Page:The World's Parliament of Religions Vol 1.djvu/99

 ASSEMBLING AND WELCOME. 71 est. The distinguished leaders of human j)rogress by whom these great toj)- ics will be presented constitute an unparalleled galaxy of eminent names, but we may not pause to call the illustrious roll. For the execution of this part of the general program seventeen days have been assigned. During substantially the same period the second part of the program will be executed in the adjoining Hall of Washington. This will consist in what are termed "presentations" of their distinctive faith and achievements by selected representatives of the dilferent churches. These presentations will be made to the world, as represented in the World's Religious Congresses of 1893. All persons interested are cordially invited to attend them. The third part of the general program for the congresses of this depart- ment consists of separate and independent congresses of the different relig- ious denominations, for the purpose of more fully setting forth their doctrines and the service they have rendered to mankind. These special congresses will be held, for the most part, in the smaller halls of this memo- rial building. A few of them have, for special reasons, already been held. It is the special object of these denominational congresses to afford oppor- tunities for further information to all who may desire it. The leaders of these several churches most cordially desire the attendance of the represent- atives of other religions. The denominational congresses will each be held during the week in which the presentation of the denommation will occur. The fourth and final part of the program of the Department of Relig- ion will consist of congresses of various kindred organizations. These con- .gresses will be held between the close of the Parliament of Religions and October 15, and will include missions, ethics, Sunday rest, the Evangelical Alliance, and similar associations. The Congress on Evolution should, in regularity, have been held in the Department of Science, but circumstances prevented, and it has been given a place in this Department by the courtesy of the committee of organization. To this more than imperial feast, I bid you welcome. We meet on the mountain height of absolute respect for the religious convictions of each other ; and an earnest desire for a better knowledge of the consolations which other forms of faith than our own offer to their devotees. The very basis of our convocation is the idea that the repre- sentatives of each religion sincerely believe that it is the truest and the best of all; and that they will, therefore, hear with perfect candor and without fear the convictions of other "sincere souls on the great questions of the immortal life. Let one other point be clearly stated. While the members of this Con- gress meet, as men, on a common ground of perfect equality, the ecclesiasti- cal rank of each in his own church is at the same time gladly recognized and respected, as the just acknowledgment of his services and attainments. But no attempt is here made to treat all religions as of equal merit. Any