Dr. Frank Buchman documentary to be released this June

            After nearly five years in the making, the documentary outlining the life story and legacy of a prominent Pennsburg native is nearing completion.  "Frank Buchman: The Man Who Built Peace" will be released on June 1 and offers an

The documentary, "Frank Buchman – The Man Who Built Peace" detailing the life of the Pennsburg native is scheduled to be released on June 1, with the film being promoted at several international film festivals.

in-depth look at the man who was decorated by more than a dozen countries for his world-wide efforts at promoting peace and reconciliation in the first half of the last century.

            Buchman (1878-1961) was born in Pennsburg and educated at the Perkiomen Seminary School and later Muhlenberg College and the Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia.  He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times.

            Buchman founded the Oxford Group and the Moral Re-Armament (MRA) movement based on its' teaching on the "Four Absolutes" (honesty, purity, unselfishness, love).  Later the group was renamed to Initiatives of Change (IOC).  It is the IOC group that has produced the film.

            According to Igor Ene, a representative of IOC, "This film is our historical chance to offer the world Buchman's philosophy and approach for global peace-building based on personal change."

            The documentary was a global effort with footage and interviews conducted in several countries including Japan, South Korea, India and the United States.  The headquarters for the organization is in Caux, Switzerland.  It was in Caux, at the end of World War II, where Swiss officials were inspired by Buchman's work and donated an unused 500-room hotel to become the main location for his work.

Frank Buchman and Moral Re-Armament had world-wide influence. Above are the program speakers at a 1939 Washington D.C. meeting of the group. From left, Rep. Allen T. Treadway (R. MA), Buchman, English Gen. Peter Winser, and Sen. Harry S. Truman (D. MO.).

The film will be promoted at international film festivals and shared with new audiences and generations at Caux, and at IOC's Asian Plateau in Panchgani, Maharashtra India.Since then, the building called "Mountain House" has been the site of hundreds of international conferences and programs promoting peace and reconciliation of all peoples.

            Initiatives of Change has been active for over 80 years and grew out of the work of Frank Buchman who affirmed that there is a divine purpose for the world and everyone in it, and demonstrated the connection between faith and change in society. Over the years his work expanded to include people of different religions and none.

            Initiatives of Change is a diverse global network with an 80-year track record of peacebuilding, conflict transformation and forging partnerships across divides of race, class, religion and politics.

            The organization is a non-profit group and to reach the finish line of the June 1 release date, the group has organized an online fund-raising push from March 13 to March 31. 

            However, Wednesday, March 22 has been designated as a "Bonus Day" when GlobalGiving will be matching donations with 20%.  All those who donate will be recognized in the film end credits unless they indicate otherwise.

            The link to make an online donation and help us raise the much-needed funds to complete and release the Buchman film is www.globalgiving.org/projects/frank-buchman-documentary-of-a-global-peacebuilder

            All donations are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers to the full extent permitted by law. GlobalGiving (tax-exempt ID: 30-0108263) handles all donor tax-receipts.

            Information on how to purchase a copy of the DVD will be advertised in the Town and Country after the film's release.  But, if you donate at least $75 during the online fund drive this month, you will receive a copy of the DVD as a "thank you" for your donation.

            To view the trailer of the Buchman documentary visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIXsikIFqMM&feature=youtu.be.