On 13th August, at the Damyang Cultural Center in Damyang-gun, South Jeolla Province, religious leaders and human rights advocates gathered to call for greater protection of the rights of an elderly religious leader, Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, who is currently facing legal proceedings.

As a calligrapher wrote a message advocating the protection of the elderly leader’s human rights on a large sheet of traditional Korean paper, attendees watched attentively. When the inscription was completed, the venue filled with applause and chants calling for the protection of human dignity and fundamental rights.

Pastors and religious leaders representing various denominations and faith communities came together to discuss concerns surrounding the detention and treatment of the elderly religious leader. Participants called for humanitarian judicial procedures and a trial without detention, emphasising the importance of protecting his right to life, health, and adequate legal defence.

The event, titled the “1st World Joint Assembly of Pastors” and “Religious Freedom and Trans-denominational Human Rights Solidarity,” was held at the Damyang Cultural Centre under the theme “Protection of Human Rights for the Elderly: Is It Consistent with International Standards?”

The programme addressed a range of issues, including religious freedom, the detention of elderly defendants, and the protection of human rights throughout judicial proceedings.

Photographs and informational materials concerning the elderly defendant’s detention conditions and related human rights issues were displayed in the venue’s first-floor gallery. Attendees examined the exhibits and reviewed information concerning the potential effects of detention conditions on the health and well-being of elderly people.

Jo Hyeon-jeong (pseudonym, 60s, Seo-gu, Gwangju), who viewed the exhibition, said she was concerned about the potential impact of detention conditions on an elderly person’s health.

“Looking at the accommodation environment shown in the photographs, I wondered how an elderly person’s health could be affected by living in such conditions,” she said. “Regardless of the eventual legal judgment, I hope the person’s health and basic human rights will be fully taken into consideration.”

Another participant said the matter should be approached primarily from the perspective of the human rights of an elderly defendant rather than through the lens of religion or denomination.

“The defendant’s health condition and right to a proper defence must be fully considered throughout the judicial process,” the participant said.

Following the exhibition, attendees expressed their views on elderly human rights by placing stickers on a designated board. They also signed petitions calling for a trial without detention and humane treatment.

The event featured presentations by established clerics whose presentations covered topics including the separation of church and state, the rule of law, the role of the National Human Rights Commission, international human rights standards, the presumption of innocence, and the treatment of national veterans.

Rev. Gu Sang-yeol addressed questions surrounding equal treatment in the investigation of religious leaders and the exercise of public authority, focusing on the principles of separation of church and state and the rule of law.

“Regardless of personal preferences or denominational affiliation, fundamental principles of criminal procedure—including the presumption of innocence and the principle of investigation without detention—must be respected,” Rev. Gu said. He added that any assessment of flight risk or the possibility of evidence destruction should take into account the defendant’s age and health condition.

Rev. Park Jong-won spoke on the role of the National Human Rights Commission under the theme “There Are No Sanctuaries or Factions in Human Rights.” Referring to information provided by the organizers that the religious leader had undergone two back surgeries and continues to experience spinal pain, Rev. Park emphasised the need to consider the effects of detention on the health of an elderly person.

“Human rights are not a favour that should be granted selectively according to public opinion or political interests,” Rev. Park said. He called for an examination of whether the elderly defendant’s right to health had been compromised while in detention and urged the relevant authorities to take appropriate protective measures if necessary.

Revd. Heo Jong-hyeon discussed the detention and investigation of elderly defendants from the perspective of international human rights standards. Referring to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Nelson Mandela Rules, which establish internationally recognised minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, Father Heo argued that the necessity and proportionality of detention should be carefully assessed.

“The purpose of justice is not punishment or revenge, but to establish the truth and protect human rights through fair procedures,” he said.

He suggested that alternatives to detention—including restrictions on residence or travel and bail—should also be considered where appropriate.

Revd. Heo further emphasised the importance of distinguishing public opinion from judicial decision-making.

He said, “The law is not a popularity contest, and truth is not determined by majority vote.”

Revd. Heo also called for consideration of the health and human rights of Chairman Lee, who is 95 years old, and expressed support for his release on bail.

“What we must protect right now is not any particular denomination,” he said, emphasising that the principles of the presumption of innocence and the rule of law should apply equally to everyone.

Rev. Samuel Park, who identified himself as a Vietnam War veteran, addressed the rights and dignity of veterans under the theme “Is This a Nation That Remembers Sacrifice Written in Blood?”

Rev. Park argued that veterans’ affairs extend beyond financial benefits and should include the protection of the dignity and honour of those who have served their country.

“Veterans’ affairs are not merely about providing allowances; they are about protecting the honour and dignity of those who have dedicated themselves to the nation,” he said.

During the event, participants adopted a joint statement titled the “Declaration of 3000 World Churches for Religious Freedom and Human Dignity.”

The declaration affirmed that religious freedom and the separation of church and state, as provided under Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, are fundamental democratic principles intended to ensure state neutrality towards religion and protect the religious freedom of individuals.

The participants argued that the state should not arbitrarily define, favour, or discriminate against particular religious groups and that freedom of religion should be guaranteed equally across faiths and denominations.

The declaration also highlighted concerns regarding the health and right to life of ManHee Lee, the 95-year-old Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and a Korean War veteran. Participants called on the government and political authorities to avoid turning particular religious groups into subjects of political conflict.

They further urged the judiciary to uphold the presumption of innocence and consider bail in accordance with applicable legal principles.

Following the adoption of the statement, participants stood together and called for an end to what they described as excessive detention that threatens the health and human rights of elderly defendants.

They also chanted slogans calling for the immediate protection of the right to defence, consideration of the defendant’s age and health, and the granting of bail.

The event concluded with a calligraphy performance on a large sheet of traditional Korean paper. Messages calling for the protection of elderly religious leaders’ human rights were written during the performance, followed by chants from the participants.

The gathering concluded with prayers and the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.

Organisers stated that they intend to submit the joint declaration, petition, and other documents adopted at the event to relevant institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission and veterans’ affairs authorities. They also announced plans to continue related solidarity and human rights advocacy activities.

Throughout the gathering, participants emphasised that the protection of human dignity, health, religious freedom, and the right to a fair legal defence should apply equally to all individuals, regardless of age, religious affiliation, or public opinion.