Parliament of World Religions concludes with call to action

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The 2023 Parliament of World Religions, which concluded recently in Chicago, held vigorous discussions and grappled with diverse subjects in more than 250 breakout sessions. Based on the theme “A Call to Conscience, A Call to Action” the participants from numerous faiths came together tackle problems facing different faiths and called for leaders to join hands, unite and safeguard the religious rights of all faiths.

Since 1893, when the first Parliament of World Religions (PoWR) was held in the Windy City, bringing 400 representatives of 41 faiths, it has become a massive gathering directing attention to global rise in religious fanaticism, state-sanctioned exclusion, and other problems, facing practicing faith-based communities around the world. Indian faiths were prominent, with representatives from Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jain, Christian, Buddhist religions present to problem-solve and find answers. The Indian delegation of interfaith leaders radiated with fervor.

Chicago’s atmosphere was electric, as reflected in Mayor Brandon Johnson statement, “In this moment, seeking refuge solely within scriptures and holy texts falls short; it is essential to exhibit the most magnificent creation and power of humanity – the act of love.”

PoWR 2023 resounded as a summons to conscience. The central theme was the defense of freedom and Human Rights. A sojourn through the exhibition hall became a journey into one’s moral compass. Here, spiritual traditions, religious collectives, faith-based seminaries, modern mantras for bonding, ancient sutras for equilibrium, poignant reflections on religious animosity, organizations dedicated to social progress, and revitalizing yoga meditations converged.

Stalls at the event ranged from those featuring interfaith songs to presenting data on minorities targeted for persecution; from mementos, leaflets, brochures for distribution, to information on courses offered at higher education institutions like the Boston School of Theology.

Similarly, the spectrum of topics, spanning the gamut from deconstructing religious patriarchy to the serendipitous revelations in the realm of anti-nuclear activism, saving the Amazon rainforest, a Women’s Assembly addressing female participation within faith-infused societies.

The issue of fanaticism held great interest. Rev. Jen Butler, founder of Faith in Public Life, lamented, “Religion, once the sanctuary of moral teachings, now stands manipulated, its moral fabric corroded by heinous acts of violence. Autocratic forces wield religion as an instrument for amassing power and maintaining control.”

The Langar, a ritual embedded in PoWR gatherings since 2004, attracted thousands, and organizers thanked the Birmingham-based Nishkam Seva Jatha, and its leader Bhai Sahab Mohinder Singh, for bringing that service to the occasion. Faith leaders with white scarves, formed orderly queues, to savor the Indian foods.

A poignant commemoration was held for the 30,000 children lost to gun violence. And the International Religious Freedom Roundtable was held.