These are overwhelming and uncertain times. Our prayers go out to the family members of all those killed in the collision between American Airlines flight 5342 and an Army helicopter over the Potomac River. The President's remarks following this tragic incident and the raft of executive orders coming from Washington have been disorienting. Many of his statements and policies appear to scapegoat certain groups of Americans.

Still, there are local points of hope and resistance from diverse houses of worship here in New York City. I want to share some of them with you:

• Take a look at my op-ed about the religious freedom of migrant New Yorkers in Friday’s Daily News, which holds up inspiring examples of faith-based hospitality. It looks at the effects of President Trumps’ rescinding “sensitive site memo” regarding religious freedom on communities of faith serving migrants and the newest New Yorkers themselves.

• Read about the Episcopal Diocese of New York's well-attended press conference held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in one of their many chapels dedicated to immigrant groups of the 19th century. See the information below about an upcoming powerful evening of unity and hope: Call to Courage: Interfaith Vigil for Sanctuary at the Cathedral on Feb. 12.

• Many brave diverse houses of worship continue to exert their religious freedom to offer different kinds of sanctuary to their neighbors. For example, I invite you to read this story about St. Paul's and St. Andrew's United Methodist Church’s inspiring work to provide Sanctuary.

• Refresh yourself and others on the ability of your congregation to be a sanctuary place of support for migrants: https://interfaithcenter.org/general-sanctuary-guildelines/. If you are in need of assistance from a pro-immigration attorney, please email Brennan Brink to request an introduction at Brennan@interfaithcenter.org.

• Please click here to see printable signage for your faith-center or community space. Of the seven forms, the first three are designed as outdoor signs, followed by four for interiors. The 'Private' and 'Staff and Invited Guests Only' signs are especially important to demarcate areas not open to the public.

This is a time of crisis and opportunity and as we enter into the Lunar New Year, we take note that 2025 has within it the potential for transformation and renewal.

Sincerely, 

The Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer

ICNY Executive Director

 

P.S. To see media from the 42nd iteration of our Social Justice Retreat Conference: Faith and Democracy from November 2024, please click here. Included in these videos are highlights from the keynote address from former ICNY employee and current Executive Director of the NYC Civic Engagement Commission Dr. Sarah Sayeed. 

Online Info Sessions on Thursday, February 13th @ Noon and 6:00 pm 

 

Wednesday, February 5

10:00 am

Will be held over Zoom

 

The Central Queens Against Hate Coalition (CQAH) invites you to a free community brunch and conversation where New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds can share their traditions, stories and cultures together in conversation over a delicious meal, sponsored by Mayor Adam's Breaking Bread, Building Bonds initiative. Special guests will include Congress member Grace Meng, State Assembly member Andrew Hevesi, and City Council member Lynn Schulman.

CQAH is a coalition of community organizations, NYC agencies, leaders and everyday New Yorkers coming together to help build the foundations for a more inclusive and equitable society in Queens. If you have any questions please reach out to Mark Laster @ marklstr99@gmail.com or Amy Long @ amy.long@earthcitizens.org.

 

The Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) is honored to host Interfaith Voices for Peace and Justice, a virtual panel discussion in celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week. This dynamic conversation will bring together leaders from diverse faith traditions to foster mutual understanding, meaningful dialogue, and collaborative action. The panel will explore pressing local and global challenges, highlighting faith-based approaches to promoting peace, justice, and human rights. Through shared experiences and best practices, panelists will showcase the transformative power of interfaith dialogue in building more inclusive and resilient communities.

Moderated by Ashley Kitisya (Kenya) and Ayuba Bazam (Nigeria), the discussion will feature distinguished speakers Spozhmey Munir (USA), Bulafu Yusuf Ali (Uganda), and Serra Kazan (USA), who will share their insights on strengthening institutions, advancing justice, and leveraging digital platforms to amplify interfaith collaboration. We invite you to be part of this crucial conversation on, register using the button below and join us in shaping a more peaceful and just world!

 

The Episcopal Diocese of New York invites you to a powerful evening of unity and hope. This in-person event will bring together people of all faiths to stand in solidarity and support for those seeking sanctuary. Coming together to show our courage and affirm our commitment to safe and welcoming communities. 

If you have any questions please reach out to info@dioceseny.org.

 

Join Bricks and Mortals for an exciting evening of networking, bringing together faith leaders and key members of New York City's real estate community. Tickets are $50, but entry is free for Bricks and Mortals members. Members of the faith community who are not yet part of their network can attend for a reduced fee of $10—request a discount code at info@bricksandmortals.org.

Bricks and Mortals is a citywide interfaith organization dedicated to supporting faith-based organizations as they navigate New York City's complex real estate landscape. They provide the knowledge, connections, and advocacy needed to manage properties, adapt to changing realities, build resilience, and take charge of their legacy. If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, reach out to info@bricksandmortals.org. 

The Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY) works to overcome prejudice, violence, and misunderstanding by activating the power of the city's grassroots religious and civic leaders and their communities.