Wednesday, December 4, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
In-Person at the Interchurch Center, 475 Riverside Drive
On December 4, 2024, the Interfaith Center of New York, the New York City Civic Engagement Commission, and the League of Women Voters of the City of New York hosted a conference bringing together religious and civic leaders from New York City and beyond to explore the vital relationships between faith and democratic governance. The Faith and Democracy conference was the 42nd meeting of the Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer Retreat for Social Justice, ICNY’s flagship program for interfaith dialogue on social issues.
In today’s polarized political climate, it is more important than ever for diverse faith leaders to promote civic values and democratic participation. Faith communities have long been a cornerstone of civic life in the United States. According to a 2020 survey by the Pew Research Center, 65% of Americans identify as people of faith and over 50% state that their faith influences their political beliefs. While some people of faith have, unfortunately, worked to undermine the democratic process, the vast majority stand in support of democratic principles such as liberty, justice, equity, and inclusion.
At this retreat, we came together following the 2024 presidential election – and in advance of the 2025 NYC mayoral election – to highlight the importance of voting, and the appropriate roles of faith communities in the electoral process. But grassroots democracy requires far more than voting, so the conference also shared proven strategies for championing democratic values, fostering civic engagement, and mobilizing underrepresented communities for full participation. The program equipped diverse faith leaders with the knowledge and practical tools they need to engage their communities in the democratic process, advocate for justice, and foster civic responsibility. Key topics included participatory budgeting, legislative advocacy, non-citizen voting, combatting religious nationalism, and more.
The conference featured a keynote address by Dr. Sarah Sayeed, the Chair and Executive Director of the NYC Civic Engagement Commission, as well as a panel discussion with diverse faith leaders, hands-on workshops, a call to action, and multifaith community-building.
ICNY has offered the Rabbi Marshall Meyer Retreat for Social Justice as a service to New York City’s religious and civic leaders since 1998. If you are able, please click here to make a contribution to support our work. A contribution to the Interfaith Center of New York will not affect business dealings with the City or provide special access to City officials.
Click here for directions to the Interchurch Center, at 475 Riverside Drive, between 119th and 120th Streets, in Morningside Heights.
This conference has now passed — deepest thanks to all our partners, presenters, and participants!
Conference Program
Click here to read more about our Conference Speakers
| 9:00 am – 9:15 am | Welcome, Opening Reflections, and Multifaith Prayer
Multifaith Prayer led by Tandeep Kaur Sawhney, Founder and Executive Director of Asees Foundation, Inc. and Interfaith Civic Leadership Academy Fellow |
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| 9:15 am – 10:15 am | Keynote Address
Dr. Sarah Sayeed, Chair and Executive Director, New York City Civic Engagement Commission Moderated by Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director, Interfaith Center of New York |
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| 10:15 am – 10:30 am | Coffee Break and Borough-Based Networking | |
| 10:30 am – 11:30 am | Panel Discussion: Faith-Based Perspectives on Democracy and Civic Engagement
Rev. Frederick Davie, Senior Executive Vice President for Public Theology and Civic Engagement at Union Theological Seminary Aaron Dorfman, Founder and Executive Director of A More Perfect Union: The Jewish Partnership for Democracy Heba Khalil, Executive Director of the New York Metro Chapter of Emgage Spencer Williams, Director of Land Use and Topography, within the Office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and MDiv Student in the Thich Nhat Hanh Program for Engaged Buddhism at Union Theological Seminary Moderated by Dr. Henry Goldschmidt, Director of Programs, Interfaith Center of New York |
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| 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Lunch Break | |
| 12:30 pm – 1:55 pm | Hands-On Workshops
Small group workshops will help you build relationships with other conference participants, develop practical organizing skills, and learn about a range of issues related to faith and democracy. When you register for the conference, you will be asked to rank your workshop preferences. We will try to place all participants in their top workshop choices, but we cannot guarantee placement. All workshops will repeat, so you will be able to participate in two of the following:
I. What is Participatory Budgeting and How Can Your Community Benefit? This workshop will introduce the process of participatory budgeting, and explore how it can address local needs. Learn how your community can benefit from this innovative approach to grassroots democracy through shared decision-making. Led by the Benjamin Solotaire, Community Board Advisor for the NYC Civic Engagement Commission at the New York City Civic Engagement Commission
II. Non-Citizen Civic Participation – And Voting This workshop will explore a range of ways that immigrants, asylum seekers, and other non-citizens can participate in local decision-making, fight for their rights, and advocate for policy changes – even without the right to vote. We will also examine the evolving conversation around non-citizen voting rights in New York and elsewhere, and what it could mean for the future of democracy. Led by Natalie Alper, Civic Engagement Associate at the New York Immigration Coalition
III. From Passion to Action: An Introduction to Policy Advocacy This workshop will show participants how to transform their passion into meaningful action. Learn strategies for building advocacy campaigns, mobilizing communities, and influencing policymakers. Whether you’re advocating for social justice, policy reform, or community needs, this session will equip you with tools to make a difference. Cancelled. We look forward to exploring policy advocacy strategies in our programming next spring. Stay tuned for more information about the advocacy around civic engagement.
IV. Is Religious Nationalism Compatible with Democracy? Explore the complex intersection of religion and politics, locally, globally, and internationally. We will examine how religious beliefs shape political identities, influence policy decisions, and impact social dynamics within diverse communities. How, we will ask, can faith communities bring their values into public life while respecting diversity and the democratic process? Co-led by Dr. Sarah Riccardi-Swartz, Assistant Professor of Religion and Anthropology at Northeastern University, and Sunita Viswanath, Co-Founder Hindus for Human Rights
V. Restorative Justice, Collective Healing, and the Partisan Divide This workshop will introduce the transformative concept of restorative justice as it relates to democratic participation and our “Red State – Blue State” partisan divide. We’ll discuss strategies for fostering inclusive dialogues, collective healing, and a sense of belonging in democratic processes. Led by Chiquita Williams, Restorative Justice Keeper and Consultant for the Restorative Justice Initiative
VI. There’s a Role for YOU to Play: Community Boards, Civic Councils, and Running for Office This workshop will help you take the next step in your civic journey by participating in your local community board, running for a seat on a DOE Community Education Council, or even running for elective office. Through interactive discussions and practical advice, attendees will gain the confidence needed to advocate for their communities and step into leadership roles themselves. Co-led by José Galarza, The Johnson Family Foundation Fellow at New American Leaders, and Jonathan Soto, Former NY State Assembly Candidate (Representing themselves) |
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| 1:55 pm – 2:00 pm | Break | |
| 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm | Call to Action
In this critical moment for our nation, we invite you to explore the intersection of faith and civic engagement. Together, we can amplify voices, foster inclusion, and strengthen our democratic values. Let’s unite across communities to advocate for a future where every vote counts, and every voice is heard. Your participation is vital to building a more just and equitable society. Featuring:
Moderated by Hanadi Doleh, Director of Community Partnerships, Interfaith Center of New York |
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| 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm | Closing Reflections and Multifaith Prayer
Multifaith Prayer led by Yamina Kezadri, Founder and Executive Director of Halal Food Connections and Interfaith Civic Leadership Academy Fellow |
This conference has now passed — deepest thanks to all our partners, presenters, and participants!
To share information about or reflections on the conference, please use the hashtags #FaithandDemocracy and #MMR42.
