Tag Archives: International

Next Parliament in Toronto!

Posted on by — Leave a reply

The Parliament of the World’s Religions has announced that the next Parliament will take place November 1-7, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. The Parliament is a unique opportunity to meet people engaged in interfaith work from around the world, as some 10,000 people gather to hear world-renowned speakers, learn in hundreds of workshops, and make and renew friendships.

SiVIC was born out of the process of becoming a Partner City of the Parliament, and delegations have traveled to Melbourne, Austrailia in 2009 and Salt Lake City in 2015 to share our story. We anticipate once again taking a group from SiVIC to take part. Mark the dates now, and watch for more news to come! Find out more at the Parliament website.

May Peace Prevail on Earth: An Interfaith Christmas Special

Experience a Christmas Eve Celebration like you’ve never seen before! Tune in on Thursday, December 24 to your local CBS station at 11:35pm (Eastern Time) for “May Peace Prevail on Earth: A URI Interfaith Christmas Special.” Friends outside of the USA are invited to watch the program via uri.org/cbs starting at 8:35 pm Pacific Time.
In the Bay Area, the program will be broadcast on KPIX, channel 5, at 11:35 pm on the 24th.
“At a time when horrific violence in the name of religion dominates the news,
and  prejudice and intolerance threaten to undermine our diverse communities, the world needs to know that peace among religions is possible in our communities, in our country and in our world,” said the Rev. Victor Kazanjian, Executive Director of the United Religions Initiative.
Coming together to create this Interfaith Christmas Special are leaders from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America, representing Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Indigenous, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Native American, Sikh, Shinto and Unitarian Universalist traditions.
This program features:
  • An interfaith Christmas Eve celebration from St. Gregory’s of Nyssa Church in San Francisco, CA
  • Voices from people of different religions from around the world
  • Stories of peacebuilding from conflict areas including the Middle East and Western Africa

SiVIC is a Cooperating Circle of the United Religions Initiative.

Parliament of the World’s Religions

Over 30 people from our area have already registered to attend the Parliament. The conference theme is Reclaiming the Heart of Our Humanity, and speakers will include the Dalai Lama, Dr. Karen Armstrong, Dr. Tariq Ramadan, Oscar Arias Sanchez, Dr. Eboo Patel, Valarie Kaur, and many more. Hundreds of workshops, films, exhibits, and the opportunity to meet and talk with thousands of people from around the world coming together for peace and cooperation make it an event not to be missed!

Parliament SpeakersThe Parliament includes 10,000 people from over 80 nations and 50 faith traditions. It is the largest interfaith gathering anywhere.

For full information and registration, go to the Parliament website.

Discount registration is available until July 1.

7th International Children’s Festival

of the children – by the children – for the children

Food, Fun, & Dance. 3000+ visitors; 20 + cultural dances; Ethnic food; Fun at Kidsland; Balloons/ Facepainting; Clown; Pony Rides & More!

Download a flyer: Childrens Festival 2015

Sponsored by Pacifica Institute and Bay Area Cultural Connections, together with Congressman Mike Honda, California Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, Anatolia Cultural Centers, Silicon Valley Interreligious Council, Children’s Discovery Museum, American Turkic Council, Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith, and Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez.