The Role of Family in Peace

Original post from March 12, 2015. Updated on April 5, 2018.

Family metaphors are frequently used to express a remarkable closeness or intimacy between people. Sayings such as, “he’s like a brother to me” or, “they’re like family” signifies a unique bond that people often feel no need to explain. Familial relationships are undoubtedly important – to individuals, to families themselves and then to their respective communities. We might then infer that as the core units that make up society, each and every family is equally important to the health of nations and, subsequently, the whole world.

Dr. Jun Sook Moon reads to children at a family shelter in Korea.

Families have been the “default” mode of human organization throughout history. The reason for this is both simple and self-evident. It is because life begins in the family. When we are born into this world, what constitutes our world is the family – in infancy, childhood and into adulthood. It is not too much to say that the people we become is largely due to the relationships we experience in our family. Who each of us is, where we come from, starts in the family.

Moreover, life continues because families do. We would do best to remember the inimitable role that the family plays in the health of individuals, the strength of our communities and happiness of society. Many or most countries measure progress and prosperity in terms of GDP and recently there have been attempts to objectively measure happiness. Yet, these indices fail to connect the health and prosperity of individuals and society with its roots in the family.

Perhaps one of the reasons for this is the same reason thinkers from Plato to Max Weber have lamented the strength of familial and kinship ties. In their view, societies notable for strong familial and kinship ties also tend towards things like cronyism, corruption and nepotism, where families act for the good of only their own.

In fact, it is rare to see people treat others as one would treat one’s own family. Many even debate the possibility of true altruism. Skeptics view altruism as simply another way to benefit one’s group since service is usually based on some sense of shared identity – a common religion, a sense of ethnic, national, political or economic ties. It is what makes charity to those who are completely different from oneself so exceptional.

Whatever the case, as humans we base our relationships on some notion of identity. While the concept of “identity-based conflict” is still fairly new, it is in fact the age-old drama of the human family. We fight for our family against other families, tribes and nations. We fight against the other. We try to protect the businesses and interests of some against others. We even die to protect some against others.

For this and so many other reasons, we must be forced to re-examine our very identity and nature.

And it is for this reason that the Global Peace Foundation starts first with an all-encompassing vision of “One Family Under God.” It is this kind of inclusive framework that starts from what we already instinctively know – a sense of what family should or could be – and work to extend out that instinctive, emotional bond outwards towards others. It is in this space of imagining ourselves as part of a greater human family that we can begin to imagine a world of peace and shared prosperity. From there, we work to “activate” our highest shared values and aspirations – love, kindness, service, benevolence, integrity, etc. as the ultimate expressions of a global human family.

By focusing on people rather than interventions – our solutions become holistic because people are able to account for the dynamic interactions of everyday life in a way that interventions never could. Instead of a focus on tasks, we encourage and empower people to “own” the vision and make it a reality in his or her own unique way. Through the years, we have developed a process framework to do this on the local level and then to connect and share lessons and best practices with a wide, multi-sectoral network of moral, innovative leaders.

Why Korea?

On the Korean peninsula, we see a fascinating case in which one people, or family, has been divided – by time, space, ideology, economic and social systems – for now over 70 years. In fact, today, there are debates as to whether Koreans in the North and the South can be considered one people because of all of their differences.

We believe that this becomes as a microcosm of the global family in that, as some view North and South Koreans as completely separate, we see differences between peoples – in terms of language, culture, custom, religion, traditions – to assume that we are too different to be together. And yet, time and time again, there will always be interaction after interaction that tells us, as in the prophetic words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Together we must learn to live as brothers or together we will be forced to perish as fools.”

Even apart from the human rights issues and nuclear crisis in the North and social, economic and political crises in the South, Koreans and their friends have an opportunity to demonstrate a process of civil-society led nation-building in such a way that provides lessons for the entire global community. The process has already essentially started with the over 900 civil society organizations currently working as part of the Action for Korea United initiative in Korea.

We turn next to the global community to engage in this process to support and learn the lessons of building peace and social cohesion and with it, inspirations for global development and shared prosperity.

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On December 6th, during the Global Peace Convention 2013 held in the Shangri La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Dr. Jun Sook Moon, chairwoman of the Global Peace Women spoke during a special session on Women and Peacebuilding entitled, “Toward and Ethic of Compassion and Cooperation.” Joining her as esteemed panelists were: Hon Gina de Venecia, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Rafiah Salim, Ms. Julia Maciel, H.E. Hajia Mrs. Amina Namadi Sambo and Mrs. Collete Caprara. In her address, Dr. Moon emphasized the unique and crucial role that women play in raising peaceful and happy families and securing peace in the wider society.

Below is her full address:

Your excellences, Honorable guests, women leaders from around the world, ladies and gentlemen:

And I really want to thank all of the gentlemen who are gathered here. Thank you very much for coming. A couple years ago when we started, at first, this women’s session, there was no man in the room. But every year, I see more men attending. I don’t know why, but they start to come. And this year, I think about one-third of the room is occupied by men, so thank you very much for coming.

Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman of the Global Peace Convention speaks during a special session on Women in Leadership during the Global Peace Convention 2013.

Salam Sejahtera, Good afternoon.

Today, we mourn the passing of a great leader from South Africa, Nelson Mandela, who was not only a political leader, but a spiritual leader from whom we can learn much about forgiveness and service.

I also see many representatives here with us from our neighboring country, the Philippines.  I would like to take a moment of silence to send our prayers to the families and communities that are recovering from the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan-Yolanda. Our heart goes out in solidarity to the women who are sustaining recovery efforts. We are with each of you as you rebuild your nation to emerge even stronger.  Bangon Pilipinas Kaya Natin To. We know your spirit will never be defeated. Can we observe a moment of silence for the Philippines, and also for Nelson Mandela.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We have an amazing group of men, women, and young people gathered from around the world for this 5th annual Global Peace Convention. The moment could not be more timely nor the place more fitting for this year’s convention theme: “Unity in Diversity: Building Social Cohesion for Sustainable Peace through Universal Aspirations, Principles, and Values”, than Malaysia today.

Malaysia has been pioneering  a path towards social cohesion and harmony amongst the many faiths, cultures, and ethnicities  who call this nation home.  While faith and cultural differences have often been at the heart of conflicts around the world, Malaysia is trying to create a tangible precedent of inter-religious, inter-cultural and international cooperation based on common aspirations for the betterment of the greater community, nation, region and world.

I believe peace, harmony and unity are the essence of the Malaysian spirit. I was inspired by your custom of Rumah Terbuka, “Open house”.  During the cultural celebrations and holy days of your many faith traditions, Malaysians open their house to welcome any person as a valued member of their family – no matter their belief or ethnicity.  It is a moving example of the most devout practice of faith – to make one’s holy day a time to embrace and serve the human family.

I would like to thank the people of Malaysia for the “Rumah Terbuka” that they have created for this Global Peace Convention. You have embraced us from all over the world, from many faiths and ethnicities, as part of your family. Thank you.

Panel on Women in Leadership during the Global Peace Convention 2013: (left to right) Ms. Julia Maciel, Diplomat, Permanent Mission of Paraguay to the United Nations, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Rafiah Salim, Former Director, NAM Institute for the Empowerment of Women, Hon. Gina de Venecia, Member of the House of Representatives, Republic of Philippines, H.E. Hajia Mrs. Amina Namadi Sambo, Founder and Chairwoman, I Care-Women and Youth Initiative: Wife of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs. Collete Caprara, Editor, DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society, The Heritage Foundation, USA, Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman, Global Peace Women, USA.

The task before us for the short time we have together is critical. I know that Malaysia is not the only nation looking for real solutions for creating lasting social cohesion and harmony.  In this room, each of us are seeking to address similar challenges in our nations and regions. This convention is our opportunity to open new paths for a better tomorrow.

As I reflect on the goals of unity, appreciation of diversity, and social cohesion based on universal principles and values, I know with certainty, that none of this can be accomplished unless women play a central role. These goals resonate deeply with the precious role women play in our families, communities, nation and world, and bring into play the characteristic and strengths of women as the mediators, healers and communicators in all facets of society.

In the family – the most essential unit of society–women are the daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother.  As a girl grows up, she grows not just in physical strength or intellectual ability, but also, she grows her heart.  Within the family, she receives and gives love, and she deepens and widens her ability to understand others as she passes through each stage.  Mothers, nurture and raise the next generation, as they model and educate children in living a life of service and love for others.  The grandmother is often the person who can be the confidant of every person in the household—because her heart is big enough to relate to every different situation.

The family is, thus, the school of love, and its graduates will form the basis of vibrant communities and stable nations. They will be the responsible citizens, and the moral and innovative leaders of tomorrow. Without instilling such a moral and spiritual foundation within the family—nurtured largely by women– the vision of One Family under God will remain an idealistic dream.

To give substance to this vision calls for leadership that is both moral and innovative, that takes ownership of the vision and strives to make it a reality. Leadership takes many forms and many women today are playing important roles in public life. But in the emphasis on careers for women we sometimes forget the unique and essential role that women play that is equally an act of leadership. That role is the formation of qualities of character and habits of the heart within the family.

The ability of women to perceive the intangible aspects of life—the unspoken emotions, the characters of each person, the spiritual dimension—is part of what equips us uniquely for the work of building peace.  As many people have observed, peace doesn’t come by force, and it doesn’t happen by just signing papers.  Peace is a state of heart that is manifested into action.  Peace ultimately comes from putting the benefit of all others first, and then receiving the benefit into one’s own life.

This role, responsibility, and heart expands as women take roles in the larger society whether it is as administrators and teachers in schools, community organizers and peace advocates, or leaders in politics, business, or faith communities.

We have examples of the great women of GPW, playing these roles all around the world.

Professor Leah Marangu received the 2013 Global Peace Award for Strengthening Families for her pioneering work in the areas of ethics and character development for youth in schools in Kenya. (left to right), Mrs. and Dr. Chandaria, Professor and Mr. Marangu, (in the back) Mr. Daniel Juma.

One year ago, here in Malaysia, three hundred women gathered for a grand launching of the Malaysia chapter of GPW. It was said that women have “a natural sense of nurturing, solving conflicts with compassion, tolerance, and tender-heartedness, which can offer a lot more toward the betterment of our society.” The women and organizations present pledged to work together to empower women to contribute to peace in areas such as women’s rights, women’s leadership, strengthening of the family, and community service.

In Indonesia, Global Peace Women helped flood victims and enlisted college students to serve residents of a home for the elderly.  They have hosted Parenting trainings for top public officials. Our women leaders from Indonesia have joined us at this convention.

In Nepal, GPW has organized projects to safeguard the water supply and begun to provide clean cookstoves for mothers.  The Cookstove Project has also been working in Uganda, teaching women to construct clay cookstoves from local materials, eliminating indoor pollution and reducing the need to gather fuel.  Since half the population of the world cook over open fires, this one project has the potential to transform the lives of billions. The workshop tomorrow will feature this project and I hope you will give it your interest and support.

In the Philippines, GPW has been active with the solar-powered lanterns and street lights of the All Lights Village project­­, and most recently, with the rebuilding and relief work following the destruction of Typhoon Haiyan-Yolanda. Many women leaders working in the Philippines are also present with us here today.

In Nigeria, the wife of the vice president, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, launched our newest national chapter, Global Peace Women Nigeria, at the recent Global Peace Leadership Conference in Abuja. We are graced with her attendance and her words today.

In Kenya, GPW helps encourage moral and ethical character development for youth in schools throughout the country.  Professor Leah Marangu is receiving this year’s Global Peace Award for Strengthening Families for her pioneering work in this area. In Latin America, Global Peace Women have been working in Uruguay and Paraguay, addressing the issues of family breakdown.  In Taiwan, Global Peace Women have been active in sponsoring Global Child Peace Clubs, creating libraries and youth empowerment projects. In Korea, Global Peace Women have played a key role in supporting  the AllLights Village project.

I hope you will take the chance to connect and share with each other throughout the duration of this convention. I want to thank all the women of peace who are bringing the vision of One Family Under God into their communities and nations.

From these examples of what women are capable of and the passion and heart they bring to the table, I think we are all in agreement that women are natural bridge-builders and a critical part of the peacemaking process.  I believe that is what has drawn us all here today.

I want to use the opportunity of this annual convening of women leaders to pull together our talents, professions, and projects under a unified theme that I hope will guide the coming year.  We can find that theme in the title of this session: Women in Leadership – Toward an Ethic of Compassion and Cooperation.

I believe these two elements, compassion and cooperation, reflect the nature of our Creator and His culture of love and service to others.

In order to achieve global peace we need a vision that encompasses the aspirations of the human heart, and finds expression in universal principles and shared values that bear fruit in qualities of character. GPW is connecting and encouraging women who are already active to a larger network of women who share such a common aspiration.  The vision of One Family under God has become the foundation for partnerships and cooperation in practical service projects that are making this vision a concrete reality.

I hope that the collective efforts of our grassroots network worldwide will result in a cultural shift, transforming a culture of self-centered values, conflict and division into one of compassion and cooperation.

Thank you for bringing your expertise and experience to grow this body of knowledge. It is both hard-earned and invaluable.  I sincerely hope that you will gain substantially by hearing from each of our speakers, but also, by sharing with each other in the informal moments as well.  Every moment of our short time together is precious. I thank you for being here, and for all the work that you are doing to build peace in your homes, your communities and your nations.

Panelists and attendees of the session on Women and Leadership at the Global Peace Convention 2013.

My father-in-law used to say that women are like water, flowing into those in-between spaces, finding ways into every crevice and fissure, to soften hardened hearts and smooth rough edges.

The hearts of women united together can create a tidal wave sweeping away the mightiest obstacles. I hope that when you leave here for your homes you will do so with renewed energy and with the firm conviction that the work you are doing is one brick in the building of a great vision that can bring peace to the world across all existing boundaries.

I ask you to join together with me, dream together with me, and build together with me. Let the world witness the transformative power of women for peace.

Before I leave, I would like to say a word to all the gentlemen who gathered here. When you think about peace, the true peace starts from home, and it starts from husband and wife. So when you go back, you show how much you appreciate your wife, and tell her you love her, because you know what? If you make your wife happy, not only is she going to become a great wife, but she’s going to be a great mother, because happy women makes a great mother.

And I’d like to also say something to the women. Please appreciate your husband. Love him, tell him you love him, you really appreciate the efforts that he does for his home and children. That will give him strength to do better when he goes out. So when we all do that as husband and wife, that is going to be the greatest start to make peace, and eventually it’s going to bring peace all around the world.

So thank you again for coming today. We really appreciate all the speakers today for their great words and wisdom. And when we go back home, let’s try to build one family under God.

Thank you very much.

The video is of the full session on Women in Leadership. Dr. Jun Sook Moon’s remarks begin at 1.37.30.

The post Dr. Jun Sook Moon Addresses at Global Peace Convention 2013 appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Let us take a moment and think about family. First and foremost, the family is universal. Regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality and religion we are all members of families.

Secondly, the family represents the most intimate of human relationships. We use familial terms to describe the closeness of any relationship saying, “that person is like my father, like my mother, my brother, my sister, my son and like my daughter.”

Most importantly, the family is the school of love. We love our family in order to learn to love humanity in its richness and diversity.

Before we call ourselves Buddhist, Christian or Confucian, or see ourselves as black, white, yellow, Korean, American or Japanese, we are first and foremost the sons and daughters of God, and members of His eternal family.

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