Religious leaders, thinkers and interested people from around the globe will converge on Melbourne this December for the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions.

The world’s largest global interfaith gathering will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 3-9 December 2009, with other ‘off-site’ events being held throughout the city.

The Parliament has been held in Chicago, Cape Town, South Africa, and in Barcelona, Spain. “Melbourne was chosen because it seemed to be the perfect example of how different religions cooperate and do things in a harmonious way, with freedom and connectivity,” said Fr John Dupuche, part of the organising committee. “(The organisers) came to Melbourne to meet with a number of groups, including the Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission of the Archdiocese and Australian Catholic University. They were impressed by what had been done in Melbourne over a long period of time.”

More than 1400 program submissions were entered for consideration from all over the world. These have been whittled down to some 480 events over the seven days of the Parliament. Participants will choose from daily morning ‘observances’ or prayer forms from the many traditions, ‘intrareligious’ activities which showcase the different religious faiths and ‘interreligious’ programs, which show the religions in dialogue and cooperation. There will be workshops, discussions, performances and exhibitions.

Archbishop Hart, patron of the Parliament, is scheduled to participate in the Opening Session, invoking the blessing of God on the proceedings. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, of Washington, is scheduled to speak on the relationship of the Catholic Church to other religions. Sunday Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, celebrated by Cardinal McCarrick, will be one of the ‘off-site’ events.