Shincheonji, Rejected for 12 Billion Won Donation, Says "Will Find Another Donation Destination"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji) announced on the 6th that it will "find a donation destination as soon as possible" after its donation of 12 billion won to the Community Chest of Korea was rejected.

Shincheonji released a statement on the same day, saying, "On the 5th, we delivered 12 billion won to the Community Chest of Korea to overcome the COVID-19 crisis, but today we received a return request from the Community Chest of Korea due to concerns such as unfavorable public opinion toward Shincheonji."

They added, "We express our regret and apologies to the public, and we will find a donation destination as soon as possible so that the funds can be delivered to places in need."

Earlier, on the 5th, Shincheonji donated 12 billion won in cash by transferring it to the Community Chest of Korea's account without prior consultation.

However, Kwon Young-jin, Mayor of Daegu, said at a regular briefing, "We have decided to reject the 10 billion won donated to the Daegu branch of the Community Chest of Korea," and added, "I understand that the 2 billion won donated to the central Community Chest of Korea was also rejected by the organization."

Mayor Kwon stated, "What Shincheonji should do now is not to give money but to actively cooperate with the government and Daegu City's quarantine efforts," and noted, "There are cases among Shincheonji members refusing admission to life treatment centers and diagnostic tests."

In response, Shincheonji said, "There have been no confirmed cases of refusal to enter life treatment centers or undergo testing in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region," and added, "We are currently verifying whether such cases exist, and since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have repeatedly notified our members to cooperate with the health authorities' requests."