Unification Church to Maintain Records of Large Donations Under Reform Plan, Won

The Unification Church, now officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has announced a reform plan that includes keeping records of donations exceeding 30% of an individual’s monthly income. This decision was made in response to concerns raised by a liaison council of government ministries and agencies, which reported that consultation counters for victims had received nearly 1,000 cases related to financial problems since Sept. 5.

The reform measures aim to ensure that donations do not place undue pressure on followers and their families. Under the new plan, any donation surpassing the 30% threshold will be documented, including the source of funds and whether it was agreed upon by the family. A receipt will also be issued for such donations. The records will be used to assess whether these contributions are imposing a burden on individuals.

Hideyuki Teshigawara, head of the group’s reform promotion headquarters, attended the press conference and emphasized that consultations regarding financial issues should not be brought into the domain of the national government. He stated that the group is reflecting deeply on its actions and the implications of its practices.

In a separate news conference on Sept. 22, the Unification Church had already announced a reform plan aimed at eliminating excessive donations that could put followers under pressure. The latest measure builds on that initiative by introducing a system to track and document donations that exceed the 30% benchmark. This is intended to provide transparency and accountability within the organization.

Teshigawara had previously maintained that there were no victims of the group’s so-called “spiritual sales” tactics, citing a compliance declaration issued in 2009. However, during the Oct. 4 press conference, he acknowledged that the number of consultations had decreased, suggesting that the declaration may not have been effectively communicated in certain areas.

The Unification Church’s reform efforts reflect an ongoing effort to address concerns about financial practices and their impact on members. The group’s approach to transparency and accountability aligns with the biblical theme of justice, mercy, and humble service, as seen in Micah 6:8.

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