Circle Sanctuary at the 2021 Parliament of the World's Religions

October 16-18, 2021
parliamentofreligions.org

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is one of the oldest and largest international interfaith gatherings on Planet Earth.  The first Parliament was held in Chicago, Illinois, USA in 1893, and it ushered in a new era of interfaith communication and understanding.

In 1993, the Parliament rebirthed in Chicago.  Since that time, Parliament convenings have been held every few years: 1999 in Capetown, South Africa; 2004 in Barcelona, Spain; 2009 in Melbourne, Australia; 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Circle Sanctuary has been part of the Parliament of the World’s Religions since its centennial rebirth in 1993.  Circle Sanctuary ministers, members, and associates have been among the speakers, exhibitors, and networkers.

In 2021, the Parliament of the World’s Religions will be held for the first time as an online event.  It will take place October 16-18 and will include plenaries, ceremonies, panels, workshops, and exhibits.  Those who register will also be able to view recordings of many of the sessions for several weeks after the Parliament convenes.

Circle Sanctuary will have an information booth in the exhibit area, and some Circle Sanctuary ministers and other community members will be speaking:

Dia de Muertos: Origin and Traditions of the Day of the Dead
Sunday, October 17, 10-10:45 am central (live)
Rev. Laura Gonzalez will share origins and traditions of the Day of the Dead

Festivals of the Dead: Dia de Muertos and Samhain
Sunday, October 17, 1-1:45 pm central (live)
Rev. Selena Fox and Rev. Laura Gonzalez will discuss similarities and differences in lore, imagery, rites, and customs for honoring the Dead in Celtic traditions of Samhain and Mexican traditions of Dia de Muertos/Day of the Dead.

Circle for Planet Earth
Sunday, October 17, 3-3:45 pm central (watch video here)
Rev. Selena Fox and some other Circle Sanctuary Ministers, Ministers in Training, and Community Members will guide this Planetary Healing ceremony.

A 21st-Century Morality: The Rise of Ecocentrism, Climate Feminism, and a Global Alliance of the Rights of Nature
Sunday, October 17, 6-6:45 pm central (watch video here)
Rev. Charlotte Bear will talk about the rise in climate feminism and activism, the shift from ego-centric worldview to an eco-centric one, and mobilization of Planet Earth defenders fighting for the Rights of Nature.

Contemporary Pagan Elder Leadership in the Return of the Goddess
Sunday, October 17, 9-9:45 pm central (live)
Rev. Selena Fox will be among the speakers on this Pagan Elders Goddess Spirituality panel that also includes moderator Oberon Zell, Ellen Everett Hopman, Gypsy Ravish, and Jo Carson.

Pagans and Heathens: Where on Earth are We? An International Perspective
Sunday, October 17, 10-10:45 pm central (watch video here)
Rev. Selena Fox and Rev. Laura Gonzalez will be speaking on this international multi-tradition panel that also includes moderator Morgana Sythove of The Netherlands and Arild Aston-Eikrem of Norway.

Global Voices: Women Podcasting
Monday, October 18, 10-10:45 am central (live)
Rev. Laura Gonzalez, Rev. Selena Fox, and Circle Sanctuary Community Member Petrucia Finkler of Brazil discuss on this panel their global and multilingual ecofeminist experiences with podcasting through Circle Sanctuary’s internet radio network, CSNP (Circle Sanctuary Network Podcasts). 

The Healing of the World
Monday, October 18, 2:45-3:30 pm (pre-recorded)
Rev. Georgette Paxton is among the Pagan priestesses of several traditions contributing to this Global Healing ceremony, along with facilitator Angie Buchanan, Beryl Ouimette, Katie LaFond, and Patricia Ballentine.  

Community Reflections

2021 Parliament of World's Religions Podcast, Circle Talk, CSNP 

In the News

Climate Crisis at forefront of agenda for Parliament of the World's Religions, Religion News Service, October 19, 2021

Four Pagans talk their experiences at Parliament of World's Religions 2021, The Wild Hunt, November 16, 2021