Share the Sacred: Enter the 2026 “250 Years of Religious Diversity” Photo Contest
Partners for Sacred Places is inviting amateur and professional photographers across the United States to help tell the story of faith, community, and sacred space through its 2026 Photo Contest, “250 Years of Religious Diversity.” Submissions are open now through Oct. 6, 2026, with cash prizes of up to $500.
Held during the nation’s semiquincentennial year, the contest highlights the important roles churches, synagogues, meetinghouses, temples, mosques, and other sacred places have played in local communities and the history of the United States. For Lutherans, it also offers an opportunity to notice how places set apart for worship become places where faith takes visible form through community, art, hospitality, service, and shared life.
Photographers may submit images in four categories: Spiritual Moments, Community, The Arts, and Architecture & Open Space. Entrants may submit up to 10 photographs across the categories.
Eligible photographs must have been taken in the United States within the past five years and relate to or feature the property of a purpose-built religious building more than 50 years old. Photographers must reside in the United States. Importantly, photographs must be human-created: AI-created or AI-edited images are not eligible. Releases are also required for recognizable minors appearing in submitted photographs.
A jury will select winners in each category and choose one overall grand-prize photograph. A public vote will determine additional People’s Choice winners.
Prizes include:
$500 Grand Prize
$200 Jury’s Choice prize in each category
$200 People’s Choice prize in each category
Key dates: Submissions close Oct. 6; People’s Choice voting runs Nov. 6–Dec. 9; and winners will be announced Dec. 14.
Congregations and photographers across the Grand Canyon Synod may already have images that capture the beauty and breadth of sacred life in our communities—from historic sanctuaries and distinctive architecture to worship, music, art, service, and neighbors gathering together.
Learn more about eligibility and submit photos through the 2026 “250 Years of Religious Diversity” Photo Contest.
