Factcheck on Shincheonji Church Regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Factcheck on Shincheonji Church Regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

About the claim that Shincheonji attempted to enter a closed-down building (Busan Andrew Training Center) using disinfection as an excuse

 

  Shincheonji Church of Jesus did not attempt to enter a closed-down building for disinfection. The training center of Shincheonji Andrew Tribe in Busan was closed down until 11 March. The Andrew church gave an opinion to the Busan Dong-gu Office that the training center should be disinfected on either 9 or 10 March and got permission.

 

  The Andrew church contacted a disinfection service company and heard from them that they do not have enough staff and want the church to assist with ten of its members. On 9 March, ten church members wearing protective clothing waited for officials of the health center to arrive. Upon hearing from the officials that Shincheonji congregants cannot enter the building, they left immediately.

 

  The church made such preparation as there was a request from a company specialized in disinfection service. It was not an attempt to enter a closed-down building.

 

About claims that Shincheonji Church of Jesus supports a certain candidate or has connections with politicians

 

  Shincheonji Church of Jesus has about 210,000 members in South Korea. The church is a gathering of people of faith. The members are on their own in doing social activities, and their political inclinations are varied. This is no concern of the church, and the church does not interfere. Congregation members can support politicians they wish to support, but the church does not support a certain candidate.

 

  If Shincheonji Church of Jesus had connections with politicians, it would not be oppressed as now. Even constructing one church building is not easy for us. We have been looking continuously for a location that can serve as a treatment center for mild cases of COVID-19 among Shincheonji members in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do region but could not find one. Since the church has much difficulty in constructing a building, it does not have a facility fit for this purpose. The church’s donation has been rejected as well. These things would not have happened if we had connections with politicians.

 

  Shincheonji Church of Jesus has carried out various activities for social contributions, interfaith harmony, and peace to become the salt and light of the world as taught by Jesus. For such activities, it is necessary to seek solidarity with different sectors of society. This would be the case for any organization. Please do not distort the good intentions to practice peace and love through interaction and solidarity.

 

Regarding Hanmaeum Apartments in Daegu

 

  According to what Shincheonji has examined, there were a total of 80 congregants of Shincheonji’s Daegu branch dwelling in Hanmaeum Apartments within the Daegu City Community Welfare Center Complex in Seongdang-dong, Dalseo-gu, Daegu. However, Daegu City stated that there were 94. The Daegu branch is looking into the difference of 14 people.

 

  The branch’s internal survey showed that 80 congregation members are residing in the apartments, all of whom underwent the screening for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Out of the 80, 36 tested positive, 41 negative, and three members are waiting for the results to come out (as of 8 March).

 

  The apartments are not accommodation for the congregants of the Daegu branch. Simply because multiple members are living in the apartment near the church doesn’t make the residence something that exists for the members; Hanmaeum is an ordinary rental apartment.

 

  The apartment is affordable and it is close by as it is within a walking distance from the church. The members of Shincheonji chose to live there out of free will.

 

  Daegu branch has never introduced Hanmaeum apartments as a residence prepared for the congregation. The apartments are not accommodation for Shincheonji.

 

  Hence, it is incorrect to dub the buildings as “an accommodation of Shincheonji.” It is simply that members heavily occupy the place.

 

Concerning confirmed patients from Munsung Hospital in Daegu

 

  One of the confirmed patients from Munsung Hospital, Mr. A, is a member of the Senior Group in Shincheonji’s Daegu branch. He has been working as a parking lot attendant at the Munsung Hospital.

 

  A pastor of the Munsung Church located on the 11th floor of the hospital requested Mr. A to take part in the church’s choir. According to what we have heard, the pastor asked Mr. A to attend his church multiple times, knowing that Mr. A had a talent for vocal music. We have confirmed that he did attend the church of concern that if he rejects too many times, he may not be able to continue the job as a parking lot attendant. Shincheonji found out about the case via news.

 

  Currently, Mr. A is undergoing treatment at a hospital, and his health condition isn’t very good. As soon as he recovers, specifics of what happened will be identified and made known.

 

 

📌COVID-19 Response of Shincheonji Church of Jesus
http://enblog.shincheonji.kr/p/coivd19-response.html

 

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