Analysis by Japanese Christian Theologian on Japan Family Federation for World Peace and Unification Church Issue Published by Bitter Winter

Leading Japanese Christian Theologian Speaks Out Against Religious Persecution in Japan

In a shocking turn of events, the Japanese government has been accused of religious persecution against the Japan Family Federation for World Peace and Unification/Unification Church. This unprecedented move has caught the attention of Haruhisa Nakagawa, President of the Japan Christian Theological Institute, who has spoken out against the mistreatment of the minority religion.

Bitter Winter, a magazine of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), has published an analysis by Nakagawa, who despite his opposition to the Unification Church, is alarmed by the government’s actions. Nakagawa criticizes the Japanese media for spreading “half-truths,” “false claims,” and “misinformation” in an attempt to dissolve the religion.

The situation has escalated to the point where Family Federation members are being discriminated against, denied access to public spaces, blocked from renting apartments, and even denied commercial services. Dr. Massimo Introvigne, an Italian sociologist and editor-in-chief of Bitter Winter, has called this the worst religious liberty crisis in a democratic country.

Nakagawa argues that the public has only heard “half of the truth” and highlights the Family Federation’s reforms in fundraising practices and the suffering of its believers at the hands of “modern-day witch trials.” He warns that this persecution could greatly undermine Japanese constitutionalism.

The publication of Nakagawa’s analysis has shed light on the dire situation facing the Family Federation in Japan. It is a stark reminder of the importance of religious liberty and the need to protect minorities from discrimination and persecution.