In Memoriam: Rachel Dunphy Carter 1954-20

Rachel Dunphy was born in London, England on May 8, 1954. Raised by her mother, Sylvia Power Dunphy, who restored properties, Rachel was frequently alone, and at 15, was on a ship to Australia to go live with her grandmother, a plan that didn’t work out. Rachel returned to London.

Having to fend for herself from this early age, she got a job at the Post Office working the night shift, developing a love for Lebanese cuisine, and making friends. Although she dreamed of a small cottage in Wales where she could grow vegetables and keep goats, with an occasional skiing trip in Europe, her search for truth led her to find the Divine Principle and join the Unification Church in London on Oct. 5, 1980. Her passionate love for God and True Parents manifested in incredible devotion in her missions; her teammates learned that she wouldn’t get into the van to go home until after she had made her fundraising goal!

Rachel with daughter, Enya.

Blessed October 14, 1982 to Greg Carter, she moved to the United States, where she participated in the International One World Crusade, followed by campus ministry with CARP. She studied at the Unification Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity degree in the year 2000.

The Carters moved to Washington, D.C. to work at the national headquarters, where Rachel headed the Blessed Family Department. Her determination to serve the providence was so strong. During the 50- state “We Will Stand” tour in 2001, Rachel singlehandedly managed all the airline arrangements for hundreds of participants, working from 7 a.m. to midnight to conserve public monies, managing all the communications — and never once dropping the ball. This heart of stewardship of public resources came naturally from her inner commitment to live “with the heart of the father, in the shoes of the servant, shedding sweat for earth, tears for man, and blood for heaven.”

A few years later, Greg and Rachel were blessed with the offering of a daughter, Enya Jung Mi Carter, born July 4, 2002. Rachel’s absolute heart was to raise her daughter to love God and True Parents, to understand God’s Principle and heart for this world, to live for the sake of others and to be educated in the

best way possible. Her beautiful and exceptional daughter reflects her mother’s love, heart, and dedication during her life.

Rachel’s parental heart only increased her public-mindedness. She participated in the 2003 IOWC campaign in New York together with her daughter, serving God together in the tradition of central blessed families.

In 2006, Rachel began suffering with an auto-immune disease similar to lupus, which was painful and crippling. Nevertheless, her desire and heart was for her family. During this chapter of her life, she focused on raising her daughter with the same strength, determination and toughness that she had always invested in her life and missions. She also supported her husband in his constant service to humanity, exemplifying a family of love, sincerity and devotion. She endured pain with dignity and prayed to be a source of healing and encouragement to others until she was called to the spirit world on May 22, 2013 at the age of 59.

Rev. Dr. Chang Shik Yang, the International Vice President of the Family Federation for World Peace wrote a tribute to Rachel that includes the following words:

“I have known Rachel for over 15 years; first, when we studied at the Unification Theological Seminary; later, when she joined the U.S. National Headquarters as the Blessed Family Department Director. I discovered a woman of character, faith and dedication with a profound love for God and our True Parents.”

“Rachel Carter has now transitioned into the spirit world, traveling a road we will all follow. She lived a life of service, faith and dedication to Heavenly Parent and True Parents. During a life of faith of over 30 years, she worked as a missionary, a campus minister and led the Blessed Family Department. She remained strong despite many trials. In front of adversity she never wavered making the Psalmist’s words hers: ‘Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.’ (Psalms 23:4)”