Global Faith Leaders Unite to Advocate for Religious Freedom and Chairman Lee Man-hee

An international coalition of faith leaders recently convened for a two-part event focused on the critical pillars of religious freedom and human dignity. Spanning five regions—the United States, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Liberia—the initiative addressed the controversial detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman Lee Man-hee. Participants argued that the protection of fundamental rights must extend to all, regardless of denominational differences, warning that the erosion of religious liberty in one nation sets a dangerous global precedent.

During the session, clergy members from diverse backgrounds emphasized that true religious freedom requires solidarity against prejudice and systemic injustice. Speakers such as Pastor Marc Thompson and Bishop John Montalvo urged the religious community to prioritize compassion and dialogue over division. They highlighted that the ongoing detention of Chairman Lee serves as a catalyst for a broader conversation regarding the responsibility of the global church to defend the human rights of all believers against state-sanctioned discrimination.

The event concluded with the "1st Word Exchange," a collaborative effort under the Beautiful Bridge Project designed to foster interdenominational understanding. By moving beyond traditional sectarian boundaries, participating pastors committed to utilizing scripture as a bridge for reconciliation. This initiative seeks to transform advocacy into action, ensuring that diverse congregations can engage in open, non-judgmental fellowship while collectively upholding the sanctity of faith and human rights for future generations.