The 30th Annual
FESTIVAL of Faiths
November 11-13, 2026
Kentucky Center for Performing Arts
Schedule & Session Descriptions
Wednesday, November 11
The 30th Festival of Faiths begins with a celebration of Sacred Courage, bringing together faith, music and community through an Interfaith Procession, special guests and performances.
Featuring: Silas House · Archbishop Fabre · Louisville Academy of Music · Voices of Kentuckiana · and more
Thursday, November 12
Faith leaders from Judaism, Islam and Christianity share stories of courage from their traditions and lead attendees in devotional practices central to their faiths. Participate in worship or simply observe and learn.
Led by: Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum · Imam Ayman Soliman · Rev. Kilen Gray
Across religious traditions, stories of unlikely heroes have offered strength in times of adversity. Spiritual teachers, historians and storytellers explore where courage takes root—and how faith can anchor us through the challenges of our time.
Speakers: Dr. Paul Knitter · Dr. Shannen Dee Williams · Gene Tagaban · Lewis Brogdon
Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum joins journalist James Harding for a live conversation about building a faith community of care for all in Jerusalem—and what communities everywhere can learn about dialogue, belonging and shared society.
Speakers: Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum · James Harding
Go beyond listening and put ideas into practice. These new 45-minute small-group workshops offer conversations, classes and practices designed to help participants discover courage within themselves to express it in the world.
Water By Women: How To Start a Movement
How does compassionate concern become meaningful action? Join the founders and champions of Water By Women to explore how interfaith collaboration can move from dialogue to doing—and discover your own potential “watershed moment.”
Faith & Technology: Courageously Navigating AI with Theo Edmonds
Feeling overwhelmed by rapid technological change? Culture futurist Theo Edmonds explores how to remain spiritually grounded, honor human primacy and transform anxiety about AI into curiosity, imagination and courageous action.
Led by: Theo Edmonds
Go beyond listening and put ideas into practice. These new 45-minute small-group workshops offer conversations, classes and practices designed to help participants discover courage within themselves to express it in the world.
The Courage to Tell Your Story: An Interactive Storytelling Journey with Gene Tagaban
Explore storytelling as a pathway to connection, healing and courage. Through guided exercises and Indigenous wisdom, Gene Tagaban helps participants discover the experiences that shaped them—and find the courage to tell their own story.
Led by: Gene Tagaban
The Bones That Carry Us: A Somatic Movement Practice with Maria Whitley
Explore courage through the body. Using breath, gentle guided movement and conscious sensation, Maria Whitley leads an accessible somatic practice centered on grounding, presence and the relationship between the sacrum and the heart.
Led by: Maria Whitley
Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Rev. Paul Raushenbush for a live recording of The State of Belief, exploring religion, democracy, collective action and the choices that can shape a more just and hopeful future.
Speakers: Rev. Paul Raushenbush · Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez
Music: Dick Sisto Trio
Friday, November 13
Begin the day with therapist, coach and educator Shelly Sowell in an integrated practice of everyday mindfulness drawing on reflective journaling, intentional stillness and shamanic inspiration.
Led by: Shelly Sowell, M.Ed.
How do we move from inspiration to action? Writers, artists and community builders explore what it means to practice courage through steadfast participation in everyday life.
Speakers: Safia Elhillo · Rima Vesely-Flad · Kaitlin Curtice
Moderator: Sadiqa Reynolds
Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis explores how courageous compassion—and a love that is liberating, brave and rooted in justice—can become a transformative force for personal and collective healing.
Keynote: Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis
Go beyond listening and put ideas into practice. These new 45-minute small-group workshops offer conversations, classes and practices designed to help participants discover courage within themselves to express it in the world.
Want to Talk? Tools for Hard Conversations with JustFaith Ministries
Conflict doesn’t have to leave us disconnected. Learn practical tools for navigating difficult conversations, deepening relationships and staying true to your values—even when disagreement feels especially hard.
Led by: JustFaith Ministries
Picking Up the Pieces: Processing Through Collage with KMAC Contemporary Art Museum
Move from listening to creating. Through collage, participants will process the ideas of the Festival, envision what courage might look like in their lives and communities, and leave with a visual reminder of the path ahead.
Led by: KMAC Contemporary Art Museum
Go beyond listening and put ideas into practice. These new 45-minute small-group workshops offer conversations, classes and practices designed to help participants discover courage within themselves to express it in the world.
From Poison to Power: How to Transform Our Energy with Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad
Can we transform hurt and anger without denying them? Practice loving-kindness with Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad, moving from inner safety toward greater stability and compassion—even in relationship with people we find difficult.
Led by: Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad
Self-Love with Laughter with Melanie Rudolph
Laugh intentionally, breathe deeply and reconnect with joy. Melanie Rudolph leads an energizing Laughter Yoga experience designed to help participants relax, connect and discover how good it feels simply to laugh.
Led by: Melanie Rudolph
Celebrate 30 years of Festival of Faiths with an evening of music, movement, community and recognition—honoring three decades of interfaith dialogue, authentic connection and common action while looking toward what comes next.
Featuring: Religious 5 · Natya Kendra Dance Academy · Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby · Yahala · and more