Philippine pastors and Christian delegates joined around 3,000 religious leaders worldwide in a global call to uphold religious freedom, equality, human dignity and due process.

A total of 374 participants from the Philippines took part through onsite and online sessions held in three locations, as part of the 1st Joint Assembly of World Pastors held in South Korea on August 13.

Organized by the Council for Christian Mutual Growth (CCMG), Korea Christian Leaders Training Institute (KCLTI), and Pastors Alliance for Life and Human Rights (PAFHLR), the assembly carried the theme “Defending Religious Freedom and Christian Innovation.”

Participants called for stronger cooperation among Christian leaders across denominations under the banner, “One Body. One Voice. One Mission. Advancing Peace Through God’s Word.”

A key issue raised during the gathering was the detention and trial of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus in South Korea. Participants stressed that judicial decisions should be based on law, evidence and due process rather than public pressure or religious differences.

The joint declaration warned that “public opinion must never replace evidence, truth, and due process,” emphasizing that discrimination against one religious community could threaten religious freedom for all.

Philippine participants said the assembly reaffirmed the shared responsibility of Christian leaders to protect religious freedom and human dignity while promoting justice, cooperation and peace.