Madrid, Spain - The ninth forum in UPF-Spain's Marriage and Family Initiative Series was held Nov. 21, 2009, at the Peace Embassy in Madrid. The theme was the Responsibility of Parents and Children in the Family.
After opening remarks by Mr. Armando Lozano, Director of UPF-Spain, Mrs. Gloria Juste, President of the Women, Work and Family Foundation, spoke about the importance of communication and dialogue among the members of the family as they accomplish their different duties. She emphasized the importance of cooperation.
A toast for peace was offered in support of core family values.
Ambassador for Peace Mrs. Rosario Zanabria, President of the Ari-Perú Association, offered interesting comparisons between the family traditions of Peru and of Spain. Then Ambassador for Peace Mrs. Violeta Cedano, President of the Womade Association of the Dominican Republic, described the friendly, loving culture among families and neighbors in her country, where people look for ways to be helpful to each other.
Mrs. Mercedes González, Coordinator of the Family and Marriage Initiative, spoke about the Responsibility of Parents and Children in a Family. She gave a PowerPoint presentation that included advice by Dr. Sun Myung Moon about family relationships and responsibilities, including the spiritual dimensions of preparation for conception, conception, and pregnancy.
She continued with a presentation about the root of the Middle East conflict, elaborating on proposed solutions and concluding with a prayer for peace. Mrs. Cristina Villar, a teacher and elder of the Mormon faith, shared a few words about this biblical conflict and the calling of people of faith to serve as bridges in seeking a resolution. Seven representatives from the Catholic, Mormon, and Unificationist traditions offered sincere prayers.
The program ended with traditional Peruvian dances by the Roots of Peru Association.
Each of the presentations was unique and educational. Over refreshments, people shared about their experiences during the seminar. Many commented about the importance of the peace education being offered by UPF and said they value the opportunity to participate in interreligious prayers to resolve conflicts around the world.
One couple, Elisa and Ignacio, wrote afterwards that the presentation about the responsibilities of parents and children impacted their way of thinking: "How important it is for harmony and getting along to be aware of our responsibility as active agents in all the spheres in which we move and develop!" The prayer opened for them a "new dimension of peace and good will that is difficult to explain. The prayer for our Palestinian and Israeli brothers and sisters was marvelous because it let us see how the Holy Spirit is moving."