On the threshold of a new world religion

Parliament of the World's Religions

Since 1893, when the religions had their first World Parliament in Chicago, there has been focus on the peaceful coexistence of the religions. The meeting in Chicago was a decisive event in the history of religions, because during the 17 days of the meeting, more than 4000 participants representing all major religions were for the first time ever confronted directly with each other's fundamental values. This meeting was held in connection with the World's Fair in Chicago, as a contribution to the internationalisation of the Fair.

The meeting was characterised by an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance towards each other's religions. It also propelled a profound religious debate during the following years, i.a. about the nature of Christianity. The World Parliament became in practice the event that initiated the rapprochement of the religions, whereby it i.a. brought the wisdom of the East to the West over the following 100 years. There has ever since been a movement towards greater unity among the religions and interests in bring the religions together in a new community.