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.
San Francisco, CA – Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA hosted a community of faith breakfast in the San Francisco Bay Area on April 25, 2015. The guest speakers were two Nigerian-American educators, Veronica Ufoegbune and Rahanat Abubakar, who are members of the United Nations Association (UNA)-East Bay chapter.
The women, one who is Catholic and one who is Muslim, spoke passionately about the need for change in Nigeria and hope in the country that the new president-elect of the country, Muhammadu Buhari, builds interfaith networks.
They explained the situation of the Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted by Boko Haram and what is being done to bring them home. The audience was very happy to learn of the hope that exists for changes to take place in Nigeria and how people can support these efforts through prayer, donations and in other ways.
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.
Rev. Deborah Moldow, UN Representative, World Peace Prayer Society
Mrs. Sally Kader, President, US Federation For Middle East Peace
Mr. Ufuk Gokcen, Permanent Observer Of The Organization For Islamic Cooperation To The United Nations
Mr. Eli Epstein, Co Founder Of The Children Of Abraham
H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al Nasser, United Nations High Representative For The Alliance Of Civilizations
Dr. Yvonne Lodico, Head, United Nations Institute For Training And Research
Dr. Thomas Walsh, President, Universal Peace Federation
Dr. Tageldin Hamad, Secretary General, Universal Peace Federation
Dr. Slavomir Redo, Senior Program Advisor For The Academic Council On The United Nations System, Vienna Office
Dr. Rick Clugston, Co Director, Association Of University Leaders For A Sustainable Future
Dr. Michael Platzer, Liaison Officer At The UN Headquarters In Vienna For The Academic Council On The United Nations
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer Of The Holy See To The United Nations
New York, NY – “Both UPF and the UN Alliance of Civilizations share the belief that the promotion of intercultural and interfaith dialogue is the path for people and nations to live in peace and security,” stated H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, the United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, at the opening of a consultation on the Relevance of Interreligious and Inter-Civilizational Dialogue to the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals. He also stated that “All the 17 goals can only be achieved by leaping over the things that divide us to embrace our common and shared cultural heritage.”
Dr. Thomas Walsh, president of the Universal Peace Federation, which organized the March 27, 2015 consultation at the UN headquarters in New York, offered premises for dialogue, including recognition that religious ideas and beliefs play decisive roles in individuals, families and societies; religion provides many valuable social benefits; and although religion can have a dark side, it is largely a force for good. He called upon the UN to enlist religions as partners in the effort to fulfill the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda.
The consultation consisted of three sessions and was opened by quotations from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, read by Dr. Tageldin Hamad, secretary general of UPF and moderator of the first session.
In the first session, the consultation’s co-sponsors offered insights into their understanding of the relevance of religions and faith-based organizations to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed for adoption by the UN this September, building on the Millennium Development Goals that UN adopted in the year 2000.
The permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, focused his remarks on the theme in connection with the first and 16th Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized the eradication of extreme poverty, the first of the 17 goals. “Though primarily inspired by a spiritual and moral mission, religions and faith-based organizations care for the flourishing of the entire human person.” He added: “I believe that fostering the action of religious bodies and the fruitful cooperation among religions is essential to forming and consolidating peaceful, just, accountable and inclusive societies, without which the sustainable development goals cannot be achieved.”
The permanent observer of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Ufuk Gokcen, expressed appreciation for Pope Francis’s moral leadership on the issue of poverty alleviation and said he envisions a role for faith-based organizations in the implementation of all the goals. He called attention to the increasing gap between developed and developing countries, the plight of people living under terror and occupation, and the concerns of refugees and internally displaced people.
In the second session, an expert panel offered insights into the proposed Sustainable Development Goals. The first three speakers offered academic perspectives and raised concerns about what indicators will be adopted to measure progress on these goals, particularly that of addressing corruption.
Dr. Slavomir Redo, senior program advisor for the Academic Council on the United Nations System, Vienna Office, delivered the main address of the panel of experts, offering a stimulating, scholarly analysis of the relevance of interreligious dialogue for the Post-2015 SDGs. He focused in particular on poverty eradication and the moral value of equity, advocated by virtually all religious traditions. He underscored the point that religions throughout the world can be allies and partners with the United Nations and governments in the global effort to fulfill the Post 2015 Development Agenda. Dr. Redo illustrated his point by listing the proposed SDGs and showing the relevance of interreligious dialogue to each.
Dr. Michael Platzer, liaison officer at the UN headquarters in Vienna for the Academic Council on the United Nations, noted the focus of some religious communities on preserving the status quo rather than pursuing social justice. He commented that the Golden Rule of “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you” is found in many religions.
Dr. Rick Clugston, co-director of the Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future, reported that he has been working for more than 20 years with religious NGOs at the UN to raise awareness of sustainable development issues and is challenging them to offer input into ways progress toward the goals can be measured. He noted that similar messages of religious leaders have already been expressed, but now they are being articulated in the UN context.
Opportunity was then given to peace activists to express their concerns. Mr. Eli Epstein, co-founder of the Children of Abraham, said he grew up as a child of Holocaust survivors who distrusted people outside their community, and then described how his life has been enriched through developing friendships with people of diverse faiths. He urged participants: “Do not ignore the spiritual side which is at the heart of all human beings.”
Mrs. Sally Kader, president of the US Federation for Middle East Peace, focused on education, stating that “Most people do not know the truth about each other’s religion” and that “ignorance creates fear, fear creates hate, and hate makes war.” Rev. Deborah Moldow, UN representative of the World Peace Prayer Society, said that developing the kind of caring that is necessary to create a culture of peace goes beyond the capacity of governments and is the province of religions. She also spoke about the urgency of being “spiritually awakened,” working together and making a difference regarding environmental issues.
The moderator of session two, Mr. Francesco Candelari, project management specialist for youth and development for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, noted the frequent use by speakers of the words justice, equity, and dignity and their emphasis on a “sense of care that involves humanity as a whole.”
Dr. Azza Karam, senior culture advisor at the United Nations Population Fund, was unable to be present but was cited by several participants as playing a key role as coordinator of the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Faith-Based Engagement which in recent years has been drawing on the positive role of religion and interreligious dialogue to address critical issues faced by the UN.
An interactive session offered an opportunity for the diverse audience to offer their insights. Speakers called attention to the tragedies suffered by Afghanis and Nigerians, the special concerns of orphans, and the holistic views of indigenous populations about sustainable development. One youth activist urged participants to go beyond dialogue among religious people and seek to engage the secularism that pervades many organizations. More than just dialogue will be required for advancing these goals. Moderator Dr. Yvonne Lodico, head of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research in New York, also a co-sponsor of the consultation, concluded by emphasizing the value of bringing religious insights into the discussion.
H.E. Mr. Nassir Al-Nasser closed the consultation by expressing his conviction that “We have different cultures and different faiths, but we are one family.” Sustainable development “can only be achieved if people, communities and nations work together across cultures and religions.” He concluded by saying, “We are here gathered in the shared belief that the 17 Sustainable Development Goals are achievable and require our commitment to nurture interreligious and inter-civilizational dialogue and cooperation among all segments of society.”
Rev. Deborah Moldow, UN Representative, World Peace Prayer Society
Mrs. Sally Kader, President, US Federation For Middle East Peace
Mr. Ufuk Gokcen, Permanent Observer Of The Organization For Islamic Cooperation To The United Nations
Mr. Eli Epstein, Co Founder Of The Children Of Abraham
H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al Nasser, United Nations High Representative For The Alliance Of Civilizations
Dr. Yvonne Lodico, Head, United Nations Institute For Training And Research
Dr. Thomas Walsh, President, Universal Peace Federation
Dr. Tageldin Hamad, Secretary General, Universal Peace Federation
Dr. Slavomir Redo, Senior Program Advisor For The Academic Council On The United Nations System, Vienna Office
Dr. Rick Clugston, Co Director, Association Of University Leaders For A Sustainable Future
Dr. Michael Platzer, Liaison Officer At The UN Headquarters In Vienna For The Academic Council On The United Nations
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer Of The Holy See To The United Nations
Seattle, WA – About 20 Ambassadors For Peace (AFPs) and friends gathered on Thursday, March 26, to network, share an excellent meal and hear AFP Mr. Bert Caoili speak about, “Giving God’s Love to the Homeless and Poor,” to network and to share an excellent meal.
In spite of local weather and traffic conditions a strong family spirit was present. To begin the event Mr. Ray McCready, Secretary General, Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Washington State, gave a talk focusing on the five Principles of Peace of UPF.
This talk set the context of the meeting, focusing the attention of the guests on the Principles of Peace, starting by agreeing that “We are one human family created by God.” The guests then turned their attention to the Speaker of the night, Mr. Caoili.
Mr. Caoili is a long-time member, former President and past District Governor of the Lions Club, whose motto is We Serve. “What is our reaction when we drive or pass around town and see a person with a sign asking for donations from the passersby” he asked. “Do we think ‘is this a scam’?”
Mr. Caoili said what matters is how people perceive, or receive the sign. He then gave a few Bible verses including Luke 11:41, Luke 12:33, and 1 John 3:17, which refer to how people should see and treat the poor. He then quoted Mother Teresa, who said “it is too short a day to be selfish. Take time to do charity; it is the key to heaven.”
Mr. Caoili went on with a quote given in 1978 by Father Moon, Founder, UPF. “When you give to others, do not think that you are giving from your own pocket. Give with the mind that it comes from the treasury of Heaven and then the person receiving will feel it comes from God.”
As for the practical application, Mr. Caoili said he travels periodically to the Philippines, where his family distributes food and items to the needy. Also, together with the Seattle Bituin (Tagalog for “star”) Lions Club, they recycle used eyeglasses to donate to those in Jamaica and Central America who need them.
Towards the end of his presentation, Mr. Caoili pointed to the five Principles of Peace, “We are one human family under God and this includes the poor and the homeless. We have a moral obligation to care for the poor and our ‘family’ includes the poor and homeless.”
He went on to say “We are called to serve them and peace comes through cooperation beyond the boundaries of ethnicity, religion and nationality, as well as economic situation. Continue to give one hundred percent, with faith, knowing that God will assist you.”
To read more about the Principles of Peace, please visit our Principles of Peace page.
Las Vegas, NV – A new beginning for the City of Las Vegas occurred on March 18, 2015. The Las Vegas Chapter of the Universal Peace Federation USA (UPFLV) held a reunion mixer at the Now Café’, on the 2nd floor of the Las Vegas City Hall. 22 people attended and heard plans for Las Vegas to become the model city for peacebuilding in America. Three people have already registered for the next meeting on April 29, 2015.
Newly appointed Las Vegas UPF USA leaders, Mrs. Katherine Duncan-Bartlett, Chairwoman, and Mr. Gregg Smith, Secretariat General, established three committees aligning with the National and International goals as were presented by the Dr. Ricardo de Sena, President, Universal Peace Federation USA (UPF USA). One of the main goals outlined was holding of an American Leadership Conference in Las Vegas this year.
Local Las Vegas Ambassadors for Peace (AFPs) eagerly registered for three committee assignments in preparation for the upcoming, monthly meetings on the last Wednesday of each month. New AFPs will be appointed to work in the areas of interfaith peacebuilding, marriage and family relations and serving the community.
UPFLV is going to celebrate several days in 2015, namely International Day of Families on May 15; National Parent’s Day on July 26; and International Day of Peace on September 21.
AFPs were asked to support the amazing work that is already being done in Las Vegas to strengthen local initiatives such as the Mayor’s Interfaith Council, the Women’s Federation for World Peace, and the Family Education and Empowerment Foundation. Representatives from each initiative were present at the reunion.
AFPs were encouraged to become members of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and to help plan an annual “One World Under God” festival to provide the necessary funds to support the local initiatives.
“I was very thrilled to have a big check presented on behalf of UPF founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon” said the UPFLV Chairwoman, in a surprise presentation to support the Moulin Rouge Community Development Corporation. The corporation is a major community service project aimed at eradicating the slum and blight in Las Vegas, restoring an important African American landmark and establishing a training center for the hardest-to-employ individuals to find jobs in the hospitality industry.
Dr. de Sena was very pleased with the Now Café’ and suggested for UPFLV to have all of their monthly meetings in the same location. UPFLV believes it will grow large enough to have their meetings at the Las Vegas City Council Chamber in the near future.
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.
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.
