wfn.org | Parliament of World Religions to meet in South Africa 1-8 December

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

1999

29 November 1999

Cape Town - Over 8 000 delegates from major world faiths are expected in
South Africa for the sessions of the third Parliament of World Religions
from 1-8 December.

Among the participants will be the Dalai Lama, spiritual head of Tibetan
Bhuddism, as well as global leaders of other faith communities. Although
some South African Christians are wary of the gathering, labelling it
'syncretistic', it has the support of the major Christian denominations, as
well as prominent Jewish, Muslim, Bahai and Hindu leaders.

The first Parliament met in Chicago in 1883. It was another century before
the second parliament convened in 1993. At that meeting, it was decided
that a third gathering should be held before the end of the second
Christian millennium.

South Africa was chosen as the venue because, since its first fully
democratic elections in 1994, it is regarded as 'a microcosm in which a new
humanity is being forged'.

It is hoped that the Parliament will endorse a "Call to our Guiding
Institutions" which will seeks to engage governments and civil society
organisations on the critical issues facing humanity.

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