Interfaith Leaders Vow to Stand Together for Religious Freedom

Seoul, South Korea – The World Religious Leaders Conference 2025 brought together 60 international faith leaders, scholars, and peace advocates from 16 nations in Seoul, Korea, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of UPF. Over five days, from August 19-23, 2025, the conference affirmed the universal right to religious freedom, celebrated interfaith solidarity, and deepened commitment to building one family under God.

With participants from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, indigenous, and other traditions, the gathering was a living testimony to the truth that faith, at its core, calls us to honor God by serving humanity.

The conference opened with a welcoming banquet featuring interfaith prayers, cultural performances, and greetings from global leaders, creating an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and shared purpose. On the second day, an Interfaith Worship and Water Ceremony demonstrated the harmony of prayer across diverse faiths.

Highlights included a keynote speech on Global Religious Liberty by French attorney Ms. Patricia Duval; panel

discussions on the erosion of religious freedom, with international experts including Pastor Mark Burns from the United States and Mr. Jatinder Singh Birdi of the United Kingdom; a case study on Korea presented by UPF-USA President Dr. Michael Jenkins; and a panel with Rev. Richard Greene, Pandit S.R. Tewarie, and Rev. Prescott Butler on the role of religious leaders under persecution.

In conclusion, the leaders pledged to create new platforms for dialogue and reconciliation across religions, to speak out to defend religious freedom, and to promote the family as the cornerstone of peace, love, and respect. Together, they affirmed that despite differences in tradition, the world’s religions can unite in building one family under God.

By Kaeleigh Moffitt, UPF-United States August 23, 2025