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Peace Tours 2005-2007
Peace Tour Inaugurates UPF in Indonesia
Written by Dr. Thomas Walsh, Secretary General, UPF
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Jakarta, Indonesia - Mr. Alwi Shihab, one of the key leaders in the current government, and Dr. Habib Chirzin, welcomed Dr. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon to Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 26.
In addition to approximately 20 Indonesian organizers, about 50 people from Singapore played a critical and central role in the inauguration of the Universal Peace Federation in Indonesia. Mrs. Genie Kagawa, Regional Secretary General for the Universal Peace Federation was overall in charge.
The main event in the evening was extremely well organized, down to the minute details, from airport pickup to hotel accommodations, graphics, printing, and stage decoration. In fact, one outcome of this tour is that each region is dramatically upgrading its capacities for organizing major events. The Jakarta Post came to cover the event and produced a balanced account the next day.
Nearly 1000 people gathered in the main hall. Former President Abdurrahman Wahid gave the welcoming address, pointing out that all religions teach about peace, referencing Jesus’ guidance that when one is hit on one cheek to “turn the other check” rather than retaliate. He said that all religions have similar teachings, and yet many people abuse or misuse religion to justify violence. “Religious teachings on peace may seem simplistic, but they are profoundly deep,” said Wahid. “Many fail to see the depth of Dr. Moon’s teaching,” he added, “but I came to listen and learn.”
Departing at times from his prepared text of his Peace Message, Father Moon returned the compliment, saying “President Wahid is a great man. Once we are restored we don’t need religions.” As the evening drew on, Father Moon said, “Now is the time to launch the ‘new mind’ movement. This is a time for repentance, so you need to endure even this very long speech! I came here to give you this educational material. Who else would come here and give you this message? I am a mysterious man.”
The event included an invitation for couples to join in a world peace blessing toast of marriage rededication.
To read the inaugural peace message, click here.
To download a report booklet of the UPF Founders' 2005 World Peace Tour, click here.
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Introductory remarks by H.E. Abdurrahman Wahid:
In the speech and in the person of Rev. Sun Myung Moon, we can find a very long struggle to establish peace in a peaceful way. Religion does not permit the use of violence. Under Islamic law, only if you are abducted from your home are you entitled to physical defense. Christians are admonished to give the left cheek if the right has been struck.
All religions insist on peace. From this we might think that the religious struggle for peace is simple … but it is not. The deep problem is that people use religion wrongly in pursuit of victory and triumph. This sad fact then leads to conflict with people who have different beliefs.
For this reason Rev. Moon’s call for peace though religion is something of great nuance and profundity. We are deeply fortunate for the chance to hear him and observe his life-long struggle for world peace. We can see how he lives peace so fully in his life. He has endured unspeakable persecution. I know this. This puts us in his debt.
If he can continue, we are the beneficiaries. This is why I harbor an inner hope that this visit will bring about the peace he lives and gives through his life and his speeches.