The latest Unification Movement Worldwide News

The Inter-Religious Federation for World Peace (IRFWP) was a co-sponsor
of the Special Convocation of the World Culture and Sports Festival
(WCSF).  Approximately 50 major leaders from the world's religions
participated in the convocation.  Their presence was important for a
number of reasons, as there was an uncommon degree of emphasis on
inter-religious dialogue and harmony from Father this time.  This
emphasis was particularly evident at the inaugural plenary of the newly
founded Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace
(IIFWP).

In addition to representing an important witness and foundation for the
establishment of the Interreligious and International Federation for
World Peace (IIFWP) at its inaugural plenary, religious leaders also
were involved in two other aspects of the week's events, namely the
IRFWP panel, and prayers at the Blessing.

On February 6, 1998 the IRFWP held its "Concurrent Panel" on the theme
"The Family and the Interfaith Ideal."  Five panelist took up the topic
which was designed to examine the possible tension inherent in the fact
the family naturally pursues strong particular faith for the children.
which on the face of it can be seen as contrary to the promulgation of
strong interreligious attitudes. How then can one be strongly
pro-family, and strongly pro - religious dialogue at the same time?

The papers were heartening and imaginative.  Speakers from five
traditions each spoke well to the conclusion that instilling a strong
particular faith during childhood does not interfere with the
establishment of attitudes of inclusivity, and embrace of believers
from radically different traditions.  Professor Mumtaz Ahmad spoke from
the perspective of Islam, Professor Selengut from that of Judaism,
Venerable Kongchinda offered a Buddhist point of view, Professor Smart,
a Protestant (Anglican) perspective, and Archbishop Milingo a Catholic
view.  This session was inspiring and informative.  Additionally the
faith representatives who spoke themselves embodied these very paired
ideals which they insisted could be fully embraced without internal
tension.

The third and most celebrated role for the religious leaders present
was that of offering prayers for the Blessed couples together with
Reverend and Mrs.  Moon during the Blessing ceremony on Sunday,
February 8, 1999.  This tradition began at RFK stadium in 1997,
occurred again in Madison Square Garden in 1998, and continued here in
Seoul this year for the third time.

I think it's fair to say that this year representation from diffferent
religious traditions was the broadest to date.  Eight traditions were
represented.  (It should be noted that the desire for broad
representation clashes with the impulse to produce a briskly paced
ceremony that respects the participants and the international viewing
audience.)  In my estimation that balance was threatened but not
tipped.

Professor Shivamurthy Swamiji of Karnataka offered Hindu prayers,
Khamba Lama Dambajav from Mongolia offered Buddhist prayers, Rabbi
Herzel Kranz offered Jewish prayers, Archimandrite Vikentiy Miskov
offered prayers from the Christian Orthodox tradition, Archbishop
Emanuel Milingo from the Catholic tradition, Reverend T.L. Barrett of
Chicago offered prayers as a Protestant, and Professor Manjit Singh
Jathedar offered blessings from the Sikh tradition.

It should be noted that there may be those (perhaps even well meaning)
who will be moved from impulses of religious bigotry to condemn these
committed leaders of their respective faiths for the role they played
in the Blessing ceremony.  Unfortunately this sort of divisive behavior
may well be around for some time to come in the religious world; a fact
regrettable to all decent people and people of of conscience.  This
negative reaction notwithstanding, it must be said that the task of
invoking the Blessings of the one true God, over millions of couples,
young and old, from all nations and all religions can only be properly
understood as fulfilling the highest calling of any leader from any
tradition.  The lucky couples who were Blessed that day forever will be
proud that their vows and their union received prayers and well wishes
from a Rabbi, a Jathedar, a Monk and many others.  It will be a story
each couple can tell to their children and grand-children, and members
from all traditions should be proud and thankful to their respective
leaders for bringing to the world's attention the unique beauty and
wisdom from each great world religion.

There are many deeply moving stories from behind the scenes of such
occasions which I hope to share in future writing.

by Frank Kaufmann fortl@pipeline.com