The Words of the Balcomb Family
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The Words of the Balcomb Family |
SEOUL, Korea: As the world moves ever closer to the 21st century’s second decade, the goal of world peace often seems as elusive as ever. What with the recent financial and economical crisis, the threat of nuclear tests on the Korean peninsula and political turmoil following disputed elections in Iran and other nations, it’s perhaps not so surprising that very few people feel confident enough to suggest that our planet actually stands at the threshold of a new age of peace. Delegates of the International Leadership Conference Gather at the Peace Palace in Korea The UPF Founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, however, harbored no such doubts as he addressed a diverse group of 500 religious, political and diplomatic leaders from 84 nations who had gathered in Seoul July 10 at short notice to consider the question of how the world can truly become one family. “It is time to accelerate a true-love revolution,” he said. “This is a time when all of us must come under the guidance and protection and of the new heavenly law, by leading transparent lives with your every action being as clear as a crystal.” Dr. Moon went on to call for all religions to work together to strengthen the family and the marriage bond, to reject sexual immorality, and to make a common commitment to break down the walls and barriers that divide humanity based on political parties, religions, races, cultures and even nations.
H. E. Rodrigo Carazo, former President of Costa Rica, reflects on Korea’s progress to peace UPF Founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon calls for a true love revolution. “We are giving full attention to Rev. Moon’s vision of a renewed United Nations that embodies the parental heart of God,” said the Hon Rodrigo Carazo, the former president of Costa Rica. Carazo, who first came to Seoul on a state visit in 1981 when there were just two bridges across the Han, said that the peaceful growth of Korea was a bright symbol to other nations of how quickly change is possible. “This ambitious goal of reform and renewal is applauded by leaders from around the world,” Carazo said.
Rev. Moon was introduced by his youngest son, Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, who is himself leader of a fast-growing congregation in Seoul. Earlier, Rev. Dr. Filotheos Farag, a priest of the El-shadidein Coptic Church of Khartoum, Sudan, led a group of interfaith leaders in a moving prayer for peace. “Give all the world’s leaders wisdom to know how to love others,” he said. “Create in us a new clean heart that knows how to forgive and to accept forgiveness.”
Leaders of seven faith traditions offer an interfaith prayer for peace Mrs. Rajan Filosophos Crop Chaker, Rabbi, Mrs. Geetha Rajan (Hinduism), Rev. Filotheos Farag (Christianity), Dr. Wahiba Chaker (Islam), Rabbi Richard Gamboa (Judaism). In conclusion, the delegates signed a proclamation that resonated with the US Declaration of Independence in a “firm reliance on divine providence.” “The present age is the era of God’s authority when all persons should strive to live by the highest ethical standards, in ways that are transparent and good,” all concurred, “and to resolve the historic division between races and faith traditions.
The Hon Jose de Venecia Jr., five-time speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives, agreed. “Victor Hugo once said that ‘More powerful than an invading army is an idea whose time has come,’” de Venecia said. “Rev. Moon, on this day I want to say that you, and your ideas, and the movement you have created are indeed more powerful than any invading army. I am especially inspired and committed the vision of a new United Nations that respects the wisdom and experience of religious leaders.”
The audience enjoying the moment International Leadership Conference In the International Leadership Conference preceding the July 10 event, the delegates debated the important but complex role of religion in bringing about peace. “With significant differences in core beliefs, ethical and traditional practices, not to mention language and culture, religion can seem to be a force for division as much as one of bringing unity,” said Michael Balcomb, opening the discussion. “Yet if we are indeed brothers and sisters of one family, we must find a way to put our differences aside in search of a lasting unity.”
Delegates at the opening of the International Leadership Conference The conference also heard reports of the Universal Peace Federation’s work with the United Nations, including world-wide celebrations for the United Nations International Day of Families in May, and plans for the International Day of Peace in September. Plans were also announced for a Global Peace Convention to be held in Manila, Philippines in December. “Father Moon has always wanted to see the United Nations affirm the highest spiritual truths and live for the sake of others,” said UPF Chair Rev. Dr. Chung Hwan Kwak. “For this to happen, it’s guiding principle should go beyond national self-interest to a focus on service, cooperation, and the promotion of reconciliation and harmony among religious, racial, and ethnic groups, as well as among nations, building one family under God.”
Dr. Thomas Walsh, UPF Secretary
General
H. E. Rahim Huseynov, UPF Global Peace Council
Rev. Dr.
Chung Hwan Kwak, UPF Chair
Dr. Ana Olson, USA
Dr. Michael
Balcomb, USA
Hon Yadav Sharma, Nepal
Mr. Heiner Handshin,
Switzerland
Mr. Mwalago Kililo, Kenya
Mrs. Amala McLackland,
India
Mr. Taj Hamad, USA/Sudan
Dr. Su Thye The, Malaysia
Mrs.
Gail Paine, USA
Mrs. Alice Huang, China
Mrs. Tomiko Duggan,
USA/Albania
Mr. Greg Stone, Australia
Michael Balcomb
Communications Director
Universal Peace
Federation