Human Rights Coalition calls for shutdown of the Christian Council of Korea

Over 100 civil society organisations and religious groups are calling for the shutdown of the Christian Council of Korea over claims of engaging in anti-religious actions.

Led by Secretary General Shinchang Kim of the Global Citizens’ Human Rights Coalition, the lobby groups want South Korean President Moon to weigh in and disband CCK.

In a press conference held in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, the coalition pointed out that CCK was engaging in coercive programmes which bring about division and confusion within religious circles.

“President Moon and his government should heed the voices of law-abiding citizens, and protect their human rights. We request the rapid enactment of a ‘law to ban and punish coercive conversion programmes’ to end coercive conversion which suppresses the God-given right to freedom of religion,” said the group.

The Human Rights Coalition further denounced CCK for its alleged pro-Japanese actions in the past and history of active involvement in politics during the military rule of Korea when they showed support for amending the Constitution to allow for three consecutive terms as well as the Yushin Constitution.

They also noted that money was being used to gain votes for the CCK chairman elections and buy positions as pastors.

The Coalition is a coalition of about 100 organisations in Korea including the International Women’s Peace Human Rights Commission (Chairperson: Seoyeon Lee), Christian Association for Anti-Corruption National Movement (President: Hyangyeol Oh), IPYG Youth’s Human Rights Committee (steering committee member: Minhyeok Seo), World Buddhist Summit (representative in Korea, Monk Hyewon), among others.

Thousands of Korean citizens were round in attendance at the press conference conference held ahead of the upcoming CCK elections.