My First Encounter With The Unification Church:

[Mimbari]

My First Encounter With The Unification Church:

June 10-2005:

It was in 1972 in Guyana, at the History & Arts Council headquarters.
It was also the time when Guyana hosted the first Caribbean Festival
Of Creative Arts (C.A.R.I.F.E.S.T.A.). I was hired by Miss. Barbara
Burroughes who at that time was an official of the Ministry Of
Information & Culture, and Admin Assistant to the Chief Officer in
Charge.

I was approached by Miss. Barbara Burroughes some time during my
tenure there, who introduced me to this message that she was teaching,
and invited me to visit her home for more in depth information. I made
the visit there, and was given a preliminary introduction to the
Divine Principles (as espoused) by Sun Myung Moon (the Leader and
Master) as he was referred to.

Some weeks later, along with six others we started living in a rented
home that was obtained by Barbara Burroughes for us to get an insight
into how the new Divine families had to live, in order to redeem
ourselves from Satan's yoke.

Incidentally, at that time i was experiencing major psychological and
social issues with my relatives. I was not permanently employed, and
this insecurity hung heavily on my mind. I was also in the process of
exploring my bisexual orientation and sexuality. And I was told that
it was no problem with her (Miss. Burroughes), because in the
movement, they were others like me that came in and were accepted.
This sense of social acceptance and a place to live was the mitigating
factor that propelled me to join this so-called family.

Some months later, I realized that it was expected that I gave all of
my self, and personal property over to the movement. Because I was no
longer living for myself, but for the movement, and the enlightened
dictates of Master Sun Myung Moon. All sexual activity, longings, and
personal ambitions had to be subdued. And that I was no longer able to
see former friends or relatives. Because that would induce negative
influences on my spiritual progress and growth in this movement. I was
also expected to abide by the rules of conduct, eating and sleeping,
associating with other members, and discussing all personal (albeit)
private experiences, needs, fears, desires, and expectations to her,
(Barbara Burroughes) the leader of the family.

This to my mind was an invasive expectation on my behalf. A person who
has always cherished and believed in privacy. But that was not
tolerated there, and all family members were expected to report to
Barbara, anything they observed from other members that they feel was
not in keeping with these rules and expectations. This caused some
degree of anxiety within me, and I believe from other members too. But
we were told time and again from Barbara that any contravening
thoughts were Satanic, and was not tolerated, for the benefit of those
who are sincere, and want to redeem themselves from this Satanic
world.

And if anyone should leave the family, they would suffer spiritually,
physically, and mentally. Because they were called to serve, and
refused to comply with The Divine Principled lifestyles and mission.
And the master would be very sad for them and their family's spiritual
dispensation or inheritance. Meanwhile, my former lover, ( I say
former) because no physical contact or emotion was allowed by anyone,
who was a part of the family. Because the continuation of such
relationships were Satanic, and conflicts with Divine Principles.

So that was that for me! In time, I silently contemplated leaving the
family. Because I realized then that I had made a terrible mistake and
choice to live there. But it was very difficult to do so because my
relatives had distanced themselves from me, ( which was justified) at
that time, for my lack of wisdom. They were not prepared to help if I
decided to return. Which I subsequently did, but was rebuffed and
ignored by them all at their home, where I was staying while I
contemplated another place to live.

I had no job, because I was encouraged to leave my former one, so that
I would be more able to do Master's work for the family. So I was in a
predicament for survival. It took months for me to be hired again, I
suffered mentally severely. Not from guilt, but from personal nieveta,
un-employment, insecurity, and hopelessness. Eventually, I was able to
accept my dilemma and move on. And inculcate positive thoughts and
energy, in order for me to pursue employment and change to normalcy.


I shall never forget this experience for as long as I live!

Derryck S. Griffith.
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/


A SPECIAL NOTE:

These are some of the rules/beliefs that is perpetrated by The
Unification Church to it's members or families worldwide (quietly and
in-house):

* All family members are to walk in pairs when going outdoors. This
prevents distraction or escape to their former life.

* Relinquishing all family ties are expected from all members, who
believe that Master Moon is the Messiah and leader of this new age.

* Abstinence from sexual activities and thoughts is expected from all
members, desirous of redemption by Master moon.

* All former marriages or ties with the former life is not valid in
this new age. Only those consecrated by Master Moon's arrangement and
blessing.

* All personal assets are expected to be bequeathed to the Church,
because no individual can own anything in a collective lifestyle.

* We are our brother's keeper, and no one is allowed to remain apart
or separate from the others socially.

* The goal of The Unification Church Leader is to take control of all
societies, governments, spiritual leaders and authority figures, in
order to have the influence it needs to further it's message and
designs. When total influence is achieved, then the master will be
accepted as the Messiah and redeemer of all mankind!

Derryck S. Griffith.
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/
Yahoo IM: derryckgriffith
AOL IM: ecmimbari

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