Bridge of Peace Brings Message of Reconciliation to Manassas

MANASSAS, VA — Peace became more than an idea Saturday afternoon as local residents, faith leaders and community members gathered Oct. 3 to talk, sing, share a meal—and literally cross a "Bridge of Peace."

The United Nations International Day of Peace program, co-hosted by the Universal Peace Federation and the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP), carried the theme "Invest in Peace — For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day."

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Barbara Moseley-Marks, founder and president of Pure Style, Inc. and executive director of the Virginia Universal Peace Federation (UPF), welcomed participants with a simple reminder: peace is not something we can leave only to governments and world leaders.

"We have responsibility," she said, encouraging everyone to think about the kind of legacy they want to leave behind.

UPF and WFWP, co-founded by Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han, work to strengthen families and encourage international, interfaith and cross-cultural reconciliation. Both are nongovernmental organizations with General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Pastor Gerald MuBaira, originally from Zimbabwe and now living in Northern Virginia, offered the opening prayer.

Pastor Natascha Phillips of the Northern Virginia Family Church then introduced the Women's Federation for World Peace and its Bridge of Peace initiative. The idea is simple but powerful: bring people together across racial, religious, cultural, national and other divides and give them a chance to meet one another in a spirit of forgiveness, friendship and reconciliation.

The afternoon also had a warm international and interfaith flavor. Sukie Hendricks, wearing traditional Korean dress, sang the beloved Korean folk song "Arirang." Arpita Gogoi offered a Bengali devotional song representing the Hindu faith and expressing a prayer for forgiveness, compassion and spiritual light.

About 25 participants then broke into small groups to talk about a simple question: What does peace mean to you?

One woman from India said her prayers include "every country, the whole world, even the planet."

The heart of the afternoon was the Bridge of Peace ceremony. Participants approached from opposite sides, met in the center with outstretched arms and embraced. The gesture was simple but meaningful—a reminder that reconciliation often begins when people are willing to meet one another halfway.

Three pairings represented different aspects of reconciliation: between men and women, across cultures and nationalities, and across racial backgrounds.

Apostle Jane Wells, senior pastor of Amazing Love Fellowship International Church in Northern Virginia, offered grace before lunch. The meal continued the international spirit of the day, with foods representing Thailand, Bolivia, Japan and Germany.

Conversation carried on around the tables, with participants sharing stories and reflecting on the idea that peace does not begin only with nations and governments. It also begins much closer to home—in families, friendships, communities and the everyday choices we make in how we treat one another.

As one presentation reminded the gathering, "Peace is not something that simply happens. It's something we intentionally build."

For more information:

WFWP: Pastor Natascha Phillips — nphillips@unification.org
UPF: Barbara Moseley-Marks — moseley-marks@us.upf.org