*Group photo after the Bridge of Peace ceremony*

Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) is always ready to provide opportunities for reconciliation through facilitating the Bridge of Peace Ceremony. On November 8, 2013, in Warren, Michigan, an International Dinner serving over a hundred guests was the venue for such a bridge crossing ceremony. Individuals of African, American, Asian, Hispanic, European, and Native American backgrounds chose to represent their ancestry and their nation, and cross the bridge with someone from a former enemy nation, from a different faith, from a different culture, or from a different race to participate in this healing reconciliation ceremony.

Pastor David Kasbow and his wife Shigeko graciously opened the doors of the Metro Detroit Family Church, and hosted the first WFWP Bridge of Peace Ceremony in Michigan. Mrs. Patricia Fliginger, WFWP Chicago, welcomed the guests, provided remarks on the mission statement of WFWP, and introduced a short video on the founder. The video highlighted WFWP's accomplishments in the United States and internationally.

Rev. Fannie Smith, WFWP National Board of Directors from Chicago, served as facilitator for the Bridge of Peace Ceremony. Fourteen couples agreed to cross the bridge and committed themselves to substantially bridge the gaps of hate, bigotry, racism, and conflict that have plagued all peoples and all nations for far too long.

During the ceremony, two women stood at opposite sides of the bridge, they bowed in repentance acknowledging that they or their ancestors had caused pain to the one at the other end of the bridge. Holding a single rose in hand, they walked towards each other, embraced, and exchanged roses. Their goal was to break the chains of pain, anger, fear, and resentment, and replace them with acts of tolerance and respect for someone who may seem different, but who really is a distant member of the greater family of God.

Those who cross the bridge acknowledge the pain caused by their ancestors and their nation. Several ladies asked for forgiveness. One lady remarked, "I love and appreciate what we are doing here tonight. Now let's take it outside of these walls and into the streets."

*Recipients of Ambassador of Peace Awards*

WFWP "Ambassador for Peace Awards" were presented to three very deserving ladies: Rev. Phyllis Tucker, Executive Director of Metropolitan Christian Council (Detroit/Windsor), Rabbi Borit Eduit Dorit, founder of Detroit Interfaith Outreach Network, and Rev. Oni Faith, Pastor of See the Cross Road Ministries Int'l Inc, in recognition of their peace work and to encourage their future projects.

Colorful entertainment of song and dance was performed by artists from Asia, Africa, Europe and America. Delicious selections of food from around the world excited the taste buds of all present. A raffle provided a festive atmosphere as various gifts were raffled off to the lucky winners.

WFWP, founded by Dr. Hak Jan Han Moon in 1992, stands on the precepts that women are the turning point for peace, that the hope for humanity comes from mothers, and women' role in facilitating world peace is critical. Current WFWP USA President Angelika Selle guides the effort of the chairwomen in over thirty-five chapters in states across the country toward peace and empowering women.

LET'S TAKE IT OUTSIDE THESE WALLS AND ONTO THE STREETS

UMD POWWOW ON PEARL HARBOR DAY INCLUDES RECONCILIATION CEREMONY

MOVING FORWARD IN DALLAS!