Faith Leaders Unite for Religious Freedom at Atlanta Prayer Night

In a powerful display of interfaith unity, faith leaders from Baptist, non-denominational, and Sikh traditions gathered Monday evening for the "Faith in Freedom" Interfaith Prayer Night, hosted by Pastor William Welch at First Grace Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. The event brought together congregation members and leaders both in person and online to pray for individuals and communities worldwide facing religious persecution and injustice. Pastor Adam opened the evening by highlighting three urgent cases: violence against Christian and Muslim minorities in Nigeria, rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the United States, and the imprisonment of 95-year-old faith leader Chairman Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus in South Korea, whom organizers say is wrongfully detained despite his age and health, in violation of the Mandela Rules.

The program featured three prayer requests led by different faith leaders. Bishop Kenneth Nelson prayed for unity among faiths and freedom of religion, Pastor Kiesha Nelson prayed for strength and support for faith leaders facing hardship, and Dr. Sudershan Mathavan of Gurudwara Treasure Coast prayed for forgiveness and for members within and beyond the faith. Dr. Mathavan emphasized, "We pray that there be no discrimination among the nations, among the people, related to their faith — whether they are Christian, Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, or any other." The evening concluded with a shared Faith and Freedom Joint Declaration, where leaders pledged to choose peace, respect dignity, defend freedom to worship without fear, and stand against hatred and division.

Organizers described the gathering as the beginning of a broader coalition of faith leaders committed to advancing religious freedom through prayer, dialogue, and collaboration. Pastor William Welch and the participating leaders aim to continue this interfaith effort, fostering understanding and solidarity across religious lines. The event underscores the growing recognition that religious persecution affects all faiths and that united action is needed to protect the fundamental right to worship and live without fear.