We welcome you to the
Higher Purpose Forum.
Thank you for stopping by.
The Higher Purpose Forum (HPF) is an independent project of the Unification Movement. It was founded in September 2019 as a 501(c)(3) organization and is funded exclusively by donations from private individuals.
What is the Purpose of the Higher Purpose Forum?
The purpose of HPF is to evaluate contemporary topics from the Unificationist perspective in hopes of finding new pathways towards God’s world of peace. Secondarily, HPF is also a gateway for those interested in learning more about Unificationism and/or the Unification Movement.
The “Unificationist perspective” is guided by the teachings of Rev. Sun Myung Moon (1920 to 2012) and his wife, Dr. Hak Ja Han (1942 to the present).
What are the activities of the Higher Purpose Forum?
Since its founding in 2019, HPF has held over 70 presentation and discussion meetings. These meetings take place over ZOOM and are attended by subscribers from across the United States and Europe. The primary presenter in these meetings has expertise in both Unificationism and a topic of contemporary interest. The final 30 minutes of each meeting is devoted to moderated discussion among participants.
Meetings are focused on the following topic areas:
• Race & Providence in America
• Economic Democracy
• Natural Family and World Peace
• The Unity of Science, Spirituality & Religion
• Contemporary Affairs
Since September 2023, most HPF presentation and discussion meetings have been co-hosted by the HJ International Graduate School of Peace and Public Leadership (New York City) and have featured members of the HJI faculty.
The Higher Purpose Forum also:
• produces and distributes a booklet series for small group study and discussion,
• presents a lecture series on U.S. history titled “Race and Providence in America”, maintains a website and a Youtube channel where video and booklet contents are posted, and
• operates a local HPF chapter at the Boston Family Church in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Who is the Director of the Higher Purpose Forum?
James Edgerly is founder and Director of the Higher Purpose Forum. He was part owner and senior executive at four companies during his 35-year business career. Concurrently with his business career, he has continuously served in ministry, including 10 years as Senior Pastor of the Boston Family Church. James is a graduate of Columbia University and the MIT Sloan School of Management.
HPF is fortunate to receive assistance from many talented individuals: Sunhuyn M. (content development) , John H. (finance and administration), Luc J. (content development), Billy Z (technical services), Angelika B. (graphic design and technical services) and Miilhan S. (marketing and distribution).
Many thanks to all those who have supported HPF with time and generous donations.
our PROCESS
Moderator/Author
An expert on a narrow topic of applied spiritual understanding. He or she will initiate and moderate the conversation. You are invited to interact directly with the Moderator/Author.
Conversation Starter
A 100 to 200 word topic statement and 3 or 4 related questions posted by the Moderator/Author to initiate a topical conversation.
Conversation Contributions
Your addition to the conversation after reading the “Conversation Starter.” Type your comments into the box below the last line of the “Conversation Starter.” No need to tell us whether you agree. We hope to hear more from you than that. You can help the conversation by digging into one or more of our questions, explaining your insights, sharing your expertise, challenging a premise, whatever….
Discussion Forum
Presents the input/comments submitted by conversation participants to the Moderator/Author. Your submission will be reviewed and edited by the Moderator/Author before being posted. The Moderator/Author is not obliged to post all submissions.
The purpose of the Discussion Forum is to build on the “Conversation Starter” and subsequent discussion. The Moderator will use the Discussion Forum to generate new insights, reference points, and perspective.
White Paper
An approximately 1,000-word posting authored by the Moderator/Author based on the Conversation Starter and the results of the Discussion Forum.
The White Paper (downloadable) is the final product of the Conversation. The White Paper will draw upon the expertise of the Moderator/Author and the insights and understanding generated in the Discussion Forum.
Note: At present, we have a number of “Draft White Papers” posted on the website that are the results of the previous version of this website. You are invited to submit your comments are suggestions on these essays. Your input will be reviewed before these White Papers are finalized.
our Steering Committee
James Edgerly
Jim had a 35-year career in troubled business restructuring. He was Senior Consultant at Arthur D. Little Inc. (Cambridge, MA), and Senior Partner at Theddd Recovery Group (Boston, MA). Jim led the asset acquisition, operational restructuring, and…
Mark Anderson
Mark was first elected to the Arizona State Legislature in 1994. He served for 14 years, authoring numerous significant and innovative pieces of legislation. In 2010, Mark was elected to the position of Justice of the…
Carol Pobanz
Carol Pobanz is a spiritual leader, serving in ministry for over 40 years. With Universal Peace Federation and Religious Youth Service, she led interreligious and art-based service projects in the U.S., Europe, Central America, and…
John Hessell
John Hessell is from Los Angeles, California. He attended University of California – Santa Barbara. In 1977, he founded Original World Products (OWP) in New York City. He served as an executive at OWP for for 33 years, developing multiple…
our Steering Committee
James Edgerly
Jim had a 35-year career in troubled business restructuring. He was Senior Consultant at Arthur D. Little Inc. (Cambridge, MA), and Senior Partner at The Recovery Group (Boston, MA). Jim led the asset acquisition, operational restructuring, and…
Mark Anderson
Mark was first elected to the Arizona State Legislature in 1994. He served for 14 years, authoring numerous significant and innovative pieces of legislation. In 2010, Mark was elected to the position of Justice of the…
Carol Pobanz
Carol Pobanz is a spiritual leader, serving in ministry for over 40 years. With Universal Peace Federation and Religious Youth Service, she led interreligious and art-based service projects in the U.S., Europe, Central America, and…
John Hessell
John Hessell is from Los Angeles, California. He attended University of California – Santa Barbara. In 1977, he founded Original World Products (OWP) in New York City. He served as an executive at OWP for for 33 years, developing multiple…