Official welcomes from Melbourne and the “Western Creation” (a traditional Australian performance group) made us very conscious of the good reasons for the Parliament of the World’s Religions to meet in Melbourne, Australia. It’s an extraordinarily diverse population with a wide variety of world views and polished practice welcoming foreigners.

The opening Plenary included music from Didgeridu player, Alan Harris, along with the beautiful Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra. Welcome messages from religions around the world showcased singing, dancing, and prayers. The message from every language, custom, costume, dance, and song was — Welcome! Read the rest of this entry »