What is ‘Moonies’ church, which the Japan court has ordered to dissolve | World News
A Japanese court has ordered the dissolution of a controversial Unification Church, which came under the scanner after the killing of former Prime Miner of Japan, Shinzo Abe in 2022.
The killer of Abe, who was apprehended after the shock attack on the erstwhile prime miner, admitted that he had a grievance against Abe over his ties with the Unification Church, which the killer blamed was responsible for bankrupting his family.
Post the killing, Japan’s education and culture minry had pursued to shut the church which was accused of manipulating its seekers and followers into making donations in huge sums of money.
Story continues below this ad
The entrance of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, is seen, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama, File)
However, the Unification Church, more popularly known as “Moonies”, defended itself and the donations made their followers claiming it to be a part of legitimate religious activities. But the court ruled in the favour of Japan’s government, though the church can appeal the judgement.
The Tokyo drict court’s order will not restrict the church’s functioning as it’ll be allowed to operate but its assets will be liquidated and its tax exempt status will also be stripped off.
The Unification Church initiated its operations in South Korea and the name “Moonies” was given after its founder, Sun Myung Moon. Moonies came to the Japanese shores in the 1960s, according to a BBC report.
The Unification Church has been part of controversy even before the assassination of ex-PM Shinzo Abe when the church taught that marriage is central to spiritual salvation.Story continues below this ad
The church is also known for conducting mass wedding ceremonies, which includes hundreds and thousands of couples. At least 200 people, who were interviewed the authorities, claimed that they were forced to donate to the church.
The 200 believers, who claimed to have donated to church forcibly, have demanded compensations amounting to 5.7 billion yen ($38.5 million), as per their lawyers.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Expand
