Photo/Illutration The main entrance to the headquarters of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward (Taishi Sasayama)

The education ministry on Oct. 13 asked the Tokyo District Court to issue a disbandment order to the Unification Church following a yearlong investigation into the religious corporation’s fund-collection activities.

Now formally called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, the church is expected to fight the request in court.

The ministry investigated allegations that the church was pressuring members to make huge donations. It also looked into how the church’s conduct affected the family members of its followers.

Disbandment would strip the church of its tax-exempt status, but it could continue to conduct religious activities as a voluntary organization.

Under the Religious Corporations Law, disbandment can be sought when a religious organization’s acts are found in violation of laws or when there are clear indications that the actions have seriously damaged public welfare.

Courts have handed down disbandment orders to two religious corporations, which were led by individuals charged with crimes.

But no leaders of the Unification Church have been arrested in Japan.

The Tokyo District Court will now have to hear arguments from the two sides to determine if disbandment is warranted.

If the district court does issue such an order, the church could take its appeals all the way to the Supreme Court.

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