[The Path of Peace - Ep. 1] Where It All Began: The First Journey to Europe

What does it take to spark a global movement for peace?

In May 2012, Man-hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL, embarked on his very first international peace tour. His destination was Europe—a continent rich in history, from the Protestant Reformation to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

This first tour set the foundation for what would become an unprecedented 32-tour global initiative, connecting political leaders, religious figures, and citizens in a shared vision for a peaceful world.

Lessons from German Reunification: A Blueprint for Korea

One of the most defining moments of the 1차 tour took place on May 11, 2012, in Potsdam, Germany—the historic site of the Potsdam Conference.

Here, Chairman Lee met with Lothar de Maizière, the last Prime Minister of East Germany, who played a crucial role in negotiating German reunification in 1990. Their dialogue centered on how bottom-up civil engagement and continuous dialogue can break down long-standing national divisions.

"Reunification is not just built from the top down by politicians; it requires a deep, shared conviction from the people—especially the younger generation—that we are one nation."

— Lothar de Maizière, former Prime Minister of East Germany

Chairman Lee emphasized that Korean reunification is a vital stepping stone toward achieving true global peace, highlighting the need for active civil exchange and educational efforts.

Bridging Faiths: A Historic Visit to Göttweig Abbey

On May 14, the journey led to Austria’s historic Göttweig Abbey, a magnificent Benedictine monastery overlooking the Wachau Valley.

In a rare gesture of openness, Abbot Columban Luser welcomed Chairman Lee into private areas of the monastery, including its historic library and inner sanctuary. Their meeting transcended denominational boundaries, focusing on shared scriptural values and the role of faith in fostering global harmony.

European Media and Public Response

Throughout the tour, Chairman Lee held public seminars and press conferences in Frankfurt and Berlin, attracting over 400 religious leaders and attendees from 25 countries.

Local media took notice of the message of hope:

• Leipzig Fernsehen (TV): Highlighted the assembly in Berlin, noting that in times of global economic and social uncertainty, people continue to find comfort and direction in messages of peace.

• Rhein-Main TV & JeetTV: Broadcasted live interviews and coverage, sharing the events with audiences across Europe and online.

The First Step of a 32-Tour Legacy

The May 2012 European tour proved that the desire for peace and unity transcends borders, cultures, and traditions. What began as a single journey to Germany and Austria grew into a 14-year global legacy spanning over 70 countries.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p9zafw6