Shinbashira (Tenrikyo)

For the central pillar of a Japanese pagoda, see Shinbashira.

In the Tenrikyo religion, the Shinbashira (真柱 "central pillar") refers to the "administrative and spiritual leader" of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters.[1] The Constitution of Tenrikyo defines the position as "the one who governs Tenrikyo."[2]

The fourth and current Shinbashira is Nakayama Zenji (中山善司), who has held the office since April 26, 1998.

  1. ^ "Central Pillar (Shinbashira)" by Yoshikazu Fukaya
  2. ^ Constitution of Tenrikyo, Article 8.