Uchimura Kanzō (内村 鑑三, March 26, 1861 – March 28, 1930) was a Japanese author, Christian evangelist, and the
founder of the Nonchurch Movement (Mukyōkai) of Christianity in the Meiji and Taishō period Japan. He is often
considered to be the most well-known Japanese pre-World War II pacifist.
Dissatisfaction with the mission church, however, led Uchimura and his Japanese supporters to establish an independent
church in Sapporo. This experiment turned out to be a precursor to what is now called the Nonchurch Movement.
Through Clark's teaching and example, this small group believed that they could practice and live an authentic
life of faith without depending on a religious institution or a professional clergy.
His writings in English include: Japan and the Japanese (1894) and How I became a Christian (1895)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uchimura_Kanz%C5%8D
The non-church movement (Japanese: 無教会主義 Hepburn: Mukyōkaishugi) is an indigenous Japanese Christian movement which
was founded by Uchimura Kanzō in 1901. The complete works of Uchimura consist of some 50 volumes: of which, 17 are
primarily biblical studies, 25 are volumes of theological works, and 8 are volumes of diaries and correspondence.
Many of his disciples have likewise been well-known intellectual figures. Today it is believed that 35,000 people
belong to the movement in Japan, Taiwan, and Korea.
They hold to no liturgy, sacraments, or ordained clergy. While most of the teachers have no formal theological
training, some have extensive background in theology and biblical studies and hold academic positions in universities
and theological schools. Bible study is performed in small, independent groups led by individual teachers, or
"sensei", and the groups often meet on a weekly basis. Each group is normally called shukai (Meeting) or
seisho shukai (Bible Meeting)
The purpose of this organization was defined in the following profession of faith:
We who believe in God and his Only Son whom he sent (into the world), uniting together, form the Kyōyukai.
With the help of God the Father we shall help our comrades and live lives that are in harmony
with His Sovereign Will.
ODDLY:
Stone Church in Karuizawa was built in commemoration of Uchimura Kanzo (1861-1930)
Thoughts?