OPEN LETTER TO THE AMERICAN CLERGY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (ACLC) and ANY CHRISTIAN LEADERS ASSOCIATING WITH SUN MYUNG MOON SPONSORED EVENTS.

Dear Leaders,

            I am writing you with a heavy heart.  While this letter is addressed to the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) and its members, it applies to any Christian attending a Sun Myung Moon sponsored event.  A copy of this letter is being posted on my web page to help reach those who might be involved.  I pray that all those reading this letter understand the importance of their actions as a result.

Christian ministers are often invited guests and, at times, even speakers at events sponsored by Sun Myung Moon.  I pray the information in this letter will demonstrate clearly why we need to shun such events and functions.  Please understand that this issue has nothing to do with denominational or racial differences.  We are well aware of Moon’s claims that he is not accepted because of his race.  This is the farthest thing from the truth, as I believe the following information will conclusively prove.

            Christian ministers especially need to be careful of the events and activities with which they are associated. When someone actively takes part in an event, they are, in effect, endorsing that event.  By endorse we mean that they support or approve of that object or subject in all aspects.  Sometimes this may be the result of a simple statement in a letter or advertisement.  Other times, being present at the event itself, either by taking part in it or simply by being listed as present, constitutes an endorsement.

            Sometimes the endorsement turns out to be far greater than intended.  Unfortunately, a bad product reflects on the endorser.  A good example of this is demonstrated by the listing of products to boycott because they sponsor television programs with sex, violence, or profanity.  Christians are asked not to buy the sponsor’s products in order to stop the production of such programs.  In other cases, Christians have picketed movie theaters showing anti-Christian films.  The results of these united Christian efforts have demonstrated the values of a united Christian front.  Thusly, throughout the United States, Christians have demonstrated their unity in protecting their beliefs.

            Please allow me to explain how anyone attending a Sun Myung Moon sponsored event is not only endorsing Moon and his front group, but also going against the Christian faith and doing serious damage to that faith.

Since Sun Myung Moon’s release from United States Federal prison in 1984, he has been able to attract more and more religious leaders to endorse both him and his movement.  In recent years, it has become common to find Christian leaders as featured speakers at his major events.  During his “Mass Marriages,” which are now referred to as “Blessed Events,” some Christian leaders have not only given testimonies about Moon and the “True Parents,” but have also served as emcees of at least part of the events.  Moon teaches that the only way to heaven is to have your marriage blessed by him at one of these events.  Thus, participation has lead not only to the giving of false creditability to Moon and his movement, but has also helped immensely with their recruitment of new young members.

Despite that problem, an even more important point needs to be evaluated.  Are those Christians who support Moon compromising Christianity?

            I do need to start with two general, but very important facts.  First, I do believe in the freedom of religion.  If our government were to attempt to outlaw any religion I would be one of the first to take a strong stand against that move.  One of the important parts of that freedom is also the right to disagree both privately and publicly with another religious belief.  Again, I would be one of the first to protect that right also.  Secondly, I also believe in the ecumenical movement within certain guidelines.  .  However, in today’s world it is important to define that belief.  Ecumenism (Greek oikoumene, ‘the inhabited world’) is generally defined as a movement seeking visible unity of divided churches and denominations within Christianity.   Those guidelines are that the affiliated bodies all believe in following five precepts: the infallibility of Scripture, the deity of Christ, the Virgin Birth and miracles of Christ, Christ’s substitutionary death, and Christ’s physical resurrection and eventual return, as the five doctrinal backbones of orthodox Christianity.  As Christians, we need to define our faith on the five doctrinal backbones rather than just the Apostles Creed, which was not written for that purpose.  Having stated the above facts, now please allow me to point out some very clear reasons why you should not support Sun Myung Moon or any of his sponsored events.

            As Christians we believe in the deity of Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior.  Yes, Moon has published a book on “The Life and Mission of Jesus Christ.”   The book was published especially for the Christian ministers that joined Sun Myung Moon during his 50 state tour in 2001, as it clearly states in the preface.  The writing is quotes from various Moon speeches made over the years.  Unfortunately they do not truly represent the teachings of Sun Myung Moon or his church.  Please allow me to explain.

            The very start of Moon’s ministry is based upon the teachings that Jesus Christ failed in His mission and asked Moon, as a boy of 16 years of age, to accomplish what He Jesus could not do.  Moon teaches that one of the reasons that Jesus failed is that He Jesus could not find a bride to marry.  You can see some of that teaching starting on page 77 of the Life and Mission of Jesus Christ.  Moon teaches that Jesus was the illegitimate son of Mary and Zacharias.  For example, quoting parts of one of Moon’s speeches we see: “Who was Jesus’ father?  Christians say that Jesus was born to a virgin.  Without man is it possible to conceive? [Impossible.]  Who is Jesus’ father? [Zachariah.] Who taught that? [You did.] Several times in six months I have said that.  Who is Jesus’ father? Zachariah.” (Sun Myung Moon, “Declaration of Return to the Home Country,” speech given August 1, 1993 at Tarrytown, New York, translated by Sang Kil Han, Today’s World, October, 1993, p.9)

In a recent publication we read: “It was natural for Joseph to question Mary about who the baby in her womb belonged to.  What would have happened if at that time Mary had explained everything candidly?  If she had exposed everything, it could have been the end of the clan.  So Mary simply responded that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.”  (True Family and World Peace: Speeches by the Reverend and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon in the Completed Testament Age, New York, Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, 2000, p. 53)

  By association with Sun Myung Moon at his Blessings, you are endorsing Moon’s teachings.  Did your Jesus fail and was He the son of Mary and Zacharias?  Unfortunately the story goes on.

Moon teaches that Jesus was only a man like himself.  “Jesus Christ is the one man who lived God’s ideal in its fullest realization.  He was the first man of perfection ever to walk the earth, and he came to restore the true relationship between God and human beings.  But after Jesus’ crucifixion, Christianity made him into God.  This is why the gap between God and our selves has never been bridged.  Jesus is a man in whom God is incarnate.  But he is not God.” (Sun Myung Moon, God’s Warning to the World; Reverend Moon’s Message from Prison, New York, HAS-UWC, 1985, p.15)

            In reply the Scriptures teach: “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.  For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you received a different spirit from the one you received or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.”(2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NIV))

  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 NIV)

Did your Jesus evolve to godhood, or was He God from the beginning?

Moon teaches: Jesus came to this earth to be the true, everlasting father of humankind.  That’s why he said true believers would deny their false parents, false society and false relationships(to come to their father.  The essence of Christianity is the tradition of true love.  But while he was doing this important mission, Jesus was crucified.  There was no chance for the tradition of true love to blossom fully in Jesus’ time, and Jesus was not installed as everlasting father before his crucifixion.” (God’s Warning to the World, Reverend Moon’s Message from Prison, New York, HAS-UWC, 1985, p. 37)

“God’s will was denied fulfillment in Jesus’ time.  That is why he is to come again.” (Ibid. p. 42)

“The crucifixion of Jesus repeated Satan’s destruction of Adam and Cain’s murder of Abel.  The second course ended in failure.” (Thomas Cromwell, Essentials of the Unification Principle: Teaching of Sun Myung Moon, New York, The Inter-religious Leadership Seminar, NY, 1994, p.170.)

“He ended his life on the cross surrounded by enemies and deserted by his followers.  Without even his disciples showing loyalty and obedience to him.  Jesus was unable to lay a foundation of substance.” (Thomas Cromwell, Essentials of the Unification Principle: Teaching of Sun Myung Moon, New York, The Inter-religious Leadership Seminar, NY, 1994, p.169).

Moon denies the physical resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Instead Moon teaches that Jesus was resurrected in spiritual body.  Moon teaches: “Jesus, on earth, was a man no different from us except for the fact that he was without original sin.  Even in the spirit world after his resurrection, he lives as a spirit man with his disciples.  The only difference between them is that Jesus abides as a spirit man of the divine spirit stage, emitting brilliant light, while his disciples are objects who reflect this light.” (Divine Principle, New York, HSA-UWC, 1973, p.212.)

Moon also teaches, “Many Christians today truly misunderstand.  They preach resurrection, but resurrection does not mean that dead bodies will rise again.”    Resurrection means accepting the word of God to become the possessor of God’s love.”

(Sun Myung Moon, God’s Warning to the World; Reverend Moon’s Message from Prison, New York, HAS-UWC, 1985, p.136, 137.)

“Was Jesus’ physical body resurrected? Moon: “No.”  The physical body of Jesus, the bodies of all men on earth remain in Satan’s camp.”  “Because Jesus’ was given to Satan, man’s physical salvation was lost.” (Sun Myung Moon, “On the Restoration and Judgment”, Master Speaks #4-2, 1965 p.9.)

In this area the Scriptures are very clear.  “Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.  The Jews replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body.  After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said.  Then they believed the Scriptures and the words that Jesus had spoken.” (John 2:19-22, (NIV)

Thus, Moon and the Unification Church, or FFWPU teach a religion against that of Christianity, and therefore there can be no ecumenical relationship with them.  Scriptures clearly teach us to avoid false teachers.

It is important to study the full teachings of Sun Myung Moon to understand what his goals and plans are.  The recent issue of Fair News reports, “Some former British and American followers of Moon, worried by his increasingly apocalyptic pronouncements, are sounding the alarm on the Internet.  They claim that the self-styled messiah has given the year 2004 as the date by which he will take over the world.” (Fair News, “Unification Church/Family Federation For World Peace (Moonies)”, London, England, Issue 1, 2001, p.3).

   When we examine the facts it becomes very clear that Moon does claim to be the messiah.  Some of the Christian ministers following Moon point out that “messiah” in Hebrew means, “anointed one” and that all ministers and born-again Christians are messiahs.  However, Moon goes on to claim that he is also the Lord of the Second Advent, and there is no way in Hebrew, Greek or any other language to support Moon’s statements. 

Statements by Sun Myung Moon Declaring his being the Messiah

“In early July, I spoke in five cities around Korea at rallies held by the Women’s Federation for World Peace.  There I declared that we are the savior, the Lord of the Second Advent, the Messiah.” (Sun Myung Moon, Today’s World, October/November 1992, p. 7.)

“No matter how difficult your situation may be you have to follow the Lord of the Second Advent completely.” (Today’s World, August 1996, p. 13)

“I have inherited the mission and work, and succeed Jesus in his work.  I am fulfilling what Jesus left undone.” (Sun Myung Moon, Unification News, November 1993, p.3)

“Abraham was the father of faith, Moses was a man of faith, Jesus was the son of man, trying to carry out his mission at the cost of his life.  But they are, in a way, failures.” (Master Speaks, “Victory of Defeat”,” translated by Won Pok Choi, March 31, 1973, p.1)

            The next question is whether or not Moon and his church are looking for fellowship with the Christian church or to take it over and change it.

“I know the of the established Christian theology. … I know the enemy, but the enemy doesn’t know me.  Thus the enemy has already lost the war…” (Sun Myung Moon, Today’s World, November 1993, p. 14)

            The very foundations of our beliefs are taken from the teachings found in the Scriptures.  Sun Myung Moon moves past the Scriptures to his book the Divine Principle and even further on to his own speeches.  The Divine Principle states; “It may be displeasing to religious believers, especially Christians, to learn that a new expression of truth must appear.  They believe that the Bible, which they now have, is perfect and absolute in itself.  Truth, of course, is unique, eternal unchangeable, and absolute.  The Bible, however, is not the truth itself, but a textbook teaching truth.  Naturally, the quality of teaching and the method and the extent of giving the truth must vary according to each age, for the truth is given to people of different ages, who are at different spiritual and intellectual levels.  Therefore, we must not regard the textbook as absolute in every detail. (Page 9)  This point is carried over in a Moon speech where he clearly states:  “Until our mission with the Christians is over, we must quote the Bible and use it to explain the Divine Principle.  After we receive the inheritance of the Christian church, we will be free to teach without the Bible.” (Master Speaks No.7, p.9)  Thus, although Moon quotes the Scriptures in his speeches, he replaces them with his words.  The Divine Principle goes on to state: “ With the fullness of time, God sent His messenger to resolve the fundamental questions of life and the universe.  His name is Sun Myung Moon. 

QUOTES BY SUN MYUNG MOON

            “I know the established Christian theology. … I know the enemy, but the enemy doesn’t know me.  Thus the enemy has already lost the war…”  (Sun Myung Moon, Today’s World, November 1993, p. 14)

            “I have inherited the mission and work, and succeed Jesus in his work.  I am fulfilling what Jesus left undone.” (Sun Myung Moon, Unification News, November 1993, p.3)

“Today God’s word comes only through Father.  If other people receive God’s word, that word is that Reverend Moon is the Messiah.” (Sun Myung Moon, Today’s World, January 1995, p.27).

“Abraham was the father of faith, Moses was a man of faith, Jesus was the son of man, trying to carry out his mission at the cost of his life.  But they are, in a way, failures.” (Master Speaks, “Victory of Defeat”,” translated by Won Pok Choi, March 31, 1973, p.1)

“Until our mission with the Christians is over, we must quote the Bible and use it to explain the Divine Principle.  After we receive the inheritance of the Christian church, we will be free to teach without the Bible.” (Sun Myung Moon, Master Speaks, #7, p.1)

“Then in one sense, Father, Heavenly Father will say, “Reverend Moon is far better than me, the Heavenly Father.”  In a short period of time, he will synthesize, He will crush the enemy and let them surrender.  Our Master senses this kind of feeling of the Heavenly Father.  Also, he is proud of himself and appreciates that Jesus Christ’s unfinished job of 6,000 years has been completed by him in his lifetime.” (Sun Myung Moon, Master Speaks, July 21, 1974)

“The time has come when the whole world must be concerned about me.  From now on, American Christianity must follow me.” (Sun Myung Moon, Today’s World, November 1993, p.5)

“Of course, in order that the ministers feel at home, you must declare your love to Brother Jesus, but at the same time do not forget you goal, which is to bring them to the Lord of the Second Advent.” (The Victory of Love, 1992, pp. 65-66)

“No matter how difficult your situation may be you have to follow the Lord of the Second Advent completely.” (Sun Myung Moon, Today’s World, August 1996, p.13)

“Therefore, as individuals and families you have to absolutely follow True Parents, your opinion cannot stand against True Parents.” (Sun Myung Moon, Today’s World, August 1996, p. 9)

“From the beginning, the purpose of Christianity was to create one world under God, but they did not know who the true owner was to be.  The true sovereign is not the American president nor the English king, but the Lord of the Second Advent.” Sun Myung Moon, “Returning to the Home Country,” Unification News, November 1993, p. 3)

“During one of the ‘Master Speaks’ sessions a Unification Church member asked Rev. Moon, “What will Jesus’ position be after the restoration is accomplished?”  To which Rev. Moon replied, “Jesus will be the first and eldest son, because he was the only one who came to this world as the Son of God.”  Seeking clarification the member then asked, “Do you mean God’s eldest son, or the Master’s?” (He was using the title ‘Master’ in reference to Rev. Moon)  Moon responded, “The meaning is the same.” (Sun Myung Moon, Master Speaks, #4, The Restoration and Judgment, 1965, p.9)

            “In early July, I spoke in five cities around Korea at rallies held by the Women’s Federation for World Peace.  There I declared that we are the savior, the Lord of the Second Advent, the Messiah.” (Sun Myung Moon, Today’s World, October/November 1992, p. 7)

            Sun Myung Moon has also made some statements that should make every Christian stand up and object, and every American take serious and careful note.  For example:

            “Am I foolish and insignificant or am I great?  I gave all individuals in the world cause to kneel down in front of me.”  (Sun Myung Moon, Today’s World, March 1995, p. 6)

            “So from this time of peak every person or every organization that goes against the Unification Church will gradually come down or drastically come down and die.  Many people will die—those who do against our movement.” (Sun Myung Moon, Master Speaks, February 14, 1974)

            “Any politician who wants to run for president will come to me in a few years.” (Sun Myung Moon, Today’s World, Nov./Dec. 1994, p.19

            “In the Medieval ages, they had no separate cities-statesmanship from the religious field- because people were corrupted at the time.  But when it comes to our age, we must have an automatic theocracy to rule the world.  So we cannot separate the political field from the religious.”  (Sun Myung Moon, Master Speaks, May 17, 1973, p.12)

ENDORSERS OF THE UNIFICATION CHURCH

            Anyone who attends, and/or speaks at a Moon function should be considered an endorser of the movement.  I assert this because: IF they do not speak out against the talks or teachings that contradict orthodox Christian beliefs, they have endorsed what was said.  Now I realize you may not agree with that statement, but please allow me to give you some examples. 

You must be aware that part of the problem with endorsing a movement comes under the heading of integrity.  In this context,  “lying” is making an assertion that intentionally deceives or misleads.  This deceitful assertion may be oral, written, or clearly communicated by a gesture.  Your responsibility for the truth goes beyond what is said or written.  It includes what is understood and perceived by others. 

            One of the arguments I have had with some Christian ministers is that although the Washington Times is a conservative paper owned by Sun Myung Moon, he or the Unification Church has no control over what they write.  Therefore, they have no problem attending a Washington Times Foundation sponsored event.   

There should be no doubt that the Washington Times and its foundation are not only owned and controlled by Sun Myung Moon, but are used both to give Moon creditability and to help recruit members into his movement.  In the November/December 2000 issue of Today’s World, the Unification Churches magazine, there is an article about a newspaper, the Middle East Times.  According to the article, this paper was established as a project of New World Communications, the parent company of the Washington Times, UPI and other secular publications.

Dr. Bo Hi Pak and Robert Morton proposed the idea of the paper in 1982 as an English-language newspaper that would promote understanding and reconciliation in the Middle East.  The article goes on to state that Unificationists can be proud that their “just views” have been disseminated continuously by a small, yet persistent and consistent voice, for almost two decades.  What is the difference between this paper and the Washington Times, who have the same owner and leadership?  Moon has claimed to have given over one billion dollars to the Washington Times to keep it running.  What is he getting for his money?

It is true that the paper plays to the political right and conservative beliefs.  But Moon’s organization is not any different than any other cult that uses ninety percent, or more, orthodox Scripture, then modifies the balance to justify (and sanctify) their own heretical theology.  The photo of Moon getting an ecumenical award, without identifying the sponsors who promoted the award, is worth millions of dollars in public relations for the gross deceit to the readers of the Times’ article.

            The problem we face is two-fold.  Moon has accumulated a virtually “bottomless wallet” of money and is willing to spend it to attract top names he can use to his advantage.  Yes, Moon does pay well and your church may need the money.  But can you really take that money knowing it is costing souls that have been deceived because of your association with one of these groups?  Alan Tate Wood, former president of the UCI’s Freedom Leadership Foundation has testified that Moon, “through the UC and its numerous front organizations wanted to acquire enough influence in America to be able to ‘dictate policy on major issues, to influence legislation, and move into electoral politics.’”  

Describing Moon’s technique for achieving control, Wood further testified “You make yourself available to serve someone and carry out his directives until he trusts you absolutely, whether it is political work, economic work, or social work.  Then finally when your services have become indispensable you begin to dictate policy.  If he deviates from the policy you have set, you withdraw your support, and he is powerless.  So he has no choice but to follow you.” 

Put in plan English, giving money to churches and ministers is done not to aid, but to gain control!  What true Christian can justify to his Heavenly Father accepting support from a man with this plan in mind?

The Family Values of Sun Myung Moon

            Moon’s family values need to be excoriated, not rewarded.  At least one report states that Moon has been married four times.  He left his first wife, Sung Kil Choi, and their three-month old son, Sung Jin, without explanation.  He returned to them some six years later, but they divorced shortly thereafter.  Moon claims that the divorce was because she failed to become the perfect wife.  Moon then had an illegitimate son, Hee Jin, with a university student, Myung Hee Kim, in 1953 while still married to his first wife.  Moon married his fourth (or second) wife Hak Ja Han in 1960.  She was eighteen years old and he was forty. While married to Hak Ja Han, Moon had another illegitimate son with a church member that was raised by Moon’s most trusted adviser as his son, while the mother played the role of family friend in his young life.  So we see Moon as an adulterer with two illegitimate sons, while at the same time claiming to be the Second Coming of the Messiah.

            As a parent, Moon fares no better.  In 1965 Moon described his ideal circumstances for the rearing of children:  “We would like to see a boarding house for the children of our members, where some responsible persons could raise them and educate them at least for a few years.  This would release you for your necessary witnessing.”  Sun Myung Moon and his wife were absentee parents, according to Nansook Hong, ex-wife of Hyo Jin.  The children were left in the care of church elders and baby-sitters.  When Hyo Jin Moon was expelled from middle school for shooting his classmates with a BB gun, Moon sent him off to live with Bo Hi Pak.  When that did not work out, he was sent to Korea to be raised by Moon followers there.  This true parent (Sun Myung Moon) held to the theory that his followers were responsible for rearing the Messiah’s children.  Nansook also states that the Moon children did not even eat their meals with the parents, but bow to them, and then bring their meals into the kitchen to be eaten.

            This so-called promoter of family life had one son commit suicide and his oldest (Hyo Jin) was divorced.  Hyo Jin’s ex-wife (Nansook Hong) reports that their married life was a parade of horrors including physical abuse, cocaine addiction, alcoholism, adultery and pornography.  Even after all of that, there is no indication of any treatment for Hyo Jin before he was remarried to another follower by Moon.  Additionally, two of his daughters are reported to have been unhappy with their family life.  Are these  family values we want to reward and publicize as appropriate for Christian leaders?

            What family values are involved when Moon married his deceased son Heung Jin to the living twenty-one year old daughter of Bo Hi Pak, Hoon Sook Pak?   What family values are involved when Moon’s son and his wife give their newborn son, Shin Chul, to Julia Moon (Hoon Sook) and her long-dead husband Heung Jin to raise?  Or what family values are involved when Sun Myung Moon actually matched Jesus Christ to an elderly Korean woman?

            What Christian would accept Moon’s teaching’s that Jesus was so impressed with Heung Jin that he stepped down from his position and proclaimed the son of Sun Myung Moon as the King of Heaven.?

Sun Myung Moon has long promoted himself as being a fighter against communism.  This was one of the ways he has won over the so-called right wing conservative party.  Yet last year it was reported that he gave the leader of North Korea $3,000,000 as a birthday president.  It is also true that Moon is hoping to open an auto plant in North Korea and did receive presents from the dictator, Kim Jong-il, on his birthday.  However, those are secular problems and not our main concern.

As Christians we must defend our faith, our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Scriptures.  Whenever someone, anyone, speaks against our beliefs, we must stand up and speak loudly the truth of God.  One cannot take money, gold watches, or other items of value to look the other way while allowing someone to speak against our faith. 

Some Christian leaders have claimed this is an opportunity to preach the gospel.  Unfortunately, while those in the audience may hear what was said, the fact remains that your presence is used to attract followers who only know that you were part of the event and have no idea what you may have said.  One of the best examples of that was the Inaugural Prayer Luncheon January 19, 2001.  Sun Myung Moon is pictured in the Washington Times receiving a large award, for his work supporting family values, from an ecumenical group of clergymen.  The article states “Martin Luther King, evangelist Billy Graham, and Rev. Sun Myung Moon were honored by an ecumenical group of clergymen.”  Since it was Merritt, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, who honored Billy Graham, it is assumed that he was part of the clergy giving the award to Moon.  This inference is used to build Moon’s credibility, and more importantly, by his recruiters in seeking new followers.  Please, as devoted Christians, do not allow yourself to get caught in this trap.

We hope that you have found this booklet informative and inspiring.  If you would like additional copies, or any additional documentation or information, please contact us at the address below.  We would also encourage you to read In The Shadow Of The Moons by Nansook Hong, published by Little, Brown & Company.

Sincerely in His Service,

Rev. Dr. Frederick H. Miller, Th.M, Ph.D.

Director