Nikken Quits!

From the World Tribune, January 13, 2006:

“On Dec 15, 2005, Nikken Abe stepped down from his position as the High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu. His tenure as high priest will be remembered mostly for his antagonism toward the lay believers of the SGI, culminating with the demand that the organization disband and the excommunication of millions of members.

In Nikken’s place, Nichinyo Hayase has become the new high priest. The priesthood also recently appointed Gyoyu Urushibata as their new overseas bureau chief, and he has been visiting branch temples overseas.

The SGI will expand its network of truth and justice even further by continuing to refute the erroneous teachings of the priesthood. While Nichiren Shoshu seeks to control its followers through the authority of the cloth, the SGI will challenge its claim that “priests are above lay believers”.”