Parliament of Worlds Religion 2009 Melbourne Australia

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

Page 16

2009 PARLIAMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Make a World of Difference: Hearing each other, Healing the earth
Every generation is called upon to answer the great challenges of its time. We have the capability - and the responsibility to come together in peace and good will to listen to each other and work together to heal our conflicted communities and our endangered planet. To listen, respond and move forward is to maintain a healthy balance between humility and confidence. The 2009 Parliament of the World's Religions will focus on the struggles and spiritualities of Indigenous peoples around the world, particularly the Aboriginal communities of Australia, who are graciously hosting us in their homeland. Together we will make a commitment to live out the change we want to see in the world. The 2009 Parliament provides an extraordinary opportunity both to make a difference in the world and to make a world out of our differences. By acknowledging and celebrating our differences, this unique international gathering offers an engaging and promising forum to: deepen our spirituality, and experience personal transformation
foster mutual understanding and respect learn to live in harmony in the midst of diversity recognise the humanity of the 'other' and broaden our sense of community
seek peace, justice and sustainability actively work for a better world
By coming together to hear each other, this gathering itself will be a means for making a world of difference and for healing the earth in trying times. The 2009 Parliament will highlight the most effective strategies to help people of faith and goodwill transform the world through real action in their own communities.
Summary of Activities
Major Subthemes
The 2009 Parliament features seven major subthemes of programming that focus on different aspects of our overall mission. All of these are pieces in the puzzle that must be put together if we want to see our visions of peace and justice for people everywhere, of all faiths, become reality. The seven subthemes are:
Healing the Earth with Care and Concern
Indigenous People
Overcoming Poverty in an Unequal World Securing Food and Water for All People
Building Peace in the Pursuit of Justice Creating Social Cohesion in Village and City Sharing Wisdom in the Search for Inner Peace See page 71 for more information.
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Program Clusters
In addition to the framework of the seven major subthemes, program clusters have emerged around several topic areas to enrich the diversity of the 2009 Parliament. They are:
• Local to Global Interreligious Movements • Partner Cities Network
Islam in the Global Context
Women in Leadership
• Youth
Family
• Media and Religion Interreligious Education • Human Rights
Peace Building
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Disaster Relief
See page 87 for more information.
Evening Plenary Sessions
Complete each day with inspiration and beauty by participating in the Plenary Sessions! Listen to revered religious and spiritual leaders, prominent social activists and luminaries from other guiding institutions. Experience spiritual observances and spectacular music and dance performances from around the world. All are invited to partake in these riveting evening sessions:
Opening Plenary
• Communities Night International Plenary
• Sacred Music Concert Youth Plenary
Melbourne Plenary Closing Plenary
See page 18 for more information.
Intrareligious Sessions
Intrareligious Sessions feature a wide variety of programs focusing on: [1] a basic understanding of religious and spiritual communities, as well as the teachings, practices and dynamics of their traditions; (2) resources and rationales from within the religious and spiritual communities and movements for dialogue, engagement and cooperation; and (3) tools for intrareligious reflection and dialogue. See page 114 for more information.
Interreligious Sessions
Interreligious Sessions feature a wide variety of programs focusing on: [1] structured opportunities for interreligious encounter and dialogue; (2) sharing the convictions and motivations for engaging with each other and the world; and (3) innovative methodologies for interreligious encounter, dialogue and cooperation.