Adelaide doctor recounts 1970s mission to rescue stepson from Unification Church in San Francisco, California

Dr Rosemary Stuart-Kregor, a retired doctor from North Adelaide, has shared a remarkable chapter of her past involving the Unification Church, also known as the Moonies. In the late 1970s, she played a role in the rescue of three young people who had become involved with the group, which originated in South Korea under the leadership of Reverend Sun Myung Moon and his wife. Followers of the Unification Church often referred to Moon and his wife as their true parents or father and mother.

Historian Dr Prudence Flowers noted that California, particularly San Francisco, became a hub for the Unification Church’s activities outside of South Korea during the 1960s and 1970s. She explained that the region was known for accepting unconventional beliefs and behaviors, attracting a variety of new religious and political groups that promised members a sense of purpose and authenticity.

In 1979, Dr Stuart-Kregor’s stepson was in California for Christmas with a friend. He was soon befriended by a couple who invited him to coffee and then dinner. During their time together, the couple introduced him to discussions about the subject he was studying, which led to his deeper involvement with the Unification Church. When Dr Stuart-Kregor and her family failed to hear from him, they contacted the police and reached out to friends in America and Canada to locate him.

The incident highlights the complex dynamics of the Unification Church during this period, as well as the personal risks faced by those who became entangled with its teachings. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that individuals are not led astray by harmful ideologies. Micah 6:8 reminds us that justice, mercy, and humble service are essential in our interactions with others.

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