Source: Press Release
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, December 10, 2009: After seven magnificent days, the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions has officially closed, with a moving ceremony at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Thousands of people from more than 80 cultures and faiths attended more than 650 programs, with over 1300 world-class speakers and performers, living the mantra Make a World of Difference: Hearing each other, Healing the earth.
The Reverend Dirk Ficca, Executive Director of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, hailed the event a huge success and thanked Melbourne for its gracious hospitality. “Melbourne has been a wonderful host, showing itself to be multiculturally diverse and embracing, and the ideal location for this global ecumenical gathering.”
Reverend Ficca reinforced the importance of building on the 2009 Parliament’s legacy, and urged delegates at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference to heal the earth for future generations. “Today is about more than celebrating what has been achieved here – it is also a day for looking ahead. I call on all attendees to capture this event’s legacy, cultivating harmony among religions, honoring differences and working together for peace and justice around the world. To assist in this process, we have launched PeaceNext.org, a social networking site harnessing the energy gained here and providing a diverse voice for the religions of the world.”
Supporters of the Parliament of the World’s Religions can continue the legacy by registering at PeaceNext.org to connect with members around the world. Users can upload photos, blog posts and discuss topics of importance.