20th Anniversary of National Blessing for Reconciliation

Photo courtesy of the Sunhak Institute of History USA

Happy 20th anniversary to all the participants of the Interreligious and International World Peace Blessing and Marriage Rededication Ceremony! Officiated by True Parents on Dec. 7, 2002, the ceremony was the fourth in a series of clergy and interreligious blessings held that year. More than 1,200 couples filled the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington, Virginia, for the ceremony.

The Dec. 7 ceremony, also referred to as the “National Blessing for Reconciliation,” marked the 61st anniversary of the Japanese bombing raid on Pearl Harbor. It included some 300 Japanese leaders who expressed their wish for reconciliation among former enemy nations. 

The Rev. Dr. E.V. Hill, a famous American pastor and friend of presidents, participated in the ceremony as well and shared public remarks. “God meant for me to be with you — all races and religions are here,” said Rev. Hill. “I am meant to be with you and know you and become your brother.” 

ACLC pastors also formed a highly effective outreach team for this Blessing, which featured a special reconciliation ceremony for three representatives of the Abrahamic faiths, as well as representatives of the communist and democratic worlds, white and black pastors, and for Native Americans.

Congratulations to the many couples nationwide celebrating their Blessing and marriage rededication anniversary!