[Kyunghyang Newspaper]

Global Rally for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula, Completed Successfully with a Gathering of 70,000 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium

The “Global Rally for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula” was held on November 11 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Sangam-dong, with over 80,000 people in attendance, including religious and political leaders from 70 countries, as well as thousands of local citizens.

Notable VIPs in attendance include Founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Family Federation for World Peace and Unification International President Sun-Jin Moon, Women’s Federation for World Peace International President Yeon-Ah Moon, Universal Cultural Foundation Chief Director Hoon-Sook Moon, Former CIA Director James Woolsey, Former U.S. Congressman Dan Burton, Myanmar Ambassador Thet Oo Maung, Bishop Don Meares and U.S. Congressional Club Honorary President Vicki Tiahrt. Korean VIPs, including National Assembly Chairman Se-Gyun Jeong, National Assembly Vice-Chairman Ju-Seon Park, Former Prime Minister Su-Seong Lee, National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Foreign Affairs & Unification Committee Chairman Jae-Gwon Shim, Congressman Meng-Wu Park, Congressman Yong-Tae Kim, Minister of the Interior and Safety Bu-Gyeom Kim, Governors Gwan-Yong Kim and Hwi-Jeong Ahn, Busan Mayor Byung-Soo Suh, Gwangju Metropolitan Council Chairman Eun-Bang Lee and Guri City Mayor Gyeong-Hyeon Baek, sent congratulatory messages, both in-person and through video messages.

Founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon stated, “If you look at the world today, there are many problems, and we try to overcome them through human efforts and power. However, no answers are to be found, and the future is bleak,” as part of the keynote address. Founder Dr. Han gave a grim prognosis on the state of the world, “We experienced the terrible and cruel reality of the first and second World Wars, and then the United Nations was founded. However, even with the passing of the 72^nd anniversary of its founding, there still are many conflicts that must be resolved throughout the world.”

Founder Dr. Han stated that “the central figure or nation blessed by heaven must complete their responsibility, and must shoulder the responsibility as a blessing that can be shared together with one’s neighbors, people, nation and the world. We must unite in our efforts to establish the peaceful reunification longed by our people, and establish a global community of true love desired by all of humanity throughout the world.”

In the following part 1, “Peace Vision Speech,” Kyeung-Seuk Ryu, the Co-Chairman of the Organizing Committee for this event, gave the opening remarks, which were then followed by an invocation ceremony by representative leaders from ten religious denominations.

Former CIA Director James Woolsey stated, “There’s a great deal of hostile dialogue, back and forth now, between the parties involved in Korea, particularly between North Korea and the United States. The danger of harsh talk, slipping suddenly into all-out war, is much greater today than it has ever been… Rev. Moon and Dr. Han went to North Korea in 1992 on a mission of peace… Those of us gathered here today are being called by God to finish the work of building peace and freedom that was begun by Rev. Moon and Dr. Han.”

Over 200 clergy from the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) and over 1,200 members of a joint choir sang “Every Praise” together, and conveyed their ardent desire for peace. Attending leaders and citizens adopted concrete proposals given by the “Platforms for the Implementation of Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula” for overcoming the crises surrounding the Korean Peninsula and for its peaceful reunification.

In part 2, “The Hyojeong Peace Concert,” cultural performances were held in support of peace. These included on-stage performances by guest singers and the Little Angels. An inaugural assembly for the Interreligious Association for Peace is planned to be held at the Lotte Hotel World with global religious leaders in attendance..... [See the original story]