating with Seoul city’s requests, they explained, "All members want to undergo COVID-19 testing and, more than anyone, hope that such a situation does not recur. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason not to cooperate with quarantine authorities," adding, "According to the directive from Chairman Lee Man-hee that 'members who have not been tested cannot attend church even if worship normalizes,' all members are contacting screening clinics to get tested."

They also clarified that reports from some local governments about Shincheonji members refusing tests or being unreachable were due to communication issues or administrative errors.

Shincheonji claimed, "Although members are requesting tests at screening clinics, they are sometimes refused because symptomatic individuals are prioritized, which may give the impression that members are deliberately avoiding testing," and "Members who are unreachable include those whose contact information is outdated, those on overseas business trips, or those whose registered addresses differ from their actual residences."

They added, "Since Shincheonji is a church focused on faith life rather than personal information collection, there may be limitations," but emphasized, "Nevertheless, Shincheonji will do everything possible beyond these limits to ensure the end of COVID-19 for the sake of its members, the local community, and the safety and lives of the public."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.