On July 3 and 4, Tenrikyo Women’s Association Headquarters sponsored a training course for young women leaders, drawing 56 participants from dioceses and directly supervised churches. Designed to offer these leaders opportunities to remind themselves of their own role as leaders and heighten their faith, these training courses are held four times a year. This was the second such course organized this year.
Addressing the participants, Association President Harue Nakayama referred to the Shinbashira’s explanation of the qualities befitting women of the path and then went on to say, “I want you to seek to accomplish the role entrusted to women by fully utilizing the qualities women are endowed with.” Following her address, Women’s Association Headquarters Committee Member Yasuko Fukaya spoke about the activity guidelines for young women, while urging the participants to implement them.
The afternoon session began with an address delivered by Akitsu Grand Church Head Minister Yoshitaka Uemura. Speaking on the topic of “Pre-anniversary Activities for Young Women,” he said: “An anniversary of Oyasama is a season to sow seeds. Through this season, we can discern the intention of the Parent in our daily lives. It is also important to live each day with joy always in our mind.” This was followed by a session for group discussion. The participants were divided into six groups where they shared information about the activities being conducted in their local communities.
On the second day, the participants engaged in earth-carrying hinokishin at the site for the westward expansion of the Sanctuary precincts, despite the sweltering heat. Another group discussion was then conducted on the topic “How we young women can carry out pre-anniversary activities.” This was followed by a reception where they deepened their friendship with one another.
A participant from Kumamoto Diocese said: “It was very helpful for me to hear about activities being conducted in other dioceses. I want to get started implementing whatever I can so that I can bring lots of friends back to Jiba with me for the 120th Anniversary of Oyasama.”