Article source: Supplied
As South Africa prepares to commemorate Freedom Day on April 27, a reminder of the nation’s long struggle for dignity, belief, and expression—Shincheonji Church of Jesus (New Heaven New Earth) is calling on both global and local media to uphold these same values through accurate, balanced, and ethical reporting.
The appeal follows a recent article by French newspaper Le Parisien, titled “They Treated Us Like Animals”, which the church says grossly misrepresented its teachings and community by relying solely on the unverified testimony of an anonymous former member. The piece included only two sentences from a detailed church statement that spanned thousands of words.
“Less than 1% of our statement was used, and the article appeared online just four hours later,” said a New Heaven New Earth Church spokesperson in Paris. “This suggests the narrative was predetermined not the result of objective investigation.”
Education for saints in the New Heaven New Earth Paris Church
While the article originated in France, New Heaven New Earth Church warns that the implications of such reporting are global. In diverse democracies like South Africa, media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding particularly of minority or unfamiliar faith groups.
“Freedom Day is a celebration of every person’s right to believe, express, and live in peace. That includes fair coverage of religious communities,” said [—], spokesperson for New Heaven New Earth Church in [Region], “This isn’t just about our church it’s about preserving the values that underpin our democracy.”
The church raised several key concerns about the article’s content. A photo described as a form of “punishment” was actually taken before the person joined the church, during a light-hearted moment. The member, still active today, plans to file a formal complaint over the misuse of their image. A reported breakup blamed on the church was also mischaracterized, as both individuals were members and the decision to separate was mutual and personal. Training programs portrayed as “camps” were, in fact, voluntary Bible workshops discontinued in 2020 to prevent misinterpretation. The church also rejected claims of coercion, affirming that no member is ever forced to stay or sever ties with family emphasizing that “faith is a personal journey, not a controlled environment.”
In response to a growing global trend of sensationalist coverage targeting faith-based groups, New Heaven New Earth Church has proposed five principles for ethical journalism:
- Represent diverse perspectives, including those of current members
- Quote official responses in full or provide context for omissions
- Avoid language that incites fear or prejudice
- Uphold the dignity and freedom of individuals.
- Ensure balanced reporting on religious communities.
“South Africans know the pain of being misrepresented. Our democracy was built on the principle that every voice matters,” [—] added. “As we approach Freedom Day, we appeal to journalists everywhere to defend not distort that principle.”
As a country still healing from decades of censorship and ideological warfare, South Africa understands the dangers of one-sided narratives. The philosophy of Ubuntu “I am because we are” is not just cultural; it is foundational to the nation’s post-apartheid identity. The misrepresentation of minority communities, even abroad, can influence public perception and policy at home. It also reminds us to reflect critically on our own progress and shortcomings.
To truly lead on human rights globally, South Africa must also act justly at home by protecting women and children, standing against xenophobia, ensuring freedom of belief, and addressing injustices such as the abuse of learners, the crisis of food poverty, and the unresolved killings of human rights defenders.
About Shincheonji Church of Jesus
Shincheonji Church of Jesus is a global Christian movement with congregations in over 100 countries, including South Africa. It is known for its in-depth Bible education programs and strong emphasis on peacebuilding, volunteerism, and community upliftment.
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Date published: 24/04/2025
Feature image: Special Performance by the New Heaven New Earth Performance Team
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