Two Unificationist Women Take Ownership
Two highly-accomplished Unificationist women have recently been honored with positions of top leadership at the Research Institute for the Integration of World Thought (RIIWT). On November 14, Reverends Mari Curry and Miyoung Eaton were appointed president and vice president of RIIWT, respectively, effective November 30.
Both women, former colleagues at Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA headquarters in New York City, and both under 40, have been at the forefront of many national projects and conferences in recent years. This newest appointment, however, left them deeply grateful and speechless.
“I am so humbled by this great honor,” said Rev. Curry, who served as the national director of education at FFWPU-USA. “To be given a responsibility that has me working with my heroes of faith on the foundation of RIIWT’s founders and my elders, I am beyond words.”
Rev. Eaton also shared her heartfelt appreciation and dedication toward the new role.
“I am truly humbled by this appointment and grateful to be trusted with the leadership of RIIWT together with Mari,” said Rev. Eaton, who was previously the education coordinator at FFWPU-USA.
Established in 2000 by FFWPU co-founders Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her late husband Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, RIIWT quickly became a venerated hub of Unification Thought. The organization, headquartered in Bridgeport, Conn., was developed with three principal thematic drivers: the role of philosophy, religion, and history in human and sustainable development. And while all philosophies are studied at RIIWT, Unification Philosophy’s relation to traditional philosophy and philosophical questions is emphasized.
The new appointments—a first at RIIWT for two young women—greatly complement Rev. Curry, who received a doctoral degree at the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) in Barrytown, New York, and Rev. Eaton, who earned a Master’s Degree there.
“Having a glimpse of the investment, blood, sweat and tears that RIIWT is built upon, my prayer is that I can do justice by those who came before me and live up to their hopes,” said Rev. Curry. “The future of RIIWT is a story still to be written and discerned through much prayer and collaboration with my elders and the board.”
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Rev. Curry succeeds longtime RIIWT president and board member, Dr. Thomas Ward. He and other board members will guide and mentor Revs. Curry and Eaton as they embark on their future vision for the organization.
“I see the next chapter of RIIWT being that of ‘ownership,’” said Rev. Curry. “Where hand-in-hand with our experienced elders as one team we create a space of harmony and collaboration to bring the institute to the next level. Regardless of how it unfolds, I am so excited to work with this organization and see the miracles that God can create through it.”
“I have a clear impression of the opportunities available to us to promote and develop avenues for more people to engage Unification Thought, both personally and culturally,” added Rev. Eaton. “Our theme for 2021—ownership—feels really fitting in this light as there are many opportunities ahead to grow in our own ownership.”
To find out more about the Research Institute for the Integration of World Thought, click here.
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daniele cohen
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Grateful 2 God for you both. So proud !
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Margret Orr
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Congratulations! You are an inspiration. Thank you for your investment!
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Michael Balcomb
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Congratulations Mari and Miyoung! Great days lie ahead. Fumiko and I send you our prayers and best wishes. Let us know how we can help from Europe!
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Donna Avey
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Congratulations and looking forward to connecting differently and better to Unification Thought.
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Cindy Pfeiffer
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What a testimony to two great women. Their broad minds will lead to a bright future!
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Migliore Gennaro
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The woman’s era is unfolding day after day. Good luck to both of you…and may HP give you wisdom and courage.
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Irmgard Baynes
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Congratulations MiYoung and Mari, you are fine people for this role. Looking forward to updated publication and lecture series based on Unification Thought. A philosophy greatly needed and worth being promoted and taught. Thank you for accepting this post.
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Tom Corley
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God Bless you both on your new Journey!
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