http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:10:40 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/30/religious-offerings-nami-offers-faith-mental-health/stories/20260730002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/30/religious-offerings-nami-offers-faith-mental-health/stories/20260730002#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:43:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/30/religious-offerings-nami-offers-faith-mental-health/stories/20260730002 ■ NAMI Greater Toledo is hosting a free conference as part of a nationwide initiative exploring the intersection of faith and mental health. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/23/religious-offerings-first-church-of-god-welcomes-new-pastor/stories/20260723002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/23/religious-offerings-first-church-of-god-welcomes-new-pastor/stories/20260723002#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:49:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/23/religious-offerings-first-church-of-god-welcomes-new-pastor/stories/20260723002 ■ First Church of God has welcomed a new lead pastor, Bishop Robert “Robbie” Davis, Jr., to carry the congregation into its next chapter of ministry. First Church of God in Toledo on Oct. 28, 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/16/religious-offerings-toledoan-shares-reflections-on-detroit-s-women-s-ordination/stories/20260716002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/16/religious-offerings-toledoan-shares-reflections-on-detroit-s-women-s-ordination/stories/20260716002#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:10:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/16/religious-offerings-toledoan-shares-reflections-on-detroit-s-women-s-ordination/stories/20260716002 ■ Diane Derr Lewis, a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Community in Toledo, will share her observations from the recent Women’s Ordination Conference in a Sunday afternoon program. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/holy-trinity-greek-orthodox-parish-priest-larry-legakis/stories/20260709011 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/holy-trinity-greek-orthodox-parish-priest-larry-legakis/stories/20260709011#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/holy-trinity-greek-orthodox-parish-priest-larry-legakis/stories/20260709011 The Rev. Larry Legakis doesn’t like leaving work. The Rev. Larry Legakis reflects on his time at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo. He is moving to a parish in Metro Detroit after leading Holy Trinity for 12 years. The Rev. Larry Legakis reflects on his time at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo. The Rev. Larry Legakis at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo. The Rev. Larry Legakis at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo. The Rev. Larry Legakis reflects on his time at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/religious-offerings-congregation-b-nai-israel-celebrates-160-years/stories/20260702005 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/religious-offerings-congregation-b-nai-israel-celebrates-160-years/stories/20260702005#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:15:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/religious-offerings-congregation-b-nai-israel-celebrates-160-years/stories/20260702005 ■ Congregation B’nai Israel celebrates Sunday its 160th anniversary. Congregation B'nai Israel. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/02/religious-offerings-3-18/stories/20260702006 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/02/religious-offerings-3-18/stories/20260702006#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/02/religious-offerings-3-18/stories/20260702006 ■ The Ursuline Sisters of Toledo have transferred the leadership of their community to the Sisters of St. Francis in Sylvania. An aerial view from a drone shows the steeple of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Toledo in 2024. In the background is Lucas County Courthouse. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/28/diocese-announces-clergy-appointments/stories/20260515002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/28/diocese-announces-clergy-appointments/stories/20260515002#comments Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:33:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/28/diocese-announces-clergy-appointments/stories/20260515002 Bishop Daniel Thomas has announced changes to diocesan and pastoral leadership within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo. People pray during perpetual adoration at St. Joseph’s Parish in Sylvania in 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/25/religious-offerings-diocese-ordain-priest/stories/20260625002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/25/religious-offerings-diocese-ordain-priest/stories/20260625002#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/25/religious-offerings-diocese-ordain-priest/stories/20260625002 ■ Toledo native Andrew Messer is set to be ordained a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Toledo on Saturday. Monsignor Marvin Borger leads prayer during Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Joan of Arc Parish in 2020. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/18/religious-offerings-multifaith-council-presents-annual-peace-lecture/stories/20260618002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/18/religious-offerings-multifaith-council-presents-annual-peace-lecture/stories/20260618002#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:58:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/18/religious-offerings-multifaith-council-presents-annual-peace-lecture/stories/20260618002 ■ The MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio presents on Monday its annual Woody Trautman Lecture, Peace: Memory, Truth, and the Work of Community. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/15/pews-peace-historic-bryan-church-buddhist-center/stories/20260612079 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/15/pews-peace-historic-bryan-church-buddhist-center/stories/20260612079#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:35:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/15/pews-peace-historic-bryan-church-buddhist-center/stories/20260612079 BRYAN — In a former Methodist church that later served a Baptist congregation and was, for a time, a restaurant and brewery, a new Buddhist chapter is beginning. What once was a Methodist church, originally built in 1895, was repurposed as a bar and restaurant by John Trippy, and in its most recent restoration, an interfaith center, the Loving Kindness Meditation Center, in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Mananahene Pannasara holds his hands together while he talks about what Buddhism means to him inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Thalangama Devananda and Bhante Mananahene Pannasara say a prayer chant during a mediation session inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. John Trippy recites The Three Refugees during a mediation session the inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. A Buddha sits on the ledge of a stained-glass window inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center in Bryan on June 11. Stained-glass windows are seen inside what once was a Methodist church, originally built in 1895 and now restored and repurposed as the Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center, in Bryan on June 11. John Trippy prays in front of stained-glass windows inside what once was a Methodist church, originally built in 1895 and now restored and repurposed as the Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center, in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Thalangama Devananda prays during a mediation session inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. John Trippy smiles while listening to Bhante Thalangama Devananda talk inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Thalangama Devananda waits behind the rows of pews before beginning a meditation session inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. “All Welcome” is displayed on the door to Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center in Bryan on June 11. A Buddha sculpture outside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. Pews and a newly added Buddha statue are seen inside what once was a Methodist church, originally built in 1895 and now restored and repurposed as the Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center, in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Mananahene Pannasara sets up a live video camera before beginning a meditation session inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. Stained-glass windows are seen inside what once was a Methodist church, originally built in 1895 and now restored and repurposed as the Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center, in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Mananahene Pannasara talks about what Buddhism means to him inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. A photo of Bhante Thalangama Devananda and John Trippy is displayed on the wall inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/11/religious-offerings-toledo-jewish-film-festival-returns-this-month/stories/20260611002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/11/religious-offerings-toledo-jewish-film-festival-returns-this-month/stories/20260611002#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:06:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/11/religious-offerings-toledo-jewish-film-festival-returns-this-month/stories/20260611002 ■ The Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo has lined up its 12th annual Toledo Jewish Film Festival. Each featured film is a relatively recent release, highlighting an aspect of Jewish life or history. Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/04/religious-offerings-annual-picnic-to-foster-unity/stories/20260604002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/04/religious-offerings-annual-picnic-to-foster-unity/stories/20260604002#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:04:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/04/religious-offerings-annual-picnic-to-foster-unity/stories/20260604002 The Baha'is of Sylvania are hosting their annual Race Amity Day picnic and festival on June 14. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/peace-by-piece-toledo-mennonites-to-celebrate-those-who-came-before/stories/20260528003 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/peace-by-piece-toledo-mennonites-to-celebrate-those-who-came-before/stories/20260528003#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/peace-by-piece-toledo-mennonites-to-celebrate-those-who-came-before/stories/20260528003 A handmade mosaic is intended to perfectly symbolize what a local congregation is all about. Laura Hoag works on the new mosaic at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. A congregant places a piece in the mosaic at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Laura Hoag uses a hammer to makes pieces for a mosaic during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Congregants 'pass the peace' during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Congregants place their mosaic pieces at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. A previous mosaic made by the congregation at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo. The cross at the front seen during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo. Pastor Joel Shenk gives the sermon during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Pastor Joel Shenk gives the sermon during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Laura Hoag follows he music in the hymnal during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo. Doug Schmucker, left, and other congregants sing during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Toledo Mennonite Church in 2004. Toby Hoover, founder of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence, watches as Fred Martin, left, and his son Mike Martin cut up a shotgun that was owned by her first husband Dale Stone, during a Guns to Gardens event at the University Church in 2016. The event was organized by The University Church Community Garden, Toledo Mennonite Church and the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence. Mr. Stone was killed in a robbery in 1973. Mrs. Hoover donated the gun to be turned into garden tools. Joel Shenk, pastor at Toledo Mennonite Church, explains who Mennonites are during the last of the season for the Toledo Area Ministries' 2011 Summer Houses of Worship Tour. The Toledo Mennonites have been in Toledo for 65 years and in their new building for 15. They now are celebrating 80 years and 30 years respectively. Interior of the Toledo Mennonite Church on Nebraska Ave. Joel Shenk at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Girls sing during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Congregants clap and sing 'You Shall Go Out With Joy' to close the service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Patty Schmucker plays the piano during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/religious-offerings-church-to-host-spring-market/stories/20260528002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/religious-offerings-church-to-host-spring-market/stories/20260528002#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 10:46:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/religious-offerings-church-to-host-spring-market/stories/20260528002 ■ Calvin United Church of Christ hosts Calvin’s Spring Pop & Shop Market on Saturday. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/27/photo-gallery-eid-al-adha-prayer-service-at-masjid-of-al-islam/stories/20260527092 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/27/photo-gallery-eid-al-adha-prayer-service-at-masjid-of-al-islam/stories/20260527092#comments Wed, 27 May 2026 17:17:55 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/27/photo-gallery-eid-al-adha-prayer-service-at-masjid-of-al-islam/stories/20260527092 Worshippers gathered during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service Wednesday at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. James Mann prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Far right, Khadijah Bennett prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Malcolme Muttaqee prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Imam Ibrahim Rahim leads an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Damon Brandy prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Imam Ibrahim Rahim leads an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. At center, Justice McNeal prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Salim Mahama, left, prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/activists-mark-50-years-of-calling-for-women-s-equality-in-the-catholic-church/stories/20260521005 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/activists-mark-50-years-of-calling-for-women-s-equality-in-the-catholic-church/stories/20260521005#comments Thu, 21 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/activists-mark-50-years-of-calling-for-women-s-equality-in-the-catholic-church/stories/20260521005 A young Christine Schenk once sat in a pew at St. John Catholic Church in Lima, overcome by the beauty of the Mass, and thought she would love to be a priest. Members of the Roman Catholic Womenpriests, a dissent group, join hands in Toledo in 2013. Advocates with the Women's Ordination Conference call for greater rights for women in the Catholic Church in St. Peter's Square. A sign in the Vatican calls for the ordination of women in the Catholic Church. Kate McElwee, executive director of the Women's Ordination Conference, stands in the Vatican. Sister Christine Schenk at the book launch of her first book, 'Crispina and Her Sisters,' which addresses archaeologic evidence of women exercising ecclesial authority in the early church. The late Rev. Beverly Bingle, left, and Rev. Joan Houk, bishop, Roman Catholic Womenpriests Great Waters Region, during Reverend Bingle's Ordination Mass. Members of the Women's Ordination Conference organized a Kick the Can Down the Road witness in Rome during the Synod on Synodality. The late Beverly Bingle stands outside Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary while preparing to become a Roman Catholic priest, part of a global movement of women being ordained as priests despite an official ban by the Roman Catholic church. Paula Hoeffer, of Cincinnati, left; deacon Ann Klonowski, Rev. Beverly Bingle, and Rev. Joan Houk, bishop, Roman Catholic Womenpriests Great Waters Region, during the late Reverend Bingle's Ordination Mass in 2013. Sister Christine Schenk leads a pilgrimage sponsored by her coalition FutureChurch. Participants visited sites of women leaders in early Christianity. The late Beverly Bingle participates in a rally in downtown Toledo in 2017. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/religious-offerings-faith-groups-to-mark-pentecost-sunday/stories/20260521002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/religious-offerings-faith-groups-to-mark-pentecost-sunday/stories/20260521002#comments Thu, 21 May 2026 10:55:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/religious-offerings-faith-groups-to-mark-pentecost-sunday/stories/20260521002 ■ Christians observe Pentecost Sunday this week, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ disciples 50 days after his resurrection. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/14/religious-offerings-uptown-outreach-to-provide-spiritual-nourishment-food-haircu/stories/20260514002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/14/religious-offerings-uptown-outreach-to-provide-spiritual-nourishment-food-haircu/stories/20260514002#comments Thu, 14 May 2026 11:08:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/14/religious-offerings-uptown-outreach-to-provide-spiritual-nourishment-food-haircu/stories/20260514002 ■ Members of the Dream City Community Hope Project will be ministering to people in UpTown Toledo Saturday afternoon. Picnic tables sit in Uptown Green park. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/07/religious-offerings-declare-church-to-host-rejoice-resilient-daughters-night/stories/20260507008 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/07/religious-offerings-declare-church-to-host-rejoice-resilient-daughters-night/stories/20260507008#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 10:44:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/07/religious-offerings-declare-church-to-host-rejoice-resilient-daughters-night/stories/20260507008 ■ Rejoice! Resilient Daughters Night is set for Friday at Declare Church, formerly Cornerstone Church. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/05/03/interfaith-event-mark-national-day-prayer/stories/20260504022 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/05/03/interfaith-event-mark-national-day-prayer/stories/20260504022#comments Sun, 03 May 2026 17:41:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/05/03/interfaith-event-mark-national-day-prayer/stories/20260504022 Representatives of eight spiritual traditions will offer prayers and hopes for peace during a National Day of Prayer observance. Imam Farooq Aboelzahab of the Islamic Society of Northwest Ohio leads a muslim prayer with members MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio in observance of the National Day of Prayer in 2024 in front of the Lucas County Courthouse in Toledo.