With the upcoming observance of the 750th Memorial for Shinran Shonin, the Jodo Shinshu Center was designated by the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) as the commemorative project.  As part of its promotion for international propagation, the International Ministerial Orientation Program (IMOP) is offered under the supervision of the Jodo Shinshu Center, located in Berkeley, California.
The 4-month program includes an intensive English course and visitations to neighboring BCA temples to gain first-hand experience within the temple setting, as well as interacting with temple members.  Four students have completed the program in its first year.
Recently, Reverends Katsuya Kusunoki and Hidehito Sakamoto have been assigned to BCA.  Both, who are former school teachers, had an interest in the overseas temples and enrolled in the Kokusai Dendo Koza at the Hongwanji International Center before they were able to participate in the IMOP.  Another student has since been assigned to Hawaii and one will be assigned to South America later this spring.

Excerpt from Hongwanji Journal, January 10, 2010.