Please Help Support Hosting the Parliament of World’s Religions Global Conference in Huntsville
Many people and organizations are asking the question, ” What can Huntsville do to foster peace here in our own community and in the world?” There is an exciting new initiative to bring the Parliament of World’s Religions to our city. It is taking place right now and you are needed.
What is a Parliament of World’s Religions (PWR)?
The Parliament is the oldest, largest, and most inclusive interfaith gathering in the world. It attracts 10,000 attendees from 80 countries and 50 faith traditions for several days of plenaries, workshops, dialogues, sacred music, films and more. Since the first Parliament in 1893, this historic event has taken place in Chicago, Cape Town, Barcelona, Melbourne, Monterrey and Salt Lake City.
What has already been done?
The project has strong initial momentum. Unity Church on the Mountain has stepped forward as the first congregation to write a letter to IMS in support; they have identified a volunteer representative; and they have donated financially. A core team of volunteers has established a working relationship with the Huntsville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Von Braun Center, both of which are ready and eager to support the Parliament. They have raised the $2,500 needed to submit a first draft hosting proposal. And they have been in communication with PWR leadership, which has offered encouragement and support.
Are there financial risks?
There are no financial risks to IMS or its member congregations. For event hosting, PWR will only contract with government representatives, not directly with interfaith groups. The Huntsville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is willing and able to enter into such a contract. IMS and willing member congregations would be asked to participate in seeking sponsorships and partnerships and in raising working capital to demonstrate local engagement and commitment to the initiative. For this purpose, IMS would act as a financial “pass through” account.
Next Steps
Next steps include the support of additional local organizations, faith groups and individuals. This support is needed in the form of :
● Letter or email to IMS stating you, your organization or congregation supports the idea of bringing the Parliament gathering to the city of Huntsville.
● Donations to the second level application fee ($2500) are welcome and needed but not required.
● Checks made to IMS with notation “Parliament of World’s Religions ” or “PWR”.
● Interested volunteers for planning and development. Please email interest to: susan.huntsvilleparliament@gmail.com
Why host a PWR in Huntsville?
The benefits of hosting such a global event are numerous, including:
- Strengthening and enhancing our congregations’ capabilities to meet human needs, both through shared learning and connections at the event and through collaboration during advance preparation;
- Bringing together local faith, civic, academic, corporate and indigenous leaders first to prepare a proposal, then to develop programs, ceremonies, dialogues, films, etc.;
- Bringing to light the wealth of talent, information and community service already available within IMS’s body of work;
- Through smaller events leading up to the large event, identifying more community needs and solutions that touch on all areas of ministry (Faith and Spirituality, Race and Culture, Social Justice, and Direct Service);
- Becoming internationally recognized interfaith leaders, acknowledged for building a beloved community;
- Shaping an important public forum that builds the interfaith movement worldwide;
- Generating an estimated $14 million boost for Huntsville’s local economy;
- Bolstering Huntsville’s designation as a Compassionate City.
