Baha'is from five continents, including two from the United States, are making presentations at the Parliament of the World's Religions – an event now held every five years in the modern continuation of an initiative begun more than a century ago.

International Baha'i presenters at the Parliament of the
World's Religions in Melbourne include, from left, Lucretia
Warren of Botswana, Lakota hoop dancer Kevin Locke,
and Brian Lepard of the United States.

The seven-day parliament, which opened on 3 December in Melbourne, Australia, is expected to draw as many as 8,000 individuals from virtually every world religion and faith group. Among those expected to participate are such international figures as the Dalai Lama and theologian Hans Kung.

It was at the inaugural Parliament of Religions, held in Chicago in 1893, that the Baha'i Faith was first mentioned in a public talk in North America, which is why the Parliament holds a special place in the hearts of American Baha'is.

The two American Baha'i presenters are:

– Professor Brian Lepard, a human rights specialist from the University of Nebraska in the United States, who is examining from a Baha'i perspective the concept of the right to development.  Lepard is the author of the book, Hope for a Global Ethic.

– Native American Kevin Locke, a well-known performer of the Lakota hoop dance, who is leading a session titled "There are no back row seats in the Hoop of Life."

Read the entire story from the Baha'i World News Service.