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Dear Parliament Guests,
Council
for a Parliament
of the World's Religions
On behalf of the staff of the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, it is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to this historic occasion. Serving as Consultant/Chief Operating Officer and coordinating the various functional elements in preparation for the 1993 Parliament has provided me with a unique and exciting position from which to witness the making of this event.
Post Office Box 1630 Chicago, Illinois 60690-1630
U.S.A.
Office: 105 West Adams, Suite 800
Telephone: 312 629-2990
Fax: 312 629-2991
Over the past several months, I have been personally blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such a dedicated, diverse team of women and men representing so many religions and faith traditions. These women and men have worked incessantly, many times under less than desirable conditions, with a singular goal, to make the 1993 Parliament a reality. Each day, we have witnessed an increasing commitment to interfaith dialogue. As a team, we have taken an adamant posture that it is only through our collective spirituality, increased interfaith understanding and dialogue that our problems will be solved. This commitment and dedication has come from all quarters; our trustees, our staff, our co-sponsors, our host committees, our donors and our volunteers.
We have all learned from each other, and, as importantly we have unlearned from each other. To quote my African American ancestor and spiritual sister, Fannie Barrier Williams during the 1893 Parliament, "It is not any easy task to unlearn religious conceptions." This has been the challenge in presenting to you the 1993 Parliament and this has been the opportunity we have been afforded... a Parliament that belongs to all of us.
Welcome, enjoy, learn, share and allow the experience of the 1993 Parliament to be more than an historical moment. Let it become the impetus for a renewal of dedication and commitment to positive change benefiting all women and men in our world community. May God's blessings be with you.
Sincerely,
Melnam Brady
Nelvia M. Brady Consultant/Chief Operating Officer
Jain Education Interational 2010_03
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