It is said that when a conflict (Higashi-sodo Strife) occured from 1965 to 1974 between Naikyoku (intra-ministerial bureau) of the religious school led by the reformers and the Otani family over the interpretation of creed, operation of doctrine, and property issues, Ennei exhibited an understanding to the reformers, held important positions such as Sanmu (equivalent to the minister) and Shikimu-bucho (general manager of the Ceremony Performance Division) in Naikyoku of the reformers, and then played a coordinating role between Naikyoku and the Otani family.
また、昭和40年代に教義解釈や宗門の運営、財産問題などを巡り、改革派が主導する宗派内局（当局）と大谷家との間に激しい対立（お東騒動）が生じると、演慧は改革派にも理解を示し、改革派内局のもとで参務（大臣に相当）や式務部長などの要職にも就き、内局と大谷家との調整役を果たしたといわれる。