Process for Married Couples to Participate in the Upcoming Blessing Ceremony

Dear Pastors, Ministry Leaders, Blessed Families, and Married Couples Interested to Participate in the Upcoming Blessing,

As we prepare for the first anniversary of Foundation Day, we know that our True Parents envision all of us sharing the grace and power of the Marriage Blessing with our families, friends and “tribes.” The Cosmic Blessing Ceremony on February 12, 2014 (February 11 in the USA) is for all couples receiving the Marriage Blessing for the first time. In addition to engaged couples, we are welcoming all married couples who wish to rededicate their marriage to God and each other, and experience the transformation and renewal of their relationship and lineage. This memo briefly describes the process for married couples to participate in the upcoming Blessing Ceremony.

I. The Path to the Blessing for Married Unificationist Couples

For members of the Unification Faith who appreciate the historical mission of True Parents and want to fully inherit their foundation as a Blessed Central Family, True Father prescribed the path for married couples to be engrafted into Heaven’s lineage, and the best conditions upon which to accomplish it. Unificationist couples should ideally complete the following, with education and support from spiritual mentors and pastors:

A. One year of church membership - regular attendance to worship or church programs and tithing (basic membership requirements)

B. Completion of Online Application for Unificationist Matching and Blessing

C. Payment of Blessing Fee - an offering of gratitude to receive True Parents’ Blessing ($2000 per couple)

D. Completion of the essential ceremonies that constitute the “Change of Blood Lineage” process that True Parents have taught us:

1. Holy Wine Ceremony (prior to the Blessing, guided by local pastor or officiating couple)

2. The Blessing Ceremony (February 12, 2014)

3. Chastening Ceremony (immediately following the Blessing Ceremony)

4. Separation Period (40 days of abstinence, renewing their relationship and spiritual intimacy from the inside, beginning from the Blessing Ceremony)

5. 3-Day Ceremony of Renewal (the first 3 nights after the separation period)

II. The Path to the Blessing for Non-Unificationist Married Couples

Due to the foundation that True Parents’ and earlier Blessed Families have established, the gate of the Blessing has been opened to all couples that embrace the ideals and values of the Marriage Blessing. Married Couples who are Ambassadors for Peace, clergy of other faiths, associates, friends or family of Unificationists are welcome to join the Blessing with more simple conditions and commitments. We recommend the following, with the support of Unificationist mentors or pastors:

A. Basic education on the meaning and value of the Blessing - See the 17-minute video and 5-minute testimony prepared for Non-Unificationist couples at bfm.familyfed.org/blessing/

B. Commitment to the Essence of the 4 Vows:

1. Creating a family of which God can be proud

2. Absolute fidelity to one’s spouse - no adultery, no divorce

3. Raising children to inherit these values, passing them on to future generations, practicing purity before marriage and fidelity in marriage

4. Loving all people and families of the world beyond race and religion, as God does.

C. Completion of Online Application for Unificationist Matching and Blessing

D. Payment of the Blessing Fee - in gratitude for receiving the Blessing of True Parents. The recommended minimum amount is $210 per couple, but couples can choose to offer more if they feel inspired to do so.

E. The 5 Ceremonial Steps of Changing the Blood Lineage for Non-Unificationists.

We should clearly educate all previously-married couples about the meaning and process of renewing their position as God’s sons and daughters. The video linked above explains each of the 5 ceremonial steps of the Blessing process. Couples will complete the first 3 at the Blessing Ceremony, and we encourage and guide them to take the final 2 immediately following the Blessing, or as soon as they can.

III. Registration for Married Couples

In order to participate in the Cosmic Blessing Ceremony, married couples must register by February 2 using the online Application for Unificationist Matching and Blessing at fs6.formsite.com/hsauwc/matching_blessing_app/form_login.html. To complete the application:

A. Select the “Process for Married Couples.”

B. Fill out the required information directly on the application.

C. Upload individual photos and marriage certificate.

D. Download the “Pledge for the Blessing Ceremony” form (available in the application). Completely fill out the form, and upload to the application.

E. Pay the Blessing fee by Paypal, check, or debit/credit card.

All Districts and churches should take care that Blessing participants have been registered and supported before taking part in the Blessing.

IV. Items to Prepare for Participating in the Blessing Ceremony

A. Blessing Attire

1. Grooms: Black or dark-colored suit, white dress shirt, red necktie

2. Brides: Wedding dress or a white or light-colored dress, white shoes

B. Optional Ceremonial Items:

1. Grooms: White gloves & boutonniere

2. Brides: White gloves, bouquet and veil

C. Wedding Rings

Couples may bring their original wedding rings, or purchase Blessing rings through the Japanese bookstore in New York. Phone: (212) 302-6216

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your local pastor or Blessing and Family Ministry leaders, or contact our national BFM team at BFMadmin@ unification.org. You can also reach the national BFM office from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST Monday through Friday at (212) 997- 0055.

We offer our congratulations to Blessing participants, and best wishes to all our members and Blessed Central Families!

Dr. Michael Balcomb President

Crescentia DeGoede Director, Blessing and Family Ministry