SALT LAKE CITY — More than 8,000 people kicked off the first day of the 2015 Parliament of World’s Religions Thursday by listening to fervid discussions on feminism, the environment and the importance of interfaith work.
At the Parliament’s Inaugural Women’s Assembly, which opened the parliament, dozens of women spoke throughout the day on the topics, including Diana Butler Bass, Kate Kelly and Mallika Chopra.
“The earth is crying,” said Kiran Bali, global chair of the United Religions Initiative.
She was speaking on global warming, a popular topic of the day. She said globally women do most of the farming, but said as the world heats up, women are beginning to worry about how to feed their families.
“Let us translate our words into actions,” Bali said.
She urged the thousands of men and women in attendance to shop ethically, educate others and empower each other.
Mormon Feminist Terry Tempest Williams agreed that feminism and environmentalism go hand-in-hand. She said the numbers of those attending the Parliament – which include people from more than 50 faith traditions – was an encouragement to the thousands of Mormon women seeking change within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Women will hold the priesthood,” she said. “We don’t need a revelation. We need a revolution.”
Such diversity, in all religions, she said is the key to stability.
Parliament events continue Thursday evening and will conclude Monday. Friday’s events includes multiple workshops as well as a plenary on women and another on emerging leaders.
It’s the first time parliament, the world’s largest interfaith gathering, has been held in the U.S. in 20 years.
Follow SpokaneFāVS coverage on Twitter @SpokaneFāVS. Fifteen FāVS volunteers and columnists are at the Parliament.
