Light Presbyterian Church, a Korean megachurch located in Toronto of which Reverend Hyeon Soo Lim was the senior pastor, posted an announcement on Tuesday saying, "Our church and Reverend Lim's family sincerely hope that Reverend Lim, who has been detained for more than six months now, would return as soon as possible."
"We have no comments regarding the allegations that have been placed against Reverend Lim," said the announcement on the website, titled, 'The perspective of the family and church regarding Reverend Lim.' "But we do want to emphasize that everything Reverend Lim has done thus far was for the betterment of the lives of the North Korean people, and his activities were humanitarian relief efforts."
"[Reverend Lim] visited North Korea over 100 times out of his overflowing love for the North Korean people," the statement continues. "We believe that his compassion and mercy towards others is unchanging, and we simply hope that he will return as soon as possible."
"We thank everyone who have shown interest for his cause thus far, and we ask for continued prayers and support," the statement concludes.
Lim, who has been detained since his most recent visit into North Korea in late January, was shown in public through a press conference that took place in Pyongyang on July 30, and a worship service that took place in Bongsu Church on August 2nd.
