Crusade for Peace

Abstract

Chapter 2 describes how Paul Rusch, in the face of rising militarism in Japan and increasing anti-Japanese sentiment in America, held fast to his belief that war could be averted through prayer and promoting Christianity in Japan. Despite a growing anti-Western movement in Japan, Rusch worked to establish Seisen-Ryo, a Christian training camp near Kiyosato. With the patronage of the heiress Miki Sawada, with whom it is rumored Rusch had a romantic relationship, Rusch managed to complete his task despite formidable obstacles. Rusch ran afoul of the American church mission when he took a propaganda tour of Japanese-occupied areas of China and Manchuria. Rusch was labeled an apologist for Japan’s expansionist policies, drawing criticism and ridicule from the press. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Joseph Grew tried to warn Rusch against being an advocate for Japan, but Rusch publicly maintained the United States did not understand Japan’s intentions. Later, when the Episcopal Church withdrew its entire missionary delegation from Japan, Rusch defiantly stayed in Tokyo. Days after Pearl Harbor was attacked, Rusch and many of his friends were arrested by Japanese police.