The Words of the Ledesma Family
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The Words of the Ledesma Family |
Dear Editor -- Many greetings from the staff and volunteers of the Universal Peace Federation the co-sponsor of the Global Peace Federation (GPF).
First of all, we want to thank the people of this great nation for the hospitality and warm reception we have received.
This is the true spirit of this nation. Judging by the enthusiastic participation and support of the overwhelming majority of the people and their leaders, the Global Peace Festival, with its' emphasis on world peace, based on the harmonious God-centered families of all different faiths, is an idea whose time has come.
Recently, in stark contrast to the positive news about GPF, we have been hearing other "news" both negative and aggressive in tone claiming that GPF is somehow dangerous and warning people to not participate.
Who can decide what is true or not for the people of the Solomon Islands? They themselves should decide. Jesus said "you can judge a tree by its fruit".
If the fruit is good the tree is also. Very simple. The opposite is also true. The people of the Solomon Islands are wise enough to judge for themselves.
The spirit of God, peace and true love or the spirit of fear? The fruits tell the difference.
Our nation, as many nations do, needs reconciliation, healing and peace. But instead of voices of peace we hear the loud voice of suspicion, accusation and fear.
An American president said "the greatest thing we have to fear is fear itself".
We see grand pronouncements, words of judgments and unfounded accusations from some people who refuse to speak to us and want to stop others from doing the same.
Do we need such voices telling us how to think, who to talk to, what parade we can or can't march in or which festival is good and which is bad? Let the people decide.
What are the fruits of the Universal Peace Federation and the Global Peace Festival?
Universal Peace Federation is a non-sectarian, non-governmental organization with consultative status with ECOSOC at the United Nations. It consults the UN on peace issues.
The UPF helped broker peace in Nepal between warring factions, is actively involved in the 6 party talks to help bring reconciliation between North and South Korea.
UPF is working in the Middle East, South Caucuses and Africa to advise governments and leaders on strategies for peace. To say that UPF is a "front group" to lure people into a new religion is grossly naive, and dangerously misinformed.
UPF is registered in 180 nations and works actively to help the UN achieve the Millennium Development goals. It is not a religion.
To say otherwise is just plain wrong, misleading and deceptive. The Rev Sun Myung Moon is the founder of UPF.
We are open about that in all our literature and websites. His son, Dr Hyun Jin Moon, a graduate from Harvard University, is the visionary behind the Global Peace Festival.
What is the Global Peace Festival and what are its fruits? GPF promotes and celebrates people and programs that contribute to reconciliation, mutual respect, harmony and cooperation among the members of the whole human family.
In partnership with faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector, GPF encourages programs that strengthen God-centered marriages and families, facilitate intercultural and inter-religious cooperation, and foster a culture of peace and service.
Ongoing programs culminate in the Global Peace Festival that consists of three main components: an international leadership conference, a social impact program, and a public celebration.
What other fruits have we seen? We have seen enthusiastic young people from many nations come here work hard, clean parks, sweat together with many other Solomon Islanders, service projects at Multipurpose Hall, service project drainage at Vura, song competitions, free PCs and free scholarships being given and all with heart to serve the people in the name of peace.
The Bible clearly says, "Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called sons of God". We should all be peacemakers; we should all be children of God, hence the theme "One Family under God".
Mahatma Ghandi, a Hindu inspired by Christian and universal principles, founded the non violent Indian independence movement. He did not found a new religion. Dr Martin Luther King founded the Civil Rights movement.
Also, not a new religion. These movements transcended religion and brought many sectors of society together for a noble cause.
Most of the Civil Rights Leaders including Dr Martin Luther King JR. III, one of our key GPF speakers, are some of the strongest supporters of GPF.
Ghandi and King were ridiculed, thrown in prison and yet both had the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation as taught by Jesus.
Rev Moon also was tortured in a North Korean communist prison, suffered unjust imprisonment in other nations and has been bitterly attacked by some people, but he also emphasizes the spirit of true love, forgiveness and reconciliation.
By looking at the fruits, we can know the tree.
We kindly invite all the people of the Solomon Islands, in the spirit of peace and unity to come to Lawson Tama on 29 November to see for yourself.
May God Bless this Nation!
Enrique Ledesma
Secretary General
Universal Peace
Federation