BCA- The 41st Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations Conference was held in Sacramento, California October 9-11 at the Doubletree Hotel.  In addition, the 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin was held in conjucntion with the conference.  Under the theme, “Looking Back – Looking Ahead Passing on the Legacy,” President Hiroko Tsuda made a speech, “The history of the BCA began in 1898 when eighty-three Japanese immigrants signed a petition addressed to the Gomonshu of Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto requesting that His Eminence send ministers to America.  From these insightful Issei and Nisei pioneers, we have inherited the legacy of the Nembutsu Teachings and a peaceful and mindful way of living.”  More than 500 participants acknowledged the legacy of the past and the importance of propagating Nembutsu to next generation.  One hundred people went to visit the Coloma Cemetery in El Dorado County, where Okei’s grave is located. Okei was one of the first Japanese women immigrants in the area that established the Wakamatsu Colony.

Excerpt from Hongwanji Journal, November 20, 2009.