Leader of Unification Church Arrested for Alleged Bribery

The Unification Church, formally known as the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, is a religious movement founded in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon in Seoul, South Korea. Moon, who claimed to be the Messiah and the "Lord of the Second Advent," established the church to restore what he saw as a spiritual kingdom on Earth, emphasizing family, marriage, and a unique interpretation of Christian theology. Central to its teachings is the Divine Principle, a doctrine that Moon developed after a religious vision in his youth and which frames Original Sin as the misuse of love. From its origins in Korea, the Unification Church rapidly expanded, first across Asia and then to the West. By the 1970s, it had become a global movement, known for its mass wedding ceremonies, which united thousands of couples from diverse backgrounds in highly publicized events. These ceremonies, along with its emphasis on communal living and aggressive proselytizing, attracted both followers and controversy. The church’s influence extended beyond religion into business and media. Moon built a vast empire that included factories, newspapers (notably the Washington Times), and international organizations such as the Professor’s World Peace Academy and the International Conference on the Unity of the Sciences. These ventures positioned the church as a significant player in global affairs, though its blend of religion, politics, and business often sparked debate. Despite periods of intense criticism—including congressional hearings and Moon’s 1982 conviction for tax evasion—the Unification Church survived and evolved. Today, it operates in over 100 countries, with a presence in education, media, and peace initiatives. Its legacy is marked by its ambitious global outreach, innovative use of media and technology, and its enduring, if controversial, impact on both religious and secular landscapes.