Press Release: Statement On The FFWPU Dissolution Order In Japan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The March 25 decision by the Tokyo District Court to grant the government's request for a dissolution order against the Family Federation of Japan (formerly known as the Unification Church) is an embarrassment for Japan and a troubling setback for religious freedom. By this act, the Japanese government has shamefully abandoned the core principles of human rights and religious liberty enshrined in the United Nations conventions that Japan itself has signed and committed to uphold. It now aligns itself with pariah states that routinely deny their citizens the fundamental right to freedom of belief.

Aware of its own misconduct and vulnerability to international scrutiny, the Ishiba administration took the unprecedented step of rejecting a fact-finding visit by Dr. Nazila Ghanea, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief. This refusal speaks volumes about the lack of transparency and the profound injustice of this ruling.

The Family Federation, founded 70 years ago by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon and now led by his wife, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, is a young yet vibrant global faith community with devoted followers across more than 175 countries. Throughout our history, we have consistently placed our accountability first to God, and no government’s approval or disapproval has ever altered our mission or our deeply held convictions.

Despite this unjust persecution and discriminatory action by the Japanese authorities, we firmly believe our members in Japan will emerge stronger in their faith. Our prayers, solidarity, and unwavering support are with them during this challenging time.

Statement written by Dr Michael Balcomb, President of the Family Federation of Europe and the Middle East and National Director of the Family Federation in the UK.

For a detailed commentary on this issue, please visit: https://bitterwinter.org/japans-first-degree-decision-against-the-unification-church-no-winners-all-losers/

For more information or to book an interview, please contact: pr@ffwpu.org.uk

Notes for Editor

·      The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, previously known as the Unification Church, was founded by Sun Myung Moon in Korea in 1954.

·      It became known as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) in 1997 and aimed to be a new broader based evolution of the Unification Community as an alliance of people who generally share the vision of building God-centred families as the basis for healthy communities, stable societies and a peaceful world.

·      When Sun Myung Moon, the founder, was just 15, Jesus Christ revealed to him that the end of the age was fast approaching. Moon took the revelation to churches in Korea but they were dismissive. He gained a small group of followers and preaching in the Communist-held northern part of Korea resulted in his being thrown into a harsh labour camp. On his eventual release, he fled as a refugee to South Korea, where he met his wife, Hak Ja Han Moon (or Mother Moon.) The couple were married in 1960 and continued their public ministry together.

·      The church's mass weddings began in the 1960's with just a few dozen couples getting married, but this has grown over the following years to the ceremony it is today.

·      Dr. Michael Balcomb is the President of the Family Federation of Europe and the Middle East, and also serves as the National Director of the Family Federation in the UK. His wife, Fumiko, was born in Japan.