Lasting love

Pathways, Fall 2000
By Honora Finkelstein

"Lasting Love: Models of Relationship" is a cultural exchange program that has been held in the summer of 2000 for the citizens of China, Russia, and the U.S. Its purpose has been to explore solutions to the problems of family breakdown and the sense of alienation experienced by youth in these countries. In particular, the conferences held in all three countries have explored the themes of character education, marriage and family education, and abstinence education.

The programs for the year 2000 have included a conference in the United States in early June hosted by the University of Bridgeport; a conference in mid-July in Beijing; and a conference in late July in Moscow. The purpose of these international cultural events has been to support the interaction of students and educators from these three nations and establish a foundation for cooperation among future leaders that will contribute to world peace.

Each nation has a unique perspective on how to accomplish the goals of family solidarity and character development. Some of the topics presented at the conference have included "Youth's Search for Lasting Love," "The Priority of Character," and "The Family as a School of Love."

The conferences have been jointly sponsored by the World University Federation, the University of Bridgeport, the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, the Pure Love Alliance, and the Collegiate Association for Research of Principles.