Sinclair prepares for the 8th annual Faith Fair

The 8th annual Faith Fair will take place at Sinclair College on Feb. 10 from 2-4 p.m. in the NW Loggia of the library. Students, faculty and staff are invited to learn about world religions through conversations, education and community engagement.

The Faith Fair brings together representatives from a wide range of religious traditions across the Dayton area, creating a space where attendees can ask questions, learn and interact without pressure or expectations. According to Paul Strozier, Sinclair’s multifaith campus chaplain, the Faith Fair prioritizes education and open conversation.

**Paul Strozier, Sinclair College’s multifaith campus chaplain**. CONTRIBUTED

“No one is trying to convert or convince anyone of their way,” Strozier said. “It’s just a wonderful opportunity to be able to ask questions, to interact with people that you might not interact with otherwise, to learn about world religions, and hopefully to broaden your scope and your understanding a little bit.”

Now in its eighth year, the Faith Fair has become a familiar campus event; its leadership and participation have evolved. Strozier has been involved with the event for the past three years, continuing work that began before the pandemic.

This year’s Faith Fair will feature representatives from a wide range of religious traditions within the local community.

Strozier said past fairs have included traditions such as Hinduism, Jainism and Wicca, along with other major world religions. He added that students are often surprised by the diversity of beliefs represented at the event, including traditions they may not encounter in their daily lives.

The Faith Fair is designed as an informal tabling event. Each representative hosts their own individual tables, allowing students to walk through at their own pace, engage in conversation and collect some incentives that some tables pass out. There are no speeches or formal presentations, which Strozier said helps create a more comfortable environment and atmosphere.

“It’s a very open environment,” he said. “Students can just make the rounds and interact with people in whatever way feels comfortable for them.”

Strozier emphasized the importance of hosting a multifaith event on campus, particularly for any students entering careers centered with working with people.

“For so many of our professions, it makes a real difference in our ability to serve others if we can have some sense of understanding about who they are and where they come from,” Strozier said.

The Faith Fair is open to students of all backgrounds, including those who do not identify with a particular faith. Strozier said the event provides an accessible way to learn about religion without pressure or commitment.

“You don’t have to be religious in order to learn about religion or religious people,” he said.

For students unsure whether the Faith Fair is for them, Strozier encouraged curiosity.

“This is a safe place to explore,” he said. “You have the freedom to be who you are and find out who other people are.”

Jacie Moore, reporter

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