BEYOND TILL DEATH DO US PART: WFWP PA CELEBRATES MARRIAGE REDEDICATION AND THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF WFWP
As we remember the 1992 Inauguration of Women’s Federation for World Peace in Korea 25 years ago, we also remember the International Wedding Ceremony with Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) that happened the same year. My spouse and I were part of a group of 30,000 couples who were married then. I reminisce on that historical moment as a beginning of building bridges between races, religions, and cultures. The Pennsylvania chapter of WFWP collaborated with FFWPU to organize a gathering on August 26, 2017 in Lansdowne, PA with the theme of marriage empowerment. There is a saying that when a lightbulb burns out, you should change the bulb into something new and it will become brighter and more luminous. It is the same thing with our relationships and marriages: we need to routinely recharge and reenergize them with a spirit of love.
The gathering on August 26th began with a celebration of WFWP’s 25th anniversary in which WFWP President Angelika Selle and Vice President Katarina Connery spoke on WFWP’s vision for peace based on strong, loving marriages and families. The second part of the program, presided by FFWPU, included seven couples who rededicated their commitments on a deeper level beyond “till death do us part” with a pledge to be sincere to God and to one another. Also present were Upper Darby families, civic leaders, well known performers, and political leaders who witnessed the ceremony. My husband and I, as well as the other couples married alongside us, have laid the foundation of building a compassionate community in horizontal and vertical dimension. In their role as pastors, Reverend Bob and Angelika Selle facilitated the renewal of our marriage vows. Afterwards, Bishop Ricky Sutton delivered a congratulatory address and Councilwoman Learin Johnson gave a wonderful speech to the audience. All in attendance enjoyed a great band performance by the youthful rock band Apollo 19. We thank our concert performer, Doreen Rhodes, as well as Mrs. Eui Nim Kim, who offered a spectacular traditional Korean folk song, and Musu Kamara, who performed an amazing dance against abuse. The compassionate spirits generated that night enabled everyone to be committed to the next chapter of building great relationships in their marriages, families, and communities.
Following is a testimony by Hanabeta Deshotel, WFWP USA Membership Coordinator, who was emcee for the event:
So many different regions and nations were represented at the event that it was like a mini global village: East Asia, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, Africa, South America, North America. Everyone smiled at one another, as if to say, “We are sharing the secret of global peace this very moment!” while enjoying good food, eclectic music, and inspiration from both speakers and guests. What can we say? The spirit was high, and there was so much to share about the collective vision. The couples that evening pledged eternal, Heavenly love to one another!
We heard from WFWP USA President Angelika Selle and Vice President Katarina Connery; they truly have a handle on the unique offerings women have for the world. Women of the Greater Philadelphia community, Lady Linda Sutton, and Councilwoman Learin Johnson blessed the assembly, and gave us insight into what they care about and how they make things happen. After couples and women members crossed the Bridge of Peace, and WFWP Pennsylvania chairwoman, Jizly Dohou, closed by telling her story and her dream, the future looked more hopeful and full of love.
