On the 19th of September 2026, to celebrate the UN International Day for Peace, UPF Birmingham held a beautiful Family Festival and Peace Blessing, in conjunction with the Family Federation for world Peace and Unification (FFWPU), an affiliated organization. More than 150 people came, including 125 of our very good friends, a melting pot of people from all races, cultures, faiths, social backgrounds and different generations! All of us were standing for the value of the family in a very divided society, as well as making a new beginning in our own heart and life, asking for the strength to love and forgive, beginning in ourselves and in our home.
Seven religious leaders who have previously UPF events in Korea came for the event. They were so inspired and spoke highly about UPF. Such wonderful friends, and very close to our Mother Moon. Among all the people who came, there were 8 Christian Ministers, 3 Imams, the Co-founder of the very first Interfaith Council in the UK, a former Co-Chair of the UK Interfaith Network., the Interfaith Chair of the Clifton Rd Mosque, the Chair of the Indian Ladies Club, a senior trustee of the Sikh Soho Rd Gurdwara, the National Secretary General of the Namdhari Sikh community, 2 City Councillors and one former Lord Mayor. Such wonderful people who are supporting our peace work and UPF.
The event began with beautiful prayers from 7 of our different faith traditions, followed by an insightful presentation about the family as the School of Love, where peace begins. Then we all took part in the Interfaith Peace Blessing, making a new start individually and all together. It was such a privilege to share the Blessing, creating a beautiful atmosphere of holiness and purity.
We heard responses from 4 different religious leaders, Father Abba, Jatinder Birdi, Nasim Pirmohamed, and Imam Pirzada, and then finished by presenting 6 'Exemplary Family Awards' '. One member of each family shared an insight about meeting the challenge of maintaining a good family in our present-day society. Many young adults were there to support their mum and dad for the occasion, which was very touching to see!
It all ended with us sharing a wonderful meal together, when we could feel so much good energy and happiness. A big thank you to all those who came to support.