Japanese court upholds order to dissolve Unification Church over donations

Presiding Judge Motoko Miki of the Tokyo High Court said the decision was made as it is possible that the organisation is still engaging in unlawful solicitation of donations that financially ruin its members and others.

“One can hardly expect the church to voluntarily take measures to prevent its members from engaging in illicit activities,” the judge said.

A former follower of the church from Kanagawa Prefecture welcomed the decision, saying, “The court responded to the suffering we voiced for so many years.”

“I hope society will embrace people like myself who have abandoned their faith (in the church),” he said.

Although the group can still appeal to the Supreme Court, the high court’s order took immediate effect. The controversial organisation lost its status as a religious corporation and its associated tax advantages as the liquidation process began.