Saint Viator's Justice League attends interfaith summit

Posted October 28, 2015 1:00 am

Submitted by Saint Viator High School

Students received a Native American sage blessing on their final day at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Salt Lake City. Courtesy of Saint Viator High School

Students in Saint Viator's Justice League hit the road again to learn about diversity.

They returned recently from a trip to Salt Lake City to attend the 2015 Parliament of the World's Religions, whose stated mission is "working together for a world of compassion, peace, justice and sustainability".

"Religious violence and discrimination are a big problem in our world today, as you see on the news every day," said Emily Egan, a religion teacher and moderator of the Justice League. "We want to make it a priority for Justice League students to understand interfaith peace and cooperation."

The Saint Viator delegation - which included nine seniors, the Rev. Corey Brost and Egan - was among more than 10,000 people from 80 nations and 50 faith traditions to attend.

"The Parliament plays a big role in the global interfaith movement," Egan added. "It is the oldest, largest and most inclusive gathering of people of all faiths and traditions."

Justice League members strive to live out their faith in a way that makes the world a more peaceful place. Quarterly school projects and occasional trips help to raise awareness and respond to a social injustice. Previous trips this year have taken students to Arizona to observe the border patrol, as well as to the Houses of Hospitality in Chicago, supported in part by Viatorians, in support of recently released immigrants with nowhere else to go.

Saint Viator students had the chance to meet with people from different faith traditions - from learning about Sikh traditions and observing Tibetan monks, to receiving a Native American sage blessing and celebrating the Jewish sabbath.

To open the Parliament they observed a Vedic chant from the Hindu tradition.

"Hopefully, by discussing other religions," Egan added, "we can work together to create positive social change."

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Saint Viator students honored an important part of Sikh culture, where turbans show religious commitment. Courtesy of Saint Viator High School

Saint Viator Justice League students attended Parliament of the World Religions 2015, an international interfaith event in Salt Lake City, Utah. Courtesy of Saint Viator High School

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