The world's largest interreligious gathering is The Parliament of the World Religions! And, it is occurring right now in Melbourne, Australia, 3-9 December 2009.

Do you realize?
The Parliament engages religious and spiritual communities, educates for global peace and justice, and engages civil society.

• More than eight countries, two hundred religious traditions, and ten thousand people will participate. 
• The 2009 theme is:"Make a World of Difference, Hearing Each Other, Healing the Earth."
• The 1893 Parliament in Chicago, Illinois, USA, marked the first formal gathering of representatives of eastern and western spiritual traditions. Today it is recognized as the birth of formal interreligious dialogue worldwide.
• The featured speakers are remarkable. Click here to see the range of more than sixty amazing leaders including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Most Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, and so forth.
• Programs include speakers, workshops, music, films, offsite programs, and a powerful program for youth... Check out the schedule.

A Parliament blog post shares:

"Every five years, the world’s greatest interreligious event welcomes thousands of people to see the world through different eyes. People of different faiths come together to learn, grow and celebrate their diversity. They realize that despite their religious differences, they share a similar calling to build a more just, sustainable and peaceful world. Friendships are made. Wisdom is shared. Lessons are learned. Souls are touched."

SDI Members present "Spiritual Companionship: Listening with a Grateful Heart."
On Friday, 4 December, please pray for everyone who will gather in Melbourne, and especially while Spiritual Directors International offers "Spiritual Companionship: Listening with a Grateful Heart." Ideas were planted during the SDI Houston, Texas, USA, "Being Present" conference. Today, a workshop takes place that began around a circular table, on a Thursday night, in early 2009. Panelists include Peter Bentley, Lynette Dungan, Kristen Hobby, Melanie Landau, Bernie Miles, Kava Schafer, and Chi Kwang Sunim.

Spiritual Companionship: Listening with a Grateful Heart
Parliament of the World’s Religions
December 4, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Room 216
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Please pray with everyone who gathers.
You can follow the 2009 Parliament on twitter.  Become a Facebook fan of Spiritual Directors International for spiritual care and subscribe to the SDI blog for daily updates!