2023 Parliament of World Religions - Sessions, Highlights, & Thoughts

August 17, 2023 @ 2:30pm

Seems that all of the speakers at the Plenary Events have been consistent in saying the same things; The need to turn our ideals, beliefs, and values into concrete actions. Stressed was the necessary of taking active positions in our communities for its betterment. If it is not us, then who will do this?

Walking through the various displays adjacent to the Main Hall gave one an appreciation for all of the diversity of people, ideas, and programs around the world. I can see many of these programs having relevance to our NWOhio area. I'm thinking that the MFC could easily "hack" some of these and after some modification, integrate these activities with the MFC's mission.

On thought that came to my mind was to create a Greater Toledo welcoming program something similar to the national Welcome Wagon Organization. Perhaps a difference could be to offer newcomers to our area a chance to preview not only the religions/cultural institutions readily available but also links for personal involvement. Something of interest to the Women's / Men's Group?

August 17, 2023 @7:40am

 

Congratulations NWOhio communities of faith.  From what I have been hearing about over the last several days at the Parliament, most discussions have been focused on what discussions are happening about in the different parts of the United States and the world. There seems to be great admiration for these communities in talking together to resolve political and philosophical differences and understandings.

 

I am proud to say that Northwest Ohio has not only overcome these challenges but through an established trust among our various communities of faith and their believers, we are well advanced on envisioning, developing, creating, and fine-tuning projects from a diversity of Toledo’s faithful to make Toledo and NWOhio a better place to live and thrive. My tomorrow's presentation The Role Communities of Faith Play in Creating Just & Sustainable Societies will be my attempt on showcasing NWOhio's efforts and achievements covering the Why's, What's, and How's to those interested.

On Tuesday, August 15, I was looking forward to a presentation covering Economics and its relationship to a Global Ethic. This presentation was going to explore the integration of cultural values and the need to restructure our present-day economy to meet our current societal and economic needs. Unfortunately, the presenters for this session did not show and the 10 of us who came to hear this presentation walked away disappointed. I really was looking forward to hearing more about this subject and perhaps its application to NWOhio.

 

How Virtual Reality is Bringing Together Palestinians and Israelis in the Middle East

This was a session that I was interested in hearing more of and perhaps utilizing such technology especially with the MultiFaith Council of NWOhio.  This session was about 40% Live In-Person and 60% Live Virtual. The main project organization, the Abrahamic Reunion, based in Israel, is seeking funds to continue their efforts.

 

Their project involves the use of purchased Virtual Reality technology: A set of wearable goggles and ear phones. In live virtual settings, partakers can visit, chat, and otherwise discuss things of mutual interest. This organization has set up a type of “2^nd Life.”  My takeaways from this presentation involved how this technology can reduce distractions and the other “noises” that interfere with our ability to communicate and interact with one another. 

Monday, August 14 @ 9:30pm

It was the opinion of one of the keynote speakers that Chicago had been the birth of the modern interfaith movement back in 1893. Between 1893 and 1993, there had been a revolution involving the progress of humanity in the technological, social, and economic progress and that the interfaith movement was critical to this progress. This progress had been dependent on the unity of purpose, vision, and action. People in the interfaith movement has always been involved in solving problems, seeking opportunities, and allowing their visions turn into actions. Visions without actions remains hollow dreams.

All contributors in the plenary sessions were in agreement - that actions must follow thoughts, philosophies, and values. They all expressed the idea that the challenge to all of us now is how to translate our global ideals into community reality.

*** JTK: My thoughts here - 'When experiencing conflicts with ethics and morality, when exactly is "enough is enough" for my personal involvement and resulting corrective action?'  How much sacrifice from others need to happen before I feel motivated to perform corrective action?

Monday August 14 @10:22am

I missed the opening procession due to our very long wait trying to register. We did see some colorful groups especially from the Republic of China featuring an elaborate dragon. Seems that for over 7,000 trying to register in a 2 hour process did not work out as there were numerous technology crashes.

Many people are dressed according to their religious traditions and costumes from their native countries. 

 Opening Plenary started with a welcome by the Mayor of Chicago talking about and stressing the need for addressing issues of Climate Change, Environmental Security, and cooperation. 

Now featured are the people of great capacity who are both behind the conference as well as the Plenary Speakers. It appears that all of us in attendance are highly motivated and seek out individual ways of achieving change in their localities. People are very open to showing their religious preferences and beliefs.