Unificationists to Support Peace March, UN Petition

“If society can awaken to the pain of the Korean people and repent for the division of their nation, then maybe we’ll have the humility to turn to a higher power for a solution to all conflicts and world peace,” says Rev. Miilhan Stephens.

For the last couple of years, Rev. Stephens, pastor of the Manhattan Family Church, has been working through various channels to help bring about a peace park at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Korea. It’s a noble vision, symbolic of peace and unity, long held by True Parents but hasn't happened — yet.

“I believe it’s because most people don’t have Korea on their mind,” shares Rev. Stephens. But he says God answered his prayers about peaceful reconciliation when he connected with Bishop Moise Lubin of New York’s Mount Sinai Worship Center. Together as co-chairs, along with more than 20 other religious leaders, they’re initiating a highly anticipated interfaith “Peace, Unity and Reconciliation March” in New York City on Saturday, May 27.

“Bishop Lubin’s effort to bring peace to his home country of Haiti, and Dr. Robert Shirinov and his effort to bring peace to Russia and Ukraine, really inspires me,” says Rev. Stephens. “Each of them carry the pain of their home countries and know that they can’t resolve them without the help of the international community.”

“It reminded me of the spirit True Parents had for their home country of Korea,” he says. “They also knew that peace wouldn’t come to their country until the world came together in peace. We’re inviting everyone to attend the march with their families; each person’s presence will speak volumes.”

In addition to the march — convening at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza on 47th Street from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. — organizers have also launched an online petition seeking 500 signatures in support of victims of conflict around the world.

“We are partnering with several religious and non-religious organizations and expect a crowd of hundreds of like-minded people at the march, but the main thrust of this effort that extends beyond the event is our petition to the United Nations,” says Rev. Stephens. He drafted the petition requesting the UN to establish a memorial that honors all the lives lost in wars and conflicts between nations and within nations. “We can give a voice to those who lost a loved one through this petition,” he says.

Currently, there are ongoing wars or conflicts happening in 174 countries around the world, ranging from territorial disputes, drug wars, ethnic and religious conflicts, terrorist insurgencies, and civil battles all tracked by the UN and other foreign relations organizations.

“My UN request is written in the spirit of True Parents’ dream to have a memorial on the DMZ that honors the lives lost on both sides of the Korean War,” Rev. Stephens says. “There is not one war memorial on earth that honors the lives of both their own nation’s soldiers and their opponents.” 

He continues, “If we don’t teach our youth how to feel the pain that our nation inflicted on another nation’s people, regardless of the circumstances, then it only becomes a matter of time before a new war breaks out over new grievances caused by resentments and misunderstandings.”
Bishop Lubin, an ambassador for peace to his homeland of Haiti, agrees it’s necessary to address global unrest, with individuals and faith leaders providing a strong starting point. “We each have to do our part,” he says. “With many conflicts and war, everyone suffers and pays a price. Many have lost loved ones to these conflicts, so I believe the time has come for all of us to stand together in unity and have dialogue with each other, with the common goal of peace.”

“With reconciliation and forgiveness, that will bring healing and a better world,” he continues. “I hope this peace march can touch anyone in conflict, whether that’s at home, on the job, or in the community.”

Rev. Stephens, a father of three, says he is also determined to “end the cycle” of conflict through educating his own children about empathy in conflict resolution. “We first must feel the pain we cause those we disagree with, and then invite a higher power to co-create a peaceful solution,” he says. “May God bless America to bless the world ... Let’s plant seeds of hope and peace while we still can.”

You can sign the memorial petition here, and donate or register for the peace march here.