Christian Leaders Urge Interfaith Parliament to Be Creative, Nimble

(Photo Credit: ELCA / NCC)The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (left), and Kathryn Lohre, President of thea Natioal Council of Evangelicals are seen in a composite photo.

Two Christian leaders say a prominent interfaith group should be imaginative in relationship-building across religious divides and be nimble amid the emergence of young people and women in the interreligious movement.

The heads of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the U.S.-based National Council of Churches recently addressed the Board of Trustees of the Chicago-based Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, according to a statement released by the Council on Sunday.

The Council seeks to cultivate harmony among the world's religions with the aim of achieving justice, peace and sustainability in the world.

"[I]n this multi-religious era, the Parliament needs to be imaginative, form deep relationships across religious boundaries and use the wisdom from your history," Rev. Hanson said.

He also urged the Parliament to be a convener of the broad religious table.

"This is a crucial time for convening," he said.

NCC President Kathryn Lohre focused on the environment the Parliament faces.

She said the two strongest "on the ground" issues in the interreligious movement are the emergence of youth and women.

She encouraged the trustees to "be nimble in these moments."

Lohre also serves as the Director for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations of the ELCA.

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