News Headlines

On December 26, the Soka Gakkai’s Seikyo Shimbun newspaper announced that Soka Gakkai in Portugal has been officially registered as a religious corporation by the government of Portugal. To commemorate this milestone, a nationwide leaders meeting was held online on December 8, connecting members in locations including Lisbon, Porto, the Azores and Madeira.  

On November 30, Brazil SGI (BSGI) opened a new center in Porto Alegre in southern Brazil. This four-story building will serve as a main Soka Gakkai facility in the State of Rio Grande do Sul.

On November 29, BSGI’s organ newspaper, Brasil Seikyo, received the prestigious Fernando Pini Award for Graphic Excellence in the category of non-daily circulation newspapers at a ceremony sponsored by the Brazilian Printing Industry Association.

Buddhist study exams ranging from elementary to advanced levels were held around the world from October to December. On October 20, SGI-Costa Rica conducted an introductory level exam at its center in San José. The exam material covered the life of Nichiren and some of his key writings such as “On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime.” On November 10, SGI-Austria held an elementary level exam at its center in Vienna and other locations across the country.

Buddhist study exams were also held in other countries including Chile, Japan, Nicaragua, Paraguay, South Korea and the US during November and December.