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SALT LAKE CITY — Religious communities from around the world are coming to Utah this fall.
To prepare, local dignitaries are hosting a preview event in Salt Lake City on Saturday, complete with workshops and discounted rates.
The Parliament of the World's Religions is expected to attract up to 10,000 people from dozens of countries and faith traditions in October. Fall speakers include the Dalai Lama and Oscar Arias, twice-elected Costa Rica president, both Nobel laureates, among other speakers.
In anticipation of the influx of the religious to the state, local faith, government and community leaders will showcase offerings from the 2015 Parliament of the World's Religions.
"Faith brings out the best in us, and interfaith brings out the best of our faiths," Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, parliament board chairman, said in a statement.
Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams will speak at the Saturday preview, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Faith brings out the best in us, and interfaith brings out the best of our faiths.
–Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid
They will be joined by local homeless advocate and Interfaith Roundtable supporter Pamela Atkinson, who will deliver remarks on behalf of Gov. Gary Herbert. Local media personalities Carole Mikita and Robert Kirby will emcee the event.
Rev. France Davis of the Calvary Baptist Church and the Right Rev. Scott Hayashi of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah will also deliver remarks.
The upcoming parliament will focus on three themes: climate change and caring for creation; hate speech, war and violence; and wasteful living and economic inequality.
Workshops geared around these themes will run from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Those who attend Saturday can sign up to volunteer during the parliament and receive a 40 percent discounted admission.
Reserve your spot at Utah.ParliamentOfReligions.org.