wfn.org | What is the Parliament of the World?s Religions 2009?

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

What is the Parliament of the World's Religions 2009?

First held in 1893 and every 5 years since 1993 the PWR 2009 will be 
a gathering of over 10,000 people of faith and other interested 
people of goodwill meeting in Melbourne to learn about each other, to 
consider issues of global significance and to promote interreligious 
understanding and cooperation.

> * Will there be votes and resolutions?

NO! The PWR provides a safe place for meeting and discussing, but 
does not entertain resolutions, does not meet as a legislative 
assembly, and does not vote.

* Will religions be ranked, scored, or evaluated?

NO! The purpose is to promote understanding and cooperation, not to judge

> * Who supports the PWR 2009?

The PWR 2009 is currently supported by the State Government of 
Victoria, the Commonwealth Government of Australia, and the City of 
Melbourne as well as individual, religious and corporate donors.

> * Who will attend?

We expect between 10 and 15 thousand people from every religion, from 
all parts of the world and from around Australia. Everyone is 
welcome. Those who attend will be expected to be themselves, to be 
open to learning about others, and to be respectful of the rights of others.

> * Has the program been set?

NO! Five community workers have been hired to develop relations with 
religious and interreligious groups in Melbourne and Australia in 
part to surface issues they consider important. Themes for PWR 2009 
will be developed out of these consultations.
Why would Australian Governments support the PWR 2009? Is it constitutional?

Governments are also concerned about social cohesion and the role of 
religion in both challenging and promoting social cohesion. They see 
PWR 2009 as a major contributor to healthy interfaith relations and 
social cohesion.

> * Will groups engage in combined worship?

NO! Each group will present itself and its beliefs and practices but 
will not be expected to engage in combined worship activities. 
Opportunities to observe others in worship will be provided as part 
of the process of learning about each other. These will often be 
events in Melbourne places of worship.

> * Do people convert?

The PWR 2009 does not seek converts, nor does it see the parliament 
as a place to seek converts. Groups are asked to present themselves 
positively, to put their best foot forward and in so doing some may 
be attracted but that is not the aim of the PWR 2009. The usual 
outcome of interreligious involvement is a strengthened commitment to 
one's own tradition.
Who is responsible for the PWR 2009?

The PWR 2009 has been awarded by the Chicago based Council of the 
Parliament of the World's Religions (CPWR) and is managed by a local 
Board of Directors in Association with the CPWR.

Supported by: Council for a Parliament of the World's