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Why is the Parliament important for the Pagan Community?
0 Comments | Posted by edhubbard in Parliament of the World's Religions
Editorial by Ed Hubbard
A very exciting event is about to begin. The 5th Parliament of the World’s Religions (the PWR) will convene in Melbourne Australia, on December 3rd and continue through December 9th. The PWR is the largest Interfaith gathering in the world, and is held every five years. At the Parliament there will be representatives from nearly every faith tradition in the world. Together 9,000 people are expected to be part of this event.
What makes this event so special is that each of these faiths are adhering to the Parliament theme, “Making a World of Difference: Hearing Each Other, Healing Each Other”. The participants are doing this by sharing their faiths, traditions, practices, and culture, and in turn listening to others when they share theirs. After sharing they will discuss ideas and even possible solutions to solve problems in today’s world. It is believed that doing this dialogue will build understanding between these spiritual and religious communities. This makes it a unique teaching and learning experience.
This Parliament has three Pagan leaders, Angie Buchanan, Andras Arthen, and Phyllis Curott, serving on the Board of Trustees of the Council of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. They are part of the decision making process that creates this event. By them volunteering their time, holding their positions, and having a voice they assure that Pagans as a whole are represented at this event. This is a major step forward for our community.
During this Parliament, Pagans are represented by several panels, presentations, and sharing of rituals. A total of 17 different teaching/sharing slots led by Pagans will be available among the 650 total programs. This represents real opportunities to discuss our faith, as well share in others. It is a chance to address the leadership of other faiths that will help us find tolerance and even acceptance among the religions of the world.
One of the more important opportunities this event offers Pagans is to be able to become involved with interfaith projects. By doing so the Pagan community is able to represent itself as being good citizens and part of the creating solutions to world problems. This is significant because it will allow our talents to show through, help build tolerance and even acceptance. By being part of the solution, in small and big ways, we will positively change perceptions in local as well as global communities. As a Pagan community it will also impact us by improving our sense of value and ability to act in the world with good results.
Yet, for me, the greatest reason for Pagans to attend is to demonstrate bravery and courage. By being present at this world-class event is to say that Pagans are not afraid of what others think of our beliefs, that we will no longer hide them out of fear of persecution, and that the Pagan ideals have value. By attending, Pagans are claiming equality and a right to openly practice; not by demanding them, but by demonstrating we can take responsibility to participate in the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Our attendance and subsequent actions as a community shows that we are ready to become a active and cooperative force for creating good in the world. This is why I feel this is important to the Pagan community and why I am truly humbled and awed to be attending the Parliament of the World’s Religions.
