Unification Church
| Unification Church | |
|---|---|
| Family | Christian-derived / New religious movement |
| Origin region | Korea |
| Founding period | 20th century CE |
| Estimated adherents | Estimates vary; international movement with affiliated organizations. |
Unification Church is a Christian-derived new religious movement founded by Sun Myung Moon, teaching a distinctive theology of creation, fall, restoration, family, and world peace.
Overview
The Unification Church, formally associated with the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, developed in Korea and expanded internationally. Its teachings center on the Divine Principle, the mission of Jesus, the role of True Parents, spiritual restoration, marriage blessing ceremonies, family ethics, and the aim of unifying religions and nations under a providential vision.
Key beliefs
- God as creator and parent of humanity
- A providential history of fall, restoration, and human responsibility
- Jesus as central but interpreted through Unification theology
- The role of Sun Myung Moon and Hak Ja Han in movement teaching
- Marriage, family, and world peace as central religious concerns
Practices
- Study of the Divine Principle
- Worship services, prayer, and community education
- Blessing ceremonies and family-centered rituals
- Missionary activity, conferences, and interfaith projects
- Participation in affiliated peace, cultural, and educational organizations
Places of worship
- Churches, family federation centers, homes, conference centers, and movement institutions
Sacred texts
- Exposition of the Divine Principle and speeches and writings of Sun Myung Moon and movement leaders
Holidays and observances
- Movement observances include founder birthdays, True Parents’ Day, Foundation Day, and blessing-related anniversaries