In two separate international conferences, both co-sponsored by a
myriad of interreligious and civil organizations with patronage by
municipal and Church officials, delegates of the world’s major religions
and spiritual movements recently met and discussed creative,
constructive responses to major global issues.
In Florence, representatives of the Mayor, and Msgr. Dante Carolli, the Interreligious Dialogue Delegate of the Bishop of Tuscany, welcomed 200 participants coming from all corners of the earth to the “Awakened World” conference which by chance coincided with Benedict XVIth address to the Synod on the importance of interfaith relations.
A few days later in Rome, multi-religious reflections on the meaning of “Friendship in Cultures and Religions” were explored by Christians, Jews, Muslims, Baha’is, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs – with a special contribution on Matteo Ricci by the Chinese Dean of Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan. “Religions for Peace” and the “Rome Academy of Human and Social Sciences (ASUS)” were the organizers.
Extraordinary enthusiasm characterized both conferences in a common vision of global cooperation, interconnectedness, and friendship as the only response to the economic crisis as well as to political and religious extremism. The open support of political and religious authorities provided hope for future interaction.
In Florence, spiritual leaders and people from all walks of life brainstormed intensively in workshops. The organizing groups were American, but participants came from Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Korea, China, Tibet, Ghana, Israel, Mexico, the U.K., Australia, Belgium, Turkey and Italy.
There were university professors, school teachers career advisors, clergymen and women connected to churches, synagogues, mosques and interreligious centers, social workers, psychologists, lawyers, writers, theologians, artists and musicians, ecologists, economists, business people, veterinarians, etc. all deeply committed to the main theme: “Engaged Spirituality for the 21st Century”, or, more simply, strategies for the transformation of contemporary society.
A common thread binding the final proposals for projects was the emphasis on a new, universal educational curriculum aimed at building awareness of the interdependence of nations, religions and individuals, incorporating learning techniques that use music, art, games, and stress gender equality and equal opportunity.
In this context, during a plenary assembly at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, the audience stood in silence after a prayer for the complete recovery of Malala, the brave 15 year old Pakistani girl shot in the head by Taliban henchmen just because she campaigned for extending education to all girls.
Promoting universal literacy and access to books and culture was also seen as a means for re-educating those serving prison terms and giving them a second chance in life, as well as for overcoming indoctrination to violence in societies where totalitarian male authority smothers all opportunity for free choice in education and life styles for women, children and all non-conforming individuals.
In its final statement, the “Awakened World” assembly proposed creating interfaith centers in all colleges and universities. The themes of poverty, hunger, economic injustice were tackled through proposals for expanding knowledge of the little known but successful programs already being implemented. Global online networks, it was said, could link existing projects such as microfinance banking tailored to women entrepreneurs, or a “nourishing the children” nutritional program -- and a “global seal of goodness” could be awarded to the most worthy.
The delegates called for new strategies for creating “accountability”, considered an essential aspect of the new spirituality – for monitoring the ethics of business, finance, politics, and above all in overseeing international aid to “developing” societies – which more often than not leak into corrupt pockets before reaching their destination instead of helping the needy to become independent. It was suggested that the wealthiest members of society be encouraged to donate 5% of their annual profits to these projects.
A very specific proposal was put forth with respect to Israel/Palestine. Tourists who come to the Holy Land, it was said, come with the same preconceived notions with which they return. They find what they expect to find, on tours with either Jewish or Arab guides. To enable deeper understanding of the “two rights and two wrongs” that have caused the present impasse, the narratives of both sides must be heard. For this, it was said, we must seek out open-minded, non-biased tour guides, or else employ two guides – one from each nation.