Jose Francisco Martinez
We communicate that the Municipal Chamber of Socoraba in an ordinary session on September 4, approved a request by Mayor Vitor Francisco da Silva to record in its official minutes an expression of deep sorrow at the death of Reverend Sun Myung Moon. The chamber observed a minute of silence in posthumous homage.
Jose Francisco Martinez
President, Municipal Chamber of Socoraba, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Rev. John Sekamonyo
Rev. Sun Myung Moon was a True Father. His true love through divine teaching and universal service has become a beacon of hope, a cornerstone foundation for humanity forever and ever.
Rev. John Sekamonyo
President, the Roisee Pastorale Worldwide, Inc.
Juliette Hornung
Rev. Moon has left us but he will always be alive among us. He brought us a light that we will strive to spread out, together with our families and friends, that peace and joy can unite all the people of the world.
Mme Juliette Hornung
Professor of European Literature, Geneva, Switzerland
(original French message) Le Révérend Moon nous a quittés mais il restera toujours vivant parmi nous. Il nous a apporté une lumière que nous allons essayer de répandre avec l’aide de la famille et de tous les proches, pour que la paix et la joie puissent unir tous les peuples du monde.
Mme Juliette Hornung
Professeur de littérature européenne, Genève/Suisse
(Dame de 100 ans qui est bien décidée à défendre l’idéal de paix du Rev. Moon.)
Dr. Noel J. Brown
I learned with profound sadness of the passing of Father Moon. This will undoubtedly be a matter of grief and loss to his community and his large following and a time of grieving by all those whose life he touched and faith he inspired. No doubt we can take a measure of consolation from the fact that he moved many to find their better selves and to celebrate what is best in us and to live a life of grace and goodness - - for the sake of others. We know that this will provide a measure of strength for his family to whom we express our sincere condolences. Kindly convey our sympathies and prayers to them.
Dr. Noel J. Brown
President and CEO, Friends of the United Nations
Hon. Matthew Walter
I am saddened by the news of the passing of a great man, Dr. Sun Myung Moon, who committed and dedicated his life selflessly to work assiduously for mankind. He championed the cause of family cohesiveness and intermarriage among various races, ethnic groups, and religions. This unification of the peoples of the world in all its forms and purposes epitomizes the need to bring peace and tranquility to global families, consequently improving their socio-economic living conditions. Dr. Moon should be made a world hero for his humanitarian work that he executed exceedingly well. On behalf of my family, I extend my most profound sympathy to Mrs. Moon, his children, followers, friends, and extended families.
Hon. Matthew Walter
Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Dominica
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cameroon to the United Nations
The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cameroon to the United Nations presents his compliments to the Universal Peace Federation and has the honor to extend his condolences and compassion for the passing of Dr. Sun Myung Moon, Founder of the Universal Peace Federation.
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cameroon to the United Nations
Shuki Y. Ben Ami and Shosh Ben Ami
Since we met Father Moon, our lives changed. We learned from him the real values in life. We became better parents, better citizens of the world, better members of one global family, and better children of God. The Talmud (Brachot 18:2) brings the idea that righteous people even in their physical death are considered alive. We have no doubt that Father Moon will continue to guide us and to show us the way even from the spirit world. Our true love will escort his holy soul until the end of the days. As long as we live, at the rising of the sun and at its going down, we will remember him with love.
Shuki Y. Ben Ami and Shosh Ben Ami
Director General and Dean of Studies at the Emil Frank Institute
President of the World Media Association, Jerusalem, Israel
Ambassador K V Rajan
He will always be remembered as the embodiment of loving and sharing without limits, sacrifice and suffering without limits, courage and service without limits--and all this not for his family, race, community, or nation, but for humankind as a whole.
Ambassador K.V. Rajan
Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, IndiaFormer Ambassador from India to France (and other countries)
Wing Commander D. Senaratne
The late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon will always be remembered for what he has done to the world to unite people of different races and to bring family values to modern society. We are so sad to lose Dr. Moon at a time when he is mostly needed. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
Wing Cdr. D. Senaratne & family
Sri Lanka
Alfred Moisiu
Address at the memorial service in Korea, September 15:
On behalf of the people of Albania I convey to you my heartfelt appreciation for the life and work of Father Moon and sincerest condolences to Mother Moon, the entire Moon family, and all who have loved and supported Father Moon in his life’s work.
On the one hand you must all feel deep sadness at the loss of one so deeply loved who gave so much to this world and on the other you must feel great pride at his life of immense accomplishment for God and humankind. I truly share your feelings. I was privileged to meet Father Moon a number of times. Most memorably, in 2005 while I was President, he and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon visited Albania and I had the honor to welcome them to my official residence.
During our conversation I was moved by his great vision and hope for my country. I felt he came to give selflessly for the sake of the Albanian people and that his visit was truly an unforgettable moment in our history. The vision he outlined has since been consistently implemented by the Universal Peace Federation in Albania. It now has wide support across Albanian society and has made a real difference.
Last May, in Tirana, it held a conference which three former presidents and many current leaders of key national institutions attended. It was broadcast on national TV. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, I know you would have been moved to hear many of them pledge so sincerely to try to live up to your expectations of them as they were invested as Ambassadors for Peace. I know you would have been moved too to see the hundreds of young Albanians who so far this year have been moved to commit their lives to the ideals of pure love and of living for the sake of others, that you teach. Having read Father Moon’s autobiography I feel its title, A Peace-loving Global Citizen, describes his life well. How amazing that from such humble origins in rural North Korea he could so profoundly move the hearts of millions everywhere. Surely, this would not have been possible unless the hand of God were guiding him at all times.
He taught of the central importance of marriage and family and of the marriage blessing. He called all of us to love God and to love our neighbor, and to work to establish one human family under God beyond barriers of race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and gender. However, he did more than just teach. He put his ideas into practice every day of his life by his own example and through the great range and diversity of projects that he established in almost every area of life. Clearly, Father Moon is far more than just a man of peace.
As is well known, he is a man of profound spirituality and deep understanding of the heart and will of God. His legacy does not end with Father Moon’s passing but is just beginning! Mother Moon! You have stood together with Father Moon in this great mission for more than 50 years in the position of True Parents, and we deeply admire your selfless devotion as wife and mother.
Together with Father Moon and with all of our unwavering support, may you carry forward his vision and lead the worldwide movement he founded! Surely, as we offer thanks for Father Moon’s life today, a new era is dawning in which the world will no longer be dominated by conflict or tyranny but will enjoy universal freedom and prosperity for all.
But let us all remember that if we are to build such a world, we must be strong and resolute in fulfilling our responsibility. It will not just happen on its own. This was always Father Moon’s message. Let me once again express my heartfelt condolences to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and to the whole Moon family. Rest assured that you can count on many friends and devoted supporters among the people of Albania.
Alfred Moisiu
President of Albania (2002-07)
Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami
The history of humankind is shaped by the intervention of the divine powers. They are two-fold: descent and ascent.
The later is more significant for us because in the moment of descent, only God knows about its divinity, which is mostly un-manifest, while at the time of ascension, God has already revealed its divinity graciously. Ascension is, thus, an auspicious moment for humanity, and it is a moment of satisfaction for the divine. From the Hindu point of view, such divine beings are neither born nor do they die--they just visit us. Our True Father is not dead; he has only changed his body from a physical to spiritual one. Why does Rev. Moon and the like need to visit our mundane realm? It is for a mission: the unification of the human family--badly divided and segregated by the wall of ignorance in the name of religion, culture, gender, nation, and so on. The True Father did remove these walls not by demolishing them but by creating windows and doorways through which different religions could talk to each other, religion with science, politicians with artists, and so on.
He dreamed a lot and also saw to it that the dreams are translated into reality. Despite a very high success rate, some of his dreams are still in process. But we are not helpless for that. Today, True Father is with us in our beloved True Mother. She is True Father’s true energy and power for serving humanity. We Hindus celebrate the day of ascension as a day of good fortune for humanity and also because of the fact that divine beings like the True Father can now bestow their kindness beyond the limits of a physical body. Today, I bring a prayer from Vrindavan, the Hindu holy land where God plays as Krishna--a dark moon.
We both are graced by Moons and thus we share the loss and the joy together. My prayer is this:
Let there be peace upon earth and waters,
Let there be peace in the skies and all directions,
Let there be peace in herbs and vegetation,
Finally, let there be peace in the process of peace.
Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih. Radhe! Radhe!
Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami
Sri Radharamana Temple, Vrindavan, India
Dr. Negasso Gidada
This is to express my condolence to the family, friends and followers of Reverend Moon because of the death he encountered. Reverend Moon worked without reservation throughout his life for world peace, particularly in the Far East and especially between the two Koreas. I am sure his vision will be practical very soon and the two Koreas will unite. Let us all work hard to support the activities that seek to bring his dreams into reality.
Dr. Negasso Gidada
President of Ethiopia (1995-2001)
Dr. Abebech Gobena
On behalf of our association, I want to express my deepest sadness and condolence to the family and friends of the late Dr. Sun Myung Moon.
Dr. Abebech Gobena
Founder, Abebech Gobena Children's Care and Development Organization, Ethiopia
Dr. Werotaw Bezabih
I am very sorry for the death of the highly respected and dedicated Reverend Sun Myung Moon. He loved and always promoted peace and coexistence in each country. Unfortunately, though it is needed, peace is still scarce all over the world. Humanity always requires peace, human rights, and respect. Peace and development are the two sides of a coin. They are cornerstones of stability and prosperity. Reverend Moon dedicated most of his life for peace and humanity. He lived and struggled for it. He taught it to millions all over the world. He won the hearts of many. As a person devoted to a peaceful nation and sustainable development, I express my deep sorrow at the death of this world figure. His devotion to peace remains in the minds of millions of people. I support his peace initiative and will work for equality and peaceful coexistence of people starting at home, in my neighborhood, and in my country. I will also teach others to stand for peace and human rights. We owe a lot to Reverend Moon. May God rest his soul in heaven.
Dr. Werotaw Bezabih
Owner of GENIUS Entrepreneurship Development Center and President of EMPLETEC, Ethiopia Business society
Joe Wilson
His work for family and peace contributed greatly to the cause of freedom. It is never easy to lose someone we love, and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of mourning. Although we are never prepared for such losses, I hope that his memory will give you strength and courage at this most difficult time.
Joe Wilson
Member of Congress, US
Rev. Stephen J. Thurston
We bless and thank God for the life of Rev. Moon and the legacy of a 'working faith' he leaves. We will remember him as a man of great faith, whose simplistic, but true teachings impacted millions to believe the greatness of man is measured by what he does for others.
Rev. Stephen J. Thurston
President, National Baptist Convention of America
Tariq Ansaar Aquil
I am certain that all those whom Father Moon touched through either personal contact, spoken word, or simply being the recipient of his good works are saddened by his physical absence on this plane of existence. My situation is unique in that I saw the very core of my faith as a Muslim acted out in the deeds of Reverend Moon. I was able to see the how love for the sake of others looked as it walked the Earth. I was able to see what patience, understanding, and engagement of others without the expectation of conversion or praise looked like as Reverend Moon repeatedly set the international stage for peace makers and peace seekers to perform the task of making sustainable peace a global reality. Most important to me I was able to see these entire events not through the lenses of news media or sound bites but as a participant. As scholars, NGO members, heads of state, interreligious leaders, and common folk from around the world were gathered in a sacred call to end strife, hunger, intolerance, and all that divides humanity, I was there as a guest of this great man. So my feeling of loss is personal, and knowing many of Reverence Moon's aspirations for the whole of humanity I feel a loss for anyone who did not know him as I came to know him.
Tariq Ansaar Aquil
Muslim Chaplain and Advisor for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, State of California, USA
Dr. M. Darrol Bryant
His many efforts on behalf of interreligious dialogue and understanding, his conferences on the unity of the sciences, and his efforts to renew the family and the whole family of humankind have been substantial and remarkable.
Dr. M. Darrol Bryant
Director, Center for Dialogue & Spirituality in the World Religions
Renison University College/University of Waterloo, Canada
Dr. Hamdi Murad
The world witnessed the tenderness and sacrifices of this great and unique spirit who dedicated his life to building the ideal family in its three generations with true faith in God Almighty. His work and sacrifice for others and his ongoing struggles to end wars, conflicts, crises, and all types of discrimination sought to bring true peace and security to the world.
Dr. Hamdi Murad
Co-Founder, Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Center
Dr. Mohinder Singh
We were all sad at the news of the passing away of Rev. Moon. On this occasion we fondly recall his contribution towards promoting moral values in world peace.
Dr. Mohinder Singh
Member, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, Government of India