Dr. Rouse Meets with New York Ministers

A group of 45 pastors congregated at Belvedere Church in Tarrytown, NY, to meet with National Co-Chairman of the Amerian Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) Dr. Luonne Rouse, who was newly installed as co-pastor of the Family Church of New York City. The September 14 breakfast meeting encouraged both new and familiar clergy members to participate and work towards the 30,000 clergy rally in December.  

National Executive Director of ACLC Rev. Bruce Grodner began the program with a well-received presentation on ACLC’s history. Then, Dr. Rouse addressed the group. He covered the goals of ACLC concisely and discussed the work of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her late husband Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, emphasizing the importance of the Marriage Blessing Ceremony. Dr. Rouse also spoke fondly of Jesus, stating that in order “to unite people, we need to proceed with love.”

Following his address, there was a group discussion and a Q&A with Dr. Rouse. Ministers reported that they thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and would like a more extensive discussion in the future. Many also expressed their interest in attending a pastors’ forum.

“I am truly grateful to all those who came and participated and especially those who worked to make it a success,” expressed a local Unificationist. “I am also grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to grow so I could learn and truly understand how much God wants to save all the people of this world.”

The breakfast meeting concluded with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” for Rev. Dr. Nagi Yousef from the First Yonkers Arabic Baptist Church and a prayer for church leadership in America.