Munich Prayer Breakfast Addresses Future of Religion

Munich, Germany – To mark World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026, UPF-Munich hosted a prayer breakfast under the theme, "The Goal of Religion in the 21st Century," on February 14, 2026.

Speakers included a retired Roman Catholic priest, an African Evangelical pastor, a theologian, a university professor, and members of UPF and the Family Federation for World Peace Germany, an affiliated organization.

Above all, the question that resonated was: What future do religions or religious communities have, especially in Western Europe, where a decline in membership is being observed, and how can we shape a vibrant future? Religions have a positive goal – ultimately, the establishment of the Kingdom of God on Earth. While this may sound truly utopian, such goals are nevertheless very important as a driving force.

The speakers repeatedly emphasized that what is important is not any particular religion, but rather the real work towards a world of peace. In this endeavor, people of all faiths can meet and support one another.

It was also emphasized, particularly by the Family Federation, that the understanding of God needs to broaden. Under a parental – that is, a Father-Mother God – society and all peoples, regardless of their religious affiliation, can come together as one family.

Finally, participants discussed the importance of religious freedom, which is unfortunately severely restricted in many places by left-wing or authoritarian governments, including in South Korea, where the co-founder of UPF, Dr. Hak Ja Han, is currently imprisoned on inflated charges with limited evidence.

At the end, attendees discussed what advice they could give the participants of the Munich Security Conference regarding world peace. The meeting concluded with a prayer for peace.

By Robert Bentele, UPF-Munich February 14, 2026