The Parliament of World's Religion

The Parliament of World’s Religion will convene in Chicago next Monday (8/14). This year, the theme of the gathering is defending freedom and human rights against the rise of authoritarianism.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is an international interfaith organization that aims to promote dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among different religious and spiritual traditions. It brings together representatives from various faith communities, scholars, activists, and leaders to engage in discussions, workshops, and events addressing global issues, social justice, environmental concerns, and religious harmony. It has played a role in shaping interfaith dialogue, advocating for religious freedom, and encouraging positive social change. It continues to be a significant gathering for those interested in promoting harmony and cooperation among different religious communities.

Several of the speakers this year will be speaking or giving workshops on Environmental Justice and/or combatting climate change, in addition to defending freedom, human rights, and religious freedom for all, regardless of religious path (or none) in this age or rising authoritarianism.

One of the reasons I wanted to highlight this is not just because I think it’s such a worthy convention. It’s because of some of the speakers. Nancy Pelosi is going to a speaker, as will Jane Goodall. These are but two of many, many vital speakers. When I read those two names, in addition to a couple of the Pagan authors whose books were in my personal library, I wanted so badly to attend. Unfortunately, the cost of the 5-day event, plus air-fare and hotel put the event completely outside my budget. But I did want to highlight Speaker Pelosi’s attendance, especially at an event that is not necessarily political in nature. I would have loved to have gone just to shake her hand and tell her “thank you” for all she did!


If anyone is interested in checking out the website, here’s the link:

https://parliamentofreligions.org/parliament/2023-chicago/