"Reparations: What Is It and What is the Faith Community’s Role in the Contemporary Movement?" 

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Mr. Mitchell Walthour Jr. (Moderator) 

The Rev. Dr. Sheila McKeithen 

Mr. John Tateishi 

Dr. Kamilah Moore

Rabbi Seth Limmer 

Mr. Marlon Watson

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The purpose of this panel is to explore the Contemporary Reparations Movement in the U.S. and to examine reparations as a viable path to social and economic justice. The discussion provides religious leaders with practical steps to help cultivate a more just and equitable world through effective reparations advocacy. Understanding reparations as a tool for individual and collective healing and transformation (materially and spiritually), attendees will gain a foundation that aligns with top economic and legal scholars in the country, to include the new generation of grassroots activists. Special focus is given to voices of Black American (American Freedmen), Jewish, and Japanese American communities. 

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A Grassroots Approach to Actualizing the Global Ethic

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           Rev. Therisia "Trish" Hall

 

We are each called by a vision of how life can be.  Sustainable change depends on shifting how we relate to one another and our planet. Until the Global Ethic is lived in heart and action, we are putting band-aids on gaping wounds. This session invites individuals to work at the causal level—to reveal how they are to create communities grounded on new ethical relationships. Participants are guided to identify the components of their role and work collaboratively to design strategies and set goals, connect with others, and cause change at the grassroots level.

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"The Parliament’s Global Ethic: Faith Leaders Discuss Healing for a Hurting World"  

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Somava Saha

Traci Blackmon

Sidney Helbraun

Derrick B. Wells

Bob Flannery

Charline Manuel

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In this panel discussion, faith leaders address their views on healing the minds and hearts of humanity. How can the Parliament's signature document, the "Global Ethic," support relief from widespread pain, suffering, and injustice experienced in local communities and around the globe. The "Global Ethic," short for "Towards a Global Ethic (An Initial Declaration)," is the result of wide consultation and has expressed the moral commitments shared by the world's people since 1993. Natural disasters, pandemics, a rise in world protests, violence, harmful misinformation, and wars create small and large-scale trauma in the lives of those faith leaders strive to help and serve. The effects of emotional damage, mental and physical suffering, and ongoing systemic injustices have had dramatic effects on the health and well-being of people around the globe. Statistics reveal the world is hurting and the document "Towards a Global Ethic" is needed now more than ever. This interfaith panel of leaders discusses this rising global problem from the perspective of their local communities. Commentary on the Global Ethic document offers ways the document can provide support, offer strategies, or solutions to address trauma felt locally while striving for the health and wellbeing of all globally. Presenters discuss ways their faith tradition aligns with the Global Ethic and can support moving people beyond the pain and suffering so prevalent in today’s News, to the hope of a future of global peace and wellbeing for all.

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"Faith for the Earth" 

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Bhaisahib Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia

Vandana Shiva

Michael Bernard Beckwith

Iyad Abumoghli

Charles McNeill

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

David Rosen

Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati

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What does faith tell about our duty to protect & preserve the planet and those with whom we share it? What do our faiths teach us to do in the face of climate change & ecological degradation that threaten the survival of our planet? The culprits of climate change are typically thought of as industry, governments & transportation. Now, faith communities & individuals have a much greater potential & opportunity to mitigate climate change, environmental destruction, and global poverty through our choices. Each day, more than 1 billion people sleep hungry & thousands of children die of starvation, yet more than 50% of the planet’s arable land & a huge percentage of the water & other resources are used to grow food for livestock, resulting in increased greenhouse gasses & strained water supplies. In this panel, religious leaders and experts will share insights into how each of us can make significant impacts on the future of our planet through personal choices of what we eat, buy and more.

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"Global Ethic Symposium: A Shared Commitment to a Culture of Equal Rights and Partnership Between Men and Women"  

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Shivani Parikh

Aisha Subhan

Ann Smith

Paulette Pipe

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When the Parliament’s signature document, “Towards a Global Ethic (An Initial Declaration),” or Global Ethic, was drafted in 1993, over 200 religious leaders and scholars conferred about the teachings that their traditions share regarding partnerships between men and women and women’s rights. The principles and values that they decided they held in common are set forth in the Global Ethic’s Fourth Directive, “commitment to a culture of equal rights and partnership between men and women.” This session offers an outline of these principles and values, a panel discussion by religious scholars and leaders about the Fourth Directive, an invitation to deepen the dialogue, and an opportunity to imagine a world in which this Directive is fully embraced and lived out.

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Quantum Meditation – A Multi-faith Experience to Accessing Your Deeper Spiritual Heart

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           Rev. Aliza Robinson

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The intention of Quantum Meditation is to help achieve a direct connection to Spirit/Source – whatever it is that you call as God or your Highest Essence of Being, through a specific process of bypassing your logical, literal mind and accessing the deeper field of your spiritual heart. The practice is multi-fold and connects each person to their body, mind, heart, soul and Spirit, as well as to the Earth and Sun. The experience utilizes a concurrent exoteric and esoteric approach that assists in opening not only the mind, but the very Being of You. It is simple, easy to follow with profound results.

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" A Multi-Faith Perspective on Cao Dai’s Tools For Self-Realization"

 

        Rev. Hong Dang Bui M.D.

          Ruth Broyde-Sharone

          Rev. Jan Chase

          Rev. Hoang Le

          Azim Khamisa

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The goal of the Triple Fold Path of Tam Công in the CaoDai Faith is to help achieve inner and outer peace and liberation through the simultaneous practice of service, self-cultivation and meditation.   Service provides physical, emotional, spiritual well-being to All. Self-cultivation, a continuous skillful processing of emotions, improves our  actions in love and harmony. Meditation constitutes a necessary exercise to discover our Divine essence.   This concurrent exoteric and esoteric approach is open to and achievable by all women and men, realizing human equity. These concepts will be explained in details by CaoDai leaders, followed by reflections from representatives of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the New Thought. We will explore the univeThe goal of the Triple Fold Path of Tam Công in the CaoDai Faith is to help achieve inner and outer peace and liberation through the simultaneous practice of service, self-cultivation and meditation.   Service provides physical, emotional, spiritual well-being to All. Self-cultivation, a continuous skillful processing of emotions, improves our  actions in love and harmony. Meditation constitutes a necessary exercise to discover our Divine essence.   This concurrent exoteric and esoteric approach is open to and achievable by all women and men, realizing human equity. These concepts will be explained in details by CaoDai leaders, followed by reflections from representatives of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the New Thought. We will explore the universality of the CaoDai principles and their relevance to people of all faiths or no faiths.rsality of the CaoDai principles and their relevance to people of all faiths or no faiths. 

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"Global Ethic Symposium-A Shared Commitment to a Culture of Sustainability and Care for the Earth"  

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James Trapp

Laurel Kerns

Dorene Wiese

Robert Stockman

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A quarter of a century after the Parliament of the World’s Religions’ signature document, “Towards a Global Ethic (An Initial Declaration),” or Global Ethic, was drafted in 1993, leaders of the Parliament took note of widespread agreement among religious and non-religious people about sustainability and care for the Earth. During a months-long collaborative process, over 100 religious leaders and scholars were consulted about their traditions’ teachings on these issues. They identified several principles and values that they hold in common. These were elaborated in a Fifth Directive which was added to the Global Ethic in 2018: a “commitment to a culture of sustainability and care for the Earth.” This session offers a brief introduction to the Fifth Directive, a panel discussion by religious scholars and leaders about its principles and values, an invitation to ask questions and engage in dialogue, and an opportunity to imagine a world in which the Directive is fully embraced and lived out. 

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"Global Ethic Symposium-Living the Global Ethic: Shared Moral Commitments in Action" 

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Bobby Rush

Stephan Schlensog

Michael Bernard Beckwith

Kehkashan Basu

Charline Manuel

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The year 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the Parliament’s signature document, “Towards a Global Ethic (An Initial Declaration),” or Global Ethic. This session offers an invitation to deepen the dialogue about the Global Ethic and an opportunity to imagine a world in which the document is fully embraced and lived out. It includes a panel discussion by religious scholars and leaders about the Global Ethic, and an opportunity to grapple with questions such as: How may we keep the Global Ethic alive in our communities?  What should be next for the Global Ethic? Can the Global Ethic help to heal the challenges facing society, and make a difference the world needs? Where do we go from here?

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" Moving from Stress to Connection: Pomona California"

         

          Bill Herman

          Jan Chase

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There’s a community in California that has taken stress seriously. It’s one thing for an individual to take a proactive stance toward dealing with stress and trauma but when a whole community addresses these inevitable aspects of life it’s something to pay attention to. Pomona California is an mid-sized town with enormous challenges yet an enlightened openness that’s rare in this world. Schools, police, mental health, and faith-based institutions have embraced a set of cognitive and physiological techniques and processes that enhance self-awareness, connection to others, and mental well-being in a way that has taken people by surprise. This session explores abstract concepts such as human values, breath, awareness, and self-care through a set of question-based exercises and interactive processes which take people by surprise. We take a close look at how one community has addressed mental health and nurturing a deeper connection to self and others in this time of great need.

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“SPEAK TRUTH TO FALSE POWER: Erasing Othering for a Future of Spiritual Justice” 

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INTA: Dr. Tim Stewart

ANTN: Rev. Michele Whittington

UWM: Rev. Shad Groverland

UWH: Rev. Sandra Campbell

UFBL/CUT: Rev. Derrick Wells

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New Thought is a uniquely inclusive spiritual tradition that not only accepts and respects, but explicitly celebrates all cultures, races, lifestyles, and belief systems that lovingly embrace the value of life. We welcome diversity without need to judge or expectation to conform, and aspire to challenge the practice of religion as “so heavenly that it is of no earthly good.” Injustice in all forms should be “called out,” as we learn together to non-violently “speak truth to false power.” Beyond tolerance, we seek true recognition of the “Other” as multifarious expressions of our universal divine Oneness. This panel shares specific teachings and practices that illuminate this truth.

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“Sacred Economics: Creating a More Just World for All Beings” 

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Cylvia Hayes

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NThe global capitalist economic system, based on materialism, consumption and limitless growth, are wreaking havoc on nature and keeping millions trapped in poverty or unsatisfying, dead-end jobs. There is a better way! The New Economy movement is robust and gaining momentum as more and more people, entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations say “enough is enough” and get busy creating healthier ways of making a living and doing business. This session explores some of the current norms in status quo economic systems that need a change-up and dives into exciting emerging alternatives. Participants gain tools for becoming directly engaged in creating an economy that works better for all beings and making the shift from an economics of separation to an economics of reunion, respect and love.

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"Discovering the Universal Wisdom Experience"

         

         Rev. Victoria Etachemendy

          Rev. Paul John Roac

          Rev.Valerie Mansfield

          Rev. Jan Chase

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This session is an opportunity to share our direct spiritual experiences, and discover the golden thread of universal wisdom and truth principles within all religious traditions. We will be using the book "Unity and the World’s Religions" by Paul John Roach, who will be one of our presenters. How do we find the truth in all paths? What are the connecting links between faiths? How can we use this understanding to contribute to greater harmony and collaboration in the world? Through presentations and small group sharing, we will find a deep unity with each other.

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"Discover Your Divinity: A Modern Approach to Affirmative Prayer "

         

Linda Martella-Whitsett

DeeAnn Weir Morency

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This experiential session provides a modern and effective model of affirmative prayer open to any level of practitioner. Our focus is on empowering prayer that concludes by our claiming the power necessary to walk through our circumstances spiritually whole. The idea that we are divine and creators of our experience is now shared by a wide range of Christian denominations and other faiths, but affirmative prayer is still something unique to New Thought. Whether you are an experienced prayer practitioner or new to the wonders of affirmative prayer, there is always more for us to discover about ourselves, our divine nature, and how we can live into truth more fully. From this, we can access and harness our power in new ways, transforming our lives and the world. The teaching of oneness—meaning there is only one divine power and therefore God and humanity are one in absolute Truth—changes prayer. Affirmative prayer doesn’t change the Divine. Affirmative prayer changes us.

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COMMUNITY PLENARY

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Khaled Abu Awwad

Michael Bernard Beckwith

Jean Shinoda Bolen 

Gus diZerega

Brian Grim

SHU-MING Hu

Azza Karam

Rami Nashashibi

Steve Sarowitz

Khalil Sayegh

Anantanand Rambachan

Hanan Schlesinger

Rabbi at Roots/Shorashim/Judur

Jerry White

Swami Yatidharmanand

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“IS RACISM FAKE NEWS? | Part 1"

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Charline Manuel,

James Trapp

Sylvia Sumter

Kevin Ross

Diana McDaniel

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While some deny that there is a race problem, it is well-documented that racial injustice exists widely in the U.S. and around the globe. It is at the core of pain, suffering, and generational trauma that fuels violence, perpetuates prejudice, and affects mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. The Parliament’s signature document "Towards a Global Ethic (An Initial Declaration)" invites all people whether religious or not to take responsibility for the fair and just treatment of all people. The document states “Our different religious and cultural traditions must not prevent our common involvement in opposing all forms of inhumanity and working for greater humaneness.” Racism is inhumane. It is at the core of some of humankind’s worst problems worldwide. Faith leaders are called to bring alive the principles discussed in the Global Ethic and cultivate a landscape of peace, equality, and justice for all. This session is open to everyone. Part 2 of this program is an interactive workshop.

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“IS RACISM FAKE NEWS? | Part 2"

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Gregory Guice

Sandra Campbell

Paulette Pipe

Eric Donaldson,

Dinah Chapman

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In workshop format, participants delve into a meaningful conversation around the many effects of suppressed trauma, pain, and suffering caused by racism. The Parliament’s signature document "Towards a Global Ethic (An Initial Declaration)" invites all people whether religious or not, to take responsibility for the fair and just treatment of all people. Faith communities have an opportunity to move beyond unwittingly contributing to the trauma of experienced racism, and hopelessly witnessing the damage caused to individuals and society at large, to take up the principles presented in the Global Ethic. This is an opportunity to engage in dialogue and courageous conversations on ways to change words, actions as well as minds and hearts toward the journey of healing, reconciliation, and authentic peaceful cohabitation. All are welcome to attend. Racism is not fake news, it affects everyone and all have a stake in the social change it takes to heal it. 

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"Beyond the Box"  When religion limits, how can we use it as a stepping-stone to a mystical experience? "

         

Rev. Jan Chase

Ruth Broyde-Sharone

Rev. Aliza Bloom Robinson

Azim Khamisa

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The intention of this diverse panel of interfaith leaders is to shine a light of consciousness around the question of:  What happens when our Religious beliefs, the very ones that gave us freedom; become oppressing and limiting? How can we take the box of our Religion, and shift it to being a stepping-stone of our spiritual unfoldment and mystical experience? Religion is important to teach morals, values, ritual, but in today’s world but it can become the very thing that keeps us from becoming all we can be. Learn to use the box and stand on it – to go into the more mystical understanding of our faith – to fulfill our potential. Each panelist has had their own experience of going beyond. The Panel will share, and there will be opportunities for personal reflection and larger group discussion. They will also examine how using the deepest emotional suffering/pain to enter the depth of our being, can open doorways to the enormity of our Being.oration in the world? Through presentations and small group sharing, we will find a deep unity with each other.

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"Incluyendo Poblaciones Que No Hablan Tu Idioma/Embracing Populations that do not Speak Your Language "

         

Johannys Jiménez-Hartog

Jack Hartog

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This bilingual session (Spanish and English) explores the issues confronting how congregations can unite people who share the same faith tradition but speak a different language. We can find means “to join hands in defending human rights and freedom” when within the same faith tradition we reach beyond the limits of our own language and culture to those of another language and culture. The session offers practical insights for people of faith and goodwill to defend freedom, human rights, and enhance equity in their communities through understanding how to transcend the limits of language and culture within same faith communities. The presenters share their experiences and insights in adding Spanish language ministries to English language ministries, giving practical insights on how to build bridges between people within the same faith tradition but with different languages and accompanying culture

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“LIVING OUT LOUD: Demonstrating New Thought Commitments to Gender Identity and Equal Rights"

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CSL:   Rev. Soni Cantrell-Smith

Agape: Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith

UFBL: Rev. Dr. Sheila McKeithen

HITC: Bishop  Jack Bomar

ILM:   Rev. Dr. Deborah Johnson

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New Thought is a safe space that honors the divine expression through all people. We act forcefully to uplift racial equity, and protect choices related to gender and sexual identity. We compassionately denounce any religious and cultural norms that fail to protect the basic welfare of girls and women, and extend these to non-binary sexuality and gender identity as human rights at stake in all societies and every part of the world. This panel will embody and discuss this evolving narrative, and feature the prominent role of African American and female clergy in New Thought leadership. 

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"How New Thought Christianity Heals Communities through Empowerment"

         

Rev. Shad Groverland

Rev. Gaylon McDowell

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As a “new thought” and new form of Christianity began to emerge in the 1800s, so with it came a new form of physical and relational healing. Based on the power and ability of the mind to heal the body, as exemplified by Christ, this healing power has the potential to heal the separation and tension that is emerging in our communities today. In this session, we explore the ways New Thought Christianity can take more of an active role in healing the larger issues we face in society today.

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"The Women Who Founded a New Thought Religious Movement:  Matriarchs of Inclusive Peace and Justice Ministries"

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New Thought: Rev. Michael Terranova

Divine Science:  Jolene Clark

Religious Science: Rev. Kathy Mastroianni

Unity: Rev. Linda Martella-Whitsett

UFBL: Rev. Dr. Sheila McKeithen

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This powerful panel will share the story of a unique and revolutionary phenomenon in world religious history: a faith tradition founded mainly by women, that ordains predominantly female clergy to this day. Five major denominations of New Thought will offer passages and teachings by its women founders, demonstrating the influence of matriarchal values in creating ministries rooted in peace, justice, love and radical inclusivity. From historic Emma Curtis Hopkins, Mary Baker Eddy, Myrtle Fillmore, and Johnnie Coleman to contemporary Louise Hay and Unity minister, Marianne Williamson, presenters draw from the archives of Unity, Religious Science, Divine Science, Universal Foundation for Better Living, and New Thought. 

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Busting the Taboos of God, Sex, & Death: Know the Truth and be Set Free!"

         

Rev. Stephanie Clarke

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God and Flesh are often warring opposites in our psyche but, tragically, we cannot experience our spiritual wholeness if we condemn or reject our earthly bodies or our sexuality.  By exposing the religious myths and common misperceptions around the Divine Feminine, sex & sin, the virgin & the prostitute, and by becoming aware of how our relationship with God and with our sexual energy is still being impacted by ancient patriarchal mythologies, we will begin to heal the inner divide.  Participants will leave with: •    an understanding of sexuality as an integral part of our inherent divinity -  naturally guilt-free  •    an appreciation of feminine sexual power and sensuality as the cause of life not death or hell •    an expanded capacity to reconcile and celebrate sexuality and spirituality as one inclusive energy, holy and whole. .

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"Abortion - A Complex Issue: Sharing our perspectives & hearing others through Listening Circles"

         

Rev. Aliza Bloom Robinson

Rev. Jan Chase

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Abortion – one of the hottest topics in our world today. But it’s always been so – as far back as 1550 there have been laws and opposition around this issue. This workshop will be designed in a “Listening Circles” format – giving each participant sacred time to respond to carefully designed questions. It is not about dialog, but about listening with open hearts, empathy and compassion as people share their own personal stories and feelings about Abortion. At the end of the Circle process there will be a larger group debrief. Participants will feel heard and have deeper and broader perspectives of the topic. Through this process, the consciousness of many about abortion may shift into a higher-broader paradigm as heart-felt connections are made.

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