Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 17, 2026
Faith Leaders Unite Globally for Religious Freedom and Unity
TLDR
- Global pastors unite to defend religious freedom, positioning early advocates as leaders in a growing international movement for human dignity.
- The two-part event featured an international broadcast from New York and an in-person Word Exchange among pastors to foster dialogue.
- Faith leaders across nations stand together for religious freedom and human dignity, building unity and understanding through shared scripture and dialogue.
- Pastors from five countries gathered in New York to discuss religious freedom and a detained 95-year-old church chairman, promoting interfaith unity.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it highlights a growing global movement to defend religious freedom for all, not just for those who share our beliefs. The detention of a 95-year-old religious leader in South Korea has sparked international concern, and pastors from five nations are using this moment to call for justice and unity. As religious persecution and discrimination continue to rise in various parts of the world, this event demonstrates the power of interfaith dialogue and collective action. The Beautiful Bridge Project and the Word Exchange model how churches can overcome doctrinal differences to stand together on fundamental human rights. For readers, it is a reminder that protecting religious liberty requires vigilance and solidarity across faith traditions, and that silence in the face of injustice undermines freedom for everyone.
Summary
On September 10, pastors and faith leaders from the United States, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Liberia gathered for a two-part international event titled "Human Rights, Religious Freedom and the Essence of Faith." The first part, broadcast from New York, focused on the shared responsibility of protecting religious freedom and human dignity. Speakers addressed 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, urged the church to stand for justice, saying, "Let Chairman Lee go." Pastor Lucilla Richards Seaton of Power, Prayer and Praise Ministries in Chicago warned that threats to religious rights extend beyond one community, while Rev. Hallie Foard of Allen AME Cathedral and Bishop John Montalvo of ELIM House of Worship emphasized unity, love, and dialogue across nationalities and denominations.
The second part, the "1st Word Exchange — Assembly of New York Pastors," turned advocacy into action. Pastors from various denominations met in person under the Beautiful Bridge Project to share their beliefs, listen to one another, and seek greater understanding of the Bible. The goal was not to ignore doctrinal differences but to create a space where those differences would not prevent fellowship. Apostle Ralph Pritchard stressed moving beyond traditions and divisions that hinder God's work, and Pastor Tyrone Freeman of Hope International Church expressed gratitude for the unity experienced and a desire to participate in the next Word Exchange.
The event raised a fundamental question: if religious freedom is guaranteed only for those with whom we agree, is it truly religious freedom? It called on churches to recognize that protecting human dignity and religious liberty is a responsibility shared by all people of faith, not just one denomination, nation, or community.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Faith Leaders Unite Globally for Religious Freedom and Unity
