Love Comes First

Sun Myung Moon, born on January 6, 1920, was a renowned spiritual leader hailing from North Korea. He founded the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, better known as the Unification Church, in 1954. Drawing upon elements of Christianity, Confucianism, and anti-communist political philosophy, Moon's teachings centered on love, unity, and peace. He aimed to spark a global spiritual movement that transcended religious and cultural divisions, and his vision resonated with followers all over the world. Through the Unification Church, Moon also promoted interfaith understanding and collaboration, striving for harmony among diverse religious traditions.

Moon's teachings went beyond the realm of the spiritual to touch on the universal human themes of love and family. He emphasized the importance of nurturing strong, loving families as the cornerstone for a harmonious and peaceful world. To this end, he conducted mass wedding ceremonies known as the 'Blessing', symbolizing the unity of all people under God, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds. Moon also stressed the value of community service and encouraged his followers to actively contribute to their local communities.

Moon's partner in both life and work was his wife, Hak Ja Han Moon. As co-leader of the Unification Church, she was a pivotal figure in spreading their shared vision of a world unified by love and peace. Affectionately known as the 'True Mother', she embodied the ideal of nurturing and unconditional love in their teachings. After Moon's passing in 2012, Hak Ja Han Moon assumed sole leadership of the Unification Church. In this role, she has tirelessly carried forward their mission, upholding the church's emphasis on peace, interfaith dialogue, and strong, loving families. Under her guidance, the church has continued to flourish, spreading its message of unity and love to people around the globe.