wfn.org | Call from Parliament of World's Religions meeting in Cape Town

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

6 December 1999

Cape Town - Leaders of the world's major faiths have begun discussions on
the practical ways to implement plans for the benefit of mankind contained
in the document "A Call to our Guiding Institutions".

Although the Call counts governments and religion as important forces for
social and moral guidance, it also invites co-operation from six other
spheres of influence:

1)Agriculture, labor, industry and commerce; 2) education; 3) arts and
communication media; 4) science and medicine; 5) inter-government
institutions such as the United Nations; and 6) voluntary associations of
civil society.

The text promotes the ethical values of non-violence, human dignity and
compassion. It aims to work towards the eradication of poverty, ecological
damage and the deprivation of human rights.

Rev Dirk Ficca, Executive Director of the Parliament's Council said: "The
document appeals to leaders in these institutions, not so much as to
convince them of a particular agenda, but to establish partnerships and
projects around those values and concerns about which they are already
convinced".

The closing Plenary session of the Parliament will be held on Wednesday, 8
December, and is scheduled to include an address by the Dalai Lama,
spiritual leader of the Tibetan branch of Buddhism.

Rev Dave Wanless - Coordinator: Ecumenical News Network southern Africa
Tel & Fax: +27 (21) 683-9665
Cell: 082 958-6482
E-mail: davecong@mweb.co.za
Website: www.uccsa.co.za