After two days of speechmaking, the delegates move to New York's plush Waldorf Astoria Hotel for workshop sessions. They might have a hard time avoiding the biblical fate of the last Tower of Babel. Skeptics note recent history underscores that religion has often been the problem, rather than the solution. Abrams, writing on a Web page connected with the summit, notes that the meeting was marred even before it started by the exclusion of the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, because of Chinese objections. Those delegates who do show up will have to deflect accusations of hypocrisy.
Organizers believe the best response to such criticism is to turn the other cheek.
But at least it can set an example of religious leaders resolving differences peacefully. It amounts to, well, a leap of faith. But there may be solace available in the rhetoric of the religious faiths who are attending the summit. Much of the conference funding comes from private philanthropy. If you appreciate the information we provide, please support our work.