Reverend Anne Rensho Spencer

ASSISTANT MINISTER (KYOSHI)

Rev. Anne began attending Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple in the fall of 2002. At that point in her life she was working in the medical field and helping families make difficult medical decisions and cope with grief and loss. She found that the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist teachings, along with her relationship with the community of people at IOBT, helped her find meaning in her work and a new perspective to help face life's challenges. Her desire to learn more about Buddhism led her to volunteer at the temple as well as pursue academic study in Buddhism.

In 2010 she received Tokudo ordination at Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan. In 2012 she graduated with her M.A. in Buddhist studies from the Institute of Buddhist studies and the Graduate Theological Union. In 2018 she received her Kyoshi certification from Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan. And in 2021 she received the status of assistant minister from Nishi Hongwanji. In addition to working at IOBT, she continues her work in the medical field as a lecturer at Boise State University College of Health Sciences and as a genetic counselor in a small private practice.

"Buddhism, at its core, teaches that all life, all beings, are interconnected. Every living being--humans, animals, plants, and even yeast--shares common ancestors who lived thousands to billions of years ago. Seeing things from this perspective, that we are all cousins, can help us live a life of compassion and gratitude for those around us." -- Rev. Anne