BCA - Buddhist Churches of America
The BCA is the branch of the Nishi Hongwanji which services the continental United States. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the BCA serves as the religious and administrative center for the more than 50 temples across the continental US.
The BCA hosts the Bishop who is the religious leader for the region, and he/she also serves as the leader of all of the ministers within the BCA . The headquarters operation also includes a significant bookstore, and the administrative personnel who run the offices.
The BCA is run by a Board of Directors, and policy and budget are set by a National Council of representatives which meet once per year. The Board meets at least four times per year.
For more information, please visit the Buddhist Churches of America website.
IBS - Institute of Buddhist Studies
The following description of the IBS comes directly from their site.
The Institute of Buddhist Studies is a seminary and graduate school affiliated with the Graduate Theological Union and associated with the Buddhist Churches of America. IBS offers a systematic educational program specializing in Contemporary Shin Buddhist Studies and culminating in a fully accredited Master of Arts degree which is jointly administered with the GTU.
IBS possesses two essential aims. First, it seeks to provide a program of education and training for students wishing to pursue a career in the Shin Buddhist ministry, and for those wishing to study the Shin Buddhist tradition at the graduate school level. Its second goal is to foster the development of Shin Buddhist thought in the religious, philosophic and social context of contemporary America.
For more information, please visit the Institute of Buddhist Studies website.