“Young leaders of all faiths, serving together for peace”
Washington DC Summer Workshop
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We are pleased to invite you to this summer’s Religious Youth Service (RYS) program in Washington, DC, July 12-15, 2015.
Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Founders of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), expressed their vision for RYS this way: “Young leaders of all faiths serving together for peace and the well-being of our global human family.”
The Religious Youth Service (RYS) is organized by the UPF office in Washington for young people (ages 19 – 30) of all faiths to participate and serve together for peace here in the capital of the United States. RYS/UPF – DC offers opportunities as a part of interfaith education to visit and receive briefings from top officials on Capitol Hill, the State Department, the White House, Embassies, and interfaith, religious, and NGO leaders.
RYS focuses on developing leadership and peacemaking skills through living and working together in service. The RYS participants include sons and daughters of the diplomats based in Washington, DC, and university students from across the country.
This could be the opportunity you have been looking for!
The program will include:
Interfaith education briefings by leaders of the major faiths
Forum on peace and security hosted by UPF’s Office of Peace and Security Affairs
Briefings at the White House, Capitol Hill, State Department, Pentagon & embassies
Presentations at prestigious think tanks & interfaith NGOs
Visits to religious sites: Mosque, synagogue, cathedral, Buddhist temple
Service: Creating “Peace Garden,” planting trees and flowers
Friendship and networking – Building new and life-long friendships
Registration fee: $150
* Visits to the State Department and White House subject to availability.
To fill out the registration form, please click here and send it by email to info@upfnorthamerica.org.
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.
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.
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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.
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Washington, D.C. – The coldest day of the winter couldn’t stop 29 internationally minded women from savoring a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
The event, held at the UPF Peace Embassy on January 8, 2015, was a collaboration between Universal Peace Federation and Welcome Clubs International, an umbrella organization representing women’s clubs around the world. Its members share a common goal of cross-cultural knowledge, understanding and friendship.
Tomiko Duggan, UPF director of public affairs, welcomed the guests warmly and explained how the tea ceremony, or Cha-no-Yu, was developed as The Way of Tea, which is considered a guide on how to live in peace and harmony and obtain a heart of tranquility. The practice was developed by the Zen monk Shuko Murata in the 11th century by elevating the Mandarin practice of drinking tea into a spiritual discipline.
Mrs. Marina Oberlander, an Ambassador for Peace, had invited the members of WCI’s local branch, called Welcome to Washington International Club. A former photographer for Washingtonian magazine, she once had stayed in Japan for a month, traveling to several cities to take photos for the magazine. She said she was thrilled to learn more about the Japanese tea ceremony.
In the Peace Embassy, which was decorated in the Japanese style, the ceremony was performed by several UPF volunteers wearing traditional costumes. Most of the guests said that they were drinking green tea for the first time. Susan Fefferman, an Ambassador for Peace volunteer, spoke about UPF Founders Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and Dr. Moon’s autobiography, As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen, was presented as a gift to each of the guests. An excellent Japanese lunch followed, with much enjoyable discussion.
Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. – On July 2014, UPF USA hosted an event in Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., honoring parents nationwide on the 21st National Parents Day, a holiday inspired by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
Honoring parents nationwide on the 21st National Parents Day – 2014
“We cannot thank the Parents Day organizers enough for this great work. God created us male and female, and instructed us to replenish the earth. But he didn’t just send children to earth to fend for themselves. He provided families where parents take care not only of their physical needs but teach them values that they will need the rest of their lives. The world is full of smart people, but many are lacking in values. Values are the mark of good citizens. Parents teach by their example. And children need both a loving mother and a loving father. No career is more important the being a good parent.” – Elder Daniel Howard, Church of Latter Day Saints; honored with his wife as parents of the year for Virginia
At this July 30th event Master of ceremonies Dr. Michael Jenkins highlighted that Parents Day was the inspiration of Reverend Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) and Congressman Floyd Flake (D-NY) co-sponsored the bill that was signed into law by President Clinton in 1994. “This has established that Parents Day is on the fourth Sunday of July each and every year as a national holiday. Parents are recognized as the union of marriage in the image of God, male and female. Parents sacrifice for and educate their children to be faithful to God and living for the sake of others.”
Two congressmen and four representatives of congressmen came to honor the Parents of the Year. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was the congressional sponsor who arranged for our room on the Hill in the Cannon House Office Building.
Honorees:
National Parents Day Parents of the Year for USA Rev. Willie and Sherion Weston, Chicago
“My wife brings balance to my life. She teaches me to perfect my messages. My motto is ‘Make the necessary adjustments’. I have the highest regard for ACLC and Father and Mother Moon’s instruction to live for the sake of others.” We are deeply honored (he broke down in tears) today. We are overwhelmed with gratitude and deeply encouraged that the efforts we made to invest in our children as well as adopting others was truly God’s great blessing for our lives.”
National Parents Day Pastoral Parents of the Year Robert and Lola Waterman, Brooklyn, New York. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) recognizing Rev. Waterman of Antioch Baptist Church, with Congressman Witmann (R-VA) in support.
“The Pastoral Parent of the Year is exemplified by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his wife, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. They have been like parents to all the members of the Universal movement. Their attitude is “Not only my children,” but all of God’s children, no matter what race, denomination or nationality. All pastors should have this mindset, that it is the only way to represent God, the Father, who is Father to all of his children. There is no other way to transcend the barriers that divide us. As pastors we have to complete the family for many children growing up without both parents. That way when they marry, they can look back on the model of parenting they you offered. That’s what Father Moon and Mother Moon are doing. They are the models of caring for ‘Not only my child’.”
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries’s Remarks
“Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman is my friend, and back in Brooklyn he is known as a New School Pastor with an Old Testimony emphasis. He has the wisdom of David, the courage of Joshua and the good looks of Joseph. He has not only served his church and community, but he finds time to be a tremendous family man.”
Congressman Robert Witmann (R- VA) Honoring the Howard Family, Daniel Howard, Mrs. Howard and two sons Brandon and Nick., of Fairfax, Virginia
Congressman Witmann’s remarks honoring the Howard Family
“I congratulate the Howard Family on their honor to receive the National Outstanding Parents award and recognition. I appreciate and thank the National Parents Day Committee for all that you to done make sure families are recognized and models of good parenting are upheld. It is an honor for me and my wife to be a part of this celebration. This is what makes our country special. I am honored to be a part of this great occasion and really want to see marriage and family in the traditional way with man and woman at the center protected and preserve.”
Bishop Franklin and Mrs. Larissa Fountain – Bishop Bibleway Church of Bridgeport, Connecticut honored by staffer on behalf of Congressman Himes of Connecticut
Bishop Franklin and Mrs. Larissa Fountain – Bishop Bibleway Church of Bridgeport, Connecticut honored by staffer on behalf of Congressman Himes of Connecticut.
Phil and Nicole Larsen of Apex, North Carolina; staffer presented award on behalf of Congressman George Holding (R-NC).
Phil and Nicole Larsen of Apex, North Carolina; staffer presented award on behalf of Congressman George Holding (R-NC).
Charles and Francine Neff – Parents of the Year for New Jersey (from Oakhurst)
Dr. Sylveta Gonzales and Lawrence Gonzales – founders of the New School in New
Hundreds of inner city youth have gone to higher education, including Ivy League schools, because of the training in this highly recognized special school.
Rev. Samuel Fisher, Richmond, Virginia,(shown with his grandson), honored with his wife Patricia as State Parents of the Year – award for excellence in parenting
Mr. Brian Duggan – National Legislative Director for National Organization for Marriage
Rev. Angelika Selle – Chairwoman, Women’s Federation for World Peace – USA
“You are revolutionaries, because the culture is going in the other direction.”
Mr. Ricardo de Sena – President, UPF USA
Event sponsors: Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, American Clergy Leadership Conference, The Washington Times Foundation, Women’s Federation for World Peace and Unification, Universal Peace Federation and the National Organization for Marriage were the co-sponsors.
The Religious Youth Service (RYS) is organized by the UPF office in Washington for young people (ages 19 – 30) of all faiths to participate and serve together for peace here in the capital of the United States. RYS/UPF – DC offers opportunities as a part of interfaith education to visit and receive briefings from top officials on Capitol Hill, the State Department, the White House, Embassies, and interfaith, religious, and NGO leaders.
RYS focuses on developing leadership and peacemaking skills through living and working together in service. The RYS participants include sons and daughters of the diplomats based in Washington, DC, and university students from across the country.
