Religious Leaders Celebrate Newark Peace Rally Success

Photo credit FFWPU-USA

Religious leaders from around the world gathered to celebrate on Sunday, December 29 after a successful rally brought together more than 600 clergy from around the world, 1200 from the United States, and about 25,000 guests from near and far, for global peace. A joyous spirit filled the room at East Garden estate in Tarrytown, New York, as the group enjoyed an early breakfast meeting with Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU). “You opened a door that no one else has opened,” said FFWPU President Rev. Demian Dunkley as he addressed Dr. Moon in the audience. “While you may appear fragile and sensitive on the outside, I believe there is no greater warrior in human history than you.” 

Dr. Moon, affectionately known as the Mother of Peace, has tirelessly worked to continue the peacebuilding legacy of her late husband and FFWPU co-founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon. A large peace rally, cosponsored by FFWPU and the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC), was held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday, December 28 as part of Dr. Moon’s latest effort toward promoting world peace and reconciliation. Dr. Moon also launched the World Clergy Leadership Conference (WCLC) at the rally, aiming to unite Christianity. “No matter the hardship you endure, you always put God first,” said Rev. Dunkley.

The recent rally was one of numerous international Peace Starts With Me rallies held since 2017. The initiative has brought together hundreds of thousands of people from various backgrounds, transcending religious, racial, and national affiliations. “Right now at this precipitous time, each one of you are all heroes in God’s providence,” said Dr. Moon. “For more than 200 years God raised up this nation, but America has to share its blessings and guide other nations toward God’s Will.” 

Dr. Moon has built an international presence among Christian clergy and other religious leaders, including Dr. Prophet Samuel Radebe, founder of The Revelation Church of God in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Bishop Noel Jones of City of Refuge megachurch in Los Angeles. She has called for all denominations to unite and bring Christianity back to God as one global family. “This nation must rise up and be remembered for eternity by God,” said Dr. Moon.

Uniquely prepared, America has played a central role in God’s providence to bring about the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Dr. Moon has emphasized its importance and impact on a worldwide level, asking religious leaders to advocate and uphold family values. Families, as the bedrock of a healthy society, will bring about global peace and counterchange many societal problems. “We know there is a lot of work to do, but we pray that all the effort and sacrifices up to this point can be the foundation for a new era of peace centering on God,” said Rev. Dunkley. 

The breakfast celebration concluded with a group photo commemorating the rally event as leaders prepare for the new year.

Photo credit FFWPU-USA