Dr. Hema Pukharna from the Jain faith expanded the notion of service beyond humanity to all living creatures. Non-violence and service to all living beings is a fundamental tenet of Jainism. Dr. Drake Spaeth, representing the Pagan tradition, expanded the idea of service even further to include service to Mother Earth and respect for our environment, because Earth sustains us all.

Rabbi Lisa Bellows from the Jewish faith exhorted us to put together the shattered pieces of glass that represent fragmented humanity into one vessel of light. Mr. Rohinton Rivetna from the Zoroastrian faith talked about the most ancient of religions and its message of choosing good over evil and right from wrong.

Pastor Herbert Martin spoke with great emotion about the beatings he endured as part of the Civil Rights movement and how he learned to forgive those who had hated and beaten him. He shared the profound insight that service begins with us, and that service begins with forgiveness.

Gaurav Singh, representing the Sikh religion, reminded us that we should not only think of service – we should be of service. Being of service requires us to serve without expectation of any return. He also shared the importance of service in the Sikh religion as a fundamental tenet of Sikh life.

“It was striking how much resonance the major faiths of the world have among them on the concept of service, despite the differences in the beliefs and traditions they represent. The conference inspired us to be of service to all humanity, living beings as well as Mother Earth,” commented Dr. Mohanbir Singh Sawhney of Northwestern University the master of ceremonies.

The event was held in collaboration with the World Sikh Council (WSC-AR), and Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions (CPWR) which is head quartered in Chicago.