The installation services for the new bishops of Mission Headquarters of Hawaii and Mission Headquarters in America were conducted this month with the presence of Overseas Department Head Yoshiaki Mihama, as well as Overseas Department Vice Head Hiroaki Yamazawa, who is in charge of the North America and Oceania Section.
Mission Headquarters of Hawaii
The installation service for the seventh bishop of Mission Headquarters of Hawaii, Honbu-jun’in Michihito Hamada, was held from 10 a.m. on July 7 at the mission headquarters, which is located in Honolulu. Attending the installation service were 330 followers from the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.
In his service prayer, Bishop Hamada said: “This mission headquarters was established in 1954, after becoming independent of Mission Headquarters in America. Since then 47 years have passed. This year is thus a seasonable year as we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary three years from now. Presently there are 36 churches and 32 mission stations in this diocese. On June 9 this year, we were blessed with the establishment of our first new church in 22 years. Nonetheless, our present situation here may not be altogether reassuring to You. We are, in fact, faced with many challenges. Taking to heart that the role of the mission headquarters is to function as a church as well as to serve as the core for providing care and guidance to followers in the region, I shall strive to convey the voice of the Jiba accurately and join together with all church head ministers and Yoboku, who are resolved to bring their minds into unity and rely wholeheartedly on the heart of the Parent, so that we may start this very day to take ever more spirited steps in the cause of single-hearted salvation.
Overseas Department Head Yoshiaki Mihama then addressed the congregation. He began by quoting the passage from Instruction One that reads: “The true intention in founding the Teaching is to save all people in the world without exception. To strive for world salvation by taking that intention to heart is indeed the primary duty of everyone who has faith in this path.” He went on to say: “Indeed, that is the duty that must be shouldered not only by church head ministers but also by each and every Yoboku. I sincerely hope that all of you in this diocese will rally around your new bishop with a renewed sense of high-spiritedness and work together to implement Instruction One’s theme of world salvation with your minds in unison.” He then read a congratulatory message that had been sent by the Shinbashira in honor of the installation service. The message read: “Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on this occasion of the installation service for the new bishop. I should like to request that you strive ever harder to realize the world of the Joyous Life, always keeping your minds in unison and maintaining a stance of faith that is single-hearted with God.”
Next, the seated service and the dance with hand movements were joyfully performed in the main sanctuary of the mission headquarters, while the congregation spiritedly joined in singing the songs for the Service.
Bishop Hamada then delivered his address to the congregation. He said: “The Shinbashira has previously explained that a mission headquarters has two roles. First, since it has received the truth of a church name, it is to serve its community just like any church. Second, it is to serve as the core for providing care and guidance to followers in the region. Judging from his explanation, we can say that the mission headquarters’ role is to perform the service and strive in sprinkling the fragrance of the teachings and engaging in salvation work. Those affiliated with a mission headquarters are thus required to seek the heart of the Parent and convey the truth of the Jiba to others without error. Having been appointed as the bishop of this mission headquarters, I realize the heavy responsibility that goes with this position. Since I am still working on attaining spiritual maturity myself, there may be times when I cause you worries or troubles. Nonetheless, I am determined to devote my utmost efforts to fulfill my duties while taking full advantage of the guidance given by God the Parent and Oyasama and the support provided by all of you in this diocese.”
A reception was then conducted in the multi-purpose hall located beneath the main sanctuary as well as in an adjoining tent that had been set up for the occasion. Entertainment included a fife-and-drum performance given by the Aloha Band, hula dances performed by children and members of the Women’s Association, and a variety of attractions presented by members of the Young Men’s Association and residents of the Missionary House.
Mission Headquarters in America
The installation service for the tenth bishop of Mission Headquarters in America, Honbu-jun’in Toyoo Tsuji, was held on July 14 at the mission headquarters, which is located in Los Angeles. More than 600 followers from the United States and Canada attended the installation service.
At 10 a.m., Overseas Department Head Yoshiaki Mihama led the congregation in worship to commence the installation service. In the service prayer, Bishop Tsuji said: “The church head ministers, fellowship heads, Yoboku, and followers in our diocese have gathered together before You, God the Parent, to renew our commitment to move spiritedly along the path that our forebears in America and Canada devoted their lives to. In particular, as we are constantly reminded of the need to further enrich our church substance, we shall make concrete efforts to sprinkle the fragrance of the teachings and engage in salvation work and, at the same time, devote our utmost efforts to nurturing successors to the path.”
The seated service and the dance with hand movements were then joyfully performed in a unity of minds in the main sanctuary of the mission headquarters.
Following the service performance, Rev. Mihama addressed the congregation. He began by conveying the Shinbashira’s explanation about the significance of a mission headquarters. He said that a mission headquarters, having received the truth of a church name just like any church, is to serve its community as a model of the Joyous Life and as a training center for single-hearted salvation, and, in addition, that it ought to serve as the core for providing care and guidance that is conducive to the spiritual growth of the followers living in that region. He went on to say: “In this season that calls upon us to implement world salvation, I appeal to you to take action in high spirits with your new bishop as the core.” Before closing his address, Rev. Mihama read the congratulatory message that had been sent by the Shinbashira in honor of the installation service.
Next, Bishop Tsuji spoke to the congregation, saying: “This year marks the 67th year since my father was appointed as the first bishop of this mission headquarters. Consequently, three years from now, we will be commemorating the 70th anniversary of Mission Headquarters in America. The path in America and Canada has spread far and wide thanks to the hardships and painstaking efforts of our predecessors, not to mention their great joy of faith. Today, we are able to reap the blessings of the seeds they planted. However, in order for this path to truly take hold and become the path of America and Canada, I believe that we need to dedicate much more time and energy.”
Following the installation service, a reception was held in the outdoor area in front of the multipurpose hall, which was built last year. Entertainment included a fife-and-drum band performance given by Boys and Girls Association members and other attractions presented by district groups.