Parliament of the World’s Religions Expresses Appreciation for its Executive Director, Prepares for Leadership Transition
Parliament of the World’s Religions Expresses Appreciation for its
Executive Director, Prepares for Leadership Transition
The Board of Trustees of the Parliament of the World’s Religions announces that following the 2018 Parliament occurring in Toronto, November 1 – 7, 2018, Rev. Dr. Larry Greenfield will retire as the Parliament’s Executive Director, effective December 31, 2018. Under Dr. Greenfield’s direction, the Parliament has grown to include ongoing, year-round initiatives to cultivate harmony among the world’s religious and spiritual communities and to foster their engagement to advance a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. The Board of Trustees appreciates Dr. Greenfield’s many contributions to the Parliament.
Dr. Greenfield states:
“It has been my good fortune to serve as both an officer of the Board of Trustees and then the Executive Director of the Parliament at exactly the time when the interfaith movement could no longer be understood as a luxury for religious and spiritual communities, but as a necessity – a necessity, that is, for persons and communities of faith and conscience to play a crucial role together in addressing the world’s critical issues. This has been a time to reposition and reconfigure the ways in which the Parliament of the World’s Religions would meet this unprecedented challenge: of creating harmony among religions and engaging the world’s guiding institutions so that justice and peace and the earth’s flourishing will be advanced rather than diminished. That absolutely crucial work must continue.”
The Parliament’s Board of Trustees gratefully acknowledges Dr. Greenfield’s leadership during his three-year tenure as Executive Director. Board Chair Rev. Dr. Robert Sellers states:
“At a moment in the Parliament’s history when we were without an Executive Director, Dr. Greenfield ably filled that position as our Interim Executive Director. Based upon his excellent leadership, especially as it occurred immediately before, during, and after the very successful Salt Lake City Parliament in 2015, the Board of Trustees asked Larry to become our permanent Executive Director. In that role, he has distinguished himself in many ways during these three years. His background of administrative and executive experience in higher education, non-profit organizations, and Christian denomination leadership have helped the Parliament organization to thrive. Larry’s collaborative style of leadership with our other staff members has enabled them to work from their strengths and to develop a very strong team ethos. He has led searches and made strategic new staff hires that have greatly enhanced our effectiveness. His friendships with spiritual leaders, academics, grassroots organizers and partners of many stripes have deepened the footprint of the Parliament around the globe. Finally, his theological insights and gift with words, both written and spoken, have made him a valued representative for the Parliament in the media and in person. With the most sincere gratitude for the opportunity to have worked alongside him as the Board Chair, I want to express to Larry Greenfield our profound thanks and our wishes for success in the next adventure of his life!”
The Parliament is now beginning its search for Dr. Greenfield’s successor as Executive Director. The Board of Trustees looks forward to selecting the Parliament’s next outstanding executive director, who will lead the Parliament in furthering its mission. We welcome your interest in this position or referrals of others, find the job posting here. Please contact Jacqueline Janssen at 01-415-999-1111, jacqueline@janssenrecruiting.com – www.janssenrecruiting.com
