Dear Friends,
Please consider attending this Wednesday’s Marshall Meyer Retreat “Coming Home: Faith Communities Supporting Successful Reentry,” where we will be joined by Joseph Ponte, Commissioner of NYC Department of Correction and two graduates of the Harlem Community Justice Center’s “Raising My Voice” public-speaking program for formerly incarcerated individuals. To RSVP, click HERE. For further information, please see the below listing.
In response to incendiary comments about immigrants and religious minorities by a couple of the Republican candidates for President, in October, Shoulder-to-Shoulder and the National Religious Campaign Against Torture with the National Cathedral in Washington created a pledge to stand against bigotry and uphold religious freedom. Please see the website where you can sign onto the pledge yourself.
Locally, The Interfaith Center of New York went out to Brighton Beach with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams to support the Turkish American Eyup Sultan Cultural Center of New York. The Cultural Center suffered negative effects from The Daily News’ mishandled coverage of Donald Trump’s comments about his willingness to close mosques. See ICNY and President Ibrahim Sen’s statement here. Also, with the Micah Table, ICNY galvanized religious leaders to participate in three days of action in Times Square, outside Rikers Island and in the city streets for #RiseupOctober. See this article titled “The Faces of Protest” in NY City Lens, a news site produced by students at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Later this month, watch your inbox for the 3rd episode of our podcast series “NYC Faith Leaders,” where we talk with Sheikha Fariha of the Nur Ashki Jerrahi mosque in Soho about the spiritual path of Sufism, the direct transmission of divine love through the relationship of Sheikha and dervish, and the awakening of the heart in community worship.
Also this month our “Interfaith Matters Blog” will provide recommendations for books that highlight New York City’s amazing religious diversity. Take a little time during the Thanksgiving break to read one of these books and learn about our diverse NYC neighbors.
Best Wishes,
Rev. Chloe Breyer
Executive Director
The Interfaith Center of New York
