Shinbashira (Tenrikyo)

{{for|the central pillar of a Japanese pagoda|Shinbashira}}

{{Short description|Administrative and spiritual leader of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters}}

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In the Tenrikyo religion, the Shinbashira (真柱 "central pillar") refers to the "administrative and spiritual leader" of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters.[http://www.tenrikyo.or.jp/en/newsletter/html/tt5/shinbashira.html "Central Pillar (Shinbashira)" by Yoshikazu Fukaya] The Constitution of Tenrikyo defines the position as "the one who governs Tenrikyo."Constitution of Tenrikyo, Article 8.

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