Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
August 21, 2023

The 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions took place from August 14th to 18th at the McCormick Place in Chicago, with thousands of representatives from various religions around the world in attendance.

The Buddhist-Catholic Climate Change Forum "It's Time to Talk" took place on the 16th. It was co-hosted by Venerable Hue Ze, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple, and Catholic Father Alexei Smith. The discussion also featured Michael Terrein and Chuck Hutchcraft. Venerable You Heng, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Chicago Buddhist Temple (IBPS), led Fo Guang members in participating in this forum.

The forum was co-hosted by Venerable Hue Ze(2nd from left) and Father Alexei Smith(2nd from right). photo／The Life News Agency

Additionally, over 60 participants from various fields, including scholars, writers, scientists, theology professors, and clergy members from Buddhism, Christianity, and Catholicism, attended to listen and share insights.

The format of this forum was inspired by the ancient Catholic practice of "Lectio Divina," which consists of four steps: ectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio. This approach is similar to the "Hearing, thinking, practicing and Realizing" method used in Humanistic Buddhism Reading Establishment Organization.

Host Michael welcomed all attending audience and introduced the steps of the forum. Fr. Alexei shared the origin of the Buddhist-Catholic Climate Change Forum and the various long-standing collaborative activities between Catholicism and Buddhism.

Venerable Hui Ze and Fr. Alexei respectively recited passages from Buddhist and Catholic scriptures. After the readings, everyone engaged in 5 minutes of meditation and shared the most impactful sentence they heard from the scriptures.

Venerable Hui Ze shared the phrase "For all living beings." The meaning behind this phrase is that environmental conservation is not only for the survival of humans but also for the sustainability of all living creatures. Buddhism advocates "All can become Buddhas", emphasizing the protection of Earth's mountains, rivers, landscapes, and flora.

Participants shared their insights. photo／The Life News Agency

A Catholic believer expressed that while promoting various environmental initiatives, one should transcend the myriad ideological noises and focus on the goal of protecting the Earth's environment and ensuring the sustainable development of human civilization.

A scientist mentioned that the scripture that left the deepest impression on him is "Compassion and Action." In the past, he thought that religious practitioners were only concerned about whether people would go to a pure land or heaven after death. However, this forum made him realize that religious practitioners are deeply concerned about worldly issues. He expressed that caring for the Earth and the environment is the practical embodiment of compassion.

Another theological professor expressed that what impressed him the most is "Integration." He believed that the compassion found in various religious teachings must be integrated with concern for and practice of environmental protection in order to fulfill the sacred mission.

Venerable You Heng shared the concept of "Oneness and Coexistence" advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable You Heng shared with the religious leaders participating in this forum the concept of "Oneness and Coexistence" advocated by the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. As an NGO affiliated with the United Nations, the Buddhist Light International Association (BLIA) takes practical actions such as Vege Plan-A, T-Earth, and VegRun to care for the Earth. Venerable You Heng called upon all religious groups to transform the slogan and concept of caring for the Earth into concrete actions, uniting the efforts of everyone for the lasting benefit of generations to come.