Parliament of Worlds Religion 2004 Barcelona

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

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Special Programs
The Paul Carus Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Interreligious Movement
The Council for a Parliament of the World's has established the Paul Carus Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Interreligious Movement. The Carus Award honors, celebrates and affirms outstanding work in support of the international interreligious movement and the efforts of religious and spiritual individuals, communities and organizations towards a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.
On Monday, July 12 at the International Plenary of the 2004 Parliament, the Carus Award will be publicly presented to Bishop McLeod Baker Ochola II and the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI). This multi-faith peace group in Northern Uganda is being honored for their exemplary work in addressing violence. The Bishop and his fellow Anglican, Roman Catholic and Muslim leaders have continued in their seven-year long struggle to bring a peaceful solution to the 18-year old war that has devastated the people and many of the villages of the Acholi region of Northern Uganda. Chiefly, the ARLPI has served as a link between the LRA Rebels (Lord's Resistance Army) and the Ugandan Government, a position that has, at times, made them a target of both groups. Every year ARLPI organizes peace rallies and prayers in the main towns affected by the war. They help people express their deep desires for an end to the violence. In 2002 they started the Acholi Education Initiative, a scholarship foundation to help student orphans in secondary school.
The Award is given in the memory of Dr. Carus-a world renown scholar, writer and publisher in the fields of religion, philosophy and science, a key figure in the introduction of Buddhism to the West, a pioneer in the early interreligious movement, and a prominent organizer at the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Dr. Carus worked tirelessly to keep the vision and mission of the 1893 Parliament alive, and the current work of the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions to foster interreligious dialogue, harmony and cooperation among religious and spiritual communities worldwide is a living testimony to his legacy.
The Carus Family is providing the monetary award of $50,000 dollars. This prize will be given to support the local efforts of the ARLPI as they continue to courageously promote peace in their community.
The Fair / Speakers Corner Visit the Fair at the Forum and learn about non-profits, community organizations and educational institutions from around the world working together to promote understanding and cooperation among diverse religious and spiritual communities. The Fair provides an excellent opportunity to talk with others, to share knowledge and explore how you can become more involved in local peace efforts while connecting with
others from other regions of the world. The Speakers Corner, which is located next to the Fair, will offer 24 programs throughout the week, including performances, debates, and presentations on a variety of issues relevant to the international interreligious movement, cultural diversity and peace. The programs and performance at the Speakers Corner will take place between 12:00 pm -6:00 pm. Please stop by the Fair and Speakers Corner throughout the week of the 2004 Parliament.
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Parliament of the World's Religions 2004