Projects - National Unions
Chairs:
- Jamie Cresswell, jc(at)iopec.org
- Kanzen, kanzen(at)poczta.net
Statement of project mission:
"I suggest that we consider contacting all the unions and asking what would be useful for them and bringing this information together."
"In both parts of Europe we will encounter problems of representation or misrepresentation within different Buddhist traditions. (...) The point is to recognize clearly the problems and needs and provide support. Both parts of Europe still need a lot of work and proper diagnosis."
Meeting Of National Union Presidents - Paris
On the weekend of 23rd and 24th January 2010 14 people met in the suburbs of Paris in order to learn more about each others National Unions. The group consisted of Presidents, V. Presidents and other representatives from Ten Buddhist unions in Europe.
It was a fascinating and full weekend with wide ranging discussions covering many areas of interest and concern.
We began with each union presenting itself in terms of its history, size of membership, structures, ways of working and activities. This showed that though there are similarities in the ways each union works their are also differences. Particularly when it comes to the relationship with the state. Some groups need to register in order to carry out activities. Some countries have had difficulty around this area and some have no problems given freedom of Religion in the country.
We also discussed membership and funding, Relationships with other external bodies and Teaching Buddhism in schools.
Each Union was asked to make available a document outlining their structure and activities. When these are complete they will appear here.
It was decided that we would all like to meet on an annual basis and have set a date for next year.
