Unificationist Leaders Reflect on Korea Events
Photo courtesy of Steve Sakuwa
Leaders of the Unification movement in America returned from a series of events in Korea that culminated Aug. 14 with the 10th anniversary of True Father’s seonghwa. They shared personal experiences and takeaways in a meeting on Aug. 23, recounting the International Leadership Conference (ILC) Summit, Think Tank 2022 Forum, an international symposium, and Cheon Il Guk (CIG) leaders’ meeting, among other activities.
“This was a really providential time in history,” said Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda, President, FFWPU USA. “Our united American team was really together. I felt so much support from all of our sub-regional directors ... The central point was honoring True Father for the 10th anniversary and everything was centered on that.”
Leaders applauded the efforts made by Unificationists and their guests in preparing for the events. Dr. Michael Jenkins, Universal Peace Federation (UPF) International President, said a vast cross-section of people participating in Korea this year was a “huge liberation for God’s heart,” with heads of state from every continent present, particularly Asia and Africa. He also noted great support from prominent faith leaders and clergy from around the world.
“With the ACLC, Dr. Luonne Rouse did a really good job having outstanding clergy attend,” said Dr. Jenkins. “There was a beautiful meeting with True Mother that occurred … and a beautiful photo was taken together.” Dr. Jenkins identified key components of the conference, including the strong turnout of leaders from Africa and Asia, a special UPF fact-finding delegation for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and the 40th anniversary celebration of The Washington Times.
“True Mother is working on a world stage to break down barriers,” said Dr. Jenkins. “And Asia is now playing the most central role to open the door to North Korea ... Bringing top world leaders together was amazing. They all stood with us absolutely, and we had a religious freedom program right in the middle of [the summit].”
Some 350 global figures convened during the ILC Summit events, including Senegal President Macky Sall, former Canadian Prime Minister Stephan Harper, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Taiwan Vice President Annette Lu, U.S. Pastor Paula White-Cain, former Brazilian President Michel Temer, former Niger Prime Minister Brigi Rafini, and Dr. Sok Siphana representing Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen.
“Ten years ago, only North Korea sent flowers at the time [of True Father’s seonghwa],” said Rev. Kevin Thompson, FFWPU USA West director. “This time, we heard there were 85 countries who sent flowers ... I just felt so proud. True Mother knows the importance of getting True Father to be recognized worldwide ... One by one, she is accomplishing the things True Father wanted to get done.”
“Our clergy were so grateful and excited and happy to be [at the summit],” said YCLC National Director, Joshua Holmes. “They felt so much of the love from God.”
Rev. Kazuo Takami, FFWPU USA Midwest director, shared about the CIG leaders’ meeting in Korea where a “Vision 2027” plan for America was unveiled by continental President Dr. Chung Sik Yong. Target goals were outlined: to bring 30,000 single Blessing candidates, 144,000 CheonBo couples, and establish a thousand church communities and 1,200 missionaries in 120 nations.
“I really felt America brought such a significant offering,” said Rev. John Jackson about the preparation for the events. “We’ve been able to break through in more other ecumenical ways with Christian clergy ... and they were very moved ... I’m grateful that we were able to come and make a great offering in Korea.”
You can learn more about the ILC Summit events here.