The Covenant of the Goddess reaffirms its long-time support for the internationally-based Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions

  

The Covenant of the Goddess
PO Box 12193, San Bernardino, CA 92423-2193

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

April 4, 2013 San Bernardino, California — The Covenant of the Goddess, a 38-year old non-profit Witch and Wiccan advocacy organization, has reaffirmed its relationship with the international interfaith organization, the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions.  In recent weeks, the Council announced that it has experienced a serious financial shortfall.  The Covenant of the Goddess, as a long-time partner in interfaith work, has pledged a sizeable monetary donation and its continued support for the Parliament and its work.

As reported, the Parliament experienced low-attendance in 2004 due to political events in Barcelona.  Consequently, the Council was unable to meet all of its expenses.   Although the organization has been paying off its debt, a Spanish arbiter has forced the Council to pay its remaining creditors immediately.   

"The Parliament is at a critical point.  The Covenant of the Goddess is happy to be able to continue its support for the organization in a time of financial need,” says Ginger Wood, First Officer of Covenant of the Goddess.

The Covenant of the Goddess (CoG) and the Council have a long history of working together towards the expansion of the interfaith dialog.  CoG was a co-sponsor of the first modern Parliament held in Chicago in 1993. More than forty of CoG’s own members attended that event.  Since that time CoG representatives have attended every Parliament held across the globe. 

“For those of us who are Pagan, or who follow any of the Earth-centered spiritual paths, the Parliament has provided a welcoming place where we could openly share our practices within the community of the world's religions. The Parliament was the first major interfaith organization to give our community a seat at the table,” remarks Andras Corban-Arthen, a CoG member serving on the Council’s committee to choose the next Parliament site and on its Indigenous Task Force.

Over the years, CoG members have had the good fortune of being involved in the Council’s efforts world-wide.  This includes being present at the Assembly of the World's Religious & Spiritual Leaders, signing the Declaration of a Global Ethic, and participating in the interfaith community service program “Gifts of Service.” CoG members have also served as Parliament Ambassadors and on the Board of Trustees. 

Along with the continued support through volunteerism, the Covenant of the Goddess has pledged $2000.00 to assist with the current fiscal crisis.

"We know this is only a small portion of their entire sum needed.  We hope that it brings the Council one step closer to reconciliation so that it may move forward in strength with its message of interfaith peace,” adds Ginger Wood.

The Covenant of the Goddess will remain in close communication with the Council to provide continued support as it can and will keep its members updated so those who would like to assist can do so.

The Covenant of the Goddess is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization that has represented Witches and Wiccans for 38 years.  Beginning in 1975, the Covenant of the Goddess has worked diligently to secure legal protection for Witches and Wiccans, provide minister credentials, offer education through interfaith outreach or collaboration, and foster community within its membership.  For more information go to www.cog.org 

The Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions was “created to cultivate harmony among the world's religious and spiritual communities in order to achieve a just, peaceful and sustainable world.  The Parliament gave birth to the interfaith movement in 1893 through the vehicle of interreligious dialogue.  Over these many years, the Council has nurtured relationships among people of difference.”  For more information go to http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/

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Contact:  Heather Greene, National Public Information Officer
Email:  pio at cog dot org
Address:  PO Box 12193, San Bernardino, CA 92423-2193