[Updated April 23th ] (English version No.80)
We extend our heartfelt sympathy toward the people who have suffered in the Great East Japan Earthquake.Reconstruct Japan Unified by the Spirit of Article 9
Active rescue work of quake and tsunami victims continues in Tohoku
Miyagi A9A group
The Miyagi A9A group reported on March 23 to the A9A Secretariat about the fate of its members in the area. “We are sad to report that the disaster on March 11 has claimed the lives of some of the active members of A9A groups in Miyagi. We are still trying to grasp the overall picture of what happened during the disaster.”
A9A groups nationwide have been carrying out relief fund raising campaigns, and sending messages of hope and encouragement to the refugees. The Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) are being faced with many issues related to the safe cold shutdown of the crippled Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants. Much active discussion is expected as post earthquake reconstruction projects must be created in line with the Constitution.
Other Reports
Osaka Group
On March 19th the Osaka Religious Sects A9A Group organized a lecture and a symposium. It was attended by 225 citizens. Prior to the event a silent prayer was made for victims of the March 11th Earthquake and Tsunami. Bishop Matsuura Goro of Osaka Catholic Diocese gave a lecture entitled “Realize peace through non-violence.” This was followed by a symposium led by three persons of faith from Saint John’s Church, Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, and the Konkokyo New Religion.
Hokkaido Visually Challenged group
The Hokkaido A9A group of Visually Challenged People held its fourth general assembly on March 6th. Members exchanged information about ongoing activities which include study meetings and study tours. One attendee said, “We hear and read a lot of news reports, but we need to analyze for ourselves what is true and what is false.” Another said, “The Self Defense Force abandons the idea of a defense-only policy, which tramples on the spirit of Article 9. We need to develop our grass root campaign.”
Toyama and Odawara groups also reported on their activities to the secretariat in Tokyo.
7th Anniversary A9A Lecture
l Date------June 4th (Sat.) 1:30 p.m.
l Venue------Hibiya Public Hall
l Lecturers-----Oe Kenzaburo, Okudaira Yasuhiro, Sawachi Hisae, Tsurumi
Shunsuke
l Admission----¥1,000
l For application and other information: Call 03-3221-5075
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