In the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, President George Bush proclaimed September 14 as a national day of prayer and remembrance for the victims of the attacks, and he asked that places of worship in the United States mark that day with noontime memorial services. Consequently, some 30 Tenrikyo followers residing in New York gathered at Tenrikyo’s New York Center at noon on the 14th in order to perform a prayer service for the victims and their families as well as for world peace. Earlier that day, seven followers donated blood at a facility set up in a nearby park. On the following day, the 15th, New York Center held a garage sale, selling such things as clothing, electrical appliances, and kitchen utensils. Although the proceeds from the center’s garage sales are usually used to support the activities of Tenrikyo associations, the proceeds from these garage sales, amounting to $650, were donated to funds supporting the victims of the terrorist attacks. On the 23rd of the month, which had originally been slated for the district convention of the Women’s Association, 86 followers gathered at New York Center to perform the Dance of Twelve Songs as a prayer for the victims and their families as well as for world peace.
Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters in America began performing daily prayer services on the day following the terrorist attacks. In addition, a noontime memorial service was also conducted on September 14, the national day of prayer and remembrance for the victims of the attacks. At the September monthly service held on the 16th, a moment of silence was observed to pay tribute to the victims and to pray for world peace. On the 30th, a food bazaar drawing a thousand people was held at the mission headquarters under the joint-sponsorship of the Women’s Association, the Young Men’s Association, the Boys and Girls Association, and the Students Association. The total proceeds from sales and donations topped $10,000, which was given to a fund supporting the victims of the attacks.
The Mission Headquarters of Hawaii held its annual bazaar on September 30. This year it was agreed that the proceeds from the bazaar would be donated to a fund providing support for the victims of the terrorist attacks. When the bazaar opened at 8:30 a.m. following a moment of silent prayer, there was already a long line of people waiting to get in. In the main bazaar hall, participants could purchase quilts and cushions made by members of the Women’s Association as well as articles of clothing and other items that had been donated for the bazaar. There were also 16 booths selling vegetables, flowers, and more than 20 kinds of food. Members of the Young Men’s Association pounded mochi, which sold out as quickly as they could pound it, and some of the visitors also took turns pounding mochi. The proceeds, amounting to approximately $25 ,000, were donated through the Red Cross.