Community Welfare Roles of Religious Organizations in East Asia and Beyond

This roundtable session explores the multifaceted roles of selected East Asian religious organizations in building communitywelfare. Socio-historical and constitutional factors, along with a predominant focus on state-led social welfare initiatives,have positioned East Asian religions on the periphery of formal welfare structures. However, these organizations often playcentral roles locally by mobilizing community resources (persons, families, social private entities, enterprises, andprofessionals) in the design and management of interventions. While aligning with their spiritual principles, they addresssocietal needs through childcare, eldercare, health and mental care, community development projects, and support formarginalized populations. Drawing upon ethnographies and case studies, this roundtable critically assesses the impact ofreligious organizations on community welfare and well-being, evaluating the effectiveness of their initiatives, the challengesthey face, and the potential for collaboration with governmental and non-governmental entities. The discussion begins withTaiwanese Buddhist organizations that integrate traditional Buddhist teachings with modern psychological practices toprovide emotional and spiritual care. This holistic approach is compared with the Sazuke rite of Tenrikyō (Japan), a spiritualhealing practice believed to cure ailments through divine intervention, discussing its perceived efficacy and impact oncommunity emotional health and well-being. We also examine the work of ethnic Chinese Buddhist monks who haveestablished charitable programs across Southeast Asia, including Burma, Thailand, and Indonesia. These efforts includesetting up schools, clinics, and disaster relief operations, highlighting how these monks navigate cultural and politicallandscapes to effect change and bring tangible benefits to communities. We compare their work with the case of KōdōKyōdan (Japan), a religious organization that operates childcare programs supporting working families and nurturingchildren’s development. Lastly, we consider Sekai Meshia Kyō (Japan), a new religious movement that promotes veganismas part of its spiritual and ethical doctrine, fostering global consciousness about animal welfare and environmentalsustainability. This session provides an enriching dialogue on the intersection of religion and community welfare, offeringinsights into how religious groups address contemporary societal needs and the cultural contexts shaping these efforts,thereby presenting a comprehensive view of the community welfare roles of religious communities in East Asia and beyond.