Former Unification Church Staff Member Discusses Arrest, Dissolution Order, and Future Structure

In the previous employment field, he writes “Family Federation (Family Federation for World Peace and Unification)”

“I’m currently job hunting, and it’s been difficult. But I still have my faith, so I’m okay,” said a former executive of the former Unification Church (Family Federation for World Peace and Unification), speaking calmly.

After the Tokyo High Court issued a dissolution order on March 4, it was reported that around 340 church employees had taken early retirement. A former staff member said on YouTube that those who resigned before the dissolution order would receive increased severance pay, and this former executive also accepted early retirement under those conditions and is now reportedly seeking work through Hello Work (Japan’s public employment service).

“I wanted to keep working, but after considering various factors, I ultimately decided to apply for the early retirement program. When I told my family, they said, ‘That’s probably fine,’ so I made up my mind.

Compared to general industry salaries, I think the church’s monthly pay was probably low. I don’t have much savings, so I’m currently living off what I have. I can’t disclose the exact amount, but I am supposed to receive severance pay from the church, and unemployment benefits as well—though I haven’t received either yet.

I was hoping those would give me some breathing room, but it seems the severance terms explained at the early retirement briefing may have changed. That undermines the assumptions I had, so it’s a bit troubling.”

When it comes to resumes during job hunting, what should be written under previous employment? The former executive immediately answered, “I write ‘Family Federation (World Peace and Unification)’.”

While this could affect hiring outcomes, he said, “I don’t want to hide the facts.”

“In actual interviews, I was asked about it, but they didn’t go into great detail. However, since rejection reasons are not disclosed during document screening, I don’t know whether my background in the organization is a disadvantage.

Some former employees have been rejected by multiple companies and are quite discouraged, while others have already found new jobs. The outlook is uncertain, which is a bit worrying, but I want to keep doing my best.”

Nearly two months have passed since the dissolution order, but the former executive remains positive, supported quietly by his family.

“Among believers, many thought, ‘It’s unlikely the organization will actually be dissolved.’ I personally thought, ‘This might be difficult,’ so when the order came down, I wasn’t too shocked—more like, ‘As expected.’ Of course it’s unfortunate, but I accept the outcome. However, no one can deny faith itself.”

According to Kyodo News on April 7, the former Unification Church is reportedly planning to establish a new organization aimed at continuing religious activities for believers, but the former executive said, “We haven’t been told anything.”

“It feels like the reports are getting ahead of the facts. It may be under consideration, but at least at this point, I don’t think anything has been formally decided.”

Prime Minister Takaiichi would stop the dissolution order

The arrest of Hak Ja Han (83), the leader of the church, was said to be shocking.

“I’m not familiar with South Korean law, but I never imagined something like this would happen. It is said that ties between the church and conservative politicians were built during the Cold War through anti-communist ideology and alliances, but I’m not well-versed in politics, so I don’t really understand it. The Family Federation does not officially support specific politicians, but since it is generally conservative, there are believers who feel sympathy for conservative politicians.”

Since last December, the existence of internal church documents titled the “TM (True Mother) Special Report” has been reported in both Japan and South Korea. The documents total around 3,200 pages and are structured as reports from Japanese church officials to Hak Ja Han about the organization’s activities. TM refers to Hak Ja Han. They reportedly contain detailed records of contacts with politicians, mainly from the Liberal Democratic Party, including election support activities, and while some of the content has been acknowledged by politicians, the church claims that the descriptions are exaggerated.

Regarding the statement in those documents that “Ms. Takaichi becoming Prime Minister is Heaven’s greatest wish,” the former executive said only, “I haven’t read it, so I don’t know anything beyond what has been reported.” However, another believer said:

“It’s possible that some people were hoping that ‘Ms. Takaichi would stop the dissolution order.’ I personally don’t think that would be possible, though.”

Believers and former church employees are in the midst of confusion and rapidly changing circumstances. Questions remain over the purpose of the “FFWPU,” whether it will be established as a successor organization serving as a place of worship, and what will happen regarding severance pay and job placement support for former employees. When asked for comment, the former Unification Church’s public relations office responded as follows:

“As stated in the statement released on the Family Federation PR X account, as a religious organization with more than 100,000 believers nationwide, we are continuing discussions on how believers can maintain their religious life even after a religious corporation dissolution order, but nothing has been decided yet. Furthermore, we will not engage in activities similar to those that have previously been pointed out as problematic.”

Questions regarding severance pay and re-employment support for employees received no response.

As people continue to maintain their faith while seeking new lives, what they will choose and where they will go remains uncertain.