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Parliament of the World's Religions

District Six Ceremony

Wednesday - 1 Dec 1999
Cape Town , Western Cape - South Africa

Wounds from the Past

District Six was home to thousands of Black and Coloured people until the 1960s. Apartheid politics deemed their presence so close to down town Cape Town to be a threat, and the residents were forcibly removed out to a bleak, wind-swept area called the Cape Flats. Families were torn apart, and their homes, schools, businesses and places of worship were razed to the ground. Much of District Six remains undeveloped to this day. The grassy spaces are still dotted with curbstones, marking the street corners where people used to gather.



Blessing to Heal

The land of District Six was blessed in a ceremonial lighting of the International Peace Flame, and prayers were offered to help heal old wounds. The time has come to move forward if we can.

Some of the displaced original residents told stories of how things used to be. They still miss their old neighborhood.




Common Struggles

A priest from the Mexican state of Chiapas gave his blessings, and expressed his hope and optimism for the future of South Africa.

The struggle between the Mexican dominated government and the Native Indians still continues at his home.




Video Link  Click for Video - 147 K  Video Link

Supreme Master Ching Hai

The Supreme Master Ching Hai was also present. Even though she appears to be a young woman she has the grace and gentleness of someone far older.



What's Cooking?

Ken and company serve up some honest home cooking, District Six style: chicken with a curry and spinach sauce, served on a bed of rice.


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Opening Procession
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Opening Plenary
  Wylie and Helene - List of Journals
  Parliament of the World's Religions - Intro Average Rating of 8 Viewers
Chapters of Parliament of the World's Religions
  Preparations are Made
  The Delegates Arrive
  Sight Seeing
  AIDS Memorial Quilt Ceremony
  Opening Procession
  District Six Ceremony
  Opening Plenary
  Shumei Taiko Drum Ensemble
  Transformation through Diversity
  Cape Technicon
  The Future of Religions
  Wishes for the Millennium
  Zulu Dancers
  Living on the Edge of Evolution
  Non-Violence Towards Animals
  Jihad and Human Rights
  Nelson Mandela Addresses the Parliament
  Earth Spirit of Africa
  Greenland's Gift to the World
  A Sample of Other Presentations
  Bible Translation in the Congo
  Spirit in Art Galley
  More Wishes for the Millennium
  Closing Plenary with the Dalai Lama

       

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