From June 25 to 29, the Korean Council of Religious Leaders (co-chaired by Most Ven. Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism) traveled to sacred religious sites in Hokkaido, Japan. During the pilgrimage, the Council visited the Anglican Church of Japan and the Jodo Shu temple, reaffirming the need for interfaith cooperation to promote world peace and human happiness.

During the pilgrimage to Hokkaido, Japan, held from June 25 to 29, the Council officially visited Sapporo Christ Church Cathedral of the Anglican Church of Japan on the 27th and Shinsenko-ji Temple of the Jodo-shu, a Japanese branch of Pure Land Buddhism, on the 28th. Leaders of Korea’s seven major religious denominations attended the event, including Most Ven. Jinwoo, the president of the Jogye Order and co-chair of the Council; the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea; the head of Won Buddhism; the president of the Christian Council of Korea; the head of the Confucian Sungkyunkwan; the supreme leader of Cheondogyo; and the president of the Korean Council of Ethnic Religions.

At Sapporo Christ Church Cathedral, the Bishop of the Hokkaido Diocese and a priest introduced the history and current status of the Anglican church in Japan. The bishop explained the church’s social engagement activities in the fields of education, welfare, and human rights. He said, “The Anglican Church respects different cultures and ideas and strives to cooperate with everyone through dialogue.” He also noted that the church is pursuing a merger with a neighboring diocese in light of the region’s declining population, adding, “We are focusing more on what we need to do in the future than on just increasing the number of believers.”

“Religion ultimately aims for the happiness of all people,” remarked Most Ven. Jinwoo in response. “I hope that the Anglican Church in Japan will play a greater role in bringing peace of mind to people around the world.”

On the 28th, the group visited Shinsenko-ji, a Jodo Shu temple founded in 1884 during the early days of Hokkaido’s settlement. The temple continues to actively engage with the local community by holding memorial services for residents and operating a columbarium. The abbot of Shinsenko-ji said, “I find the visit by Korean religious leaders to be very meaningful,” adding, “I hope that active exchanges between the Japanese Jodo Shu and the Korean religious community will continue.” The head of the Confucian Sungkyunkwan replied, "As the world suffers from war and conflict, let the religious communities of Korea and Japan join forces to build a peaceful world."