Over 30,000 Attend Memorial for Sun Myung Moon

13 years on, Sun Myung Moon’s followers gather at large memorial event to pray for a new era of peace

See also 13 Years Since Father Moon’s Holy Ascension

See also Heaven’s Work Fulfilled: Humanity’s Return to Eden

See also Opening the Era of God Living with Humanity

See also Father Moon’s Washington Monument Rally at 50

Various media outlets in South Korea reported on 6^th September on a large rally in Gapyeong, South Korea. The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, often referred to as the Unification Church, marked a solemn and significant event on 5^th September with the commemoration of the 13th anniversary of the “Cosmic Seonghwa” (funeral) of its co-founder, Reverend Sun Myung Moon.

The memorial service, held at the Cheongshim Peace World Center in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, drew more than 30,000 participants from across the globe – members from Korea, Japan, the United States, Europe, Asia, and beyond gathered to honor the legacy of the man they revere as the True Parent of Heaven, Earth, and Humankind. This level of international participation not only highlighted the continuing spiritual influence of Reverend Moon but also reflected the enduring global reach of the Family Federation’s vision.

The event was themed “Prayer Meeting for the Beginning of a New Era and New History Centered on Harmony and Peace”, underscoring the organization’s dual commitment to personal faith and broader societal transformation. Through songs of praise, sermons, united prayers for reconciliation, and a special vigil devotional prayer for Korea’s prosperity, participants were invited to reflect on their spiritual responsibilities while seeking renewed strength to contribute to peace in families, communities, and nations.

Several speeches captured the spiritual and reformist tone of the gathering. Doo Seung-Yeon, Director of the World Mission Headquarters, emphasized the cumulative impact of small, faithful actions:

“When each of our small acts of practice come together to create a history of harmony and peace in families, churches, workplaces, and society, only then can we achieve the true goal. Let us forgive one another and dedicate ourselves to peace.”

His words point to the Family Federation’s belief that global change begins with the cultivation of peace within the individual and family, a principle that has long been central to the movement’s teachings.

Song Yong-Cheon, President of the Family Federation in South Korea, framed the moment as one of spiritual renewal, declaring:

“Heaven is calling us to be reborn as a pure community of faith.”

By urging a return to the essence, Song highlighted the importance of internal renewal while also pledging to strengthen the transparency and fairness of the Federation’s organizational systems:

“We will begin concrete institutional reforms for transparent operations and strengthen a fair and rational personnel system.”

Such commitments demonstrate an awareness that credibility and integrity are inseparable from spiritual authority.

Importantly, the Federation did not shy away from addressing contemporary challenges. A representative openly acknowledged recent investigations and social concerns:

“We deeply recognize our moral responsibility […]. We are taking this as an opportunity for deep reflection and renewal, with the aim of fulfilling the essential role of religion before society, the nation, and the world.”

This frank admission illustrates a willingness to transform criticism into an occasion for growth and reform, aligning with the organization’s emphasis on moral responsibility and accountability.

A spokesperson for the Family Federation also situated its mission within a wider geopolitical and spiritual context,

“Amid growing nationalism and global conflicts, we are also dedicating special prayers so that Korea can overcome trials and crises, achieve greater prosperity and development, and fully play its divinely appointed role as the center of peace on the Korean peninsula and in the world.”

Here, the Federation connected its faith practices to Korea’s destiny, reinforcing its conviction that Korea has a providential role in advancing global peace.

This year also marks the 71st anniversary of the movement’s founding. With the grand opening of the Cheonwon Temple in April and a new organizational structure centered on mission, administration, and education, the Federation is signaling its readiness to advance its guiding vision: “One Human Family under God”. Through its programs for healthy families, Korean reunification, and international peace, the movement continues to extend its founders’ legacy into the future.

In sum, the large event on 5^th September can be said to be not just a memorial but a moment of renewal. It reveals a faith community embracing both reflection and reform, committed to peace in the family, society, and world.

See also 13 Years Since Father Moon’s Holy Ascension

See also Father Moon’s Washington Monument Rally at 50

See also Heaven’s Work Fulfilled: Humanity’s Return to Eden

See also Opening the Era of God Living with Humanity

Text: Knut Holdhus, editor, written based on the English translation of South Korean media reports from Segye Ilbo, Taegyeong Ilbo, Jeonguk Maeil Shinmun, and Local Segye.

Featured image above: From the large rally on 5th September 2025 in Gapyeong, South Korea. Photo: FFWPU

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