An Uriminzokkiri video released last Wednesday featuring Chilgol Church in Pyongyang presents the image of the North Korean government as tolerant of religious practices.

In it, a Church minister explained Kim Il Sung’s own apparent interest in the building – even though just weeks before North Korean authorities had arrested Jeffrey Fowle, a U.S. citizen, allegedly for leaving a bible in a Chongjin restaurant.

“The most prosperous period of this church was right after the liberation from Japanese occupation, when our beloved Mr. Chairman (Kim Il Sung) taught us a lesson as to how we practice our faith…our beloved Mr.