Bridging the Digital Divide
October 2000
Banner photo: ©SEKAI BUNKA PHOTO
Interfaith Dialogues
The Sixth International Conference of the Society of Buddhist-Christian Studies
The Society of Buddhist-Christian Studies (SBCS) held its sixth International Conference from August 5-12 in Tacoma, Washington. The conference, with some 170 participants from Asia, Europe and the U.S., was held under the theme: "Buddhism, Christianity and Global Healing." According to Paul Ingram, a professor of religion at Pacific Lutheran University, which hosted the conference, the participants' aim was to raise awareness of common issues and concerns. "The goal of dialogue is never evangelism, never conversion," he said. "It's openness to the truth of your partner and sharing your truth in the process."
SGI-USA began participating in the SBCS conference in 1992. The SGI representatives who attended this year's event were SGI-USA Executive Adviser Fred Zaitsu, Boston Research Center Director Virginia Straus, and SGI-USA vice general directors Al Albergate and Bill Aiken. Mr. Zaitsu read an excerpt from SGI President Ikeda's greetings to the conference. Ms. Straus gave "A Buddhist Response to the Earth Charter," which described Mr. Ikeda's vision for this "people's treaty" and the contributions it has inspired among SGI members. In addition, SGI-USA members in Seattle organized an optional tour of St. Andrews Cathedral, a Tibetan Buddhist center and the SGI-USA Seattle Culture Center. Many people taking the tour were moved by the warmth and hospitality of the local SGI members.
