The Words of the Cotter Family
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The Words of the Cotter Family |
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
May the love and blessings of our Heavenly Parents and our True Parents be with you.
The events which took place at our church headquarters building in Sao Paulo, Brazil three Sundays ago (centering on Hyun Jin Nim) were tragic, unprecedented and most unfortunate. Hyun Jin Nim's behavior and that of his associates has brought great distress and has added to the suffering of our True Parents, who (over the last year and a half) have been the victim of Hyun Jin Nim's continued disobedience and defiance of their pleas to him to repent and return to them as a filial son.
Our church members in Brazil and throughout South America were both shocked and confused as to how a true child of our True Parents could condone and carry out the hostile takeover of our church service on Sunday, May 30th, forcibly removing the Continental Director and the National Church President (the appointed representatives of True Parents) in mid-sermon. Hyun Jin Nim's treatment of Rev. Shin and Rev. Ferrabolli at Hoon Dok Hae the next morning was equally disturbing, both in its violent nature and in the fact that no one stood up to defend True Parents' direction or their appointed representatives as they were repeatedly subjected to kicks, punches and slapping by Hyun Jin Nim.
Fortunately, and as difficult as it may be to watch, these events were videotaped and 6 hours of footage has now been made available to our church members around the world, who can see for themselves Hyun Jin Nim's actions, and decide for themselves if it is acceptable to them or not. In a way, this is a blessing in disguise. It has allowed us to see the dramatic difference between the leadership of Hyun Jin Nim, who was acting against the will of True Parents, using the tactics of intimidation, fear, and even violence, and that of In Jin Nim, who was sent to Brazil one week later by our True Parents to represent them and give comfort, love and clarity to the South American blessed families.
When we arrived in Brazil with In Jin Nim on Sunday, June 6th, we could literally see in the members' faces and sense in them fear, distrust and almost a 'post traumatic stress syndrome'-like behavior. After going through the terrible shock of the Sunday before, they must have wondered what In Jin Nim was going to put them through. But their fears and confusion were quickly alleviated and seemed to evaporate as In Jin Nim brought the love and the truth of our True Parents for three days, effectively neutralizing what had happened to them just seven days before.
Many, in fact, came forward in tears and exclaimed that the difference between the two Sundays was like "heaven and hell". There was an overwhelming response of gratitude to True Parents and to In Jin Nim, who did nothing but lift up the name and the love of our True Parents as the source of our faith and as the only Messiah, who can connect us to the lineage of God.
What we found among the church leadership and the church members of Brazil and from all of South America (there were representatives from most of the South American countries present in Sao Paulo) was that they had been exposed, for the most part, only to Hyun Jin Nim's side of the story.
So this was also an opportunity for In Jin Nim and her team from America to educate and enlighten those leaders and members about Hyun Jin Nim's activities in America in 2009. Particularly, his attempted hostile takeover in February, 2009 of the HSA-UWC Board in America (which failed and after which he was ordered by True Parents to take a one year leave of absence from all his activities) and his successful takeover and subsequent confiscation of all assets of UCI (Unification Church International) through removing True Parents' representatives from the UCI Board. Through this education, those leaders and members could clearly see that what Hyun Jin Nim is attempting to do in South America actually has precedent and is part of a calculated plan to gain power in direct opposition to True Parents' desires and wishes.
After viewing the events of May 30th and 31st, there can be no question as to Hyun Jin Nim's intentions. Hyun Jin Nim is attempting to seize power and force church leaders and members to be loyal to him. This kind of behavior is the opposite of the tradition of true love and "living for the sake of others" that our True Parents have taught and embodied throughout their lives. "One Family under God" is simply an empty slogan unless it is backed up with a life that is devoted to and aligned with God and True Parents, who are God's only authorized representatives on earth and in heaven. It is only our True Parents that have the authority to give the Holy Blessing, which allows all of mankind to engraft into the 'true olive tree' of God's lineage.
Why is the forceful takeover of Sunday service (in Brazil, America or anywhere else), even by a True Child, such a violation and so serious in True Parents' eyes? It is because in our Unification Church tradition, any place where our Sunday Service is held is a holy place, no matter how humble or grand. The sanctuary where God's word is to be delivered is the 'holies of holies. The pastor or sermon-giver is there by the authority and blessing of True Parents, representing them substantially, and thus must be treated with utmost respect and reverence. In our sanctuaries we have True Parents' pictures and chairs for them out of respect and because we believe that their spirits are right there with us.
So from True Parents' perspective and ours, no one has the right to interrupt a pastor giving a sermon (no matter how long it is, or how boring it is, or how impatient the interrupter is to take the stage). Doing so constitutes a huge violation of heavenly law, even if the True Child feels entitled to do whatever he pleases. Of course, all of us would desire to love and serve and respect all of True Parents' children, but in this case, Rev. Shin (the Continental Director) knew that Hyun Jin Nim did not have permission from True Parents to speak publicly in any of our churches. He was attempting to honor True Parents and our tradition, when he was forcefully and unceremoniously removed by a mob at the pulpit.
Rev. Shin was eventually pushed down on the floor on stage, as Hyun Jin Nim was shouting, "Take him out! Get him out of here now!" Rev. Ferrabolli's wife fainted and collapsed during the shuffle and was eventually taken to the hospital. None of Hyun Jin Nim's people helped or assisted her or showed any concern. What happened to chivalry and simple concern for your brothers and sisters? Shame on them. If Hyun Jin Nim had simply waited until the sermon was finished, perhaps all of this could have been avoided.
But for me, the behavior of Hyun Jin Nim and of those who condoned it the next morning at Hoon Dok Hae, was even more shocking in that it was a violation of the holy temples of two of True Parents' faithful servants. The Bible tells us that we are '"God's temple" and that "His Spirit dwells in us" (I Cor. 3:16). True Parents have affirmed that our bodies are the temple of God and that we should not abuse or violate them ourselves, nor we should let others do so. Especially those who have served God's providence for decades under True Parents and who have received the Holy Blessing, these are saints and holy people. No one has the right to kick and strike such people for any reason.
Both of these brothers endured hours of this kind of treatment from Hyun Jin Nim at Hoon Dok Hae, in front of other leaders and members, including many young members of STF, CARP and YFWP. Rev. Shin was simply taking the blows, while trying to give True Parents' direction to Hyun Jin Nim. Rev. Ferrabolli said that it was the most terrifying and agonizing three hours of his life. And even during that time inside he was saying to himself, "I love you Hyun Jin Nim'" over and over.
What must these young people have thought as their idol, Hyun Jin Nim, was repeatedly striking their church leaders? How confused they must have been. The message that was being sent was: "This is acceptable behavior," because there were no protests from any of their elders or parents.
As painful as it was to watch this video, I could not help but notice many of the leaders that I worked with when I was CARP president in America (under Hyun Jin Nim) just sitting there, staring at the floor, doing nothing to help their brothers. If just one of those leaders had the courage to stand up and say, "Hyun Jin Nim, please strike me instead of them," then perhaps Hyun Jin Nim would have come to his senses.
Is any one of them willing to risk their life to help Hyun Jin Nim change, or to uphold True Parents' tradition? In Jin Nim came to Brazil at the risk of her life to do exactly this last week. And look at the incredible impact that visit has had. Whether Hyun Jin Nim's followers believe it or not, In Jin Nim is doing more than any of them to truly help her brother and shorten the time that it takes for him to come back to his Parents.
There on the floor next to Rev. Shin were Jin Man Kwak, Jin Hyo Kwak, In Dong Kang and others. Were they catatonic? Were they in a state of shock? Or were they just plain terrified of standing up to Hyun Jin Nim during his tirade? Unfortunately, my conclusion is that they were acting cowardly, as "yes men" who lack the courage to tell Hyun Jin Nim the truth. Are we to become a movement of cowards and spineless sheep? Blind followers? Who will stand up for Jin Man Kwak when Hyun Jin Nim comes after him? Answer: probably no one.
Hyun Jin Nim and Rev. Kang have been telling brothers and sisters in South America that they had better pledge their loyalty to Hyun Jin Nim or else. Rev. Kang has been rallying the young people of STF, CARP and YFWP around Hyun Jin Nim. That's easy enough to do. But what is his intention? To lead an all out revolt against True Parents and our churches? How many times throughout history have we seen charismatic leaders who capitalize on the youthful exuberance and idealism of young people, only to twist their loyalty by the introduction of the use of force and violence? Let us hope this does not become the case.
To their great credit, all of the headquarters staff at our church in Sao Paulo remained loyal to True Parents and did not give in to the pressure to pledge loyalty to Hyun Jin Nim. Many of those staff members are young sisters. It seems that the sisters may be the only ones with courage there. Rev. Shin's secretary received direct pressure to pledge her loyalty to Hyun Jin Nim by Rev. Kang, but she courageously resisted. He advised her that she had better leave town, because big changes were coming to the church in Brazil. (The World Mission Department fired Rev. Kang immediately following the incidents of May 30 and 31.)
I spoke with one elder missionary serving in another South American country, who told me in tears how she was being forced out of the church by Hyun Jin Nim's representatives because she dared to oppose what he was trying to do. Her email has been hacked into and she lives in a state of fear and under great stress. Does this sound the like the Unification Church to you?
Hyun Jin Nim and those who follow him should know the universal principle: "What you give out always comes back." In other words, if you treat True Parents with disrespect and think that you can act with impunity toward others, then your children will eventually rise up and do the very same thing to you.
True Father never forced anyone to be loyal to him; he won their hearts through true love and through true servant leadership, centered on God. Rev. Shin and Rev. Ferrabolli are Hyun Jin Nim's younger brothers (no matter what he may think they have done wrong), but the treatment they were subjected to by him was degrading and humiliating. Hyun Jin Nim is an expert horseman. Would he treat his horse that way if the horse disobeyed him? I think not.
Hyun Jin Nim is now saying that he has reached perfection after turning 40 and that he relates only to God. Apparently he doesn't need True Parents any more. He repeatedly tells us that, "Father never intended to create a religion," and, "We don't need a church!" Does he seriously believe that we can build one family under God through service projects and global peace festivals?
True Parents are completely inspired by the church ministries of Hyung Jin Nim and In Jin Nim, because they know that through this channel, True Parents are being upheld and respected, blessed families are being revived, Divine Principle is being taught and people are being saved through receiving the Holy Blessing.
Our True Parents were so deeply shocked and angered over Hyun Jin Nim's actions two weeks ago that they responded in an unprecedented way. True Parents issued a proclamation, signed by Father, which clearly states that Hyung Jin Nim is the only heir to True Parents, and that anyone who does not acknowledge or follow this vertical line will be considered a heretic and a destroyer of our faith.
Through True Parents' proclamation it is now crystal clear that there is only one True Parents and one channel through which we are to operate: the World Mission Department, under the authority of Rev. Hyung Jin Moon.
Hyun Jin Nim has said publicly that he doesn't consider any memos coming from the World Mission Department to be valid, so he has simply ignored them. But now we have the word from Father himself that the World Mission Department is the only channel recognized and authorized by him.
I'm sure there are many reasons why Father chose his youngest son, Hyung Jin Nim as his heir, not the least of which is that he is a man of purity, prayer, devotion, humility and true love. It seems that True Parents are very happy that Hyung Jin Nim and In Jin Nim are bringing revival to the Unification Church community through their wonderful ministries, centered on "inheriting the true love of God."
So from now, if any of the True Children want to come and speak publicly in our churches around the world, they must have True Parents' permission through the World Mission Department. To all of our church leaders and blessed families and organizations: If there are any doubts about directions coming from any of the True Children, we should always double check with the World Mission Department.
In Hyun Jin Nim's case, because at this time he does not have the authority of True Parents and their permission, he will not be permitted to speak publicly in the Unification Church. When he reconciles with True Parents, and when they have officially declared it to be so, then and only then will the situation change.
True Parents gave the direction that Hyung Jin Nim, Kook Jin Nim or In Jin Nim should go immediately to Brazil, in the wake of the events of May 30-31, in order to speak to the leadership and members on their behalf. In Jin Nim volunteered to go representing her parents last weekend, travelling to Sao Paulo with Dr. Thomas Walsh, Mr. Taj Hamad, Rev. Michael Jenkins, Mr. Jim Gavin, Archbishop Stallings, Mr. Kevin Yoon, Rev. Moon Shik Kim, members of the Lovin' Life Band and me.
I believe that True Parents, True Family and all blessed central families are very proud of the way In Jin Nim came to Brazil and completely embraced the members and leaders there with the heart of True Mother, while giving strong and firm guidance to everyone about the need for us all to be in absolute unity with True Parents. On Sunday, June 6th at Hoon Dok Hae, she gave beautiful guidance about the meaning and significance of each of True Parents' children from their names to their missions. She expressed that even though Hyun Jin Nim is in a difficult situation now, where he is not able to receive True Parents' guidance, the family absolutely loves him and is working to bring him back as soon as possible. She tearfully apologized to the members there for the difficulties that are occurring in the True Family.
True Parents asked In Jin Nim to lead the "Legacy of Peace" event at the main temple in the Unification Church of Sao Paulo on Sunday as well. It was a very beautiful event, in the tradition of those that were held in the United States. In Jin Nim gave a beautiful introduction to True Parents, who could not be there. Rev. Ferrabolli read Father's speech with Brazilian passion.
Following the event, we were able to introduce In Jin Nim's activities in America, including the development of Lovin' Life Ministries and her visits to Congress in an effort to bring an end to the suffering of our Japanese brothers and sisters due to the kidnapping and faith breaking issue.
Then In Jin Nim came to the floor in order to greet close to 1,000 members that had come from throughout Brazil and South America. They receive so much love from her. Many of the women especially were in tears as they went through the receiving line and greeted In Jin Nim and took pictures with her. Sunday was the official launching of Father's autobiography in Portuguese, so many brothers and sisters asked In Jin Nim to sign their books. What a huge difference between the spirit in the church on Sunday, June 7th and on Sunday, May 30th.
Later that day In Jin Nim met for a couple of hours with the two former Brazilian church presidents who were supporting Hyun Jin Nim, and who had led the takeover of the church service the week before. These brothers also received In Jin Nim's love and strong guidance and both agreed to write letters of repentance to True Parents and publicly apologize to the members for their behavior. They also agreed to formally resign from the church council.
On Monday morning, In Jin Nim's guidance at Hoon Dok Hae focused on raising our children to have a standard of internal and external excellence. She stressed that each child is a unique gift and creation of our Heavenly Parent, and that the job of parents is to draw out the heavenly potential of each of our children and guide them to go the right way.
A leadership meeting was held in the afternoon where about 70 national, state and city leaders from throughout South America gathered under the direction of Rev. Shin and Rev. Ferrabolli. In Jin Nim was there to give them guidance about Hyun Jin Nim's activities and to enlighten them about what Hyun Jin Nim had done in America. I presented some of the details of Hyun Jin Nim's attempted takeover of HSA's board in America and his successful takeover of UCI and its consequences. Many of the leaders were completely unaware of these situations in America.
In Jin Nim concluded by giving them strong guidance about being faithful to True Parents. She said that especially as leaders we cannot be confused, even by True Children. She said (as Hyung Jin Nim has also said) that if she or any of the True Children comes to them saying, "Follow me instead of True Parents," or "I am the Messiah, follow me," or "True Father is senile, I have to take over," or "Father is being manipulated by Mother," etc., then you should not follow. Instead you must always check with our International Headquarters (World Mission Department) and make sure that your actions are aligned with True Parents. In Jin Nim was very clear that True Father is the only Messiah, the only True Adam, and that True Parents are the only True Parents. True Children all have great missions to fulfill, centering on inheriting the true love of God through True Parents and then leading the world as their representatives.
On Monday evening, In Jin Nim visited one of our beautiful churches in another part of Sao Paulo. The founding pastor, Pastor Elias, was recognized by True Parents as a home church and witnessing champion in Brazil. He built a beautiful congregation in a poor area of Sao Paulo, where they now have their own bakery and grocery store. Pastor Elias recently passed away and he was honored at the Ascension Ceremony on Sunday. Now his young son has taken over as the pastor and the music minister and is doing a wonderful job. About 400 members gathered and packed out the church to meet and hear In Jin Nim speak that night.
The church worship band lifted up the spirit and the Lovin' Life Band played to the delight of the congregation. I introduced In Jin Nim's activities in America and then the whole congregation rose to its feet cheering and welcoming In Jin Nim.
She gave beautiful words of guidance and love to them about the significance of being God's children and the importance of raising our children well. She deeply honored and respected True Parents and brought down the Holy Spirit in that church. Everyone was moved in their hearts.
Afterwards she stayed and greeted every family and member. They were so delighted (young and old) to shake her hand and to receive her signature and take pictures together. There was so much joy and love in the air. Those brothers and sisters will never forget that experience.
On Tuesday, In Jin Nim visited the church's gift store in Sao Paulo and the church school, where over 200 blessed children and children from other families receive heavenly education. She then had lunch at a Korean restaurant with the wives (both Korean) of the two former presidents of the Brazilian church.
Although we were only there for three days, it seemed like three weeks. In Jin Nim gave 100% of her heart and energy to everyone there from beginning to end. The result was that she brought tremendous healing and comfort and clarity to our leaders and families. She came with the determination to give her life, like her parents, and God protected her. There were no incidents of violence or disruption while we were there. In Jin Nim is very serious about upholding and protecting True Parents' foundation and tradition. She will not allow anyone to violate that while she has breath.
When we were holding the "Legacy of Peace" event at the church on Sunday morning, her instructions to the security staff were, "No one is to be allowed to enter the church and disrupt the service. This is holy ground. If they want to meet me, it will be after the service. If they want to brawl, I will do that too, but outside after the service."
In all that she did and said, her message was very clear: True Parents are the origin and the source of our faith and without them, there is no meaning. We continue to pray that Hyun Jin Nim will follow his elder sister's example of walking the path of true love and sacrifice for the sake of brothers and sisters, centered on True Parents.
Until such time as it is clearly stated by True Parents through the World Mission Department that Hyun Jin Nim has their permission to speak publicly to our members, he will not be allowed to come to any churches in the United State and speak. Further, since Hyun Jin Nim never followed True Parents' direction to take a year leave of absence from all of his activities, we cannot consider that that period has even begun yet. As such, our American church leaders and members will not recognize or support the Global Peace Festival activities in America or any of the 1st or 2nd Generation appointed by Hyun Jin Nim for those activities, and we urge our ACLC clergy and Ambassadors for Peace to do the same.
Our purpose in stating this is to be in absolute alignment with True Parents' direction and to hopefully hasten the day when Hyun Jin Nim can victoriously return to the good graces of our True Parents.
Thank you and may God bless you.
Rev. Joshua Cotter
Executive Vice-President
HSA-UWC USA