Religion in Ohio

Book excerpt: For Ohio's bicentennial in 2003, the Religious Experience Advisory Council of the Ohio Bicentennial Commission was established to commemorate and celebrate the state's diversity of religions and faith traditions. The end result of the council's efforts, Religion in Ohio tells the story of Ohio's religious and spiritual heritage going back to the state's ancient and historic native populations, and including the westward migration of settlers to this region, the development of a wide variety of faith traditions in the years preceding the mid-twentieth century, and the arrival of many newer immigrants in the last fifty years, each group bringing with it cherished traditions. Documenting the religious pluralism in Ohio and the impact faith communities have had on the state, this book includes chapters on the historical experiences and beliefs of over forty Christian groups, as well as Native American, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Baha'i, Jain, and Zoroastrian faiths. Each chapter was written by a member of that faith or denomination. Operating under the auspices of the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio, the editors of Religion in Ohio have created a unique collection o