Why Spokane Needs to Attend the Parliament of World’s Religions

By R. Skyler Oberst

In this last six months, Spokane has witnessed religious intolerance, hatred and bigotry. From Temple Beth Shalom being defaced during the high holy days, to community leaders distrusting Muslim neighbors, Spokane would do well to tackle religious illiteracy and intolerance head on. That’s why I am planning on attending the Parliament for the World’s Religions.

I had first heard about the Parliament when I was in college. Founding the Compassionate Interfaith Society on the Eastern Washington University campus, we had a guest speaker highlight his trip to Australia to attend the Parliament in 2009. He told of the largest gathering of religious leaders on the planet, and that many were there to discuss problems in their communities with the help of one another’s traditions and wisdom.

I remember thinking to myself that this was an innovative way to help change the future. All too often the media reports the “hijacking of faith” for personal, political or economic gain of the few. As people of faith, it is imperative to come together and discuss how we can work together to foster understanding and appreciation, as well as guarding against those who would commit violence in our name.

“The Parliament is the largest summit of interfaith activists around the globe which provides listening, learning and sharing opportunities,” says Imam Malik Mujahid, Chair of the Parliament Board of Trustees.

The parliament will be held in Salt Lake City this year in October, and registration can be found here. Already, there is a group of community leaders and organizations who have committed to attending. SpokaneFAVS is planning an “interfaith roadtrip” and will bring with us the unique experience of being agents of change in Spokane. We hope to hear stories and share our own. We hope to become partners with all of the great projects occurring across the planet. We will come home, no doubt, with strategies and stories of how to make Spokane truly a more inclusive, pluralistic place to live.  For information on joining us email [email protected].