With great joy, I am able to announce to you that the next international gathering of the Parliament of the World’s Religions will be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada November 1-7, 2018. Executive Director Dr. Larry Greenfield, Site Selection Committee Chair Rev. Andras Corban Arthen, and I joined other staff and trustees at City Hall in downtown Toronto this afternoon to announce and celebrate this wonderful news at a press conference with Mayor John Tory and other Canadian leaders.

Toronto is an excellent choice for the next convening of the world’s spiritual communities. The United Nations has declared this progressive city the world’s most diverse locale, so to have it host the largest and most diverse global interfaith gathering is wonderfully fitting! Its splendid facilities, supportive local government, engaged academic and corporate stakeholders, multiple ethnic populations, and dedicated core team of religious and civic leaders will serve us well as we move toward this 7th World Parliament.

I look forward to the busy days ahead as hundreds of us work to make our dreams for Toronto 2018 a reality. This energized and creative team in Chicago, Toronto, and around the world will help our staff and trustees to envision and carry out what can become the largest and most successful Parliament in history. Building on the many successes of the past yet striving to be visionary and courageous, we pledge ourselves to this enormous task with excitement and hope.

Looking forward to seeing you in Toronto next year!

Dr. Rob Sellers
Chair, Parliament of the World’s Religions