Here's what interfaith dialogue looks like

Parliament delegates and workshop 
presenters have come from all over the
world to meet with others of their own
faith traditions and to learn about
other philosophies and beliefs. Here, 
a glimpse of some of the ways 
those conversations have taken 
form as the Parliament has
proceeded. Photos by Wes
Yarborough.

Agape sounds a sacred note at Parliament concert

By Alexis Yancey Jaami

New Thought News Service

Wow! I sang on stage with the Agape International Choir! Twice!

Actually, it was 20 members of the choir led by Rickie Byars Beckwith, who invited New Thought delegates to be part of the group for the Parliament’s Sacred Music Concert on Sunday.

The program also featured the Tibetan Gyuto monks, Muslim singer-songwriter Zain Bhikha and a whirling prayer delivered by the Naqsbandi Sufi Order of “whirling dervishes.”

About 50 of us, including members of the news team, sang “Use Me,” “We Let the Love Wash Over Us,” “I Release and I Let Go” and other New Thought songs. What an experience, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Before the performance, we rehearsed, each singing our part, soprano, alto, tenor and bass. For the show we dressed gloriously, a rainbow of glowing hues. And at the conclusion of the music, we applauded ourselves as the audience applauded us.
Madalyn Wade, a staff minister with the Sierra Center for Spiritual Living in Nevada City, Calif., was another New Thought delegate who volunteered to take part in the Agape performance.
"It was a little scary and a little bit intimidating, but the rush of being onstage was incredible," she said. "And the choir members were so supportive."

It was an amazing experience, to stand on a stage in front of thousands of people and to see them rise to their feet to clap and sing along. It was their gift to us in response to our gift to them, proof of the law of circulation. New Thought rocks the house. And so it is!

A few of our favorite things ...

New Thought News Service


Random acts of kindness. Spontaneous sharing, of ideas, food and cultural treasures. Prayers, smiles and blessings.
Members of our news team have experienced all of this and more during the past week at the Parliament of the World's Religions.
Here are a few of the elements we've most enjoyed about taking part:

Reporter Katie Dutcher receives a blessing

and mantra from a Hindu holy woman.

• Hearing Jeremy Donovan and others play the didgeridoo.
• Seeing the dozens of colorful and varied traditional dress styles worn by delegates.
• Taking part in the many daily kindnesses and graces displayed by participants.
• Sitting in on brilliant musical performances.
• Snacking on Tim Tams!
• Experiencing all of the openness and willingness to learn about others' perspectives.
• Getting a chance to meet royalty.             
• Eating a wide variety of world cuisines.
• Learning about a range of diverse cultures.
• Connecting closely with each other.
• People-watching.
• Coming to Australia!

Divine Entertainment: Le Carnaval Spirituel

Photo essay by Susana Wolds

Reflecting the ancient wisdom practices of Indian Vedic culture, dozens of performers shared their gifts with Parliament delegates yesterday at Le Carnaval Spirituel. Dancers, musicians, yogis and masters of martial arts contributed to a devotional offering of sight and sound. Each element of the kaleidoscopic presentation was meant to lift the consciousness of the audience. "This is an offering of love to everyone," Krishna devotee Vraja Krishna Das said. "And to God, of course."


For more images from the Carnaval performances, click on our "Photos from the Parliament" link in the left column of this page.

The only way to God?

By Bree Alten

New Thought News Service

In the cool of the Melbourne morning, as thousands of Parliament participants rush off to morning devotions and meditations, a different point of view is on display outside the convention center's glass wall. 

Dr. Dallas Clarnette and Peter Stokes are two of the handful of Christians inspired to voice their opinions through large bold banners, one of which reads, "Don't trust religions, Trust Jesus Christ only."

Stokes is troubled by the interfaith dialogue aspect of the Parliament. 

"The interfaith movements are dummying down all religions into one, when Jesus Christ is the only way to God," he said.

He believes the Parliament is a pretense for salesmanship.
"People keep saying they're coming together for peace and unity, but let's get real here," Stokes said. This is the perfect place to solicit your religion." 
Clarnette's view is that there are many false gods, and that participants in the Parliament are calling Jesus a liar. Jesus, he contends, is the only true way to God; Parliament delegates often are entertaining other ideas. 
"Jesus plainly said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me," Clarnette said. "We're not trying to beat people over the head here, but it is our duty to introduce Jesus to the world. We must earn our salvation." 
A brochure produced by the group explains their concerns with the approach taken by the Parliament (PWR)  as they see it:

• The PWR reduces all religions to the same level, but Christianity says Jesus is Lord of All.
• The PWR says all religions share in the truth, while Christianity says it is the truth.
• The PWR is polytheistic, which means it believes there are many gods. Christianity says there is only one God, the Creator of all things. Jews, Muslims and Christians all believe in only one God, however Jews do not believe Jesus is their Messiah and Muslims do not believe Jesus is God. 
• The PWR denies Jesus is either Messiah or God.

This perspective seemed of little relevance to Christians gathered inside. Delegate Catherine Roberts voiced her opinion above the happy din gathered for an interfaith youth dialogue. 
"I'm keen to come learn, meet, expand, and share," she said. "We have to, don't we?"

    

Grains at a time, a work of art

Gyuto monks from Tibet work on a sand 

mandala this weekend at the Parliament. 

The five-day project started Saturday.


For a video clip of the monks' work and chanting, go to the "Videos from the 
Parliament" link in the column to the left
and look for the video near the bottom.

Blessings, music mark Parliament opening

By Roya Camp
New Thought News Service

"You give love, compassion. You bring justice."
That's how Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, who has spent her life giving education and bringing hope to demoralized and disempowered women and children in her native country through her Afghan Institute of Learning, defined the role of religion during opening remarks at the Parliament of World Religions Thursday night.
Yacoobi was one of dozens of speakers, musicians and religious leaders who took part in the powerful, colorful, spiritual ceremony.
The hundreds of attendees packed into the Melbourne convention center auditorium received Aboriginal, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Baha'i and Shinto blessings from prominent leaders in those faith traditions.
"We are grateful, we are honored, we are privileged to have you here," Wurundjeri elder Joy Murphy Wandin told audience members, many of whom attended the event in robes, turbans, saris, yarmulkes and other traditional garb.
Several speakers spoke of an increasing global interest in interfaith dialogue and activity such as occurs during the Parliament gatherings, while others noted the community feeling of the events. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called the Parliament "a family reunion."
Rev. Dr. William Lesher, chairman of the Parliament board of trustees, described it as "the beloved community" envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Australian religious and political leaders referenced the country's origins, history and legacy as they noted the role of the Aboriginal people as stewards of the land and environment and some of the injustices inflicted on the native people in the past.
This is the first generation that has the ability to solve the world's mounting issues, Rabbi David Saperstein told the audience.
"Tomorrow is today," he said. "We can, we must, we will be the shapers of a better, more hopeful humanity."


For photos of the opening ceremony, see the "Photos from the Parliament" link in the left column.