Parliament of the World's Religions

The first Parliament of the World's Religions was held in 1893 as part of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, organized by Swedish-American lay preacher Charles Carroll Bonney and lawyer John Henry Barrows. It was the first time in history that representatives of Eastern and Western religions met on an equal platform, with notable participants including Swami Vivekananda, whose opening address gained international attention.² The Parliament was notable for its inclusion of women speakers, such as Annie Besant and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and for its emphasis on religious tolerance and the common ground among faiths. However, it was also criticized for excluding indigenous religions and for the dominance of Christian perspectives, reflecting the colonial-era context.

After a century-long hiatus, the Parliament was revived in 1993, again in Chicago, to mark its centennial. The 1993 gathering was larger and more diverse, attracting over 8,000 participants from more than 120 religious and spiritual traditions. It produced the 'Declaration Toward a Global Ethic,' a landmark document drafted by theologian Hans Küng, which articulated shared ethical principles among the world's religions, including commitments to non-violence, justice, and respect for life. The 1993 Parliament also saw the formal participation of indigenous peoples, women's groups, and grassroots movements, addressing issues such as environmental degradation and economic inequality. This revival established the Parliament as a permanent organization, with subsequent gatherings held in Cape Town (1999), Barcelona (2004), and elsewhere.

The Parliament of the World's Religions is governed by a board of trustees and an international advisory committee, with its headquarters in Chicago. It operates as a non-profit, non-governmental organization that aims to foster interfaith dialogue, peace, and social justice. The Parliament has influenced the broader interfaith movement, inspiring similar initiatives such as the United Nations' World Interfaith Harmony Week and the establishment of the International Association for Religious Freedom.³ Its gatherings have addressed contemporary issues, including climate change, religious violence, and the role of women in religion. The Parliament also maintains a 'Global Ethic' initiative that promotes the 1993 declaration in educational and policy contexts.

Beyond its major gatherings, the Parliament has a history of lesser-known contributions. The 1893 Parliament included a significant presence of Theosophists, and it was instrumental in introducing Hindu and Buddhist ideas to the West, influencing figures like William James and the American transcendentalists. The 1993 Parliament was notable for the participation of the Dalai Lama, who gave a keynote address, and for the inclusion of neo-pagan and earth-based traditions, which were often marginalized in earlier interfaith forums.⁴ The Parliament has also faced internal controversies, such as debates over the inclusion of Scientology and the handling of conflicts between religious groups. Additionally, the Parliament's archives, housed at the University of Chicago, contain rare recordings and documents from the 1893 event, offering valuable resources for scholars of religious history.

Interfaith

Relating to dialogue and cooperation between different religious traditions.

Global Ethic

A set of shared ethical principles articulated in the 1993 Declaration Toward a Global Ethic.

World's Columbian Exposition

The 1893 world's fair in Chicago, where the first Parliament was held.