Global Pastors Unite to Condemn Religious Persecution in South Korea

On August 13, 2026, seven Christian organizations from Korea and abroad, including the Council for Christian Mutual Growth, the Korea Christian Leaders Training Institute, the Pastors Alliance for Life and Human Rights, the Russian Evangelical Alliance, and the Thai Evangelical Alliance Association, held the '1st Joint Assembly of World Pastors' in Dallas, Texas. The assembly brought together around 3,000 pastors online and offline to decry violations of religious freedom and the undermining of church-state separation in South Korea. Key speakers included Rev. Im Young-woong, senior pastor of Saehimang Church, who warned against dissolving religious corporations, citing Japan's dissolution of the Unification Church as a cautionary tale. He argued that the criteria for 'public interest' in Korea's Civil Act are vague and could be applied to any religious group. Rev. Vitaly Kirillovich Vlasenko, General Secretary of the Russian Evangelical Alliance, stressed that 'public opinion cannot be a verdict,' referencing the case of Shincheonji's Chairman Lee Man-hee, who was acquitted on some charges but faces new detention. Bishop Elias Elijah Changa from Zambia appealed for humane treatment of the 95-year-old leader, emphasizing that detention poses severe hardships for the elderly and urging alternatives like bail. The assembly concluded with a joint statement demanding an end to using religions as political tools, upholding the presumption of innocence, and granting bail for Lee Man-hee. The organizers vowed to continue their solidarity with international human-rights bodies to protect religious freedom.

The event highlighted international concern over the treatment of Shincheonji and its leader, Lee Man-hee, who has faced legal troubles since 2020 when the group was linked to a COVID-19 outbreak. The pastors argued that the legal actions are tantamount to a 'trial by public opinion' and violate human rights. They drew parallels to historical and global cases where religious minorities were persecuted under the guise of legality. The assembly's joint statement called on the South Korean government and judiciary to cease what they see as politically motivated suppression and to ensure fair trials. The organizers stressed that this is not just about one denomination but about the universal right to religious freedom, which, if eroded, could affect all faith groups. They pledged to continue their advocacy, working with international partners to hold South Korea accountable to international standards of justice and human rights.