Volume 7 - The World Religions and Peace - World of Peace [Part 8 of 9]

7. Opening of the Cheon Jeong Gung

In 2006, Reverend Moons lifetime commitment to the creation of a peaceful, loving world in which God can dwell with humankind, reached a dramatic moment. On June 13, 2006, Reverend Moon declared that at long last, a sufficient foundation had been established that a substantial dwelling place of God could be created. On that day, in Seoul, Korea, Reverend and Mrs. Moon formally opened the Cheon Jeong Gung.

Reverend Michael Jenkins, President of FFWPU-USA, explained that "God can dwell from this moment on with representatives of all races, nations, religions and cultures who are considered one through the Holy Wine Ceremony and the Blessing of marriage. All people who have engrafted into the true olive tree are now considered the one family of God on earth. This transcends all boundaries; and all people are welcome into the Kingdom. This will be God's central palace of the Kingdom of God on Earth (Cheon Il Guk). The Cheon Jeong Gung will be an eternal central point for all God's people and will stand as the first permanent, universal dwelling of God on earth and the gateway to the substantial realization of God's heavenly kingdom and the heavenly nation of Cheon Il Guk (the Nation of Cosmic Peace and Unity)."

Reverend Jenkins went on to explain that "only through the foundation of religious harmony of all major religions can we celebrate the opening of God's temple and the Peace Kingdom and God's indwelling with humankind." He therefore expressed his gratitude to "the many prominent religious leaders who have come with confidence that their traditions are being blessed and strengthened through this moment in history. These religious leaders know that God is drawing all people of the Book, or Scripture, together as one family of God."