Hoon Dok Hae (scripture reading) tradition begins

On September 1, 1997, True Father proclaimed a “New Start.” He began a tradition where all Unificationist families set aside one hour each morning from 6:00 to 7:00 to recite the Family Pledge (Core pledge of Unificationists), then hold a daily study and discussion of his words.

On October 13, 1997, True Father named the daily morning reading tradition Hoon Dok Hae, which was understood to be a “gathering for reading and learning.” In addition to being a cornerstone of morning devotionals, the church sponsored Hoon Dok Hae conferences for civic and religious leaders that focused on “reading and learning” True Father’s words.

True Father’s words later would become the basis for the Cheon Seong Gyeong (2004) or “Heavenly Scripture.”