I am a spiritual diplomat who is involved in the
InterFaith Movement for the past 13 years.
I conduct a considerable amount of research, and make a modest amount of
inroads, within our global interreligious movement. My “connex” are rather modest, but I know a
fair amount.
Amidst this experience, I come to learn of, and
meet, many of the prominent activists and leaders within our global InterFaith
Movement. Some of these individuals are
widely known, yet many are making a considerable difference whilst only being
known by people “in the know.”
I compose a list of religious and interreligious
activists and leaders who are making a difference within our global InterFaith
Movement. The point of this list is to
serve as a source of information and to highlight the important work that our
colleagues are conducting. Obviously
this list is completely objective and the final word regarding the official
status and influence of all individuals involved with our InterFaith
Movement. Yet even still, I encourage
further discussion and debate regarding this list. Is there anyone who should be included,
excluded, or ranked higher or lower on this list?
I provide the disclaimer that I write this list
strictly from memory. I abstain from doing
any direct research specifically for the purpose of this article. There may be factual errors or
omissions. I invite you to share
corrections and additional information.
As I state, I write this off the top of my head with little
fact-checking; it is a
conversation-starter.
Whilst the focus is on our global InterFaith
Movement, I do notice that much of the people listed here are based within the
United States. Much of that may be
attributed to the current nature of the InterFaith Movement (at least as it is
known and communicated within the English language); and much of this may be attributed to my own
personal biases and ignorance. Again,
you are encouraged to share additional individuals and organisations. I do make an effort, particularly in the top
10 list, to include a pluralistic representation of religious and ethnic
backgrounds. Yet again, like the
geographic tendencies, our global InterFaith Movement currently has religious
and ethnic tendencies as well. And you
are invited to build upon this.
With that communicated, I offer Love And
Peace. May you enjoy and grow from this
offering.
The 10
Most Influential Global Leaders In Our InterFaith Movement
1. Dalai Lama. He is
arguably the most in-demand speaker for interFaith conferences. His presence signifies the elite nature of an
interreligious gathering: when the Dalai
Lama is booked, it becomes incredibly easier to book other headliners and encourage
attendees. The Dalai Lama also has a
personal legacy of over 50 years of directly building with monumental religious
leaders, from Thomas Merton and Thomas Keating to the Catholic Pope and Maha
Ghosananda. Amidst the political
persecution his community experiences, the Dalai Lama shares a message of
compassion that resonates with a vast international audience, particularly
within Western society.
2. Desmond Tutu. Whilst he
is officially retired from the public life, Desmond Tutu continues to leave his
mark within the InterFaith Movement. The
book he recently co-authors with his daughter on the topic of reconciliation is
utilised as the basis of many interFaith and religious discussion groups. His example of leadership during the
deconstruction of South African apartheid and the subsequent emergence of the
pioneering Truth And Reconciliation process continue to strongly resonate
within the fabric of global interreligious diplomacy. His involvement with groups like the Peace
Council demonstrate his capacity to reach beyond traditional divides and
recognise and inspire the Divine compassion that exists within others (and all
of us).
3. Karen Armstrong. Whilst she
is on the interFaith scene for decades, Karen Armstrong’s Star continues to be
on the rise. A TED Prize awarded to her
shortly before Melbourne Parliament provides the opportunity to initiate an
international organisation predicated upon the promotion of the Golden Rule,
namely the Charter For Compassion.
Beyond her numerous books on religion and compassion, Karen Armstrong’s
influence can be evidenced within the many grassroots organisations and
discussions that are emerging from her words and study.
4. Marcus Braybrooke. Marcus
Braybrooke is 1 of the most prolific living interreligious activists within the
history of the InterFaith Movement of whom few people within the InterFaith
Movement are even aware. In addition to
chairing the 2nd oldest interFaith organisation, World Congress Of
Faiths, and being involved with nearly all major global interFaith
organisations, Marcus Braybrooke is also the author of numerous publications
specifically on the topic of the InterFaith Movement and religious
diplomacy. He has an invaluable wealth
of knowledge regarding the history and development of the InterFaith Movement
and the experience of spiritual diplomacy.
5. Eboo Patel. Eboo Patel
may be the most well-known interFaith activist by people under the age of 30
within the United States. Before
reaching the age of 40, he is able to achieve unprecedented interreligious
credentials, including starting a multi-million dollar interFaith organisation,
writing best-selling books, becoming a member of a US White House
interreligious advisory group, and additionally. Through his unique penchant for storytelling
and his familial commitment to service, Eboo Patel is able to inspire many
thousands of youth to embark upon the journey of interreligious dialogue and
cooperation.
6. William Swing. The
retired Episcopal Bishop, William Swing, may be considered a masterful
craftsman of interreligious organisation.
Nearly 20 years ago, William Swing initiates the odyssey that is the
United Religions Initiative. Through
careful deliberation with 100’s stakeholders and the utilisation of
Appreciative Inquiry, his group is able to conceive, implement, and expand an
international organisation that serves as a model for interreligious
organisation and post-industrial organisation, in general. Today, URI continues to grow and currently
touts over 100 Cooperation Circles in many dozens of nations throughout the
Earth.
7. William Vendley. William
Vendley leads 1 of the largest interreligious organisations on Earth: Religions For Peace. Through his leadership over the past few
decades, Religions For Peace is able to encourage participation and commitment
from many numerous religious leaders and community leaders throughout the
Earth. Through Religions For Peace,
William Vendley leads a collective of decision-makers who have extending
influence within many numerous religious congregations and communities, much of
which involves interreligious dialogue, reconciliation, and service. William Vendley is 1 of the strongest
examples of stoicism and consistency within the global InterFaith Movement.
8. Malik Mujahid. For the
past few years, Malik Mujahid serves as the Chairman of the Council For A
Parliament Of The World’s Religions. The
Parliament is the largest interreligious gathering on Earth and exists as 1 of
the pillars of the global InterFaith Movement, as it commemorates the seminal
event that is widely considered as the tangible beginning, over 100 years ago,
of the contemporary InterFaith Movement:
the 1st Parliament Of The World’s Religions. During these past few years, Malik Mujahid
sees the Parliament through a period of considerable challenges and
development.
9. Hans Kung. Hans Kung
is a Christian Theologian and spiritual diplomat that conducts a considerable
amount of scholarly work within the InterFaith Movement. During the 2nd Chicago Parliament,
Hans Kung shares some of this scholarly work and spiritual diplomacy through
the seminal document: “Declaration
Towards A Global Ethic.” This
declaration affirms a commonly-held ethos amongst the many religious traditions
of humanity and serves as a foundation for comparative Theological development
and cooperation, including a follow-up “Call To Our Guiding Institutions”
during the proceeding Cape Town Parliament.
10. Bud Heckman. Bud
Heckman is the quintessential “behind-the-scenes” facilitator of religious
diplomacy throughout the Earth. Through
his interFaith activism over the past decade +, he maintains direct
consultation and work with numerous organisations, including the Parliament Of
The World’s Religions, Religions For Peace, North American InterFaith Network,
United Religions Initiative, The InterFaith Observer, Coexist Foundation, El
Hibri Foundation, and additionally. Bud
Heckman is a “go-to-guy” for organising a project within the InterFaith
Movement.
10. Robert Henderson. Robert
Henderson serves as a Trustee for the Council For A Parliament Of The World’s
Religions. He is approached for insight
and guidance regarding contemporary societal challenges and unrest. Robert Henderson also serves on the national
Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i Faith in the United States. Through his position as a national Baha’i
leader, Robert Henderson is substantially engaged within the work of
facilitating reconciliation amongst the religions of humanity.
10. Alon Goshen Gottstein. Alon
Goshen Gottstein leads the Yerushalayim-based international organisation,
Elijah InterFaith Institute. Through his
leadership, the Elijah InterFaith Institute convenes high-level interreligious
meetings and study, both within Israel and within additional locations,
including India. This includes
comparative work within Mysticism, an online study resource database, and plans
for the construction of an interreligious centre in Yerushalayim. Whilst he may be initially perceived as a
quiet voice, Alon Goshen Gottstein is a formidable force within the InterFaith
Movement.
10. Arun Gandhi. Whilst
many may be drawn to his familial lineage from Mohandas Gandhi, Arun Gandhi
establishes his own considerable resume within the InterFaith Movement. He is an accomplished columnist and serves as
a Trustee of the Council For A Parliament Of The World’s Religions. Through his outreach, he provides
compassionate and pointed insight towards solutions for global social
challenges.
Honourable
Mentions
Eliyahu McLean leads the Jerusalem Peacemakers with Jewish, Muslim, and additional
participants.
Paul Chaffee is the head of The InterFaith Observer and leads initiatives with NAIN,
URI, and additionally.
Robert Papini recently retires after over a decade of administrative service for the
IARF.
Frankie Fredricks is the founder of World Faith and is involved
with additional global interFaith initiatives.
Valarie Kaur is a prominent interreligious spokeswoman and is involved with such
endeavours as State Of Formation.
Bruce Schuman establishes the InterSpirit network and initiates additional
interreligious efforts.
Sally Mahé is an administrator of URI since its origins nearly 20 years ago.
Rebecca Tobias is involved with multiple interFaith organisations including the Raoul
Institute, URI, NAIN, and additionally.
Kay Lindahl leads The Listening Centre and works with numerous interFaith
organisations including the Parliament Of The World’s Religions, NAIN, and
additionally.
Sandy Hart manages numerous interFaith initiatives with the Compassion Games, the
Charter For Compassion, URI, NAIN, and additionally.
Alison Van Dyk is the Executive Director of the Temple Of Understanding.
Grove Harris is involved with a multitude of interreligious projects with the Temple Of
Understanding, NAIN, and additionally.
Monica Willard leads the interreligious diplomacy of URI at the United Nations.
Beth Katz is the founder of Project InterFaith and the social media project, Ravel
UnRavel.
Maria Reis Habito conducts interreligious outreach for the Museum
Of The World’s Religions, Elijah InterFaith Institute, Parliament Of The
World’s Religions, and additionally.
Dirk Ficca is the ED Emeritus of the Parliament Of The World’s Religions,
facilitating the convening of the previous Parliaments in Melbourne, Barcelona,
Cape Town, and Chicago.
Charles Gibbs is the ED Emeritus of URI, facilitating the global interFaith network for
nearly 2 decades.
Mussie Hailu is an administrator for URI and is involved with a number of global
interreligious endeavours.
Kiran Bali is a Global Trustee for URI.
Paul Eppinger leads the Arizona InterFaith Movement and is involved with numerous
interFaith organisations, including NAIN.
Bawa Jain is the founder of the World Council Of Religious Leaders and conducts
interreligious outreach with the United Nations.
Karimah Stauch is an administrator with URI and is involved with additional interFaith
outreach.
Lena Larsen is an administrator with the Oslo Coalition.
Joshua Stanton is the Co-Founder of the Journal Of InterReligious Dialogue and the State
Of Formation.
Thomas Banchoff is the Director of the Berkley Centre For Religion, Peace, And Diplomacy at
Georgetown University.
Clark Lobenstein is the ED Emeritus of the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan
Washington, DC.
Jim Wallis is the founder of Sojourners.
Yehuda Stolov is the Director of the InterFaith Encounter Association based in
Yerushalayim, Israel and is involved with IARF and additional interFaith
endeavours.
Douglas Johnston leads the International Centre For Religion And Diplomacy and is involved
with additional groups including NAIN.
Marilyn Turkovich is the director of the Charter For Compassion and
is involved with additional interreligious outreach.
Jon Ramer leads the Compassion Games and is involved with additional groups
including the Charter For Compassion.
Freeman Trebilcock is the Founder of InterAction and is involved
with additional endeavours including the Parliament Of The World’s Religions.
Arvind Sharma is the administrator of the Global Conference of the World’s Religions.
Victor Kazanjian is the Executive Director of URI.
Mary Nelson is the ED Emeritus of the Parliament Of The World’s Religions and is
involved in a number of additional interreligious endeavours.
Lenny and Lib Traubman are the founders of an interreligious living room
dialogue group and additional interFaith initiatives.
No comments:
Post a Comment