Dynamic Duo: New Leadership at Manhattan Family Church

The new year ushered in new leadership at Manhattan Family Church, where Rev. Edner and Dr. Juanita Pierre-Louis have been appointed co-pastors. The longtime Unificationist couple, previously pastors of Harlem Family Church, are succeeding Rev. Dr. Luonne and Marie Rouse.

“I am very thankful to all who preceded us in this work of pastoring at the Manhattan Family Church,” said Rev. Edner during the recent installation ceremony. “I will never stop appreciating this decision guided by God. We have to spread the Unificationist message throughout the religious and academic spheres, as well as other realms of society.”

The ceremony, held virtually through Zoom on December 27, 2020, featured musical performances and special remarks from various leaders of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA.

“Manhattan is a central place for New York City,” said FFWPU-USA National President and Northeast Regional Director Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda. “If we can move the hearts of the people here, then we can inspire the whole world as well. I really feel this was the right move for our team and want to empower Rev. Edner and Dr. Juanita.”

A resident of NYC for many years, Rev. Edner described the opportunity as a ‘homecoming.’ Rev. Dr. Rouse, who became pastor in September 2019, said the well-known couple will surely make great strides in their new role.

“They have a dynamic leadership,” said Rev. Dr. Rouse. “Manhattan Family Church is among the best and greatest people that we’ve ever met; each person is such a valued treasure of God. Rev. Edner and Dr. Juanita have a wonderful team that will be even greater with them.”

Dr. Juanita also shared her gratitude with the community, saying her faith has been a guiding force throughout her life.

“I praise God and Jesus to know His Will; they led me to the Unification movement and this moment in my life,” she said.

Rev. Edner and Dr. Juanita join a team that includes Manhattan Family Church assistant co-pastors Stephanie Dias and Joshua Holmes.

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