Press release 06/28/2007

International congress on the gender equality of Buddhist nuns as well as status of women in Buddhism

University of Hamburg, July,18,19,20, conference hall ESA A, Edmund-Siemers-Allee1
and main lecture hall “Audimax”, Campus Von-Melle-Park.

S.H. XIV Dalai Lama to attend nuns´ congress
Bishop Maria Jepsen to give address on the topic of “Women and Religion”

The most important Buddhist nuns and monks of the world as well as leading scientists, Buddhist dignitaries and practicing Buddhists of all Buddhist traditions, are expected in Hamburg. The congress will last for 3 days and focuses on the topic of reestablishing full ordination for nuns in the Tibetan tradition of Buddhism, as well as the social role of Buddhist women. It is a congress not only for the specialists but also for the general public.  The regular language will be English, which will simultaneously be translated into German (other languages will also be available).

Discussing the role of the women in Buddhism and demanding gender equality in the exercise of religion will be such internationally recognized  nuns as Karma Lekshe Tsomo, professor of theology and religious sciences at the University of San Diego and president of “Sakyadhita International”; Bhikkhuni Dhammananda, former professor, Dr. Chatsumarn Kabilsingh, Bangkok; and Carola Roloff, who recently won an award for her extraordinary commitment to Buddhist women on the international UN womens day in March, Bangkok. In total there are 65 speakers from 16 countries, with a further 300 participants from 19 countries who so far have confirmed they will be attending the congress.

Worldwide expectations focus on S.H.XVI. Dalai Lama, who will give a fundamental speech on the future of Buddhist women on july 20th from 10-11.30am in the University of Hamburg. In her speech in the morning, Bishop M. Jepsen, North Elbian Protestant Church, will place emphasis on the religious competence of women. A panel discussion will take place in the afternoon from 11.30-16.00 with S.H.XVI. Dalai Lama and many leading buddhist nuns, monks and academics from around the world, regarding the reintroduction of full-ordination for nuns in Tibetan Buddhism.
This congress has a fundamentally important message and intends to reinforce womens rights and self-esteem across the globe.

Accreditation/nuns’ congress: presse@congress-on-buddhist-women.org
You will shortly be invited to a press conference that will take place on July 17, 2007
Contact: Carola Roloff, mobil: 0172/9008989

IMPORTANT:
Press/accreditation for July 20, 2007 – visit of S.H. Dalai Lama at University of  Hamburg:
To download appliction from click here www.dalailama-hamburg.de/index.php.

Congress schedule now on the internet.
See www. congress-on-buddhist-women.org