[BREAKING] Statement from Trumpâs spiritual advisor, Pastor Dr. Mark Burns, on the sentencing of 83-year-old religious leader Dr. Hak Ja Han
He says criminal law must never become a weapon against religious leaders, that religious freedom is a basic human right, and that she is entitled to due process and a fair appeal.
He also urges religious leaders of every tradition to stand together when that freedom is threatened.
The following is an excerpt from Pastor Mark Burnsâ statement:
"I am deeply disturbed by the sentencing of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon by the Seoul Central District Court in South Korea.
The freedom to worship, to organize, to speak, and to participate in the public life of a nation without fear of government persecution is a fundamental human right.
When an 83-year-old religious leader is sentenced to prison under circumstances that her church strongly disputes and intends to appeal, the international religious freedom community has a responsibility to pay attention.
I am calling upon the government and judicial authorities of the Republic of Korea to ensure that Dr. Han receives full due process, a fair and transparent appeals process, and treatment that respects both her human dignity and her religious freedom.
I also call upon religious leaders around the world, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and people of every faith tradition, to stand together whenever religious liberty is threatened.
Religious freedom cannot depend upon whether we agree with another person's theology. You do not have to share someone's beliefs to defend their right to believe them.
South Korea is an important democracy and a valued friend of the United States. Precisely because of that friendship, we must be willing to speak openly when actions raise serious questions about religious liberty and fundamental human rights."
Pastor Dr. Mark Burns
Founder & Chairman
@SpiritDiplomats
"The injustice that is happening to Mother Han here in South Korea is absolutely diabolical and evil." - Pastor Mark Burns, Founder & Chairman of @SpiritDiplomats
Nearly a year ago, Pastor Mark Burns personally visited Dr. Hak Ja Han at the Seoul Detention Center in South Korea as well as other leaders and members of the Unification Church to see firsthand what is really happening in the supposedly democratic, free nation.
Fast-forward one year, Dr. Hak Ja Han has been sentenced to two years in prison despite all the denials and arguments against the evidence presented by the special counsel organized by the current government of South Korea.
"South Korea is an important democracy and a valued friend of the United States. Precisely because of that friendship, we must be willing to speak openly when actions raise serious questions about religious liberty and fundamental human rights.
I stand with Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon in calling for justice, due process, religious freedom, and the protection of her fundamental human rights."