WASHINGTON, June 30 (UPI) -- Several religious leaders Wednesday defended their participation in March Capitol Hill ceremonies involving the Rev. Sun Myung Moon.
More than a dozen Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Native American religious leaders appeared at a news conference to offer support for the work of Moon and his wife. Last March Moon and his wife were honored in ceremonies in the Dirksen Senate Office Building for their work toward world peace.
Organizers termed the event a "ceremony of reconciliation of Jews, Christians and Muslims, recognizing leaders from every state for their work in interfaith bridge-building efforts."
Some publications recently questioned the use of a U.S. government building for what appeared to be a religious ceremony. Participants said Moon's peace-making efforts and not his religion, were at the center of the event.
Walter Fauntroy, former U.S. delegate from the District of Columbia, said he was proud of his role as master of ceremonies at the March gathering. He added, "For me, the test of a man is not what he says about his faith but what he does with his life."
Speaking on behalf of the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace, which sponsored the ceremony, Frank Kaufmann cited the more than 15 peace initiatives begun by Moon in the Middle East.
Moon is the founder of News World Communications, which owns United Press International.
