wfn.org | Parliament of World's Religions to Hear of Latin American Dialogue

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

Aug. 24, 1999
Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
Mim Neal, 312 629 2990, mimneal@cpwr.org
John Dart, 818 363 3984, jdartnews@aol.com
http://www.cpwr.org

   One event at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro helped
accelerate dialogue among spiritual leaders in Latin America. The public
vigil, filled with the songs and prayers of 25 faith traditions, was dubbed
"One Day for the Earth" by international media and demonstrated the public
impact of united action by diverse religions.
   Since then, interfaith dialogue has continued to increase, often
focusing on critical issues, according to Rev. Luis M. Dolan, Latin
American Outreach Coordinator for the Council for a Parliament of the
World's Religions (CPWR).
   Fr. Dolan will report on Latin American interfaith work during the
Dec. 1-8 Parliament of the World's Religions in Cape Town, South Africa.
He will cite the spiritual community's support for efforts to end
shantytown killings in Brazil and restore the sanctity of a church in
Acteal, Chiapas, Mexico, where indigenous refugees were massacred by
paramilitary forces in 1997.
   Interfaith networks are also flourishing in Argentina, Bolivia,
Ecuador, Peru, Trinidad and Venezuela.
   In Cape Town, Fr. Dolan will report developments to religious
leaders, scholars, social activists, youth and interested laity from around
the world. More than 6,000 participants are expected at the December
Parliament.
   "South Africa's historic struggle to end apartheid underscores the
Parliament's focus on applying faith convictions to social realities," said
Jim Kenney, director of CPWR's International Interreligious Initiative.
The Parliament's working document, "A Call to Our Guiding
Institutions," invites institutions of religion, government, commerce,
education, media, science, and others, to redefine their roles in seeking
"a just, peaceful and sustainable future."
************************************************
Ms. Mim Neal
Public Relations Manager
Mr. John Dart
Media Consultant - CPWR / California
Tel. / Fax: 818-363-3984
E-mail: mailto:jdartnews@aol.com
CPWR Tel.: 312-629-2990
Fax: 312-629-2991 / 3552 / 1287
Direct Line for Mim Neal: 312-629-1120
Web site: http://www.cpwr.org
parliament General Info: mailto:99info@cpwr.org