This year several of us in CUUPS and in the larger Pagan community are participating in the Parliament of the World Religions. This year’s Parliament will be in Salt Lake City, Utah. Currently, there will be an estimated 10,000 people from a variety of religious communities in attendance learning from one another.
The Parliament first met in 1893 with participants from eastern and western spiritual traditions and became the birth of interreligious dialogue as a worldwide conversation. Pagan, indigenous religions and nature-centered religions were not included and were seen as primitive. The Parliament was to meet again one hundred years later in Chicago in1993. At that time those not previously welcome attended and have been present at every Parliament since that time. I attended Parliament the first time in 2004 in Barcelona, Spain. It was an experience that changed me forever.
Currently, there are about 5-6 of Ambassadors from a variety of Pagan traditions engaging in both intra- and inter- faith dialogues with others interested in coming to the event. Two Pagans currently sit on the Parliament’s Board of Directors and many others are involved work surrounding the organization.
The Parliament of the World Religions gives me hope for the people of our planet. There I see a world that can work for every person, community, country and ultimately, our planet. As Unitarian Universalist Pagans, we can stand in our purposes and principles as a guiding light. Honoring the inherent respect and dignity of our denomination is a place for us to stand.
This is a great place to be for those who care about religions and nations working together in harmony with each other for the good of humanity, you should attend. If you are concerned about wars, terrorism, climate change, the widening wealth gap and wasteful consumption this is the place to be to work with other and create a worldwide network. The event is open to all ages.
For more information about the Parliament of the World Religions click on the link and visit the website. If you are interested in participating in the Parliament email [email protected] and we will get information to you.
BIO
Rev. Jerrie Hildebrand is on the Board of Trustees and is a long-time member of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, as well as an ordained minister with Circle Sanctuary in Wisconsin. She has been a member and friend of the former First Universalist Society and First Church Unitarian in Salem, MA.
Rev. Hildebrand spoke at the 2004 Parliament of World Religions in Barcelona, Spain on religions freedom issues for Pagans. She is currently an Ambassador to the 2015 Parliament of the World Religions.
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