The Soka Gakkai has actively advanced kosen-rufu, fulfilling its mission as an organization that has inherited the Buddha’s intent. In excommunicating the Soka Gakkai, the priesthood, through its own actions, has cut itself off from the heritage of faith. It has returned to its corrupt ways during World War II, when it disrespected and betrayed the Daishonin and became steeped in slander of the Law. The excommunication also signaled the spiritual independence of the Soka Gakkai, liberating us from the stifling fetters of a jealous, mean-spirited priesthood that sought to keep lay believers firmly under its thumb.
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, pp. 355-356
Daisaku Ikeda