Dennis Orme challenges sixth formers at leading schools of South Wales

“Are you prepared to commit yourselves to building a better future?” This was the challenge made by Mr. Dennis Orme when speaking last week to sixth formers at several of the leading schools of South Wales.

Mr. Orme, national leader of the Unification Church, was speaking on behalf of the Federation for World Peace and Unification. He is one of the founders of the Federation and has been a leading member and source of inspiration for it throughout its existence. He was speaking recently in the Bristol and South Wales area as part of a nationwide tour to promote the work of the Federation. This has already covered London and the South-West and is taking him next to the North-West.

The message to the school reminded them that we enjoy freedoms and a set of values in this country that many countries do not have. But these things did not simply happen. They were established by men who often had to stand for higher principles with courage and determination in the face of the majority.

We, therefore, have a responsibility to actively protect our heritage and improve upon it so that our children will enjoy a better future. We must stand for what we believe is right, promoting the principles upon which peace and unity are based, namely, love, truth and concern for our fellow man. This was received by audiences that were sharp and alert.

The young people asked questions and seemed especially critical of the history and present efforts of the established churches.

Both teachers and students expressed great interest in what they had heard and asked Mr. Orme to speak to them again in the near future.

Education was also a major topic of discussion in two meetings, with a chief inspector from the Newport Police Force and Chief Superintendent Evans of Cardiff. Police work is often overlooked or regarded in a negative way, so the Federation has run several campaigns in support of the police.

The police see first-hand the many problems facing youth today, the rise in truancy and, consequently, in shop-lifting and vandalism. They have practical experience of such problems and their roots, which educators and psychologists would do well to learn from.

Both officers spoke of the lack of positive values and creative outlets for the young which meant that a lot of energy was turned into destructive channels.

Education is a long standing concern of the Federation. So much of it seems geared to imparting information to collect diplomas and certificates. The police officers agreed with Mr. Orme that education should be more about teaching young people to live happy and fulfilled lives, by inspiring them with high ideals and sound values.

The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Mr. Albert A. Huish J.P., received Mr. Orme and his wife at a private meeting. He was most interested in the work of the Federation as he is himself a man of deep spiritual conviction.

He is very involved with the Cardiff youth, and launched a scheme whereby he receives students in groups and asks for ideas and answers questions on the!if e and running of the city.

Mr. Orme and other Federation members are always available to speak to schools and organizations about our work.