Face2News/Nevadas
“Faith Forum”, volunteer-run “one-of-a-kind weekly multi-faith dialogue” in Reno Gazette-Journal (USA TODAY Network publication) completed 15 continuous years of publication in February, which is a historic global milestone unmatched in modern journalism and interfaith dialogue.
According to reports and accessible sources, this appears to be the first weekly multi-religious and multi-author newspaper column in panel format in the world which sustained a continuous run for 15+ years and is still going strong. While interfaith columns and long-running religion columns exist worldwide; but multi-faith, multi-author weekly columns in panel format like “Faith Forum”, which appear highly distinctive, are extremely rare.
Created in 2011 and continuously produced since then by awards-winning distinguished religious statesman Rajan Zed; it currently involves 12 religious leaders with different worldviews belonging to Christian (Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Greek Orthodox, Mormon, United Methodist denominations), Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha’i, Atheist, Unity traditions; and a professor of religion. They all provide simultaneous perspectives with equal weight on a single question each week in 140-150 words posed week-after-week by Zed, who writes the foreword. This full-page column appears every Sunday, and none of its panelists, including Zed, gets paid.
At a time when public discourse is increasingly polarized, this column has provided a consistent, trusted forum where leaders from diverse religious traditions address shared questions with clarity, insight, and respect.
Over 15 years, the exceptionally uncommon column has become a civic institution—one that documents the evolving cultural, moral, spiritual, etc., concerns of the communities. Each week’s contributions offer a unique snapshot of interfaith engagement in action, demonstrating how seriously different traditions can speak side‑by‑side without division.
Reaching the 15‑year mark underscores the column’s distinctive role in elevating diverse perspectives, modeling constructive dialogue across traditions, and strengthening community understanding. Its endurance stands as a testament to the power of sustained multi-faith conversation in enriching public life.
It is a remarkably rare specimen in the world of journalism, and its format is exceptionally difficult to sustain due to the logistical and editorial coordination required.
Maintaining a panel where a dozen different worldviews provide simultaneous input weekly requires a level of volunteer commitment and editorial oversight that is rare in the current media landscape.
This unique experiment in religious harmony has tackled 795 consecutive weekly topics, ranging from complex theological dilemmas to pressing contemporary cultural/religious/social/spiritual issues. This globally unique column stands as the evidence to the power of respectful dialogue and the community’s appetite for diverse perspectives. A rare feat in editorial management, this column has survived multiple newsroom restructures.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo issued a Certificate of Recognition on “Faith Forum” completing 15-years, which said: This weekly interfaith dialogue column has become one of Northern Nevada’s most consistent and constructive platforms for promoting understanding and civic harmony…has helped our community appreciate diverse perspectives, deepened mutual respect, and ensured that each faith tradition is heard with dignity in the public square. Your contributions have enriched our state and advanced the cause of dialogue and unity.
Others who have issued testimonials on “Faith Forum” reaching this global landmark, include: United States Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, US Congressman Mark E. Amodei, Nevada Secretary of State Francisco V. Aguilar, Nevada Attorney Journal Aaron D. Ford, Nevada State Senate Majority Leader Nicole J. Cannizzaro, Nevada State Assemblyman Philip “PK” O’Neill, Washoe County Board of Commissioners Chair Clara Andriola, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam, Capital Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell, Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson, Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth, Reno Gazette-Journal Executive Editor Peggy Santoro, University of Nevada-Reno Philosophy Department Chair David Rondel, Community Foundation of Northern Nevada CEO P. Eaton Dunkelberger.
Rajan Zed, who has been widely recognized for peace‑building and interfaith work that benefits the broader community, points out: “Faith Forum” strengthens the Northern Nevada community by improving understanding, reducing tension, and giving each faith tradition a respected public voice. It has served as a consistent, structured space for interfaith dialogue, learning, and community engagement in Northern Nevada.
“Faith Forum” dispels myths and corrects misconceptions; does bridge-building, connecting clergy across traditions; is a source of religious literacy; encourages thoughtful reflection and personal growth; fosters mutual understanding and respect; harmonizes complex identities; has resulted in a more connected, empathetic, and informed community; helps reduce prejudice and counters blanket suspicions; highlights shared values—compassion, honesty, human dignity, service, etc.; is a model on how to disagree without dehumanizing; maintains a strict standard of respectful discourse and handles sensitive issues gracefully; models civil and constructive dialogue; nourishes community and social cohesion; presents intricate theological and philosophical discussions into a digestible format; provides visibility to many religions/denominations; reduces social and cultural tension; softens “us vs. them” thinking and promotes a healthier civic atmosphere; strengthens community leadership and cooperation; creates a public space for community voices; supports a healthier public square; tackles complex ethical and social issues; helping readers find common ground even when they disagree; etc.; Zed adds.
Besides the producer Zed; prominent faith leaders of the region, who contribute regularly to “Faith Forum” column in Reno Gazette-Journal (a Pulitzer winner daily newspaper whose history goes back to 1870), include: Daniel H. Mueggenborg, Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno; Bryan Smith, Co-Lead Pastor, Summit Christian Church, Sparks (Evangelical); Sherif A. Elfass, Member, Northern Nevada Muslim Community; Stephen R. Karcher, Presiding Priest, Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church; ElizaBeth Webb Beyer, Jewish Rabbi; Matthew T. Fisher, Resident Priest, Reno Buddhist Center; Anthony Shafton, author and atheist thinker; Dawn M. Blundell, Lead Pastor, Epworth United Methodist Church, Fallon; Micheal L. Peterson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Bradley S. Corbin, Bahá’í Teacher; Kenneth G. Lucey, Philosophy/Religion Professor Emeritus, University of Nevada; Toni King, Minister, Unity Center of Reno.
