Shinto Memorial Service for Terrorist Victims
and Shinto Prayer for World Peace
At Church Center in New York
      A Shinto Memorial Service for the victims of the September 11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and a Shinto Prayer for World Peace were organized by the International Shinto Foundation at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City on October 11, 2001. About twenty-five participants gathered for the early afternoon service in Tillman Chapel, where a wooden Kamidana with offerings had been set up.
      Priestess Setsuko Umeda performed the traditional Shinto ritual, assisted by Ms. Maiko Naito, who acted as Miko (Shrine Maiden), and ISF Director-General Yoshimi Umeda, who guided the audience through the portions of the ceremony in which they could participate.


      Distinguished members of the audience who made the traditional offerings of Tamagushi (fresh pine branches) at the altar were: Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary-General, World Conference on Religion and Peace; Reverend Toshihiko Okui, Director, Tenri Cultural Center of New York; Sister Joan Kirby, Executive Director, Temple of Understanding; Sister Betty Obal, United Nations Representative, Loretto Community; Dr. Peter A. Thorose, Meghalaya Environment and Wildlife Society (India); and Mrs. Masako London, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and NGO Committee on Disarmament.