Unification Church
Japan’s government will ask court to revoke legal status of Unification Church
By Mari Yamaguchi — October 12, 2023
TOKYO (AP) — If its legal status is stripped, the church would lose its tax exemption privilege as a religious organization but can still operate.
New Japan law aims at Unification Church fundraising abuses
By Mari Yamaguchi — December 13, 2022
TOKYO (AP) — The new law allows believers, other donors and their families to seek the return of their money and prohibits religious groups and other organizations from soliciting funds by coercion or linking donations to spiritual salvation.
Japan PM orders probe of Unification Church problems
By Mari Yamaguchi — October 17, 2022
TOKYO (AP) — Many critics consider the church to be a cult because of problems with followers and their families over their financial and mental hardships.
Hundreds demand cancellation of Japanese ex-leader’s funeral
By Yuri Kageyama — September 23, 2022
TOKYO (AP) — Opposition to the state funeral has grown in part because of politicians’ close ties to the Unification Church.
Half of Japan governing lawmakers tied to Unification Church
By Mari Yamaguchi — September 9, 2022
TOKYO (AP) — An internal survey found that nearly half of Japan's lawmakers have ties to the Unification Church, in a widening controversy that emerged after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Japan PM purges Cabinet after support falls over church ties
By Mari Yamaguchi — August 10, 2022
TOKYO (AP) — Seven ministers who acknowledged their ties to the church were removed.
Lawyers say church caused suffering for Abe’s alleged killer
By Mari Yamaguchi — July 29, 2022
TOKYO (AP) - The church has been flooded by harassing phone calls, it says, including death threats.
Shinto religion has long been entangled with Japan’s politics – and Shinzo Abe was associated with many of its groups
By Kaitlyn Ugoretz — July 18, 2022
(The Conversation) — A scholar of Japanese religion explains the connections that Japan’s political parties have with several religious groups and how religion is tied in with the legacy of Shinzo Abe.
EXPLAINER: The Unification Church’s ties to Japan’s politics
By Mari Yamaguchi — July 15, 2022
TOKYO (AP) — Many Japanese have been surprised as revelations emerged this week of the ties between the church and Japan's top leaders, which have their roots in shared anti-communism efforts during the Cold War.
Unification Church distances itself from Abe’s assassination
By Yuri Kageyama — July 11, 2022
TOKYO (AP) — Abe was not a church member, but may have spoken at some events held by affiliated groups, said Tomihiro Tanaka, head of the Unification Church's Japan branch.
Trump, Pence speak at global forum held in South Korea
By Associated Press — February 14, 2022
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Several former leaders and top officials participated virtually or in-person at the weekend event in Seoul organized by the Unification Church,
Unification Church succession case threatens protections for minority religions
By Peter Petkoff — March 21, 2019
(RNS) — If an obscure D.C. court decision about the movement known as 'the Moonies' goes unchallenged, it could weaken religious freedom protections for all Americans.
Why the label ‘cult’ gets in the way of understanding new religions
By Mathew Schmalz — April 10, 2018
(The Conversation) — Cults are usually associated with beliefs and practices considered to be "unhealthy." But what is seen as healthy in one culture may be seen as unhealthy in another.
COMMENTARY: Why I’m retracing the Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s cross-country road trip
By Michael Balcomb — June 20, 2014
(RNS) This summer, I’m taking to the road with 50 fellow Unificationists to follow -- literally -- in the Rev. Moon’s first footsteps, driving the same roads and finding out for myself how his movement is doing.
COMMENTARY: My parents arranged my marriage, and I’m cool with that
By Judilee King — February 7, 2014
(RNS) I was going to say no. But I realized if I was ever going to do this, I needed to try. I felt like I might be blocking a blessing God could be offering me if I wasn't open to it. I decided I was willing to start the process.
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