Transcending Dogma Email Tread

May 16-18th 2026

Executive Summary

The email thread “Transcending Dogma” captures a candid discussion among long-time Unification Movement members about the movement’s theological divisions, institutional decline, and future direction.

Participants broadly agree that the movement has struggled for decades with declining witnessing, youth disengagement, leadership failures, and internal fragmentation. However, they sharply disagree over the role of Hak Ja Han after Sun Myung Moon’s death. Some defend her leadership and call for compassion and unity, while others argue that newer “Only Begotten Daughter” theology fundamentally altered core Unification teachings.

A major theme is the desire to move beyond factional conflict and rebuild a meaningful “21st century Unificationism.” Several contributors argue that the movement should focus less on internal doctrinal battles and more on addressing modern crises of meaning, family breakdown, and cultural disorientation.

The discussion also highlights deep concern for second-generation members, with debate over whether current institutions are effectively nurturing youth or becoming ideologically rigid and disconnected from lived reality.

Overall, the thread reflects a movement in transition—torn between preservation of orthodoxy, theological reform, grassroots reconstruction, and the search for a new identity after the collapse of its original unity.

Email Tread

Jim,

Is there a way to step back from all the poorly transcribed, translated, confusing documents, and look at Father and Mothers course from an objective lens?

Objectively, Father Promoted the Divine Principle, Unification Thought and a deeply felt connection to God's heart throughout his life. Objectively, Mother supported him, shared that vision and did her best to give him Children, support the members and respond to persecution with grace.

Objectively, as well. Father made many brilliant strategic and tactical decisions that grew the movement in a phenomenal way. He also misread situations, blundered into unnecessary controversies and trusted incompetent people.

Mother also has led an inspiring life of sacrifice and heart. She has also been too slow to intercede for her children, been unable to confront Fathers strong personality when he might have benefited from a women's point of view, and in recent times, mangled her impulse to reemphasize the feminine spirit in our movement.

None of these tactical or strategic mistakes disqualify either of them from their providential roles as True Parents in my opinion.

Mother and Father agree perfectly on 99% of important parts the Unification Canon.

If we consider witnessing to be a sign of health, our movement had been sick ever since CARP was undercut in Russia.

If we can agree that our movement has been failing for 20 years before Father died, and be honest with ourselves and our own American tactical and strategic failures, then we can start rebuilding the providence again without having to Scapegoat Mother, Father or the True Children.

They may have not succeeded at everything, but there is nothing stopping us from starting over and doing it correctly.

We are blessed couples and don't need anyone's permission to do great principled things.

I would like to look past the shared failures of the past and build 21st century Unificationism.

We are on the verge of a great Global transformation. We should be leading that wave.

How can we move to that conversation?

Best Regards,John

d misumi

Dear All,

Regarding Myeongdae Kim's remarks about "95% of Father's words are not true";

The lecture, according to the video, was delivered on 11/27/2022. His message is consistent with the lecture by Dr. Jin Choon Kim earlier in the year on April 19, 2022, where, at the behest of Mother, he introduced the concept of "Father's Tail." When I first came across this document I asked the city leader here in Amsterdam (NL) what he thought of it. He didn't really answer my question but did admit to being present when Dr. Kim made those remarks.

As for Myeongdae Kim being reprimanded and apologetic; I would guess he was being faulted for allowing his talk to be recorded and not for the inaccuracy of what he was saying. He may also be hyperbolic in the "95%" part, because I doubt he was talking about Father's grammar.

Dr. Kim's lecture seems to also have drawn the ire of Young Hwi Kim.

David Misumi

Terry Sweeney

Lots of insightful comments here, John. We know there’s more that unites us than divides and yet recognise the tremendous hurdles in achieving this ‘great global transformation’ that seems tantalisingly close. The title of your new thread (‘transcending dogma’) is an apt one. I know I sound like a broken record but 20 years ago we never imagined how things would unfold within the UM world today.

Our relationship with Father and Mother Moon has been akin to that towards our own physical parents in closeness and connection. As such, most of our waking moments are likely consumed with the thought of our own mother being detained against her will for the past 8-9 months in a little windowless box room or in a hospital bed where she’s denied any access to family visits. Even if we’re 10-15 years younger than Mother, I doubt if any of us could have the endurance and fortitude required to experience the same. A woman of 83 should instead be surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoying all the rewards of a life well lived.

We’ve all seen vitriolic comments on Facebook forums against her over the years. All because of differing views on religious dogma. Preston’s camp believe she was just led astray by senior clerics surrounding her, though she does bear some culpability in allowing things develop the way they have. Sean’s camp really turned up the heat with the ‘Whore of Babylon’ stuff that came out over 10 years ago, and just got cranked up more ever since. Have the UM unnecessarily over-complicated the message? Absolutely.

Little wonder that some here keep reminding us that the UM should be living in a post-religion age. However, I don’t necessarily agree with that view because the world does expect a religious message that can ignite the divine spark long dormant within them. The basic ingredients are there in DP and other writings. We just need to keep that message simple and digestible so that folks can feel free to manifest it in ways that connect best with what they already believe. Maybe in looking outward to what the world needs then we can spend less time looking inward and finding fault with one another.

Terry

d misumi

Hi John, Terry

Regarding Transcending Dogma,

Having poorly transcribed documents is better than having no documents at all. And isn't what qualifies True Parents to be True Parents itself dogma?

In a previous post I said that I hoped this forum would not be a place where leaders, past and present, seminarians, or what I call you "high status" guys and gals just talk to each other. Consider that there might be a contingent out there (perhaps your own sons and daughters) who coming across these divergent interpretation of facts (or non-facts, assertions or otherwise intransigent "beliefs") who are genuinely curious about how you view yourselves, your others, and how you reason through your disagreements.

More specifically, I believe most of you already know each other and what faction each of you represents, and so your arguments will presume a certain foreknowledge of the other, and maybe reason to suspect motivations. Be that as it may, it is therefore interesting to me as to how you each present your positions and the evidence you bring to support your claims.

Personally I have researched a few subjects that have spurred me to post initial thoughts on them, and what evidence I think supports those thoughts. I would welcome critique if it is accompanied by suggestions as to source material where I could better inform myself. I come to the Unification schism from a place of total ignorance and am working through a sort of "debrief" of the mission, so to speak. IMO there can be no clarity of purpose going forward if I do not understand how we arrived to where we find ourselves now.

David Misumi

John Redmond

Terry,

For some context, I just turned 73 and I'm working 40+ hours a week as a CFO for a 30M business.

The owner has shares in Figure AI, Space X, XAI drone companies, and medical brain devices like Nuero link.

Reading reading and understanding the company perspectives has been as revalatory as my first 7 day workshop.

As Elon Musk (love him or hate him) has said, 'we are entering an age of universal high income, the real task of humans will be finding meaning and purpose."

To me, this is where Unificationists should focus their creative energy. It is a vacuum that Unifiction Thought can fill easily.

I think we should be driving that conversation globally, using the many organizations Father created as a stepping stone.

Mark has assembled a group of original thinkers, perhaps we can be a catalyst for this.

Best,John

John Redmond

David,

(Apologies to the group, I have a day off :) )

I like the idea of an objective, forensic look at our movements successes and failures over the last 60 years.

Basic to that analysis is deciding what our primary mission was. For some it was: Follow Father, for others: Build the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth... and... 'Reach perfection' , Make an ideal Family, Defeat Communism, Complete God's Providence and comfort God's Heart.

It's a small wonder we see ourselves as failures and that we can't agree on what went wrong.

I think that collectively we have succeeded marvelously and deserve a big hug for the foundation we have made.

God is in charge of the providence and has never had the kind of foundation to work with as he has now.

Best,John

Kathryn Coman

David,

If it helps, I can assure you that this group is not composed of "high status" guys and gals. Of the 60 people here, I know maybe 20. Another 20 I suspect are children of people that I've worked with in the UM. I have no clue who the others are at all. As to which faction any of them represent, I wouldn't assume anything. I've seen multiple instances of individuals flip-flopping from one faction to the other and back again.

Good luck with your research.

Kathryn

d misumi

Hi Kathryn,

You're most probably right and I'm just being provocative. However, the ones who do participate tend to be those who are more used to putting their words out to be scrutinized, and they tend to be of the kind that I have characterized as such.

And there are enough names that I do recognize whose opinions have mattered before -- and probably still do, that I would be interested in hearing more from, if in a collegial kind of way. My own experience of "leaders" is that they're not as comfortable speaking revealingly when in "mixed" company.

Thanks for your thoughts. Nice to make your acquaintance.

David

Jim Stephens

Hi John,

I agree with a lot of what you say, but disagree on a couple very significant points.

This is like "can't we all get along." Sure, I try to be civil and generous. But I don't want to be lukewarm.

I think I AM being objective, but you don't, seemingly. I will admit that I am biased. But I would still call it objective. Can you admit you are biased while calling your point of view objective. I don't think it's a higher level of truth?

Objectively, Father Promoted the Divine Principle, Unification Thought and a deeply felt connection to God's heart throughout his life. Objectively, Mother supported him, shared that vision and did her best to give him Children, support the members and respond to persecution with grace.

True.

Objectively, as well. Father made many brilliant strategic and tactical decisions that grew the movement in a phenomenal way. He also misread situations, blundered into unnecessary controversies and trusted incompetent people.

True.

Mother also has led an inspiring life of sacrifice and heart. She has also been too slow to intercede for her children, been unable to confront Fathers strong personality when he might have benefited from a women's point of view, and in recent times, mangled her impulse to reemphasize the feminine spirit in our movement.

I'll give you the point, but it's debatable.

None of these tactical or strategic mistakes disqualify either of them from their providential roles as True Parents in my opinion.

All right.

Mother and Father agree perfectly on 99% of important parts the Unification Canon.

I disagree. Mother has changed or is changing significant points. For example, the Fall is now "greed." It's a different teaching now, focused on the Messiah being the OBD. Research that if you don't believe me.

I keep hearing a rumor that a new "Divine Principle" is being written centered on her.

If we consider witnessing to be a sign of health, our movement had been sick ever since CARP was undercut in Russia.

True

If we can agree that our movement has been failing for 20 years before Father died, and be honest with ourselves and our own American tactical and strategic failures, then we can start rebuilding the providence again without having to Scapegoat Mother, Father or the True Children.

Beginning is true. How to rebuild will be different depending on what we believe.

They may have not succeeded at everything, but there is nothing stopping us from starting over and doing it correctly.

We are blessed couples and don't need anyone's permission to do great principled things.

Go for it. As you say, great things are being accomplished on True Father's efforts and foundations.

I would like to look past the shared failures of the past and build 21st century Unificationism.

We are on the verge of a great Global transformation. We should be leading that wave.

I agree.

But role play this for me. Imagine you are John the Baptist's disciple. You have followed him for a long time. He has done great works. God has spoken through him many times. You have experienced God through him. He baptizes Jesus and eventually goes his own way separated from Christ. Now John is in prison.

What are you thinking? John always did everything right. Just stay loyal to him in prison and everything will turn out OK and the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Wrong.

I believe Hak Ja Han came from a fallen lineage and was not born sinless. Her mission after Father ascended was to continue to promote Father as the Second Coming and take the position of the "Queen Mother" to advise the designated heir who Father anointed and crowned three times. Instead she usurped the throne for herself.

Father knew what he was doing, far exceeding our ability to understand.

Hak Ja Han was faithful (at least externally) for some 53 years. That is to her eternal credit, of course. But after Father ascended, she betrayed him.

It seems to me that if you are "objective," that is the conclusion you come to.

None of us really know what went on in the living quarters of True Family, except they themselves. We all make assumptions.

I don't experience that Hyung Jin Nim is a liar so I have to accept it when he tells us that Hak Ja Han used to watch hours and hours of Korean dramas every day. Her staff had them all catalogued on her computer so it was easy for her to watch them. Soap operas are not a good place to learn Principled lessons.

I am willing and able to set aside the theological differences and work with my brothers and sisters on projects. I look forward to what develops.

But somewhere is the objective truth of God. In my heart, that's what I want to find. That's where I want to be.

Where is True Father?

True Father loves Hak Ja Han, Preston, and Sean, but he cannot support all three of the different theologies, IMO. They are contradictory.

Is Father standing back and not getting involved?

I don't think so. I prayed and studied for nine months, 10 years ago, and I got my answer.

If Hak Ja Han betrayed Father after he ascended, then it makes sense that she would be in prison, Japanese finances were destroyed, and we are in some long indemnity period to rebuild the lost foundation.

Maybe that's why all of us are part of this discussion.

I've gone on long enough for today.

I pray we all humble ourselves to True Father so he can guide us.

Jim

John Redmond

Jim,

Thanks for your thoughtful reply.

I think we have agreed on most of the objective points, by definition, we will (and should) disagree on the subjective parts. God and time will bring us together on those.

I would like to expand on the idea of 'subjective Knowledge'.

Everyone has a unique experience of God that I can't prove or disprove, but I can learn from it.

Keeping a balance of the subjective and objective is what allows great entreprenurs to be successful billionaires as opposed to delusional, big ideas guys. 'All hat and no cattle' as the Texans say.

Our movement needs to get that balance back.

All members of the Moon family seem to have strong subjective ideas about their role and position in the providence. I think history will sort that out for us.

Objectively,

• We have not successfully witnessed as a movement in 30 years.

• The Divine Principle and Unification Thought are still the best explanation of life in the market.

• While our blessed marriages are a model of international, interracial, intercultural life, many couples are suffering from hollow relationships. Many children, raised to focus on the first blessing, have no foundation for the second or third blessings.

• Japan has been crushed and Mother sits in jail for Korean financial corruption. We took Japanese money for years for projects that have all failed. We looked the other way, when Korean Leader double standards undercut the idealism of our members and explained it as 'Heavenly Korean Culture'.

We are complicit in these failures by our aquiesense.

More damning: America is the freest, richest, most creative country on the planet. Many blessed families have prospered in spite of our leadership and personal setbacks.

And yet:

We create circular firing squads to blame others for our failure.

We still don't have an effective marketing plan for Divine Principle.

We have abandoned any effort to fight Secular Humanism, a toxic ideology that has consumed many of our children.

For those who are still standing for God: what is our get better plan? How do we change the outcomes going forward?

With Heavenly Parents best intentions,John

Jim Stephens

Hi John,

I will agree with you.

I don't know what it's like in most places around the country in the movement.

But I do know what it's like here in Tennessee. I spent the last 4 years with Hyung Jin Nim living nearby and being a part of what he is trying to build.

He does focus on building an ideal community a lot: Bible study and HDH for individuals; Husband - wife relationships; and parenting skills, bushcrafting, self-defense and other life skills.

Hiromi and I were the first ones to move here. Many others have moved here since. At last count there are about 110 adults and 70 children, with 11 more babies being added this year.

We're just starting out to build something and most of the families are very young. To my knowledge, they all want to homeschool their kids.

It gives me a lot of hope for the future when I look around.

It is kind of starting over but not the way most of this group has been thinking with us adults/seniors being the key players.

I would welcome anyone in this group to visit if you can. I could arrange a place for you to stay.

Steve Salowsky

Jim, et al,

You wrote a lot of good points, one of them, I witnessed as a youth when I used to play at East Garden, was I did see Mother sitting on the couch in front of the TV in the old stone mansion before the Annex was built. Not sure what she was watching.

But more recently, Mother could have stopped a lot of the things being said about Father that are disparaging, then commanded them not to say those things... that did not happen.

Our Continental Director, National President, AND Chairman of the Board (Power never before held by one person in the UC), Damian Dunkley, is one of the biggest FFWPU-OBDG supporters, as is well known, and recently he took one of the greatest UM/FFWPU organizations, Generation Peace Academy, removed its founding head, and made it into an OBDG serving group that is no longer attractive to our youth.

In 2020, just before the pandemic, my then 18-year-old daughter joined GPA. It was tough, but she was learning, and with the guidance of Roland and his staff, she and everyone grew, and most had a great experience. She served for 4 years!

Last year, my son joined up, and in the beginning, Roland and his right-hand man were removed, later more, and OBDG was pushed even more heavily - GPA money was sent to Korea for the controversial Cheon Won Gung.

Dunkley stated that GPS is now a frontline group - for a bunch of kids who barely knew anything about the teachings and movement - the grumblings started to be heard.

Most of the first-year participants did not continue to the second year, and even though my son joined for the second year, he and a few quit mid-year!

I remember him pushing back against the OBDG brainwashing being taught to the youth, and my son standing up for True Father with one or two other kids.

The attendees for GPA, now called Next Gen Mission (NGM), have significantly dwindled. 10 years ago, there were hundreds. During my daughter's four years, there were about 45 first years, 40 second years, 20 third years. Currently, there are no more third years, second years have lost a few mid-year and are at around 12, and first-year participants are at around 40.

It has become a self-serving organization from what some of the participants have been saying (Money for the church, pushing OBDG, not witnessing or caring about its own participants - the youth).

About this time last year, myself with Mark Bramwell and Thomas Cromwell, and a few others began discussing an alternative program in the US, perhaps overlapping with Europe's group, but it deescalated into a week-long workshop, then a weekend and that understandably wasn't feasible for our European counterparts.

Incidentally, some of us Americans did have that week-long workshop with second Gen at the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

But I would like to once again "go for the gold" here and discuss a Nationwide, Inter-continental 2nd and 3rd Gen program.

In last year's discussions, we had 6, maybe 7 people. Now there are 60 on this list! If we can't do it, who can???

I'm all for True Father and True Mother (Even with a feminine spin on things under her leadership) comprising the True Parents of all humanity, circa 1960-2012, but there is too much evidence that people around her, or perhaps Mother herself, are trying to usurp the movement to something that it never was supposed to be, an OBDG, Holy Mother Han, "Wang" (King) "Omma" (Mother) of the Chosen Han People's movement.

Just way too much for me to accept and for many who do not want to rock the boat and just stay quiet, but those who attend weekly church are confused as heck about it all.

My dad says, "I joined this movement because of the teachings of True Father. Later, I received the Blessing to restore my lineage and live for God, I never signed up for a movement where Mother is the messiah and not the co-messiah."

And I agree with him.

I do not agree with removing her from the picture though; she did a lot of the heavy lifting for over 50 years.

Blessings,Steve