Pastors and faith leaders from five regions convened for a two-part international event on September 10, focusing on religious freedom, human dignity, and church unity. Part 1, titled “Human Rights, Religious Freedom and the Essence of Faith,” was broadcast internationally from New York, connecting participants from the United States, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Liberia. Part 2, the “1st Word Exchange — Assembly of New York Pastors,” was an in-person gathering in New York where pastors from various denominations met to listen, share, and build relationships through the Bible.
The event highlighted concerns over the detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman Lee Man-hee, who has been held in a South Korean detention center for about 70 days despite his advanced age and health issues. 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.”
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 New York pastors emphasized unity. Rev. Hallie Foard of Allen AME Cathedral reflected on the strength that emerges when believers across nations stand together, noting that love for God can unite people despite differences and that international cooperation is crucial when individuals face opposition because of their faith. 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. He stressed love, respect, understanding, and dialogue rather than attacking those with differing beliefs.
The pastors’ reflections raised 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 not the responsibility of one denomination, one nation, or one religious community, but requires all people of faith to stand together.
The second half of the event aimed to turn advocacy into action. Faith leaders from different denominations gathered under the vision of the Beautiful Bridge Project to share beliefs, listen, fellowship, 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, listening sincerely, and allowing the Word of God to become a bridge. Apostle Ralph Pritchard urged believers to move beyond traditions and divisions that hinder God’s work, emphasizing listening rather than condemning and appreciating the Word Exchange as a place for open discussion without judgment. Pastor Tyrone Freeman of Hope International Church expressed gratitude for the unity he experienced and a desire to participate in the next Word Exchange.
This event matters because it demonstrates a growing cross-border, interdenominational movement to defend religious freedom for all, even those with whom one may disagree. By uniting pastors from diverse regions and denominations, the gathering underscores that religious liberty is a universal principle, not a selective privilege. The detention of a 95-year-old religious leader has become a rallying point for broader concerns about the global state of religious rights. Moreover, the Word Exchange model offers a practical way to build bridges across theological divides, suggesting that dialogue and relationship-building can coexist with firm convictions. As Pastor Thompson’s appeal makes clear, the pastors are calling for action, not just sympathy, and their unified voice may pressure authorities in South Korea and elsewhere to reconsider practices that many see as infringing on fundamental human rights.
