Why did the Istituto Buddista Italiano Soka Gakkai (IBISG) decide to receive 8×1000 funds?

Signing the Agreement with the Italian State and, as a consequence, receiving 8×1000 funds meant for IBISG a new starting point to respond to the expectations and the great trust it received from the Italian society.

The Istituto Buddista Italiano Soka Gakkai (IBISG) – formerly AINS, then ISG – was recognized as a legal person in 2020, which meant that the IBISG no longer was a simple association but became a fully-fledged religious organization. The following step was signing theAgreement with the Italian State.

similarly to other confessions in the country. The Italian Constitution establishes that a religion should further regulate its relations with the Italian State beyond the indications already included in the Constitution itself. Article 8 reads that the relations between the State and religious confessions other that the Catholic church are regulated by law based on the Agreements signed with those confessions. Each Agreement recognizes similar rights and prerogatives, that are specified and detailed according to the characteristics and needs of each religious movement. 

The Soka Gakkai and dialogue among religions

Religious dialogue is one of the main points of the Soka Gakkai’s global vision. We believe that, by treading a path of dialogue and reciprocal improvement, every religion can manifest its intrinsic value and contribute to creating fellowship, which is fundamental to bring about world peace.

Since the 1990s the IBISG has been committed to inter-Buddhist and interreligious dialogue participating in the religious councils organized by many municipalities, regions and ministries and attending the meetings with other faiths held all over Italy. At the same time, it participates in academic debates on subjects of common interest. 

See the page dedicated to the Agreement with the Italian State.

To learn more about the Istituto Buddista Italiano Soka Gakkai visit About us.