Va. Senator Let Rev. Moon Shine

Sen. John Warner, R-Va., reserved space in a Senate office building for a reception that saw the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, controversial leader of the Unification Church, receive a "crown of peace," the Washington Post reports.

Warner's office said the senator did not know Moon was involved and felt "misled," according to a spokesman.

More than a dozen U.S. lawmakers turned out for a Capitol Hill reception honoring Moon. Some of the lawmakers later said they were duped when questioned about their presence at the event held at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on March 23.

Moon received a crown that was placed on his head. The crown was carried on a pillow by Rep. Danny K. Davis, D-Ill., who wore white gloves.

Moon, 85, delivered a lengthy speech at the "Crown of Peace" ceremony. The Post quoted Moon as saying he was "sent to Earth . . . to save the world's six billion people. . . . Emperors, kings and presidents . . . have declared to all Heaven and Earth that Reverend Sun Myung Moon is none other than humanity's Savior, Messiah, Returning Lord and True Parent."

Congressman Davis told the Post that he was a Methodist who disagreed with many of Moon's religious teachings. But the Illinois lawmaker praised Moon's efforts on behalf of world peace.

About 100 people were honored for their work on behalf of peace at the local and national level. The Rev. Moon and his wife received "international crown of peace" awards.

The bipartisan turnout included both of Minnesota's U.S. senators, Democrat Mark Drayton and Republican Norm Coleman. Both men said they knew nothing of the Moon coronation.

The Washington Times Foundation was listed as one of the sponsors of the gathering, and some GOP lawmakers told the Post they attended the reception to honor the conservative newspaper, which is owned by Moon.

Moon's controversial career includes a 1982 conviction for tax fraud and conspiracy to obstruct of justice. According to the Post, the religious leader told the gathering that even "... dictators such as Hitler and Stalin, have found strength in my teachings, mended their ways and been reborn as new persons."