History

In 2004, Marchele & Tim McCarthy invited all of the religious leaders in Steamboat together for a discussion. They initiated the meeting because they were concerned about the divisiveness in the world and in our communities. They chose religious leaders because they are presumed to be the moral compass of our society. This group became an experiment to see if it is possible to bring people together with very different view points and overcome divisiveness. We believe this experiment has been a success as the leaders have developed deep friendships and camaraderie over the years. The religious leaders have been meeting monthly to discuss issues we face personally, as a community, and globally. We have held many community meetings over the years ranging from political topics to theology to social justice issues and from personal to universal topics. These meetings have provoked many deep questions and stimulating conversations while creating community among the leaders and audience.

Mission

Exploring the Sacred offers the community of Steamboat Springs, Colorado a forum to witness people of diverse faiths and opinions having respectful and mutually beneficial dialogue while addressing some of the most difficult issues we face individually and as a world community. ETS offers interactive community forums multiple times a year, where a panel of religious leaders discuss a relevant topic and then afford the audience an opportunity to participate and engage with the panel.

Vision

Exploring the Sacred seeks to create engaged curiosity, challenges perspectives and promotes growth and understanding through civil discourse.