History

A Brief Story of MARCC

In the 1960s, a few religious groups (Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant) were actively interested in “civic responsibilities” working for change in the city, and meeting regularly for discussion of both moral and political issues. Their involvement helped pass at the state level Laws prohibiting Discrimination of Employment, Accommodations and Housing.

The 1967 riots in Cincinnati awakened a realization that the new laws against discrimination were not yet effective, and stirred many congregational leaders into action. Talk of cooperation and steps taken by religious leaders, such as Bishop Roger Blanchard, Rabbi Albert Goldman and Monsignor Ralph Asplan with the organizing skills of The Reverend Paul Long, MARCC, The Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati was born. Churches, Synagogues, or Gatherings were more effective together and now their voices could be heard as one and help to bring about positive change.

On the afternoon of April 4, 1968, Mayor Eugene Ruehlmann convened a meeting of business, educational, industrial, human relations, and community leaders to discuss the city’s deepening racial crisis.  He also sought a voice from the religious community and found it in the first public appearance of the newly organized MARCC.

Three Executive Directors have been with MARCC during its 42 Year History; the first being Bishop C. Joseph Sprague, who began with MARCC (1968-1973), followed by the enduring tenure of Reverend Duane Holm (1973-2006) who held the organization together and moved it forward through many challenges and now Margaret A. Fox (2006- ) who was mentored by both first as a college intern and then associate director.

Over the past 42 years, MARCC has been working effectively but quietly behind the scenes with City Council, Cincinnati Police Department, Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, Cincinnati Public Schools, and Hamilton County Job and Family Services, to name only a few.

Each year, MARCC focuses on two main concerns and how they can positively impact that concern. To learn about our current concerns, visit our Current Issues page.

In 2008, MARCC made some changes.  MARCC now sponsors the Metro Cincinnati Interfaith Youth, a diverse group of high school students and young adult leadership focused on community service, interfaith discussion, and reflection.

In the 21st century MARCC continues to be a vital voice for justice that speaks from a coalition of many faiths.