50th Anniversary of the FFWPU Europe

Family Federation for World Peace and Unification

10.May 2015, Austria Center Vienna

A report by Wolfgang Steinhardt

Having received a personal invitation which I accepted with pleasure, I have to say this was an incredible and very impressive experience which I had not expected.

On 10. May 2015, the Unification Church of Sun Myung Moon and his wife Hak Ja Han Moon, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the “Unification Movement in Europe”. With obvious gratitude to the founders, the “True Parents” as they are lovingly and respectfully called by the members of their community, and in the presence of Mrs. Moon, this impressive festival was inaugurated exactly as described in the biography of Sun Myung Moon “My Life for World Peace”, reading which can be recommended to anyone.

The opening address was made by the Vice President of FFWPU Europe, Mr. Jack Corley.

Very impressive it was, and after this the nearly 3,000 attendees sang the anthem of the Unification Church. The deep spirituality was physically noticeable, though in no way disturbing.

There followed a prayer spoken by the National Director of Germany, Mr. Dieter Schmidt.

The words of welcome from Continental Europe FFWPU Director, Rev. Young-shik An to all those present were made particularly warmly.

The official congratulations were delivered by:

Prof. Ursula King (Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Bristol) on behalf of the women,

and by

Dr. Werner Fasslabend (former Defence Minister of the Republic of Austria and also a Collar Knight, the highest rank of honour, in the Knighthood of Honour of the Lazarus Union.)

The wonderful young woman singer, Kaeko Onoda, then sang the “birthday song”.

This was followed by two extremely interesting and informative video presentations about the work, the objectives and the career of the Unification Church, which people should see before writing their “opinions”. Any prejudices are not appropriate here!

The President of FFWPU International, Ms. Sun-jin Moon, then announced the arrival of Mrs. Hak Han Moon, who entered the Great Hall of the Austria Centre Vienna to a “standing ovation”.

In her welcome message, this one of the “True Parents” spoke out impressively on tolerance, mutual respect, love for each other and the ubiquitous presence of God.

To mark the 50th anniversary, the Rev.Tim Miller and his wife Carolyn Handshin (a Vice-President of FFWPU Europe) presented Mrs Hak Ja Han Moon with a book on the history of the “Unification Movement in Europe”, a magnificent example.

This was followed by guest gifts from Germany, Britain, France, Holland and Austria.

Awards were then made to many deserving officials by Mrs. Hak Ja Han Moon.

Afterwards the “Birthday Cake” was brought into the hall and was cut by Mrs. Hak Ja Han Moon. The “Victory Toast” was proposed by Dr. No-Hi Pak, to all those present before the gala lunch was served.

During the “Gala Lunch” excellent performances by the “Singing Angel” from Korea were admired and enjoyed.

With the Soloists of Cjores yodelling perfectly, the atmosphere reached its climax.

Before the official end, the group photo of all the 3000 people present remained. An almost impossible task for the photographers, but a challenge they mastered.

This was a moving and unforgettable celebration the like of which I have experienced only a few times in my life. I was able to speak with many people, and new friends, imbued with the sense of a better future and, above all, a more peaceful world.

The Unification Church and the Lazarus Union have, as I discovered, many common points of contact and the Lazarus Union congratulates the Church on this anniversary, and wishes all people of good will happiness and satisfaction and a full life in their community.

Wolfgang Steinhardt