The first Sunday in June about two dozen souls, including a few kids, showed up for EquaSion’s Sacred Connections: Sacred Friendship! event at Cincinnati Friends Meeting. With perfect weather, a tent, tables and chairs the group ate together, took a nature walk, then shared more deeply in small groups. It was a chance to mingle with those of other faiths, have rich conversations and just be together.

Previously, EquaSion held Sacred Connections, an introduction to religious spaces, and Sacred Conversations as separate events. The new hybrid creates a more informal gathering and invites children into the mix.

Interestingly, CFM Member Pat Brown was drawn to us during a Sacred Connections visit. “The quiet,” she remembers, “was like a balm, lotion to the soul” that lured her to worship and, eventually, membership. 

After gently walking through our yard – I wanted to avoid any poison ivy on a hike – I landed in a small group with no one I knew, which was the point. There I met Marlaina Leppert-Wahl, a Wilmington College Associate Professor of Political Science, as we shared our stories of being steeped in nature. She and others were enamored of our grounds. I invited them to visit anytime.

One of the joys of this event was an early introduction to the new EquaSion Executive Director Deidre Hazelbaker, one of our members! 

These gatherings are held monthly, leading up to (and past) the eighth annual Festival of Faiths, EquaSion’s flagship event and Cincinnati’s largest interfaith celebration, Sunday, June 22 from 12:30 - 4:30 PM at the Cintas Center, Xavier University. CFM Minister/Public Friend Jim Newby has served as an honorary chair and often offers prayer during the public program. As Spiritual Nurturer, I have shared a meditation. CFM always staffs a booth.

When a former member described the event as a “carnival of spirituality,” I was called to visit.  An apt description: the first time I attended I was gently wrapped in a hijab by an Islamic woman. Contrary to feeling imprisoned, I gained a certain freedom to be myself, which was an important and immersive experience. I anticipate the Indian food freely provided at the Sikh tent located at the entrance to the Cintas Center. Hospitality is their clear calling.

EquaSion is also the reason we developed a friendship with Beulah Baptist Missionary Church. Outgoing Executive Director Chip Harrod encouraged Jim Newby and Beulah’s Pastor John Ivey to connect their congregations. We have enjoyed events at both locations as well as a youth camp last summer at Quaker Knoll Camp near Wilmington.

Devoted to interfaith understanding and engagement, EquaSion also supports a racial justice effort, A Mighty Stream. Part of my role as nurturer is facilitating a small group to discern our personal and meeting racial bias. We have worked hard over two years  – a continuing process – and are broadening that work. This spring we shared our experience. Our next event is Saturday, July 12 with a screening of the movie “Deconstructing Karen,” a documentary about a dinner party where the main course is a discussion of white supremacy. Aimed at white women, others interested in acknowledging their racism and shaping a more inclusive world are encouraged to attend. Strong language and hard topics are not suitable for children. Look for more details to come.

For more information on any of these events, please connect with me, cathybarney@hotmail.com.