Jeon Gwang-hoon Mentions 'Martyrdom'... Appears Anxious Amid Threat of Being Declared a Cult, Christian Community Criticizes

Advisor Pastor Bang Inseong of Church Reform Solidarity: "Religious People Should Have Apologized First"

Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, who was diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized for treatment before being discharged, holds a press conference on the 2nd in front of Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Criticism is rising within the Christian community over the actions of Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church following his discharge after testing positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

On the 3rd, Pastor Bang In-seong, advisor to the Church Reform Practice Solidarity, said in an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "As a religious figure, he should have apologized first."

Pastor Bang pointed out, "A normal religious person would urge the Sarang Jeil Church members and those who attended the Gwanghwamun rally to quickly get tested, considering their health."

He added, "Looking at the press conference held yesterday (the 2nd), those statements were conspiracy theories and fake news," criticizing, "Such remarks are unacceptable for a religious leader and pastor."

Pastor Bang stated that he cannot refer to Jeon Gwang-hoon as a 'pastor.' He said, "I cannot attach that title. It is due to his qualifications and character. He was also expelled from his denomination," emphasizing, "If he wants to reflect on himself, repent, and walk the path of a pastor again, he must take a certain period for repentance. Establishing a denomination at his own discretion and acting like that cannot be called being a pastor."

He continued, "Although belated, the heresy countermeasure committees of various denominations have reported that this person is dangerous and strongly heretical," referring to heresy sanctions.

He also explained, "I understand that a report declaring Jeon Gwang-hoon as heretical has been submitted to the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Hapdong) Heresy Countermeasure Committee," expressing concern, "I am very worried whether a clear heresy judgment or expulsion will be made against Jeon Gwang-hoon at this year's Hapdong General Assembly."

Regarding Sarang Jeil Church, where a large number of COVID-19 cases occurred after attending the Gwanghwamun rally on the 15th of last month, he said, "It is too serious a social harm to be considered a religion," adding, "It is embarrassing."

On Pastor Jeon's statement at the press conference on the 2nd that "If President Moon Jae-in does not apologize, I am prepared for martyrdom," Pastor Bang pointed out, "The political sphere is keeping some distance, and conservative churches that had supported him are also distancing themselves. As movements toward heresy judgment arise, Jeon Gwang-hoon seems to have become anxious."

He added, "Perhaps feeling isolated, he made reckless remarks about martyrdom and even used sacred terms," emphasizing, "I hope Jeon Gwang-hoon repents, exercises restraint, and takes care of his health."

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