Japanese Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church

In a significant legal move, the Unification Church in Japan was mandated by a court to dissolve on Tuesday, following a government-led initiative. This decision came to light after the inquiry into the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022. The Tokyo District Court revoked the church’s legal status, stripping it of its tax benefits and necessitating the liquidation of its assets.

Government’s Stance on Church Activities

The dissolution was prompted by the Education Ministry’s 2023 petition, which highlighted the church’s manipulative fundraising and recruitment strategies. These tactics reportedly instilled fear among its followers and adversely affected their families. The court concurred with the ministry, stating the church’s issues were deep-rooted and ongoing, making voluntary reform unlikely.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshiasa Hayashi expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the victims of the church.

Church’s Reaction and Legal Challenges

The Japanese branch of the church, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, criticized the government’s move as a severe infringement on religious freedom and the rights of its adherents. The church described the court’s decision as regrettable and based on incorrect legal interpretations, announcing plans to appeal immediately.

Historical Ties and Political Controversies

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The investigation into Abe’s assassination shed light on longstanding connections between the church and Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. These ties date back to the 1960s when the church was first recognized as a religious organization in Japan during an anti-communist movement supported by Abe’s grandfather, former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi.

The accused assassin of Abe harbored resentment towards the church, blaming it for his family’s financial woes.

Legal Precedents and Public Reactions

This case marks the first instance where a religious group in Japan faces dissolution based on civil code violations alone, without criminal charges. Previous cases involved the Aum Shinrikyo cult and the Myokakuji group, both of which faced criminal allegations.

The Education Ministry supported its request for dissolution with extensive documentation and evidence, highlighting the church’s coercive practices that pushed followers to make excessive financial contributions.

A group of lawyers representing individuals suing the church hailed the court’s decision as a crucial first step towards justice, urging the church to issue apologies and compensation swiftly.

Church’s Global Influence and Controversial Practices

Founded in Seoul in 1954 by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, the church has developed relationships with global conservative leaders, including U.S. Presidents Donald Trump, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. Despite its conservative, family-oriented values, the church has faced accusations of deceptive recruitment and financial exploitation, particularly in Japan.

While the church acknowledges past issues with excessive donations, it claims improvements since enhancing compliance measures in 2009. However, experts indicate that the church’s primary funding still stems largely from its Japanese followers, who are purportedly coerced into compensating for historical grievances linked to Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.