Parliament of Worlds Religion 1999 Capetown SA

Author(s): Parliament of the World’s Religions
Publisher: USA Parliament of the Worlds Religions

Page 9

1999 GIFTS
8
O F SERVICE
BASIC
Gifts in Service to the World should be consistent with CPWR's commitment to interreligious convergence:
Very few religious and spiritual communities can reach consensus with one another on an extensive religious, moral, ethical, or social agenda. This is true not only of relations between diverse traditions, but nearly as often of relations among various constituent groups within a particular tradition.
CRITERIA
However, there are points of convergenceof shared interest, common purpose, or common cause that can provide a basis for dialogue and cooperation. Points of convergence do not presume agreement on other matters of belief or practice.
The Council cannot consider Gift projects or programs which in themselves take polemical positions with regard to internal issues of contention or dispute within a given participating tradition. (This policy does not imply any position on the part of the Council with respect to such issues.)
A Gift which approaches a polemical situation within a given tradition by bringing opposing parties together in order to encourage mutual understanding, etc. might well be acceptable.
TO THE WORLD
■Gifts should be offered in a spirit of respect for one's own tradition and for the traditions of others.
All gifts must be non-violent in character, although the Council acknowledges that many individuals and groups continue to struggle with the question of violence in service to justice.
All Gifts should be non-proselytizing and non-sectarian. (That is, Gifts should not be designed to further only the self-interest of the gifting organization. The Council of course acknowledges the right of each religious and spiritual tradition to proselytize and pursue legitimate self-interest.)
CPWR can only consider Gift proposals from individuals, groups, organizations, and communities that share the Council's commitment to interreligious dialogue, understanding, respect, and cooperation.
■Gifts should be inspired by the mission, themes, and occasion of the Parliament of the World's Religions.