Cincinnati, Ohio – For nearly four decades, religious communities from around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky have come together to pray together and celebrate Pride. The first such event was held in 1986 at All Saints Chapel, a faith community which met at Pilgrims Chapel, on Ida Street in Mt. Adams, and ministered especially queer folks. Though this congregation no longer exists, its legacy lives on in what has become an annual celebration of the Pride Multifaith Service.
Michael Chanak Jr., then a leader of All Saints Chapel, spoke at the very first multifaith Pride celebration. He recalls, “surprisingly, even in 1986 it was well attended…. the service gave another venue where LGBT folks could come together.” For many years, this interfaith group was also part of the Pride committee, supporting and being supported by the wider celebration of Pride in the region.
Today, this service has grown to include members of numerous faith traditions and denominations. More than 40 people have been part of the event planning, this year alone. And over the years, a wide variety of artists have contributed music, including but not limited to the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus, Muse, the Cincinnati Women’s Choir, and Vox Veritatis.
What began as a prayer service has become an opportunity for spiritual inspiration and action. Folx can come for the spiritual nourishment and stay for a social that takes place after the event, where there are catered treats and organizations representing LGBTQ issues host tables to invite community engagement and connection.
This year, the theme of the Multifaith Pride Service is “Embracing Divine Diversity.” Rev. Derek Terry, Program Director for the Open and Affirming Coalition, a national nonprofit in covenant with the United Church of Christ, will be the guest speaker. First United Church of Christ, 5808 Glenview Ave Cincinnati, OH, 45224, will be hosting the event on Thursday June 26th. Doors will open at 6:30, and the service will begin at 7pm.
LGBTQ organizations and Allies that wish to table or help sponsor the event are welcome. Inquiries should be made to Becca Desai at bfdesai@aol.com.
Whether you have long been part of this multifaith service or this year’s celebration becomes the first time you pray with Pride, all are welcome. As organizers put it, “We are stronger together united for LOVE! The Multifaith Community of Cincinnati and NKY is here to help faith/belief systems not only coexist, but to come together in unity through compassion, acceptance, kindness, and above all else LOVE!!!”
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NOTE: in an earlier version of this article, the final quote was incorrectly attributed to Rev. MiMi Chamberlin.