The half-way point of the "We Will Stand" tour was as tightly wound and highly charged as a solenoid, somehow befitting the magnetic spirit of the Motor City.

A crowd of 1500 packed Detroit's historic Little Rock Baptist Church as three television trucks stood in silent witness out front.

Unrelated, but noteworthy, across town at the Dr. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History , Imam W. Deen Mohammed, the most prominent African-American leader in mainline Islam, was speaking on the unity among faith groups as the key to doing God's work.

For Father Sun Myung Moon, this was his first visit to Detroit in 28 years, and fell on the exact anniversary of his last visit.

Controversy preceded the event and had started when a small "evangelical" TV show along with a few local ministers had publicly challenged the integrity and purpose of the tour. The claim was that everyone had been bought off. This brought the headline in the Detroit Free Press, "Baptist Ministers Upset by Rev. Moon's Visit".

Reverend Plummer, the TV evangelist, mistakenly accused the host minister, Reverend Jim Holley of being unaware of and deceived by Father Moon and the invitational committee of the interfaith crusade.

Reverend Jim Holley, Little Rock Baptist pastor, however, would have none of such nonsense. Reverend Holley had seen and been inspired by the fruits of Father Moon's ministry in Korea with the International Conferences of Clergy (ICC) over 10 years ago. He was so impressed with the children at Father Moon's "Little Angels School" that he has started a school himself.

He would not cancel or change the event. No sir.

This caused quite a media stir.

To add to the mixture, two Detroit preachers, the Reverend Frederick Sampson of Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Reverend Eddie Edwards came out stating that they were displeased by an invitation letter that had mistakenly listed them as co-sponsors of the event.

It was all good.

A Japanese women's choir under the guidance of Tokiko Richardson, opened the evening's program with delicate beauty and grace.

Reverend Revele of the Messiah Mission Baptist Church of northwest
Detroit started the preaching off with good common sense.

"This disagreeing with folks' theology is not accomplishing anything. We have to find some middle ground."

"Father Moon's marriages have less than 5 % divorce. How can we, who have a 50% plus divorce rate say we have nothing to learn from Father Moon ?"

Bishop Augustus Stallings had the audience jumping to their feet. He did something that he was famous for --- he jumped on top of the pews and started preaching from there.

Dr. Hycel Taylor, an elder theologian and very thoughtful preacher, had everyone almost on the floor with laughter when he stated in a slow, scholarly tone :

"Don't expect me to do what Bishop Stallings just did !"

Dr. Taylor then noted more of the fruits of Father Moon's ministry :

"A supreme world peace effort, particularly the proposal of a religious body at the United Nations; a marriage and family values movement as well as sincere efforts at breaking down racial and denominational walls --- these fruits are good."

Reverend Mosey Lee Smith, pastor of the Huggins Memorial African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church of Detroit gave a fiery testimony.

"I've followed Father Moon for 20 years now. I've been lied on, talked about,cheated and mistreated but I'm not worried. This is the will of God. God has called Father Moon as his messenger to bring the truth. I'm so happy he's here tonight. I'm so happy to welcome him tonight. Glory to God."

Father Moon's talk remained the same.

"The time has come for America to awaken once again."

"It's time for the country as a whole to create a new movement to build up true parents, true families, a true country and a true world centered on God."

Shouts of "Praise God!" and "Amen!" echoed throughout the Little Rock Baptist
Church as again the message reached a diverse and receptive audience.

At the end, Father and Mother Moon shook hands with every minister that had come upon the stage and presented gold watches to several for their service to the community.

Reverend Mosey Lee Smith was one of those to receive a gold watch.

In gratitude and affection, she kissed the host. Then to everyone's delight and surprise (including Mother Moon), Father Moon gave her a big bear hug lifting her up completely into the air!

It was an unforgettable moment.

A conference is tentatively planned in May to continue the discussion and spirit of cooperation and respect. It will include faith leaders and other community pillars.

They will discuss problems plaguing the community and seek their solutions TOGETHER.