A global coalition of religious leaders and organizations has issued a joint statement condemning the South Korean government for canceling the venue of a significant international religious event in Paju, South Korea. The statement, signed by 402 organizations, 758 religious representatives, and 977 individuals, was delivered to the South Korean government on November 27th, 2024.
The canceled event, scheduled for October 30th, was to include a religious leaders forum and graduation ceremony, expecting over 30,000 participants from 78 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders. The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (GTO) abruptly canceled the venue rental on the morning of the event, a decision that has been criticized as a violation of religious freedom and human rights.
The joint statement emphasizes the psychological and financial impact of the last-minute cancellation on the event organizers and participants. It calls for an official apology from the South Korean government and requests disciplinary action against the officials involved in the decision. Additionally, over 88 global leaders have sent separate protest letters demanding appropriate measures to address the situation.
The timeline leading to the cancellation reveals a series of events that have raised questions about the motivations behind the decision. The venue rental was initially approved on July 22nd, with the full payment of the rental fee made on October 2nd. A working-level meeting was held on October 16th to discuss event details, including safety plans. Despite Paju City being designated as a danger zone due to potential North Korean provocations, officials had assured organizers that this would not impact the event.
However, on October 28th, a rally hosted by ‘SUGICHONG,’ a Christian council, urged the cancellation of the venue rental. The following day, the Gyeonggi Province Governor unilaterally notified organizers about the cancellation, citing security concerns related to the activities of a North Korean defector group. Event organizers allege that pressure from opposing groups, including vested religious interests, influenced the decision, particularly as other events in the same area proceeded without disruption.
Since November 15th, religious leaders and members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus have been holding rallies to condemn the venue cancellation and urge the government to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The controversy has sparked a broader debate about religious freedom and the role of government in regulating religious activities.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between security concerns and religious freedoms in South Korea, a country known for its diverse religious landscape. The international response to the cancellation underscores the global significance of religious liberty and the potential diplomatic implications of such decisions.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the South Korean government will respond to the demands for an apology and corrective action. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting religious freedoms and the need for transparent decision-making processes in matters affecting international religious events.
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