We are deeply saddened and traumatized by the senseless death of George Floyd and many others who have lost their precious lives to racism, discrimination, and hatred. Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families, friends and communities.

We have painfully witnessed the recent frustration and anger of many who can no longer bear the repeated episodes of systemic discrimination and senseless loss of life. We are bearing witness to worldwide peaceful protests for permanent change to end all forms of racism and social injustice. This is not a political issue. It is a human rights issue. We, the Tenrikyo community, stand with those who seek racial equality and social justice for all.

All people need to be treated equally, with respect and with human dignity. When racism is eradicated, this will uplift us all. It is our belief that when black lives truly matter, then all lives will truly matter. All life is precious. This accords with the very purpose for which God the Parent created human beings—to live the Joyous Life as children of God.

Let us quote from our scripture, The Ofudesaki, (Tip of the Writing Brush) written by Oyasama, our Foundress:

All of you throughout the world are brothers and sisters.

There should be no one called an outsider.

Ofudesaki, XIII:43

To Tsukihi (God), all of you in the world are My children.

Love for you fills Me: this is My single heart.

Ofudesaki, XVII:16

All children in the world are equally dear to Me.

Though there is no discrimination whatsoever.

Ofudesaki, XV:69

God the Parent does not discriminate amongst any of us, nor should we.

However, we recognize that we, as human beings, all have biases and prejudices, whether big or small, for whatever reason, whether they are racial, social, or economic. We all need to individually sweep our own dusts of self-centeredness, to realize that we are all brothers and sisters, without exception, in order for us to achieve our goal of the Joyous Life for every single human being.

We realize that we also have much self-reflection to do. We shall re-commit ourselves to always strive to do better in sweeping away our dusts, and to continue to educate ourselves and encourage others to embrace our Foundress’ teaching of love for all people. We hope that this type of individual change will become the driving force for institutional change.

The Tenrikyo community stands firmly against racism and social injustice.

God the Parent will ultimately guide us to the Joyous Life, a world in which we all live in harmony as true brothers and sisters, as one family. This is the goal to which we all aspire. Our prayers shall always be directed to this end.

Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters in America