A Celebration in Downtown Indy
Downtown Indianapolis was filled with music, culture, and community spirit as the annual Festival of Faiths returned this year, drawing people of all backgrounds together in celebration of religious diversity. Featuring performances, displays, and opportunities for interfaith dialogue, the festival continues to be a unique event where people can learn, share, and grow in understanding.
Music That Speaks Beyond Words
For many, the highlight of the day was the powerful use of music to express faith. Phyllis Rogers (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints member), who participated in the festival for the first time this year, shared how meaningful the experience was for her. Rogers performed with a choir and described the power of music to connect people on a deeper level than words often can.
Touching Hearts Through Song
“Music can touch the hearts of people in ways speeches and talks do not,” Rogers explained. “When a song contains messages of my faith, I believe it can go straight to a person’s heart and impress upon them what we believe in a way just talking to them would not.”
Discovering Diversity in the City
Roger’s comments reflect the theme of the Festival of Faiths: creating understanding through shared human experiences, whether through conversation, cultural displays, or the arts. Rogers also expressed her surprise at the wide range of faith traditions represented at the festival. “The many displays set up in the park were amazing. I had no idea there were so many different religions in the area,” she said.
A Few Festival Challenges
While Rogers noted that some stage performances were hard to appreciate fully because of technical distractions, she still valued the effort and dedication performers put into their presentations. Some of the distractions or technical difficulties included mic feedback.
Unity in Performance
For others, like Dr. Marilyn Buck, the festival was an opportunity to reconnect with fellow musicians and continue building unity through performance. Buck, who played baritone in the orchestra that accompanied the choir, emphasized how music-making itself creates bonds among performers, regardless of religious background.
The Power of Playing Together
“It is impossible to play in an ensemble such as the orchestra and accompany the choir without growing in unity,” Buck reflected. “The wonderful thing about music performances and rehearsals is that you work as one to produce a performance that inspires as well as entertains.”
Encouraging Others to Join
Buck also sees the festival as an opportunity for individuals to grow and share their talents. She has encouraged others to take part, noting how meaningful it can be to collaborate in such a setting. “I actually encouraged Grace Spicer to participate,” she said, citing both Spicer’s vocal talent and the opportunity to develop as a performer.
A Bigger Audience This Year
Comparing this year’s festival to the past, Buck noticed a larger and more attentive audience. “I think there were more individuals who stopped and came to listen than the previous year. It is my understanding that it is one of the more popular performances of the afternoon,” she observed.
More Than Just a Stage
For both Rogers and Buck, the festival offered more than just a stage to perform on. It was a place where music and faith intertwined to create something greater than themselves—a reminder of the beauty that emerges when people of different beliefs come together with respect and openness.
Building Bridges Across Faiths
As Indianapolis continues to grow in diversity, events like the Festival of Faiths highlight the importance of fostering understanding across traditions. Whether through song, conversation, or simply walking through the displays, the festival proves that while beliefs may differ, shared experiences—especially the power of music—can bridge divides and bring communities closer together.
