Parliament of the World's Religions 2009

Since its debut in 1983, the Parliament of the World’s Religions has brought together thousands of people from around the world to celebrate religious diversity and promote interreligious understanding. Starting December 3^rd, until the 9^th, hundreds of spiritual leaders and the thousands that follow them will gather in Melbourne Australia for a week dedicated to strengthening religious and spiritual harmony.The Parliament of the World’s Religions is the largest interfaith gathering of its kind and is recognized as giving birth to formal interfaith dialogue worldwide. In 1988 a group of religious leaders, academics, and local organizers met in Chicago to plan a centennial celebration of the Parliament. In the process, the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions was created. The Council incorporated in 1988 as a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the spirit and legacy of the original Parliament of the World’s Religions through funding and organizing subsequent events.

The 2009 Parliament will welcome over 10,000 people from 80 countries to take part in approximately 500 events including keynote addresses, seminars, conferences, debates, performances, concerts and exhibitions. This years participants will work together to find peaceful responses to indigenous reconciliation, global poverty and global warming, environmental care and degradation, education of the young and the challenges of social disengagement, voluntary and forced migration, artistic expression and spirituality, and the value of sports.Since 1993 in Chicago, the Parliament has gathered every five years in a major international city (Chicago 1993, Cape Town 1999, Barcelona 2004, Monterrey 2007). This year will mark the Parliament’s first visit to Melbourne, a multi-religious, multi-lingual, and multicultural city. Full of culture, tradition and spirit, Melbourne offers a perfect backdrop for the 2009 Parliament. A true Interfaith city, Melbourne is home to indigenous and Aboriginal spiritualities as well as the major world religions; Baha’i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism among others. Melbourne has established inter-religious councils, school programs, solidarity in times of stress and crisis, and a council that works to ensure ongoing collaboration between religious leaders and police, making itself a leader in interfaith innovation. In addition, the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre is the first convention centre in the world to achieve a 6 Star Green Star environmental rating, and will be one of the primary venues for this year’s Parliament.