HR0299 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0299 LRB103 32527 MST 62100 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The first Parliament of the World's Religions was held in Chicago in 1893, marking the first formal gathering of representatives from various religious traditions from around the world; it returned to Chicago in 1993 to celebrate its 100th year anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The Parliament of the World's Religions represented a historic moment of interfaith dialogue, understanding, and cooperation and paved the way for greater religious harmony and pluralism in the United States and beyond; and

WHEREAS, The Parliament of the World's Religions, which is celebrating 130 years, has continued to convene in cities around the world and will be returning to Chicago in August of 2023, promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation and advancing the cause of peace, justice, and sustainability across the globe; and

WHEREAS, Many distinguished leaders have spoken at the Parliament of World's Religions, including Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Jane Goodall, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and President Jimmy Carter; and

WHEREAS, During the month of August in 2023, the Parliament of the World's Religions will generate over $10 million in tourist and participant-related revenues for the local economy and provide over 4,000 hours of volunteer service benefiting local charitable initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Interfaith dialogue and cooperation is important and can promote a greater understanding and appreciation among people of different religious traditions; and

WHEREAS, August 2023 marks the return of the Parliament of the World's Religions to Illinois and provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of religious traditions and to reaffirm a commitment to promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation, defending freedom, and human rights; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the month of August 2023 as "Parliament of the World"s Religions Month" in the State of Illinois and encourage all Illinois residents to recognize the significance of the Parliament of the World's Religions and to participate in activities and events that promote interfaith dialogue and understanding; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the Parliament of the World's Religions' focus on defending freedom and human rights, the power of diversity, addressing wealth disparities, caring for the Earth, and encouraging sustainable living; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the importance of a strong interfaith movement; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable of this resolution be presented to the organizers of the Parliament of the World's Religions.