Overcoming a lower court’s decision, the highest court in South Korea ruled that what Shincheonji did was not illegal.
Op-eds Global
For Christmas, Remember Religious Liberty
Historically, Christmas gifts were intended to compensate those who during the year had received less than their due. It is surely the case of freedom of religion or belief.
Spain: A Hate Speech Campaign Against the Jehovah’s Witnesses
An association calls for a Russian-style ban of the JWs in Spain. The Witnesses have sued for defamation, but the association is supported by most local media.
The Unification Church Crisis in Japan: The Three Enemies of Religious Liberty
Japan is emerging as the main battleground between forces that have attacked religious liberty for centuries and those defending it.
Religious Intolerance in Brazil: Will Lula Protect the Minorities?
Violence against Afro-Brazilian religions continued during the electoral campaign. The new President promised to act. It may be more difficult than some believe.
England and Wales: New Assault Against the Secrecy of Confession
In its final report, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse recommends to eliminate the confessional privilege in cases of sexual abuse of children.
In Defense of the Gurus: Why Spiritual Masters Are Persecuted
“Guru” has become a derogatory word in a world that does not understand what a spiritual master is, as the Tai Ji Men case demonstrates.
Rabwah: Are Ahmadis Safe There?
In some countries, asylum is denied to Ahmadiyya devotees coming from a city where they are in the majority. But they are killed even there.
The Jeongeup Murder Case: A Hate Crime Against Shincheonji
A man murdered his wife, a Shincheonji devotee, and her sister-in-law after consulting with an anti-Shincheonji pastor—who now tries to blame the victim.
Why Media Hate “Cults”
Or perhaps they don’t hate anybody. They simply know that lurid tales connecting religion with money, power, and illicit sex always sell.