Reflections on Preparing for the Parliament of the World Religions

In a sense, I have been preparing for this monumental event for decades. The journey began when I first heard about the Parliament of the World Religions in 1993, the same year I was introduced to World Youth Day. Both of these experiences piqued my interest and fueled my desire to engage with people from various religious backgrounds. However, as a 15-year-old, I lacked the financial capabilities to attend such significant events.

Years of Preparation

Over the years, I found myself periodically revisiting the concept of the Parliament, particularly in 1999, 2004, 2009, and once more in 2015, each time with hope, yet often met with disappointment. Like many theologians, I rely on grants or the generosity of others to attend such conferences. This reality is a significant disadvantage, as it limits the number of brilliant minds that can participate in these thought-provoking dialogues.

It is fascinating to reflect on the journey of studying religions and theology in one form or another since the 1990s. This dedication has laid a solid foundation for my preparation for the current event. About 18 months ago, I officially registered for the Parliament and applied for a presentation, which was successfully accepted in the spring. Then, in late summer, I was given the opportunity to present a second topic. This gave me ample time to read and delve deeply into the themes since then.

Final Stages of Preparation

In the weeks leading up to the event, I focused on organizing the details of the presentations. It was a meticulous process that required diligent planning and preparation. One of the tasks I undertook was to comb through the entire schedule to identify the events I wished to attend. It took me approximately four hours to sift through the vast array of sessions, hoping to find the ones that would most enrich my experience.

As I completed my research and planning, I turned my attention to coordinating time with friends and colleagues who would also be present at the conference. These meetings would not only allow for the exchange of ideas but also reinforce the spirit of collaboration that is fundamental to this gathering.

Closing Thoughts

While I have been diligently preparing for this event, there were some things I should have done to enhance my experience, such as bringing an umbrella. Despite the occasional life lessons learned through these experiences, the journey continues to be a rewarding one. The Parliament of the World Religions serves as a reminder of the ongoing necessity for dialogue, understanding, and the celebration of diverse religious traditions.