Dublin, Ireland - On December 9 a small group of Ambassadors for Peace gathered at Unity House, the UPF Peace Embassy in central Dublin, to discuss issues related to the development of a character education program as well as to hear the views of an Irish senator on strengthening traditional family values.
In his presentation on character education, Mr. Jack Corley, director of UPF-Ireland, spoke of the centrality of the family in the formation and development of the human character. He outlined the four spheres of love, based on the teaching of UPF’s founder, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, as the essential human experience in creating men and women of peace. He then shared about his experiences working with the International Educational Foundation in the former Soviet Union and China.
In his talk Mr. Ronan Mullen spoke passionately of his belief in restoring traditional family values. A 37-year-old first-term member of the Irish Senate, Senator Mullen pointed out that the Irish constitution is very explicit in stating that the family is the central unit of society and supports all efforts to protect and defend it. He is a well-known opponent of efforts to circumvent the constitution and pass laws allowing civil partnerships among homosexual couples. His presentation demonstrated his grasp of the legal and social issues involved as he outlined the potential consequences, if the country moves in this direction. A devout Catholic, Sen. Mullen appealed for support in his efforts to revive the tradition of secure, stable and happy families as the basis of a healthy and peaceful society.