Based on our financial resources, we invited 300 people to attend our World Peace Rally on September 9 in Gabon to deliver the UPF peace message. We invited the Vice Prime Minister in Charge of Social Affairs, the Vice Prime Minister in Charge of the Environment, and a Minister in Charge of the City and NGOs. We contacted other dignitaries, including diplomats from the nearby countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea Republic. In addition, we invited Ambassadors for Peace, pastors, and members of their congregation.

Rev Taty Ntoko giving his address

World Peace Blessing

In preparation, we gave interviews on television and radio. The television interview contained criticism of our movement as a sect and negative remarks about the toast for blessing and unity of marriage. This did not affect our spirit of the organizers, since it was not the first negative publicity.

At 2:00 pm, when the event was scheduled to begin, the hall was almost empty. The Ambassador for Peace who was going to read the peace message of UPF Founder, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, was not present, and the one who was to be the moderator called to say he was sick. We waited until 3:00 pm, when the first group of people started arriving, and we substituted other people in these roles.

People in the audience were especially interested in the section of the speech about the ideal relationships between husband and wife. Closing remarks included quotes from the recent talk given by UPF Chair Rev. Chung Hwan Kwak to Ambassadors for Peace in Cameroon.

Participants

Rev. Ntoko and the Media

There were 104 people in attendance. Some Ambassadors for Peace did not attend because they had returned to their hometown for independence day celebrations. Some church leaders had come in the morning, thinking it was the same time of day as announced when the event was originally scheduled for August 26. The Equatorial Guinea delegation came but were unable to stay to the end because they had another activity.

A representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr. Dedo, said “It was important to hold this event in this country. Even though the attendance was small, keep doing this and people will come to understand you. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Father Moon is very well known.”

The impressions reported by the pastors were divided. Some were in agreement with the peace message while others were adversely affected by the negative reports about Rev. Moon.

In Cameroon and Benin, there have been three-day seminars for ministers, deputies, and other leaders to educate them about the vision of Father and Mother Moon. A similar program would be helpful in Gabon.

To read a message delivered during the UPF peace rallies, click here.