Dialogue International

“Come to the Waters” Pre-Parliament of World Religions Gathering in Madison

The Parliament of the World’s Religions brings together the world’s spiritual and religious communities, their leaders and their practitioners to a gathering where peace, diversity and sustainability are discussed and explored in the context of interreligious understanding and cooperation. Since 1993, the Parliament has convened in different parts of the world —in North America — Chicago (1993), in Africa — Cape Town (1999), in Europe –Barcelona (2004)–and will convene next in December 2009 in Melbourne, Australia. During the 2009 Parliament, participants will work with others and within their own traditions to craft faithful responses to several issues including global poverty, global warming, environmental degradation and restoration.

This gathering in Madison focused on environmental spiritualities with particular attention given to WATER—its role in our sacred writings, our rituals, our daily lives—and how our traditions can work together to ensure that every creature on earth have access to this precious and essential gift.

A1 & B1. “A Common Word Between Us & You:” Implications for Future Interfaith Dialogue ( 2 Consecutive Sessions)–
A Common Word Between Us and You is an open letter, dated 13 October 2007, from 138 leaders of the Muslim faith to leaders of the Christian faith. It calls for peace between Muslims and Christians and tries to work for common ground and understanding among both faiths based especially on the two main commandments: (1) love God; and (2) love one’s neighbor. In this two-part presentation, Dr. Goulding will address the significance of this document and the responses from various Christian institutions for the future of interreligious dialogue. Asım Şahin will then respond to his presentation and the two of them will enter into dialogue with the participants.
Session A & Session B.
—Dr. James Goulding holds degrees from DePauw University, Yale Divinity, and Claremont Graduate School. After serving 30 year in various capacities at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, he joined the Edgewood College Religious Studies Department as adjunct professor in 2004 where he teaches courses in World Religions and Islam.

Asım Şahin, a native of Turkey, is a UW-Madison Graduate Student in Industrial Engineering, and a Board Member of Dialogue International.

Where
Edgewood College
Religious Studies Department

When
Sunday, October 12, 2008

Schedule
11:00 am Registration & Vegetarian Lunch, Visit Exhibits/Resources
12:00 pm Welcome & Opening Prayer
2:00 pm Concurrent Sessions A, Lectures/Presentations, Spiritual Practices
3:15 pm Concurrent Sessions B, Lectures/Presentations, Spiritual Practices
5:00 pm Vegetarian-Friendly Dinner
6:00 pm Sacred Concert
8:15 pm Conclusion/Departure