The Birth and History of the Interfaith Alliance Indianapolis

The Interfaith Alliance Indianapolis (IAI) began as the Northside Interfaith Project (NIP) in 1985.  It was the inspiration of a few dedicated people of faith who met regularly at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation during 1984 to ponder how to promote a better understanding among people of different faith traditions. Prominent among these faith leaders: Rabbi Jonathan Stein, Rev. Jerry Zehr, Le Jean Beuhler, Imam Ihasan Bagby, Fr. Clem Davis, and Rev. Clyde Flannery. Dialogues included “Our Common Search for God” and “Life in the Hereafter-an Interfaith Perspective”.

By 1992 NIP had grown to 20 congregations, drawing from Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Baha’i, and Unitarian Universalist traditions; it was time for this north side project to become the city-wide Interfaith Alliance Indianapolis. Educational programs to promote interfaith dialogue included an annual interfaith seder, Ramadan-Iftar celebrations,  Baha’i Unity feasts, interfaith Thanksgiving services, “Interfaith Festivals of the Arts” at Union Station, interfaith (home discussion) circles, inter-religious youth retreats, and bus trips to Notre Dame, the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, the Spertus Museum in Chicago, and the Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Bloomington.

In 1993 IAI initiated  the “Underneath It All, We Are All the Same” campaign to collect  new, packaged  underwear for needy school children as a major interfaith community-wide service project in conjunction with the Community Service Centers of Indianapolis.  IAI annually supports/co-sponsors service projects with Habitat for Humanity, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and the Interfaith Hospitality Network.

In 1995 Governor Evan Bayh issued two proclamations in support of IAI activities:  Interfaith Ramadan-Iftar on January 27^th and the “Underneath It All, We Are All The Same” service project on September 15^th.

Since 1999, IAI has annually participated in the “Spirit and Place Festival” and has co-sponsored event with the Carmelites of Indianapolis, the Butler Seminar on Religion, the Eiteljorg Museum, Brebeuf High School, and the University of Indianapolis. IAI also initiated the “Hamilton Niss Memorial Youth Award” to recognize Indiana high school students who demonstrate interfaith understanding and significant community service involvement.

During 2005 nearly 50 congregations participated in IAI programs and service projects.  Membership has expanded to include Buddhists, Sikh, several universities and high schools, and numerous individuals throughout Central Indiana.

            Faith Leaders on the IAI Plenum Board Since 1992:

Dr. Shahid Athar                                       Islamic Society of Indianapolis

Mazan Ayoubi                                            Al-Fajr Mosque

Rabbi Arnold Bienstock                            Congregation Shaarey Tefilla

Carl Boehler                                               St. Monica Catholic

Jane Brown                                                First Friends Meeting

John Bryant                                               Western Yearly Meeting

Marilyn Campbell                                      Individual Member

Robert Campbell                                        Trinity Episcopal Church

Rev. Don Garrett                                       Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis

Marcia Goldstein                                       Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation

Rev. Duane Grady                                     Northview Church of the Brethren

Stanley Greissman                                     Congregation Beth-El Zedeck              

John Griffin                                               Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis

Jack Hill                                                     St. Luke Catholic

Joyce Janca                                                Indianapolis Zen Center

Rev. Bruce Johnson                                   Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis

Dr. Bruce Johnson                                    All Souls Unitarian Church

Hamilton & Carol Niss                             Baha’i Faith, Indianapolis Assembly

Sharon Mishkin                                         Congregation Beth-El Zedeck

Mary & Walt Prouty                                  St. Pius X Catholic

susanna-judith rae                                    First Congregational Church

Tania Roudebush                                      Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis

Violet Rutledge                                          Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis

Albert Schinazi                                          Self-Realization Fellowship Circles

Gary Seleman                                             Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation

Judge David Shaheed                                Nur-Allah Islamic Center

Judy Tilton                                                 Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation

Sherry Zerbe                                               Baha’i Faith, Indianapolis Assembly

 August 2005