Freedom Society Action Summit in Clifton NJ

themes presented in Kook Jin Moon’s Freedom Society speaking tour. The event was hosted by Mrs.

Lourdes Swarts, UPF District Director and Dr. Ann I., Unification Church District Pastor.

program was held at the Lovin’ Life Ministries Center in Clifton, New Jersey, where there were more than 70 participants in attendance. Guests included a few politicians, Free Teen youth mentors and some Ambassadors for Peace, who hadn’t heard the Freedom Society speech and were more than curious to learn more.

The master of ceremonies was Mr. Jim Gavin, President of UPF

USA, who opened the program and spoke about the sacrifice in human lives, made by Americans, from the revolutionary war until today in a presentation called, “The Price of Freedom.”

Mr. Gavin also talked about the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ

2000 years ago and the sacrifice made by the man called by Jesus to continue his mission Rev. Sun Myung Moon. He asked everyone to remember Rev. Moon, who lies in a in a hospital bed in Korea, in critical condition, with our prayers.

Next, Rev. Joshua Cotter spoke and also called on everyone to send their love and prayers to Rev.

Moon. He then introduced Kook Jin Moon’s Freedom Society presentation including some biblical and historical examples of mankind’s quest for freedom and a society where people strive to be the best they can be, take responsibility to regulate their own lives and where people take care of one another. He spoke eloquently about the place of government as the servant of the people and that people should take responsibility to regulate their own lives, businesses, schools, churches, and institutions with limited government intrusion.

Admiral J. Robert Lunney shared his concern and prayers for Rev.

Moon. The Admiral, a Korean war veteran related stories of meeting Rev. Moon at his home in New York and how moved he was by his commitment to eternal values and his steadfast efforts to bring this world closer to God.

He spoke strongly on how America was slipping away from the values Rev. Moon had championed and spoke of government’s attack on religious institutions, on the traditional family and on business in America. He said this year’s elections were very important and urged everyone to get involved.

He received a standing ovation as he ended his remarks.

Senator Mark Boitano came to us via Skpe and spoke about how Rev. Moon had encouraged him and others to get involved in politics. Mark described how he took that challenge seriously and served in the New Mexico state legislature for the past 20 years. He gave many practical tips on how to run for political office and to support political candidates.

The Mayor of Clifton then spoke to us about local politics and why people should take an interest in their local government. He told us stories to illustrate public service.

Next, began the first of two sessions of guest speakers who each spoke about different topics presented in the Freedom Society lecture.

Mr. Bill Gertz, called in from Washington DC via Skype to present his opinion on national security and the second amendment in a presentation titled, “Peace and Security through Strength.”

Then, Senator Mark Boitano spoke about the governments restrictions on small businesses in his presentation titled, “Business Regulations: When is Enough,

Then, Dr. Ann I. concluded the first session of guest speakers with her take on privatizing education in a presentation titled, ‘Transforming Education in America.”

At the end of the first session, the participants were encouraged to engage in dialogue on the

Freedom Society message and presented topics in a ‘World Café’ type discussion, led by Mr. Henri

The audience divided into six groups and were each given a question, drawn from the guest speakers presentations, to discuss for a given amount of time.

After each person had a chance to express their views on the topic of their table, the groups switched tables. Once everyone had the opportunity to address each question, the table leaders summarized the opinions and the written findings were submitted to John Redmond’s to be recorded, analyzed and posted on the internet.

The questions that we discussed were:

1. Is it healthy for people to be dependent on government welfare and healthcare? 2. What alternatives are there to public school systems? 3. What would be the effect on crime if everyone owned a gun? The discussions continued as the participants were served a delicious spread of grilled wraps and fruit for lunch, catered by the local Midtown Grill in Clifton. After lunch,

UTS President Dr. Richard Panzer, addressed the group with a presentation titled, “Defining Marriage.”

Dr. Panzer gave some alarming statistics about the rise in out of wedlock pregnancies and how some government regulations encourage these statistics. Following Dr.

Panzer’s eye opening presentation on marriage was Mr.

Dan Fefferman’s presentation on the presence of religious persecution on a global scale.

His section was titled, “Religious Liberty Challenges”, and he touched upon religious persecution in Japan, Europe, the middle-­‐east and right here in America.

Another round of World Café discussions concluded the program.

The questions discussed were:

1. What would be the ramifications of laws for or against gay marriage?

2. How much should government tax and regulate business?

3. Do religious believers have the right to act out their beliefs in the public square?

The program ended with closing remarks from Dr. Ann Ipperagerri, Rev. Joshua Cotter and Mr. Jim

Gavin. Participants were encouraged to take this message of Freedom and Responsibility back to their communities and to work hard to bring the values we believe in to the forefront of the political debate here in America.

In Jin Nim, the Freedom Society presentation strikes a chord in people and stimulates people to talk about the issues confronting America and the need to take responsibility for our communities and the direction of our country. As we continue to develop these programs we request your input. We need your guidance on what our emphasis should be in the Freedom Society presentation. If possible it would be good if Rev. Cotter, Dan Fefferman, and I can meet with you in Washington DC on Tuesday or at the time and place that is convenient to you.

Thank you for your nationwide tour to unite us all with True Parents. Your direct testimony of True

Father’s situation, coming from your loving heart provides comfort and unity with the True Family.

America is grateful.

Best regards,