Shincheonji Church Claims Media Misrepresentation in French News Report

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus in France has publicly challenged a recent media report by Le Parisien, claiming significant misrepresentation and sensationalism in the newspaper's coverage. The church's representative expressed deep concern over the article's content, which they argue provides an unbalanced and potentially harmful portrayal of their religious community.

According to the church's statement, the April 7 article featured a headline reading 'They Treated Us Like Animals,' which the organization finds deeply offensive and inaccurate. Church representatives emphasized that they submitted a comprehensive written response to the journalist's 12 preliminary questions, yet only two sentences were included in the final publication—representing less than 1% of their full response.

The church specifically challenged the credibility of an image used in the article, which was described as a form of punishment. The individual photographed with feet on a radiator, they assert, was simply taking a casual, humorous pose before joining the church and remains an active member.

Beyond the specific claims, the Shincheonji Church raised broader concerns about media ethics and religious representation. Their statement underscored the potential dangers of biased reporting, warning that such narratives can lead to stigmatization, prejudice, and potential infringement of religious freedom and human rights.

The organization's critique highlights an ongoing tension between media representation and religious institutions, particularly when reporting involves controversial or less understood faith communities. By challenging the article's framing and selective reporting, the church seeks to draw attention to the importance of balanced, respectful journalism that presents multiple perspectives.

This incident serves as a reminder for media professionals about the critical need for comprehensive, nuanced reporting that goes beyond sensationalism and seeks to provide authentic, context-rich narratives about religious groups and their members.