`Moonies' -- Derogatory Term For Members Of The Unification Church

In an era when folks are so concerned about "political correctness," it is surprising to find reporter Ross Anderson using a label considered prejudicial and derogatory. I refer to the April 30 article in which Anderson cited "too many `Moonies' " as a problem for some in planning a parade.

As an American with First Amendment rights who happens to belong to a church that has been badly maligned by The Times in the past, I am concerned about use of the term Moonie. That term is the same as a racial slur. Members of the Unification Church call themselves Unificationists.

The religious movement founded by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon in 1954 has high ideals and was initiated as the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity. Its purpose has been to unify people of all faiths and cultures in working toward the common good of humankind.

The church has sponsored many projects in the United States since 1971. Some of them have provided food for hungry people. Others have been educational and involved outreach to other faiths.

As with most groups, you will find a variety of opinions on any given subject, especially politics. I believe in the rights guaranteed us by the U.S. Constitution. Furthermore, we have certain responsibilities that go along with those precious rights.

Our church does not discourage its members from exercising this freedom in a responsible manner. Thus, some become politically active if they choose to do so. They do not officially represent the church any more than any Baptist, Jewish or Catholic person who enters public service.

It is no longer fashionable to single out these once-maligned groups for prejudice and persecution by using derogatory language. It has never been and never should be acceptable to do so. These terms do nothing to increase understanding or add to the cause of truth. It is, however, human to err and we can forgive your reporter and your paper. - Matt Goldberg, Renton