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.