The Parliament of the World’s Religions convened over 7,000 individuals from multiple faiths this week in Chicago. This year’s theme was “Defending Freedom and Human Rights.”
As multiple cultures entered the assembly hall at the opening ceremony, filling the room with bright colors, ornate garb, and beautiful music, it was a reminder of what an incredibly diverse and rich world we share.
Chicago’s mayor, Brandon Johnson, welcomed the parliament with a challenge: “Let the world see the greatest gift of all humankind — love.”
For those who’ve never attended a parliament or engaged in interfaith work before, love is at the core of these experiences. Persuasive debate and dogmatic conversation are abandoned to be replaced with mutual respect, curious conversations, and a love for all human beings.
When we set aside the aspects of faith propagating conquest and conversion, we are left with the basic elements of faith and spirituality bringing us together in a shared humanity.
Instead of competing for souls and resources, we begin working on issues that are harming humanity. It’s what Indigenous spiritualist and theologian Lenore Three Stars calls a “Theology of Wholeness.” A theology of wholeness abandons the tired dictum of converting souls for the purpose of earthly and external conquest and assimilation.
In return, people of faith are encouraged to practice a theology of wholeness in their specific tradition. The premise suggests humanity exists within a symbiotic, loving relationship with all divine creation.
However, humanity must acknowledge the brokenness brought upon these relationships through natural and unnatural evil. Through natural tragedies and human injustices, the world and her inhabitants suffer from the brokenness.
Therefore, the goal of all religions should be to strive towards recognizing the brokenness, act out of shared humanity, and work towards bringing that brokenness to wholeness. As a Jesus-follower, his words resonate with me: “Love God with all your heart, mind and strength…and love your neighbor as you would love yourself.”
Events like Parliament of the World’s Religions remind us that all religions share common threads. While all humans practice their faiths in unique expressions (and some choose not to practice a faith), we all share common values: justice, forgiveness, mercy, grace, hope, love, and others. These core values are very important to all faiths.
Of course, I recognize this is a very simplistic analysis and solution to a very complex question. However, let me ask this question, “Have the theologies based upon conversion and conquest made the world more peaceful and just?”
Zoroastrianist Sousan Abadian asked the crowd this week, “Who among you will step up and address the suffering and injustices of the world?”
President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, Karen Freeman-Wilson, argued for freedom and justice, claiming, “We stand in solidarity against all injustice” because injustice lurks behind the corner for all of us.
Rev. Dr. Paul Rauschenbusch, president and CEO of the Interfaith Alliance, recalled a story about his predecessor, Rabbi Jack Moline (GFM Advisory Board Member). When a Muslim registry was being considered in the United States, the Jewish rabbi concluded, “If a registry is implemented, then I will be the first Muslim to register.”
In the Republic of Georgia, Bishop of the Evangelical-Baptist Church Malkhaz Songulashvili refuses to wear his bishop medallion bearing the image of Mary and Jesus in protest of unjust laws requiring the wearing of Christian symbols. The law seeks to delineate between Christians and Muslims. He stands in solidarity with those who are against any unjust laws marginalizing Muslims in his region.
Friends, this is love in action. As Cornel West quipped, “Justice is what love looks like in public.” As people of good faith, we need to celebrate our unique traditions while standing in solidarity with others.
There was one moment this week that stood above the others for me. As some avid readers know, I have written a lot about my Indigenous culture over the last few years.
(Credit: Mitch Randall)
At the end of one day this week, I participated in an Indigenous thanksgiving ceremony. Approaching the fire with tobacco, I gave thanks to Father Sky and Mother Earth for another day of human experiences.
Watching and smelling the tobacco burn in the embers, I thought of my ancestors who were conquered by colonial Christians, forced to relocate from their homelands, imprisoned in boarding schools, and told their culture was uncivilized and evil. I stood at the fire with tears welling in my eyes.
I gave thanks for the day, but I also offered forgiveness. Forgiveness is not forgetting, nor does it cease seeking justice. But offering forgiveness helps me search for wholeness for both the just and unjust.
Once again, the Parliament of the World’s Religions has inspired me to be a more faithful follower of Jesus while respecting other faiths and cultures. I leave Chicago with more love in my heart and justice on my mind.
May we always seek freedom and justice for all humans, regardless of the content of their prayers.
