Parliament of Worlds Religion 2004 Barcelona

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

Page 59

Plenary Overview
Closing Plenary Session Tuesday, July 13th
Edifici Forum Auditorium 7:00 PM 8:45 PM
Amidst the terror and grief associated with the attacks on September 11, 2001, in New York and Washington DC, and in the various efforts to combat terrorism since, the role of religion has been emphasized, generally in a negative light. This has been coupled with a politicization of the larger meanings associated with September 11, in many instances erasing the heroic and healing responses that have followed this terrible tragedy. All of these dynamics have surfaced again with the recent bombings in Madrid on March 11, 2004, with a renewed sense of sorrow, outrage and confusion.
What has been missing in the unfolding story since September 11 has been the positive role and healing power of religious and interreligious responses. This gathering in Barcelona is an opportunity to tell this critical dimension of the story, as well as to point to alternative pathways to peace that are rooted in the teachings and practices of the world's religious and spiritual traditions.
58 Parliament of the World's Religions 2004
Closing Plenary Highlights
Keynote speakers
Rev. Dr. Raimon Panikkar Philosopher
Catalonia
Dr. Federico Mayor Zaragoza Former Director-General UNESCO
Zoroastrian Blessing
. Young people share their Parliament experiences and commitments
. Commitments to address religiously targeted or motivated violence
Musical offerings by Joanne Shenandoah and the Shumei Taiko Ensemble
Religious and spiritual communities working together for peace