by the Women and Religion in a Globalized World Participants

“ Conclusion* * Our experience of coming together as women leaders and religious leaders has convinced us that the religious traditions and the aspirations of women are not in opposition. We are not enemies. On the contrary, we share the same commitment to human dignity, social justice, and human rights _for all._
We therefore commit ourselves and call on other women and other religious leaders to reach out to each other to enhance mutual understanding, support, and cooperation. ”

“ We came together as women and men to explore how the positive powers of religion could be engaged to advance the well-being of women. Indeed, we believe thatwhen women and religious traditions collaborate, a powerful force for advancing women’s human rights and leadership will be created. ”

“ Women are subjects, not objects, in their own lives. The right to choose any role, including motherhood, should be supported socially, economically, and politically.
– Religions should apply the message of social justice to women. The world’s religions play a leadership role in seeking social justice, in the environment, against racism, and for the poor. But religions have been largely silent in response to critical issues of women’s human rights, in the family and in the work place. ”

“ Unless we work to change men, the ability of religions to progress in sensitivity to women is impossible.
– _Leaders: _Women should be full participants in the life and institutional leadership of their religious communities. Women are prepared to be decision-makers, and their gifts should be recognized and used to the fullest extent. ”

“ Religions should apply their message of peace in order to oppose the daily reality of violence in family and society. There is a contradiction between the message of peace inherent in all religions and the absence of advocacy for peace in the home and society. ”

“ This is nowhere more evident than in the area of women’s sexuality and reproductive health. Given the moral concern about abortion and the range of stances toward it, the view of any particular religious tradition should not be imposed on the consciences of others. Decriminalization of abortion is a minimal response to this reality and a reasonable means of protecting the life and health of women at risk. ”

“ Women are alienated from religions that do. We are committed to working towards change, and we call on others, women and men, to join in this task.
I. **Women and Globalization: Problem and Promise* * We live in a time of rapid change that provides both challenges and opportunities. This change has profound effects on all our lives. ”

“ A. Within the religions, women’s religious literacy should be recognized and fostered. Women are:
– _Students: _Just as education of women is today understood to be critical in transforming the world, so providing women with religious education is critical in transforming religion. Women seek religious education at both basic and advanced levels. ”