Every five years, the Parliament of the World’s Religions brings together religious leaders, scholars, and practitioners to share their collective wisdom and to deliberate on global challenges. After serving on the team that wrote the Program Book for their 2009 global gathering, the Council for the Parliament asked me to envision, research, and write a marketing document for a VIP fundraiser for the upcoming Parliament in Brussels (2014). Brussels needed a document demonstrating the legacy the Parliament had bequeathed to its former host cities: Chicago (1993), Cape Town (1999), Barcelona (2004) and Melbourne (2009).
This article discusses Rabbi Gersh Lazarow, who serves as the rabbi of Temple Beth Israel in Melbourne, Australia. It describes the challenges of being a progressive rabbi in a community where progressive Judaism is not the norm. Rabbi Lazarow studied at HUC-JIR, which imbued him with pride and commitment in reform Judaism. He returned to Australia determined to transform the community and challenge notions of modern Judaism there. Previously he worked to establish the Center for Living Judaism at a Jewish day school in Melbourne to inculcate students with pride and passion in progressive Judaism.
This document discusses inter-faith dialogue and its importance in a multicultural society. It provides definitions of religion from scholars like Radhakrishnan, emphasizing religion as a spiritual practice rather than dogma. Inter-faith dialogue is described as both possible and desirable for discovering shared truths and fostering understanding between faiths. Guidelines are presented for conducting respectful dialogue based on mutual understanding and trust. The document also examines different approaches to inter-faith dialogue and the need to promote cooperation over theological differences.
This document argues that religion should have a place in public schools. It notes that the majority of Americans have Christian beliefs yet the views of atheists have disproportionate influence in restricting religious expression. The document asserts that the separation of church and state was intended to prevent the government imposing religion, not banning it from public spaces. It quotes founding fathers emphasizing the importance of religion to morality and good governance. The document encourages religious Americans to advocate for their rights to religious freedom and expression in schools.
Globalization has interconnected religion and technology, allowing religions to spread more efficiently across borders. Religions use various technological tools like books, movies, apps and social media to teach beliefs globally. This has led to new developments as small religions can now engage in overseas activities. While globalization allows wider religious access, it has also enabled the expansion of extremist ideas and terrorist recruitment through online sermons and communication networks. In conclusion, globalization will likely continue impacting religion as cultures and ideas spread through advancing technology, both positively and negatively.
Ceap National Convention 2008 Talk By MgosMarte Imbuido
This document outlines the vision and mission of CEAP (Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines). It discusses how CEAP seeks to advocate for Catholic education, ensure effective delivery of services and programs, work towards financial viability of member schools, and more. It calls for CEAP to promote excellence in instruction, strengthen family life and culture, and work as a prophetic and missionary organization promoting social transformation.
This document discusses teaching about religion in public schools in a way that promotes religious pluralism and democratic values. It argues that while teachers should not impose their personal values, they have a responsibility to discuss issues that affirm principles of equality, respect, and dignity for all students. By addressing these types of issues through the curriculum, schools can help move society closer to treating all citizens with respect, regardless of their religious or non-religious beliefs.
Preaching and Tolerance Amongst Religion: An Analyses From Homiletic PerspectiveSubmissionResearchpa
The document analyzes sermons given at Christian churches in Palangka Raya, Indonesia. It finds that most sermons follow a deductive structure and are expository in type, using appropriate illustrations. The contents focus on strengthening faith in God, restoring moral values like love, and fostering social welfare and tolerance between religious believers. Churchgoers felt the sermons helped them learn and feel ready to practice moral values like tolerance in their lives. However, the inductive model and messages directly promoting tolerance could further strengthen interfaith harmony.
This chapter discusses religion from a sociological perspective. It provides an overview of the sociological study of religion and perspectives on religion. It also discusses world religions, types of religious organizations, trends in religion in the US, and the future of religion. Key topics covered include the functions of religion, civil religion, secularization, debates around the separation of church and state, and major world religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.
This article discusses Rabbi Gersh Lazarow, who serves as the rabbi of Temple Beth Israel in Melbourne, Australia. It describes the challenges of being a progressive rabbi in a community where progressive Judaism is not the norm. Rabbi Lazarow studied at HUC-JIR, which imbued him with pride and commitment in reform Judaism. He returned to Australia determined to transform the community and challenge notions of modern Judaism there. Previously he worked to establish the Center for Living Judaism at a Jewish day school in Melbourne to inculcate students with pride and passion in progressive Judaism.
This document discusses inter-faith dialogue and its importance in a multicultural society. It provides definitions of religion from scholars like Radhakrishnan, emphasizing religion as a spiritual practice rather than dogma. Inter-faith dialogue is described as both possible and desirable for discovering shared truths and fostering understanding between faiths. Guidelines are presented for conducting respectful dialogue based on mutual understanding and trust. The document also examines different approaches to inter-faith dialogue and the need to promote cooperation over theological differences.
This document argues that religion should have a place in public schools. It notes that the majority of Americans have Christian beliefs yet the views of atheists have disproportionate influence in restricting religious expression. The document asserts that the separation of church and state was intended to prevent the government imposing religion, not banning it from public spaces. It quotes founding fathers emphasizing the importance of religion to morality and good governance. The document encourages religious Americans to advocate for their rights to religious freedom and expression in schools.
Globalization has interconnected religion and technology, allowing religions to spread more efficiently across borders. Religions use various technological tools like books, movies, apps and social media to teach beliefs globally. This has led to new developments as small religions can now engage in overseas activities. While globalization allows wider religious access, it has also enabled the expansion of extremist ideas and terrorist recruitment through online sermons and communication networks. In conclusion, globalization will likely continue impacting religion as cultures and ideas spread through advancing technology, both positively and negatively.
Ceap National Convention 2008 Talk By MgosMarte Imbuido
This document outlines the vision and mission of CEAP (Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines). It discusses how CEAP seeks to advocate for Catholic education, ensure effective delivery of services and programs, work towards financial viability of member schools, and more. It calls for CEAP to promote excellence in instruction, strengthen family life and culture, and work as a prophetic and missionary organization promoting social transformation.
This document discusses teaching about religion in public schools in a way that promotes religious pluralism and democratic values. It argues that while teachers should not impose their personal values, they have a responsibility to discuss issues that affirm principles of equality, respect, and dignity for all students. By addressing these types of issues through the curriculum, schools can help move society closer to treating all citizens with respect, regardless of their religious or non-religious beliefs.
Preaching and Tolerance Amongst Religion: An Analyses From Homiletic PerspectiveSubmissionResearchpa
The document analyzes sermons given at Christian churches in Palangka Raya, Indonesia. It finds that most sermons follow a deductive structure and are expository in type, using appropriate illustrations. The contents focus on strengthening faith in God, restoring moral values like love, and fostering social welfare and tolerance between religious believers. Churchgoers felt the sermons helped them learn and feel ready to practice moral values like tolerance in their lives. However, the inductive model and messages directly promoting tolerance could further strengthen interfaith harmony.
This chapter discusses religion from a sociological perspective. It provides an overview of the sociological study of religion and perspectives on religion. It also discusses world religions, types of religious organizations, trends in religion in the US, and the future of religion. Key topics covered include the functions of religion, civil religion, secularization, debates around the separation of church and state, and major world religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.
This document summarizes a study that explored how faculty at a Jesuit Catholic university described their responsibility to promote Ignatian spirituality. Interviews were conducted with 15 faculty members and the university president. The faculty represented Jesuit, Catholic non-Jesuit, and non-Catholic backgrounds. The study found that faculty's ability to promote Ignatian values depended on their religious beliefs and willingness to promote Catholic and Jesuit values, despite challenges. A model was developed showing how interactions between administrators, faculty and students influence the university's ability to maintain its faith-based identity. Additional perspectives are needed to better understand promoting Ignatian spirituality at this and other Jesuit universities.
A cycle of religious (il)literacy beginning with students todaySssr presentationAlice Chan
This was presented at the Society of Scientific Studies in Religion (SSSR) in Indiannapolis, IN in Oct 2014. It discusses preliminary ideas based on my current doctoral research on religious literacy and religious bullying. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss the ideas in detail.
Presentation abstract:
Employed in international private sector companies, and later as a Canadian school teacher, and high school community counselor, I had the opportunity of observing religious and non-religious adult and student perspectives. From these observations, I introduce the possibility of a cycle of religious (il)literacy that may be perpetuating in our society today. Based on Moore’s (2007) concepts of religious literacy and illiteracy, I discuss the possibility that student religious literacy today is important to build the bridge for societal religious literacy tomorrow. As students become parents, society needs to recognize students’ salient roles in being religious literate individuals, especially in diverse societies. Building on my Masters research, this paper presents a theoretical consideration of a religious (il)literacy cycle within my broader research on religious literacy and religious based bullying within public school contexts in Montreal, Quebec and Modesto, California. Hence, only a brief discussion on research methods will be offered.
Presentation 11 looks at the claim that the One Project is the new 1888 message for today. I start by reviewing the history of the 1950 General Conference and the writing of the book 1888 Re-examined, by Wieland and Short. Their book was ultimately a response to the “emerging church” concepts of E. Stanley Jones, being brought into the Adventist church in their day. Are these old emerging church concepts and the 1888 message compatible?
“Children have the right to receive an education that presents the human experience in all its complexities and multiplicities. This includes the ways in which the quest for meaning has expressed itself through the development of religious thought.”
(Sweet, 1997, p 11)
The necessity of providing an inclusive environment for diverse students has been a pillar amongst effective teaching strategies for decades. With increasing changes to student population, educators need to go beyond multicultural awareness, amongst other aspects of diversity, to include the discussion of religious differences as well. Used as a framework for many students to understand and navigate through the world, religious differences and the discussion of is imperative, specifically within the public school setting, based on current literature and my qualitative research findings within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Although many people assume secular environments should not include any religious aspect, the public school classroom should not be an arena void of religious discussion. By informing teachers of key religious items and ways to conduct dialogue with students and parents, a more inclusive classroom for their school community can be fostered, which in turn allows students to understand one another more, creating a safe environment for further discussion and inquiry, and be better prepared for our diverse society. Detailed strategies and the tension that arise between student-student, student-teacher, and teacher-parent are discussed in my findings.
The document discusses the importance and goals of interfaith dialogue. Interfaith dialogue seeks to create understanding between religious groups through open communication and education about different faiths. It aims to overcome religious divisions and conflicts by reducing biases, forming interreligious relationships, and finding common ground. The document argues that interfaith dialogue is needed now more than ever to address global challenges and promote peaceful coexistence among people of all religions.
This document is a training manual created by the Vanuatu Christian Council to raise awareness of human rights, faith, and gender among church communities. It is divided into four sections. Section one provides guidelines for facilitators on logistics and content planning. Section two introduces human rights. Section three covers gender. Section four discusses how faith relates to human rights and gender from a biblical perspective. The overall purpose is to help church staff effectively train others on these important principles and their application.
Events commemorating the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week 2011, organized by chapters of the Universal Peace Federation,
World peace can be fully accomplished only when the wisdom and efforts of the world’s religious leaders are combined cooperatively and respectfully with the endeavors of national political leaders. Absent the recognition of spiritual principles, the world has drifted increasingly toward analyses and prescriptions that are materialistic and secular in nature. In so doing, we have lost sight of the profound wisdom to be found in humanity’s spiritual heritage.
Global institutions must be built on a foundation that takes into account the full potential of the human being, not only as a political, economic, and social being, but also as a spiritual being with spiritual needs and a capacity for spiritual wisdom and insight. The legacy of the world’s great saints, prophets, sages, and spiritual leaders cannot be denied or discounted without ignoring what is most fundamental about the human being.
In too many ways the history of religion has been marked by narrow sectarianism, strife, and competitive struggle with other faiths, all to the detriment of the cherished goals and teachings of the founders and scriptures. This cannot continue. The need to eliminate corruption, selfishness, and bad governance applies not only to all nations but also to all of the world’s religions.
Lasting peace depends on cooperative partnerships between governments and religions, as well as NGOs and representatives of the private sector. The United Nations can benefit from a council of religious and spiritual leaders to bring broad vision and wisdom to the effort to address critical global problems. International conferences, publications, networking, and on-the-ground activism are mechanisms for interfaith cooperation and lay a foundation for spiritual renewal at the United Nations.
Positive & negative effects of religionJulius Aquino
This document discusses both the positive and negative effects of religion. On the positive side, it argues that religion promotes social harmony by stabilizing cultures, provides moral values and social change, reduces fear of the unknown, and gives people a sense of purpose and belonging. However, it also notes religion can negatively affirm social hierarchies, cause discrimination, trigger conflicts through intolerances of other beliefs, and in some cases has been used to exploit people or impede scientific advancement. The document concludes by examining some specific historical events driven by religious factors, such as self-immolation protests, widow burning in India, the Inquisition, and the Godhra train fire in India.
The document provides an overview of the emerging church movement, which seeks to bring about changes in Christianity. It discusses that the movement includes people from many theological backgrounds and churches. While the movement has many stated goals that sound positive, there is great diversity in beliefs among those involved. The movement emphasizes experience and culture over biblical authority and absolute truth, and moves away from traditional church structures and evangelism approaches toward more decentralized styles of worship and dialogue-based spiritual conversations.
En las sociedades multiculturales como Canadá, Estados Unidos de América o Europa, el problema de delitos de odio o por intolerancia racial han ganado interés dentro del sistema de justicia criminal, científicos sociales, defensores de los Derechos Humanos y los medios de comunicación. Para lograr prevenir estos tipos de delitos en una ciudad en donde las distintas posturas religiosas convergen, es importante tratar de conocer el diferente enfoque que cada uno le otorga a su religión para así crear puentes entre los diálogos y generar por consecuencia una mayor tolerancia a las otras formas de pensar.
Unity concept from islamic perspective and the reality of unity in malaysiaAlexander Decker
This document discusses the concept of unity from an Islamic perspective and examines unity in Malaysia. It begins by defining unity and discussing how disunity can undermine society. It then explores the concept of unity in Islam based on the Quran and Hadith. Some key principles of unity from an Islamic view are discussed, including having faith and piety as the fundamental basis for unity, and obeying leaders/rulers. The document also briefly examines findings related to unity and national integration in Malaysia. In under 3 sentences, the document explores the Islamic concept of unity, some principles such as faith and obedience to rulers, and briefly discusses unity in Malaysia.
Rights and Responsibilities of Family Members in Different Religions: A Compa...paperpublications3
Abstract: In today’s world, marital failure, divorce rates and illegitimate births are increasing at an alarming rate. Crimes, drugs, poverty and sexually transmitted diseases are rooted in the breakdown of the family. Good families produce good citizens, who produce good nations, which ultimately impact upon the world in a good way. Bad families produce deeply troubled citizens who form a deeply troubled nation, hence a deeply troubled world. Family values are essential to build up a peaceful world because family is the first institution where a child is born, grow and learn values. In this respect, religions play a vital role in promoting values or family values which assign rights and responsibilities of family members. Thus, the present study is a different type of study which is a humble endeavor to make a comparative study of the rights and responsibilities of family members in different religions. All religions hold more or less similar ideals regarding rights and responsibilities of family members. Therefore, some hold that ‘all religions are at base but one’. This does not mean that they are altogether similar. They are different in practicing rites and ceremonies but similar in promoting moral values. Though all religions are similar in promoting values, but their expressions are different and unique.
The center for_inter-spiritual_dialogue (06-28-2012 0357 pm)Jonathan Dunnemann
The document discusses the Center for Inter-Spiritual Dialogue (CISD), a grassroots organization that promotes interfaith dialogue and spiritual values amongst youth. CISD's goal is to foster understanding between religious traditions in a way that reduces fear and discrimination. The organization supports principles of inclusion from the UN and works to build trust and compassion through community activities. CISD provides training to volunteer spiritual mentors to support youth development.
When Truths Collide Ways of Approaching The Religious Other by Jeannie CorbittBrown Fellows Program
The document summarizes the author's experiences with three different religiously-focused organizations over the summer:
1) The Camino de Crestone interfaith pilgrimage, which exposed the author to various spiritual traditions with a pluralistic vision of interreligious relationships.
2) The "Discerning the Signs of the Times" conference, where liberal Christian thinkers advocated for secularized political solutions to social problems rather than religious ones.
3) Volunteering at the South Asian Friendship Center, a Christian mission that seeks to convert local Hindu and Muslim communities through social services and evangelism.
The experiences highlighted both benefits and disadvantages of different approaches to religious pluralism and relationships with religious others.
The document outlines the history and purpose of the Parliament of the World's Religions, a major interfaith event that began in 1893. It discusses the goals of promoting respectful interreligious dialogue and collaboration to address issues like poverty, the environment, and peace. The upcoming 2009 Parliament in Melbourne, Australia is described, including its daily schedule of observances, panel discussions, workshops, and plenary sessions covering topics from different religious perspectives.
The Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia has over a decade of experience in community organizing, peace building, advocacy and outreach. Its mission is to generate knowledge through research and formation to work towards a peaceful Mindanao based on interfaith dialogue and strong identities. The institute aims to create platforms for intra-faith and inter-faith dialogue, provide avenues for articulating Muslim community issues and concerns, engage in inter-civilizational dialogue and peace-building, facilitate Islamic knowledge production and research, and create academic and cultural exchanges on intercultural and interreligious concerns. It carries out various programs and activities to achieve these objectives.
The document discusses the World Council of Churches and raises concerns about its goals and activities. It claims the WCC aims to establish a one world religion under Lucifer and questions whether its vision of Christianity aligns with traditional biblical teachings. It also argues that the WCC has close ties to the United Nations and seems focused on global political goals like socialism rather than religious purposes.
This document announces the 17th Annual Lives of Commitment Awards Benefit Breakfast hosted by Auburn Theological Seminary. The event will honor multifaith leaders who work to promote social justice and bridge religious divides, including Lauren Bush Lauren, Sister Simone Campbell, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, and several Auburn Seminary program alumni. During a panel discussion, the honorees will discuss building an economy with resources for all. The breakfast aims to celebrate bold leaders whose lives of commitment inspire others to heal the world.
17th Annual Lives of Commitment Awards Benefit Breakfast
Honoring bold women leaders and next-generation change makers who bridge religious divides, build community, and pursue justice:
Lauren Bush Lauren, CEO and co-founder, FEED Projects
Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, executive director of NETWORK and leader of the “Nuns on the bus” tour
Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Representative for Illinois' 8th Congressional District
Millennial trailblazers from Auburn’s Face to Face | Faith to Faith program in Jerusalem and the U.S.:
Salem Abdelrhman, Abu Gosh, Jerusalem Program alumnus, 2004
Miki Joelson, Jerusalem, Jerusalem Program facilitator 2011 and 2012
Alexander Posner, New York City, U.S. Program alumnus, 2012
RSVP here: https://auburnseminary.secure.nonprofitsoapbox.com/lives2013
This document summarizes a study that explored how faculty at a Jesuit Catholic university described their responsibility to promote Ignatian spirituality. Interviews were conducted with 15 faculty members and the university president. The faculty represented Jesuit, Catholic non-Jesuit, and non-Catholic backgrounds. The study found that faculty's ability to promote Ignatian values depended on their religious beliefs and willingness to promote Catholic and Jesuit values, despite challenges. A model was developed showing how interactions between administrators, faculty and students influence the university's ability to maintain its faith-based identity. Additional perspectives are needed to better understand promoting Ignatian spirituality at this and other Jesuit universities.
A cycle of religious (il)literacy beginning with students todaySssr presentationAlice Chan
This was presented at the Society of Scientific Studies in Religion (SSSR) in Indiannapolis, IN in Oct 2014. It discusses preliminary ideas based on my current doctoral research on religious literacy and religious bullying. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss the ideas in detail.
Presentation abstract:
Employed in international private sector companies, and later as a Canadian school teacher, and high school community counselor, I had the opportunity of observing religious and non-religious adult and student perspectives. From these observations, I introduce the possibility of a cycle of religious (il)literacy that may be perpetuating in our society today. Based on Moore’s (2007) concepts of religious literacy and illiteracy, I discuss the possibility that student religious literacy today is important to build the bridge for societal religious literacy tomorrow. As students become parents, society needs to recognize students’ salient roles in being religious literate individuals, especially in diverse societies. Building on my Masters research, this paper presents a theoretical consideration of a religious (il)literacy cycle within my broader research on religious literacy and religious based bullying within public school contexts in Montreal, Quebec and Modesto, California. Hence, only a brief discussion on research methods will be offered.
Presentation 11 looks at the claim that the One Project is the new 1888 message for today. I start by reviewing the history of the 1950 General Conference and the writing of the book 1888 Re-examined, by Wieland and Short. Their book was ultimately a response to the “emerging church” concepts of E. Stanley Jones, being brought into the Adventist church in their day. Are these old emerging church concepts and the 1888 message compatible?
“Children have the right to receive an education that presents the human experience in all its complexities and multiplicities. This includes the ways in which the quest for meaning has expressed itself through the development of religious thought.”
(Sweet, 1997, p 11)
The necessity of providing an inclusive environment for diverse students has been a pillar amongst effective teaching strategies for decades. With increasing changes to student population, educators need to go beyond multicultural awareness, amongst other aspects of diversity, to include the discussion of religious differences as well. Used as a framework for many students to understand and navigate through the world, religious differences and the discussion of is imperative, specifically within the public school setting, based on current literature and my qualitative research findings within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Although many people assume secular environments should not include any religious aspect, the public school classroom should not be an arena void of religious discussion. By informing teachers of key religious items and ways to conduct dialogue with students and parents, a more inclusive classroom for their school community can be fostered, which in turn allows students to understand one another more, creating a safe environment for further discussion and inquiry, and be better prepared for our diverse society. Detailed strategies and the tension that arise between student-student, student-teacher, and teacher-parent are discussed in my findings.
The document discusses the importance and goals of interfaith dialogue. Interfaith dialogue seeks to create understanding between religious groups through open communication and education about different faiths. It aims to overcome religious divisions and conflicts by reducing biases, forming interreligious relationships, and finding common ground. The document argues that interfaith dialogue is needed now more than ever to address global challenges and promote peaceful coexistence among people of all religions.
This document is a training manual created by the Vanuatu Christian Council to raise awareness of human rights, faith, and gender among church communities. It is divided into four sections. Section one provides guidelines for facilitators on logistics and content planning. Section two introduces human rights. Section three covers gender. Section four discusses how faith relates to human rights and gender from a biblical perspective. The overall purpose is to help church staff effectively train others on these important principles and their application.
Events commemorating the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week 2011, organized by chapters of the Universal Peace Federation,
World peace can be fully accomplished only when the wisdom and efforts of the world’s religious leaders are combined cooperatively and respectfully with the endeavors of national political leaders. Absent the recognition of spiritual principles, the world has drifted increasingly toward analyses and prescriptions that are materialistic and secular in nature. In so doing, we have lost sight of the profound wisdom to be found in humanity’s spiritual heritage.
Global institutions must be built on a foundation that takes into account the full potential of the human being, not only as a political, economic, and social being, but also as a spiritual being with spiritual needs and a capacity for spiritual wisdom and insight. The legacy of the world’s great saints, prophets, sages, and spiritual leaders cannot be denied or discounted without ignoring what is most fundamental about the human being.
In too many ways the history of religion has been marked by narrow sectarianism, strife, and competitive struggle with other faiths, all to the detriment of the cherished goals and teachings of the founders and scriptures. This cannot continue. The need to eliminate corruption, selfishness, and bad governance applies not only to all nations but also to all of the world’s religions.
Lasting peace depends on cooperative partnerships between governments and religions, as well as NGOs and representatives of the private sector. The United Nations can benefit from a council of religious and spiritual leaders to bring broad vision and wisdom to the effort to address critical global problems. International conferences, publications, networking, and on-the-ground activism are mechanisms for interfaith cooperation and lay a foundation for spiritual renewal at the United Nations.
Positive & negative effects of religionJulius Aquino
This document discusses both the positive and negative effects of religion. On the positive side, it argues that religion promotes social harmony by stabilizing cultures, provides moral values and social change, reduces fear of the unknown, and gives people a sense of purpose and belonging. However, it also notes religion can negatively affirm social hierarchies, cause discrimination, trigger conflicts through intolerances of other beliefs, and in some cases has been used to exploit people or impede scientific advancement. The document concludes by examining some specific historical events driven by religious factors, such as self-immolation protests, widow burning in India, the Inquisition, and the Godhra train fire in India.
The document provides an overview of the emerging church movement, which seeks to bring about changes in Christianity. It discusses that the movement includes people from many theological backgrounds and churches. While the movement has many stated goals that sound positive, there is great diversity in beliefs among those involved. The movement emphasizes experience and culture over biblical authority and absolute truth, and moves away from traditional church structures and evangelism approaches toward more decentralized styles of worship and dialogue-based spiritual conversations.
En las sociedades multiculturales como Canadá, Estados Unidos de América o Europa, el problema de delitos de odio o por intolerancia racial han ganado interés dentro del sistema de justicia criminal, científicos sociales, defensores de los Derechos Humanos y los medios de comunicación. Para lograr prevenir estos tipos de delitos en una ciudad en donde las distintas posturas religiosas convergen, es importante tratar de conocer el diferente enfoque que cada uno le otorga a su religión para así crear puentes entre los diálogos y generar por consecuencia una mayor tolerancia a las otras formas de pensar.
Unity concept from islamic perspective and the reality of unity in malaysiaAlexander Decker
This document discusses the concept of unity from an Islamic perspective and examines unity in Malaysia. It begins by defining unity and discussing how disunity can undermine society. It then explores the concept of unity in Islam based on the Quran and Hadith. Some key principles of unity from an Islamic view are discussed, including having faith and piety as the fundamental basis for unity, and obeying leaders/rulers. The document also briefly examines findings related to unity and national integration in Malaysia. In under 3 sentences, the document explores the Islamic concept of unity, some principles such as faith and obedience to rulers, and briefly discusses unity in Malaysia.
Rights and Responsibilities of Family Members in Different Religions: A Compa...paperpublications3
Abstract: In today’s world, marital failure, divorce rates and illegitimate births are increasing at an alarming rate. Crimes, drugs, poverty and sexually transmitted diseases are rooted in the breakdown of the family. Good families produce good citizens, who produce good nations, which ultimately impact upon the world in a good way. Bad families produce deeply troubled citizens who form a deeply troubled nation, hence a deeply troubled world. Family values are essential to build up a peaceful world because family is the first institution where a child is born, grow and learn values. In this respect, religions play a vital role in promoting values or family values which assign rights and responsibilities of family members. Thus, the present study is a different type of study which is a humble endeavor to make a comparative study of the rights and responsibilities of family members in different religions. All religions hold more or less similar ideals regarding rights and responsibilities of family members. Therefore, some hold that ‘all religions are at base but one’. This does not mean that they are altogether similar. They are different in practicing rites and ceremonies but similar in promoting moral values. Though all religions are similar in promoting values, but their expressions are different and unique.
The center for_inter-spiritual_dialogue (06-28-2012 0357 pm)Jonathan Dunnemann
The document discusses the Center for Inter-Spiritual Dialogue (CISD), a grassroots organization that promotes interfaith dialogue and spiritual values amongst youth. CISD's goal is to foster understanding between religious traditions in a way that reduces fear and discrimination. The organization supports principles of inclusion from the UN and works to build trust and compassion through community activities. CISD provides training to volunteer spiritual mentors to support youth development.
When Truths Collide Ways of Approaching The Religious Other by Jeannie CorbittBrown Fellows Program
The document summarizes the author's experiences with three different religiously-focused organizations over the summer:
1) The Camino de Crestone interfaith pilgrimage, which exposed the author to various spiritual traditions with a pluralistic vision of interreligious relationships.
2) The "Discerning the Signs of the Times" conference, where liberal Christian thinkers advocated for secularized political solutions to social problems rather than religious ones.
3) Volunteering at the South Asian Friendship Center, a Christian mission that seeks to convert local Hindu and Muslim communities through social services and evangelism.
The experiences highlighted both benefits and disadvantages of different approaches to religious pluralism and relationships with religious others.
The document outlines the history and purpose of the Parliament of the World's Religions, a major interfaith event that began in 1893. It discusses the goals of promoting respectful interreligious dialogue and collaboration to address issues like poverty, the environment, and peace. The upcoming 2009 Parliament in Melbourne, Australia is described, including its daily schedule of observances, panel discussions, workshops, and plenary sessions covering topics from different religious perspectives.
The Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia has over a decade of experience in community organizing, peace building, advocacy and outreach. Its mission is to generate knowledge through research and formation to work towards a peaceful Mindanao based on interfaith dialogue and strong identities. The institute aims to create platforms for intra-faith and inter-faith dialogue, provide avenues for articulating Muslim community issues and concerns, engage in inter-civilizational dialogue and peace-building, facilitate Islamic knowledge production and research, and create academic and cultural exchanges on intercultural and interreligious concerns. It carries out various programs and activities to achieve these objectives.
The document discusses the World Council of Churches and raises concerns about its goals and activities. It claims the WCC aims to establish a one world religion under Lucifer and questions whether its vision of Christianity aligns with traditional biblical teachings. It also argues that the WCC has close ties to the United Nations and seems focused on global political goals like socialism rather than religious purposes.
This document announces the 17th Annual Lives of Commitment Awards Benefit Breakfast hosted by Auburn Theological Seminary. The event will honor multifaith leaders who work to promote social justice and bridge religious divides, including Lauren Bush Lauren, Sister Simone Campbell, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, and several Auburn Seminary program alumni. During a panel discussion, the honorees will discuss building an economy with resources for all. The breakfast aims to celebrate bold leaders whose lives of commitment inspire others to heal the world.
17th Annual Lives of Commitment Awards Benefit Breakfast
Honoring bold women leaders and next-generation change makers who bridge religious divides, build community, and pursue justice:
Lauren Bush Lauren, CEO and co-founder, FEED Projects
Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, executive director of NETWORK and leader of the “Nuns on the bus” tour
Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Representative for Illinois' 8th Congressional District
Millennial trailblazers from Auburn’s Face to Face | Faith to Faith program in Jerusalem and the U.S.:
Salem Abdelrhman, Abu Gosh, Jerusalem Program alumnus, 2004
Miki Joelson, Jerusalem, Jerusalem Program facilitator 2011 and 2012
Alexander Posner, New York City, U.S. Program alumnus, 2012
RSVP here: https://auburnseminary.secure.nonprofitsoapbox.com/lives2013
The interview discusses the United Religions Initiative (URI), which aims to unite the world's religions through cooperation and bridge-building. Rev. Charles Gibbs, the Executive Director of URI, believes the world's religions contain great wisdom that could help address global problems if united. URI has seen early successes through grassroots cooperation circles emerging in over 75 locations. Gibbs' strategic plan is to develop centralized support for these circles to facilitate their growth through training, knowledge sharing, and other resources over the next 2-5 years. The hope is that URI can help reduce religiously-inspired conflicts and work towards greater peace.
The document summarizes an interfaith seminar held at Harding University between a Muslim speaker, Nabil Bayakly, and Harding professor Monte Cox. Bayakly, director of a Memphis mosque, presented on the history of Islam in America and aimed to correct misconceptions about the faith. Cox highlighted similarities between Islam and Christianity like a belief in God/Allah and revelation, but also discussed religious disagreements. Over 400 people attended the event designed to foster understanding between Muslims and Christians through respectful dialogue.
When the world worships as one end time magazine article - jan-feb 2003miscott57
The document discusses the continued development of an interfaith religious movement where people of all faiths can find common ground to worship. It notes events in 2002 that promoted interfaithism, such as a UN conference and the Archbishop of Canterbury being named an honorary druid. It expresses concern that this movement aligns with New Age spiritualism and earth worship rather than Christianity.
The document discusses the removal of prayer from public schools and its contribution to the growing secular divide in American culture. It notes that two Supreme Court cases, Roe v. Wade and Engel v. Vitale, helped accelerate this trend by restricting religious practices. The Engel case in particular ruled that school-sponsored prayer was unconstitutional, removing prayers from classrooms. While this made schools more inclusive of different faiths, it also reduced religious and moral influence in education. The growing secular divide now distresses many and prevents religious engagement in public life and culture.
This document discusses modern means of communication and inter-religious dialogue. It outlines various models of interfaith communication and emphasizes the importance of dialogue at the grassroots level, among intellectuals and religious leaders. The document also addresses perceptions of Islam in the media, alternative media for dialogue, and concrete proposals to promote dialogue through theological colleges, media monitoring groups, sharing interfaith stories, and establishing peace clubs.
STORY OF ASSOCIATION OF SISTERHOODS OF KENYA 2012Sr Agnes Wamuyu
The Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) was established in 1962 at the request of the Holy See and Kenyan bishops to foster unity and collaboration among women's religious congregations in Kenya. It began with 10 founding congregations and has since grown to include 150 congregations. AOSK aims to promote the spiritual welfare of sisters, foster communication between congregations, and promote collaboration to serve the needs of the Kenyan people. In its early decades, AOSK focused on formation, hosting intercongregational retreats and establishing district units to bring sisters together at the local level. It has continued to evolve and respond to the needs of sisters and the church in Kenya over 50 years
Why did religion go global? Big History investigates why certain faiths became accepted by so many people in such varied parts of the world.
Register to explore the whole course here: https://school.bighistoryproject.com/bhplive?WT.mc_id=Slideshare12202017
The Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group brings together different faith communities in Welwyn Hatfield to promote understanding and cooperation between faiths. The group aims to share experiences and values, create better understanding, and positively influence and shape the community. It has over 20 committee members representing Baha'i, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Quaker and other faiths. Activities include shared meals, public meetings, school engagement, social events, talks, and celebrating religious festivals together.
2020 sunhak peace prize introductory brochure (Eng)
The founders of the Sunhak Peace Prize, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, have presented models for lasting peace in the fields of education, politics, arts, sciences, media and human rights, with particular focus on women, youth and the family. Dr. and Mrs. Moon see the human potential in terms of committed relationships, where each person, each family, each community and each nation exists for one another and lives for the greater good. Differences of race, religion, nationality and ideology are transcended under the vision of One Family Under God.
Frequency of Award: Biennial
Category: Peace
Prize: USD 1 million (KRW 1.1 billion)
Awards: Medal, Plaque
Nomination and Selection Process
Eligibility
· Individuals or organizations must have contributed significantly to the promotion of peace outlined in the Peace Mission affirmed by the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee.
· The achievements of the individual or organization must have had a positive impact on the realization of peace for people of diverse nations, races, religions, or ideologies.
Nomination
Nominations may be submitted from any among 1,000 qualified nominators around the world who represent a wide range of fields and areas of professional expertise, and diverse geographical, cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.
· Qualified Individuals: Recipients of international prizes, highly respected individuals
· Qualified Organizations: International NGOs & academic associations, Organizations previously awarded international prizes
Review Process
The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee carefully reviews the nominees with support from the Secretariat and in consultation with experts to come up with a short list of the most promising candidates. The Committee meets periodically throughout the year for this purpose.
Laureate Selection and Official Announcement
After careful review of the nominees on the short list, the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee arrives at its final selection and makes a public announcement through the media.
The Universal Peace Federation and its global network of Ambassadors for Peace bring universal, spiritual principles to the task of resolving conflict and reconciling the divided human family. International Leadership Conferences, symposia and peace councils offer opportunities for high-level consultations. These are complemented by "track II" diplomacy and grass-roots programs that build support for a culture of peace.
World peace can be fully accomplished only when the wisdom and efforts of the world’s religious leaders are combined cooperatively and respectfully with the endeavors of national political leaders. Absent the recognition of spiritual principles, the world has drifted increasingly toward analyses and prescriptions that are materialistic and secular in nature. In so doing, we have lost sight of the profound wisdom to be found in humanity’s spiritual heritage.
Global institutions must be built on a foundation that takes into account the full potential of the human being, not only as a political, economic, and social being, but also as a spiritual being with spiritual needs and a capacity for spiritual wisdom and insight. The legacy of the world’s great saints, prophets, sages, and spiritual leaders cannot be denied or discounted without ignoring what is most fundamental about the human being.
In too many ways the history of religion has been marked by narrow sectarianism, strife, and competitive struggle with other faiths, all to the detriment of the cherished goals and teachings of the founders and scriptures. This cannot continue. The need to eliminate corruption, selfishness, and bad governance applies not only to all nations but also to all of the world’s religions.
Lasting peace depends on cooperative partnerships between governments and religions, as well as NGOs and representatives of the private sector. The United Nations can benefit from a council of religious and spiritual leaders to bring broad vision and wisdom to the effort to address critical global problems. International conferences, publications, networking, and on-the-ground activism are mechanisms for interfaith cooperation and lay a foundation for spiritual renewal at the United Nations.
This document provides an overview of the Bahá'í Faith and its view of religion's role in advancing civilization. It discusses how the world's great religions have historically animated civilizations and fostered cooperation. However, humanity now faces challenges that require unity at a global level. The Bahá'í Faith, founded by Bahá'u'lláh, teaches that all of humanity is one family and that the world's religions come from the same divine source and represent progressive revelations of one unfolding religion. Bahá'u'lláh provides teachings to help humanity advance to the next stage of a just global civilization based on the oneness of humanity.
Similar to David Vermette Writing Sample: Fundraising Document (20)
2nd issue of Volume 15. A magazine in urdu language mainly based on spiritual treatment and learning. Many topics on ISLAM, SUFISM, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SELF HELP, PSYCHOLOGY, HEALTH, SPIRITUAL TREATMENT, Ruqya etc.A very useful magazine for everyone.
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian
SBS – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
Chandra Dev: Unveiling the Mystery of the Moon GodExotic India
Shining brightly in the sky, some days more than others, the Moon in popular culture is a symbol of love, romance, and beauty. The ancient Hindu texts, however, mention the Moon as an intriguing and powerful being, worshiped by sages as Chandra.
Heartfulness Magazine - June 2024 (Volume 9, Issue 6)heartfulness
Dear readers,
This month we continue with more inspiring talks from the Global Spirituality Mahotsav that was held from March 14 to 17, 2024, at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
We hear from Daaji on lifestyle and yoga in honor of International Day of Yoga, June 21, 2024. We also hear from Professor Bhavani Rao, Dean at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, on spirituality in action, the Venerable BhikkuSanghasena on how to be an ambassador for compassion, Dr. Tony Nader on the Maharishi Effect, Swami Mukundananda on the crossroads of modernization, Tejinder Kaur Basra on the purpose of work, the Venerable GesheDorjiDamdul on the psychology of peace, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on how we are all related, and world-renowned violinist KumareshRajagopalan on the uplifting mysteries of music.
Dr. Prasad Veluthanar shares an Ayurvedic perspective on treating autism, Dr. IchakAdizes helps us navigate disagreements at work, Sravan Banda celebrates World Environment Day by sharing some tips on land restoration, and Sara Bubber tells our children another inspiring story and challenges them with some fun facts and riddles.
Happy reading,
The editors
The Vulnerabilities of Individuals Born Under Swati Nakshatra.pdfAstroAnuradha
Individuals born under Swati Nakshatra often exhibit a strong sense of independence and adaptability, yet they may also face vulnerabilities such as indecisiveness and a tendency to be easily swayed by external influences. Their quest for balance and harmony can sometimes lead to inner conflict and a lack of assertiveness. To know more visit: astroanuradha.com
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu ExpertSanatan Vastu
Santan Vastu Provides Vedic astrology courses & Vastu remedies, If you are searching Vastu for home, Vastu for kitchen, Vastu for house, Vastu for Office & Factory. Best Vastu in Bahadurgarh. Best Vastu in Delhi NCR
Trusting God's Providence | Verse: Romans 8: 28-31JL de Belen
Trusting God's Providence.
Providence - God’s active preservation and care over His creation. God is both the Creator and the Sustainer of all things Heb. 1:2-3; Col. 1:17
-God keep His promises.
-God’s general providence is toward all creation
- All things were made through Him
God’s special providence is toward His children.
We may suffer now, but joy can and will come
God can see what we cannot see
Astronism, Cosmism and Cosmodeism: the space religions espousing the doctrine...Cometan
This lecture created by Brandon Taylorian (aka Cometan) specially for the CESNUR Conference held Bordeaux in June 2024 provides a brief introduction to the legacy of religious and philosophical thought that Astronism emerges from, namely the discourse on transcension started assuredly by the Cosmists in Russia in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and then carried on and developed by Mordecai Nessyahu in Cosmodeism in the twentieth century. Cometan also then provides some detail on his story in founding Astronism in the early twenty-first century from 2013 along with details on the central Astronist doctrine of transcension. Finally, the lecture concludes with some contributions made by space religions and space philosophy and their influences on various cultural facets in art, literature and film.
Lucid Dreaming: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
The ability to control one's dreams or for the dreamer to be aware that he or she is dreaming. This process, called lucid dreaming, has some potential risks as well as many fascinating benefits. However, many people are hesitant to try it initially for fear of the potential dangers. This article aims to clarify these concerns by exploring both the risks and benefits of lucid dreaming.
The Benefits of Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming allows a person to take control of their dream world, helping them overcome their fears and eliminate nightmares. This technique is particularly useful for mental health. By taking control of their dreams, individuals can face challenging scenarios in a controlled environment, which can help reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence.
Addressing Common Concerns
Physical Harm in Dreams Lucid dreaming is fundamentally safe. In a lucid dream, everything is a creation of your mind. Therefore, nothing in the dream can physically harm you. Despite the vividness and realness of the dream experience, it remains entirely within your mental landscape, posing no physical danger.
Mental Health Risks Concerns about developing PTSD or other mental illnesses from lucid dreaming are unfounded. As soon as you wake up, it's clear that the events experienced in the dream were not real. On the contrary, lucid dreaming is often seen as a therapeutic tool for conditions like PTSD, as it allows individuals to reframe and manage their thoughts.
Potential Risks of Lucid Dreaming
While generally safe, lucid dreaming does come with a few risks as well:
Mixing Dream Memories with Reality Long-term lucid dreamers might occasionally confuse dream memories with real ones, creating false memories. This issue is rare and preventable by maintaining a dream journal and avoiding lucid dreaming about real-life people or places too frequently.
Escapism Using lucid dreaming to escape reality can be problematic if it interferes with your daily life. While it is sometimes beneficial to escape and relieve the stress of reality, relying on lucid dreaming for happiness can hinder personal growth and productivity.
Feeling Tired After Lucid Dreaming Some people report feeling tired after lucid dreaming. This tiredness is not due to the dreams themselves but often results from not getting enough sleep or using techniques that disrupt sleep patterns. Taking breaks and ensuring adequate sleep can prevent this.
Mental Exhaustion Lucid dreaming can be mentally taxing if practiced excessively without breaks. It’s important to balance lucid dreaming with regular sleep to avoid mental fatigue.
Lucid dreaming is safe and beneficial if done with caution. It has many benefits, such as overcoming fear and improving mental health, and minimal risks. There are many resources and tutorials available for those interested in trying it.
The Book of Samuel is a book in the Hebrew Bible, found as two books in the Old Testament. The book is part of the Deuteronomistic history, a series of books that constitute a theological history of the Israelites and that aim to explain God's law for Israel under the guidance of the prophets.
David Vermette Writing Sample: Fundraising Document
1. A Parliament
of the World’s Religions
Host Cities:
A Legacy of Building Bridges,
Fostering Social Cohesion
2. CHICAGO 1993
Spanning eight days, with over 500 programs and religious, spiritual and convictional leaders of more
Diversity: it can evoke either humanity’s best response or about 8,000 attendees, the 1993 Chicago Parliament
of the World’s Religions focused on an international
than forty different traditions. This document has
been translated into over 60 languages, inspired
agenda while it brought new impetus to the research, and developed an international academic
its worst. As globalization continues to lead the world toward interreligious movement in the Americas. following. It informs many comparative religion and
the inevitability of living in religiously diverse communities, a philosophy courses in universities around the world.
A major achievement of the 1993 Chicago Parliament
was the document Towards A Global Ethic. This As a result of its experiences in Chicago, the Council
lingering question from the 20th century demands an answer in landmark document was the creation of a broad- for a Parliament of the World’s Religions developed
based, international consultation led by noted a methodology for engaging religious, spiritual
the 21st – how will our nations and local communities respond
theologian Dr. Hans Kung and endorsed by the and convictional communities. This methodology
to the challenge of diversity? Will our differing beliefs and Parliament Assembly, a group of more than 200 forms the heart of the site selection process for each
Parliament event, as well as a partner cities program
traditions be a wedge dividing us, or can we use them to foster that continues to grow in metropolitan areas around
the world.
mutuality, goodwill and shared aspirations for a better world?
A legacy of the 1993 Parliament is the growth of
the interreligious movement in the USA. A study
What began with the first Parliament of the World’s Religions in conducted by a leader in the field found that of the
more than 1000 interreligious organizations and
Chicago in 1893 later grew into a vision of cultivating harmony groups in the USA and Canada, most were founded in
the 1990s.
between the world’s religious, spiritual and convictional
communities, fostering their engagement with the world’s
An Interreligious Community and Buddhists who came to the po- hood were held, bringing the energy
guiding institutions to achieve a peaceful, just, and sustainable Mobilizes In the Wake of Violence dium to proclaim that they are brothers and wisdom of the religious, spiritual
and sisters with their Orthodox Jewish and convictional communities to bear in
Early on Friday night, July 2, 1999, as
planet. In 1993, the Parliament met again after a 100-year hiatus Orthodox Jewish men, women and
neighbors. The following Friday night, search of practical solutions.
as Orthodox Jewish men, women and
children and their rabbis were walking This model of face-to-face and community-
children and their rabbis walked to
and has continued to meet in approximately five-year intervals to synagogue, a man named Benjamin synagogue, accompanying them were
to-community encounter and engagement
Smith drove up in a car and opened became the basis for the Council’s meth-
Muslims and Buddhists, Christians and
since. In each city where it has convened, the Parliament of the fire, shooting five adults and one child. Sikhs.
odology for interreligious organizing.
He then drove to a suburb just above Used in conjunction with subsequent
The impetus for the vigil came from four Parliament events, this approach has led
World’s Religions has left a legacy of building bridges between Rogers Park, Skokie, where he found
years of local organizing in the Rogers to a growing network of local interreli-
Ricky Birdsong, the African-American
Park neighborhood by the Council for gious movements in cities around the
communities and of fostering social cohesion. In Chicago former basketball coach of Northwestern
University, walking with his children. a Parliament of the World’s Religions. world, including a recently launched social
Smith shot and killed him. He then drove Following the 1993 Parliament in Chicago, cohesion project in Malmo, Sweden, which
(1993), Cape Town (1999), Barcelona (2004), and Melbourne further into Skokie and shot two persons religious, spiritual and convictional com- has completed the business of funding
of Asian descent and then left the munities that had become acquainted with their feasibility study for a five-year ca-
(2009), the presence of the Parliament of the World’s Religions Chicago area. Several days later he made one another through that event asked the pacity building process. This process will
his way to Bloomington, Indiana where Council to continue to foster dialogue and begin with religious communities and
continues through strengthening local interreligious contacts he shot and killed a Korean student and cooperation across the metropolitan area. extend out into a range of other sectors
then took his own life. Smith was a mem- Along with citywide events and exchang- and institutions.
and through new efforts that promote peace, stability, and ber of a racist hate group. es, the Council launched a pilot project
with 18 diverse communities in Rogers
Four days later, about 500 members of Park. The work began with apprecia-
cooperation among diverse communities. the Rogers Park community held a vigil tive inquiry interviews and a retreat for
organized by a group of 18 religious community leaders. Communities were
communities. On a platform that night, invited to share in the sacred observanc-
with their Orthodox Jewish brothers sat es and cultural festivals of other faiths.
Hindus and Muslims, Christians, Sikhs Forums on issues facing the neighbor-
3. CAPE TOWN 1999 BARCELONA 2004
The second modern Parliament of the World’s For the first time in the history of the Parliament, The Barcelona Parliament of the World’s Religions
Religions acknowledged the extraordinary changes in the site of the 2004 event was chosen through a highlighted the concern of the interreligious
South Africa in the 1990s. An important focus of the competitive bid process. In organizing to submit a movement to focus on specific issues facing the
1999 Parliament was to embrace a South Africa that proposal to host the 2004 event, religious groups international community, such as access to clean
had recently experienced a peaceful transfer of power in Barcelona came together as communities as they water; supporting refugees worldwide; lifting the
with the end of the injustice of apartheid. Meeting had never come together before. This site selection international debt burden on the poorest nations; and
over eight days, with about 900 programs and more process alone, in addition to the Parliament event overcoming religiously motivated violence. Meeting
than 7000 attendees (about one-half from outside those common messages to the work of the leading itself, was reported to have catalyzed interreligious over a seven day period with 9,000 attendees and
of Africa), this event saw a truly global community bodies of an increasingly integrated world. dialogue in Barcelona. The Barcelona Parliament 650 programs, the Barcelona Parliament introduced
emerge with an enormous variety of offerings, also engaged local agencies concerned with the special programming including a Parliament Academy
The 1999 Parliament also inspired hundreds of
from religious observances to lectures, seminars, challenges presented by increasing numbers of for students, a sacred music concert, a film festival,
individuals, organizations, and other communities
workshops, symposia and performances. immigrants from different faiths and cultures. The symposia, and a communities’ night.
to offer new projects (“gifts of service”) focused
program included engagement of not only religious
A major accomplishment of the Cape Town Parliament on concrete, long-term challenges at the local and The 2004 Parliament Assembly at the Benedictine
groups but also international and intergovernmental
was the development of the document A Call to global levels. Parliament attendees received a Monastery of Montserrat near Barcelona also called
organizations to focus on key issues.
Our Guiding Institutions, addressed to eight of copy of the 1999 Parliament Book of Gifts, which on its attendees to make a commitment, upon their
the world’s guiding institutions including the featured over four hundred exemplary projects return home, to a simple and profound act intended
media, governments, businesses and educational offered on the occasion of the Parliament. These to engage their respective communities. The intent
institutions. This document proposes new forms of projects included such initiatives as the World of these acts by individuals is to set in motion events
creative engagement of these institutions with one Movement for Nonviolence; a children’s peace that have the potential to lead to a ripple effect in local
another and with the vital issues that face the global museum; university programs for building bridges communities. These simple and profound acts help
community. Building on the document Towards A in Pakistan; and a community biodynamic farm in alleviate human suffering while they actively involve
Global Ethic, which articulated four moral and ethical Egypt. The 1999 Cape Town Parliament also focused local communities and institutions in so doing. By the
directives common to the great religious and spiritual on youth, helping to introduce a new generation to close of the Parliament, participants had committed
traditions, A Call to Our Guiding Institutions applies the hope for a peaceful world through the growing themselves to 500 simple and profound acts.
movement for harmony in diversity.
Renewed Interreligious Cooperation issues as HIV/AIDS, poverty, and violent When the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative A Legacy of Continuing gion to society); Lleida (2009, Spirituality, Baha’i, Catholic Christianity, Protestant
Continues Social Engagement crime. Through its Open Hearts, Open celebrated its 10th anniversary in Interreligious Dialogue women and society: unity in diversity); Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
Minds series of dialogues it continues 2010, it welcomed a keynote address and Perpignan (2011, Religions and
The long struggle to end apartheid had In Barcelona and its surrounding region, Each panelist was asked to respond to
to sponsor constructive discussion on by Archbishop Desmond Tutu who modernity). This most recent Parliament,
engaged people of many faiths, but once the Parliament of the World’s Religions the following questions:
topics vital to the community such as communicated the legacy of the 1999 organized by the Amitié Interreligieuse du
a new South Africa began to emerge, was instrumental in the creation of an 1. Gender equality is an indispensable
“affirming the dignity of difference” and Cape Town Parliament as well as the Roussillon was held across the Spanish
interreligious cooperation waned. When ongoing series of interreligious events. prerequisite for the development of hu-
“ethics in journalism.” critical importance of the Parliament of border at the University of Perpignan in
Cape Town played host to the Parliament The State of Catalonia has taken an mankind; how can we further promote
the World’s Religions. In an interview France where people of Catalan culture in
of the World’s Religions in 1999 it helped The Cape Town Interfaith Initiative is en- active role in supporting this interreli- gender equality?
Reverend Gordon Oliver, chairman of the that country and from Switzerland partici-
to renew this local interreligious move- gaged in its bridge building mission not gious dialogue. These periodic local and 2. What is each religion implementing
Cape Town Interfaith Initiative, invoked pated in the event.
ment, spawning the Cape Town Interfaith only locally but also internationally. The regional Parliaments, five of which have to establish a peaceful future full of
Archbishop Tutu in reaffirming the inter-
Initiative. Social justice and generating Initiative is a partner in the Face to Face been held since 2004, are organized by The Catalan Parliament at Lleida served harmony and respect?
religious community’s commitment to
dialogue between diverse faith communities | Faith to Faith program, under the aus- the Catalan Network of Associations of as an event in preparation for the 2009
social engagement: “We must ensure The Barcelona Parliament of the World’s
are at the core of the Cape Town Interfaith pices of USA-based Auburn Seminary. Interreligious Dialogue under the coor- Parliament of the World’s Religions in
we must engage. Religion engaged in Religions has left a legacy throughout
Initiative’s mission. Since 2000 it has part- Since its inception in 2001, Face to Face | dination of the UNESCO Association for Melbourne. About 800 individuals, includ-
conflict in the apartheid era. They were Catalonia of continued support for
nered within the community to address such Faith to Faith has brought together hun- Interreligious Dialogue. ing representatives of religious groups,
confrontational… Obviously the stance interreligious dialogue. Also, the local
dreds of teenagers – Christian, Jewish academics, researchers and other citizens
of those days would not be appropri- Each Catalan Parliament revolves around Catalan Parliament has continued the
and Muslim – from Northern Ireland, the participated in this gathering highlighting
ate now but…Tutu stood up against the a central theme. Since its inception fol- 2004 Barcelona Parliament’s commit-
Middle East, South Africa, and the U.S. women’s leadership. This Parliament wit-
apartheid guns and police and cartoons of lowing the 2004 Parliament, The Catalan ment to action on local and international
“to develop a new generation of leaders nessed a roundtable discussion on “Women
this have become our history. Religion must Parliament of Religions has gathered in issues – bringing religious communities
able to negotiate a multifaith global so- and Different Traditions.” Among the eight
engage in conflict lovingly and must stand Barcelona (2005, Religion in a pluralistic together around issues of common inter-
ciety; teens learn how their own religious women who represented a range of
up for what it believes in.” society); Manresa (2006, Religions and est while building bridges toward a more
traditions and those of others can be Catalan religious organizations were ad-
humanism); Madrid (2007, The Earth peaceful world.
used to build a more peaceful world.” herents of Buddhism, Brahma Kumaris,
Charter and other commitments of reli-
4. MELBOURNE 2009 CONCLUSION
The 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions in In each of its host cities, the Parliament of the
Melbourne presented the theme, “Making a World of World’s Religions has left a presence that promotes
Difference: Hearing Each Other, Healing the Earth.” its vision of a world where religious, spiritual and
This theme continued the concern of the Barcelona convictional communities live in harmony and
Parliament that religious, spiritual and convictional contribute to a better world out of their riches of
communities act on the vital issues of our times such wisdom and compassion; a world where religious
as protecting our global environment, waging peace, and cultural fears and hatreds are replaced with
and ending poverty. three European cities wishing to strengthen their local understanding and respect; and where all life on
social ties in the light of the reality of accelerating our fragile Earth is cherished, protected, healed and
Held over seven days, with 590 programs attended by cross-border immigration. The US State Department restored.
6,000 participants, the Melbourne Parliament sought and the White House Office of Faith-Based and environs, to a roundtable on multifaith education
the full participation of indigenous and aboriginal Neighborhood Partnerships sent representatives From confronting religious and racial hatred in Melbourne, the host city for the Parliament
peoples and focused on the challenges faced by to Melbourne and held a “listening session” with in Chicago, to supporting the interreligious of the World’s Religions has enjoyed a legacy of
these communities as well as the wisdom these participants from a wide range of religious traditions cooperation that was characteristic of the anti- interreligious and cross-cultural bridge-building. In
traditions offer in the face of worldwide challenges. and guiding institutions, while prominent institutional apartheid movement in Cape Town, to regular Chicago, Cape Town, Barcelona and Melbourne, the
This Parliament brought together indigenous and players, such as the World Bank and United Nations interreligious dialogues in Barcelona and its Parliament of the World’s Religions has served:
aboriginal leaders from all the continents of the agencies, also participated.
• To encourage mutual respect among religious,
world enabling an Assembly of Indigenous Leaders
The legacy of the Melbourne Parliament included spiritual and convictional communities
to convene to discuss matters of common interest
including the relationship between indigenous strengthening an already active local interreligious • To support communities and institutions to work
peoples and other communities. These leaders movement while fostering its growth. For example, collaboratively in addressing critical issues
also participated in the broad range of Parliament when the site selection process for the 2009
• To build bridges between diverse groups
programs, bringing indigenous wisdom into the Parliament began, three of the forty cities that make
up the Melbourne metropolitan area had interreligious • To strengthen local interreligious movements
panels, plenaries and discussions.
groups. A year after the Parliament, thirty-seven cities • To foster social cohesion
The Melbourne Parliament also brought significant had a local interreligious council. In Melbourne, the
participation from international leaders and bodies. Parliament continued its legacy of developing dialogue
Its focus on social cohesion attracted interest from and promoting interreligious contacts.
Australian Group Highlights These roundtables focused on the inter- A statement issued by REENA highlights
The Role of Education in section of education, ethics and religion. why Australians are engaging in this
a Multifaith Society Australian scholars and community lead- discussion about religion and schools: “A
ers discussed such topics as religion and comprehensive education about the diversity
Education is an essential component of education in Australian schools; shift- and value of religious and ethical traditions
the interreligious movement. Religious ing from special religious education to within Australia would be more in line with
literacy is one step toward peace. Among multifaith education; countering religious current policies and world best practices with
the legacies of the Melbourne Parliament prejudice and advancing respect for reli- regard to promoting social inclusion, inter-
was the first Religion and Education in gious diversity; faith-based schools; and cultural understanding, and broader religious
Multifaith Australia Roundtable, hosted by religion and diversity in the new (Austra- literacy.”
the UNESCO Chair in Interreligious and In- lian) national curriculum.
tercultural Relations - Asia Pacific, Monash The working group REENA holds that regu-
University, Religions for Peace Australia, Participants in these events formed a new lar interreligious dialogue fosters “social
and the Together for Humanity Founda- working group called the Religions, Ethics inclusion” and “intercultural understand-
tion. This event was held at Monash and Education Network Australia (REENA). ing.” In the diverse nation of Australia,
University, Melbourne in December 2010 The aim of the working group is to move from the Parliament of the World’s Religions
on the one-year anniversary of the 2009 discussion to action, focusing on three broad has left its mark, supporting a concern
Parliament of the World’s Religions. A areas: 1) including religions and ethics in the for religious literacy driven by the hope
second event was hosted by The Centre for new national curriculum; 2) a comprehensive for mutual understanding and respect
Research on Social Inclusion, Macquarie review of special religious instruction/educa- between religious communities.
University, in February 2011. tion in government schools; and 3) religion
and ethics educational resource development.