Dr. Michael Balcomb defends Family Federation on BBC, condemns Japan’s controversial legal crackdown as religious persecution
Dr. Michael Balcomb, President of the Family Federation for Europe and the Middle East and National Director of the movement in the UK, recently spoke out against Japan’s legal actions targeting the Family Federation.
Court issuing controversial verdict. Here, the sign outside Tokyo District Court. Photo: FFWPU
Appearing on BBC Radio 4’s “Sunday” program, which explores religious and ethical news, Dr. Balcomb strongly condemned a Tokyo District Courtruling that threatens the legal and corporate status of the Family Federation in Japan. He described the decision as a case of religious persecution, attributing it to xenophobia, distortions of the organization’s donation practices, and broader violations of human rights.
The ruling, if upheld on appeal, could lead to the dissolution of the Family Federation as a legal entity in Japan. Such a consequence would potentially allow the government to seize a large number of properties held by the religious organization and confiscate donations made by everyday members, raising deep concerns about the future of religious freedom in the country.
Dr. Balcomb used the BBC platform to voice the organization’s concerns and to clarify the mission and beliefs of the Family Federation. He gave a concise overview of the movement’s founding principles, its spiritual orientation, and the important role it plays in the lives of its members around the world.
Demonstration against unjust and xenophobic verdict against the Family Federation in Japan. Here members in Karatsu City on the southern island of Kyushu protesting 30th March 2025. Photo: FFWPU
The controversial court decision has sparked considerable media attention both within Japan and internationally. As the case unfolds, many religious freedom advocates and observers are closely watching the implications it may have, not only for the Family Federation but for minority religious groups across Japan. Dr. Balcomb’s BBC interview served as a critical opportunity to share the federation’s side of the story and challenge narratives that he argues misrepresent the group’s values and intentions.
Here is what Dr. Balcomb said,
“Of course, we think to appeal this decision because we think it’s a serious mistake and that it’s in contravention of the conventions on Human Rights and Freedom of Religion.
We think the real reason here is connected to lingering xenophobia and even racial prejudice among the Japanese people against Koreans, where our church originated.
We call her ‘Holy Mother Han’. We’re a biblical faith and perhaps unique in our teachings, we teach that God is both Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. Our focus, frankly, is on encouraging strong marriages and families because we believe that it’s in marriage that we come to resemble God.
We do encourage our members to donate. Of course, all religions do that. We don’t accept the Ministry of Education’s explanation in Japan that this is excessive, or it is forced. They quote about 200 cases, but we’d have to remember that we have several hundred thousand members in Japan so, at most, we’re talking about one tenth of 1%, over a period of about 25 years.
If I could put it in scriptural terms, Jesus said that God leaves 99 to save the one. Of course, as a pastor, I am sorry that any people who donated leave unhappy, but the church has never been accused of any crime, and I believe this is a case of religious persecution. The assassin of Shinzo Abe, Tetsuya Yamagami, was never a member of our community and I think it’s absurd that his crime should be laid at our feet.”
Text: Knut Holdhus
Featured image above: Dr. Michael Balcomb 1st January 2025 and the BBC Radio 4 logo, which is a public domain image.
Encouraging strong marriages. Here, a Family Federation couple, with their distinct Blessing rings, holdig hands. Photo: FFWPU
