GEIFN: PWR | UPDATING | Of Course We Chose Chicago! The 2023 Chicago Parliament Is Yours to Create

[Edited extract from public address]

Of Course We Chose Chicago!

It is important to celebrate those who built a city. The dreamers and doers who transformed Chicago for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition into an iconic World’s Fair City left behind gifts that cemented Chicago as a premier place to be, to see, to be seen, and fully experience.

That Chicago, the one you know about, have visited (or hope to) is beloved for so many reasons: Chicago is opulent, jazzy, ethnically rich, culturally quite specific, culinarily genius, artistically significant, picture perfect from the Lake, an industrial force….your kind of town, worthy of all its praise. Its people living up to the challenge to make it worthy, safe, and prosperous for all...

Beyond a Birthplace

One champion helping steer the Parliament of the World’s Religions toward making the 9th gathering a historic moment for Chicago is the senior advisor to Mayor Lori Lightfoot on faith initiatives Rev. Vance Henry. Henry is a longtime public servant in the mayor’s office synonymous with his work bridging community and faith-based initiatives with the support of multiple mayoral administrations.

Henry said, “Chicago is a world-class city that boasts a reputation from its earliest days as a hub of economic, civic, cultural and religious life for the growth of the country. At the heart of the strength, growth, and vitality of Chicago is the religious character and values of the citizens that call Chicago home.”

The Parliament’s call for advancing human rights mirrors what interfaith and religious communities could be called to focus on across the neighborhoods of Chicago.

Those visiting next year will witness that “Peacemaking is the business of the faith communities in this city,” Henry said, before continuing to share his vision of how the 2023 Parliament can benefit the city, as its interfaith networks grapple with difficult times:

“We have to lift up how we are meeting the needs of those who are unsafe, food insecure, and homeless.”

At a busy juncture of organizing, the Parliament of the World’s Religions is well positioned to create history in the 2023 gathering with the support of city partners which includes Mayor Lori Lightfoot herself, who was gracious in helping to announce that the Parliament “chose Chicago” and welcome those planning to visit next year. She recently shared with Henry that she “is proud to celebrate the vision, efforts, and leadership of the Parliament of the World's Religions as they work hard to host the 130th year Anniversary Event in its birthplace here in Chicago.”

Let’s Make the Chicago Parliament’s Third Act the Best Yet

By 2023, organizers hope a 9th Parliament of the World’s Religions will be remembered in keeping with the legacy of earlier convenings. Reaching “most significant yet” is a thrill to imagine.

Key Performance Indicators may say the Parliament featured the biggest mainstream audience to date, secured enough funding, and garnered positive global media coverage. But it’s also convening in a moment to celebrate that at 130 years, the Parliament is still growing, holding space in new hearts, and continuing to impact generations that only knew of a Parliament of the World’s Religions in historical memory.

It’s now their Chicago Parliament to create.

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Join the Creation of the 2023 Parliament

Take advantage of Early Bird Savings! Register today as an individual or organize a group to join thousands of registrants at the 2023 Parliament.

Add your voice to the Chicago Parliament by answering the call for programs. The deadline for submissions is October 3rd.