Richard Seager, professor of religion, was interviewed by the Newhouse News Service for an article about the religions of new members of Congress. The new Congress will include two Buddhist members for the first time. Seager is the author of "Buddhism in America."
According to the article, Albert Menendez, a writer and researcher has been counting the religious affiliation of members of Congress since 1972.
Rep. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii was raised in the tradition of her mother's Jodo Shu Buddhism. Jodo Shu is a mainstream sect, according to Seager. Accordign to the article, " A spokesman for Hank Johnson of Georgia would only confirm that he became a Buddhist some 30 years ago and is affiliated with Soka Gakkai International, the American Buddhist association that Seager said has had the most success attracting African-Americans."
According to the article, Albert Menendez, a writer and researcher has been counting the religious affiliation of members of Congress since 1972.
Rep. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii was raised in the tradition of her mother's Jodo Shu Buddhism. Jodo Shu is a mainstream sect, according to Seager. Accordign to the article, " A spokesman for Hank Johnson of Georgia would only confirm that he became a Buddhist some 30 years ago and is affiliated with Soka Gakkai International, the American Buddhist association that Seager said has had the most success attracting African-Americans."
