Neighborhood Interfaith Exchange - Pastor from River Bend Church Visits Xiangyun Temple

Written by Xin Zhu

On the afternoon of January 29 at 4:00 p.m., Pastor Kevin Hedges of River Bend Church visited Xiangyun Temple and was personally received by Venerable Jueji, the temple's supervising monastic.

Pastor Hedges embraces a spirit of lifelong learning. Although he has served as a pastor for more than twenty years, he is currently enrolled in online religious studies courses. This visit was part of his academic coursework, allowing him to come to the temple for learning and interfaith exchange. Now in his sixties, Pastor Hedges took careful notes throughout his conversation with the Venerable, demonstrating sincere interest and respect.

He expressed deep admiration for Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, who established temples and educational institutions across the five continents and devoted his life to promoting Humanistic Buddhism worldwide. While paying homage in the main shrine, Pastor Hedges lingered for a long time before the statue of the Master in walking meditation, visibly moved. He was also highly impressed by the woodblock carvings of the Diamond Sutra by Ming Dynasty calligrapher Dong Qichang displayed on the temple walls, praising both their artistic and spiritual depth.

Pastor Hedges showed strong interest in the organizational structure and development of Fo Guang Shan and expressed wholehearted appreciation for the concept of Humanistic Buddhism—bringing spiritual practice into everyday life and serving society. He resonated deeply with the idea that religion should actively engage with and benefit the broader community.

Before departing, the Venerable presented Pastor Hedges with an English edition of Encountering Buddhism, written by Professor Lancaster, as a token of friendship and Dharma connection.

River Bend Church sits on approximately 50 acres of land and serves over 1,000 congregants. The church has seven pastors and about forty staff members and is located roughly seven miles from Xiangyun Temple, making it one of the temple's close neighbor.

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