The World's Parliament of World Religions began in 1893 as a forum for dialogue among all the faiths of the planet. It was established a centenary conference in 1993 to mark its centenary. This conference is no longer available, but the contributions made over the past century will be celebrated today.
Interreligious dialogue
The Council of World Religions is a group that facilitates interreligious dialogue. Its main goal is to promote peace through understanding and dialogue among all people. The Council has had some difficulties in recent years with participation and funding. The council was required to reimburse $276,000.00 for expenses incurred by the Barcelona Parliament of World Religions in 2004. The Madrid train bombing that occurred just a few months earlier than the parliament precipitated the dispute.
Every five years, the Parliament of World Religions organizes an event which is the largest annual interreligious gathering. The last event was held in Melbourne in Australia in 2009. It featured more than 600 programs and more than 1,300 speakers. The meeting featured many notable speakers, including Hans Kung, a theologian, and the Dalai Lama.
Peaceful coexistence
Over 80 religious leaders from more than 80 countries have gathered at the Parliament of World Religions for seven days over the past 25-years. Its mission is to promote peace and harmony by peaceful coexistence of all religions. This event will include more than 500 programs as well as related events.
The education of religious leaders
It takes more than religious knowledge and skills to educate religious leaders in a multi-cultural world. They must also have a better understanding and training in interfaith relations. These issues are addressed by this project. It will tap into existing schools' initiatives and establish a framework to support multi-faith leadership education.
The research was conducted by the project team to assess the educational experiences of students attending participating schools. A focus group interview with students was conducted to document their experiences. Students were also surveyed after the Parliament. Five sessions of seminar sessions were captured digitally. Professors were interviewed both formally and personally, and the course syllabus was reviewed by several coordinators.
Ambassador's Program
The Ambassador's Program of the Parliament of World Religions is a platform for people of faith to learn about one another and develop mutual understanding. The Council for a Parliament of World Religions organizes it. The Council's goal, is to foster dialogues among people of diverse religions and cultures. Each month, the AAC announces a new Ambassador.
The Parliament of World Religions has been a catalyst for dialogue and relationships among people of different faiths, and has helped create a framework for visions of a more just, sustainable future. The programme's goal is to encourage cooperation between world faiths. Because our collective efforts will ensure the wellbeing of the planet, this program has a mission.
Women's Task Force
The Women's Task Force in Parliament of World Religions recently concluded its inaugural assembly. Here, participants strengthened their interfaith programming as well as plenary sessions and worship. The Women's Task Force will continue to have interfaith discussions and expand its platform in the future.
Dr. Elizabeth Ursic is the spiritual director and professor of religion leading the Women's Task Force. Her duties include co-chairing the Society of Biblical Literature's Women's Caucus. Her academic qualifications include a PhD and MDiv in Religious Studies from Arizona State University. She also holds an MBA/MA degree in International Relations from Wharton School of Business. Her work has been featured in numerous publications and on more than one hundred radio shows.