March 2009

Rev. Kawabata Attends IARF International Council Meeting

On March 9-11, the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) convened its international council at Tsubaki Grand Shrine, in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Some 20 people took part, including 14 council members and other observers. Rissho Kosei-kai was represented by council member Rev. Takeshi Kawabata, director of its General Affairs Bureau. Rev. Keiichi Akagawa, head of Rissho Kosei-kai's External Affairs Group (Interfaith) and his staff members Mr. Yasutomo Sawahata and Ms. Akie Takahashi attended as observers.

After hearing fiscal reports on various activities conducted by IARF and its national chapters as well as audit reports, council members discussed the framework of the forthcoming 33rd world congress to be held in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala State, India, in September 2010. The association also appointed members, including Rev. Kawabata, to the Congress Working Party (CWP), which will organize the congress. The CWP will hold meetings to decide and announce the details of the congress, including the main theme.

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