Among those attending the program were: the current president of the Interfaith Council of Greater Richmond, Ms. Rebecca Skinner (Unity Church of Bon Air, Richmond); a former president of the Interfaith Council and League of Women Voters, Ms. Lynn Johnston (Unity Church of Bon Air); three deacons from the Sacred Heart Cathedral; a lay clergy (Catholic) involved with the Prison Ministry in Richmond; two leaders of the Muslim faith (and leaders in the African Community Network, Richmond); leaders of Cambodian and Zen Buddhism in Richmond; members of Soka Gakkai International and Falun Gong; founders of the Identity Group, Mr. William Russell and Mr. Omer Kounga; students from Virginia Commonwealth University and J. Sergeant Reynolds College; several local business leaders; and the President of UPF-Jamaica, West Indies, Mr. Dennis Salmon, who was on a visit to the U.S.

To enlighten the attendees on the work of UPF with the United Nations and throughout the world, two videos were shown: "Introduction to UPF" and "Ambassadors for Peace."

After the appointment of Ambassadors for Peace all engaged in a toast for reconciliation, peace and God's blessing on families.

In the keynote address, Rev. F. George Russell, Director of UPF-Richmond, explained that a new paradigm is needed for global transformation to an era of lasting peace. He said that traditional and conventional approaches tend to be hindered by ethnocentrism and parochialism, pitting one religion against another, race against race, party against party, and nation against nation.

"The new paradigm must be rooted in a God-centered ideal,” he said. It must be an understanding of a "universal God" who is the Parent of (all) humankind, and a family-centered model for all areas human endeavor. The God-centered ideal of family was the first institution, according the book of Genesis. It encompasses the most intimate relationships and is naturally ordered in love."

He said that Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon, founders of UPF, have promoted a vision for lasting world peace and reaching out across barriers through intercultural marriage blessing ceremonies. "The overall effort," he said, "is to promote one family under God, a universal family in which we all live for the sake of others.”

At the conclusion of the presentation, participants were told to take away what they could accept. On behalf of all, one participant responded: "We are all in agreement here!"

A lively roundtable discussion ensued, continuing after official close of the program.