On On August 14, 2023, NAIN held a successful workshop at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago on the current experiences of religious pluralism in North America. Presenters offered several perspectives from their own experiences. Melissa Coles, Doctoral Candidate at the University of Notre Dame and NAIN Council Member, moderated. Audience participation was robust.
Our Presenters:
J. Shelton Nalley, Chair for the North American Interfaith Network, argued that the dynamics established by rights and responsibilities means that religious freedom and religious pluralism are mutually reinforcing and interdependent.
Pastor Peter Noteboom, General Secretary of The Canadian Council of Churches and Co-Chair of The Canadian Interfaith Conversation, highlighted the experiences of First Nations, Québec, and the Rest of Canada.
Bhikkhu, Vasu Bandhu, Interfaith Manager for the Arizona Faith Network, discussed threats to pluralism and religious freedom in Mexico.
Ruth Broyde Sharone, Co-Chair Emeritus for the Southern California Parliament of the World’s Religions (SCCPWR) and NAIN Council Member, centered her comments around the rise in divisiveness between pro-Israel and anti-Israel sentiment in the American Jewish community which is related to the divide in political affiliation among American Jews.
In a 2nd Parliament panel, several long time NAIN leaders joined in a deep exploration of Interfaith Engagement: Past, Present and Future, sponsored by Religions for Peace - USA. Bettina Gray, Grove Harris and Tarunjit Butalia are seen in the above photo discussing where we’ve been and where we need to go.
During Interfaith Awareness Week several NAIN leaders Bettina Gray, Rev. Kay Lindahl, Rev. Dr. Robert Hankinson, Rev. Paul Chaffee, Ruth Broyde Sharone offered insight and historical perspective on The Evolution of Interfaith in America. NAIN also offered a lively online session titled “Interfaith Experiences and The Importance of Being an Ally.”
