Global Religious Leaders Unite for Peace at Major Lecture Event

The “3rd Special Lecture on Revelation Open to All Nations” concluded successfully on November 2, 2024, becoming the largest event of its kind in history. Hosted by the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the lecture gathered over 1,000 participants, including 440 religious leaders from 59 countries. The event focused on fostering dialogue and understanding among various faiths, centered on the themes of peace and unity.

Chairman Lee Man-hee emphasized the importance of upholding the values of “truth and peace,” highlighting the need for religious leaders to work collaboratively. “This was the first time we experienced such a free and warm exchange. We felt true peace within the truth,” said one participant, reflecting a sentiment shared by many at the event.

Building Bridges Through Shared Beliefs

The Special Lecture series aims to create a platform for interfaith dialogue by exploring the prophecies and fulfillments within the New Testament Book of Revelation. This year’s session saw an increase in participation, reinforcing its status as a global dialogue hub. The theme, “The Path of Understanding Led by the Bible, The Path of Peace Walked Together by Religions,” resonated deeply with attendees, who found common ground in the messages of their respective scriptures.

Religious leaders from Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Confucianism shared insights on the transformative power of the teachings from the Book of Revelation. Venerable Yulryeo Seongwon, Chairman of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, remarked, “This was a time to confirm that this Word is the path for humanity to become one, transcending the walls of religion.”

The event also featured the “World Religious Leaders’ Revelation Contest,” which attracted 317 participants from 60 countries, with 154 achieving perfect scores. These results underscore the high level of engagement and commitment to the educational aspects of the program.

Experiencing Empathy and Harmony

Beyond lectures, the event included various interactive formats such as united prayer meetings for global peace, quizzes on biblical knowledge, and discussions aimed at cultivating a culture of peace. Participants described their experiences as ones filled with empathy and understanding, often marked by shared tears and laughter.

A pastor from the Presbyterian Church expressed hope for interfaith unity, stating, “Through cultural exchange, I can see hope for becoming one while sharing understanding between religions and values of faith.” This sentiment was echoed by several others, indicating a collective desire to move beyond traditional boundaries.

The event concluded with a powerful moment as over 440 religious leaders and 1,000 attendees united in a declaration for peace. Venerable Sok Buntoeun, Director of the Buddhist Higher Education Department of Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Religion, shared his own experiences of fostering interfaith dialogue back home. Following his participation in last year’s session, he organized invitation lectures at Buddhist temples, which attracted over 850 participants this year.

During the gathering, 215 attendees signed a religious peace pledge, reinforcing their commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation. This pledge symbolizes a historic step toward practical peace initiatives within and between communities.

Reflecting on the event, a representative from the Shincheonji Church of Jesus noted, “This lecture confirmed that the Bible contains universal truths for humanity, not just a scripture of a specific religion.” Chairman Lee Man-hee concluded by urging religious leaders to focus on their original mission of spreading truth and achieving peace through dialogue.

The first Special Lecture, held in February 2024, attracted about 80 leaders from 10 religious denominations across 28 countries. The second event witnessed participation from approximately 270 religious leaders from 57 countries. The remarkable growth of these lectures highlights an increasing global commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.