Parliament of Worlds Religion 1999 Capetown SA

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

Page 20

A CALL То OUR GUIDING INSTITUTIONS
he Call to
TRELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY
A We envision a world in which
...the diverse religions, spiritual paths, and cultures are recognized and respected;
...religious and spiritual communities exist in harmony; ...the pursuit of justice and peace is nurtured by
religion and spirituality and by dialogue between religious and spiritual communities;
...religious and spiritual teachings on wisdom, love,
and compassion are prized;
...service is seen as an essential, uplifting religious and
spiritual act;
...the Earth and all life are revered and cherished.
B Religion helps human beings find meaning in life and history. It offers paths to enlightenment and salvation and encouragement to follow such paths. Among the noblest functions of religion is the promulgation of systems of beliefs, practices, and ethics that honor the humanity and dignity of each person and foster the vitality and moral well-being of the society.
When individuals and communities struggle with ethical questions, religion and spirituality provide necessary and trustworthy values, norms, motivations, and ideals, all grounded in an ultimate reality. At the same time, ethical challenges demand that religious and spiritual people bring their most cherished principles to bear in the real world. How should we treat the stranger in our midst? What claim do the needs of others make on our lives and energies? How should we respond to the threats of an enemy? It is in answering such questions that religious and spiritual communities live their convictions.
Today, we face these enduring questions and age-old problems in the context of new global realities. Greed, injustice, hatred, and violence are everywhere
1999
PARLIAMENT OF THE
WORLD'S
RELIGIONS
DECEMBER
99
We know that religions cannot solve the environmental, economic, political, and social problems of Earth. However, they can provide what obviously cannot be attained by economic plans, political programs, or legal regulations alone: A change in the inner orientation, the whole mentality, the "hearts" of people, and a conversion from a false path to a new orientation for life.
...Humankind urgently needs social and ecological reforms, but it needs spiritual renewal just as urgently. As religious or spiritual persons we commit ourselves to this task. The spiritual powers of the religions can offer a fundamental sense of trust, a ground of meaning, ultimate standards, and a spiritual home.
Towards a Global Ethic: An Initial Declaration
1993 Parliament of the World's Religions Chicago
17