Pacifism Among Japanese Non-Church Christians

<BODY> <P>"Pacifism Among Japanese Non-Church Christians" by CARLO CALDAROLA: The Mukyokai, or non-Church Christians, constitute one of the best known Christian movements in Japan. 1 Founded by Uchimura Kanzo * (1861-1930) in reaction to Western denominationalism, this small (about 35,000 adherents) movement is considered to be the most genuine form of Japanese Christianity. The Mukyokai reject all formal Christian institutions, having no sacraments, liturgy, professional clergy, church buildings, national headquarters, or membership rolls. Instead, this non-churchism is based on independent Bible study groups centered on the traditional teacher-disciple (sensei-deshi) relationship.</P> </BODY>