Our Role As Representatives of the World
Photo courtesy of Patrick Fore
“As a leader, there’s lots of ways to lead, and lots of ideas to conjure up and strategies we can create. But where better to start than in prayer and in surrender, and in receiving ideas beyond our own capacity from our Heavenly Parent’s guidance,” said FFWPU USA President and Regional Chair, Rev. Demian Dunkley.
On June 28, featured speaker Rev. Dunkley highlighted the historical time we are living in and the great responsibility this brings during the World Christian Leadership Conference (WCLC) webinar, “Korea’s Providential Significance: Realizing Heavenly Parent’s Dream.”
“As ministers, [we] must have been called to fulfill this kind of role,” Rev. Dunkley said. “Father and Mother Moon have pointed out, rightly in my opinion, that the highest realm or expression of love is parental love.”
Rev. Dunkley spoke about the special position faith leaders hold, as well as the unique role of the eldest son and daughter in each family, who serve as role models for younger children. “They are [exemplifying] what it means to be a true son and a true daughter — that which our first ancestors were supposed to do,” he said. “When True Mother as the Only Begotten Daughter ... is taking and claiming that responsibility ... she’s modeling the way for all the children to follow.”
Rev. Dunkley shared that although there is an “intensity” associated with high levels of expectation, True Mother puts our hearts “at ease.” And after three years in Asia, Rev. Dunkley said he is reminded “more than ever” of the critical role America has as a “representative of the world.”
“We leave no sibling behind, no nation behind, and no region behind,” he said. “And if we can set a standard of modeling a true elder son nation ... and work together as one, going beyond all of the boundaries and all of the divisions that we have erected throughout history, then God can be finally free among us.”
Dr. Yong Cheon Song, FFWPU international president, discussed how America and Korea are providentially linked while noting it’s a time of great transition within the Unification movement and the world.
“We are all chosen for such a time as this,” Dr. Song said. “[True Mother’s] spirit is yearning to reach all of humanity and connect the world to our beloved Heavenly Parent,” he said while urging WCLC leaders to continue expanding their sphere of influence among faith leaders.
Korea’s primary significance is that it’s the birthplace of True Parents, Dr. Song also pointed out, before explaining that the peninsula’s division mirrors the “severe clash” between the political ideologies of democracy and communism, and freedom and oppression.
“The Korean War was fought to protect God’s providential work, with 60 nations uniting to liberate South Korea led by America,” he said. “That is why the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea is so important. An alliance born out of blood and the spirit of living for others.”
The webinar also featured a message from Dr. Chang Shik Yang, FFWPU international president, as well as remarks from Archbishop George Augustus Stallings, ACLC national co-chair emeritus, and Archbishop Dr. Sulanch Lewis, Women in Ministry co-chair, among other faith leaders.
You can watch the full WCLC webinar here.