In November 2018, a group of McGill students got the chance of a lifetime: to attend the Parliament of the World’s Religions (PoWR). The Parliament first met in 1893, and is now a world-renowned gathering of people from dozens of faith backgrounds and scores of countries. Recent conferences have drawn attendances numbering more than 10,000. Lucky for us, the 2018 conference was in Toronto!
With the conference so close to home, and an inspiring theme -The Promise of Inclusion, The Power of Love- MORSL helped organize an inter-university contingent of students from Montreal interested in learning what multi-faith social justice action is all about. This conference was not only a fantastic way to learn about other faiths, it was also a privileged opportunity to work side by side with people whose spirituality calls them to create a more just, sustainable and equitable world. The focus areas this year include climate change, income equity, reconciliation and the struggle against war, violence and hate speech. For details about this incredible conference and the work that they do all year long, please visit the Parliament's website.
Bringng Home the Learning
Over seven days, our students were able to choose from a wide range of panels, workshops, interactive cultural experiences, and art exhibits to name a few. With programming for everyone from scholars and activists to families and children, our students got to learn from other students, clergy, interfaith leaders, scholars, Nobel Laureates, city mayors, spiritual luminaries, best-selling authors, globally-recognized entertainers, thought leaders, state actors, and more.
But our students didn't attend this conference just for themselves - they wanted to share this learning with the entire McGill community. Through this online space, our students are bringing the learning home to you!
Enjoy your visit to our virtual showcase!
Student Contributors:
1- The Voiceless Cry by Oi Yin Lai
2 - Tabling by Mariam Grigoryan and Antonia Lieben-Seutter
Mariam Grigoryan IDS
Economics major
“PoWR is an extraordinary opportunity to meet people from different religious and spiritual backgrounds and learn about multi-faith social justice. Through various activities, workshops and seminars we discussed the importance of interreligious harmony in achieving a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.”
Antonia Lieben-Seutter
Anthropology major
“The most exciting experience for me at the PoWR was witnessing different religious rituals being performed and the respect and enthusiasm with which different religious groups interacted with each other. In a time where religious organisations are often portrayed as spreading terror, intolerance and hate throughout the world, it was great seeing not only religious followers but leaders of worldwide organisations come together and talk about how they can collaborate to make the world a better place.”
