Deep within the UTS purposes lies the vision for inter-religious dialog and relationship-building. This took institutional life in the 1970s and 80s through frequent theologians conferences, and the seminary-housed New Ecumenical Research Association (New ERA) and the International Religious Foundation. The Universal Peace Federation (UPF), with its global "Ambassadors for Peace" network, is a mighty tree that grew out of the seedlings planted at UTS. In the environment created through the global speaking tours of the Founder, his family, and hundreds of clergy, Seminary leaders are examining the contribution that UTS can make to the work of inter-religious peace-building.

As part of this process, UTS co-convened a forum with the UPF on December 19 at the New Yorker Hotel, the site of the UTS Extension Center. UTS adjunct professor Dr. Mark Barry together with Trustee Mrs. Karen Smith developed the day's agenda under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Walsh, UPF Executive Director, and UTS Board Chair and Vice-Chair Dr. Chang Shik Yang and Dr. Michael Jenkins. Some 45 attended, including twelve UTS faculty, staff and observers, as well as UPF staff from New York and Washington, DC, and others.

The discussion covered the broad significance of the Founder's call for greater inter-religious peace building for UTS in relation to the UPF, in particular an Institute that is now coming into shape. One session was devoted to a rich discussion on the Unification movement's work in the Middle East, featuring presentations by professors Mickler and Wilson. The day concluded with a visit by Mr. Hyun Jin Moon, the Founder's third son, who spoke on the need for stronger alignment between UTS and the UPF peace-building mandate.

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