Pastors’ Forum April 20, 2019

Pastors’ Forum

April 20, 2019

Walters Memorial AME Zion Church

Bridgeport, CT

A recent contact of ours, Rev. Elvin Clayton, graciously opened his church and hosted our prayer breakfast and forum. He helped trying to get the Wi-Fi working, set up the screen for the projector and when we forgot the cups for the coffee, got some from the church kitchen.

We began with a prayer and Rev. Clayton introduced everyone to his church which was originally organized in Bridgeport in 1835 as part of “Little Liberia,” a colony of free-blacks mostly centered on the fishing business as this location is very near Long Island Sound. In fact, the main church was hurt badly by Super Storms Sandy and Irene and we had to meet in the nearby Community Center.

Rev. Bruce Grodner, Executive Director of ACLC, introduced the organization, stressing that in heaven we all expect to be together, so that is the way it should be on earth as well. Rev. Grodner pointed out that Rev. Moon wanted Christians and all religious people to work together to solve the problems we all face, that is the reason he started ACLC in 2000.

After a nice breakfast we were serenaded by our Harmony Choir singing, “I come to the Garden Alone” and “Blessings”.

Apostle Glenda Phillips Lee was introduced and spoke from the True Family Values power point, “Restoration of Marriage and Family”. Taking from Zachariah 12 she strongly proclaimed that God’s will for man was to reach maturity and achieve the three blessings to be Fruitful, Multiply and Have Dominion. She then had Pastor Mika Deshotel from the FFWPU read from Father Moon’s Autobiography about his encounter with Jesus. It was powerful combination.

During the discussion period the first question was about our belief system, in that is Rev and Mrs. Moon above Jesus and God? Apostle Phillips Lee explained just as her mother who was a leader in her church was called “Rev. Mother Greene,” likewise in the Unification Movement based on our knowledge of what Rev. and Mrs. Moon have gone through, sacrificed and achieved, they are called the “True Parents.” Once you get to know them, she explained, the more understanding you’ll have of that title.

One Baptist minister came in asking if this was a “Moonie event” and sat on the side, ended up asking Apostle Phillips Lee to speak at her prayer breakfast next month and saying she was glad she had come.

All in all, we had five ministers and a good discussion and more deeply made a connection with Pastor and First Lady Clayton who both attended the whole event.

Submitted by

Bro. Antonio Battilocchi

Rev. Greg Breland