“If all of our people are to gather their wisdom and strength to heal the pain and overcome this international crisis, not only the wish of our people, the peace and unification of the Korean peninsula, but also the realization of peace in Northeast Asia and the world can be made possible.”

The Korean President of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, Kyeung-Seuk Ryu, said the following at the “2017 New Year Message” on the 28^th.

President Ryu began to speak by saying, “With the coming of the year of Jeongyu, I truly hope that the great love of God may always be with you and your families.”

He reminisced on the past year by saying, “In 2016, Korea was swept away by a strong storm. At the beginning of the year, the closing of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, a symbol of the Economic Cooperation Division, occurred due to the aftermath of the 4^th nuclear tests, as well as the conflict between Korean and China deepened because of the THAAD deployment. The Korean government, which should be gathering its wisdom in such trying times of diplomatic tensions between powerful nations to focus more on home and demonstrate its diplomatic capabilities, was overwhelmed by the Soon-Sil Choi scandal and the impeachment of the president.”

He then continued to show his regret by saying, “Social problems are getting worse due to international chaos, the loss of ethics, family breakdown, the conflicts of ideals, the rift between generations and increasing polarization between social classes. It is as if we are trapped in a dark and unending tunnel.”

He then pointed out, “The bigger the crisis, the more we have to stick to the basics. We must set up even bigger values and visions. For this, people are asked for their consideration and caring and the ‘practice of True Love.’”

President Ryu said, “Last year, the Family Federation did its best to realize and expand the ideal world of peace, the Cheon Il Guk that God wished for, according to the traditions of filial duties and affection that were given to us by Reverend Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han in order to worship the heavens and realize the salvation of mankind,” introducing the activities of the Family Federation throughout the past year, including the presentation of the Sunhak Peace Prize, the global scholarship program and the solving of international agendas.

President Ryu promised, “In 2017, the Family Federation will once again walk the path of a religion of the people that can be loved and trusted to lead the way in creating happy families, as well as a healthy society that practices True Love,” and finished his New Year message by adding, “May the blessings of heaven be upon the whole world.”... [See the original story]