Member of clergy warns authorities that dissolving a religious organization based solely on media manipulation and public impression, could easily lead to dissolution of Christian churches and Buddhist groups
Tokyo, 14th May 2025 – Published as an article in the Japanese newspaper Sekai Nippo. Republished with permission. Translated from Japanese. Original article.
Dissolution of the Family Federation is a “Crisis for Democracy”, Christian Pastor Claims in Okinawa
by the editorial department of Sekai Nippo
Prepared by Knut Holdhus
In response to the Tokyo District Court‘s issuance of a dissolution order for the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church), a group called the “Okinawa Citizens’ Association for the Protection of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedom of Religion”, made up of followers of the religious organization, held a rally on 13th May in front of the Okinawa Prefectural Government Office in Naha City. Speakers at the event appealed, saying, “Don’t be swayed by biased views – listen to the voices of the believers as well.”
Taking the microphone as a guest speaker, Pastor Ryuichi Sunagawa (砂川竜一) of Tsukishiro Christian Church (located in Nanjo City) passionately argued, “If the former Unification Church, which hasn’t committed any criminal acts, is forcibly dissolved, it is a crisis for democracy.”
He also touched upon the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, pointing out, “The media did not go after the suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, but instead shifted the criticism against the religious organization.”
He warned, “If an organization can be dissolved based solely on media manipulation and public impression, then Christian churches, Buddhist temples, and ultimately even Shinto shrines could all face dissolution.”
Featured image above: Pastor Ryuichi Sunakawa (砂川竜一) of Tsukishiro Christian Church voices opposition to the dissolution of the Family Federation, 13th May 2025 in front of the Okinawa Prefectural Government Office in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture Photo: Yuya Kawase (川瀬裕也)