Birmingham, United Kingdom—A diverse audience of about 170 commemorated International Day of Families.
The main speaker was Dr. David Hanna, the UPF regional chair for Northern Europe, who explained about the UPF Principles of Peace. The event, held on May 20, 2023, in Christ Church in the Birmingham suburb of Selly Park, was organized by the local chapters of UPF and Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), an affiliated organization.
The audience represented different faiths, cultures, nationalities and ages. Some were prominent faith and community leaders, while others represented the “grassroots” of society, including some who arrived recently as refugees from Ukraine.
In three presentations, Dr. Hanna gave an overview of God’s original ideal; the tragic reality; and the journey toward a world of peace. He spoke about the lives of UPF founders Father and Mother Moon, with many inspiring quotations from Father Moon. Finally, he described the many activities of UPF and WFWP.
The program also featured the awarding of Ambassador for Peace certificates to Rev. Val Benjamin, an ordained minister and police chaplain; and Sharon Westwood, a registered nurse with the National Health Service and the leader of her church’s women’s ministry.
Words of encouragement were given by Rev. Marcia Levine, minister of the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church; Sheikh Nuru Mohammed, an Islamic scholar and the co-chair of Citizens UK in Birmingham; and Swaran Talwar, an author, poet and former president of the Indian Ladies Club.
Julia McHugh, and Tom Pritty and Viola Dirnhofer offered musical performances.
Thanks to everyone for your contribution.
