CARP USA to Merge with Family Federation
Photo courtesy of CARP USA
After its 43-year history in the US, National CARP (NCARP) is undergoing a transition in America. In a recent letter, CARP USA President Jinil Fleischman says the latest change integrates CARP within the Family Federation network to operate as a new department.
“The merger ... will allow NCARP to more readily respond to directions from its founders and more effectively support local chapters that are already part of local Family Federation communities,” wrote Fleischman.
Unificationist leaders say the change, effective by the end of July, is a natural progression as NCARP — characterized as a campus ministry — has increasingly become part of the core program of local FFWPU communities over the last decade.
Since its founding in Korea by True Parents in 1966, the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) has expanded globally and nationally, with a presence on more than 40 campuses across the U.S. and in dozens of countries. “CARP has led the charge in promoting a new worldview based on the Divine Principle to college students,” reads Fleischman’s letter, which points to the Columbia University chapter started in 1973 as the gateway for CARP to “take root” in America.
NCARP has also undertaken significant providential initiatives, which Fleischman highlighted. Since the 1980s, the campus ministry has combated Marxism, advanced the concept of Pure Love, and, through its Principled Worldview Curriculum, presented a “Headwing” approach to social and cultural issues in America. “These efforts resulted in broader cultural impact on the college campuses, centered on the Divine Principle worldview,” Fleischman wrote.
Photo courtesy of CARP USA
Additionally, through the Hyo Jeong Trips to Japan and Korea in 2017 and 2018, many new young people introduced to CARP and the Unification Movement were able to meet True Mother for the first time, Fleishman recalled.
As NCARP follows the encouragement and guidance of True Parents, the merger “returns to the spirit and truth of the early days of Father Moon’s ministry,” wrote Fleischman.
“We are incredibly grateful to the many CARP supporters and alumni who have allowed this great organization to thrive throughout its vibrant history,” he wrote. “We are excited as CARP enters a new stage in its development ... [and] continue[s] to enrich the lives of young people today.”
A delegation of 20 student leaders will head to Korea in late July to meet with True Mother.
You can read the NCARP letter in full here, and donate to support its future work here.