AUGUST 14-18, 2023 | MCCORMICK PLACE LAKESIDE CENTER. One Spirit will be at booth 233.

Where can we find One Spirit at Parliament of the World's Religions?

Join the One Spirit interfaith community of students, graduates, faculty, staff, and board members at Parliament of the World's Religions. The official convening begins the morning of Monday, August 14th, and runs through the afternoon of Friday, August 18th, in Chicago.

If you are attending, please come by and see us at Booth 233. Click here for an interactive map of Parliament of the World's Religions exhibition space.

If you have any questions about the parliament, the program, the location, and the venue, please visit the website for Parliament of the World's Religions.

Parliament of the World's Religions:
One Spirit Presentations Schedule

Monday, August 14th

2:30 - 4 PM

Beyond Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Striving to Become an Antiracist Spiritual Organization

Facilitated by: Ilene Sameth, Rev. Nathan Brisby, Rev. Dr. Khadijah Matin, and Rev. Karim Beldjilali

One Spirit Learning Alliance, an interfaith learning center, is humbly on the path toward becoming an antiracist organization. In this conversation, bringing together educational and operational leadership, we will discuss the ups and downs of our current journey in the hopes of inspiring other organizations to disrupt and dismantle systemic racism. Panelists will share an honest and transparent account of how our organization recognized that before we could make positive change in the world, deep antiracist introspection and action were necessary in our own house. We will share the path we have traveled, what has worked, what has not, and how antiracism is deepening our work, our classrooms, and our spirituality, in ways gross and subtle.

MOVED to NEW TIME: Thursday, August 17, 4pm to 5pm

A Christian and a Pagan Walk into an Animal Shelter: Creative Ideas for Interspecies Justice

Facilitated by: Rev. Sarah Bowen and Dr. Betz King, Saybrook University

Animals in need are often left out of conversations about Eco-Spirituality, Creation Care, or Sustainability. In this presentation, One Spirit's Rev. Animal Chaplain Sarah Bowen and Dr. Betz King, a Pagan minister and priestess of The Western Mystery Tradition explore creative ideas for changing narratives about animals.

Tuesday, August 15th

3 - 4:30 PM

Remarkable Women from Different Faith Traditions

Facilitated by: Rev. Dr. Sushmita Mukherjee and panel members Roya Akhavan, Allison Stokes, and Edward Price.

In this panel presentation, we will present a tapestry of the embodied feminine in various world religions and spiritual traditions. We will open with an in-depth look into the life and mission of Táhirih, an influential spiritual leader, scholar/poet, and early-mid nineteenth-century heroine of the Bábí Faith in Persia. We will then show an artist’s depiction in a large tapestry of Táhirih and Elizabeth Cady Stanton represented during conventions held halfway around the world in 1848—a tapestry now displayed in the Women’s Right National Historical Park in Seneca Falls. And finally, we will zoom out and hold the story of Táhirih within a larger tapestry of how the feminine has been and continues to be, expressed in world religions and spiritual traditions.

5 - 6:30 PM

Panel: MultiFaith Foundations for Climate Justice Action

Facilitated by: Rev. Chelsea MacMillan with panelists: Nana Firman (Muslim), abby mohaupt (Christian), Aly Tharp (Unitarian Universalist), Chelsea MacMillian (interfaith).

Every faith tradition and spirituality has teachings about caring for others and the planet – with unique offerings for activists and people of faith who are called to this work. In a time when there is an urgent need for action on climate change, we need to learn from our faith resources and the resources of others to be grounded in faith as we take bold action for climate justice. Indeed, every major social movement that has made a difference in the world has included people of faith and spirit. In this workshop, participants will reflect on their traditions and faith resources, learn from panelists from various traditions, and commit to action for climate justice based on these foundations of faith.

Wednesday, August 16th

8 - 9:30 AM

An Interfaith Celebration for Animals

Facilitated by: Rev. Sarah Bowen and Rev. Carol Sauders, One Spirit alumni + Barbara Gardner, founder and CEO of the Animal Interfaith Alliance and Lisa Levinson, Campaigns Director for In Defense of Animals

An immersive liturgical experience designed to help you reflect on your relationships with the diverse species with whom we share the planet.

8 - 9:30 AM

The Science of Spirituality and the Spirituality of Science: Evolving a More Prosocial World

Facilitated by: Rev. Diane Berke

This session, moderated by Jeff Genung, co-founder of ContemplativeLife.org and Prosocial.World, discusses what it will take to create a more prosocial, just, and peaceful world in our lifetimes by catalyzing—and thus accelerating—both inner and outer change. Evolutionary Biologist David Sloan Wilson, Spiritual Educator Diane Berke, Integrative Physician Nisha Manek, and writer/editor Kate Sheehan Roach approach the possibilities from interdisciplinary, inter-spiritual perspectives.

1 - 2:30 PM

The Parliament and the Dawn of the Second Axial Age

Facilitated by: Rev. Diane Berke

Panel discussion featuring Jamal Rahman, Rory McEntee, Jeff Genung, Kate Sheehan Roach, & Diane Berke exploring how interspirituality supports moving toward a truly global civilization and the living expression of the Parliament's Global Ethic.

1 - 2 PM

Skilling Up: Organizing Skills for Faith-based Grassroots Climate Justice Movements PART ONE

Facilitated by: Rev. Chelsea MacMillan

Taking on a campaign for climate justice can feel overwhelming, like the beginning of a long hike up a steep mountain. How do we live out our faith and values in public action, to create impactful change for peace and justice? How do we tell our stories and engage others? How do we spiritually ground ourselves to prepare for this journey? These are just some of the topics participants in this workshop will explore together, facilitated by experienced campaigners and organizers. Presenters: Aly Tharp and Rev. Chelsea MacMillan

2 - 3 PM

Skilling Up: Organizing Skills for Faith-based Grassroots Climate Justice Movements PART TWO

Facilitated by: Rev. Chelsea MacMillan and Aly Tharp

Humanity is at a spiritual and moral crossroads. Will we continue to let corporations and governments throw our future away for profit? Or will we embody our values in action and say “no more”? Faith leaders and movements throughout history have at times been disruptive in order to create change for peace and justice – even Jesus flipped tables now and then. Together, we will explore tactics and practice taking bold action grounded in faith and spirit, for climate justice.

1 - 2 PM

Relighting the Cauldron - Embracing Nature Spirituality for the Modern World

Facilitated by: Rev. Wendy Van Allen

I will discuss the main topic of my book, that there are commonalities across nature traditions that facilitate healing for ourselves and the planet.

5:30 - 6:30 PM

Compassionate Fundraising for Ethically Motivated Faith Groups

Facilitated by: Rev. Ginny Mikita, JD, Alt Div, Animal Chaplain

Dev. alt. cruelty-free fundraisers, i.e., lobster boils and pig roasts, in faith communities.

Thursday, August 17th

2 - 3 PM

Way of the Rose Rosary Friends Circle

Facilitated by: Rev. Sara Tucker

The Way of the Rose is an open-hearted, inclusive community of people dedicated to the forgotten Earth wisdom of the rosary…and to the Lady, by any name you like to call Her. We are not affiliated with the Catholic Church or any other religious institution. Nor do we seek to build a new one. We have no dues or fees, no buildings to maintain, or capital campaigns. We pass the hat from time to time for our modest needs. There are no priests or levels of mastery. Instead of lineages of power, we value circles of friendship. We support one another in praying for our heart’s desire. If you are new to the rosary, don’t worry. The prayers are easy to learn, and one of them—the Hail Mary—you can learn today, as you listen and begin to follow along. We pray five decades of the rosary, share petitions, and pray for our dead.

4 - 5 PM

Contemplative Practice to Build Community, Promote Justice, and Embrace Peace

Facilitated by: Rev. Diane Berke

This session explores contemplative practice as a foundation for building community, promoting justice, and embracing peace. We ask the question: How do we sustain our commitment to working toward justice and peace? Presenters share their experience of creating Transformation 365, a contemplative community born out of the 2018 Parliament of World Religions, and the impact this experience has had on their respective communities' work in the world. Participants are invited to share their experiences of contemplative practice and community building, and engage together in a guided contemplative practice.

4 - 5pm

A Christian and a Pagan Walk into an Animal Shelter: Creative Ideas for Interspecies Justice

Facilitated by: Rev. Sarah Bowen and Dr. Betz King, Saybrook University

Animals in need are often left out of conversations about Eco-Spirituality, Creation Care, or Sustainability. In this presentation, One Spirit's Rev. Animal Chaplain Sarah Bowen and Dr. Betz King, a Pagan minister and priestess of The Western Mystery Tradition explore creative ideas for changing narratives about animals.

Friday, August 18th

Spiritual Companioning Within the Workplace

Facilitated by: Rev. Nathan Brisby

The workplace has, for many, become a profane space led by a singular, bottom-line focus. We have a sense that discussions of faith are not welcome (at best) or illegal (at worst). And yet, inherent within the gathering of humans is the creative potential of the sacred. This concentration examines the variety of ways that are emerging within the workplace to engage with the fullness of the spiritual lives of workers. During this session, we discuss the various intersections between spiritual companioning and elements of the workplace (e.g., management theory, innovation, diversity, working in teams, leadership, influencing, sustainability, mentoring, etc.) as well as our own personal development as spiritually mature leaders working to navigate the ineffable.

8 - 9 AM

8 - 9 AM

Ceremony for Planet Earth with Circle Sanctuary

Facilitated by: Rev. Meredith "Merre" Beckman

Join us for this offering of a nature blessing during Circle Sanctuary's ritual for planet Earth.

9:15 - 10 AM

The Interview: The Dehumanizing Theatre of the Parole Process

Facilitated by: Rev. Dr. Salome Raheim and Rev. Heidi Tessmer

Film screening and Q&A. The Interview The New Yorker Documentary, The Interview, by Jon Miller and Zach Russo, shines a light on the intricacies of parole in New York State from the perspective of those who were eventually granted it. The film highlights unjust and dehumanizing aspects of the parole process, including its effects on the incarcerated individual, their families, and communities.

What is Parliament of the World's Religions?

Parliament of the World's Religions is an interfaith gathering of all faiths and traditions. It has been taking place since its inaugural meeting in 1983 at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. You can read more about the history of Parliament of the World Religions on their website. Parliament attracts over 200 diverse traditions and more than 80 nations. Parliament convenes nearly 60,000 people from more than 80 nations, spanning over 200 diverse faith and indigenous traditions. Taking place only every five years, this is a unique opportunity to get together in community. We hope you will join us.

Where is Parliament of the World's Religions being held in 2023?

The 2023 convening of Parliament of the World's Religions is being held in Chicago at the McCormick Place Event Center from 8:00 am CST on Monday, August 14 to 6:00. pm CST, Friday - August 18, 2023. Take a look at the full 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions program schedule.

Learn More About One Spirit Graduates.

We are often asked: Who are One Spirit graduates, and what type of ministries do they have? Please have a look at our Graduate Directory to see the wide range of services our graduates participate in.