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Click here to read the report on the October 2009 World Peace Blessing and ILC
World Peace Blessing and Marriage Rededication
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Highlights of the World Peace Blessing in Korea, February 2010.
Wednesday, February 17, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Congratulatory Remarks by Hon. Hamilton Green, Mayor of Georgetown, Guyana
Building a culture of peace is the most effective way to prevent conflict, violence and poverty. The Universal Peace Federation promotes family-based peace building. A culture of peace grows out of healthy family relationships grounded in true and selfless love, mutual respect, interdependence and “living for the sake of others.” In other words, a family culture of heart is the wellspring of a culture of peace.
A pledge of fidelity. Following a calling from God to serve as True Parents of humankind, Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon teach that husband and wife should love each other faithfully forever, never hurt or abuse each other, and raise their children and grandchildren to abstain from sex before marriage. In addition, they should encourage all families to lift up these ideals.
Transcending boundaries. Rev. and Mrs. Moon have traveled throughout the world affirming the sanctity of marriage and inviting people to participate in a World Peace Marriage Blessing. Participants in these joint celebrations declare their commitment to peace across all boundaries including national origin, culture, race and religion as they make the most sacred of commitment of their life: marriage and family.
In recent years, participants in the World Peace Blessings have included many international and interreligious couples who are bridging the divides of race and religion and pledging that they and their families will work towards peace.
Widespread support. This emphasis on the sanctity of marriage has received wide support. World Peace Blessings typically include invocations by leaders from Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and other world religions.
Participants make a solemn promise for the entire world to see that they will build families of peace and remain faithful to the this calling. They promise that they and their families will be Ambassadors for Peace upon whom the world, national and religious leaders can rely.
Building a culture of heart: The United Nations declared the first decade of the new millennium the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World. In the midst of ongoing threats to peace and security, we need grassroots initiatives that can help build a culture of peace.
QUOTES
“The best way to receive the Holy Blessing is with someone from another race, nationality or religion. This contributes to the enormous task of transcending the barriers of race, culture, nationality, ethnicity and religion and creating one family of humankind.”
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, World Peace Tour 2006
“God told me to stand with Father and Mother Moon and I would be blessed. The most unexpected blessing came. I was reunited with my wife and the mother of our seven children! We are so happy now.”
Pastor T.L. Barrett, Family Life Church, Chicago
“Through the efforts of the Universal Peace Federation, I have come to love Jews and Christians as my brothers and sisters. We are working together to bring peace.”
Imam Haitham Bundakji, Orange County Muslim Association