Unificationist Among Interfaith Leaders Honored by New York State

Photo courtesy of Dr. Frank Kaufmann, who stands on the far left

On April 25, Assemblyman Nader Sayegh of New York’s 90th District read a formal introduction of four religious and interfaith leaders to receive recognition by the New York State Assembly. The delegation was warmly received by all in attendance. Among these four was Dr. Frank Kaufmann, representing the Twelve Gates Foundation. 

Twelve Gates Foundation was founded in February 2019 as Dr. Kaufmann’s way to continue the interfaith work he began under the direction of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, founders of the Unification movement where interfaith work is a core tenet.

Dr. Kaufmann was honored in Albany alongside Guru Dileep Kumar Thankappan, Imam Shamsi Ali, and Imam Muhammad Shahidullah during ​​the State Assembly. “These four gentlemen we are honoring have played a crucial role not only locally and statewide, but internationally, in some of the most important causes,” said Hon. Sayegh of Westchester County during his formal introduction to the assembly.

Iftar Dinner, Photo courtesy of Dr. Frank Kaufmann

“The enthusiasm of our welcome, the beauty of the State Capitol building, and the genuine sense of patriotism among the elected officials was encouraging in a time when our country sometimes feels so divided,” says Dr. Kaufmann.

The delegation then moved across the concourse to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Iftar Dinner hosted at the New York State Museum. The Iftar, or breaking of the fast, is one of the most significant points in the day during Ramadan — a holy time during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims abstain from food and water.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, photo courtesy of Dr. Frank Kaufmann

“The meal was abundant and appreciated,” says Dr. Kaufmann. “Governor Hochul offered a keynote for the evening. She spoke for several minutes on the importance of the day, and in praise and gratitude for the contribution to New York and to American culture by Muslim Americans.”

Dr. Kaufmann says each religion has its own distinct theology and doctrines, and therefore, cannot be blended into a single faith. “Harmony is preferred,” says Dr. Kaufmann. “This makes interfaith work through organizations such as Twelve Gates Foundation critically important.”

You can watch the New York State Assembly video here, and learn more about the Twelve Gates Foundation here. To connect with a Unificationist community near you, click here.