Universal Peace Federation Banquette

Three hundred people, diverse in almost every aspect of race, creed and nationality sat with anticipation and some, with ample curiosity. Who is Reverend Dr. Sun Myung Moon, and why is he so controversial?
Rev. Moon came to the University of Bridgeport to announce the founding of the Universal Peace Federation. This non-governmental organization is comprised of a body of religious leaders representing the major faiths and regions of the world, with expertise in the field of inter-religious dialogue. Their purpose is to advise the UN in their deliberations concerning the brokering of peace, where religious conflict is a key influence. The event started stridently, with a unified prayer and blessing of the event and its participants by one of the Islamic leaders present. Our host, Rev. Michael Jenkins, then introduced UB President Neil Salonen. President Salonen then gave his greetings and welcome to the ceremony attendees and Rev. Moon. Quickly following, him we heard remarks from Chan Shik Yang, continental director of FFWPU (the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification). He spoke on the dependency of the world on the future of America, on the sanctity of marriage, and lastly on the miscomprehension of Rev. Moon. “Reverend Moon is understood by no one and yet known by everyone.” He alluded to some of Rev. Moon’s history and how he has impacted this and many other nations. Following Yang’s leave, host Jenkins announced the awards, gratitude and proclamations offered to Rev. Moon and his cause. These awards came from a prestigious lot of politicians, investors, and congressmen including Congressmen Christopher Shays and Connecticut Senators Chris J. Dodd and Joseph I. Lieberman (unfortunately they were not present at the banquet).
After those prestige honors, we were regaled by the inspiring words of Arch Bishop George A. Stallings (of the African American Catholics Clergy). He recounted the sole message of the Unification movement which was, “Living for the sake of others, [and] Love for one’s enemy.” He spoke on, “evening out the playing field” with exchange, interracial, and inter-creed marriage. Also in a somewhat agnostic relief tone, he said, “In my small life span, I haven’t found a better answer to life, than what he’s given me.” He concluded with the notation that there was controversy surrounding all great prophets, “Jesus wasn’t liked either.”
After the speeches of introduction, we received the main course. Reverend Moon greeted us with a very loose tone; he conversed with us in Korean and with no lack of humility. For some time he continued in a some what incomprehensible mix of English and Korean. His speech it self, was rich and impacting. It spoke of divinity untied, uniting the races, peace, and the sanctity of traditional customs such as marriage, and most importantly, lineage. It’s not hard to see where opposition for Reverend Moon’s ideals arises, since interfaith work is considered by some to be blasphemous. Some leaders of the world’s top religions believe their faith has the exclusive corner on truth. Rev. Moon’s teachings seek to reverse this trend. However, interestingly, he represents himself as greatest of all prophets and considers his revelation to be the necessary final step on the path to peace. Arch Bishop Stallings called him the triple A of life, “Anointed, Appointed and Approved.” It may seem unlikely that such teachings could thrive in a modern world of deep spiritual skepticism, but Rev. Moon appears to have a significant clergy support and a solid cross-national base. This stop in Bridgeport on Wednesday was the fourth stop in a tour of 12 cities in America and 100 cities world wide. If nothing else, Reverend Moon’s teachings are cause for some notice.