The Interfaith Center of New York would like to affirm the importance of faith-based civic engagement, and honor the many contributions of New York’s diverse faith communities to the wellbeing of the City. We also welcome this opportunity to affirm the bedrock principles enshrined in the two religion clauses of the First Amendment to the US Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
In our view, the “free exercise” and “establishment” clauses are inextricable from each other. Together, they lay the foundation of our pluralistic, multifaith democracy — encouraging people of all faiths and none to contribute to American public life, while preventing dominant or majority faith communities from coopting the extraordinary powers of the state.
These constitutional principles have long informed ICNY’s work to strengthen civil society by lifting up the voices of New York’s diverse faith communities. We look forward to continuing our work with all branches of City government to build a more just and inclusive city for New Yorkers of all religious and secular backgrounds.
