Reclaiming of America's Spiritual Heritage Urged at Washington, D.C. Lovin' Life Rally

Douglas Burton
January 16, 2011

With a call for a reawakening and revival of the spiritual authority of America's Founders, the Reverend In Jin Moon rallied churches from the mid-Atlantic States at a special engagement of her rock-concert worship service in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 16, 2011.

"This country was founded because our founding fathers desired to exercise their religious freedom. They wanted to honor their Heavenly Parent and that is why they came to this great country. But over the years, decades, and centuries America has lost its understanding of the profundity of its spiritual heritage. The young people have forgotten God in their lives. We have forgotten the importance of family, that all this blessing comes, not just to be served, but it comes to America -- as our True Father said -- to serve others." Rev. Moon told the packed ballroom at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Crystal City, Virginia.

"What does Washington, D.C. mean to you?" She continued. "It means let's wash the consciousness of the American people beginning with ourselves, to reclaim our spiritual heritage under the clear direction and guidance of our True Parents so that we can inspire and empower the world to connect with God as one family under God."

The gathering of more than 1,200 participants opened with the Unificationist hymn Grace of the Holy Garden, followed by the Gospel song, "Swing, Low, Sweet Chariot," "Much More than Plans," an original composition by Lovin' Life Band members Ilhwa Compton and Chris Alan Derflinger, "Hallelujah," by Leonard Cohen, and "Dream On," by Aerosmith, all performed by the celebrated Lovin' Life Ministry band, Sonic Cult.

A letter of appreciation from Leon Granstrom, a young Unificationist, to Rev. In Jin Moon was projected on screen, which served as an introduction to Rev. In Jin Moon herself.

Rev. Moon commented: "As somebody who stands in the position as your senior pastor, the greatest perk of doing what I do is getting a letter like this from Leon. It sometimes gets difficult and tiring, and sometimes the work wears you down, but when you get a letter like this from a young gentleman just starting out in his new relationship, looking forward to a life where he can have the opportunity to create a beautiful family together with his Japanese spouse, but all the while approaching life not as a burden but with so much to look forward to, with a sense of gratitude, a sense of being so blessed to be living out this time with our True Parents, is one of the most inspiring things I can hear from young people."

The service was followed by refreshments for all, while Rev. Moon stayed at the reception line greeting each member who wanted to meet for a full hour and a half afterward. A record number of Unificationists then gathered for a two-hour ballroom dance lesson given by Ms. Ariana Moon, Rev. In Jin Moon's daughter. Ms. Moon, leader of the competitive ballroom dance team at Harvard, led the participants in the basic steps for the Waltz and the Cha Cha.

Participants tended to be enthusiastic in their comments on this unique experience. "Lovin' Life Ministry coming here to Washington, D.C. is a lot better than the weekly broadcast. I loved the stage lights and the extraordinary sound of the band," said Trueson Daugherty, 21. He added: "It made me feel that they [Rev. Moon and her ministry team] really care about our church community."

"I liked what she said about cleaning things up here [in Washington, D.C.] and making the American family stronger, because it is indeed the breakdown of the family that is causing social chaos," commented Ms. Debra Gohr, a school teacher from Greenbelt, Maryland.