This note is therefore one exercise in envisioning how such a gathering might function. Envisaging as a continuing process An early trap it is useful to avoid is any desire to produce a definitive vision designed to condition the future image of the Parliament in some particular way. More fruitful would be to focus to a greater degree on how the envisaging process can continue to evolve and nourish any current images of the nature of such a Parliament. Acknowledging differences A second trap that it is important to avoid is the expectation that the history and pattern of inter-faith discourse can be forgotten. There have been many difficulties along the way.
Many difficulties remain.
Failing a miracle, a pragmatic approach would suggest that conventional approaches will continue to give rise to conventional results. If doctrinal positions are not about to change to any significant degree, then there is a case for adopting a more imaginative approach to dialogue between religions. Communication by parable One of the principal features of religious discourse is the extensive use made of stories, parables and metaphors. The use of metaphor in religious discourse has been extensively studied. One of the merits of this form of discourse is to articulate subtle insights in a form which can be readily interpreted across many common barriers to communication.