Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (Unification Church)
Not to be confused with Unitarianism, Universalism, or Unity Church.
The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU; Korean: 세계평화통일가정연합), is widely known as the Unification Church. It is a new religious movement derived from Christianity, whose members are called Unificationists or informally Moonies. Sun Myung Moon (1920–2012) started amassing followers after the Second World War ended and, on 1 May 1954 in Seoul, South Korea, officially founded the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity (HSA-UWC), the Unification Church's full name until 1994. It has a presence in approximately 100 countries around the world. Its leaders are Moon (before his death) and his wife Hak Ja Han, whom their followers honor with the title "True Parents".
Moon's book The Divine Principle informs the beliefs of the Unification Church. Moon considered himself the Second Coming of Christ, claiming to complete the mission Jesus Christ was unable to because of his crucifixion, that of beginning a new ideal family, and a larger human lineage, free from sin.
The Unification Church is well known for its mass weddings known as Blessing ceremonies. It has been criticized for its teachings and its social and political influence.
It a dangerous cult, a political powerhouse, and a business empire. The group has been accused of excessive financial exploitation of its members. Its involvement in politics includes anti-communism and support for Korean reunification. Its members have founded, owned, and supported related organizations in business, education, politics, and more.