Religious Leader Member
A recognized religious leader, or an authorized representative, participating in the World Religious Leaders Parliament.
Participation
Membership categories and application
Membership rests on integrity, verified credentials and contribution — not on wealth, fame, nationality or the size of a religious population. Submitting an application does not guarantee membership.
Categories
Scholar and Research Member
An academic or independent researcher working on religion, conflict prevention, coexistence or related fields.
Humanitarian and Peace Professional
A practitioner in relief, mediation, protection or peacebuilding with verifiable professional experience.
Institutional Observer
A university, foundation, faith-based organization or civil-society institution attending without voting rights.
Government Observer
A public body or diplomatic mission attending proceedings without taking part in religious representation.
Supporting State
A state choosing to support the institution's work, subject to the neutrality and non-interference provisions of the charter.
Partner Institution
An institution cooperating on a defined programme under a written agreement. No institution is named publicly without written approval.
Founding Member
A member of the founding group contributing to the establishment of the institution before the first assembly.
Application process
Six steps apply to every category. Timescales depend on the verification required and are not guaranteed.
Step 1
Expression of interest
A short written request stating the category applied for and the basis of eligibility.
Step 2
Identity and credential verification
Verification of identity, of office held and of any authority to represent an institution or community.
Step 3
Ethics and background review
Review against the code of conduct, including any public record of incitement, hatred or violence.
Step 4
Relevant council assessment
Assessment by the council or committee competent for the category concerned.
Step 5
Formal approval
A recorded decision. Approval may be granted, deferred pending information, or refused without obligation to give reasons.
Step 6
Induction and continuing compliance
Induction on procedure, followed by continuing compliance with conduct, conflict-of-interest and safeguarding requirements.
Eligibility requirements
- Verifiable identity and, where applicable, verifiable office or professional standing.
- Written authority where the applicant claims to represent an institution or community.
- Public support for peaceful coexistence and freedom of religion and belief.
- No record of incitement to hatred, violence or discrimination.
- Acceptance of the code of conduct and the conflict-of-interest policy.
- Willingness to act without seeking to direct the religious representation of others.
Conduct, conflicts and suspension
Code of conduct
Members must act with courtesy and truthfulness, respect the independence of every tradition, and avoid proselytizing within the institution's proceedings.
Conflicts of interest
Personal, financial, political and institutional interests must be declared on admission and whenever they arise. Undeclared interests may void a decision.
Suspension and withdrawal
Membership may be suspended or withdrawn for incitement, misrepresentation of the institution, unauthorized use of its name or emblem, or serious breach of safeguarding.
Submitting an application creates no entitlement to membership, to attendance, to use of the institution's name or emblem, or to any representation of the institution.
Register an interest
Applications are handled by the Secretariat in formation. Select the membership category on the contact form.