



"PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS"

Cape Town, South Africa * December 1 - 8, 1999

ORDER BY CONFERENCE CODE: PWR99 "If the Parliament of Religions has shown anything to the world it is this:

It has proved to the world that holiness, purity and charity are not the exclusive

possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced

men and women of the most exalted character. In the face of this evidence,

if anybody dreams of the exclusive survival of his own religion

and the destruction of the others, I pity him from the bottom of my heart,

and point out to him that upon the banner of every religion will soon

be written, in spite of resistance: 'Help and not Fight',

'Assimilation and not Destruction', 'Harmony and Peace and not Dissension.'" Swami Vivekananada at the Final Session of the 1893 Parliament of Religions (Chicago) KEYNOTES AND PLENARY SESSIONS 002 Wednesday Evening: Offering Sacred Practice 1 $10.00

This moving evening focuses on the theme of the Sacred Meal as a spiritual practice cherished in most of the world's spiritual traditions. Music, dance, storytelling will bring to life the power of ritual, liturgy, celebration and worship as modes of giving to one's own community and to others. 003 Thursday Evening: Pursuing Universal Human Rights 2 $20.00

This evening will combine music, poetry, song and narrative in a powerful expression of the continuing struggle for human rights. Fittingly, the presentation will have a strong South African focus. (This Plenary Session has been designed by friends of the Parliament in Gauteng.) 004 Friday Evening: Building Bridges of Understanding and Cooperation 2 $20.00

This session will focus on interreligious and intercultural bridge-building efforts in the KwaZulu-Natal region. It will offer a powerful and evocative yet entertaining glimpse of one of the most important ways of giving: celebrating diversity. (This Plenary Session has been designed by friends of the Parliament in KwaZulu-Natal, through the efforts of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, SA, KwaZulu-Natal Chapter.) 005 Saturday Evening: Celebrating Life And Its Possibilities 2 $20.00

This presentation celebrates art, music, dance and other forms of human expression as transformative gifts that touch and enrich the human spirit. (This Plenary Session has been designed by friends of the Parliament in Cape Town.) 006 Sunday Evening: Working Together: Fostering Creative Engagement -

Featured Speaker: The Honorable Nelson Mandela 1 $10.00

This evening celebrates the gift of cooperative and creative engagement between and among the world's guiding institutions (religion, government, business, education, media, etc.)

It is with great pride that the 1999 Parliament of the World's Religions presents as this evening's featured speaker, the Honorable Nelson Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa. 007 Monday Evening: Meeting Essential Needs 2 $20.00

Tonight's presentation focuses on the gift of meeting the most basic needs of the human community and the Earth. Music, story telling, and a moving ritual of thanksgiving will combine to express a powerful message. 008 Tuesday Evening: Nurturing Transformative Community 1 $10.00

The final Evening Plenary Session, appropriately, has been created by the Next Generation, the young people who have contributed so much to the shaping of the 1999 Parliament. This exciting presentation will explore the real meaning of community and the spirit of service. 009 Closing Plenary - His Holiness the Dalai Lama; "The Role of Religion In the African Renaissance" - His Eminence Buti Thiagale; South Africa Deputy-President Jacob Zuma 2 $20.00

SYMPOSIA AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS  BUSINESS BEYOND 2000: A SYMPOSIUM ON ETHICS, VALUES & SPIRITUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE

Authentic change requires a fundamental paradigm shift in the hearts and minds of individuals. It also relies upon people who walk their talk, people who are inspired, involved and empowered, people who have passion and bring Spirit back into business. During this two-day Business Beyond 2000 Symposium you will join with over 300 local and international business leaders, workers, unionists, change agents and religious and spiritual dignitaries to partake in a stimulating exploration of the ways in which we can bring ethics, values and spirit back into business, particularly in South Africa, and leave with new understanding, vision, insight and commitment. 010 Spirit In Business or Business In Spirit? - Dr. Sue Mehrtens 1 $10.00

Dr. Mehrtens is a highly acclaimed international futurist and president of the Potlatch Group, a research organization specializing in the analysis of business trends related to global evolutions and social change. She is a former university professor and author, co-author or editor of a number of books, among them The Fourth Wave: Business in the 21st Century, The Leap Frog Option and Intuitive Imagery. She has a special interest in the future of South Africa, believing that the "law of retarding lead" is a key factor in understanding South Africa's potential positions in future global developments. 011 The Challenge of Incorporating African Spirits In Our Organizations - Lovemore Mbigi 1 $10.00

Lovemore Mbigi is widely recognised as an exciting and creative thinker, strategising in the areas of management transformation in southern Africa. He has been a director of Nampak Corrugated, Nampak Sacks and Competitive Capabilities Africa. For many years Rainmaker Management Consultants, which he currently heads, has assisted corporations and public sector institutions develop management systems and the skills necessary to transform them into high-performance, value driven institutions. He lectures at several university business schools and holds an MBA from Northeastern University, Boston, USA.  THE EARTH CHARTER

The Earth Charter is a global initiative working to draft a common statement of ethical and practical considerations for the care of the earth and the human family. It has drawn together guiding institutions from around the world to work together in collaborative common action for the shared concern for the environment and equitable human development, a concern shared by people around the world. This symposium is sponsored by the Interfaith Center of New York, The Earth Council, the Center for Respect of Life and Environment, and the Forum on Religion and Ecology. 013 The Earth Charter Draft and Process - Chowdry, Jain, Kalaw, Rockefeller 2 $20.00

In this presentation members of the Drafting Committee and the leaders of the Earth Charter Campaign will explore the sources and implications of Earth Charter principles. The presentation will describe the history of the Earth Charter drafting process and will share the religious and spiritual dimensions of the key principles of the Earth Charter.

Kamla Chowdry, Earth Charter Commissioner

Bawa Jain, Director, United Nations and International Affairs, Interfaith Center of New York

Maximo Kalaw, Executive Director, the Earth Council

Steven Rockefeller, Head, Earth Charter Drafting Committee 014 Prominent Religious Leaders Respond to the Earth Charter -Albergate, Angha, Arturo et. al. 1 $10.00

In this session prominent representatives of different religious and spiritual traditions reflect on the ethics and implications of the Earth Charter from their own ethical traditions. Panelists will illustrate principles of the Earth Charter which are in convergence with their own tradition and will discuss the potential of the Earth Charter to serve as an ethical common ground for global action to promote a sustainable and compassionate future for the earth community. Mary Evelyn Tucker will moderate the discussion.

Al Albergate, Soka Gakkai USA

Nahid Angha, Director, International Association of Sufism

Laurence Arturo, Baha'i community

The Very Reverend James Parks Morton, Director, Interfaith Center of New York

Karan Singh, Chair of Board, Temple of Understanding

Dr. L.M. Singhvi, World Faiths Development Dialogue

Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp, President, the Hope Foundation

Mary Evelyn Tucker, Coordinator, Forum on Religion and Ecology

Dada Vaswani, Head, Sadhu Vaswani Mission

Tu Weiming, Director, Harvard Yenching Institute 015 The Earth Charter In Action: Promoting Sustainability in Personal Lifestyles, Communities and Social Policy - Clugston, Kalaw, Mackey, Tucker 1 $10.00

In this presentation panelists will illustrate concrete examples of how the Earth Charter has contributed to creating justice and sustainability in personal, professional, community and national life in its use of education for sustainability.

Richard Clugston, Executive Director, Center for Respect of Life and the Environment

Maximo Kalaw, Executive Director, the Earth Council

Brendan Mackey, Professor, Australian National University

Mary Evelyn Tucker, Coordinator, Forum on Religion and Ecology  INTERFAITH IN ACTION IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT

To increase awareness of the value of interfaith cooperation and to explore how such action can be more effective, this symposium will give participants illustrations of how people involved in interfaith activity are working for a better world. A variety of experienced interfaith workers from different organizations, religions and countries will be interviewed by some of the next generation of leaders in this field. 019 New Hopes and Visions 1 $10.00 Panelists represent the following organizations:

World Conference on Religion and Peace

International Association for Religious Freedom

Rissho Kosei Kai

Interfaith Youth Corp

Parliament of the World's Religions Next Generation  MICROCREDIT: A WAY FOR RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL COMMUNITIES TO ERADICATE POVERTY

Microcredit is based upon the idea that with small loans and access to various financial services it is possible to create or expand small businesses. Investments made through microcredit services result in amazing returns. Microentrepeneurs not only move themselves beyond poverty, they also improve the lives of family members while strengthening their communities. The Microcredit Symposium will educate Parliament attendees about microenterprise development and encourage them to get involved through their religious, spiritual and civic communities. 020 Microcredit, Transformation and the Role of Religious Organizations - Dr. M. Getu, Larry Reed 1 $10.00

Using case studies, this workshop will analyze and discuss the following: the dynamics and essentials of microcredit; its role in alleviating poverty and transforming the lives of the poor in the 2nd/3rd world; the meaning and indicators of transformational development; the challenges and constraints faced by microcredit institutions; strategic recommendations for guiding the future; the role to be played by religious organizations in responding to the needs of the poor.

Dr. Makonen Getu is currently Deputy Regional Director of the Opportunity International Africa Office. He has worked for about 20 years in the field of development in Ethiopia, Lesotho, Zambia, Australia and Zimbabwe with such organizations as UNDP, SIDA and World Vision. He has also served as a lecturer in development economics at the University of Stockholm. 022 Impact of Macro-economic Environment on Microcredit - Dr. Theresa Moyo 1 $10.00

This presentation will discuss the impact of high interest rates, inflation, currency depreciation and regulatory instruments, among others, on the capacity of microcredit to meet the needs of the poor.

Dr. Theresa Moyo is a lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of Zimbabwe. She is a Board member of Zambuko Trust, a leading microcredit institution in Zimbabwe that currently reaches over 18,000 clients. She is also an appointed board member of the Agricultural Finance Corporation, the biggest agricultural organization in the country. 023 The Microcredit Summit Campaign: A Vehicle for the Eradication of Poverty

This session will give participants an understanding of the Microcredit Summit Campaign's history, its goals, its core themes and how religious institutions can take an active role in helping to ensure that 100 million of the world's poorest families, especially the women of those families, receive credit for self-employment and other financial and business services by the year 2005.

Larry Reed has worked with Opportunity International Network (OIN) since 1984 and for the last two years has served as managing director. He has been the Director of Venture Investments, Founder and Director of Africa Regional Office in Zimbabwe from 1991-1996 and vice president of Programs for OIN-US. He holds a MA in Public Policy from JFK School of Government at Harvard and a BA in Social Sciences and Biblical Studies from Wheaton College.  AMERICA'S SHADOW STRUGGLE: NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS FREEDOM  Moderated by Huston Smith

In this symposium, Professor Huston Smith interviews Native American elders on the complex issues of America's dark history and the struggle on behalf of Native Americans for Religious Freedom in their land.

These eloquent and insightful elders will discuss the history and the struggle with Professor Smith, who is a world renowned contemporary authority on the history of religions. He has taught at Washington University, MIT and Syracuse University, and most recently as visiting Professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of many books including The World's Religions and is the subject of a recent Bill Moyers television series, The Wisdom of Faith. 024 Persecution of Native American Religions, Past and Present - Walter EchoHawk 1 $10.00

In this session Walter Echo-Hawk and Professor Smith will review the history of oppression of the indigenous religions in the United States and outline current concerns and potential remedies. This session will lay the groundwork for all the following sessions.

Walter Echo-Hawk (Pawnee) is an Attorney, lobbyist, tribal judge, scholar and a leader in the legal struggles for American Indian religious freedom. He is a Senior Staff Attorney of the Native American Rights Fund of Boulder, Colorado, and author of the book Battlefields and Burial Grounds: The Indian Struggle to Protect Ancestral Graves in the United States. 025 The Triumph of the Native American Church: A Reason for Hope - Frank Dayish, Jr. 1 $10.00

In this session Frank Dayish, Jr. and Professor Smith wil summarize the recent triumphant struggle of the Native American Church for religious freedom as documented in Professor Smith's book One Nation Under God. They will discuss the current ramifications for the other religions of America and ponder potential future problems.

Frank Dayish, Jr. (Dine) is the former President of the Native American Church of North America and was a leader in the triumphant struggle to overturn the infamous U.S. Supreme Court Smith decision which threatened the religious freedom of 250,000 N.A.C. church members and which was overturned by a 1994 Act of Congress. 026 A Place to Pray: Mother Earth, The Virgin Mother - Winona LaDuke. 1 $10.00

Winona La Duke and Professor Smith discuss the interdependence of Native religions and Mother Earth. They will consider pollution and clear cutting as religious persecution and suggest respect for creation as the remedy.

Winona La Duke (Anishinaabeg) is an internationally acclaimed environmental and human rights activist, and is a visionary for political, spiritual and ecological transformation. She is currently the Director of the Honor the Earth Fund and is a Founding Director of both the White Earth Land Recovery Project and the Indigenous Women's Network. She is also the author of All Our Relations: Native Struggles for Land and Life. 027 Sacred Sites: Issues of Access and Protection - Charlotte Black Elk 1 $10.00

In this session Charlotte Black Elk and Professor Smith discuss the significance of the Black Hills of South Dakota on her people's religion and they propose solutions to protect prayer sites and provide unlimited access for Native peoples.

Charlotte Black Elk (Oglala Lakota) is the primary advocate for protection of, and Native access to, the Black Hills of South Dakota. She is an authority in the verification of the Lakota oral tradition. She is the great-granddaughter of Nicholas Black Elk, the subject of John Neihardt's book Black Elk Speaks. 028 Destruction of Native Languages and Its Effect on Ceremony - Douglas George 1 $10.00

In this session Douglas George and Professor Smith discuss the history of government efforts to destroy Native languages and the resulting damage to Native ceremonies. They will describe current efforts to save what has not yet been lost. 029 Prisoner's Rights: Access to Ceremonies - Lenny Foster 1 $10.00

In this session Lenny Foster and Professor Smith discuss current injustices faced by incarcerated Native Americans, which no other race or religion in the U.S. faces. Mr. Foster will describe the situation inside prisons and propose remedies.

Lenny Foster (Dine) is co-author of numerous pieces of legislation that make possible the practice of Native spiritual and religious practices in prisons. He is Spiritual Advisor to Native Americans in 89 Federal and State prisons. He is currently the Director of the Navajo Nation Corrections Project, and Coordinator of the National Native American Prisoners Rights Advocates Coalition. 030 The Threat of Scientism: The Jesuit Astrophysicists Say "Not Sacred" - Anthony Guy Lopez 1 $10.00

In this session Anthony Guy Lopez and Professor Smith will discuss the dangers of organized religion partnering with science, as in the case of the Vatican Observatory constructing telescopes on the summit of Mount Graham in Arizona, against the wishes of the Apache people who know it as a sacred place.

Anthony Guy Lopez (Crow Creek Sioux) is the National organizer for the Student Environmental Action Coalition's struggle against the construction of the Vatican Observatory atop Mount Graham, Arizona. He is the Program Director of the American Indian Endangered Species and policy analyst at The Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson. 031 The Human Genome Diversity Project: A Fundamental Lack of Respect - Tonya G. Frichner 1 $10.00

In this session Tonya Gonnella Frichner and Professor Smith will trace the chronological roots of disrespect for Indigenous religions, from the infamous Papal Bull declaring Indian people sub-human to the Human Genome Diversity Project where scientists decide certain Indigenous populations are close to extinction and react by gathering blood, hair and tissue samples for use in genetic research, patents and profits.

Tonya Gonnella Frichner (Onondaga) is the Founder and President of the American Indian Law Alliance of New York City. She is also a delegate to the United Nations Sub-committee on Human Rights/Working Group on Indigenous Populations, and is a leader in international advocacy on behalf of Indigenous Peoples. 032 A Prayer For the New Millennium 1 $10.00

This session allows participants to ask questions of all the symposium panelists. The symposium will culminate in this session with a ceremony intended to help purge the sorrows of the past and express a collective vision for religious freedom for Indigenous peoples worldwide.  SOUTH AFRICA FORUM: RELIGION, LIBERATION AND TRANSFORMATION-THE S. AFR. EXPERIENCE

South Africa is a microcosm of the world. Living together are major communities of black and white people experiencing affluence or poverty, western development or third world need of it, forces of oppression and of liberation, and most of the world's major religions. During thirty years a revolution has occurred in which the people have liberated themselves from political oppression and now week to transform society. How did it happen? What is happening now?

The nine seminars are presented jointly by the South African Chapter of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, and the Religious Studies Department of the University of Cape Town. 033 Apartheid Oppression Was Rooted In the Guiding Institutions - Auerbach, Ramphela, et. al. 2 $20.00

Apartheid oppression was inflicted by good people who sincerely believed the colonial tradition that white western supremacy was the instrument of world salvation. Beneath this doctrine was the determination to retain economic power (wealth) in their own hands. These attitudes still rule many Guiding Institutions in the world today. In this session a panel of prominent South African leaders will explore how the guiding institutions produced the supported the oppression of South Africa.

Dr. Fritz Auerbach, World Conference on Religion and Peace

Professor Mamphela Ramphela, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cape Town

Mr. Popo S. Molefe, Premier of North West Province, Mafikeng

Pastor Ray McCauley, President IFCC (Rhema) Church

Bishop Paul Verryn, Methodist Church, Johannesburg 034 Religious Resistance to Oppression - Spong, Nolan, Gabriels, Shain, Tshelane, Majiza 2 $20.00

Apartheid oppression was crushed by a long process in which liberated political and religious forces cooperated. Beneath this was a driving force towards theological renewal and economic justice. In this session panelists representing some of South Africa's religious and spiritual communities will address current challenges.

Reverend Bernard Spong, South Africa Council of Churches

Father Albert Nolan, Challenge Magazine

Sheik Ebrahim Gabriels, Muslim Judicial Council

Professor Milton Shain, Professor of Hebrew and Jewish Studies at the University of Cape Town

Pastor Sipho Tshelane, African Independent Churches

Reverend Charity Majiza, General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches 035 Contentious Issues for Religion and Transformation - Baila, Gandhi, Tsele, Torr, Williams 2 $20.00

The South African struggle raised contentious issues which still confront religious activists concerned with transforming the world. In a discussion moderated by Mr. Moss Nthia of the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa, the panelists will focus on economic pressure, non-violence, protest and pacifism and self-discovery as tools for social transformation.

Dr. Daryl Baila, Public Service Commission

Ms. Ela Gandhi, Member of Parliament

Dr. Molefe Tsele, ESSET

Reverend Douglas Torr, Church of the Province of South Africa

Ms. Jacqueline Williams 036 From Resistance to Reconstruction: Analysing the "South African Miracle" - Chidester et. al. 2 $20.00

The transition in South Africa has been seen internationally as a social and political miracle. Yet deep-seated problems, many with global parallels, affect the project of building a new democracy. This seminar explores issues confronting religion in this new situation.

Professor David Chidester, Professor of Comparative Religion, University of Cape Town

Professor Jakes Gerwei, University of the Western Cape

Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, University of Natal

Imam Rahied Omar, World Conference on Religion and Peace, South African Chapter

Ebrahim Rasool, Leader of the African National Congress in the Western Cape 037 From Tolerance to Democracy: Human Rights Across the Chasms - Ackerman, Balai et. al. 2 $20.00

A nation historically divided along racial, cultural, economic and gender lines presents powerful challenges to religious visions of reconciliation and political practices of toleration.

Professor Denise Ackerman, University of Western Cape

Dr. Daryl Balai, Chair, Public Service Commission

Professor Amands Gouws, University of Stellenbosch

Dr. Chireva Kwenda, African Religon Centre at the University of Cape Town

Professor Amina Mama, African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town

Genda Wildschut, Truth and Reconciliation Commission 038 Faith and Politics Working Together In the Emergence of the New South Africa - Harris et. al. 2 $20.00

In this session a panel of distinguished South Africans who were involved in the struggle against apartheid share stories of the past and visions and strategies for the future. In a discussion moderated by Mary Burton the panelists will recount how political and religious forces combined in the struggle to end apartheid oppression, and will explore how both could contribute to building a transformed society.

Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris, Union of Orthodox Synagogues

Professor K. Kritzinger, University of South Africa

Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Deputy of Education and ANC Commisioner for Religious Affairs

Dr. Faizel Randera, Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner

Ms. Welikazi Sokutu, Umtata Women's Group 039 The 2/3 World Has Aids: Deconstructing the Politics of Health and Medicine - Hani et. al. 2 $20.00

HIV/AIDS is wreaking havoc across Africa and much of the developing world. It confronts healthcare workers and religious people with complex cultural, sexual and moral questions, intensified by globalizing political and economic forces.

Ms. Nomsa Hani, Research Institute of the University of Cape Town

Mr. Chris Mbude, Job Creation for HIV Positive People

Ms. Sarojini Nadir, Chair of the Centre for Study of Religion at the University of Cape Town

Dr. Manto Tshabala-Msimang, Minister of Health

Ms. Bongi Zenele, Thandanani AIDS group in KwaZulu Natal 040 Magicians of the Market - Cronin, Le Roux, Molebatsi, Lategan, Gabriel 2 $20.00

The triumph of the market economy has been hailed by some and criticized by others. Can the market really solve our problems and enhance our life-worlds? This is an issue religions cannot afford to ignore.

Mr. Jeremy Cronin, South Africa Communist Party

Professor Pieter Le Roux, University of Western Cape

Reverend Caesar Molebatsi, Television presenter

Professor Bernard Lategan, Chair of the University of Stellenbosch

Mr. Neville Gabriel, South Africa Director for Jubilee 2000 042 Interfaith Participation In the Transformation of Society - Koka, Mayson, Prozesky, Verworerd 1 $10.00

Despite the attitudes of ingrained conservatism of many religious and political practitioners, an interfaith and interdisciplinary cooperation is emerging in the quest to transform society. In this presentation many distinguished panelists will share the stories of projects that are working to transform society in South Africa.

Dr. Kyalushi Koka, Kara Heritage Institute

Revered Cedric Mayson, Commission for Religious Affairs for the African National Congress

Professor Martin Prozesky, Unilever Research Institute at the University of Natal

Melanie Verwoerd, Member of Parliament in South Africa  SCIENCE AND RELIGION: AT HOME IN THE UNIVERSE

A symposium on the developing dialogue between science and religion. 057 Resources and Challenges - Katz, Hefner, Hadi, Ratanakul, Mortensen 2 $20.00

"A Scientist's Questions for the Millennium: How Religion Can Be a Resource/Challenge for Science" - Solomon Katz, anthropologist, University of Pennsylvania; "A Theologian's Questions for the Millennium: How Science Can Be a Resource/Challenge for Religion" - Philip Hefner, theologian, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago; "Muslim Religion As A Resource for Science" - Hamam Hadi, medicine, University of Gadjah Mada, Indonesia; "A Model for Dialogue: How the Inter-Religious Dialogue Is a Model for the Religion-Science Dialogue" - Viggo Mortensen, theology, Aarhus University, Denmark 058 Methods and Issues of Dialogue Between Science and Religion - Satoto, Raman, Aasi, et. al. 1 $10.00

"Integrating Scientific and Religious Paradigms for Understanding the World" - Satoto, medicine, Diponegro University Research Institute, Indonesia; "Science and the Spiritual Vision: How Science and Spirituality Can Be Related" - V.V. Raman, physics, Rochester (New York) Institute of Technology; "Science and the Qu'ran: How Scientific Knowledge Can Be Interrelated with the Qu'ran" - Ghulam-Haider Aasi, religious studies, American College of Islam, Chicago; "Minds, Emotions and Human Beings: A Jewish Perspective" - Norbert Samuelson, religious studies, Arizona State University; "What Does It Mean to Be Human? Resources From the Dialogue of Religions and Sciences" - Ingrid Shafer, philosophy, University of the Arts and Sciences of Oklahoma 059 The Religion and Science Dialogue As a Gift to the Parliament and the World

Panel and group discussion will refer especially to the "Call To the Guiding Institutions" of the Parliament Leaders:

George Ellis, Mathematics, University of Cape Town

Dhigboti K. Fiawoo, Anthropology, University of Lagos, Nigeria

Ursula Goodenough, Biology, Washington University, St. Louis

William Lesher, Church Leader and Pastor, New Day International Foundation

Andrea Ng'weshemi, Chaplain, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania

Karl Peters, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Rollins College

Ghulam-Heider Aasi, Solomon Katz, V.V. Raman, Satoto and Ingrid Shafer

 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE ON INTEGRATING ECOLOGY, ECONOMY & COMMUNITY

The future of the Earth depends upon our ability to create a new balance between ecology, economy and community - what we now call sustainable development. We must move from the exploitation of people and the rest of nature to a relationship of cooperation and interdependence. This symposium provides an opportunity for an inclusive discussion of sustainable development from many different perspectives. It will explore common goals and, potentially, greater cooperation on specific action agendas. 060 Nature: Nice or Necessity? - Dr. Brendan Mackey 1 $10.00

According to Dr. Mackey, the underpinning concept of Sustainable Development is the notion that human well-being is ultimately dependent on a healthy Biosphere. This is often defined in terms of the need to protect global life-support systems. But what exactly are these systems, how are they being degraded, and if they are to be protected, what kinds of constraints does this impose on the human enterprise?

Dr. Mackey is a Reader in Ecology and Environmental Science at the Australian National University. His current main field of research is the role of forests in the global carbon cycle. He is also Associate Editor for Environmental Conservation, an international journal of environmental science published by Cambridge University Press. He is also involved in the Earth Charter Project. 062 The Natural Step: A Guide Towards Sustainability - Dr. Karl Henrik Henrik-Robèrt 1 $10.00

In this session Dr. Henrik-Robèrt will share his experience in working for sustainable development as chairman of the Natural Step.

Dr. Henrik-Robèrt, M.D., Ph.D. is founder and chairman of The Natural Step, a non-profit organization which provides a framework for society sustainability from its branches in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Africa. Dr. Robèrt is also Adjunct Professor of Resource Theory, University of Gothenburg, Member of the College of Sciences Advisory Board at Georgia Institute of Technology and fellow of the World Business Academy. MAJOR PRESENTATIONS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 070 Global Commitment to the Culture of Non-Violence: The Jain View - Dr. N.P. Jain 1 $10.00

This presentation is an elucidation of the intrinsic content of the wide comprehensive perspective of the culture of non-violence as per the Jain religion. The Jain religion regards non-violence as the Supreme Religion and lays down its principles and practices for adherence not only by individuals for his/her own survival but in terms of his/her relationships with others in society. Mahatma Gandhi's translation of the Jain culture of non-violence and its strategy of the Indian struggle and desirability are relevant for tackling global issues such as peace and war, interfaith disharmony, racial prejudices, and inequality. Nonviolence is a culture to be used as an effective weapon in the challenging task of not only protecting the environment but also in upgrading it.

Dr. N.P. Jain is the former ambassador of India to the European Union, United Nations, Mexico, and Nepal. He is also the former Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs. He is a member of the World Spiritual Assembly, a writer, poet, economist and environmentalist. 075 Future of Faith Traditions and the State of the Future - Dr. L.M. Singhvi 1 $10.00

The historical and sociological perspectives on the rise and decline of faith traditions are of crucial relevance in cosmopolitan contemporary society. Multiculturalism and the precept of interfaith amity based on opposition to intolerance and discrimination provide a confluence point for a creative conception of the future of faith tradition. Humankind may have become less religious in the traditional sense but we cannot afford to allow ourselves to become less ethical or less spiritual. Therefore we need to reshape our present to preserve the best of the past and to build an ethically relevant and spiritually meaningful future. We also need to match the so-called secular movements with a sense of the sacred, as well as to match the emphasis on rights with an equal emphasis on duties and responsibilities.

Dr. Singhvi is a Patron of the Institute of Jainology and is a leading scholar of Jainism and of Vedic and Indic religions. A Member of World Faiths Development Dialogue Steering Group. 077 The Golden Age Begins With Ourselves by Direct Contact with God - Master Suma ChingHai 1 $10.00

This lecture teaches the Great Way of Enlightenment, the Ultimate Path of Liberation and Truth, and the Way to Bring Heaven to Earth. This workshop offers everyone a chance to discover and experience for themselves the Divine Awakening, and the Pure Ocean of God's Love within. Explore with Master Ching Hai the meaning of her statement, "Heaven is only the beginning, see God while living".

Master Ching Hai is a symbol of spiritual wisdom and guidance for hundreds and thousands of people around the world. Although not seeking acknowledgement of any kind, Master Ching Hai has become internationally recognized for her spiritual, humanitarian and disaster relief activities worldwide. 078 The Interfaith Movement: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going? - Kusumita Pederson 1 $10.00

The speaker will present an overview and analysis of the interfaith movement in the world today, trying to determine what we actually know about all the different kinds of work being done in different contexts. The interfaith movement is entering a new phase - What is new about it? Major problems and challenges will be identified, as well as the opening of new possibilities. The presentation is intended to stimulate constructive discussion.

Kusumita P. Pederson is Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at St. Francis College in New York. She was previously Executive Director of the Project on Religion and Human Rights. Joint Secretary for religious affairs of the Global Forum of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders on Human Survival and Executive Director of the Temple of Understanding. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions. 079 Islam and Other Religions: Issues and Directions for the Next Century - Dr. Muzzamil Siddiqi,Sheik Kamil al-Sharif, Dr. Mawlani Khalilur Rahman Sajjad Nomani, Prof. Amir Al-Islam 1 $10.00

The panelists will examine issues on the global level and suggest how a better picture will emerge in the 21st century through better understanding and cooperation between Islam and other religions. They wil mainly consider the possibility of peace-loving peole from different faith communities rising above their communal interests and working together for social and economic justice.

Dr. Muzzamil Siddiqi graduated from the Islamic University of Medinah and Harvard (Ph.D.). He is currently President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). He is Imam and Director of the Islamic Society of Orange County, California and teaches at California State University at Fullerton.

Sheik al-Sharif is a well known Islamic scholar from the Middle East. Director General of International Institute of Dawahand Relief with offices in Amman (Jordan), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Cairo (Egypt).

In the field of dawah and working with people of other faiths, Mawlani Nomani is the most influential Muslim religious leader ('alim), having international repute.

Amir Al-Islam is Professor of African American History at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York, where he also serves as the Associate Director of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Center for Global Affairs. Mr. Al-Islam was the former Secretary General of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, USA. 080 The Jain Principle of Anekant and Human Survival - Dr. Sohanial Jain Gandhi 1 $10.00

Human history is replete with violent feuds, conflict, and wars. Most wars, ironically, have been fought in the name of religion, which is meant to be used as an instrument for individual purification and spiritual elevation. The Jain principle of Anekant, however, has in it the potential to end all quarrels and conflicts. It stresses the unity of all religions and excludes disputation, or refutation of other beliefs, from its periphery. Anekant advocates non-absolutism and teaches us to respect different viewpoints and beliefs. If the Anekant approach is adopted in our day-to-day dealings we can still hope for survival, or else fanaticism may annihilate human civilization all together.

Dr. S.L. Gandhi, the former Vice-Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, is the Dean of the Faculty of Peace and Nonviolence Studies, at the Intercultural Open University, Opeinde, the Netherlands. He is the Project Director of the Institute of Jainology UK and has written, and edited, several books relating to Jainism and ahimsa. 081 Rebuilding European Jewry - Rabbi Sjalom Awraham Soetendorp 1 $10.00

In this lecture, Rabbi Soetendorp will explore his experience as a survivor of the shoah, and how that experience was full of destruction and despair. He will also describe his work in the Netherlands and the former Soviet Union to rebuild communities. He will also present the lessons which can be drawn from his experience for a more humane future, as represented in his new initiative, Hope for Children.

Rabbi Soetendorp is currently the Rabbi of the Reform Jewish Community of the Hague, and Rabbi of the Union of Dutch Reform Jewish Communities. A survivor of the Holocaust, he has been a long standing Human Rights activist. He frequently lectures at many Universities and Centers around the world. 082 Secular Globalization and Cultural Pluralism: The Existentiality of Religious Traditions - Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu 1 $10.00

This lecture looks at preparing an intellectual ground to validate the existence of religious traditions in the contemporary world. Dr. Davutoglu will critically examine the emptiness of secular (that is anti-religious) humanism in this concern. He will conclude the lecture by proposing a better alternative.

Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu has written extensively on contemporary political and philosophical issues. He teaches at the Dept. of Political Sicence, Marmare University, Istanbul, and heads the Foundation of the Studies in Arts and Science, Istanbul, Turkey. He is the author of Alternative Paradigms (University Press of America, 1994) and Civilizational Transformation and the Muslim World (Quill, 1994). 083 Foundations of Shinto - Rev. Munemichi Kurozumi 1 $10.00

Rev. Kurozumi, the first son of the present Chief Patriarch of Kurozumikyo Shinto, will present an overview of the history, worldview, and major figures in Shinto.

Rev. Munemichi Kurozumi is the first son of the present Chief Patriarch of Kurozumikyo Shinto, and will therefore be the Seventh Chief Patriarch. He also represents the Religious NGO Network (RNN) , a local cross-religious network which promotes and engages in humanitarian efforts worldwide. 086 The Seminal Contribution of Zoroastrianism to the Religions of the World - Keki R. Bhotel 1 $10.00

Zoroastrianism, as the mother of all monotheistic religions, is the quintessence of the ecumenism that binds all religions together. This presentation depicts the enormous influence that Zarathushtra's teachings have had in the cradle of civilization - Egypt, Sumeria, Babylon, Canaan, Greece and Rome and extending to India and China. This presentation also highlights the principles that Zarathustra articulated in the holy text known as "The Gathas of the Prophet" which found their way into Judaism - and through Judaism into Christianity. This presentation further asserts and will demonstrate that The Gathas is both the oldest religious literature and, at the same time, the youngest in terms of its applicability to modern man.

Mr. Keki R. Bhote is a life long student of Zoroastrian theology and history and is a pioneer in furthering Zoroastrianism in North America. A founding influence in both the Zoroastrian association of America and of the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago, he has served these organizations as President and Trustee, respectively. Mr. Bhote chaired the 2nd Zoroastrian Symposium of North America. A much sought after lecturer, he has presented at over 100 church groups and, most notably, at the Parliament for the World's Religion's Centennial Gathering in Chicago in 1993, as well as, at the 3rd World Zoroastrian Conference. 087 Spirituality and Global Ethics: The Hyphen that Joins - Dr. L.M. Singhvi 1 $10.00

In the clash of ideas and in the midst of competing faiths there is a ray of hope in the resurgence of spirituality and global ethics, which joins us all through our common humanity and leads us to a common agenda. Faith traditions must engage with each other to find a substratum of shared values, concerns and methodologies in order to move towards an optimum framework of mutual consultation, collaboration, spirituality and global ethics. An agenda, an action program and habits of working together have to be evolved. We made a beginning in 1993 in Chicago and must carry it to fulfillment and fruition. The presentation will emphasize that this must be the millennium message of the Parliament of the World's Religons on the threshold of the 21st century.

Dr. Singhvi is Patron of the Institute of Jainology and a leading scholar of Jainism and of Vedic and Indic religions. Member of World Faiths Development Dialogue Steering Group. 088 True Rascal Mystery School - Caroline W. Casey 1 $10.00

In this presentation, world-renowned astrologer Caroline Casey brings alive the unique trickster, storyteller, lover, radical, compassionate heroic activist who resides in all of us. Guided by the exquisite language of astrology, the presenter will delineate the description and strategic instructions for participants at this pivotal historical time.

Caroline Casey is a world-renowned visionary and activist who uses the language of astrology to wed spiritual magic and compassionate social action. She is the author of Making the Gods Work for You, which was recently released in South Africa, and the host of the popular Visionary Activist Show on Pacifica Radio. 090 Cooperation Between Abrahamic Faiths: 25 Years of Muslim Interfaith Work In Europe and America - Prof. Amir Al-Islam, Justice P.K. Shamshuddin 1 $10.00

In the 21st century, we are looking forward to more cooperation among the followers of the three monotheistic Abrahamic faiths. The presenters will use their past experiences in interfaith work to show that successful attempts have been made in Europe and America. Their hope is that others may learn from their experiences. There will be time for discussion at the end of the session.

Amir Al-Islam is a Professor of African American History at Medgar Evers College, in Brooklyn, New York, where he also serves as the Associate Director of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Center for Global Affairs, named after the late wife of Malcolm X. Mr. Al-Islam was the former Secretary General of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, USA, an international interfaith organization affiliated with the United Nations. Through his work at the WCRP/USA, Prof. Al-Islam participated in several interfaith initiatives at the international level, such as the UN conference on Social Development in Copenhagen, Habitat II in Istanbul, and the World Conference of Religious Leaders at the Vatican in 1995. Prof. Al-Islam was instrumental in establishing one of the first interfaith councils in Sierra Leone, West Africa, in 1996. 092 Ethical Conception for International Living - The Zoroastrian Viewpoint - Ervad Parvez M. Bajan 1 $10.00

Mr Bahan is presenting a paper on the present course of humankind and its relationship with religion as described by the great prophet Zarathustra. His presentation will give particular attention to the evolution of mankind in contemporary society.

Mr Bajan (M.A., L.L.M.) is presently the Assistant Head Priest at the Seth B.M. Fire Temple and spent many years as a Bank Officer (now retired). Mr Bajan has also been active as an academic lecturer and writer on religous topics. 094 Islamic Concept of Universal Justice - Mawlana Taqi Usmani 1 $10.00

The presenter will explain how, in Islam, social and economic justice necessarily follows from tawhidic foundations. He will mainly explain how the Islamic belief in one God, who is Lord of all human beings, cuts the roots of religious discrimination.

Internationally known Islamic scholar, Justice Muhammad Taqi Usmani is a member of Shariah Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He is also Deputy Chairman of OIC's Islamic Fiqh Academy (Jeddah) and Vice President of Darul Ulum, Karachi, Pakistan. 095 Religious Pluralism in Post-Apartheid South Africa - Imam Rashied Omar 1 $10.00

On the 2nd of June 1999, South Africa went to the polls for only the second time in their history. This lecture will illustrate the a unique history South Africans have experienced of interreligious solidarity in the struggle against Apartheid. In recognition of this reality the democratically elected African National Congress government, led by President Nelson Mandela, committed itself to pursuing a public policy of genuine religious pluralism. This lecture will explore how the South African State's overt policy on religious pluralism has influenced and affected the quality of religious coexistence during the first five years of post-Apartheid South Africa.

Imam Rashied Omar is an Imam at a Mosque in the City of Cape Town , and is Co-Chair of Parliament of the World's Religions, South Africa. He is also the national Secretary of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, and has a Masters Degree in Comparative Religion from the University of Cape Town. 096 The Spiritual Dimension of Man - His Eminence Shaykh As-Sayyid Muhammad Nazim Al-Haqqani 1 $10.00

Although human beings die, their spirits are ever-living. Every faith has a spiritual dimension which provides man the opportunity to ascend above his lower self. How does one cultivate his spiritual nature? What practices are involved and how essential is this to obtaining balance in one's life? Learn the answer to these and many more questions from a renowned Sufi master who has brought spirituality to the lives of thousands of people worldwide.

Shayhk Muhammad Nazim Adil al Haqqani is one of the foremost Islamic authorities in Turkey and Cyprus, and is the worldwide leader and Sufi master of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order. He has worked tirelessly to revive Islam in the Muslim world and to introduce Islam to the western world in a universal way. In addition to his duties as a religious leader in Turkey and Cyprus, Shaykh Nazim is the spiritual advisor to students worldwide, many of whom are social, cultural, and political leaders. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 097 A Peaceful, Just & Sustainable Future: The 21st Century Challenge for Religion - Dr. Gerald O. Barney 1 $10.00

The 21st century could become a very difficult path or a path to a peaceful, just, and sustainable future (see The Challenge and Opportunity of the 21st Century in the registration packet). The fundamental challenge humans face is identity and story. It is here that the world's religions, together with science, have much to contribute.

Executive Director - Millennium Institute. Author of Global 2000 : Report to the President (to President Jimmy Carter) and the1993 report to the Parliament, Global 2000 Revisited: What Shall We Do?. Formerly head of National Program, Rockefeller Brothers Fund. 100 The African Religion - Prof. Gabriel Setiloane 2 $20.00

An introduction to the Indigenous religion of Africa. The African concept of God. The realities of ancestor worship will also be explored.

Mr. Setiloane is a Professor of Religious Studies at University of Cape Town, and was previously a Professor of Religious Studies at University of Botswana. He is currently the Reverend Missionary Secretary to the Swiss Mission in South Africa, and the General Secretary of Youth to the Commission for the All Africa Conference. He is also the author of African Theology - An Introduction. 101 The Concept of Limited Human Responsibility - Dr.Abdul Malik Mujahid 1 $10.00

Whereas the Qur'an encourages limitless human endeavor, the teaching of takalluf is an important concept which aims to stop human beings from excesses (zulm) against the choices of other beings. Dr. Mujahid will take a comprehensive look at this issue.

With Islamic studies from Darululoom Shah Waliullah and political Science from the Univ. of Chicago, Abdul Malik Mujahid is a writer, producer and Friday Imam for Chicago Muslim Community in the USA. He is president of Sound Vision and the National Coordinator of Kosava Task Force, USA, an alliance of 16 national Muslim organizations in America. 102 Inter-Faith Dialogue:A New Relevance - Dr. Thillayvel Naidoo 1 $10.00

This presentation will explain how the number of religions in South Africa appears to be growing. In a situation such as that offered by the Parliament of the World's Religions, people will present themselves as followers of the belief that all religions are true. Despite what people may say, many do not subscribe to this. The presenter will explore the need to provoke people to come to terms with the real, existential issues we face everyday. The presenter will also challenge participants to face the real relevance of interfaith dialogue.

Dr. Thillayvel Naidoo was a lecturer in the Department of Science and Religion at the University of Durban-Westville, and has recently retired. 105 Religion and the the New World Order - Nyang, Abedin, Davutoglu 1 $10.00

This panel deals with the challenges facing religions in the emerging world order. Panelists are asked to focus on questions relating to the following issues: identity and culture, socioeconomic power relations between groups, religious values and social justice in the New World Order, inter-religious cooperation and conflict in the New World Order.

Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang teaches African and Islamic Studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He is well known in academic and interfaith circles and is a past President of the InterFaith Conference. His best known works are Islam, Christianity and African Identity and Islam in the USA.

Dr. Saleha S. Mahmood is the Chairperson of the International Islamic Committee for Woman and Child, the Director of the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs, London, and Chief Editor of the scholarly biannual publication Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs. She is also a professor of sociology with a specialization in population and demography.

Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu has written extensively on contemporary political and philosophical issues. He teaches at the Department of Political Science, Marmare University, Istanbul and heads the Foundation of the Studies in Arts and Science, Istanbul, Turkey. He is the author of Alternative Paradigms (University Press of America, 1994), and Civilizational Transformation and the Muslim World (Quill, 1994). 106 Women in Islam: Sufi Women & Human Rights - Dr. Seyedeh Nahid Angha 1 $10.00

The lecture will begin with a brief discussion of the historical role of women in Islam. Dr. Angha will then address current conceptual issues within the Muslim world, such as its cultural and religious values. Looking toward the next century and the increasing opportunities for women, she will introduce the Sufi Women Organizations (SWO), as a humanitarian, non-political, non-sectarian organization.

Dr. Seyedeh Nahid Angha, Ph.D., is the co-founder and co-director of the International Association of Sufism (IAS), founder of Sufi Women Organization (SWO), the executive editor of Sufism: An Inquiry, (an international quarterly journal), and the main NGO representative of the IAS to the United Nations. She is an internationally known author and a major Muslim Sufi teacher. She is President of the San Francisco's Interfaith Center at the Presidio. 107 Confucianism & Ethnicity: A South African Perspective - Prof. Arthur Song 1 $10.00

This lecture explores Confucianism as a peculiarly Chinese philosophical outlook on life. The presenter will examine the possibility of applying Confucian principles to the complex problems being experienced in South Africa.

Prof. Arthur Song is the Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion Studies. He is Chinese, and was born in South Africa. 108 How to Meet the Challenges of Life - Dr. Dada J. P. Vasvani 1 $10.00

The right way to meet the challenges of life is to meet them with courage, hope, and love-the courage born of the realization that the man is never alone, God is always with him; the hope that the best is yet to come; and the love that turns every winter into spring.

Scientist and philosopher, humanitarian, and teacher, eminent practicalist and modern day saint, Dada J.P. Vaswani is one of the great spiritual leaders of modern India, a mantle inherited from his mentor Sadhu T.L. Vaswani, a spiritual and intellectual giant of modern India.

110 Are We Beyond the Limits to Growth? - Dr. John A. Harris 1 $10.00

This is an update of Beyond the Limits, which will be published in 1999-2000. The original computer study Limits To Growth , written in 1972 (which sold over 9 million copies in over 30 languages) predicted that, if trends in world population, food production, industrialization, and pollution continued, the limits to growth on this planet would be reached within the next 100 (now 70) years. These projections have proven correct.

Mr. Harris has spent the last 30 years giving his time and money to organizations in the environmental, population, energy efficiency, agriculture and peace fields. Mr. Harris has served on several Boards of Directors, and occasionally chaired these groups. 111 Connections & Confluences Among the Meditation Paths - Swami Veda Bharati 1 $10.00

Direct personal experience of the transcendent, whether or not given the name God, is the Source, Essence and Goal common to all religions. The processes and paths leading the realization of this source, essence and goal, are termed meditation. The presentation will give a summary of these parallels and confluences among the spiritual practices of various religions, those that are now prevalent as well as those that are now extinct.

Maha-mandaleshvara Swami Veda Bharati, formerly known as Usharbudh Arya D. Litt., was raised in the five-thousand-year-old tradition of Sanskrit-speaking scholars of India. He has been teaching and lecturing for the last 52 years. From 1952 to 1967, he served various communities in Africa, South America and elsewhere as a pandit and spiritual guide. From 1967 to 1972, he was professor of Sanskrit at the University of Minnesota, USA, where he received the Distinguished Teacher Award. In 1996 he was appointed Spiritual Guide of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences in Dehradun, President and Spiritual Guide of the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy in India, and President and Spiritual Director of Swami Rama's Ashram (Sadhana Mandir) in Rishikesh where he resides. On March 15, 1999, he was honored by the Swamis of India who conferred on him the title of Maha-mandaleshvara, placing him among the top 30 or so leading Swamis of India. 112 From Dialogue to Relationship: Interfaith Women's Journey - D'Souza, Gregerson 1 $10.00

The Interfaith Women's Journey was a joint project of the Henry Martyn Institute and the United Church of Canada involving nine women from Canada and India of Muslim, Christian, Indigenous, and Hindu traditions. The group traveled together first in India and then in Canada, with a dual objective of exploring interfaith perspectives on women's issues and a women's analysis of interfaith dialogue. This workshop will share the learnings of the journey including the importance of a women's agenda for interfaith engagement and the significance of the journey model.

Diane D'souza is the assistant director at the Henry Martyn Institute in Charge of practical outreach and engagements. She is involved in the academic study of religion, as well as being an artist, and a student of the Bharatnatayam Dance Form.

Rev. Dr. Bruce Gregersen, Interfaith and South Asia/Pacific Secretary for the United Church of Canada, the Rev. Kerry Craig, Chairperson of the InterChurch Interfaith Committee of the United Church of Canada and the Rev. Rob Hankinson, a United Church minister and leader in Interfaith organizations including the Edmonton Centre for Interfaith Action and Education. All three have contributed towards the development of the document and continue to work extensively in Canada for interfaith action and awareness. 115 Ngaga Christ Paradigm - Gomang Seratwa Ntloedible-Kuswani 1 $10.00

The workshop will explore Ngaka's (healers) relationship to Christ. Ngakas are very important in much of Africa because health and well-being are core concerns of African religions. There will also be some special attention given to Botswana (divine-healer) and how divination makes a healer complete and powerful. Finally, the workshop will look at the spiritual character of African traditions.

Gomang Seratwa has a M. Th. from Edinburgh University, U. K. and is a lecturer at the University of Botswana. His areas of study are religion, theology, history and education and he has done research in the phenomenological study of African traditions. 116 Without Land, How Will the Spiritual Helpers Know Me? - Prof. Jennifer R. Joe 1 $10.00

The federal government's settlement of a century-year-old land dispute in Arizona, not only displaced and dispossessed numerous Navajo families, but it also impacted their health and spiritual well-being. In this presentation, Dr. Joe will discuss some of the human and spiritual consequences for these families after being forced from their homes.

Dr. Jenny Joe is a member of the Dine (Navajo) Nation of Northern Arizona. She is a Professor in the Dept. of Family Medicine, a Medical Anthropologist, and the Director of the Native American Research and Training Center at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. She conducts research on American Indian physical and mental health issues. 117 African Origins and Unity of Religious Thought - Prof. Dr. Mathole Motshekga 1 $10.00

This lecture traces the evolution of religious thought from predynastic Egypt through dynastic Egypt, the Hyksos, Libyan, Persian, Greco-Roman and Islamic periods. In essence, it shows how modern religions - both Western and Eastern - were derived from, or at least influenced by, ancient African religions. This lecture strives to show the common origins of all religions and to illustrate the potential harmony of religions, which is a prerequisite for peace, security and development. 118 Foundations of Sikhism - Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra 1 $10.00

Dr. Hansra will present the history and fundamentals of Sikhism by highlighting the lives of Sikh gurus and their contributions toward improving the spiritual, social, political, and economic conditions in India. The presentation will also examine the social, political, and religious climate at the time of Guru Nanal's birth.

Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra is a Professor of Physical Sciences at City Colleges of Chicago. He is former President of the Sikh Religious Society of Chicago; Trustee of the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religion (CPWR), Vice-Chair of CPWR; and Chair of IIPC CPWR. 119 Gathic Mysticism and Interfaith Harmony - Dr. Homi Dhalla 1 $10.00

There have been many causes that have divided religions, which has gradually led to conflicts. Today, when we are on the threshold of a new millennium, it is necessary that religions work together. Comprehending and appreciating the mystical element in the various religious traditions could foster tolerance and greater understanding amongst them. This paper attempts to shed some light on the mystical dimension of Prophet Zarathushtra's message and how this could enhance inter-faith harmony.

A researcher in the Zarathushti religion and Parsi History, Dr. Dhalla has represented the Parsi community at various international conferences for many years and presented papers on religion, ecology, peace, and interfaith dialogue. As the Founder and President of the World Zarathushti Cultural Foundation, Dr. Dhalla has initiated various projects for the preservation and spread of its culture and heritage. 120 How to Make Life Significant - Shri Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji 1 $10.00

This universe in which we find ourselves is a vast home. There are more planets in our Galaxy than there are people on the earth. Of what significance can this small span of 90 or even 100 years be in the midst of the vastness? The significance can be made by living a life with an open outlook in the world to what we see and experience. This presentation intends to demonstrate how life can be significant and purposeful by being charitable to all living beings, practicing Ahimsa (reverence for life), and not burdening the earth.

Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji is one of the leaders of 20 million Jains. In sequence, he is the founder and the president of The Divine Knowledge Society in India; founder and president of The Jain Meditation International Center in Manhattan, New York, USA; founder and President of The Vegetarian Society in India; and founder of JAINA (Jain Association in North America) which has a membership of 57 Jain Centers and 80, 000 members in North America. He was the First Jain monk to address the Summit Conference at Geneva, Switzerland in 1970, and at Harvard Divinity School in 1971. He transcended his cloistered life to carry his message of Ahimsa (reverence for life) to all of mankind, as a global citizen. He is now known as "A Man with a Global Vision." 121 Mending the World: An Ecumenical Vision for Healing and Reconciliation - Kerry Craig et. al. 1 $10.00

Mending the World introduces the concept of Whole World Ecumenism, and calls the United Church of Canada into a new understanding of ecumenical relationships. In the context of exploding bombs, fragile atmosphere, polluted waters, and myriad expressions of violence, the church is called to make common cause with peoples of other faith and ideologies for the sake of the healing of creation. The workshop will explore the meaning of Whole World Ecumenism, its implications for the historic understandings of ecumenism, and for the agenda of communities of faith in today's world.

Rev. Dr. Bruce Gregersen, Interfaith and South Asia/Pacific Secretary for the United Church of Canada, the Rev. Kerry Craig, Chairperson of the InterChurch Interfaith Committee of the United Church of Canada and the Rev. Rob Hankinson, a United Church minister and leader in Interfaith organizations including the Edmonton Centre for Interfaith Action and Education. All three have contributed towards the development of the document and continue to work extensively in Canada for interfaith action and awareness. 124 Religious and Spiritual Resources for Responding to Adversity - Bishop Willy Romelus 1 $10.00

Bishop Romelus will present on the past and current hardships that the Haitian People face and the strides that the Catholic Church has made in helping the people of Haiti take measures towards preventing future problems. Bishop Romelus will show how the Church of Haiti is attempting to establish a self sustainable society in Haiti that relies upon positive community spirit and communication.

Bishop Romelus was ordained as a priest on July 13, 1958 in Les Cayes, Haiti. Since his ordination, he has been active in creating support services for the people of Haiti. A leading voice on human rights in Haiti, Bishop Romelus was nominated for the Nobel Prize in 1994 for his work with and for the oppressed peoples of Haiti during the military coup. Bishop Romelus has been responsible for building most of the infrastructure in his Diocese of Grande Anse. 126 Spirituality, Sexuality and World Transformation - Pregs Govender 2 $20.00

Its "inferiority" has been justified by the belief systems of patriarchal religions - the resulting oppression of especially the violence against and is directly connected to the ideas about our bodies, our sexuality, our being. There is an alternative - can the partriarchal religion have the courage to take up the challenge and help end the violence against people and children.

Political activist in students or civic structures and orgs, trade union mkt. In 70's, 80's and 90's against apartheid. Teacher - schools and UDW, Educator (national) - SACTU head - 1st workers college in SA, headed WNC charter, ANC MP, Chair of Comm. on quality of life and status of and through JSCOF - initiated S.A.'s and budget. Change laws IRT violence AG and cust.law, maintenance etc. Through getting these prioritised by Parliament. Mother of Parusha. 128 Basic Ideas and Teachings of Judaism - Rabbi Herman Schaalman 1 $10.00

This is an introductory lecture on the fundamentals of the Jewish faith as it has developed over the last three thousand years. Major religious teachings regarding G-d, revelation, covenant, birth and death, and major festive occasions will be touched on. After the lecture there will be a question and answer session.

Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman, Emeritus Rabbi of Emanuel Congregation in Chicago, was ordained at the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1941. He began his studies in Berlin, Germany in 1935 having been born in Munich, Germany during World War I. Rabbi Schaalman teaches at the Garret Evangelical Methodist Seminary in Evanston, IL., and at the Chicago Theological Seminary. He is a member of the Executive Committee for the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, and is a board member for the Millennium Institute in Washington, D.C. He is also a member of the Education Committee of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. 129 Partnership: Equity and Community Building North & South - Sr. Margaret M. Diener 1 $10.00

Katalysis' Partnership, doing international microcredit development in four Central American countries with seven nationally-based NGO's, has developed and lived the Partnership methodology presented here over the past 15 years. This is the story of development based on partnership values and community building by way of creating equity primarily for and among women through micro-financing of micro-entrepeneurs; of the 22,000 Katalysis and Partners clients 85% are women. This presentation will review the story, the evolution and impact of this methodology, with reference to the transformation occurring for southerners and northerners.

Margaret Diener, O.P. is a Dominican Sister of San Rafael, California and is Director of Administration for Katalysis Partnership, an international nonprofit committed to the economic and sustainable development of its southern partners and their clients. She has over 25 years' experience in education, administration and spirituality. 131 The Three Faiths Forum: Towards Understanding the Abrahamic Faiths - Sidney Shipton 1 $10.00

The Three Faiths Forum, a Muslim/ Christian/ Jewish Council, is dedicated to promoting dialogue between the world's three major religions (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) that trace their origins to the Patriarch Abraham. The lecture will address the Three Faiths Forum's efforts to encourage friendship, goodwill, and understanding between the three Abrahamic monotheistic faiths in the UK and elsewhere.

Sidney Shipton is a solicitor by profession, a Bachelor of Laws, LL.B., a Master of Business Administration, MBA., a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, FRSA., a Fellow of the Institute of Management, FIMgt, and a Freeman of the City of London. He has been involved in communal and voluntary organizations all his life and is the coordinator of the Three Faiths Forum, a council of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 133 Empowerment of Women in Hinduism - Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari 1 $10.00

Owing to various historical and social compulsions, a number of negative forces have worked against Hindu women. These destructive forces are the very antithesis of Hinduism. This lecture will explore how Hinduism has an abundance of measures that could empower and emancipate women.

Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari holds a Ph.D. in Botany from Madras University. She also completed a two-year post-doctoral Fellowship at the Ukranian Academy of Sciences. She has been associated with the Vivekananda Kendra in India for the past three decades and has served as its President. She is an eminent religious and social worker in India. 206 Liberation Theology In Action at the Beginning of A New Century - Bishop Don S.R. Garcia 1 $10.00

In this presentation, Bishop Don Samuel Ruiz Garcia of Chiapas, Mexico, will explore the role and of Liberation Theology in the coming century. Bishop Garcia will focus on how Liberation Theology can provide a basis for social justice action in Latin America, and throughout the world.

Bishop Don Samuel Ruiz Garcia is the Bishop of the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico. He has been the principal negotiator for several years in peace talks between the government of Mexico and the Mayan Zapatistas. 207 Religions for Social Justice - Swami Agnivesh 1 $10.00

This lecture will introduce Religions for Social Justice, a multi-religious spiritual movement. Religions for Social Justice was born out of the conviction that commitment to justice is the spiritual core of all religions. It aims at the regeneration of religion and society alike. It also seeks to harness the prodigious energies of social spirituality to the enterprise of nation building and social regeneration.

Swami Agnivesh is the founder of Religions for Social Justice. He is an activist against child labor, supporter of women's rights issues, and conducts extensive tours throughout India to promote self confidence among the most vulnerable sections of society. He is also the recipient of the Anti-Slavery International Award (London 1990) and the Freedom and Human Rights Award (Berne, Switzerland, 1994). 134 Seeking the Common Core That Binds Us as One - Lynch, Cousins, Swidler, Gangadean 1 $10.00

This panel explores how to seek the common core that binds us as one. There will be three presentatons and then the panel will open itself to an open discussion with the audience and each other on the topic.

Thomas D. Lynch is a Professor of Public Administration at Lousisiana State University.

Dr. Ewert Cousins is Professor of Theology at Fordham University. Dr. Cousins has been Visiting Professor at Columbia University and New York University as well as Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He is the editor of the important twenty-five volume series World Spirituality: An Encyclopedic History of the Religious Quest. He is author of World Spirituality: The Meeting of Mystical Paths and Christ of the 21st Century.

Dr. Leonard Swider, Professor of Catholic Thought and Interreligous Dialogue at Temple University since 1966, is recognized internationally as a leader in ecumenical and interreligous dialogue and the articulation of global ethics. He is an author of about sixty books and Co-Founder/Director of Global Dialogue Institute (GDI). He and his wife Arlene founded in 1963, and he continues to edit, the Journal of Ecumenical Studies, a scholarly quarterly widely regarded as the most important ecumenical, interreligious and interideological publication in the world.

Dr. Ashok Gangadean is Professor of Philosophy at Haverford College where he has taught for the past thirty-one years. He was the first Director of the Gest Center for Cross-Cultural Study of Religion and has focused throughout his career on clarifying the dynamics of dialogue and discourse between diverse worldviews and polarized perspectives. He has sought to bring out the foundations of rationality between worlds in his books Meditative Reason: Towards Universal Grammar and Between Worlds: The Emergence of Global Reason. He is also Co-Founder/Director of GDI. 136 Buddhism In the 21st Century - Dharma Master Hsin Tao 1 $10.00

An exploration of twenty-six centuries of Buddhist thought. A consideration of the influence of Buddhist thought on other belief and thought systems (religious, scientific, political, etc.) and their influences on Buddhism. Finally, a discussion of the ever more urgent need for all positive forces to work together for salvation of humankind, all living creatures, and the Earth itself.

Dharma Master Hsin Tao was born in Burma in 1948, came to Taiwan at age 13, educated in the Buddhist order at age 25, spent 8 years in ascetic practice, founded Ling-chiu shan monastic community in Fu-long in 1983. Established the WRM development foundation with branches in Taipei and New York in 1991. The Museum is due to open in Dec. 2000. 137 Entering the New Millenium with New Energy - H.E. Siri Singh Khalsa Yogi Ji 1 $10.00

In the new millennium, people will have new dimensions and energy. It will coincide with a globally prevailing fast-paced human life style. A person has to express and value their own creative capability beyond that which can be measured by artificial intelligence, ever present computers. If his or her energy is below the computer's performance, insanity prevails and results in a profound feeling of inferiority. To avoid this hellish human catastrophe, we have to prepare ourselves to be heavenly elevated and supremely excellent.

His Holiness the Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogi Ji also known as Yogi Bhajan Ph.D. is the chief religious and administrative authority for the Ministry of Sikh Dharma in the Western Hemisphere. In 1969 he founded 3HO Foundation a nonprofit organization, dedicated to the advancement of the individual through education, science and religion. Actively involved with inter-religious dialogue he was a member of the Parliament's Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders since 1993. In June of 1985 he established the first International Peace Prayer Day. Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D., is also a gifted Doctor of Psychology, counselor, and yogic therapist. He is currently the Chief Management Advisor (CMA) for 14 corporations worldwide which supply goods and services in health food manufacturing, computer and security services. 140 Religion in Zen Perspective - Dr. Osamu Rosan Yoshida 1 $10.00

Zen originally meant meditation, then it took on more meaning as the total full functioning of the limitless life source in profound pure meditation. From this vantage point, the true significance of meditation, and religion in general, will be critically and creatively questioned and clarified.

Dr. Yoshida is the Founder and Director of the Missouri Zen Center, USA. He is an ordained priest of the Soto Zen Tradition. He is also Professor of Philosophy at Tokyo University Junior College in Japan. 141 Interfaith Peacemaking: The Work of the Fellowship of Reconciliation- Prof. J. Copenhaver 1 $10.00

The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) is the largest, oldest interfaith peace and justice organization in the United States and in the world. The Fellowship, founded in 1914, has over a half million members in forty countries. The FOR "envisions a world of justice, peace and freedom. It is a revolutionary vision of a beloved community where differences are respected, conflicts addressed nonviolently, oppressive structures dismantled, and where people live in harmony with the earth, nurtured by diverse spiritual traditons that foster compassion, solidarity and reconciliation." This presentation will feature some of the current initiatives of the FOR.

John Copenhaver, a Universitiy Professor and United Methodist Clergy, has served on the National Council of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (USA) for three years and Chairs its Interfaith Committee. He has been involved in interfaith dialogue and peacemaking for twenty years. He is the author of Prayerful Responsibility, a book examining the religious thought of Douglas Steere, a Quaker pioneer in interfaith spirituality. 142 Is This A New Din-e-Ilahi: Muslims' Quest for Interfaith Dialogue - Abdul Malik Mujahid 1 $10.00

Mughal Emperor Akbar's unique concept of coexistence resulted in creating the new religion of Din-Ilahi in India. While creating a more tolerant society, it also generated a strong mistrust and resentment among Muslims. Dr. Siddiqui, using this historic experiment as an example, will explore contemporary Muslim apprehensions in, and the opportunities for interfaith dialogue.

Dr. Siddiqui is a Research Fellow at the Islamic Foundation, Leicester and visiting Fellow at the Centre for the History of Religions, Interfaith Dialogue and Pluralism, Leicester University. He is the author of Christian-Muslims Dialogue in the Twentieth Century (London/New York: Macmillan/St. Martin's Press, 1997) and Co-Editor of Encounters: Journal of Intercultural Perspectives. 143 Living Your Tao: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living - Chungliang Al Huang 1 $10.00

Through performance (flute and tai ji), storytelling and audience engagement in movement, the body/mind wisdom is evoked.

Chungliang Al Huang is a philosopher, performing artist, and internationally acclaimed Tao Master, and is the founding president of the Living Tao Foundation. In addition to his many awards, Mr. Al Huang is the author of several acclaimed, best-selling books, including: Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain; Quantum Soup; and most recently The Chinese Book of Animal Powers. 144 Buddhist Ethic for World Peace - Dr. Achahn Phangcham 1 $10.00

This lecture will address the objectives of Buddhist morality based on the Buddhist Ethic Train which consists of five precepts: not to kill or cause to kill, not to take what is not given, not to commit adultery and sexual misconduct, not to lie and avoid false speech, and not to take intoxicating drinks and harmful drugs.

Ven. Dr. Phangcham was the President of the Buddhist Council of the Midwest (BCM) from 1993-1997 and is currently president emeritus of the BCM. He hs been on the Board of Trustees for the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions since 1993. He is also consultant to the International Buddhist Committee. Ven. Dr. Phangcham received his BA from Muhachular Buddhist University and a M.Ed., a M. Phil (1982), Ph.D. in Education (1985) from Delhi University, India. Dr. Phangcham has been an educator for over three decades and a Buddhist monk since he was 19. 145 End of History: Clash of Civilizations or Transformation of Civilization - Dr. Abdullah al-Ahsan 1 $10.00

At the end of the century, and the millennium, ideas such as the end of history, decline of the West, and the clash of civilizations have become subjects of popular debate. Do religions have any say on these debates? Dr. al-Ahsan will examine the relevance of religion in society for the next millennium.

Dr. Abdullah al-Ahsan graduated from McGill University, in Montreal, Canada, and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ph.D.). He is currently teaching at the Department of History and Civilization at the International Islamic University, Malaysia. He has written extensively on contemporary civilizational issues. 146 Interfaith Harmony In the 21st Century - Dr. Karan Singh 1 $10.00

The presentation will highlight the fact that the 20th century has been the most lethal in human history and that religious clashes have been responsible for wide-scale death and destruction. This continues down to the present day. Unless we establish inter-religious harmony, we will never succeed in ensuring world peace. The emergence of a sane and harmonious global society depends largely upon the interfaith movement.

Dr. Karan Singh is the former Indian Ambassador to the United States. An educator, statesman, and scholar, Dr. Singh is a renowned thinker and speaker on philosophy, religion, culture, politics, and the environment. He is the Chairman of the Temple's Board of Directors and has established several Temple of Understanding chapters throughout India. 147 The Mystics Speak: Christian Mysticism and Social Commitment - Sr. Susan Rakocz 1 $10.00

The Christian mystical tradition contains rich resources for grounding a commitment to the work of justice and peace. The insights of Catherine of Siena, Ignatius of Loyola and Evelyn Underhill on the unity of prayer and action will be presented. The presenter will also explore the implications of their teachings for active engagement on social and political issues.

Susan Rakoczy, IHM, holds a Ph.D. and lectures in spirituality and systematic theology at St. Joseph's Theological Institute, in Cedara, South Africa. Her publications include Common Journey, Different Paths, Spiritual Direction in Cross Cultural Perspective and numerous articles on spirituality. 149 Peace and Human Unity In the New Millenium -Dr. Margaret Czerny 1 $10.00

Meditation cuts across cultural, professional, and social boundaries. More and more people all over the world, realizing that professional success is no guarantee of personal happiness, are seeking their own transformational experience through spirituality. Dr. Czerny will speak about meditation as a way to balance personal and professional life with spiritual vision. She speaks from her experience as an internationally recognized economist and a person who has been meditating for many years.

Dr. Czerny is an economic scientist and economic policy advisor to the Austrian government and the European Union Presidency. She is head of the department of East-West Relations, infrastructure, housing policy, and comparative international economics of the Austrian Institute of Economic Research. She has organized conferences for OECD, World Bank, the European Union and other national and international organizations. 150 Beliefs and Concepts Zoroastrians Share with Other Faiths - Dr. Dastoor Kersey Anita 1 $10.00

The Zoroastrians have a number of beliefs, concepts, and practices in common with other faiths. These include the belief in the almighty God, theology, the problem of evil, life after death, the importance of ethics, resurrection, environment, immortality of soul, and the higher destiny of man.

Dr. Antia has been high priest of the Zarathushti community in the Chicago area since 1977, when he was awarded the Dastur's shawl by ZAC. He has been a fully ordained priest since 1950. Dr. Antia has lectured widely since he was 17, and is the author of numerous papers on religion and psychology. He is a licensed clinical and management psychologist in full time private practice in Illinois and is also affiliated with several hospitals. 151 The Christian Evangelical In Today's World - Rev. Barry Isaacs 1 $10.00

A bold view of the Evangelical position as it impacts on the church and on the world.

Rev. Isaacs is Executive Director, Cape Town City Mission and Chairman of the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa in the Western Cape. 152 Progressive Islam - Dr. Fajeed et. al. 1 $10.00 153 Mythology and the Millenium: An Introduction to Joseph Campbell - Robert Walter, Al Huang 1 $10.00

This will be a panel discussion on Campbell's legacy with responses. Audience questions will be addressed. Video clips may be shared.

Robert Walter is the Executive Director of the Joseph Campbell Foundation and was Campbell's editor on The Atlas of World Mythology. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 155 A New Religious Discourse for a Rapidly Changing World - Ebrahim Rasool 1 $10.00

In this presentation Mr. Rasool will explore the challenge of steering a course between religious apathy and extremism.

Mr. Rasool is the leader of the African National Congress (Party) for the Western Cape. 156 The Faith of Modernity and Traditional Religions: Conflict or Creative Engagement- Bronstein 1 $10.00

The premise for this presentation is that the Parliament should have the opportunity to process our world religious situation after the critique of modernity. The session would be based on the following premises: first, Modernity can be considered a faith which originated in Western Europe and is considered by some dichotomous with traditional religious faiths of various kinds. It has its creed, its constructs and its salvific vision. Second, the core faith of Modernity, which is that reason, science, and technology could bring earthly salvation on all levels material and social and that empiricism is the source of all truths, is no longer viable. Indeed, some intellectuals ascribe to the constructs and premises of western Modernity, with its emphasis on development, many of the problems and oppressions of our time. Third, it is important for various religious traditions to assess the new religious situation and the challenges to indigenous and 'axial' spiritualities now that the faith of Modernity is being roundly criticized.

Herbert Bronstein teaches Comparative Religion at Lake Forest College and has been a Senior Scholar at the North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe, Illinois for over 25 years. He has combined a successful vocation as a congregational rabbi with life long achievements in scholarship, academic teaching, and lecturing at various universities. 157 Liberation Theology and Freedom of Religion in Postcolonial S. Africa - Nokuzola Mndende 1 $10.00

The Bill of Rights asserts that everyone has the right to freedom of religion. This lecture discusses the extent to which African religions have been liberated and unclothed from colonial and apartheid interpretations. This presenter will also explore how capitalism and Christianisation have been used to further marginalise and humiliate those who are poor. The presenter will also illustrate how Africans are still made objects of study by outside researchers.

Ms. Mokuzola Mndende is a practitioner of African indigenous religion and scholar at the South Africa University of Cape Town and is National Chairperson of the National Council of African Traditional Religion. 160 Trends, Models, Paradigms of Change: Preparing for Life In the 21st Century - Dr. Linda Groff 2 $20.00

This presentation will have four parts, with each part looking at a deeper level of analysis and change. The presentation will begin with a brief introduction to Future Studies, including characteristics of a futurist perspective. Next, Dr. Groff will discuss key trends in different areas. She will propose a number of models of processes of change transforming our world, with examples of each, which collectively provide an overview of much future literature. A summary of new scientific paradigms, or overarching world views, including common characteristics of such paradigms, will be followed by a look at cultural paradigms or world views. This will follow with a discussion of how such changes are impacting all of our lives, and how we can be proactive, instead of reactive, in dealing with change.

Linda Groff is Professor of Political Science & Future Studies at California State University, Dominguez Hills, in Carson, California for over 26 years. She is also the Director of Global Options Consulting. Linda teaches, writes, consults, and gives talks and workshops on global, futures, evolution, peace, conflict resolution, intercultural, interreligious, spiritual, and Internet topics to a wide range of educational, community, business, and government groups, and has published over 25 articles on such subjects. 161 Beyond Dialogue: Interfaith Solidarity for Reconstruction & Reconciliation - Dr. Farid Esack 1 $10.00

Dr. Esack will offer his reflections on the history of the interfaith movement and the challenges confronting it if the movement is to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of ordinary people. This presentation will focus on marginalization and interfaith action to confront this issue.

Dr. Farid Esack is a Commissioner for Gender Equality in the South African government and Senior Researcher at the Institute of Religion, Identity and Culture at the University of the Western Cape. He is a Muslim theologian who has studied in Pakistan, the United Kingdom and South Africa. 162 Jubilee: The Teaching of Compassion - Rabbi Sjalom Awraham Soetendorp 1 $10.00

Rabbi Soetendorp will describe his experiences with the Jubliee Year campaign, which works to cancel the crushing debt owed by third world countries.

Rabbi Soetendorp is currently the Rabbi of the Reform Jewish Community of the Hague, and Rabbi of the Union of Dutch Reform Jewish Communities. A survivor of the Holocaust, he has been a long standing Human Rights activist. He frequently lectures at many Universities and Centers around the world. 163 Spiritual and Moral Roles In the New Millennium: A Baha'i Review - Shohreh Rawhani 1 $10.00

This lecture will explore what humanity has achieved up to now, and what can be achieved in the coming millennium. She will also discuss the potential of humanity, with particular emphasis on technological and moral advances.

Mrs. Shohreh Rawhani holds a M.Phil in Psychology, and is married with three children. For the past 10 years she has been an elected member of the National Spiritual Assembly of The Baha'is of South Africa. She is currently serving as its General Secretary. 165 African Renaissance: The Role of the Religious Communities - Imam Rashied Omar et. al. 1 $10.00

A panel presentation featuring South African religious, spiritual, political and cultural leaders discussing the idea and the reality of African Renaissance.

Imam Rashied Omar is an Imam at Mosque in the City of Cape Town and is Co-Chair of the Parliament of the World's Religions, South Africa. He is also the National Secretary of the World Conference on Religion and Peace and has a Master's degree in Comparative Religion from the University of Cape Town. 166 An Interior Pilgrimage: Remedy for the Year 2000 and Beyond - Swami M. Saraswathi 1 $10.00

Educational institutions are active to introduce the science to see the outer, which does not contribute towards establishing the inner contact. Sight is a faculty but seeing is an art. If this vision is introduced in the systems of our education, then the world will come to know that you and I are not two, but one person. This is the secret for peace on this planet. Everything is present every time, everywhere in every condition because of the oneness in our deepest being. To awaken ourselves towards this unique understanding, we must humbly embark on an inner pilgrimage which could direct the human resources to participate in the glory of perfection.

Swami Saraswathi began his spiritual quest when he left his family home in 1969. After training with Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj in the Himalayas for 16 years, Swami Saraswathi began giving discourses on the great treasure of vedic knowledge. In 1989, Swamiji started The Arunachala Unique Mountain Trust, which assists young students in their pursuit of higher education and spiritual guidance. 169 Jihad and Human Rights in Islam - Prof. Anis Ahmad 1 $10.00

Jihad is commonly understood as the use of violence for religious purposes, hence, it is translated as "holy war." The Qur'an and the Sunnah use this term in a wider connotation. The paper will make an effort to understand how Islam looks at human rights and examine the role of Jihad as a corrective method.

Dr. Ahmad is presently Professor of Comparative Religion and Director General of Da 'wah Academy of the International Islamic University, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Dr. Ahmad has held the positions of Vice President, IIU; Dean, Faculty of Usul al Din, IIU; Dean, Faculty of Islamic Revealed Knowledge & Human Sciences, IIU, Malaysia; President, Association of Muslim Social Scientists, USA. 170 Poverty Alleviation: A Spiritual Outlook - Parmahansa Prajanananda 1 $10.00

This presentation explores the use of religious beliefs to put an end to poverty. The Vedantic approach to remove poverty is through a distribution of benevolent resources, ideas of universal brotherhood, and religious involvement.

Paramahansa Prajnanananda was born in 1960, Orissa, India. He is the Vice President of Kriya Yoga Institute, USA; Kriya Yoga Zentrum, Vienna and Kriya Yoga Ashram, India. He is the designated spiritual successor of the only living God-Realised Kriya Yoga master Paramahansa Hariharanandaji. He holds MA in Economics. He is teaching Kriya Yoga in India, Europe, North & South America and Australia. He is well-versed in all of the worlds Scriptures-Vedas, Upanishads, Bible, Torah and Qur'an. Mr. Prajnanananda is an accomplished orator, philosopher, author and editor of many books. He is also proficient in many languages. 171 The Worldly Spirituality of the Lotus Sutra - Dr. Gene Reeves 1 $10.00

The modern world is increasingly plagued by the three-fold problem of rapid population growth, depletion of the earth's resources, and pollution. The Buddhist Lotus Sutra, many believe, provides a spiritual basis for overcoming this environmental crisis. What is especially interesting about the Sutra in this connection is its use of stories, especially highly imaginative, fantastic stories to express a special affirmation of this world. We will consider two of these stories in an effort to understand this spirituality as both earthly and cosmic.

Dr. Gene Reeves-Retired from University of Tsukuba, Japan; former head, Meadville/Lombard Theological School at the University of Chicago. Regularly writes and speaks about the Lotus Sutra. 173 Voices Into the Millenium: The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt - C. Jones, H.H. Bhagavati 1 $10.00

The display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt is a powerful, emotional, and spiritual reminder of the enormity of the AIDS pandemic. Cleve Jones and Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati will speak about the impact of AIDS in the world. The experience of the Quilt provides a creative means for remembrance and healing. Each participant at this event will feel the "call to remember and to serve" what the Quilt engenders. This presentation and display will coincide with World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Week, December 1-8, 1999. South Africa is among those nations hardest hit by the pandemic disease with over 14% of the total population of 32 million estimated to be infected with HIV. AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa has already orphaned over eight million children. The Quilt, like the Parliament, is a tapestry that both connects us to one another and transcends all boundaries. The AIDS Quilt exhibit is presented by the River Fund and sponsored by the Green Family Foundation.

Cleve Jones is a AIDS Activist and Founder of NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati is the founder of Kashi Ashram an interfaith spiritual community that embraces the sacred practices of many traditions. Ma's teachings are based upon a commitment to humanity through service. She founded the River Fund dedicated to serving people with AIDS and other life challenging illnesses and the River School which educates students in an environment that weaves spirituality and service into the curriculum. Ma is a Trustee of the Parliament of the World's Religions and works with other religious and spiritual leaders to promote interfaith dialogue and global cooperation for peace. In 1997, Ma established World Tibet Day to raise awareness of the plight of the Tibetan people and support for international freedom of religion for everyone. MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 181 "Dharma" University of the Sublime Values of Human Life - Bhupendra Kumar Modi 1 $10.00

Respect of all religions is Dharma. Dharma applies to all human beings. It sustains life. It does not create conflict. The word 'Dharma' cannot be defined. It can only be explained. Religions pass away. Dharma does not change.

Bhupendra Kumar Modi-Chairman and President, Modicorp; Working President, Vishva Hindu Parishad; Vice President, Mahabodhi Society of India, representing Buddhists in India. Author of several books. 182 What Is Scientology? - Heber C. Jentzsch 1 $10.00

Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology is a religion that offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one's spiritual nature, one's relationship with self, family, groups, mankind, all life forms, the material universe, spiritual universe, and the Supreme Being, or infinity.

President of the Church of Scientology International since 1982, has lectured on L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology internationally through media and at several universities. 183 IBBY Builds Bridges Through Children's Books- Jay Heale 1 $10.00

This lecture will provide an overview of the past, present, and future missions of IBBY and its sixty five member countries. It will also address what IBBY is aiming to do in Africa in the future.

Jay Heale is the president of the 2000 Hans Christian Andersen Jury for IBBY. He is also the founding member of the South African section of IBBY ( the South African Children's Book Forum), and the congress organizer for the 2004 IBBY Congress in Cape Town. 184 La Decouverte de Soi: Discovery of the Self - Abdoulaye Dieye 1 $10.00

Professional landscape architect and urbanist; research worker, writer, and lecturer of international standing. Cehiky Abdoulaye Dieye is the spiritual guide of the Mouridiyya, a Sufi Tariqaa or "path." Member of "Les Gens du Livre" (People of the Book), whose aim is to awaken the consciousness of people to the transcendent unity of all revealed religions. 186 Common Enemies Facing Faith Communities - H.E. Sayyed Musawi 1 $10.00

Common dangers facing the human society at large are the real enemy of all religious groups. Some examples of these perils are immoral wars, drugs, crime, and the misuse of religion for political gains. The presentation will focus on the need for Faith communities to cooperate and join efforts to tackle such common dangers.

Sayyed Musawi is head of a worldwide Shiite Muslim organization covering 5 continents. He was head of the Interfaith Council of India, and he is now head of Interfaith International, which is an NGO at the United Nations. Mr. Musawi continually works with heads of state and leaders of various religious and international organizations to make the world a better place. 187 Giving By Reducing One's Share: Toward Closing the Gap - Rev. Heng Sure 1 $10.00

The richest fifth of the world's people consumes 86% of all goods and services, while the poorest fifth consumes just 1.3%. Any viable solution to this growing crisis must include some measure of restraint by the "overdeveloped" nations, as the earth cannot sustain its present consumption frenzy. Nor can the "developing nations" be expected to limit their rising expectations unilaterally, while the richest fifth continues to overindulge. Thus, it would seem that some call to action that exhorted people in the more developed nations to give by reducing