On September 10, pastors and faith leaders from the United States, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Liberia convened for a two-part international event titled "Human Rights, Religious Freedom and the Essence of Faith," followed by the "1st Word Exchange — Assembly of New York Pastors." The gathering focused on a shared responsibility of faith: protecting religious freedom and human dignity while building greater unity among churches through dialogue.
The first part, broadcast internationally from New York, delivered a clear message that religious freedom must be protected not only when one's own beliefs are affected but also when people of different faiths face prejudice, discrimination, or injustice. Pastors addressed concerns surrounding 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 concerns.
"Would the real church please stand up—for justice, human rights and religious freedom. Enough is enough," said Pastor Marc Thompson of Unity Baptist Church of Mattituck, New York, appealing directly to the conscience of the church. "Let Chairman Lee go." From Chicago, Pastor Lucilla Richards Seaton of Power, Prayer and Praise Ministries warned that the issue extends far beyond one religious community, expressing concern that religious rights are being threatened around the world.
Other pastors based in New York also spoke about the importance of unity. Rev. Hallie Foard of Allen AME Cathedral reflected on the strength that can emerge when believers across nations stand together. Despite differences in background, she emphasized that the love for God can unite people and that international cooperation is especially important when individuals face opposition because of their faith. Bishop John Montalvo of ELIM House of Worship similarly described the gathering as impactful because people of different nationalities, languages, and backgrounds were able to come together in fellowship. In confronting religious prejudice, he emphasized love, respect, understanding, and dialogue rather than attacking those whose beliefs differ from our own.
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 not the responsibility of one denomination, one nation, or one religious community. It is a responsibility that requires all people of faith to stand together.
The second half of the event focused on turning advocacy into action. Faith leaders from different denominations and churches based in New York gathered under the vision of the Beautiful Bridge Project to share their beliefs, listen to one another, fellowship, and seek greater understanding of the Bible. The purpose was not to pretend that doctrinal differences do not exist 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 expressed that believers must move beyond traditions and divisions that hinder the work of God. He emphasized listening rather than condemning and appreciated the Word Exchange as a place where pastors could openly discuss scripture and fellowship without judgment. Pastor Tyrone Freeman of Hope International Church expressed gratitude for the unity he experienced among the churches and expressed his desire to participate in the next Word Exchange.
This event matters because it demonstrates a growing cross-denominational and international coalition demanding religious freedom and human rights, particularly in the case of Chairman Lee. By uniting pastors from five regions, the gathering signals that the detention of a 95-year-old religious leader is not merely a South Korean issue but a global concern that tests the principle of religious liberty for all. The simultaneous focus on dialogue through the Word Exchange suggests a sustained effort to build bridges across theological divides, potentially reshaping how churches advocate for persecuted believers worldwide.
