Empowering the Heavenly Parent Holy Community
The Japanese High Court’s ruling has escalated the threat to religious liberty. By attacking the movement’s theology and endorsing "mind control" theories, the court has provided militant lawyers with a legal precedent to attempt to…
... In Japan, when a religious corporation is dissolved, its assets, including places of worship and bank accounts, are transferred to a liquidator. Believers are thus deprived of the material preconditions to enjoy the freedom…
Massimo Introvigne, an Italian sociologist of religion, is examining the court case against the Family Federation in Japan. He argues that the proceedings are unlawful and one-sided in their treatment of the organization.
... The High Court’s bias is evident in its cavalier reliance on settlements to determine guilt. The Church has been dissolved without any criminal conviction. Overriding previous case law, civil decisions, and settlements were deemed…
... The Tokyo High Court’s decision, by embracing the language of “psychological influence,” crosses a line that democratic societies have long recognized as dangerous. The consequences will extend far beyond the Unification Church unless this…
... Many religious figures have remained silent for the past four years out of fear of being branded as part of a “cult”. Even among legal professionals, some choose to look the other way.
... Unlawfulness has not been proven, yet a social death sentence is being declared. Can such a thing be permitted?” The group also urged the Supreme Court, where a special appeal has been filed by…
... The Tokyo High Court ruling raises deep concerns about the line between legitimate legal oversight and unwarranted intrusion into religious belief. These concerns will not fade with this decision and will influence the future…
... The High Court decision itself acknowledged that “it cannot be definitively determined” that unlawful acts occurred due to lack of facts and evidence, while simultaneously stating that “the possibility cannot be denied.”
... Even though the legal mechanism of this case is common, the subject matter is highly unusual. The dissolution of a religious corporation in Japan is extremely rare. It raises constitutional questions about religion and…