The Ever-Growing Religious Movement That Doesn't Get Enough Attention

THE FAIR THAT SET THE STAGE

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This May 1893 file photo shows the grounds of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Posted: 11/07/2014 10:30 am EST Updated: 11/07/2014 10:59 am EST
The Huffington Post | By Antonia Blumberg

Along with politics, poverty and culture, religion is often cited as a source of conflict throughout the world. However, the last 100 years reveal a growing interfaith movement in America -- one that promotes peaceful and productive interactions between religious traditions.

And it all began with a fair.

The 1883 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, IL drew millions of visitors to the windy city over its six-month run. Among its 5,978 educational addresses and meetings was the World's Congress of Religions, which hosted religious leaders from all over the world.

The congress marked the first organized, international gathering of religious leaders and is thought to be the nascence of formal interfaith dialogue. Hindu monk, Swami Vivekananda, spoke at the congress, greeting the 5,000 assembled delegates with the iconic words, “Sisters and brothers of America!”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/28/interfaith-history-america_n_6061184.html