Africa’s First Propagation Base Born
Seicho-No-Ie Incorporated in Angola
In the Republic of Angola, which is situated in the southwestern part of Africa and uses Portuguese as the official language, Seicho-No-Ie was approved by the Government on March 29, 2011 as a corporation promoting a philosophical movement. It is now actively carrying out activities.
Angola is the first country in the African Continent where Seicho-No-Ie has been approved as a corporation.
Seicho-No-Ie was first introduced to Angola in 1990, when Mr. Pedro Vicente Nkiampasi, who later became a leader, was given a copy of the Portuguese translation of the Seimei no Jisso (Truth of Life), Vol. 6 (by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi) by his uncle through a third party. Mr. Nkiampasi was deeply moved to read it and sent a letter to the Latin American Propagation Office of the Brazil Missionary Headquarters.
In Angola, after winning independence from the Portuguese colonial rule in 1975, there was a civil war for an extended period of time. In 1992, since there was a truce, Mr. Nkiampasi sent a letter to the Brazil Missionary Headquarters, requesting the dispatch of a lecturer. Rev. Yoshio Mukai (Ordained Minister) was dispatched there in 1993, when the country was again in the state of a civil war. Rev. Mukai stayed for a week and made blessing home visits, provided individual counseling and gave lectures.
Subsequently, Mr. Elisio Eleury (Regional Lecturer, Master Lecturer) was dispatched every year and provided guidance. In 1997, with the civil war aggravating, it became difficult for him to enter the country and his dispatch was discontinued. The Lecturer dispatch resumed in October 2010. Rev. Mario Gabriel França Silva (Assistant Minister, Head of Latin America Propagation Division) visited Angola, guided the Leaders’ Workshops, provided individual counseling and also guided the Sunday gathering for the general public. Then, the paperwork to acquire the status of juridical person was started. In March of last year the group was approved as “Seicho-No-Ie Angola Incorporated”. Under the auspice of the Brazil Missionary Headquarters, the head of the Missionary Area and Chairman were appointed. That is the history of Seicho-No-Ie Angola until now.
At present, a Sunday gathering is held every week, which is attended by 25-30 people each time. Every Saturday a gathering for the young is held. About 20 people attend each time. In addition, activities are continuing, including home visits to bless leaders and members 2-4 times every month and hospital visits to propagate.
Remarks by Rev. Yoshio Mukai, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Latin America
“We have received testimonies of many people who received benefits by practicing the teachings. Many people are seeking the Truth because of the financial difficulties. I would like to continue our propagation effort by dispatching lecturers and holding workshops.”