Kyodo Shoku

Kyodoshoku is a religious official established for the Proclamation of the Great Religion a religious official established for the movement. It lasted from 1872 (1872) to 1884 (1884). The Taikyōsendō movement proved difficult and was abolished when the government adopted a policy of separation of church and state. The religious leaders were appointed by the semi-private sector and included shinkans, Kannushis, Bhikkhus, and other religious leaders, as well as Rakugoka, Waka poets, and haiku poets were also appointed to leadership positions.

History

In the 3rd year of Meiji (1870), the Evangelism Bureau was established, and in addition to the clerical staff, the Great Missionary Messengers and others were appointed as instructors for missionary activities. In March 1872, the Evangelism Bureau was merged with the Ministry of Divinity and became the Ministry of Church Affairs. The Ministry of Education was merged into the Ministry of Religious Education.

The teaching ministry was an unpaid official position, and initially all shinkans (there were no Kannushi at that time), Shintoists and Bhikkhu were appointed to this position. Private experts were also appointed. A Daikyoin was established at Zojoji Temple as an institution for research and education, and Chu-kyoin and Kokyoin were established in the provinces.

The head priests delivered sermons at various temples and shrines in accordance with the Three Articles of Faith (Respect for God and Patriotism, Humanitarianism, and the Imperial High Priesthood). The content of the sermons centered on reverence for the state and the emperor and the idea of respect for the gods, but they also included family ethics, Bunmei-kaika, internationalization, Rights and Duty, Fukoku kyōhei, and was expected to play a part in national education.

The highest rank in the Ministry of Education was Kyōsei, which was divided into lecturer, Kundou, and other ranks, each with major, medium, and minor ranks, for a total of 14 ranks. There were 14 classes in all.

Due to the conflict between priests and monks, a strong opposition movement by Shimaji Mokurai and others, and internal turmoil within the priestly teaching staff, the Daikyo proclamation was unsuccessful. In the 8th year of Meiji (1875), the Daikyo-in was abolished and joint Shinto and Buddhist missionary work was suspended. In 1877, the Ministry of Education was abolished, and in 1882, priests, who were supposed to be the main leaders of the teaching ministry, were banned from holding the same position, and finally in 1884, the teaching ministry was abolished。

Although the activities of the Teaching Office were not conspicuously effective, the system became the model for the systems of the later Teachings of Shinto denominations.

Bibliography

• 1999『神道辞典』弘文堂