On April 27, the Clifton Family Church hosted their first American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) workshop, an outgrowth from the ACLC Moderator’s Training for Pastors’ Forum where attending pastors were asked to study the Divine Principle.

Lecturers for the workshop included Rev. Manoj Jacob, District 3 Pastor and Advisor to ACLC NJ, and Rev. Michael Sykes of the United Missionary Baptist Church, ACLC National Executive Committee Member and ACLC NJ Co-Chair. Rev. Jacob gave a lecture on the Principle of Creation explaining how God wanted his children to resemble Him through the union of man and woman in marriage. He said, “We can only develop our character and deepen our capacity to love while we are alive in our physical bodies.”

Rev. Sykes gave his presentation on the Human Fall and the Mission of Jesus. He pointed out that the Fall was a sexual relationship, and declared that that relationship has impacted every aspect of our lives as well as the lives of all of our predecessors. “Although I studied at a Hebrew Institution and hold two PhDs, the knowledge that I share in my presentation was learned at the feet of Rev. Moon. With that knowledge, I was set free,” he said. In the Mission of Jesus presentation, Rev. Sykes logically explained that Jesus did not come to die, but instead came to restore God’s family and lineage. After his presentation, Rev. Sykes and Lady Sykes fielded questions regarding both presentations and related issues between men and women, and same-sex relationships.

Participants stated they were inspired to see Christian clergy members initiate Divine Principle teachings and would like to attend similar workshops in the future.

“The workshop was so amazing, with clear presentations of the Divine Principle. Rev. Manoj Jacob clearly explained the Principle of Creation, God’s original plan and how to build the original lineage and the family of God. He elaborated with examples which helped me understand it more deeply.”

“Rev. Michael Sykes understands the Divine Principle’s perspective of the Human Fall clearly. He also elaborated on the mission of Jesus Christ. Most traditional Christians don’t understand this important viewpoint. I give this workshop five stars!”

“This one-day ACLC workshop was very insightful. Each speaker offered their own experience about understanding the topics that were covered with elements of their own lives, making the presentations more relatable and intimate.”

“The fact that each lecture was somewhat interactive gave participants the opportunity to be more engaged. It contributed to more focus and gave way to better retention of the content!”