It is hoped that the following will help all SGI-USA leaders share a correct understanding about the Independent Reassessment Group (IRG).
SGI-USA's Statement on the Independent Reassessment Group (IRG)
Many SGI-USA members have been asking about the activities of the Independent Reassessment Group, which has stated its intention to "help our organization to continue its development." SGI-USA always welcomes dialogue, and always strives to improve the organization, but here are some points to keep in mind regarding the IRG:
In recent months, the IRG, which maintains its own Web site dead link and message board, has been highly critical of the SGI leadership. It has opposed several core positions and policies of the SGI that are based on the Daishonin's writings. Here are some examples: IRG members have argued that the mentor-and-disciple relationship is not part of the Daishonin's Buddhism and that the SGI is a cult of personality; that refuting erroneous teachings has no basis in the Daishonin's writings; and that anyone who wants to can distribute or create Gohonzon.
Essentially, the IRG is offering views that go against the SGI and the Daishonin's teachings.
The IRG has seven official members but a much larger number of people have participated in the wide-ranging dialogue sponsored on its message board, including SGI-USA members, temple members, Minobu sect members and so-called "independents" (people who say they are practicing the Daishonin's Buddhism on their own).
IRG members have now started promoting an e-mail newsletter called Reflections, which to this point has featured only mild opposition to the SGI's direction. Because Reflections presents itself as "an e-journal for SGI-USA members," many members across the country have been confused as to whether Reflections is an official journal of the SGI-USA.
It is not.
The Independent Reassessment Group is not an officially recognized part of the SGI-USA organization. Many of the positions it promotes deviate from or contradict Nichiren Daishonin's teachings and the policies of the SGI-USA. For this reason, promotion of the IRG's activities is unacceptable at SGI-USA activities.