By Mollie Newman, Owner
Cincinnati celebrated its diverse religious tapestry for the 8th year with the annual Festival of Faiths on Sunday, June 22, at the Cintas Center. Guests of all ages were welcomed to eat, sing, meditate, listen, and learn from more than 30 faith-based organizations representing more than a dozen world religions–from Catholic to Quaker, Sikh to Zoroastrian, and Unitarian to Pagan.
The celebration continued with online programming the following day culminating on the following Sunday, June 29, with a new event, the “Gathering for Good†at the Grail in Loveland.
The Festival and the Gathering, both free events, were organized by EquaSion, a non-partisan, nonprofit civic organization whose mission is to establish interfaith dialogue and connection in Greater Cincinnati. Since 2016, the group has sponsored educational programs to counter Islamophobia, antisemitism, and other forms of religious bigotry as well as to promote acceptance and inclusion of all groups of goodwill.
In times of war and division, EquaSion and the Festival of Faiths illuminate a way forward with peace and hope. The festival leadership brings together members of diverse religious backgrounds, and is helmed by festival managers Alycia McClurg, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Andrew Musgrave, a member of the Catholic faith. This year’s honorary co-chairs are Becca and Fred Desai, Aruni Marapane, and Rev. Dr. John Ivey.
“In these highly polarized times, people of good will, persons of faith, need to come together to celebrate our common humanity,†said Chip Harrod, EquaSion’s Executive Director. “We need to be reminded about our oneness as brothers and sisters. Our calls for peace and justice give us hope.”Â
The 8th annual Cincinnati Festival of Faiths was a wonderful gathering of 37 faith traditions across 13 world religions. Attendees enjoyed over 60 exhibitors and vendors, a diverse lineup of entertainment, and delicious food provided by the Sikh community.Â
EquaSion’s program director, Joey Taylor, and EquaSion’s Executive Director, Chip Harrod 
Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney gave a proclamation 
Acharya Kailash Sharma speaks during the interfaith ceremony 
Festival booth representing Native American traditions 
Miriam Jacobs stops at The Sarah Center booth 
Fred Desai representing the Zoroastrian religion speaks during interfaith ceremony 
Rabbi Gary Zola from the Jewish religion speaks during the interfaith ceremony 
Two faith leaders converse before ceremony 
Festival of Faiths Multifaith Choir performed a few uplifting tunes 
Dancer who performed at the festival