THE CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE BIRTH OF REV. MASAHARU TANIGUCHI AND THE SUCCESSION TO THE SEICHO-NO-IE PRESIDENCY
NEW RESOLVE TO PROMOTE THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE BY FAITH MOVEMENT
Congratulatory Massage by Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara,
Bishop of the U.S. Missionary Headquarters
“On this auspicious occasion I would like to extend my hearty congratulations on behalf of overseas members. Congratulations! (Applause)
As you know, in August 2007 the Seicho-No-Ie Special Conference for World Peace was held in New York under the guidance of Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, Vice President of Seicho-No-Ie; and Mrs. Junko Taniguchi, Vice President of the White Dove Association. It was attended by leaders from nine countries, including the U.S.A., Brazil and Europe.
The theme of the Conference was Islam. At this Conference, the leaders from the U.S.A., in particular, who experienced the 9/11 attacks, received great encouragement to carry forward the Movement of Seicho-No-Ie, which teaches that all religions emanate from one universal God.
We invited to the Conference a guest lecturer, Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl, a distinguished Islamic thinker. Our first contact with him was made in February 2007, when Rev. Tatsufumi Yukishima, Chief of the International Department and I visited him at UCLA, where he teaches. We requested, saying, “Our Vice President saw and bought your book in a book store in New York. We would like you to lecture at our upcoming event.” Then we briefed him on Seicho-No-Ie. Dr. Abou El Fadl was impressed and said, “I am so glad that Rev. Taniguchi chose my book out of so many books. You are so interested in learning about Islam, so I would like to accept the request.”
Subsequently, we had many negotiations. On the day before the Conference Dr. Abou El Fadl, despite his health problem, traveled to New York all the way from Egypt, where he was staying on business. He said in his lecture, “When I received your request to lecture, I talked with the Seicho-No-Ie representatives about the existence of God and other subjects. I became very interested in the similarities and correlations between Islam and the Seicho-No-Ie teachings and was deeply moved.” (Applause) And then, the audience was filled by moving atmosphere because of his humble attitude of answering to the attendees’ questions. (Applause)
What impressed me most was his remark: “I have given lectures many times, but this is the first time that I had received such a warm welcome. Perhaps this shows the beauty of your soul.” (Applause) After his lectures the attendees gave him a standing ovation and expressed their appreciation.
After the lectures, Dr. Abou El Fadl lied down and rested in the waiting room. I expressed my appreciation through my thoughts, “Man is perfect and harmonious in his true self,” that were directed to his feet and knees. After a while he regained his strength and left the Conference site, as Rev. and Mrs. Masanobu Taniguchi saw him off with great warmth.
At this Conference, Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi gave a detailed explanation on the similarities between the Seicho-No-Ie teachings and Islam. Mrs. Junko Taniguchi taught in her lecture that living the sundial way of life leads to world peace. In addition, there were presentations by five Ordained Ministers.
The leaders deepened their understanding about the International Peace by Faith Movement, received encouragement for propagation and looked happy as they left. Subsequently, in the U.S.A. a Leaders’ Workshop has been held in each Missionary Area to share the content of the Special Conference. The leaders are eager to show their appreciation to Rev. and Mrs. Masanobu Taniguchi by propagating and they are very enthusiastic. (Applause)
On another front—in the U.S.A., the purchase of green electricity was discussed at the board of directors’ meeting from August 2006 as a part of the environmental protection effort. In order to bring to zero the CO2 emissions from the use of electricity at the Missionary Headquarters over the next three years, we signed an agreement with a wind-powered electricity company in the spring of 2007. We are also making preparations to acquire ISO14001 certification.
Emulating the example of the faith attitude of Japanese members who receive direct guidance from Rev. and Mrs. Masanobu Taniguchi, we will continue to powerfully and cheerfully promote the International Peace by Faith Movement, while respecting diversity of different countries and regions.” (Applause)