In today’s increasingly globalized world, as the vast human society finds itself everyday more intimately connected across the geographical, cultural, and religious boundaries, one cannot underestimate the impact of the Church’s interreligious undertaking. As Pope Francis said, “It is neither a culture of confrontation nor a culture of conflict which builds harmony within and between peoples, but rather a culture of encounter and a culture of dialogue; this is the only way to peace” (September 1, 2013, Angelus message). In a world filled with conflict and tension, the call to dialogue is essential to heal division and misunderstanding. (USCCB Committee Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs)
On Sunday, June 22, the Greater Cincinnati community will come together to answer this call, to learn about and celebrate our beautiful tapestry of religious diversity. The 8th annual Festival of Faiths, the flagship program of EquaSion (one of the Archdiocese’s primary partners in interfaith work), brings together over 30 faith traditions from 13 world religions. Dozens of faith communities, nonprofits, and religiously-affiliated organizations will show up to both display their gifts and talents and to experience the gifts and talents of their sisters and brothers. The event – which will again happen at the Cintas Center on the campus of Xavier University – begins at 12:30pm with an interfaith devotional. Archbishop Casey and other faith leaders will join together in prayer, song, and celebration to open the festivities. Over the next four hours, attendees can visit the exhibitors and vendors, listen to and watch the musical and cultural performances, and participate in breakout sessions. Throughout the afternoon, folks will have the opportunity to meet and learn from neighbors they might not otherwise encounter, all in the hope of opening their hearts and minds and growing in their appreciation of the diversity of God’s people.
The Church holds all that is good in esteem, even understanding those elements of other religious traditions to be reflections of rays of Truth… It is our hope and our goal to foster bonds of friendship, mutual understanding, and constructive collaboration among the world’s religions in the genuine service of humanity. (USCCB Committee Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs)
