The Tokyo District Court issued a significant dissolution order on March 25, 2025, for the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, previously known as the Unification Church, marking a contentious chapter in the church's history. This order stems from an extensive examination of the church's financial practices, particularly concerning donation solicitation that has reportedly caused widespread harm to its followers, leading to damages exceeding 200 billion yen.
In a press conference held shortly after the ruling, Tanaka Tomihiro, the church's president, expressed profound discontent, stating, "The decision favored defectors and was unacceptable." He characterized the court’s order as a blow to religious freedom, asserting, "This decision is the beginning of a crisis of religious freedom." His remarks encapsulated the church's view of the ruling, which they interpret as an unwarranted attack on their operations and beliefs.
According to the court’s ruling, Judge Suzuki Hiroshi articulated that the church's solicitation practices had inflicted unprecedented damage on individuals. He stated, "The dissolution order is needed and unavoidable as there is a possibility of causing similar damage in the future." This marked the first instance where a dissolution has been sought based on civil tort law rather than direct criminal acts by church executives, which had been the basis in previous cases of dissolved religious organizations.
Tanaka reiterated that the church, established as a religious corporation 60 years ago, has maintained a stance of compliance with legal norms. However, he critiqued the government’s approach, stating that the reasons put forth for dissolution were based on historical claims from over a decade ago, failing to reflect the current realities of the church's practices. He elaborated, "We believe the church is not a malicious organization that must be dissolved," emphasizing a long-standing effort to rectify past concerns.
The unfolding drama stems from a greater societal context, prominently linked to the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022. Tanaka noted, "Since the tragic event, discrimination against believers has escalated, further complicating our fight against unjust claims." This perspective highlights a dual narrative within the church’s defense: while confronting past malpractice, they also grapple with societal perception exacerbated by high-profile events.
With the dissolution order confirmed, the church now faces a formidable challenge. The ruling includes provisions for a liquidator to be appointed, who will manage church assets, complicating the financial landscape for approximately 90,000 adherents nationwide, many of whom rely on the church for community and support.
As Tanaka and his legal team prepare to mount an appeal, he committed the organization to a thorough fight against the district court’s ruling. He stated, "We will do our utmost to have the Tokyo District Court decision overturned." This appeal, set to be filed within two weeks, represents a crucial juncture for the church's future. Tanaka’s remarks underscored his determination as he reflected, "The dissolution order is akin to a sentence of death for our organization; we must defend our rights and religious practices to the fullest."
Legal analysts have noted the unprecedented nature of this ruling and its implications not just for the Unification Church but possibly for other religious organizations in Japan. Such a legal precedent could reshape how courts address allegations against religious institutions, particularly those involving financial misconduct linked to donation practices.
The concerns surrounding the church were propelled into public view following accusations of coercive donation solicitation practices. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) laid the groundwork for this legal confrontation by citing a series of civil judgments that recognized the church’s liability in cases involving financial exploitation, estimated at approximately 204 billion yen affecting over 1,500 individuals. This wave of concerns was notably characterized by Judge Suzuki's observation that the church’s practices resulted in damages, with severe ongoing ramifications for victims.
In contrast, victims' rights advocates have expressed a sense of relief regarding the court’s decision. The head of the National Unification Church Victims Liaison Group remarked, "This ruling marks a significant stride towards recognizing and addressing systemic exploitation within the church, a step towards healing for many who have suffered in silence." Advocacy groups have called for the church to swiftly acknowledge past grievances and extend apologies to victims without delay.
In the wake of the ruling, voices calling for transparency and accountability have grown louder within the community. Tanaka, however, remains steadfast in his conviction that many of the claims against the church are exaggerated or fabricated, dismissing them as the assertions of "manufactured victims" resulting from coercive circumstances. His stance points to a complicated relationship with both the church’s supporters and critics, creating an ongoing tension as both sides prepare for the next phase in court.
As proceedings unfold, the outcome of the imminent appeal carries profound implications, not only for the future of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification but also for the landscape of religious autonomy and accountability in Japan. Both sides of this complex issue must navigate the choppy waters ahead, where the principles of religious freedom intersect with the necessity of protecting individuals from exploitation.
