Global Religious Leaders Denounce South Korean Government Over Human Rights and Freedom

An international assembly of 3,000 pastors has issued a formal protest against the South Korean government, citing systemic violations of religious freedom. Representing diverse global organizations, these leaders argue that the ongoing legal pressure and potential dissolution of religious corporations, such as Shincheonji, set a dangerous precedent that threatens the fundamental separation of church and state. The assembly emphasized that religious liberty must remain protected regardless of a group’s social popularity or doctrinal differences.

Key speakers, including representatives from the Russian Evangelical Alliance, warned that trial by public opinion is increasingly replacing judicial neutrality. They expressed concern that the detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee is driven by social pressure rather than objective legal evidence. By invoking international human rights standards, the participants argued that the state’s aggressive posture toward minority faiths undermines the democratic values essential to a pluralistic society.

The event concluded with a joint call for the immediate release of the elderly leader, citing humanitarian concerns and the right to due process. The coalition of global pastors pledged to continue their advocacy, warning that if the current legal trends in South Korea persist, they could embolden similar suppressive tactics against religious communities worldwide. The group maintains that justice must be impartial, protecting the dignity of all citizens regardless of their religious affiliation.