Catholics and Interreligious Relations: Challenges Facing a New Pope
By Dr. John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, Catholic Theological Union
Board Trustee, Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
 Benedict XVI’s papacy has been marked by ups and downs. There was more than one colossal “faux pas” (.e.g the Regensburg speech) with regard to Muslims (and the Bishop Williamson affair). Overall, however, Benedict generally kept intact the interreligious thrust of the Catholic Church generated by Vatican II But he did not do much to advance that thrust beyond his predecessor John Paul II.
If (and that remains a big “if”) the new Pope wishes to move interreligious relations to a new level I see three interrelated challenges before him. The first will be how to handle the strong emphasis on evangelization and dialogue that has been a central of the past several years of Benedict XVI’s time in office. In my mind few Catholic leaders have really struggled with the question, “can you mount an evangelization campaign and still remain committed to interreligious relations?” Doesn’t such an evangelization outreach place “the other” on unequal footing from the Catholic perspective? And doesn’t authentic dialogue require some affirmation of the coequal status of your dialogue partner? Read more...
|
|
On TV, an Everyday Muslim as Everyday American
By Samual Freeman for the NYTimes
 On a Sunday afternoon several months ago, I was engaged in one of my favorite religious rituals, watching pro football on television. During a break in the game, I reflexively clicked the “mute” button on the remote control. But my eyes stayed fixed on a startling commercial. Read more... |
 Realizing Pope Benedict XVI's Interfaith Legacy
By Leo Lefebure
Board Trustee
Council for a Parliament of the World Religions
On Monday, February 11, 2013, Pope Benedict surprised many people throughout the world by announcing that he would resign from the papacy, effective 8:00 PM (Roman time) on February 28, 2013. While Benedict’s decision astounded many, he himself had already publicly stated that if a pope were no longer able to carry out the responsibilities of the office, he had the option, and possibly the obligation, to resign. Read More...
|
|
Parliament Women's Task Force Present at the U.N.
Religion, Culture and Violence Against Women will explore vital questions at the intersection of women's issues and religion, particularly as they relate to this year's UN-CSW focus on violence against women: What has been the use of religious doctrine to justify violence against women and does religion have the precepts, influence and power to change these age-old beliefs and practices? What are the current challenges and opportunities for women - of all faiths and in all countries? Read more... |
The New Pope Should Come From the Global South
By Wesley Granberg-Michaelson
(RNS) As the 117 Roman Catholic cardinals walk into the Sistine Chapel next month for the election of a new pope, one hopes that they fully recognize the unfolding, dramatic pilgrimage of world Christianity: The demographic center of Christian faith has moved decisively to the Global South. Over the past century, this astonishing demographic shift is the most dramatic geographical change that has happened in 2,000 years of Christian history. Trends in the Catholic Church — comprising about 1 out of 2 Christians in the world — Read More...
|
|
Russell Berrie Fellowship Program on Interreligious Studies Application Deadline: March 22, 2013
On behalf of the Russell Berrie Foundation, the Institute of International Education is pleased to announce the sixth consecutive year of the Russell Berrie Fellowship Program in Interreligious Studies, arranged at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).
The aim of the Fellowship Program is to build bridges between Christian, Jewish, and other religious traditions by providing the next generation of religious leaders with a comprehensive understanding of and dedication to interfaith issues. Russell Berrie Fellows are expected to complete the program and return home to their parishes and communities to lead others in efforts to promote interfaith understanding. Read more...
Shedding Bias at Hawaiian Interfaith Harmony Week Symposium
The Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions was pleased to support U.N. Interfaith Harmony Week over the first week of February 2013.
Hawaii-based President of the All Believers Network and interfaith activist, Dr. Saleem Ahmed, reports on the state’s celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week, a rapidly-spreading tradition started by the United Nations in 2010 to promote interreligious events across the globe. A unique exercise spurred promising Interfaith relations when speakers of four major religious traditions confessed to “finding fault” within their own religious texts. For the Hawaii convention, this was a powerful moment. Read more...
Sympathy for the Passing of Native-American Spiritual Leader Richard Leo Twiss
Richard Leo Twiss, Lakota, co-founder and President of Wiconi International,has passed away. The Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions extends sympathy to the Twiss family and friends, "[He was] a national Native-American spiritual leader who was so terrific at bridge building while speaking out of reality," says Dr. Mary Nelson, Interim Executive Director for CPWR. Read more...
Parliament's Finnish Fellows Bestows Golden Rule Award for World Interfaith Harmony Week
Tapio Varis, UNESCO Chair in global e-learning and member of the board of directors of New York-based Center for Media & Peace Initiatives has been bestowed with the prestigious Golden Rule Award.
"The Golden Rule Award is a stone given as a sign of gratitude to people who try to implement The Golden Rule in practice. The Golden Rule is the ground for dialogue but it is actually the process of dialogue that leads people to really walk on the path of Golden Rule", says Heidi Rautionmaa, Finland’s Interfaith Dialogue Network Coordinator and Ambassador to the 2009 Parliament of World's Religions. Read more...
|
|
|
|
|
Latest from
State of Formation
Voices of Emerging Leaders
|
|
When you give to the Parliament...
You can now have your gift to support our year-long Faiths Against Hate campaign matched by a generous donor to the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions!
As hate is rising in our nation, it is critical that the forces of faith mediate anger and promote the positive energy of relationships. We must build a stronger interfaith movement for the future of our children and the planet.
Help us mediate the elements of fear and anger into peace, love, and interreligious harmony and have your gift matched dollar for dollar.
|
|
