Congratulations are in order to our Bishop, Rev. Marvin Harada. On July 28, Rev. Harada was officially confirmed as the BCA Bishop by the Hongwanji-ha in a special ceremony conducted by Monshu Kojun Ohtani.
Rev. Harada began his term as the Bishop to the Buddhist Churches of America in April 2020. However, due to the pandemic, the confirmation ceremony was postponed. Together with Rev. Toshiyuki Umitani, the newly elected Bishop of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, the confirmation ceremony was held at Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan. Congratulations to both!
On Aug. 9, many of us began to hear of the devastating Maui wildfires, which began a day earlier. We watched in disbelief as we saw images of the town of Lahaina turned to ash. We were saddened to hear of the destruction to the Lahaina Hongwanji Mission temple. We felt feelings and sympathy — and a need for compassionate action.
I commend our BCA and Wheel of Dharma staff, members of the Communications and Social Welfare committees, and the staff of the Endowment Foundation for their prompt actions in developing a process to support the efforts of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii’s Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund.
Through many emails, all came together to develop a plan of action and share the information with our BCA family. I thank our BCA ministers and temple leaders for carrying out the plan by communicating the ways to donate with their Sangha and to the members for their generous heart of support.
I also appreciate the communications received from the HHMH leaders. During an extraordinarily stressful time, they answered our emails as the BCA sent its concerns and support. The HHMH Committee on Social Concerns, along with its Office of the Bishop, are making decisions to assist the needs of temple families displaced by the fires and supporting the greater community. Collectively, all efforts are making a difference in the lives of many.
In previous messages, I have mentioned how grateful I am to be a part of the BCA. I’m thankful for the opportunities to network with ministers and members at the temple, district, BCA, and beyond BCA levels.
Even during trying times, my heart is filled with gratitude and the words from “Our Pledge” by Monshu Kojun Ohtani come to mind: “Not putting myself first I will share in the joy and sadness of others just like the compassionate Buddha” … Namo Amida Butsu.
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