Phillip Schanker Addresses the Unification Community

To the Leadership and Membership of the Unification Community,
I would like to express three things:
1. Why I am heartened by Mother’s direction for In Jin Nim to offer sermons at East Garden
2. Why I am saddened by USA HQ’s decision not to implement Mother’s direction
3. What members who are cynical about Mother’s direction should consider

1. Why I am heartened by Mother’s direction for In Jin Nim to offer sermons at East Garden

It is a time of division, confusion and uncertainty for the Unification faith. No amount of glowing reports or proclamations of success can change that fact. From the time that In Jin Nim stepped down in obedience to Mother’s direction, she has remained faithful, loyal and supportive. Unlike some of her siblings, she has not condemned Mother or promoted any further division in this community. On the other hand, she has been a consistent voice for unity in support of her mother, and has not hesitated to confront the unhealthy and damaging actions of her siblings. Every word and action of her internet-based ministry has been to support her mother, address the pain and uncertainty of the community, and promote unity. She has not sought position, power, money or self-justification; she has only responded to Father’s urging in her dreams, and sought to provide a voice of reason, reconciliation and hope for our community.

There are many like me who would like to see this movement become the broad, relevant and effective global instrument for creating one family under God that Father envisioned, rather than a narrow denomination that speaks to an increasingly dwindling community of its own, and loses its younger generation. In Jin Nim brings unique qualities of insight, heart, practicality and openness that are urgently needed. Her gracious and generous heart and loyalty to her parents’ vision has generated respect and support from many quarters beyond our movement, and she maintains relationships of mutual respect and trust with leaders in several fields. In Jin Nim’s personal insight into the experiences and struggles of 2nd and 3rd generation Unificationists, and how to develop a church that is relevant and real for the future is crucial, I believe.

After Father’s ascension, during the confusion that followed, True Mother mentioned a three-year period during which her children should not be in public roles. Is it a coincidence that just over 3 years after asking her daughter to step down, Mother is now initiating a restoration and renewal process, not with any public appointment, but simply by creating a platform for In Jin Nim’s message of reconciliation and hope to be shared?

2. Why I am saddened by USA HQ’s Decision not to implement Mother’s direction

I assume that because of resistance from the community or from HQ itself, HQ either decided not to implement Mother's direction, or reported to her that it was too sensitive and controversial and asked that she withdraw it. Here is why I feel that is a mistake:

True Parents showed me a God of unconditional love. While setting the highest of standards, when any of us has fallen short of these, Father and Mother have consistently responded with grace, forgiveness, and the opportunity for a new beginning. They have forgiven and Blessed the greatest scoundrels in human history, embraced the most vicious of their enemies, and provided a path of healing when their own children have struggled, as well as all Blessed children. Should we not open our hearts to a daughter, sister and elder of our own community, who stumbled and fell short?

Yes, forgiveness and redemption involves a process. But who knows what process Mother has implemented with her own daughter? I happen to know that there are clear steps that have been laid out, and the cynicism and judgment of members and leaders that this is a convenient white-wash is unjustified. Who are you or I to interpret or make assumptions about the motive, heart and purpose of True Mother in her efforts to heal, unite, and renew our movement? What kind of leadership do we have, that falls short of even the standard of Jesus, to forgive and not judge?

In Jin Nim experienced public humiliation, vicious condemnation, and criticism from many who have little understanding of the reality of her situation and choices. For her to stand up and seek to provide a voice of reason, reconciliation and hope in the face of so much vitriol, is not callous or selfish. It is an act of courage motivated by her devotion to her parents’ vision, and her desire to help heal and restore what has been broken.

3. What members who are cynical about Mother’s direction should consider

I was among those at HQ in 2012, closer to the situation than most. Like the rest of our membership I learned about the devastating reality from the internet. Like many, I felt lied to, misled and betrayed. I understand the many that want to forgive and support In Jin Nim, but have not experienced a genuine repentance, which offends their faith, or a sufficient ownership of the damage that her betrayal of a public trust has done, regardless of her personal reasons.

In Jin Nim’s 2012 statement to the members said, “I am truly sorry that the details of my personal life have hurt so many people. So much emotion has been expressed from love and support to hatred and condemnation. I accept them all and take full responsibility for the choices I have made concerning my life.” Many of our members accepted this, and could embrace and forgive her. For some, however, this did not satisfy their concerns about adultery, pregnancy outside of wedlock, lying, and falsely presenting a public partnership with Jin Sung Park while carrying on a private affair. I understand that these violations of the standards of the Blessing deeply offended our membership, who want them to be acknowledged and owned, in order for them to extend the forgiveness that our elder sister deserves.

I also know the many challenges that In Jin Nim faced which many cannot understand, and she does not feel free to explain clearly. Her initial Blessing was already over, by the standards of the Blessing itself, before she accepted the appointment as FFWPU president. She did not have the freedom to end it, and was torn between her intention to live the kind of authentic life she preached about, and the expectations for her to occupy a public position and protect the church from being taken over forcefully by Hyun Jin Nim. I know how she struggled to work with her difficult situation, to maintain the position expected of her, while reporting honestly and seeking solutions. There is a long list of challenges that her situation imposed upon her, which few can grasp. She hinted at some of these issues in her 2012 letter, but did not feel free to go into detail, or cast aspersions on any others.

Some consider In Jin Nim’s challenges to traditional standards and efforts to broaden our movement as merely justifications for her own lifestyle and choices. That is a shallow misjudgment. Coming from her own experiences being raised with high expectations and limited personal support from her very public parents, and trying her best for years to make a difficult Blessing work, she understands the challenges of our Blessed children, and the struggles of many families. She is seeking to create a community that addresses real issues, and provides healthy solutions that are relevant far beyond the UC community, to help all people lead healthy and loving lives.

I also happen to know, and was involved in to a limited degree, Ben Lorentzen’s initial Blessing, which sadly was also finished years before he came to work with In Jin Nim. Far more than some handsome rock star, Ben is a social worker who for 13 years worked with the most at-risk youth in Norway, dealing with anger, violence and aggression. The perception that this couple’s relationship destroyed their previous Blessings is false. Their decision to marry and seek True Parents’ grace, the way they are raising their son, and their efforts to embrace their entire “blended family” reflect the ideals and values of the Blessing that they are committed to.

None of this, of course, is an excuse for the tragic mistakes that occurred, and the betrayal and hurt that so many feel. I know that In Jin Nim feels these deeply, and simply wants to work with our community to heal and move forward. I believe Mother knows exactly what she is doing in gently encouraging this reconciliation. I hope we will give In Jin Nim, and True Mother, the opportunity they seek. What better vision do our leaders in New York have to offer?

Sincerely,

Phillip Schanker