The Parliament of the World's Religions is a global interfaith conference that convenes individuals and organizations from diverse religious, spiritual, and secular traditions to promote dialogue and collaboration. Established in 1893, the Parliament aims to foster understanding and cooperation among the world's faith communities.
The 2023 Parliament, held from August 14 to 18 at Chicago's McCormick Place Lakeside Center, centered on the theme "A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom & Human Rights." The event addressed pressing global issues such as climate change, human rights, and the rise of authoritarianism, featuring a diverse array of sessions, workshops, and plenary discussions.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage in networking events, explore an extensive expo hall showcasing various organizations and initiatives, and hear from notable speakers, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, who delivered an address at the opening plenary. The conference also featured cultural performances and art exhibits, enriching the overall experience.
The Parliament is designed for individuals and organizations committed to interfaith dialogue, social justice, and global peace. Participants include religious leaders, scholars, activists, and community members seeking to collaborate on solutions to global challenges and to build bridges across diverse traditions.
Speakers(124)
Abbot Shi Yongxin
Abdul Malik Mujahid
Achhar Singh
Aina-Nia Ayo’dele
Ambassador Rabbi David Saperstein
Ambassador Rashad Hussain
Ambassador-at-Large at U.S. Department of State
Rashad Hussain serves as the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.
Anila Ali
Ann Smith
Baba Wande Abimbola
Barbara Thorngren
Berry Behr
Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia OBE KSG
Bill Lowrey
Bob Boisture
Bob Flannery
Brian J. Grim
Brother Benedict Ayodi, OFMCap
Cardinal Blase Cupich
Cardinal at Archdiocese of Chicago
Cardinal Blase Cupich is the Archbishop of Chicago, leading the Catholic community in the region.
Carroll Muffett
Charline Manuel
Chris Crawford
Chris Fielding
Christine Goggins, MFA AM
Congressman Bobby Rush
Congressman at U.S. House of Representatives
Bobby Rush is a U.S. Congressman representing Illinois's 1st congressional district.
Danica Sun
Daniel Gomez-Ibanez
David West
Derrick B. Wells
Dharma Master Cheng Yen
Dharma Master Hsin Tao
Diane Berke
Dr. Jane Goodall
UN Messenger of Peace
Dr. Jane Goodall is a renowned primatologist and UN Messenger of Peace, advocating for environmental conservation.
Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen M.D.
Dr. Mahan Mirza
Dr. Mary Nelson
Dr. Muhammad Abdulghany Hamedeh
Dr. Stephen Schlensog
Elder Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner
Evita Krislock
Felicity Purchase
Grandmother Mary Lyons
Gus diZerega
H.H. Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji
Harvinder Singh Phoolka
Hazim Fazlic
Her Excellency Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés
Former President at United Nations General Assembly
María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés is a diplomat and former President of the United Nations General Assembly.
Hsin Tao
Jamal Rahman
Janie Dumbleton
Jean Bolen
Jeff Genung
Jelena Collins
Jennifer Butler
Jerry White
Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman
Justice at Supreme Court of India
Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman is a former judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Justine Toms
Karen Freeman-Wilson
Karenna Gore
Kate Sheehan Roach
Kehkashan Basu
Khaled Abu Awwad
Khalil Sayegh
Lee Harrington
Leslie Lanes
Lewis Cardinal
Marianne Williamson
Mark Fowler
Mary Kirchen
Mat Auryn
Mayor Brandon Johnson
Mayor at City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson is the Mayor of Chicago, leading the city's administration and community initiatives.
Michael Bernard Beckwith
Most Respected Muni Shri 108 Praman Sagar Ji Maharaj
Ms. Bani Dugal
Muhammed Al-Ahari
Mustafa Abu Sway
Nancy Pelosi
Speaker Emerita at U.S. House of Representatives
Nancy Pelosi is the Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives, having served as Speaker from 2007 to 2011 and 2019 to 2023.
Nitin Ajmera
Parisa Khosravi
Pastor Chris Harris
Phillip Scott
Phyllis Curott
Preeta Bansal
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
Presiding Bishop at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Elizabeth Eaton serves as the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Prof. Anantanand Rambachan
Prof. Azza Karam
Raachel Jurovics
Rabbi Alon Goshen-Gottstein
Rabbi David Rosen
Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger
Rabbi Jennie Rosenn
Rainn Wilson
Rev. Gerald Durley
Rev. James Lawson
Reverend
Rev. James Lawson is a civil rights leader known for his work in nonviolent resistance.
Rev. Masanori Takeuchi
Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton
Rev. Stephen Avino
Rita Chen
Robby Romero
Ron Nirenberg
Rory McEntee
Sarah AK Ahmed
Secretary-General António Guterres
Secretary-General at United Nations
António Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations, addressing global challenges and promoting peace.
Shane Claiborne
Shu-Ming Hu
Sidney Helbraun
Sir Partha Dasgupta
Professor at University of Cambridge
Sir Partha Dasgupta is a renowned economist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Cambridge.
Somava Saha
Sousan Abadian
Steve Sarowitz
Suzan Nolan
Swami Ishatmananda
Swami Yatidharmananda
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II
Reverend
Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is a prominent social justice advocate and leader of the Poor People's Campaign.
The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus
Tracey Erin Smith
Traci Blackmon
Vance Henry
Ven. Karma Lekshe Tsomo
WANG Jianbao
Wa'el Alzayat
Wajahat Ali
Xian-Yue Shih
Élie Khoury
Event Details
- Date
- August 14-18, 2023
- 5 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
- McCormick Place Lakeside Center
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Religious leaders, scholars, activists, and community members interested in interfaith dialogue and global issues.
- Attendees
- Over 8,000 attendees from more than 95 countries and 210+ traditions.