New York, NY – On May 15, UPF-USA and the Sun International Peace Federation co-organized the “Celebration of the Family” seminar in New York to commemorate the UN International Day of Families 2015.
The International Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 with resolution A/RES/47/237, and is observed on May 15 every year. The day reflects the importance the international community attaches to families and provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families.
The seminar featured a panel on “The Role and Necessity of the Family for Sustainable Development.” The panel was moderated by a producer at Film on A Roll Productions, a Greek-based film company that is currently producing a documentary on sex trafficking.
Panelists included the director of UPF International’s Office of Marriage and Family Education; the president of Filial Projects; a senior gender advisor at the United Nations; and founder of We, The World.
Dr. Ricardo de Sena, president of UPF-USA, presented on the principles of the family and emphasized that:
The family is the most important human institution. Without it, we would not exist. Through it, we transmit language and culture.
The family—marriage and parenthood—is regarded as sacred by the world’s religions.
The family has the potential to manifest, most fully, God’s ideal of true love, which includes:
Children’s love
Brotherly and sisterly love
Marital love
Parental love
He then read passages from sacred texts that highlight the significance of the family:
There are five relations of utmost importance under Heaven…between prince and minister; between father and son; between husband and wife; between elder and younger brothers; and between friends.
Confucianism, Doctrine of the Mean
It is by the proper regulation of each family that the whole world is stabilized.
I Ching 37
When a man honours his father and mother, God says, “I regard it as though I had dwelt among them and they had honored me.”
Judaism, Talmud
When the family declines, ancient traditions are destroyed. With them are lost the spiritual foundation for life, and the family loses its sense of unity.
Hinduism, Bhagavad-Gita 1.40
Ms. Maria L. Vargas, executive director of UPF-USA’s Latin Affairs Office, expounded on the family as the cornerstone for world peace and UPF co-founders Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s principles of the family:
The family is the school of love.
If there is peace in the family, there will be peace in the world.
If problems in the family are resolved, all problems in the world will be resolved.
God’s providential work has been to restore the family.
Participants included Ambassadors for Peace, community leaders, representatives of UN-affiliated NGOs, faith-based leaders, and peace activists.
The program featured a “One-Global Family–Water of Life Ceremony,” in which representatives from the families of the world (a representative of white families, black families, Asian families; and a representative of Christian families, Jewish families, Muslim families, and Hindu families) read a passage from their cultural or sacred traditions, and poured water into a golden glass bowl. As the waters blended into one, it symbolized the world’s peoples uniting into one—one in heart and mind, centered upon the heart and mind of the Creator.
After the program had long ended, the participants shared with one another, as new-found friends and partners in peace.
To visit the official United Nations International Day Families website, please click here.
To read the proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly for the International Day of Families, please click here.
Las Vegas, United States—More than ten Malaysian members of parliament and their wives gathered in Las Vegas for the “International Leadership Conference for Malaysian Parliamentarians”, organized by UPF-USA, from May 6-13, 2015.
Special presentations were given by Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, chairman, UPF-North America; Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, president, UPF International; Dr. Yoo Chong Young, senior advisor, UPF-Malaysia; and Dr. Haitham Bundakji, vice chairman, Islamic Society of Orange County in the United States.
Speakers included Dr. Robert Kittel, education director, UPF-Asia; Mr. Ricardo de Sena, secretary general, UPF-USA; Dr. Michael Jenkins, chairman, Operation Holdings, USA; and Mrs. Kathleen Hwang of the International Peace Education Center in Las Vegas.
Malaysian parliamentarians who attended the conference were Hon. Dr. Azman Bin Ismail; Hon. Wong Sze Phin; Hon. Dr. Che Rosli Bin Che; Hon. Masir Anak Ku; Hon. Dr. Mohd Hatta Bin Md Ramli; and Mr. Mohamad Azri Bin Che Rosli, son of Hon. Dr. Che Rosli Bin Che.
After the presentations, the parliamentarians offered a gift to UPF co-founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
On the final day of the conference, the parliamentarians visited the International Peace Education Center and were later appointed as Ambassadors for Peace.
New York, NY – Forty Ambassadors for Peace from Universal Peace Federation-Korea took part in a seminar at the United Nations on May 13, 2015 in commemoration of the 70thanniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
Moderated by Mr. John Paul Hong, UPF vice president, the seminar was opened by Dr. Tageldin Hamad, UPF secretary general, who spoke about the work of its founders, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and their emphasis on creating peace in families, nations and around the world. The founders’ call for a global day to honor parents bore fruit in the passing of a UN Resolution by the General Assembly in 2013 establishing a “Global Day of Parents.”
Dr. Thomas Walsh, UPF president, talked about the history of wars and the great role the United Nations has played in reducing or averting the possibility of another large-scale war, as occurred during World Wars I and II. He spoke about Dr. and Mrs. Moon’s initiatives for peace including a proposal for an interreligious council at the UN, programs for strengthening the family, and forming peace zones in conflict areas.
H.E. Mr. Denis Antoine, ambassador of Grenada to the United Nations, shared that 2015 is a historical transition period at the United Nations, in which the Millennium Development Goals will be replaced by Sustainable Development Goals in order to bring about a brighter future for humanity.
Minister Yu Sam Nam, former Minister of Ocean and Fisheries of South Korea, talked about the importance of the United Nations especially in regard to a peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula, building a Peace Park in the DMZ, and opening a 5th UN office in the Republic of Korea. Minister Yu led the delegation of Korean Ambassadors for Peace on a tour of the United Nations after the seminar.
Las Vegas, Nevada –The Las Vegas chapter of Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA held its monthly program and new Ambassador for Peace (AFP) appointments at Las Vegas City Hall on April 29, 2015. Mrs. Katherine Duncan-Bartlett, chairwoman of UPF Las Vegas, organized the event.
Mr. Ricardo de Sena, UPF USA president explained UPF’s principles of peace and goals to the candidates and asked them to reaffirm the responsibilities of becoming an AFP. The awards and appointments were given by Mrs. Katherine Duncan-Bartlett, chairwoman, UPF Las Vegas; Mr. Gregg Smith, secretary general, UPF Las Vegas; and Mr. de Sena.
The newly appointed AFPs will begin their work immediately, addressing interfaith peace building, strengthening marriage and family, and organizing and engaging in community service projects. The first community service project will be the creation of the Moulin Rouge Float for the Helldorado Parade. The event will provide a community platform to discuss the history of race relations in America and address ways to solve conflict.
Moulin Rouge opened in 1955 as the first interracial hotel casino in America and closed shortly afterwards under political pressure because it was still illegal at that time for the races to mingle publicly. It would be another five years, or in 1960, when equal access would be granted through the signing of the “Moulin Rouge Agreement”.
Richmond, VA – Members of The Senior Center of Greater Richmond and partnering community church, Battery Park Christian Church (BPCC), a Disciples of Christ denomination, joined with some of the Ambassadors for Peace (AFP) from the Richmond chapter Universal Peace Federation (UPF) to commemorate the United Nations (UN) International Day of Families.
The program was hosted at BPCC, Richmond, VA, on Tuesday, April 28, with 20 participants representing: Cameroon, India, Jamaica, Japan, Philippines, and the U.S. The central theme of the program: “The Family is the School of Peace and Love” was established by Mr. Ricardo de Sena, President, UPF USA, as this year’s focus on the Day of Families.
The UN is currently observing several International Days for annual commemoration due to their significance in its quest for the peace of humanity. Some are: International Women’s Day; International Youth Day; Global Parents Day; International Day of Peace; and others. Click on link to see a full list: UN International Days.
UPF being a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN. It works globally to assist the UN by highlighting the above Days and partnering with other NGO’s to bring to the fore programs and activities to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Prior to the start of our program, early arrivals had an hearty discussion on the significance of having healthy families. The reference point was the atrocious behavior being displayed by many youths in their riots in Baltimore, Maryland. The consensus was, though there was public outrage due to ongoing abuse of force by some police in the city, the youths had overplayed their hand in the unwarranted destruction of public property, including a senior center.
This conflicted and created a chaotic environment which is inundating communities across our nation and has seriously heightened the need for UPF’s efforts for peace-building.
The two UPF videos that were shown brought to light many tensions around the world but inspired a new hope for humanity through the founders’ (Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and wife, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon) vision and concrete activities for lasting peace.
Rev. V. Suarez, Pastor of His Healing Grace Ministries, who met the Richmond chapter of UPF over a month ago, did not hesitate to become an Ambassador for Peace (AFP) after realizing the outstanding work being done in his homeland by UPF-Philippines. We were also quite happy to have the participation of Pastor, Rev. Rachel Woodall of BPCC, who helped to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all present.
In the PowerPoint presentation given by Rev. F. George Russell, Secretary General of UPF Virginia (VA), he stated that UPF takes a God-centered perspective on peace-building. “There is not a Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, or other, God,” he said, “only the God who is Creator of Heaven and Earth, and Parent of humankind, who is absolute and eternal in His love for us all.”
He quoted Rev. Moon saying: the family is the essential base for a world of peace and the Kingdom of Heaven. And, referenced Pope Francis, who said (at an interfaith gathering at the Vatican on ‘Upholding the Traditional Family,’ November, 2014): “It is very important to affirm the family, which remains the essential cell of society.”
Rev. Russell explained that the original ideal of God was to perfect love (filial, conjugal and parental) in the model family of the first human ancestors: Adam and Eve. God would then expand the family of humankind to the ends of the earth, even to fill the universe, over time. Strong emphasis was laid on the value of filial piety, a virtue greatly elevated in the Orient. He said: “The heart of attendance to parents by their children, in obedience, trust and love, establishes the basis for good character-building, citizenship, leadership and governance. Failure to practice filial piety becomes a monstrous shame in society. This ultimately reverberates into many woes for society and our world.”
God’s great hope was to see the perfection of filial piety in His son and daughter through the fulfillment of the great Blessings (Gen.1:28). The three-generational family was the ideal place of God’s settlement where grandparents would be most revered, representing God. They would embody the historical wisdom, exemplary substantial heart and love, and become the vertical anchor of stability for the family. Rev. Russell gave the example of his own upbringing which was greatly influenced by his grandmother. He had developed a strong bond of heart with her; so much so, that even though he was in England, he had a dream of her the night she passed away in Jamaica.
In closing, Rev. Russell enlightened everyone on the many family-centered programs of UPF being carried out by the great network of active Ambassadors for Peace (AFPs) throughout the world, they include the Intercultural Marriage Blessings initiated by Rev. and Mrs. Moon to advance world peace. A Blessing Toast for all the families represented was conducted to the joy and delight of everyone.
Mr. Ricardo De Sena Gives A Presentation Of The UPF Principles Of Peace.
Front: Ms. Shahin Mafi, chief executive officer, Home Health Connection Inc.; Sister Claudette Muhammad, Nation of Islam; Mr. Ricardo de Sena, secretary general, UPF USA; Dr. Sahar Khamis, associate professor, University of Maryland
Back: Mrs. Nanae Goto; Ms. Sophorn Holl, First Financial Security and board member of an Asian beauty contest; Dr. George d’Angelo, president, Conflict Solution International; Mr. Peang Gafour, assistant to the ambassador of Cambodia; Mrs. Tomiko Duggan
Washington, D.C.—A seminar on the UPF Principles was given to a diverse group of Ambassadors for Peace and guests on April 26, 2015.
Mr. Ricardo de Sena, secretary general of UPF-USA, gave presentations on the three main parts of the UPF Principles: “Universal Principles as a Foundation for World Peace”; “The Root Cause of Conflict”; and “Principles of Restoration.” These are the same contents that participants at the March 2015 International Leadership Conference in Korea heard.
Mr. de Sena had driven from New York the night before with his son Ricky. His lively and engaging lectures held the attention of the guests, who included an expert on Islam, several Christians, as well as non-religious guests.
Despite the limited time, Mr. de Sena covered the vast content of the UPF Principles very well. The guests were very happy to learn more about the nature of God, the life of UPF Founder Dr. Sun Myung Moon, and the Principles of Peace.
The following people were guests at the half-day seminar: Mr. Peang Gafour, assistant to the ambassador of Cambodia; Ms. Sophorn Holl, First Financial Security and board member of an Asian beauty contest; Dr. Sahar Khamis, associate professor, University of Maryland; Dr. George d’Angelo, president, Conflict Solution International; Ms. Shahin Mafi, chief executive officer, Home Health Connection Inc.; Sister Claudette Muhammad, Nation of Islam; and Mr. Ricky de Sena, student, son of Ricardo de Sena.
Seattle, WA – 26 Ambassadors For Peace (AFPs) and friends, including two new attendees, gathered at the Windermere House in Seattle on Thursday, April 23, to hear a speaker, network and share an excellent meal.
Mr. Ray McCready, Secretary General, Washington State, began sharing some updates with the Ambassadors for Peace Association Washington State (AFPAWS). He introduced the Universal Peace Federation USA (UPF USA) website, explained the main sections of of it and how to navigate through it.
Mr. McCready explained that UPF USA’s former Northwest District Secretary General, Rev. Larry Krishnek, had taken a new position within UPF’s sister organization, the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), and had stepped down from his position with UPF.
Mr. McCready continued by talking about the AFPAWS Calendar for 2015. He reviewed the AFP program which was begun in 1999 and became a part of the UPF in 2005. AFP recognizes persons who are taking responsibilities and working for peace in their community.
Mr. McCready then invited a new guest, US Navy Veteran Mr. Roosevelt Ward, who has worked for the past 12 years as a National Veterans Service Officer providing help and benefits assistance to veterans.
Mr. Ward was presented a “Thank You Medal” for his service to our country. He spoke briefly about his service, and was gratified by the recognition. He then pledged to continue his efforts for veterans.
Following the appointment of Mr. Ward as an AFP, Mr. McCready introduced the main speaker for the evening, Mr. Alfredo (Tito) Medina, who spoke about service to veterans, and an upcoming “Veterans Resource Fair” on May 30 at Tacoma Dome under the title “The state of the Veteran, in a Division of Labor Society.”
His main points were that there is an increasing gap in the American society between those who have served in our military and those who have not, leading to some prejudice against veterans by those who have not served, putting veterans at risk of becoming a marginalized group within American society.
Mr. Medina, working as a VA Accredited Agent, explained his efforts to assist veterans in counseling and benefits. He has put on several events at community colleges and also one event in 2014 at the Tacoma Dome to bring resources together for the veterans who attended. At the conclusion of the dinner, all gathered for photos.
Washington, D.C. – UPF staff and volunteers treated members of Washington’s diplomatic corps and other dignitaries to a display of Japan’s traditional tea ceremony.
UPF’s D.C. Office has presented Japanese tea ceremonies 17 times to more than 3,000 guests. This latest event took place on April 23, 2015, as white and pink dogwood flowers were in full bloom in front of the Peace Embassy.
Among the approximately 45 guests were H.E. Archil Gegeshidze, ambassador of Georgia, and his wife, Mrs. Dea Gadua; Mr. Jose Luis Dominguez, deputy chief of mission of the Dominican Republic Embassy; Mrs. Caroline Andjaba, wife of the ambassador of Namibia; Mrs. Douha Smith, wife of the ambassador of Ghana; Mrs. Carmela de Villegas, wife of the ambassador of Colombia, and diplomats from the Embassies of Fiji and Cambodia.
Ambassador Touqir Hussain, a professor at Georgetown University and a former ambassador of Pakistan, and his wife, Mrs. Rafia Hussain, are patrons of the ceremony. They said they always learn something new about the tea every time they come. “The Way of Tea” is becoming popular for those people who seek good health and wish to strengthen their inner and spiritual life.
Among the guests, a yoga teacher who has a yoga class in Bethesda, Maryland, mentioned that people spend a lot of money for their workout to keep their body healthy, but where is the workout to keep a healthy mind and heart? We need this kind of moment that the tea ceremony provides to reflect on our inner heart while enjoying tea and meeting with good people.
UPF advocates the importance of “living for the sake of others,” which is a universal and fundamental principle which brings joy and happiness. The founder of the Universal Peace Federation, the late Dr. Sun Myung Moon, said: “Where does the Kingdom of Heaven exist? The Kingdom of Heaven is where two become one.” When one lives totally for others, one creates total unity and harmony. That is the place where peace originates.
Indeed, a teacher of the school of tea proposes that the state of consciousness should be one of the main goals of training in Temae, which mean serving tea to others with the spirit: “This encounter might be the only chance in my lifetime to serve tea to this person.”
Temae would provide a good chance for people to look at their inner self and thus would enable the host and the guests to understand and enjoy the spiritual aspects of the Japanese tea ceremony.
What is learned in “The Way of Tea” is the equality of all people. It eliminates any elements that give advantages to a particular kind of people. One of the tea grandmasters described the essence of “The Way of Tea” using four Chinese characters: Wa, Kei, Sei and Jyaku (和敬清寂).
Wa is the state of harmony and beauty that creates only a feeling of goodness.
Kei is the attitude of respect for all things. This is a sincere respect not only for human beings but also for the sanctity of nature and all material objects.
Sei is purification. The pure heart without flaw makes a person honest, truthful and sincere.
Jyaku is the level of enlightenment when one is in oneness with the universal principle. At this stage there is only tranquility in one’s heart.
Seattle, WA – The lovely TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Club offered spectacular views of Mount Si and the Cascade Mountains on April 16, 2015. Core members of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Washington (WA) State started their meeting with item one on the agenda, a review of the Ambassadors For Peace Association Washington State (AFPAWS) activities in 2014.
Attendees at the meeting included Mr. Ray McCready (AFP, Secretary General, AFP Washington State), Mrs. Toshiko McCash (AFP, AFPAWS Outreach Coordinator), Mrs. Yuko Faris (AFP, Assistant to AFPAWS Outreach Coordinator), Mrs. Annerose Lowe (AFP, WA State Parent’s Day Promoter, former Assistant to AFPAWS Outreach Coordinator), Mrs. Emma Herron (AFP, VP of Filipino Nurses & Health Care Prof. Assoc., Board Member for JAKCARES Foundation), Mr. Bert Caoili (AFP, Past District Governor, Lions Club District 19 B-5, Past-President, Seattle Bituin Lions Club).
Mrs. Emma Herron and Mr. Bert Caoili were both asking for someone to explain the structure or organizational chart for the AFPAWS organization, as both attendees want to be more involved, but want to better understand the process that goes into deciding what events are held and which projects are supported.
“The Ambassadors For Peace organization came inspired by the ideas of Dr. Moon, came into existence in 1999 and was folded into the UPF in 2005.” Mr. McCready went on to explain some of the history and reasons why the WA State AFP was set up under the American Family Coalition (AFC) of WA State.
He then continued by explaining the internal motivation behind all of the organizations, namely, to restore Godly values in society and reinvigorate God-centered family values as the cornerstones of our nation.
The attendees then discussed the planned Parent’s Day event in Olympia; the group agreed that future events should be coordinated with other community celebrations.
Attendees also discussed topics that Mr. Ricardo de Sena, President, UPF USA, had mentioned before. Topics included the sending of UPF AFP local members as representatives of UPF USA Districts to national or international events, such as the 3rd UPF World Summit on “Peace, Security and Human Development,” to be convened on August 27 – 31, 2015 in Seoul, Korea.
Attendees also discussed setting up a system of subscriptions to fund the UPF and AFP projects.
Mrs. Herron shared a worthy project she discovered. It is called the Genesis Project, which works to help rescue young women, who have been caught up in the sex trafficking industry in south King County.
Finally, attendees discussed setting up a board of directors to guide the strategy and define the goals of AFPAWS, in such a way as to harness the local AFP energy and vision and to bring substantial results. Mr. McCready will begin an effort into establishing such a Board of Directors.
AFPAWS hopes that this project can spur other positive projects through which it can make substantial the vision and principles of the Universal Peace Federation.
New York, NY – Hon. Mario L. de Leon Jr., the Philippine Consul General to New York, said Saturday that in order to achieve peace and settle disputes in Southeast Asia, there is a need for countries to adhere to the rule of law.
“I think this is important. Countries need to be bound by something higher than themselves, and that is being mindful of international relations,” said de Leon in his acceptance appointment as Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation USA (UPF USA) through its Office of Asian Affairs (OAA) on March 28, 2015 in Mid-Manhattan.
De Leon led a set of appointees, composed of diplomatic officials, businessmen, and community leaders in communities with Southeast Asian roots.
The Philippines has its share of territorial disputes that remain unresolved, including the Philippine claim to the Kalayaan group of islands versus China, and the Sabah territorial claims versus Malaysia, as well as government initiated peace efforts vis-a-vis the separatist movement in Muslim Mindanao.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. de Leon stressed that he will do his best to instill peace in his jurisdiction, in line with the theme “Security and understanding in the South East Asian Region.”
Aside from New York, Hon. de Leon has concurrent jurisdiction over the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Representatives and guests from Asian countries including Nepal, India and Japan as well as New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts gathered at the event. Participants were also witnesses to the first assembly for the successful launching of the UPF USA’s Office of Asian-Affairs.
The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) is an alliance of American leaders dedicated to building a nation of peace and happiness through God´s true love by living for the sake of others.
The Office of Asian-Affairs is a local expression of UPF’s peace effort on the east coast and is headed by Rev. Greg Agulan. It will hold peace dialogues in various cities in the US as well as a multi-cultural festival this year in hopes to forge local unity and understanding.
“The Ambassadors for Peace are appointed by the UPF in order to localize peace efforts, starting from the homes and to communities, with the values of respect and cooperation as the main ingredients to achieve peace,” explained Rev. Agulan, now in his position as the official director of UPF USA Office of Asian-Affairs.
Rev. Agulan said that in achieving peace in the region, there had been two approaches in settling disputes: one is based on historical territorial claims backed by up treaties while the other approach is through sovereignty.
Rev. Agulan cited that the dispute over Mindanao in the Philippines was controlled by the Philippine Muslims until the 1950s. “In the 1950s, President Ferdinand Marcos began to send Christian Filipinos to settle in Mindanao, resulting today in their becoming the overwhelming majority of the population.
Likewise, today, the Moro people, invoking sovereignty, demand the return of their ancestral land to gain autonomy from the rest of the Philippines.”
Mr. Ricardo de Sena, President, UPF USA then presented the purpose, structure and activities of UPF as well as emphasizing UPF’s five Principles of Peace. “Transcending racial, religious and ethnic barriers is an imperative of our time. Faith can give people the power to forgive, and the love to overcome even generations of hatred, resentment and violence.”
President Ricardo de Sena emphasized that our common goal and purpose is to have unity and peace as an individual, family, nation and world. He shared about how to expand peace and a basic way to gather the family under one vision. Not merely a presentation, he also gave a clear and very touching speech inspiring to all those present.
Esther Faith Batino, the OAA executive secretary said that the formal launch of the OAA and the appointment of Hon. de Leon is a great leap forward in the peace movement in the United States. She said that her office is planning more innovative ways to unify the community with pursuits of cultural understanding as a way to peace.
The event was also an opportunity for participants to share their knowledge and expertise with their common goal being propagated heart to heart.
The two UPF videos that were shown brought to light many tensions around the world but inspired a new hope for humanity through the founders’ (Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and wife, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon) vision and concrete activities for lasting peace.
