The Unification Church Movement (Elements in New Religious Movements)

By: Michael L. Mickler

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Synopsis: This Element recounts the tumultuous history of the Unification Church Movement, deriving from the messianic ministry of MOON Sun Myung (1920–2012). It begins with the UCM's origins in Korea and traces its development into a global conglomerate of churches, related nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses. Known for its mass marriages, or 'International Marriage Blessings,' the UCM has been one of the most controversial new religious movements throughout the world, particularly in Japan and the West. Moon fit Weber's classic definition of the charismatic leader. The post-Moon UCM is a textbook case of a new religious movement transitioning from its founding to succeeding generations. Utilizing both external documents and internal UCM sources, the account highlights the leading personalities, organizations, and circumstances which facilitated the UCM's rise, its present challenges, and future development.