A proposed South Korean bill that would sanction religious groups accused of systematic political intervention has sparked a fierce backlash from conservative Protestant leaders and opened a wider debate over the constitutional separation of religion and state.
The controversy centers on a bill to prevent political interference by religious groups, an amendment to the Civil Act proposed by independent Rep. Choi Hyuk-jin and governing party lawmakers.
Triggered by a Japanese court’s dissolution order for the Unification Church, the legislation would allow the government to revoke permits and seize the assets of religious organizations that are judged to have interfered in politics and harmed the public interest in violation of election laws.
2. How is this related to the sub
(1) Separation of Church and State: conservative Evangelicals are upset that there is a discussion to seize the assets of religious organizations that meddled in politics. They want to follow the model of Christian nationalism in the US but this law will not allow that. So, they are furious.
3. My opinion
Moonie meddling in Korean politics is raising awareness on the importance of secularism but Evangelical Megachurches are angry that it is also restricting their influence.
1 Comment
1. Summary
A proposed South Korean bill that would sanction religious groups accused of systematic political intervention has sparked a fierce backlash from conservative Protestant leaders and opened a wider debate over the constitutional separation of religion and state.
The controversy centers on a bill to prevent political interference by religious groups, an amendment to the Civil Act proposed by independent Rep. Choi Hyuk-jin and governing party lawmakers.
Triggered by a Japanese court’s dissolution order for the Unification Church, the legislation would allow the government to revoke permits and seize the assets of religious organizations that are judged to have interfered in politics and harmed the public interest in violation of election laws.
2. How is this related to the sub
(1) Separation of Church and State: conservative Evangelicals are upset that there is a discussion to seize the assets of religious organizations that meddled in politics. They want to follow the model of Christian nationalism in the US but this law will not allow that. So, they are furious.
3. My opinion
Moonie meddling in Korean politics is raising awareness on the importance of secularism but Evangelical Megachurches are angry that it is also restricting their influence.