Ordination in Nichiren Schools

[Jikan]

I've been asked a question that I have no proper answer for. So I present it to the board:

Are there presently opportunities for non-Japanese to ordain as clergy in any of the Nichiren schools*? Particularly for women? If so, where are they?

*among those that ordain clergy

[Mr. G]

A short Bio of Myokei Caine Barrett:

http://nichiren-shu.org/Houston/pages/minister.htm

[rory]

Hi Jikan;
Sure, I know Myokei, she ordained, also in Kempon we're getting our first non-Asian American priest Shinkei/Jerry he's going to Japan this summer for his ordination. Rev. Tsuchiya, whose in charge of foreign missions, in Japan is very open to non-Asian disciples no problem. I've a very warm relationship with him; and as you know I'm female, the kinda feminist fiery kind as well! lol...
gassho
Rory

[noisemonkey]

Yeah you can in Nichiren Shoshu to, I think there's an American priest training at the moment.

[rory]

Isn't the rule in Nichiren Shoshu that only a group of women can be ordained? That's what my friend Sue told me about 5 years ago, though things may have changed.
Just a correction Myokei is half-Asian.
gassho
Rory

[noisemonkey]

Isn't the rule in Nichiren Shoshu that only a group of women can be ordained? That's what my friend Sue told me about 5 years ago, though things may have changed.
Just a correction Myokei is half-Asian.
gassho
Rory

at the moment the role of female priests has been taken over by priests wives. I hadn't heard about that rule. Previously there have been female priest's including Nikken Shonin's mother.

[Jikan]

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I was aware of Faulconer & Barrett in Nichiren-shu, but I did not know if any others had come after... or what the possibilities are in other schools.

[mingxin]

There is also Rev. Shinkyo Warner here in Tampa, FL. He was working (well still is working with) a Sangha in KY. So I believe there are quite a few now. And of course Rev. Tarabini in Italy, and I know there is a Shami from Brazil training in Japan right now .

[rory]

Hi Mingxin;
there's an Nshu American shami in London that Gino ordained, and one in my state NC in Charlotte. An English-speaking HBS priest also just came to LA so maybe they will ordain Americans too. The landscape is looking really great.
with gassho
rory

[rory]

Just wanted to update, Kempon Hokke's first Western priest, Rev.Shinkei Marcheso is ordained. We're so happy. He's in California and on facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004012921887
gassho
Rory