Press Release: Thousands of worldwide members of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification gather for a religious festival in Europe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Over the weekend of 18-19 May thousands of people gathered in Munich at the Showpalast for the Family Federation for World Peace and Unifications two day Pentecostal festival. Fifty-six nations were represented at the event with more than 2,500 attendees and over 21,000 online live views.

The event comprised of a Youth Rally, Youth Assembly, Worship Concert and a number of activities designed to bring attendees together. There were several opportunities for young adult Unificationists to share their personal stories and experiences, showcasing the work of God in their lives and families. These testimonies were both emotional and insightful, often leaving hardly a dry eye in the whole arena. Generations from across Europe connected in a vibrant atmosphere to hear Mother Moon, Hak Ja Han Moon speak in what may be her last visit to the continent. There were also many worship sessions with praise, prayer, music and fun.

In her speech to members, Mother Moon said

"When we look at the current state of the world, there seems to be no beacon of hope shining for peace today or in the future. But God, our Creator and Heavenly Parent, is eternal. As God began things, God must complete them without fail. He must bring them to fruition, and it is the time. God will never abandon humanity.”

During the Pentecost Service on Sunday, the Worship Band lead members in Hyo Jin Nim’s song Let It Blow, with the crowd singing along in a truly powerful moment. The Pentecost worship session is a Unificationist spiritual revival through praise, prayer, and inspiration for everyone. It fuses contemporary worship music and also featured 10 minutes of praise and clapping with many members choosing to wear the iconic ‘Cheong Pyeong white.’

Event organiser and Vice-President of FFWPU (Europe) Bogdan Pammer

"This world needs God's motherly love more than ever. True Mother brought us together for a family festival full of spirit, truth and fun. A glimpse into how the world will be once we reconnect to our origin."

Dr Michael Balcomb, Director of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (UK)

“It is always a pleasure to see so many members from around the world come together to celebrate our faith. It is even more special when we have an opportunity to hear one of our founders speak to us directly. Mother Moon is an inspiration to all of us. Our Pentecost weekend was a true success and many of our members left feeling uplifted by Mother Moon’s words and the connections made from members across many different countries. These are bonds that will carry us in our faith and help us fulfil our goal to make the world a better place.”

Attendees thoroughly enjoyed the event with one saying, "The event was beautifully organised, and the worship sessions were enlightening. I feel rejuvenated and more connected to my faith and the community."

And another adding, "Bloom! was an incredible experience! The sense of community and spiritual upliftment was truly inspiring. I'm so grateful to have been a part of it."

Media Contact

For further 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.