After taking a page from Louisville ecumenical history last year, the Center for Interfaith Cooperation in Indianapolis is holding its second Festival of Faiths.
Louisville held its first Festival of Faiths in November of 1995, and since then the event has grown to become internationally acclaimed. The Indianapolis festival will be held on Sept. 7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Plaza at the corner of Meridian and Michigan streets in downtown Indianapolis. Last year’s initial event drew more than 50 exhibitors representing many of the faith communities in central Indiana, according to a news release from Louisville’s Center for Interfaith Relations.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, a longtime supporter of the Festival of Faiths, offered words of encouragement to Indianapolis, according to the release.
“Here in Louisville, where we have focused on compassion as one of our pillars for building a stronger and more connected city, we’re preparing to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Festival of Faiths,” he said. He described the festival as “an event that brings together all faith traditions to honor what unites rather than divides us.”
Louisville’s Festival of Faiths, which is sponsored by the Center for Interfaith Relations, has drawn speakers from around the world and tens of thousands of participants over the years.
The theme of next year’s event — which will be May 12 to 17 — will be the enduring legacy of Thomas Merton, the world-famous monk and author. The event will be held at Actors Theater of Louisville.
