Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China Missionary Headquarters Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Its Establishment
Leaders’ Workshop and Anniversary Celebration Held
In the Republic of China, the Seventh National Leaders’ Workshop was held at the Atami Hotel in Taipei from December 8 to 9. The number of attendees was 132, which was an increase of 57 people over the previous time. It was the largest turnout so far.
From the International Headquarters Rev. Kazutomi Otsuka (Ordained Minister, Chief of Seicho-No-Ie Missionary Council) was dispatched as a lecturer for the first time in five years. He provided guidance together with Rev. Masanori Morita (Ordained Minister, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China).
The Workshop aimed to further raise the leaders’ awareness about environmental protection toward the realization of the “Movement that Grows with Nature” and deepen their understanding of the Zero Carbon Movement. The texts used included Jisedai eno Ketsudan (The Decision for the Next Generation) by Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, Mori no nakae Iku (Going Into the Forest) co-authored by Rev. and Mrs. Masanobu Taniguchi, and Shinpan Bosatsu wa Nani o Nasubekika? (New Edition, What Should Holy Missioners Do?) co-authored by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi and Rev. Seicho Taniguchi.
Rev. Otsuka gave four lectures, including “The Reason Why Seicho-No-Ie Decided to Abandon Nuclear Energy Use” and “The Significance of the International Headquarters’ Move Into the Forest.” He stressed the significance of Seicho-No-Ie’s environmental protection work and explained, using slides, that we need to practice the “love that releases” to the natural world in order not to destroy nature.
Rev. Morita gave two lectures. In his closing lecture, he urged the attendees to do their best to propagate with an even stronger sense of mission, in this milestone year of the 20th anniversary of the Missionary Headquarters’ establishment.
Comments from the attendees included: “I was able to sense the oneness between God, nature and human beings and gained a clear understanding of the concept of the ‘Movement that Grows with Nature.’”
After the Workshop ended, the “20th Anniversary Celebration of the Establishment of Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China Missionary Headquarters” was held and attended by 166 people. At the ceremony messages were given by Rev. Otsuka (Chief of Seicho-No-Ie Missionary Council,), Rev. Morita (Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China), and Mrs. Wang Hui Mei (Chairperson of the Republic of China Missionary Headquarters). The messages from the Bishops of overseas Missionary Headquarters were also shared and the there was the singing of the Seicho-No-Ie songs by the members.
Rev. Otsuka commented, “Compared with five years ago, I sensed the attendees’ greater enthusiasm. I hope that the leaders will make the best use of what they studied at this Workshop and promote the Movement with a better understanding of the Movement and with enthusiasm.”
Remarks by Rev. Masanori Morita, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China
“The theme of this Workshop was difficult but I could see from the attendees’ expressions that they gained a good understanding. I felt a positive response from them. I will continue to guide them repeatedly in the future.”