The Third Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) Peace Forum took place virtually on March 9, 2021, under the theme of “Towards the Unification of the Korean Peninsula: The Role of Faith and Civic Leadership.”
The webinar was specifically designed for faith leaders, experts, and concerned civic leaders to address issues of peace in the Korean Peninsula and offer their understanding and wisdom regarding steps toward the unification of the peninsula.
Tomiko Duggan, the IAPD Program Director, and Senior Vice President of the Universal Peace Federation-USA welcomed the audience with over 600 guests on Zoom and Facebook.
Tomiko Duggan reported that the 70-year division of the Korean Peninsula caused the undisclosed suffering of many people. She confessed, “As far back as late 1970, I was involved with a project supporting the repatriation of Japanese wives and children who followed their husbands and fathers and emigrated to North Korea. These families were deceived by the false propaganda and promise in the 1960s about life in North Korea and then found themselves unable to re-visit Japan – even if it were only to see aging parents and relatives before they died. I read the government censored and redacted the letters from these captives Japanese pleading for release. My colleagues and I fasted and demonstrated in front of the UN building to publicize the circumstances of their lives and the false claims of the North Korean government about them.”
Dr. Michael Jenkins, President of UPF International and Chairman of the UPF – North America was the Program Moderator. The speakers today are uniquely informed about life in North Korea.
DR. JENKINS: introduces Archbishop George A. Stallings, Jr., the Founder of the Imani Temple African American Catholic Congregation and Chairman of the IAPD
ARCH. STALLINGS: Believing in the interconnectedness of all humankind, and the spirituality of each person on the earth in a universal family, I know that what happens on the Korean peninsula affects all of us who do not live on the Korean peninsula. For the past 20 years, I’ve been associated through UPF with faith leaders around the world who have been concerned with reunification of the Koreas, visiting Korea multiple times a year. We went to the DMZ a number of times and we could feel strongly how many families are still suffering by separation from their relatives.
As a man of faith, I know the only source of assistance I can provide is what we call “soft diplomacy.” How do we keep it on the front burner of American foreign policy? Through prayer and educating our congregations. Most Americans have no awareness of the situation.
I believe with God all things are possible. I know the door is open because of Father and Mother Moon’s involvement.
DR. KIM: Two things are blocking the reunification of the Korean peninsula. First, the very extreme difference in ideology of North and South Korea, communism and democracy. A wide and deep division. Kim Il-sung upheld juche ideology based on Marxism. More than 10 million people escaped from the North to the South between 1945-1950. My family is one of them, but we are missing most of them.
Juche ideology could not offer a happy life to the Korean people. When Father and Mother Moon visited North Korea, they explained Godism ideology to Kim Il-sung.
Not only conflict between North and South, but another big matter is also against one another in the South. Religious, social, political leaders have said, we must drop the bomb on Pyongyang. Fighting not only against North and South, but against each other, South to South.
So what do we need? A new vision, new ideology is necessary, a core principle of peace must be interdependence, mutual prosperity, and universally shared values. Without a new vision, very hard to bring reunification.
As religious people, we must practice God-centered true love. Pope Francis just visited Iraq, the first time in 2,000 years for a Pope. This is a great example of practicing God’s love. Without practicing forgiveness, we cannot come together to build a faith community, nation, world.
Mother Moon has visited Muslim countries in Africa, telling them, you are my family. As religious leaders, we must practice God-centered love.
Two videos were shown of testimonies by North Korean defectors.
Ms. Suzanne K. Scholte, President, Defense Forum Foundation, Chair, North Korea Freedom Coalition spoke:
MS. SCHOLTE: Just quickly, the current situation: over 33,000 North Koreans have escaped to the South since the outbreak of Covid. There are thousands more in Canada, UK, US. There is now no doubt that the Kim Jong-Eun regime is committing atrocities that have no parallel in history. It’s important to say this because in the 1990s the first defectors I hosted in the US had stories so horrible that people didn’t believe them. The UN Commission of Inquiry concluded this in 2014.
North Korea experience Covid first outside of China, and shut their border in January 2020. We do know the regime has a great fear of Covid; a shoot-to-kill order was instituted at the border. They seem to have kept the elite safe – at the Party Congress no one was wearing masks.
This is a historic opportunity because North Korea has refused to accept back escapees who are being detained in China right now. They are people who had the resources to get out. This means they are either elites, or they have family members in the South who raised funds to get them out. Detainees who are sent back to the North are tortured and imprisoned, sometimes executed. Escaping to the South is punishable by death.
This is an opportunity for South Korea to quietly work with China to safely resettle those defectors who are in detention.
The situation in the South now is very disturbing; there is great division in how to deal with North Korea. Moon Jae-in, instead of speaking out for the human rights of the Korean people, is working on behalf of the Kim dictatorship through his actions. His party pushed through legislation banning getting information into North Korea. Kim’s sister demanded that sending information by balloon must stop.
Here’s a technique defectors came up with to get information into North Korea – filling bottles that would float upon the shore of North Hwanghae province. Also sending balloons with masks, flash drives with information, leaflets. All this has been banned by the current South Korean government.
Ways to we help North Koreans:
Information is very important. Free North Korea radio broadcasts every morning and evening, funded by escapees and the Korean diaspora. Getting information to North Korea shows them we care about them, which contrasts the regime message that Americans want to blow them up. Music can be very powerful, glorifying God.
The power of prayer – this is a spiritual battle with a demonic regime.
Appealing with us to get the currently detained refugees out of China.
Pressure the Moon government to advocate for the human rights of the North Korean people, not shut down their voices. A defector told me that the situation now in South Korea for defectors is currently worse than it is in North Korea.
Support one of the many North Korean defector groups. Support Free North Korea Radio, for instance.
In conclusion, I believe we can bring peaceful regime change by giving the elites hope for an alternative to their current limited options, which are devotion to Kim Jong-Eun, or imprisonment/execution. We know there are people in the regime that want to get out but they need someone to partner with.
To watch the recording of the forum, please click here
Contributed by: Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, Senior Vice President, UPF USA
MOTHER OF PEACE “And God Shall Wipe Away All Tears From Their Eyes”
Discover the untold story of Hak Ja Han Moon, the North Korean village girl who is now known to millions as the Mother of Peace. Her heart-wrenching story reveals details of a war-torn childhood and trials of faith as she and her late husband, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, built a vast and still-growing international movement capable of fulfilling God’s will for peace in the 21st century
The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA’s second weekly Interfaith Prayer for the Nation and the World was excitedly convened on Thursday, April 16 at 3 PM (EST). The brief mid-week program features representatives from different faith traditions who offer prayers, comments, and scriptural readings to those linked remotely by zoom views and audio.
Dr. Michael Jenkins, Chairman of UPF-North America, spoke from his home in Virginia of the importance and power of prayer in bringing about change in ourselves and the world around us.
Prayer brings
us closer to God. Prayer gives us the ability to unite with each other. In
praying for healing and understanding that those affected by loss of life and
illness can be truly healed, we recognize that all faiths teach that prayer can
bring the power of healing. He testified that God has power over all things but
requires some conditions for people to come forward to petition God to bring
healing.
Pastor Dante King, Pastor of Forward Church
Pastor Dante King, of Forward Church in Prince Georges County, MD who attended the World Summit program held in early February in South Korea, borrowed insight from a scriptural reading of Psalm 46. David cries out that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble”. We should not be afraid because “though the waters roar and be troubled” we are reminded that there is a river that belongs to God, and a city of God. At a time when everyone is called to “shelter in place”, we should be grateful that the God we serve is a shelter in place, our refuge.
Imam Talib Sharif of the Nation’s Mosque
Iman Talib Sharif, leader of the Nation’s Mosque, who also attended the World Summit in Korea and was one of the faith leaders selected to pray before 30,000 at the Cheongshim Peace Center, began with acknowledging Almighty God’s bounty and blessings exceeds our ability to measure or count.
He spoke of the God who recognizes all of us and loves us all equally. COVID 19 is not racist though there will be greater disparities in communities where there are fewer resources. It is not nationalist though in some nations there will be more suffering. With half the world on lockdown with physical, mental, and spiritual pause all faiths are challenged with keeping the faith alive – as they are during persecution, war, and adverse times. But never have all our faiths been challenged like this at the same time.
Know God apportions goodness and wisdom throughout human history, and though we are being tested these tests are temporary. With God’s help, we will overcome. His reading from the Koran: “Be sure, we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives and the fruits of your toil. But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.” Through patience and endurance of being tested, of turning toward universal kinship, we are called to our potential goodness, to be able to say we belong to Almighty God.
Archbishop George Stallings, Jr., Founder of Imani Temple and Director of Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) – North America
Archbishop George Augustus Stallings, a leader of a movement of independent Catholicsthroughout America, co-founder of the American Clergy Leadership Conference, founder of the American Catholic Congregation and the Imani Temple, and on the founding committee of IAPD, chair of IAPD North America welcomed all who believe in one God. Regardless of the name we use to approach God, we know we are children of God and that we proceed from the handiwork of God.
Referring to Psalm 139, “I give you thanks oh God that I am fearfully and wonderfully made”, we are reminded that each one of us is an expression of a God that is all-present and all-knowing. Each one of us in this time of global pandemic is laying ourselves down like a bridge over troubled waters. The beauty of this providential moment is in God’s timing as for the opportunity of religious leaders and men and women of deep, abiding faith who trust in our Creator with all that is within us and to seize this moment for a way to stand together as one.
Even while socially and physically distanced from one another, we stand together as spiritually one to show the world community that as believers we embrace the concept of one God and do not allow race or ethnicities, denomination, creed, social, economic or political backgrounds to separate us. We applaud the different paths by which we approach the same God, we are all on the path to the same destination. It does not matter what vehicle we use to get to the same destination. This is a time while in the diversity of our religious traditions we can demonstrate that there is one common element that inextricably binds us together as brothers and sisters, that we are one family under God.
Venerable Phramaha Thanat Inthisan, President of International Buddhist Association of America
Venerable Dr. Phramaha Thanat Inthisan, President of International Buddhist Association of America, read the Buddha’s words: “All tremble at punishment. All fear death. Comparing others with oneself, one should neither kill nor cause one to kill.”
He read and translated from a Sutra how about the teaching of and loving-kindness: those who wish to reach a state of peace should do the right thing: to speak in a good way, be gentle in humble, should be content, kind and thoughtful, and should not greedy. They should not do anything that will cause blame. May all beings be happy to have their hearts upright. Let no one tell a lie, hurt anyone, be angry with anyone. May all beings are strong, all be happy. Tell no lies. Hurt no one or be angry with anyone. Just as a mother protects her only child, let everyone have a kind heart towards all living beings. Let love go all over to all persons in the world. Let everyone be mindful when standing, sitting, or lying down. It is the best way to be.
He concluded with an expression of kindness and loving compassion for all people all over the world. May all beings be free from enmity. May all beings be free from ill-treatment, enmity, free from troubles and suffering. May all living beings be able to protect their happiness, be happy in body and mind.
The participants from across the USA joined in a brief
silent group prayer to conclude the program.
On Thursday, April 23, at 1:00 PM EST, UPF USA will continue this weekly outreach in bringing people of different faiths together in a larger communion to pray for the Nation and the World.
The live recordings of the Prayer for the Nation and the World can be found on UPF USA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/watch/UPFAmerica/
Contributed by: Tomiko Duggan, Senior Vice President of UPF USA
The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA’s initial Interfaith Prayer for the Nation and the World was convened online on Thursday, April 9th at 1 PM (EST) through a call out to Ambassadors of Peace, UPF members, and friends of UPF.
UPF recognizes that the challenges of the COVID 19 epidemic require a unified response. With the collapse of economic life and the isolation and separation of people forced by the mitigation discipline, many communities, families, and individuals are threatened. The threats are spiritual as well as physical.
UPF initiated the program to promote greater unity among leaders and communities of all faiths as a way to bolster hope, maintain our appreciation of the profound relationships that bind us together, and inspire the understanding and love of others. The brief mid-week program featured representatives from different faith traditions who offered prayers, comments, and scriptural readings to those linked by zoom views.
Dr. Michael Jenkins, President, UPF International, and Chairman UPF-USA
Dr.
Michael Jenkins, Chairman of UPF-North America, spoke from his home in Maryland
of the importance and power of prayer in bringing about change in ourselves and
the world around us. Prayer brings us closer to God. Prayer gives us the
ability to unite with each other.
Rev. Dr. Wintley Phipps
Rev. Dr. Wintley Phipps, a Seventh Day Adventist from Florida who traveled to many countries with Billy Graham and has performed for six US Presidents, reminded us that God is our refuge and fortress in whom we trust. Reading from Psalm 91 he called us to dwell in the shelter of the Most High, rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He sang “Amazing Grace” in expressing his deep baritone concern for those who lost their loved ones, those struggling for their health.
Imam Mohammad Ali, Founder of the Islamic House of Wisdom
Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi from the Islamic House of Wisdom from Michigan joined from his library and recited a chapter from the Koran. He prayed for us to overcome darkness, difficulty, and despair by calling on God for peace and contentment, for God to inspire leaders and medical communities. He reminded us of the need for humble trust in God. It is there and not pride in wealth or military power where the solutions to social ills and injustice can be found.
Ven. Katugastota Uparatana, Chair Buddhism on the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington
Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Maha Thera from the Sri Lankan Buddhist community, Chair of Buddhism on the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, recited the Buddha’s words and prayed for unity and peace in mind and spirit and body during this challenging time. He called for goodwill towards all beings, for our minds to be focused on peace and happiness. He prayed for us to take on the heart of a mother protecting her child when approaching others and the world, to avoid malice of any kind.
Participants from across the USA were joined on the prayer call. Based on their response, UPF USA plans to continue and develop this weekly outreach in bringing people of different faiths together in a larger communion to pray for the Nation and the World.
Contributed by: Tomiko Duggan, Senior Vice President of UPF USA
The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Hawaii hosts its 3rd Annual World Interfaith Harmony Week event at the University of Hawaii (UH) Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies on the 26th of February were about 60 people attended the event.
Hawaiian Kahu (priest) Loko’olu Quintero and three members of his Hawai’I Nei Church opened the ceremony with several loud blasts of a sea shell and a welcoming chant. Dr. Jeff Nakama, Executive Director for UPF-Hawaii, who was the host of the event welcomed all guests, participants, and Family Federation members. He then urged everyone to take a couple of minutes to greet their neighbors and find out what religion and background they came from. The quiet sound of an empty auditorium soon erupted with the energetic sounds of loud and enthusiastic greetings. The opening chant and the guest greeting each other really opened the hearts of everyone present and set the tone for the evening.
Dr. Thomas
Lynch of the Interfaith Academy offered grace for the dinner. As dinner was
winding down co-sponsors to the event like CARP, FFWPU and UH Center for
Hawaiian Studies were acknowledged.
UH students Sejoon Nakama and Yongqi Lin read commendations from the Governor of Hawaii and Mayor of Honolulu respectively. Rev. Sage Chee, from the Ohana Family of the Living God, gave a couple of beautiful songs that lifted the already electric atmosphere and testified about Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s event in New Jersey and the idea that “peace starts with me.”
This was
followed by a short but recent video clip of summit 2020 showing the recent
developments of UPF, especially the IAPD which was most relevant to our
interfaith event, the IAPP and their important combined role in sustaining
peace. The video clip included the profound words of Father and Mother Moon.
Rev. Ernie Ho of the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) gave an exciting introduction to the water ceremony. However, before the actual ceremony the UPF video, World Interfaith Harmony Week, was played.
The host explained that the water being used for the ceremony was brought by the Hawaiian priest and is the rainwater that have fallen unto the leaves and was gathered into his gourd. This pure water has not yet touched the earth. He later instructed that the faith representatives would come on stage in alphabetical order of faith. They would be given a cup of water and they would read a minute of prepared text from their sacred writings or pray and then pour the water into a large crystal bowl.
They were 8 major world religions represented along with 2 other faiths: Bahai, Buddhism, Christianity, Hawaiian Religion (state Christian hybrid), Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, Shintoism and Unificationism (worldwide Christian denomination). The Hindu representative had a family emergency to attend, so the Hindu religion was not represented. Both the Bahai and the Hawaiian religion had young participants so they could also represent the unity of world religions to the next generation.
It was inspiring and uplifting to see and feel the sacred ceremony. Most participants wore some elements of their traditional clothes, but the Buddhist, Hawaiian, and Shinto representatives came with full-blown ceremonial garb. The variety of religious scriptures and clothes combined with the different cultures with the symbolism of the world religions harmonizing into oneness with the mixing of the water was a beautiful sight to behold.
After the final representative had finished pouring the water into the bowl and while they were still on stage the host urged all the participants and audience to pray out loud or in silence for world peace for a minute. This concluded the “We Are One Water Ceremony” part of the program. He later explained that the mixed sacred water would be divided into 3 parts and given to 3 representatives. The Hawaiian priest would pray and pour the sacred water on a mountain, Dr. Lynch would pour the water in the ocean and Dr. Nakama would pour the water around 2 peace poles at the University of Hawaii. Therefore, a condition was made to spread interreligious harmony on mountain, land, and ocean on Oahu and throughout the Pacific Rim Region.
While the participants were still on stage a table and resolution were brought out. Signing a World Harmony Resolution was the brainchild of Keiko Nakama and Rev. Takami and Rev. James Mitchell worded it. The MC read the resolution and then urged all the participants and religious leaders to sign it and the rest of the participants signed as well.
Finally,
after a group photo, everyone came off stage, and formed a circle while Rev.
Chee led the closing song “Let There Be Peace On Earth.” Suddenly, one of the
members of The Hawaiian Church of Hawai’I Nei began an impromptu hula of the
song. It caught the audience by surprise but they all loved it. The host thanked
everyone for their attendance and active participation and gave some final words
of encouragement.
Contributed by: Dr. Jefery Nakama, Executive Director, UPF Hawaii
On Saturday, November 9th Universal Peace Federation – Connecticut (UPF-CT) and American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) formed a spiritual, joint venture in creating a unique conference, and Ambassadors for Peace Forum that brought together about 70 religious, civil and academic leaders to discuss the impact of good families on creating a peaceful, prosperous and healthy world at the Margaret E. Morton Government Center in Bridgeport from 2 to 6 pm.
Mr. Steven Boyd who served as the facilitator led everyone through the program which started with a sincerely moving invocation by Archbishop Russel J. Davenport, founder of the Arrow of Yahweh Ministries in Queens, NY. Mr. Antonio Battilocchi, Executive Director of ACLC welcomed the guests in attendance from all walks of life and religions, and Mr. Roger Wetherall, Executive Director of UPF in Connecticut presented a brief introduction of some of the philosophy, history and activities of UPF.
Mr. Boyd then set the tone for the forum by reading a Poem
about Peace provided by Mike Theebs, the poet Laureate of the City of Milford,
which reads in part:
Does it sprout from the barrel of a gun? Is there enough of it for everyone? Perhaps it’s one, or none, or all of the above. Perhaps it’s an olive branch in the beak of a dove. Whatever it may be, one lesson is clear: There will never be peace wherever there is fear.
These words led us into the Peace Forum where three
outstanding presenters took to the podium to share their inspiring messages:
Rev. Hopeton A. Scott,
Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport who spoke on peace in
the family under the title “Violence No More!”.
Mr. Bruce A. Barrett,
Executive Director, IWagePeace Inc., CT who spoke on Faith and Peace and
provided a deep insight into the personal challenges that he had to face in
overcoming his reluctance to work together with other faiths. Mr. Barrett has
been instrumental in working with veterans and survivors of the conflict in
Israel and Palestine to bring about reconciliation and healing and he organizes
annual Day of Peace Activities in Connecticut.
Apostle Glenda Phillips-Lee,
International Gospel Helpers, NYC and ACLC Co-chair, CT, delivered her powerful
message on Peace in the World and emphasized the incredible work that Dr. Hak
Ja Han Moon is doing in bringing her message of peace and love to people
throughout the world.
The presenters offered their unique understanding on the
importance of peace in the family, in the nation and in the world and provided
good material for the questions and discussion that followed. The table discussion
proved to be essential for networking, as it provided a safe place for
attendees to express their thoughts and listen to what others shared.
Though the Hon. Joseph Ganim, Mayor of Bridgeport who previously attended the Parents’ Day celebration could not personally attend this event, he sent his Community Liaison, Ms. Carolyn Vermont to deliver congratulatory remarks to the 10 Ambassadors for Peace that we recognized in this event. This portion of the program began with a short presentation on the meaning of the Ambassador for Peace Award. It is paramount to understand that this award is a not just a recognition for what an individual has accomplished but for what they commit to accomplish in the future. For this reason, we introduced an ‘AfP Spotlight’ segment to give an opportunity for one of our long-standing AfPs to talk about what they have been doing. Dr. Elaine Golden, who was appointed an AFP in Connecticut 15 years ago, gave a moving presentation on what she has been working on and has accomplished over the last 15 years in India, Africa and Connecticut. She testified to how empowering it has been to her to know that she is an Ambassador for Peace and she is very proud of this recognition.
During the Ambassador for Peace ceremony, 10 Individuals received
their awards and after the ceremony, Mr. Wetherall called on everyone present
to become a UPF member and attend the “Peace Starts with Me” Rally on December
28th, to hear the address that will be delivered by Mother Moon, the Mother of
Peace. Many of the participants signed up immediately to get tickets and to
bring their friends.
Overall the participants were really engaged in the program and several new people indicated their intention to continue working with us in the future to organize more programs like this. Rev. Pettway of the Friendship Baptist Church in Stratford said, “I learned a lot and appreciated the invitation and the appointment I have received.” Archbishop Davenport said, “I really had a great time and could see many of my church members asking great questions!”
We also offer our gratitude to all those in our community
who contributed to the set-up and clean-up, who helped with the sound system,
who prepared the food and above all, who invited and brought guests. We could
never have put on such a great program without the help of so many caring and talented
people.
Contributed by: Roger Wetherall, UPF-CT Executive Director
On July 11th, West Orange, in New Jersey, an affluent and close-knit community which shares borders, beyond it’s beautiful natural background and famous Turtleback zoo and environmental center, with several other towns, was the host city for Universal Peace Federation’s annual Parents Day celebration. The West Orange event was the first of many events to be held throughout the state during July and August.
Against the background
of a stormy night, our celebration of Parents Day brought an undeniable and indescribable
calm and peace amidst the storms of life these parents have gone through. More
than sixty participants joined us on this memorable night. Many parents even
brought their children to attend.
Among our nominees were
university department chair, city commissioner, businessmen and community
leaders among others. In addition to the Mayor, honorable Robert D. Parisi, who
presented all the nominees with their awards, we were also honored to have two
deputy mayors in attendance. The Mayor addressed the audience and spoke
eloquently about the need for strong family values and the necessity for the
community to join hands together because good family is the key component for a
good community.
Dr. Jeffery Lipitz spoke
on behalf of all the awardees. He was very grateful for the work UPF is doing
by promoting and encouraging parents to be a good role model in the community throughout
New Jersey and around the country. He was grateful to his wife for helping him
raising wonderful children. He was also grateful to the city and the mayor for
opening their door and welcoming all the parents who came to the event. He
pledged to join hands with all the awardees to continue to help us promote this
vision which is critical for the betterment of the community.
Dr. Robert Beebe spoke
about the crucial role of parents in raising good children because family is
essentially the school of love. He stressed the importance of understanding the
four realms of love. Rev. Oppenheimer shared a PowerPoint presentation on the
historical background of Parents Day.
Dr. Velez, in his
congratulatory remarks, gave a powerful testimony about Rev. and Mrs. Moon as
the champions of peace. He reminded the audience that it is because of them
that we are celebrating this moment and this nation of America should be
grateful to Rev. Moon and his wife, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. He went even further
to testify of their efforts in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. He
also stressed that it is because of God ‘s love and their faith and commitment
to serve mankind that we can all gather here for an event such as this.
His wife, Dr. Josie
Velez who is also Chairwoman for the City Commission on Public Relations
concluded all the speeches with a Call to Action. She called on everyone to get
involved in their community and to also join our effort so that by working
together as parents, we can build a better community.
As I sat there, I was wondering how many among these parents have encountered “rainy days” in their lives? Those times of financial struggles, the emotional storms, poor health, or relationship difficulties? How many turbulent times in life have they gone through? At the same time, it reminded me that, although we will always face challenges in life, not all our days as parents will always be rosy or sweet, we should not focus too much on the problems so that we lose sight of the opportunities. We should always find the optimistic viewpoint. It also reminded me of a quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton: “And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.”
Indeed,
we were truly blessed by Heaven and we are grateful that, with the leadership
of UPF here in New Jersey and throughout the country, we can make a difference
and bring our modest contribution in order to strengthen families and solidify
the foundation of our communities.
Manhattan, New York – The African
Cultural Family Festival took place on a Sunday afternoon, April 28th in the
main ballroom on 4West43rd Street. On this day, more than 300 people dressed in
their traditional robes and dresses of various African descent including
children gathered together to celebrate. This event was a celebration of the
rich African culture which embodies and emphasizes the importance of family,
tradition, music, and heritage.
During
the program, several speakers were invited such as Dr. Nelson Aluya, Assistant
Professor of Medicine at Rutgers University who spoke on The Value of Hybrid Education for the African Child and Dr. Kani
Diop who gave a presentation on Family
Beliefs and Community Values: A Closer Look at the African Immigrant Families.
These speeches gave great emphasis on the importance of engraving African
traditions as a way to raise the future generation.
In between
these speakers, we also had various performances given by talented African
musicians and dancers, giving a taste of the African culture to the audience.
These performances livened up the room and created a powerful interactive
experience for audience to stand and dance along with the music.
Consul General Hon. Annick Josiane Capet Bakou of Ivory Coast giving her remarks
The keynote address was delivered by the Consul General Hon. Annick Josiane Capet Bakou of Ivory Coast. She thanked the Universal Peace Federation for the work that it does to promote peace in the family, society and the world. She especially thanked the African families who are in attendance for their active participation in the community and for educating their children of their own culture and heritage.
Dr. Drissa Kone with his wife sharing about the family as school of love and blessing
Dr. Drissa Kone, the main organizer of the event and one of the key speakers gave a brief talk on the importance of family and how peace is created through strengthening the family unit and the significance of blessing the family. He and his wife then led a toast for peace and family blessing with two representative couples, one a Muslim and the other Christian. Finally, Imam and Rev. Glenda Phillips-Lee prayed for all the couples and families who participated the event.
Senator Makani Diaby receiving her appointment as Ambassador for Peace from Dr. Kone
Also, twelve outstanding individuals were appointed as Ambassadors of Peace by Rev. Ricardo de Sena together with Dr. Drissa Kone assisted by some current Ambassadors for Peace. Afterwards, everyone got to enjoy a delicious African meal and engaged in more fellowship with one another while watching more performances from the Benin Group, Dozo Dance with Mamadou Cissé and Djliya with children.
Contributed by: Chiaki Hagiwara and Emiljun Rapada, UPF USA
Durham, NC – On Saturday, April 27, 2019, Universal Peace Federation of
North Carolina held the “African Conference Global Connections” at the Triangle
Family Church.
Mrs. Sharon
Pace, Executive Director of UPF of NC along with our co-sponsors: Nwachukwu
“Chuk” Okafor, founder of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of North Carolina; Beverly Yekeson of
the Liberia Crisis Center; Pearl Forbes from Mama Africa Festival; and Triangle
Family Church made this meaningful conference a great success!
Thirty-five
guests gathered for a light breakfast from 9 A.M. courtesy of Biscuitville of
Cary. While guests arrived and registered, they also received a program and a
new 44-page ‘Africa Summit ALC Source Book’ edited for this conference by UPF
of NC. The moderator, Nwachukwu “Chuk” Okafor, welcomed everyone at around 9:30
A.M. and Mr. Tim Davis of the Triangle Family Church prayed to commence the
gathering. A letter of thanks for Peace and Unity signed by Mayor Steve Schewel
of Durham, was read by Mrs. Sharon Pace.
North Carolina Kenya Dance and Singing Group
The North Carolina
Kenya Dance and Singing Group, directed by Lenora Ochieng and coordinated by
Carol Kimani, performed a joyful African Dance and led everyone in inspiring
group songs.
Mr. John
Pace co-director of UPF NC briefly explained the Five Universal Principles of
Peace.
The guest
speaker, Mr. Immanuel Jarvis, the North Carolina MLK Jr. Commissioner and President
of the Durham Republican Party, gave a wonderful speech titled “World Peace:
Seeing What Others Don’t See” He compared Reverend Moon’s and Dr. Martin Luther
King Junior’s vision for peace. He also quoted from Reverend Moon’s poem,
“Crown of Glory”.
After which a 22-minute video report about Dr. Hak Jan Han
Moon’s initiatives starting from the African Summit in Senegal including her
visit and prayer in Goree Island as well as the blessing event in Zimbabwe and finally
the conference in South Africa in partnership with the House of Mandela.
Appointment of three new Ambassadors for Peace
Later, Mrs. Sharon Pace appointed three new
Ambassadors for Peace including Ms. Mary Jane Aju, CEO of Aju Global Media, who
watched the entire conference on her phone thru skype from Atlanta, Georgia due
to missing her flight to Durham when the airport staff took her to the wrong
gate. She was so happy to have received her Ambassador for Peace certificate
live on the telephone. The other two appointees were: Mr. Martins Ogbu, CEO of
Blue Rose Media Production and President of Enugu Professionals for Good
Governance; and Mr. Toni Ekeh, a human resource professional, career coach and
mentor.
Mrs. Beverly Yekeson, of the Liberia
Crisis Center and an Ambassador for Peace, read from the African Summit Source
Book about building a community of peace. Everyone participated in six round
table discussions centered on questions concerning peace and the community.
Several people shared from the podium the content of their group discussions.
Mrs. Sharon Pace gave an African necklace to the founders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of NC
To end the morning session, everyone participated
in a “Blessing Toast for Strong Marriages and Families” realizing that strong
families are the cornerstone for world peace.
Before breaking for a sumptuous lunch prepared by members of the Triangle Family Church, all were enjoined for a group photo to remember this important conference. While having fellowship, songs and dances were being performed.
Dr. LeVonder
Brinkley, Author, Counselor and Ambassador for Peace read about “Peace Starts
with Me” to begin the final session. After the final round table discussions,
everyone made a circle while holding each other’s hands and sang “Let There Be
Peace on Earth”. A prayer was said to close the gathering.
Contributed by: John
and Sharon Pace, Executive Directors of UPF NC
More than 50 guests attended the celebration of families
Seattle, WA – On Saturday, April 16th,
UPF Washington reserved a room that would comfortably sit 32 people, however, before
the program even begun 36 guests are already in the room and expecting others
to join shortly.
Luckily, the
program in the larger room next door had finished and the hostess pushed back
the panel separating the two rooms for an overflow into the next room. This
scenario is both challenging and inspiring as more people are very excited to
listen and learn more about the program.
Guests attentively listening to the presentation
The
celebration began with a prayer by Rev. David Roberts. His invocation, a well
targeted prayer for the families in our nation, leading into the topic was
heartfelt. After which, Mr. Ray McCready UPF-WA executive director began the
presentation built around the concept of “the family as the school of love”.
His talk underscored the founding message of the UPF Co-founders, Rev. Sun
Myung Moon and Mrs. Hak Ja Han Moon in 2005. It also included messages during
the 180-City Tour in 2006 which Mrs. Moon gave the speech “God’s Model Ideal
Family and Nation, and the Peace Kingdom”. The same address was first delivered
by Rev. Moon on March 16, 2006 at a Korean Ambassadors for Peace and Leaders
meeting.
The presentation
was dedicated on the idea of “family as the school of love” using brief but
clear text messages along with photos illustrating the concepts being shared. The
presentation also highlighted comments on the importance of marriage and family
from the point of view of six faith traditions. Mr. McCready went on discussing
the types of love in the family, elements emphasizing the significance of
marriage, and sharing stimulating quotes from Rev. Moon on love, life and
lineage and the realities of family breakdown and its consequences. He also
shared the affirmations of the World Peace Family Movement towards building one
family under God, working with one family at a time. “We explained that through this marriage blessing ceremony we offer our
couple and our extended family to God for His Blessing upon our lineage”, Mr.
McCready said.
After a
brief but helpful explanation of the steps of the ceremony by the officiators,
Rev. David and Yoko Roberts, everyone participated in the World Peace
Interfaith Blessing of Families. Among them are couples who have been married
for over 50 years: The Nelson and Harriet Williams couple, who brought 3 of
their family members, Mar and Luz Murillo couple, and Beverly Sherman, whose
husband could not attend, along with the David and Karen Rogers couple.
The ceremony
also integrated the “Forgive-Love-Unite-New Start” steps, where many thought was
interesting and are open to follow them.
Before lunch,
a video on the works of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon over the past couple of years was
shown. During the meals, representative couples especially those who have been together
over 50 years shared their stories and testimonies.
Rev. Enoch
Yisrael of the Holy Trinity Church of Tacoma, WA who attended the Peace Starts
With Me Rally and Blessing America event on April 6th in Gardena CA with
his wife, shared his testimony and his experience in Los Angeles. Rev. Yisrael
commented on how he and his wife were seated next to a person attending the
event from Israel, and how he was surprised when they each brought out a shofar
(ram’s horn) and blew it during the event.
Overall,
everyone enjoyed and were very blessed from the contents and by sharing in the
World Peace Interfaith Blessing of Families.
Contributed by: Raymond McCready, Executive Director, UPF Washington
