–There are two sub-goals in the first area of focus, which are “providing support to people in difficult situations” and “helping others in the spirit of hinokishin to contribute to society.” How did you come up with the idea of adding these sub-goals?
These two sub-goals are simply clues that may enable church head ministers to reach out to the people who need to be saved. It does not mean that salvation work has to be done in these manners. Please do not mistake that.
Compared to the Showa era (1926–1989), the standard of living today has increased dramatically. What we desire in life has changed as well. Because of the improvement of medical and social security systems, it may seem to us that there are no more people seeking our help. In the past, many people would seek help from religions including Tenrikyo if they were in a difficult situation. Nowadays, there is a wide range of services available to address personal problems. More and more efforts are being made by the government, as well as medical and welfare service providers, to work together to reach out to those who are suffering. Given the current state of society, I believe that if we can work with such organizations, we will be able to have contact with people in difficult situations.
Despite the improvement of medical and social systems, there are still many people who suffer from illnesses and other problems and cannot see their future. This is no different from the past. I think there are many cases where only Tenrikyo churches can help save people.
The term “people in difficult situations” here means people in need in general, not only those who are suffering from illnesses or other troubles, but also those who are in social or economic difficulties and need support. The idea is to explore ways to seek out people around our churches who are in such situations.
At the same time, people in general are now very interested in and very active in volunteer and welfare activities. I think we should think about how head ministers and Yoboku can be actively involved in such a circle of help and support in society. I understand that some people think that welfare and volunteer activities are different from salvation and hinokishin activities. However, I am afraid that we have become so caught up in the concept of words that we have not been able to join the circle of help and support that has been established in our society.
—Based on what you have just said, one might ask whether we will be focusing on welfare activities in the future. What are your thoughts on this point?
I understand what you are saying, but I think that is a completely different issue. What I am talking about is getting involved in society and the local community to gain opportunities to do salvation work. I am saying this in the sense that we should actively seek contact with people in need.
However, we should not allow welfare activities to undermine or put off the church activities we should be doing or to detract from the function of the church as a place of salvation. Our salvation work can only be accomplished through our efforts in seeking God’s blessings in all respects. I need to convey this point in a way that will not give rise to any misunderstanding. Our salvation activities are to convey the teachings through performing the “service,” administering the “Sazuke,” and talking about the teachings single-heartedly, to ask for God’s blessings, and to guide people to the path of salvation. There should be no misunderstanding. The key to getting in touch with people who are looking for salvation is to take action. We should not just wait for an opportunity to present itself.
The approach I am trying to promote here has the same aim as engaging in door-to-door missionary work or giving a roadside speech. In addition to the ways we have been doing things, I am encouraging us to be more proactive and specific in seeking out contact with people and increasing our opportunities to implement salvation work.