Photo credit FFWPU-USA

On Thursday, October 10, the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) in Los Angeles held a “Blessing America” dinner to unite clergy in preparation for upcoming rallies and ongoing initiatives. The event, held in the festival hall of the Church of the Good Shepherd, revitalized guests to implement the Marriage Blessing in their churches and communities. 

Keynote speaker Dr. Luonne Rouse, national co-chairman of ACLC, emphasized the importance of Christianity in restoring families to God. “God has had an original plan that is being revealed to us through the Marriage Blessing,” said Dr.  Rouse. “True Mother is calling us to world peace; however, we will not have world peace until we are back to God’s original intent and will for our families.” True Mother is an affectionate term used to refer to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU). 

Following his talk, Dr. Rouse and his wife, Mrs. Marie Rouse, officiated a Marriage Blessing ceremony. The event also featured messages from Rev. Jae Won Pak from the First Congregational Church, who referenced the bible in support of Dr. Moon and her late husband Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, and Rev. Mark Tengan, pastor of the Los Angeles Family Church, who stressed the importance of prayer. 

“Through the power of prayer and through the strength of our unity beyond racial, denominational and cultural differences, we can embrace God and bring all of God’s children into unity,” said Rev. Tengen. “Together, we can build a foundation to pass the Blessing tradition to our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren.”

“We can use the Marriage Blessing as a tool to spread the good news of the gospel to the younger generation.  The Blessing creates an opportunity to engage young people in dialogue and activities that will increase their knowledge about God’s original intent for the family; God created men and women and blessed them.” –Minister Eula McLaurin, House of David Community Church

“What a great resounding message Dr. Lounne Rouse gave regarding the restoration of marriage, family and community. Such a prolific delivery of the purpose and need for couples to partake in the Blessing Marriage Ceremony, all the while providing insight as to why Dr. and Rev. Moon stand so firmly on this aspect of ministry. It was great to see Dr. Rouse and his beautiful wife Mrs. Marie Rouse conduct such a spiritually arousing ceremony, for at least 30 or more couples from every religion, denomination and faith. Experiencing the Blessing brings tears and elation to my heart, giving me hope for stronger spirit-filled marriages leading the way to building greater families and loving communities. It makes this ministry worth every sacrificial effort. With vast appreciation, admiration, love, we pray for our Dr. Moon who has stayed the course of our Rev. Moon.” –Pastor Evon McMurry, Word Empowerment to Serve Ministries

“The ACLC dinner and presentation was so rewarding for me. The praise and worship put everyone in the mood for the evening and the lovely buffet filled our stomachs with such delight. I could hardly wait to hear the message from our Dr. Rouse and his wife Marie. The best part was the Marriage Blessing. Even though my wife Frances now rests, I felt her presence. I was so happy to see young people doing their part in building the Kingdom of Heaven. I hope that in the near future they will have a place in the program, so we can hear their voices. God bless the ACLC youth. Each speaker delivered great messages to all that attended and especially to me. As a local pastor, bishop and chancellor, I am being enlightened in so many ways. I will take back to my congregation what God has prepared for his people. I’m willing to do my part in making it happen! Thank you and God Bless!” —Bishop Manton McKinney, Senior Pastor, New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church

Stay update on ACLC activities by visiting their website.