Rev. Patti Nakai is internationally known and respected within Jodo Shinshu and has been an admired teacher at BTC as well as in other settings. She is a sought-after speaker and writer. Rev. Patti has been among the pioneers for women in Buddhist ministry in North America. She has been a social justice leader working with other spiritual institutions on the north side of Chicago with particular attention to violence against Asian Americans, ending discrimination towards LGBTQ persons and others including Black Lives Matter. Her leadership gave BTC a strong voice in a variety of public settings. During the height of the pandemic, she hosted many online classes on Zoom and services on Facebook Live. During this time Rev. Patti has always asked everyone to join her as fellow students along the path of learning Jodo Shinshu. We have all received the gift of her Dharma talks and many of us have benefited from her classes. Rev. Patti has been and continues to be dedicated to the teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and the Buddhist Temple of Chicago.

Reverend Patti Nakai retired from BTC on October 1st, 2023.