PARIS — The Shincheonji Church of Jesus in France has accused the French daily newspaper Le Parisien of publishing a distorted and biased article that defamed the religious community.

In a statement released April 9, the church criticized Le Parisien’s April 7 report, alleging it heavily relied on the one-sided accounts of former members while largely ignoring the church’s perspective. The church asserted that the article, titled “They Treated Us Like Animals,” severely damaged the honor of the church and its members.

The church pointed out that the article heavily emphasized the one-sided claims of former members while scarcely reflecting the actual nature of the faith community, thus presenting a biased view. The church also noted that, despite providing sincere answers during the interview, their position was reduced to just two lines in the article.

A church representative stated, “We sincerely submitted a detailed written response, amounting to several thousand characters, addressing the 12 questions the journalist had sent in advance. Yet, only two sentences from our response were included in the article.” The representative criticized this, saying, “That accounts for less than 1% of our full response, severely limiting readers’ ability to gain a balanced perspective.”

The representative further commented, “Judging by the fact that the article was published only four hours after we submitted our answers, it appears that the report had already been pre-written with a predetermined, targeted narrative.”

They added, “If written responses were not enough, the journalist could have visited the church in person to observe the faith community and hear directly from current members. The church is always open and ready for transparent communication with the media.”

In order to reflect the real experiences of its members, the church also shared testimonies from believers currently practicing their faith. Teresa (29), who has been attending the church in Paris for six years, said, “Faith is something you do voluntarily. Through this church, I came to truly understand God and learned how to act as a light in the world as one of His people.”

Another member, Axel (30), shared, “Before coming to the Shincheonji Church, I was searching for meaning in my life. Through my faith here, I was able to understand what God truly wants, and doing God’s work brings me great joy. Even while carrying out my mission, I’ve been able to travel, which I love, and I met my wife at the church. I’m living a truly fulfilling life.”

Regarding the article’s headline “They Treated Us Like Animals,” the church responded, “That expression deeply shocked and confused our members. No one has ever been treated in such a way, nor does anyone feel that way. It was clearly used as a sensational headline to attract attention.”

The church further explained, “In reality, we do not allow any form of threats or stigmatization against those who leave the church. There is a culture of respecting personal choice, even after someone decides to leave.”

As for the claim in the article that a woman ‘broke up with her boyfriend at the church’s request’, the church strongly refuted it, stating, “This is not true. The man in question was also a believer attending church at the time and was reportedly interested in marriage. However, the woman expressed that she wasn’t ready for marriage. The breakup was a personal decision made through discussion between the two individuals, based on their personal reflections and faith—not due to any pressure or suggestion from the church.”

The church emphasized, “Romantic relationships and marriage are personal matters based on individual autonomy and responsibility. Linking these decisions to church control is simply not factual.”

The church also raised concerns that parts of the interview included in the article described situations the interviewee had not actually experienced. “A photo showing someone with their feet on a radiator was described as a form of ‘punishment,’ but this image had nothing to do with any punishment and was taken even before the interviewee joined the church,” the church stated.

“The person in the photo is still an active believer in the church. At the time, he simply struck that pose as a joke to show he could do it, and someone else took the photo for fun. When he saw the article, he was shocked. The image was used without his consent, and the context was completely misrepresented. He plans to file an official complaint with the media outlet.”

The church emphasized, “It is deeply regrettable that the media reported such statements without proper fact-checking, as it risks creating a distorted perception among readers that the Shincheonji Church of Jesus as a whole is an irrational or abusive organization.”

Regarding the so-called “training camp” mentioned in the article, the church clarified: “This program was a short-term training that certain mission workers voluntarily chose to join in hopes of spiritual growth.”

“It consisted of activities like morning prayer and Bible meditation. Participants were free to leave at any time, and there was no physical punishment or coercion whatsoever. However, recognizing that the program could be misunderstood from an outside perspective, the church has since discontinued it,” they explained.

In response to allegations about the collection of personal data, internet use restrictions, and encouragement of cutting family ties, the church stated, “These claims are completely false. Only the minimum necessary information for faith counseling is collected.” They emphasized, “There has never been any restriction on internet use or external relationships. On the contrary, members are encouraged to live exemplary lives within their families and communities.”

Regarding the use of the name “ECA Academy,” the church explained, “It was a temporary name used in 2019 for a Bible education program. At the beginning of the course, it was clearly stated that it was affiliated with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and joining the church afterward was entirely up to the individual.”

In connection with the recent media coverage, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in France called on the press to follow several principles:

• Inclusive reporting that reflects a range of perspectives and experiences
• Fair representation of the church’s official statements and responses
• Opportunities for current members to share their genuine experiences
• A journalistic culture that respects religious freedom and the dignity of believers
• Avoidance of prejudiced framing through sensational headlines or expressions

A church representative stated, “Biased reporting on a specific religion or faith community can lead to stigmatization and prejudice against innocent members, ultimately infringing on their religious freedom and human rights. The media must move away from sensational, hate-inducing narratives and instead strive to present balanced information that embraces diverse voices with mutual respect.”

They added, “We hope that Le Parisien, along with all media outlets, will uphold higher ethical standards and fairness in religious reporting. The Shincheonji Church of Jesus will continue to do its utmost to promote better understanding through transparent communication and open dialogue.”

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are based on the official statement issued by the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in France. The views and allegations expressed herein reflect the perspective of the Church and its representatives in response to the article published by Le Parisien on April 7. Le Parisien has not responded to the claims made in this statement at the time of publication. This article is intended to present the Church’s response for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple viewpoints and conduct independent research to form a well-rounded understanding of the matter.

New Delhi, March 29, 2025- Bharat Initiative for Accountability (BIA), a coalition of Indian animal welfare organisations, staged a protest today at Jantar Mantar, demanding that multinational food-services giant Sodexo fulfil its global cage-free egg commitment in India. Despite pledging to source 100% cage-free eggs worldwide by 2025, Sodexo has made virtually no progress in India, with less than 1% of its eggs cage-free—while successfully transitioning in Europe and North America.

“Sodexo claims to be a sustainability leader, yet it continues sourcing eggs from cruel battery cages in India while shifting to cage-free eggs in Europe and North America,” said Aarti Bhavana, Director of Corporate Engagement, BIA. “This blatant double standard is unacceptable. India is not a dumping ground for unethical products. Sodexo has viable solutions at its disposal— it’s time to act before the December deadline.”

With just nine months until the self-imposed deadline, BIA is ramping up pressure to ensure multinational corporations honour their pledges in India with the same urgency as in the West.

About: Bharat Initiative for Accountability (BIA) is a coalition of 15 Indian animal welfare organisations committed to improving the lives of farmed animals, by holding companies responsible for the welfare of the animals in their supply chains. BIA works to ensure that multinational corporations fulfill their public commitments to animal welfare in India. To learn more, visit accountabilitymatters.in

The Global Sikh Council (GSC) proudly announces the re-election of S. Amrit Pal Singh Sachdeva as its President for an unprecedented fourth consecutive term. The decision was unanimously approved during the GSC General Body Meeting held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM (IST).

In another significant development, S. Gulbarg Singh Basi has been elected as the first Chairman of the GSC Board of Directors, marking a new chapter in the Council’s governance and strategic direction.

Under S. Amrit Pal Singh Sachdeva’s leadership, the GSC has made remarkable progress in advancing Sikh values and global initiatives. The Council continues to drive impactful projects, including PEHEL, which now operates over 80 centers in Punjab, India, the Maa Boli Punjabi projects (India, UAE/Dubai & Kenya), Women Empowerment programs, Interfaith initiatives, and the Mool Nanakshahi Calendar campaign. In addition, Global Sikhi Scholars and the “Sikhi in the next 5, 10, 20 years and beyond” initiative are shaping the future of Sikh thought, education, and engagement worldwide.

The newly elected Executive Committee for the next term is as follows:

• S. Amrit Pal Singh Sachdeva – President
• Sdn. Mandeep Kaur – Vice President
• Dr. Kala Singh – Secretary
• S. Davinder Singh Eari – Treasurer
• S. Charanjit Singh – Media and PR
• S. Narinder Pal Singh – Assistant Secretary
• S. Harinder Singh Bhatti – Media and PR Assistant

With members from over 30 countries, the Global Sikh Council remains committed to being the unified voice of Sikhs worldwide. It continues to promote Sikh heritage, language, and global solidarity, ensuring that Sikh values remain strong in the modern world.

For more information, please visit www.globalsikhcouncil.org.

In a compelling address to an audience of retired employees, their families, and government officials, Satyendra Kumar, a progressive leader, a decorated bureaucrat and advocate for administrative reform, underscored the significance of pension courts in upholding justice and dignity for pensioners. Drawing from his own experiences as Chairperson of Pension Courts, Mr. Kumar highlighted the transformative impact of resolving long-pending cases and the role of pension courts in delivering timely benefits to retirees and their families.

The event, attended by policymakers, social activists, and retired government employees, served as a platform for discussing systemic challenges in the pension system and exploring actionable solutions for ensuring justice for pensioners.

Pension Courts: A Crucial Institution for Justice

Mr. Kumar began his speech by emphasising the critical role of pension courts in addressing grievances, saying, “Pension courts are not just administrative forums; they are instruments of justice that restore the dignity and rights of those who have given their best years in service to the nation. It is imperative that we strengthen these institutions to ensure every pensioner receives their rightful dues without delay.”

He pointed out that pension-related disputes often stem from procedural delays, lack of awareness, and systemic inefficiencies, leaving many pensioners in financial and emotional distress. “Behind every pending pension case lies a story of hardship, frustration, and, in many cases, grief. It is our responsibility as administrators to ensure that these stories have a just and timely resolution,” he said.

Personal Experiences: Resolving Long-Standing Cases

Reflecting on his tenure as Chairperson of Pension Courts, Mr. Kumar shared several impactful experiences where justice was served to deserving pensioners and their families:

1. Resolving Decades-Old Cases:

Mr. Kumar recounted a case where a retired government employee had been fighting for his pension for over 25 years due to discrepancies in service records. Under Mr. Kumar’s leadership, the case was resolved, and the pensioner received his dues along with arrears. “The joy and relief on his face were a reminder of why these courts are so vital,” he said.

2. Providing Relief to Grieving Families:

In many instances, widows and dependents of deceased employees had been denied benefits due to procedural delays. Mr. Kumar highlighted a case where a widow had been waiting for her husband’s pension for nearly 15 years. “Her perseverance moved us all. By clearing her case and ensuring she received the pending amount, we restored not just her financial security but also her faith in the system,” he shared.

3. Ensuring Accountability:

Mr. Kumar made it a point to hold officials accountable for delays and directed them to implement systemic changes. “Pension courts are not just about resolving cases; they are about creating a culture of accountability that prevents such delays in the future,” he emphasised.

Call for Systemic Reforms

While celebrating the success of pension courts, Mr. Kumar also outlined the challenges that need to be addressed to improve their efficiency and impact:

1. Digitisation of Records:

He stressed the need for a fully digitised pension system to eliminate discrepancies and reduce processing times. “A single digital platform can ensure transparency, accessibility, and accountability,” he remarked.

2. Proactive Communication:

Pensioners often face difficulties due to lack of awareness about their entitlements and the status of their cases. Mr. Kumar proposed regular updates and outreach programs to bridge this gap.

3. Periodic Pension Courts:

He called for the institutionalisation of regular pension court sessions across districts to address grievances promptly.

4. Grievance Helplines:

Establishing dedicated helplines for pension-related concerns would provide a direct channel for resolving issues without the need for lengthy bureaucratic procedures.

Voices from the Beneficiaries

The session also featured testimonials from pensioners and their families who had benefited from Mr. Kumar’s leadership in pension courts.

• A retired school principal, whose pension case had been unresolved for nearly 20 years, said, “I had almost given up hope until Mr. Satyendra Kumar’s judgement ensured that my case was resolved. His dedication to justice is unparalleled.”
• The son of a deceased employee shared, “My father passed away waiting for his dues. Thanks to Mr. Kumar’s efforts, my mother and I have finally received the benefits that were rightfully ours.”

A Vision for the Future

Concluding his speech, Mr. Kumar reiterated his commitment to advocating for pensioners and reforming the pension system. He said, “A society is judged by how it treats its elders. We must ensure that no pensioner or their family is left to struggle for what is rightfully theirs. Let us work together to build a system that upholds justice, compassion, and dignity.”

He urged policymakers and administrators to prioritise pension reforms and invest in creating a more responsive and efficient system.

A Call to Action

Mr. Kumar’s speech resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring hope and renewed faith in the pension justice system. As the session concluded, he was applauded for his unwavering dedication and leadership in resolving grievances and delivering justice to pensioners.

The event served as a reminder of the power of compassionate governance and the impact of strong institutional mechanisms in ensuring the welfare of retired employees.

About Mr. Satyendra Kumar

Mr. Satyendra Kumar is a social leader and a bureaucrat with decades of experience in public administration. Known for his expertise in financial administration, governance reforms, and grievance redressal, he has trained top IAS, IPS, and IFS officers in India. Mr. Kumar has a distinguished record of leadership in addressing systemic inefficiencies and promoting justice in governance. His commitment to serving pensioners and their families reflects his enduring dedication to public welfare and equitable governance.

In an exclusive interview that feels more like a journey through time and space, we uncover the story of Kaushik Bose, the man at the helm of constructing the mega science project – Square Kilometre Array Observatory Telescope (SKAO LOW) in outback of Australian Desert. From his early days in Ranchi, India, surrounded by the whispers of nature and the stories of the cosmos, Bose has charted a path that few dare to dream.

Bose’s fascination with the universe began in the sprawling gardens of his childhood home, under the expansive Indian sky. “My mother introduced me to the stars,” he shares, reflecting on the evenings spent tracing constellations. It’s this celestial curiosity that propelled him from dreaming of moon colonies to leading the construction of the SKAO, an international endeavour set to redefine our understanding of the universe. Bose has been an international advisor to several governments across world in delivering critical facilities. “Building difficult things in unusual places on Earth”, has pretty much been my passion” he mentioned.

India’s Stellar Role

The SKAO, an unprecedented global collaboration, aims to build the world’s largest radio telescope. With India’s recent entry into the project, Bose feels a profound connection to the mission. “India’s dedication to astronomical research is crucial for the SKAO,” he states, highlighting the country’s pivotal role in the project’s software and planning phases & its integration to the supercomputing technology which the project will use.  Amongst some recent involvement, India successfully completed delivery of 350,000 meters of high voltage cables for the telescope construction.

High Voltage cables from India which will power up the SKAO LOW Telescope- Pictures from MRO site, with Kaushik

(High Voltage cables from India which will power up the SKAO LOW Telescope- Pictures from MRO site, with Kaushik)

Unravelling Cosmic Mysteries

What excites Bose the most about the SKAO’s potential is the quest to answer age-old questions about our universe. “We’re on the brink of potentially detecting signals from distant civilizations,” he marvels, contemplating the impact of such discoveries on our understanding of existence. It’s a testament to human curiosity and the unyielding desire to explore the unknown.

A Monumental Endeavor

Describing the SKAO’s scale, Bose draws an awe-inspiring picture: “Imagine fitting over 200 Eden Gardens within our project’s expanse.” The project’s infrastructure, sprawling across vast deserts, is a beacon of human ambition and ingenuity. The network of cables alone could circle the Earth multiple times, a physical manifestation of the project’s global reach and its boundless aspirations.

Challenges of Cosmic Proportions

Constructing in the Murchison desert’s radio-quiet zone comes with its unique set of challenges, from stringent electromagnetic compliance to the logistical hurdles of coordinating a global team. But for Bose, who has built infrastructure in some of the world’s most remote locales, these challenges are just another puzzle to solve on the path to unlocking the universe’s secrets.

A Heart Anchored in India

Despite his global journey, Bose’s heart remains firmly rooted in India. “The connection to my homeland remains strong,” he asserts, expressing a desire to contribute to India’s burgeoning scientific landscape. His work, though spanning continents, always circles back to the serene landscapes of his birthplace.

Inspiring Future Generations

Bose’s message to the youth is clear: let curiosity lead the way. His transition from an architect of buildings to an architect of the stars is a narrative of passion and perseverance. “The future belongs to those bold enough to chase their dreams,” he encourages, envisioning a world where the next generation reaches even further into the cosmos.

A New Perspective on Our Place in the Universe

In contemplating the current era, Bose sees a parallel with historical moments of great innovation. Exploring space, he believes, offers new solutions and insights, potentially addressing some of our most pressing challenges. It’s a perspective that reiterates the importance of looking beyond our immediate surroundings, towards the vastness of space, for answers.

As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Kaushik Bose is not just building the world’s most advanced radio telescope; he’s laying the foundation for a future where the mysteries of the universe are within our grasp. The story of Kaushik stands out as one of the many bright talents India is putting up on the global stage.