Zambian Church Leaders Continue Humanitarian Appeal with Special Prayer for 95-Year-Old Korean Religious Leader
LUSAKA, Zambia – July 24, 2026 – Just three days after Zambian religious and civil society leaders called for humanitarian protection of 95-year-old Korean religious leader Chairman Man-hee Lee during the press conference “Ubuntu—A Call for Universal Human Rights, Due Process, and Human Dignity,” Christian leaders gathered once again to offer prayers for his life, health, and human dignity at a national prayer gathering in Lusaka.
The prayers were offered during the Official Launch of the Chaplaincy National Altar of Prayer for the Republic of Zambia, organized by the Missionary Ambassadors for Global Evangelism (MAGE) in collaboration with the Religious Affairs Department under the Office of the Vice President of Zambia.
Held under the theme “Standing in the Gap for the Nation,” the gathering brought together bishops, pastors, chaplains, church leaders, government chaplains, and believers from various Christian denominations to pray for Zambia’s peace, justice, national unity, and spiritual renewal.
During the intercessory prayer session, participants also prayed for Chairman Lee, asking God to protect his life and health, grant him strength, and uphold justice and human dignity throughout the ongoing legal process in the Republic of Korea.
Church leaders emphasized that the prayer was not intended to interfere with judicial proceedings or to comment on the legal merits of the case. Rather, it reflected a humanitarian concern for the well-being of an elderly individual and a shared commitment to protecting the dignity of every human being regardless of nationality, religion, or background.
The prayer gathering followed the humanitarian appeal issued on 21 July, when religious leaders, human rights advocates, and civil society representatives gathered at the Ubuntu—A Call for Universal Human Rights, Due Process, and Human Dignity press conference. At that event, participants called for humanitarian consideration for Chairman Lee in light of his advanced age and reported health condition while emphasizing respect for the judicial process.
Several participants at today’s prayer gathering noted that the spirit of Ubuntu—often expressed as “I am because we are”—extends beyond national borders and reminds people of their shared responsibility to care for one another, particularly the elderly and the vulnerable.
They said that praying for Chairman Lee was an expression of Christian compassion and solidarity, reflecting the biblical call to stand with those in need while promoting peace, justice, and respect for human dignity.
The National Altar of Prayer ceremony itself focused on seeking God’s guidance for Zambia, praying for peace before, during, and after elections, national unity, righteous leadership, healing, and the protection of all people. Within that broader message, participants said that extending prayers to an elderly religious leader facing trial overseas was a natural expression of their faith and humanitarian values.
The continued prayers demonstrated that the humanitarian concerns first expressed during the Ubuntu press conference have evolved beyond public statements into sustained action within Zambia’s faith community. Participants reaffirmed that compassion, due process, and respect for human dignity are universal principles that should be upheld for all people, regardless of religion, nationality, or circumstance.
