In a two-part international event held on September 10, pastors and faith leaders from five regions—the United States, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Liberia—convened to address the detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman Lee Man-hee and to advocate for religious freedom and human dignity. The first part, titled "Human Rights, Religious Freedom and the Essence of Faith," was broadcast internationally from New York, while the second part, the "1st Word Exchange — Assembly of New York Pastors," took place in person, bringing together pastors from various denominations for dialogue and fellowship.
The event highlighted the urgent need to protect religious freedom for all, not just for those with whom one agrees. Chairman Lee has been detained in a South Korean detention center for approximately 70 days despite his advanced age and health concerns. Pastor Marc Thompson of Unity Baptist Church of Mattituck, New York, issued a direct appeal: "Would the real church please stand up—for justice, human rights and religious freedom. Enough is enough. Let Chairman Lee go." His words echoed the sentiment of many who see the detention as a broader threat to religious liberties worldwide.
Pastor Lucilla Richards Seaton of Power, Prayer and Praise Ministries in Chicago warned that the issue extends beyond one religious community, expressing concern that religious rights are being threatened globally. Other pastors emphasized the importance of unity across nations and denominations. Rev. Hallie Foard of Allen AME Cathedral reflected on the strength that emerges when believers stand together, noting that love for God can unite people despite differences. Bishop John Montalvo of ELIM House of Worship described the gathering as impactful because people of different nationalities, languages, and backgrounds came together in fellowship, stressing love, respect, understanding, and dialogue over confrontation.
The pastors' reflections raise a fundamental question: If religious freedom is guaranteed only for those with whom we agree, is it truly religious freedom? The gathering called on churches to recognize that protecting human dignity and religious liberty is a shared responsibility that requires all people of faith to stand together.
The second half of the event focused on turning advocacy into action. Under the vision of the Beautiful Bridge Project, faith leaders from different denominations gathered to share their beliefs, listen to one another, and seek greater understanding of the Bible. The purpose was not to ignore doctrinal differences but to create a space where those differences would not prevent pastors from sitting together and allowing the Word of God to become a bridge. Apostle Ralph Pritchard emphasized moving beyond traditions and divisions that hinder God's work, appreciating the Word Exchange as a place for open discussion and fellowship without judgment. Pastor Tyrone Freeman of Hope International Church expressed gratitude for the unity experienced and a desire to participate in the next Word Exchange.
This event underscores the growing international concern over religious persecution and the detention of a nonagenarian religious leader. It also demonstrates a rare moment of ecumenical solidarity, where pastors from diverse backgrounds set aside theological differences to champion a common cause. The implications are significant: it signals that religious freedom is increasingly seen as a universal human right that transcends denominational lines, and it pressures South Korean authorities to reconsider Chairman Lee's detention. Moreover, the Beautiful Bridge Project offers a model for interfaith dialogue that could foster greater cooperation among churches worldwide. As Pastor Thompson's plea reverberates, the event challenges faith communities to act collectively in defense of human dignity and religious liberty for all.
