7 Years Later: Remembering Gu Ji-in and the Fight Against Forced Conversion

 

7 Years Later... We Still Have Many 'Ji-in'

Key Points

1. Memorial Service for Gu Ji-in: Church members gather to remember the 7th anniversary of Gu Ji-in's death.

2. The Tragedy of Forced Conversion: The personal and societal impact of forced conversion.

3. Destruction of Families: The impact on families and the need to address forced conversion as a social issue.

4. Ongoing Fight for Religious Freedom: Efforts to raise awareness and eradicate forced conversions.

Memorial Service for the 7th Anniversary of Gu Ji-in's Death 🌸

On the 9th of this month, members of the Shincheonji Gwangju Church of the Peter Branch gathered to remember the memory of Gu Ji-in, who tragically lost her life due to forced conversion. Despite the freezing cold and heavy snow, church members of all ages came to the memorial booth to pay their respects. They offered chrysanthemum flowers and prayed, each person leaving heartfelt messages in memory of the late Gu Ji-in. The messages conveyed their deep longing and determination to never forget her story.

One message on the memorial booth poignantly read, "It's been a long time since I haven't seen our faces together. I always remember it in my heart, but I miss it every year. Let us be together again." This sentiment was shared by many attendees, including young believers who felt a personal connection to Gu Ji-in, as well as a father and daughter who had faced family opposition due to religious differences.

The Tragedy of Forced Conversion 💔

The memorial booth also displayed photos of Ms. Gu Ji-in, capturing her cheerful and playful smile. A young believer, who was the same age as Gu Ji-in, shared, "I think about her more because we are the same age. I remember that he must have had many difficult moments, but she always tried to keep her face bright. I think she's doing the same thing where she is now. I wrote a memorial message that said, ‘I will always pray for you until we meet again.’"

A father and daughter attending the service also shared their feelings. The father, with tears in his eyes, said, "I have a daughter of the same age, and I also had a hard time with my family's opposition when I moved from another church to this one, so I don't feel like it's anyone else's business." His words highlighted the personal impact of forced conversion on families and the importance of addressing this issue.

The leader of Gwangju Shincheonji Church, speaking at the memorial service, emphasized that forced conversion is not just a religious issue but a serious social problem that destroys families, violates human rights, and undermines the constitutional right to freedom of religion. He stressed that if we do not address the truth about illegal forced conversions, it is a tragedy that can happen to anyone.

Destruction of Families and Society 🏠

He further explained that forced conversion destroys the fundamental unit of society: the family. He stated, "Forced conversion destroys the 'family,' which is the most fundamental part of society. It is not just a religious issue, but a serious social issue that tramples on people's constitutional right to freedom of religion, violates human rights, and leads to the breakdown of families." His words underscored the need to protect human rights and religious freedom to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

The official from the Gwangju Jeonnam branch of the Human Rights Alliance for Victims of Forced Conversion also highlighted the ongoing issue of religious discrimination and forced conversions in Korea. He stated, "Although freedom of religion is guaranteed in the Constitution, there are still victims in Korea who are suffering from religious discrimination and forced conversions even after seven years." The organization is committed to raising awareness through photo exhibitions and media outreach to eradicate forced conversions.

The Continuing Fight for Religious Freedom ⚖️

The late Ms. Gu Ji-in's story serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for religious freedom. She was imprisoned and forced to convert twice, once in July 2016 and again in December 2017, before tragically losing her life at the age of 27. Gu Ji-in's experience highlights the need for continued efforts to protect individuals' right to religious freedom and to stand against forced conversion practices.

The Human Rights Alliance for Victims of Forced Conversion is dedicated to continuing this fight. By organizing photo exhibitions and engaging in media outreach, they aim to shed light on the issue of forced conversion and advocate for the protection of human rights. Their efforts are crucial in ensuring that the tragic events experienced by Gu Ji-in are not repeated and that religious freedom is upheld for all.

Remembering Gu Ji-in 🕊️

The memory of Gu Ji-in lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and those who continue to fight for religious freedom. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of forced conversion and the importance of standing up for human rights. As church members and activists gather to honor her memory, they renew their commitment to advocating for a society where freedom of religion is truly respected and protected.

#RememberGu #ForcedConversion #HumanRightsViolations