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.
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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.
Washington D.C.,—The UPF Public Affairs Office in Washington, D.C., partnered with the 93-year-old Woman’s National Democratic Club (WNDC) to host an International Women’s Day commemoration for 70 guests on March 31, 2015.
WNDC President Anna Fierst gave the welcoming remarks in the tradition of her grandmother Eleanor Roosevelt. Tomiko Duggan, director of UPF’s office in Washington, introduced the UN tradition of commemorating International Women’s Day and presented a video on the international work of the Universal Peace Federation.
WNDC Vice President Linda Diane Kandel was the emcee of the event, which took place at the club’s headquarters in the Whittemore House in Northwest Washington. She introduced the three speakers.
Dr. Sahar Khamis, associate professor at the Department of Communication of the University of Maryland, is an expert in Middle Eastern media. Her presentation, “‘Cyberfeminism’ and Socio-Political Transformation,” showed how social media can be used to advance social causes.
Using social media, women played an essential role in the “Arab Spring,” the popular grassroots effort to change the political landscape in the Arab world, Dr. Khamis said.
She interviewed women from her native Egypt, as well as from Libya, Syria and Yemen, and found that, across the board, women were at the heart of the Arab Spring, expressing their own voice for the first time, and doing so with the same determination and self-sacrifice as men.
Dr. Davina Durgana, a senior technical advisor on human trafficking at SeraphimGLOBAL, was the next speaker. Her findings helped to define those who are the most vulnerable and where they are found by traffickers. Human trafficking is a powerful commercial business. Sexual slavery and slave labor are prevalent in the United States and other nations, she said.
There are two reasons for the increase in sexual kidnapping and slavery, Dr. Durgana said. The first is that women often are used to get young girls and boys to trust them and then lure them into this vicious practice. The second is that when unemployment goes down, with parents working again, their children are left alone and vulnerable. An additional problem is that the culture of teenagers is not to “tell” on anyone who gets into trouble.
When young people live in poverty and in dangerous areas, have no strong family protections and no religious or civic organizations in the community to protect them, they are lonely and extremely vulnerable. The situation of foreigners is far worse than for Americans, as they are more isolated and ignorant of the laws of the state and have fewer options for a support structure.
Dr. Marcia Dyson, founder and CEO of Women’s Global Initiative and Open Global Hearts, was the final speaker. One of the biggest problems in the advancement of women, she said, is that other women try to hold them back. Whether due to jealousy or rivalry, they erect blocks against the success of other women.
“‘Wounded-ness’ exists in so many women who need to be healed in order to work well,” she said. Women need to “become an awakened Eve.” She said, “Authenticity, integrity, purposefulness and profitability” are the themes she emphasizes.
The appointment of new Ambassadors for Peace was next. Mrs. Caroline Andjaba, wife of the Namibian ambassador, led the appointments on behalf of UPF, as she is an Ambassador for Peace herself. Framed certificates were presented to: Ms. Linda Diane Kendal, vice president of WNDC; Dr. Sahar Khamis; Dr. Davina Durgana; and Mrs. Phindile Ntshangase, wife of the ambassador of Swaziland.
Gifts were given to the speakers by both sponsoring organizations: origami from UPF and appointment books from WNDC.
Seoul, Korea – Approximately 150 leaders from around the world gathered in Seoul, Korea, from February 28 to March 4, 2015, to discuss multidimensional solutions to present-day crises and global conflicts at a Universal Peace Federation International Leadership Conference (UPF ILC) entitled “Beyond the Challenges of Our Time: Transforming the Society, Nation and World.”
The guests were welcomed at the Opening Banquet with an Invocation by Rev. Dr. Johannes Mazibuko of the Alliance Church of Swaziland. This was followed by Opening Remarks by Dr. Byung Ho Son, chairman of UPF-Korea, who spoke on the tense situation between North and South Korea and UPF’s efforts to support the reunification of the Korean Peninsula, and Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, president, UPF International, who informed participants of UPF’s objectives in holding the conference.
Hon. Yoshinori Ohno, Japan’s former minister of defense, deliberated on the growing instances of violence in Syria, Iraq and throughout the world, and affirmed his commitment to oppose war and conflict. Mr. Adama Doumbia represented Mrs. Kathy Rigney, regional chair of UPF-Africa, in reporting on UPF-Nigeria’s successful partnering with government agencies in their work for unification and peace in Nigeria and in offering technical assistance on marriage and family.
In the Opening Plenary, UPF Chairman Charles Yang introduced the background of UPF and its founder, Dr. Sun Myung Moon. Against the backdrop of the miserable history of the Korean War in the 1950s, Dr. Moon began a movement of spiritual awakening in South Korea after being liberated from a North Korean prison camp, and went on to initiate the global organization of UPF with great impact around the world. Dr. Vladimir Petrovskiy, senior adviser to UPF-Russia, reflected on the new chapter of history that we are facing, and UPF’s ability to build a new, common vision to promote peace and family for nation-building. He spoke about the difficulties in finding this common goal in Russia, in particular among his Russian and Ukrainian colleagues.
Hon. Dr. Myrna Romarate, national president of the Provincial Board Member League of the Philippines, reflected on the fact that, hidden in deep recesses of the human mind, attachment to power, prestige, and material possessions create divisions. She saw a solution to this dilemma through personal transformation of a life of prayer and living for one dream, one goal and one path. Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, former Cabinet minister of Nepal, called upon governments, civil society and the private sector to work together to build peace by respecting human rights, economic laws and human development, and family values.
As a highlight of the conference, UPF Co-Founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon gave the Keynote Speech, delivered by her daughter, Dr. Sun Jin Moon. Most importantly, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon spoke about the great awakening that is taking place in the world, despite the unstable and tragic events that are unfolding daily, and she assured the audience that despite these problems, the guiding hand of God is at work to weave together a great civilization for one universal family. The UPF co-founder encouraged everyone in the audience to become a true parent, true owner and true teacher in taking God’s viewpoint toward all people and all things, and working to build an ideal nation.
The subsequent sessions presented an overview of the principles of Dr. Sun Myung Moon, followed by reflections of selected commentators. Moderated by Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, UPF director of public affairs in Washington, D.C., the second session illuminated the “Founders’ Vision: Principles of Peace.” Mr. Jacques Marion, president of UPF-France, summarized the UPF founders’ spiritual and moral vision, based on the fundamental core values, principles and teachings of the Unification philosophy.
Dr. Michael Balcomb, president of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification in the United States, reflected on the founders’ principles and compared them to an X-ray that diagnoses the human spirit and shows us what needs to be fixed. Professor Masahisa Hayashi, professor emeritus of Waseda University in Japan, spoke about overcoming self-interest and practicing the founders’ principle of true love and living for the sake of others. Mr. Naokimi Ushiroda, president of CARP (Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles) in the United States, reflected about God as a parental figure who yearns to live in a world of happiness and peace, but said that world can only come about through each of us.
A session on “Overcoming the Challenges Facing the Family,” was moderated by Mrs. Eugenia Kagawa of the Executive Office of UPF. Mr. Ricardo de Sena, president of UPF in the United States, spoke about the importance of the family as a foundation for transforming the society, nation and world and UPF’s worldwide work of strengthening marriage and families. Mr. Joseph Champagne, former mayor of Toms River, New Jersey, explained the significance of the human family and the breaking down of barriers through God’s words. Mr. Kazu Matsui, former chairman of the Educational Board in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, explained how raising children cultivates the “good” in people and reminds us of our true selves and our need to create bonds and become one in heart. It is also a critical component in maintaining the morality and order in a society.
“Overcoming the Challenges Facing Religions and Governments” was the theme of a session moderated by Dr. Tageldin Hamad, secretary general of UPF International. In his presentation, Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, president of UPF International, discussed the problems facing governments and religions today, and the possible solutions and action steps that can be taken. Hon. Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, former president of the Parliament in Luxembourg, spoke about the role of nation-states and religion. In Europe, she advocated the importance of making the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms a universal agreement.
Mr. Quan Yi Zhang, professor at Zhejiang Wanli University in China, proposed a new world system in which governments and religions coexist to bring about good national and global governance. He highlighted UPF as a key organization in reconciling differences and bringing the world together under the flag of “One Family under God.” Mr. Jaap Willem de Zwaan, professor at Erasmus University in the Netherlands, spoke about the European Union as a model for regional cooperation and its goal of promoting democracy, rule of law, and successful market economies in other Eastern and Southern areas. Rev. Shuei Kobayashi, chief priest of the Chuzenji Buddhist Temple in Japan, spoke about the plight of Tibetan monks under communism in China, where the practice of Buddhism was not allowed. He concluded that religious freedom is important and governments should not block the practice of faith. Dr. Lek Thaveetermsakul, vice chair of UPF-Asia, spoke about the peace initiatives in Thailand for the past few years, including the Interreligious Council for Peace, peace and family education, peace seminar tours and peace messages and various forums and conferences.
There were two breakout sessions in which participants divided into six groups to discuss the significance of the family and the ways in which to address and overcome contemporary threats and challenges to the family as well as the challenges facing both religions and governments, and the ways in which to overcome those challenges to the stability of the nation and the integrity of religion. Following that, rapporteurs from each group reported on the major points made in the discussion.
A session on “One Family under God: The Blessing Vision,” was moderated by Mr. Tuo Huan Chen, secretary general of UPF-Chinese Region. The content of this session centered on the personal stories of what it is like to have an intercultural and international marriage and family, and the challenges and joys that come with it. The speakers were Mrs. Eugenia Kagawa of the Executive Office of UPF International, Dr. Tageldin Hamad, secretary general of UPF International, and Mr. Ricardo de Sena, president of UPF-U.S.A.
UPF, The Washington Times and Segye Ilbo co-sponsored a panel discussion about the issues concerning the Korean Peninsula, with high-level participants from the media agencies in Korea and the United States, as well as political leaders, academics and NGO representatives.
On March 3, the last day of the conference, the participants were invited to the Commemorative “Foundation Day” Celebration and Blessing Program, which took place at the Cheon Shim Stadium, at a location east of Seoul, where 30,000 Korean, Japanese and international guests listened to a Keynote Message from Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, urging all present to practice true love despite the destructive forces rampant in the world due to religious, racial and social barriers that are heaping tragedy on the human family. After her speech, Dr. Moon officiated at the blessing of 2,800 newly-wed couples present, many of whom were multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-racial. Afterwards, Dr. Moon hosted a luncheon for 500 distinguished guests, including the participants of the World Media Conference and the International Leadership Conference.
Seattle, WA – Dedicated brothers and sisters gathered in Seattle at what turned out to be a great event with nearly 30 Ambassadors For Peace (AFP) and friends on Thursday, February 26,to hear plans for 2015, network and share an excellent meal. After offering a blessing for the meal, participants enjoyed the salmon dinner, followed by a dessert of caramel drizzled crisps with fresh fruit.
Participants then turned their attention to the speaker of the night, Mr. Larry Krishnek, Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Northwest Secretary General. Mr. Krishnek’s topic was “Forgive, Love, Unite; the Way to Lasting Stability.” Mr. Krishnek began with comments on the soon upcoming Universal Peace Federation international conference beginning on March 1st in Seoul, Korea.
The theme of that conference is “Beyond the Challenges of Our Time: Transforming the Society, Nation and World”; in which dignitaries and attendees from around the world will hear presentations on the “Principles of Peace,” and discuss in the context of applying those Principles to the challenges faced by families, and by religions and governments.
Another key part of that conference will be presentations on the topic of “One Family Under God: The Blessing Vision.” This relates to the next event in Seattle, on March 7th, the Interfaith Marriage Rededication Holy Blessing Ceremony, from 10:00am to 1:30pm. The event will include education on the purpose of this Blessing ceremony.
This relates to the Vision for 2015 of the AFP parent organization, UPF, which is “America becomes a model nation for peace and happiness in the world”, which in turn relates to the establishment of strong, God-centered families as a basis for a strong and prosperous country.
Secretary General Krishnek said that in times of stress, often people respond by separating into groups based upon national origin, religion or etc., but that we should strive to be united based upon the over-arching spiritual principles which we all share as those created by the Creator.
He then led the participants through a reading in summary of the speech by the Reverend Moon, founder of the UPF and AFP organizations, entitled Forgive, Love, Unite”, printed in major newspapers around the USA on 11/30/1973, at the height of the controversy over the Watergate scandal in the Nixon administration, a time of great bitterness and enmity between Americans.
In the speech, Reverend Moon asked Americans to pause and to ask the question “What is the will of God in this situation”. Reverend Moon went on to report on the answers he had received in prayer, being those three words of the speech title.
In the speech, Reverend Moon called Americans to renew the faith expressed in the motto: “In God We Trust”, and asked all to enter into the spirit of forgiveness for President Nixon.
Those who know some of the history of Korea and Reverend Moon know that Reverend Moon’s belief was that Nixon’s deep understanding of the dangers of the communist ideology far outweighed his faults in his ethical and legal breaches of trust regarding the Watergate break-in related to his re-election campaign.
Reverend Moon’s knows first-hand what it will take to stop the the advancement of communist ideology, the horrible effects of which Reverend Moon had witnessed first-hand as a Christian, sentenced in 1948, to a labor camp in North Korea in which two thirds of the inmates died within 3 years. He even witnessed the ruthless killings performed by the North Korean communist forces during the Korean War from 1950-1953.
Reverend Moon therefore appealed directly to the American people to believe him that God was calling for Nixon to be forgiven, and now humbled; he should be allowed to lead America in being strong against the advance of communist ideology.
Mr. Krishnek sought to remind all that Reverend Moon’s efforts were to remind Americans that the destiny of this country is and should be intimately related to the providence of God for this world, and that America was, and many believe still is in the position to champion Godly values and ideals in the world, and to model them for the world.
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Washington, D.C. – On a blistery winter afternoon in Washington, D.C., 63 religious leaders and students from the diplomatic corps and private sector met together in the warm Beech room of the Washington Times for the UN created Interfaith Harmony Week on February 19, 2015.
Following a delicious lunch, Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, Director of Public Affairs of UPF, in Washington, DC, welcomed the guests and thanked Mr. Thomas McDevitt, Chairman of the Washington Times, for supporting this important program, and she then introduced the UPF video.
Mrs. Susan Fefferman, then took over to begin the program by inviting five religious leaders: Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam, to participate in the Water of Lifeceremony by pouring glasses of water into a common bowl, symbolically uniting the faiths of mankind into one common body in the hope for peace and happiness.
She then invited Rabbi Herzl Kranz as the first speaker, representing possibly the oldest religion, Judaism. The Rabbi established the first Orthodox congregation in suburban Washington, DC in 1967 and has been its rabbi for the past 46 years.
He is an advocate for social justice and human rights issues. In that way established the Center for Economic and Social Justice supporting inalienable human rights as life, liberty, and access to productive property. The center proposes Employee Stock Ownership Plans which allows employees to purchase equities in the company where they work. He also helps inmates with rehabilitation regardless of their religion.
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He spoke about Rev. Moon being a remarkable man because he pursued peace. Aaron, the brother of Moses was a similar figure because he pursued peace.
He told a story about two men who both had the same amount of water in the desert. One drinks all his quickly while the other saves it carefully. What should the man with the water do, let his friend die or share his water and both die? The rabbis discussed this predicament and Rabbi Akiva said the water belongs to the one man and he should drink it alone. Tough decision.
Minister Amar Nath Gupta spoke, a former diplomat and head priest of the largest Hindu Capital Temple in the area. He always begins by blowing a conch shell representing peace. He works to educate funeral homes about Hindu practices, and helps local funeral homes keep the ashes of the deceased until families can return to India to spread those ashes in the Ganges River.
Minister Gupta, is a friend of the Unification movement and testifies to the good works of Rev. and Mrs. Moon. He personally experienced healing of cancer at the Korean spiritual retreat. He expressed his ideas that all people should be healthy by loving their neighbors, practicing the yogic postures and breathing. He respects and honors all other religions and quoted from his sacred text several times.
Western Buddhist nun Gen Kelsang Varahi, a Resident Teacher at Vajrayogini Buddhist Center, in the Adams Morgan area of DC, has been a close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who gave her the title “Gen”, indicating she is a senior teacher of the Kadampa Tradition since 2000.
She spoke on the teaching from Buddha Shakamuni that “all appearances are the nature of mind. Everything we see, perceive and experience is the nature of our mind, and in particular what type of mind we are generating.” She quoted from, Shanti Dava, a famous Indian saint, “May I become the protector of the protector-less.” This means ‘let me be responsible.’ It is our responsibility, not someone else’s, she added. It is our responsibility to have peace or happiness.
In Buddhism we define compassion as being motivated by love. It is not sympathy or pity, it is responsibility. Who are the protector-less? Perhaps the vulnerable, the victims but she adds Buddha teaches it is also the harmer, and that is the challenge. How are they protector-less? Their mind is unprotected, uncontrolled. Their mind is being controlled by delusions, by negativity and hatred.
Through the eyes of compassion he is suffering just like the victim. He is suffering from hatred, attachment, evil, and resentment. She adds that this is in contrast to looking at the harmer through eyes of anger which sees them as the enemy and we wish to harm them. We need compassion and wisdom working together to create peace, inner peace is essential to external peace, she concluded.
Pastor Ernest Patton is pastor at the Northern Virginia Family Church in Fairfax and the regional director of six Unificationist churches in the DC Metro area. “It is good that we can gather here and discuss the commonalities of different religions,” he began. He spoke about forgiving one’s enemy and mentioned how Rev. Moon went to North Korea at personal risk, and embraced the man, Chairman Kim Il Sung, who had held him captive in a death camp during the Korean war. He reconciled with his enemy as a brother, healing the rift within.
Dr. Zainab Chaudry is the Maryland Outreach Manager for CAIR (Council on American Islamic Relations) and a board member of Interfaith Action for Human Rights. She is also a member of Salaam Shalom, an interfaith Dialogue Group for Muslim and Jewish Women.
She spoke on how difficult it is to not feel fearful toward Muslims with the violent images on the TV and in the media. She said if she weren’t a Muslim she would be fearful too. She said that we all have a responsibility to set the record straight on what religions really teach.
Sixty percent of Americans have never had a conversation with a Muslim, she reported. Their information comes solely from the media, not from personal knowledge. “We all have a responsibility to bridge the divide and bring us all together,” she added.
She left pharmacy work to help support interfaith efforts and bring people together to make a difference in the world. She quoted the Prophet Mohammad’s final sermon as a guide for everyone, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, and Arab does not have superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab. A white does not have superiority over a black, nor a black over a white, except by piety and good action.” This means that we can’t differentiate between individuals.
She added that we cannot judge, that is for God alone to judge. She continued with describing that due to social media and technology the world may be the same size but we can have societies with wonderful diversity through learning and education. ‘Islam’ means submit to God, ‘salaam’ means peace. Anyone who submits to God is a Muslim. The God of Christianity, Judaism and Islam is the same, she added. She urged us to go beyond what we know and discover the diversity that is out there.
Following her, Mrs. Nanae Goto, a talented staff member of UPF, moved the group with her powerful rendition, singing “The Impossible Dream.”
The next part of the program were the presentations by two ambassadors: Ambassador Michael Moussa-Adamo, who was appointed by the President of Gabon, in September 2011. He has spent more than 20 years in public service in his country and most recently worked with his President to ensure that Gabon has a seat on the UN Security Council.
He gave three points on how to work together for peace. First: to agree to disagree, meaning our differences should never cause us to hurt one another. Second, “we must sit down and reason together, break bread together and share about our families… our shared humanity.” And third, all people must dare to dream about peace and shared happiness.
He cited the famous ‘Christmas truce’ between Germans and English soldiers during WWI. He added that investment in education is essential, especially education for girls. “When women are educated everyone benefits and peace follows.”
He concluded with a quote from Sam Kutesa, President of the UN General Assembly given in observance of Interfaith Harmony Week, “As intolerance, bigotry and hatred fuel conflicts, violence and extremism around the world. We need to strengthen our efforts to foster respect and understanding between cultures, religions, and ethnic groups. Every time we choose dialogue and reconciliation over confrontation, we take a step forward on our collective path to lasting peace.”
The final speaker was Ambassador Winston Thompson, who began his government service in 1962 working in agriculture, finance, the public service commission, the UN, and in the private sector as the CEO of Telecom Fiji Ltd. and finally, as Ambassador to the US for the past six years.
He gave a short history of the struggle of Fiji to become a strong, democratic nation where religions are respected by all. A previous English colony, independence was gained in 1970. Since 1879 indentured Indians had been brought into Fiji to work on plantations, most stayed and the result was a divided nation with Indians and native Fijians struggling for supremacy.
No blood was ever spilled but only through the religious leaders coming together to discover how to heal the nation, a tri-religious group was produced which helped to create respect and understanding. Today, Christian, Hindu and Muslims live and work together making Fiji the “happiest country on earth” (93%) according to a Win Gallup poll while Iraq is the least happy (31%).
Ambassador Thompson, who with his wife Queenie, has attended many UPF programs and they both have been appointed Ambassadors for Peace. They will be leaving DC in a few months, they were happy to appoint new Ambassadors for Peace. The four new appointees are: Ambassador Moussa-Adamo, Gen Kelsang Varahi, Dr. Zainab Chaudry, and Venerable Maung Shein from a Burmese Monastery in Richmond, VA. Many photographs followed and a toast for peace concluded the program.
New York, NY – UPF has signed a working agreement with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), a group founded 10 years ago to promote dialogue between the Western and Islamic worlds.
The U.N. High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, congratulated UPF, which has been a partner of UNAOC since 2013, at a Friends of the Alliance meeting held on February 18, 2015. The agreement will reinforce cooperation in continuing to promote intercultural dialogue, peace and security.
Salt Lake City, UT – J.B. Singh, Osman Ahmed and Indra Neelameggham actively participate in a water ceremony, each pouring water into a common bowl symbolized different faiths coming together in harmony during the Interfaith Roundtable’s annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast in Salt Lake City, on February 5th, 2015.
Las Vegas, NV – A large crowd gathered in Las Vegas on January 19, 2015 while UPF and other organizations had their booths spreading the message “Living the Dream.” Mr. Ricardo de Sena, President, UPF USA, met with several public officials including Leiutenant Governor of Nevada (NA) Hon. Mark Hutchinson (above picture), NA State Senator Hon. Kevin Atkinson, Las Vegas (LA) Mayor Hon. Carolyn Goodman and the new sheriff of LA, Mr. Joe Lombardo.
Entertainment ranging from cheer leading to drumline marches were demonstrated during the Dream Fest. Many volunteers were recognized for their exceptional work. One of them, Mrs. Katherine Duncan was officially installed the following day on January 20th as the new Chairwoman of UPF in Las Vegas.
Click here to watch a clip of the festival and Mr. Ricardo de Sena’s remarks.
Seattle, WA – The following is the experience of the first Unity Prayer Meeting held by the Ambassadors For Peace Association Washington State (AFPAWS ), on Saturday, January 17, 2015, in the Jose Rizal Park, Seattle.
This meeting was the outgrowth of the inspiration of the local AFPAWS staff. Twenty-six Ambassadors For Peace (AFP) and friends gathered together to share words of inspiration and prayers for our families and communities. Those attending were from diverse ethnic backgrounds and various faith communities, including Christian, Moslem, Buddhist and Unificationist.
The staff opened with a prayer offered by Reverend Nelson Mira. Later, there were three representative prayers, the first by Mr. Rizwan Samad, of the Islamic faith, then Mrs. Othella Jones, of the Buddhist faith, and finally by Mrs. Sarah Nishioka of the Seattle Family Church. AFPAWS staff then held a unison prayer, followed by a closing prayer by Mrs. Emma Herron, and the singing of “Let there be peace on earth”.
Prayers were offered asking God, the Creator, for guidance in working for and bringing about greater peace and harmony through active reconciliation, based upon the words shared from the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King and the Reverend Dr. (Father) Sun Myung Moon, co-founder with Mrs. Moon of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and AFP. We read together a page from Dr. King’s sermon on “Loving your enemies”, and, after testimonies, the beginning of the chapter in Father Moon’s auto-biography “The goal of 21st century religion”.
The Ambassador’s idea is to hold such a prayer meeting four times a year (quarterly).
