Jimmy Carter speaks at Parliament of the World's Religons

Former President Jimmy Carter was a recent keynote speaker at the 2009 Parliament of the World's Religions. According to the Parliament of the World's Religions website, Carter addressed the topic "The Religious Imperative for the Equality of Women & Girls."

Interestingly, Carter was in the news recently for leaving the Southern Baptist Convention over the issue of the mistreatment of women. Indicting the Southern Baptist Convention, Carter stated, "The truth is that male religious leaders have had -- and still have -- an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter. Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world."