KAMPALA, Uganda — Religious leaders and representatives from several faith-based organizations in Uganda have held a joint prayer meeting calling for justice and fairness in the case involving Lee Man-hee, founder and chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus in South Korea.
The prayer meeting was held on August 10, 2026, at the Revelation of the Word Church of God Christian Mission, with additional participants joining virtually through Zoom.
The gathering, organised under Branch G12, brought together 42 participants, including 37 who attended physically and five who participated online.
The meeting focused on prayer, dialogue and advocacy concerning the continued detention of Lee Man-hee, with participants calling for his release and urging what they described as a fair and just handling of his case.
According to South Korean media reports, Lee Man-hee, who is in his 90s, was detained following a Seoul court decision in June. He faces allegations including violations of the Political Parties Act and obstruction of business in connection with claims that followers were encouraged to join a political party to influence election-related processes. Lee and Shincheonji have denied wrongdoing. His trial was scheduled to begin in July.
Religious leaders call for prayer and justice
Pastor Daniel Carbonado of the Revelation of the Word Church of God Christian Mission, who served as the overall coordinator of the meeting, urged participants to respond to the situation through prayer.
Pastor Carbonado said believers facing persecution should turn to God for intervention rather than relying solely on worldly institutions. He expressed hope that prayer would lead to a positive outcome for Lee Man-hee and called on participants to remain united in faith.
He also questioned whether detention was an appropriate response given Lee’s advanced age and urged participants to pray for his release.
Jeffrey Kamesso, a representative of Bio Vision Africa, also participated in the meeting and spoke about his understanding of Lee Man-hee’s international peace-related activities.
Kamesso said he had witnessed what he described as Lee’s efforts to promote peace in different countries. He questioned whether a person involved in international peace initiatives should be regarded as someone who deliberately violates the law.
He further expressed concern about the detention of an elderly religious leader and called on the international community to pay attention to the case.
Kamesso urged people of faith and other stakeholders to continue praying and advocating for what they consider a fair resolution.
Broad participation
The prayer meeting brought together religious leaders, church representatives and members of faith-based organizations.
Among those in attendance were Pastor Daniel Carbonado of the Revelation of the Word Church of God Christian Mission; Jeffrey Kamesso of Bio Vision Africa; Dominic Rutunguka, General Secretary of God International Mission; Fred Kayondo of the Bwina Catholic Men’s Association; Raphael Kayumba Mulanga, Senior Pastor of Nios Mission Church; Benjamin Lurinda Kiza, Chairman of the Men’s Ministry at Nios Mission Church; Safina Bwanzenga, a Deacon at Nios Mission Church; Prélon Muenevato Ibole, Pastor at Nios Mission Church; and Geoffrey Bahati, a Deacon at Silocity Church.
The organizers said the gathering was intended to provide an opportunity for religious leaders to unite in prayer and express their concerns regarding the situation.
Joint statement and media engagement planned
As part of the activities, organizers announced plans to prepare and circulate a joint statement calling for justice and fairness in the handling of Lee Man-hee’s case.
Participants are also expected to collect signatures in support of the statement.
In addition, interviews were conducted with Pastor Daniel Carbonado and Jeffrey Kamesso to document their views on the matter and their reasons for participating in the prayer initiative.
The organizers said press releases would be shared with media organisations in Uganda to raise public awareness about the prayer initiative and the concerns expressed by participating religious leaders.
They also indicated that written interview content would be shared with South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper.
Continuing call for prayer
The organizers said the August 10 gathering was part of broader efforts to encourage prayer, dialogue and peaceful advocacy concerning Lee Man-hee’s situation.
While the legal proceedings in South Korea remain a matter for the country’s judicial authorities, the Ugandan religious leaders who participated in the meeting said they would continue using prayer and peaceful advocacy to call for what they believe should be a fair and just outcome.
The meeting concluded with prayers for Lee Man-hee, his family and supporters, as well as for peace and justice in the ongoing proceedings.
