Press Release: Dozens of Families Gather Annual Gathering Festival for the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Saturday 22 June, dozens of families who are part of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification gathered together in Wiltshire for the church’s annual gathering for 2024. 

Activities were put on for both adults and children and including a bouncy castle, petting zoo, art workshop and volleyball and ultimate frisbee tournaments. There were many different food options for those who came along including a BBQ grill and smoothie bar. There was also an incredible line up of musical performances as the church’s Live Lounge returned. 

The event began at 11am with a worship service and a sermon given by Assistant Pastor Eric W. from Scotland who spoke about the importance of creating a positive environment and how people should strive to have a positive impact on those they interact with. 

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

“The annual gathering is a chance for members from across the country to get together and share time with others in the community. The day itself was hugely successful and enjoyable for all those in attendance. The weather was perfect and following our Sunday service most attendees spent the day soaking up the sun whilst enjoying a picnic of something from the BBQ. It’s a pleasure to see our members be able to come together and enjoy each others company whilst celebrating their faith.” 

Media Contact

For further information or to book an interview please contact Emma Rushton at Roseleigh Media on roseleighmedia@gmail.com and copy in 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.