Nichiko Niwano with Maria Voce

Dear friends in Religions for Peace International and international religious communities,

On behalf of Religions for Peace/WCRP Japan, I would like to offer my heartfelt expression of gratitude for your messages of condolence, concern, and support in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake we have experienced in Japan. The prayers, the sharing of our hardships and suffering, and the expressions of solidarity that have been generously offered by the religious leaders belonging to the international network of Religions for Peace are a source of great encouragement for us. I am truly grateful for these strong ties of friendship, which offer further proof that everything exists in a state of interrelation and codependence as part of one great source of life, and for that I am all the more profoundly grateful.

We still do not have a complete picture of the damage and loss of life, and the situation remains perilous, but Religions for Peace/WCRP Japan will continue to make every possible effort to offer relief to the victims. I have already called upon all members of Religions for Peace/WCRP Japan to contribute to emergency assistance efforts, and our religious youth leaders are now collecting relief funds in public places across the country.

I am inspired and encouraged by the world’s religious leaders, who have shown the way to overcome every kind of challenge, including armed conflicts and natural disasters. As the people of Japan work to overcome the recent tragedy, I humbly ask that you will continue to offer your insights and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Nichiko Niwano

President of the Buddhist Movement Risshō Kōsei Kai / Chairman, Religions for Peace/WCRP Japan