In a special gathering before the main peace rally in Los Angeles, 160 elected officials, religious leaders, faith-based community leaders, businessmen, journalists, athletes, academics, and many other professionals joined together to receive appointments as Ambassadors for Peace. They affirmed the core values of promoting interreligious and interracial unity and cooperation, and "living for the sake of others."
These 160 new Ambassadors for Peace were joined by more than a thousand dignitaries and other guests, resulting in an overflow audience of 1,400 people.
The program began with a special choir led by Minister Blinky Williams. Then Keith and Magdalene Milsap led the Los Angeles Hollywood Choir singing “Peace, Shalom, Salaam Alaikam,” written by Barry Fasman, the noted producer of the hit television show FAME. The song, which includes the words for peace in Hebrew and Arabic, testified to the amazing spirit that has developed through the interfaith peace initiatives in the Middle East.
The invocation was given by Rev. Dr. Cecil "Chip" Murray, Senior Pastor of First A.M.E. Church in South Central Los Angeles. Rev. Murray and his church gained national recognition when they became the point through which God could work to calm the fires of racial tensions and violence. Dr. Murray prayed for the unity of God's people and that God would continue to guide and bless Rev. Sun Myung Moon in his quest for peace and work to bring people of faith together.
The Ambassadors for Peace were deeply attentive. So many outstanding people were present. The head of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was present and pleased with the spirit of the gathering. Also Darrin Bo Taylor, who became nationally know as the man who brought peace between the famous gangs of Los Angeles — the Bloods and the Crips, was moved by the call for reconciliation of all humanity.
The event included an invitation for couples to join in a world peace blessing toast of marriage rededication.
To read the inaugural peace message, click here.
To download a report booklet of the UPF Founders' 2005 World Peace Tour, click here.
