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News and Press Releases

InterFaith Works Responds to Growing Faith Diversity

Area organization adapts name, mission to reflect changing Central New York community

SYRACUSE, N.Y., January 24, 2007—The InterReligious Council of Central New York today announces it has changed its name to InterFaith Works in response to the growing diversity of faith communities in Central New York.

Through its new name and mission statement—to affirm the dignity of each person and faith community and to create relationships and understanding through education, service and dialogue—InterFaith Works is reaching out to engage more faith communities, including Mormons, Christian Scientists, Native Americans and others, and to deepen relations with Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Bah’ais and Sikhs.

“With a more inclusive name and mission, we can better communicate and achieve our goals,” says Dr. Jim Wiggins, Executive Director, InterFaith Works. “The reality is that for the past 20 years, Central New York has experienced great growth of diversity in faith and spiritual communities, and we hope that our new name and mission convey our welcome to each one of those communities.”

InterFaith Works was originally formed more than 30 years ago to encourage open dialogue, understanding, support and interaction among faith communities. Today InterFaith Works offers six programs: Center for New Americans, Community Wide Dialogue to End Racism, Covenant Housing, Long Term Care Ombudsman, Senior Companions and Spiritual Care.

“The new name and mission of InterFaith Works clearly articulate the core purposes of openness and inclusiveness, repositioning the organization to better serve the community,” says Dr. Thomas Wolfe, President, InterFaith Works Board of Directors, and Dean, Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University. “InterFaith Works is a great benefit to Central New York, and we encourage people of all faiths to get involved and help us carry out our mission to make our community a better place.”

About InterFaith Works

InterFaith Works was founded in 1976 as the Syracuse Area Interreligious Council and was led by members of the Jewish, Roman Catholic and Protestant communities with the belief that engagement among different faiths would lead to understanding, friendships and a collaborative strength to address community issues. Through education, service and dialogue, InterFaith Works affirms the dignity of each person and every faith community, working to create relationships and understanding. InterFaith Works offers six social service programs that serve people in need, including refugees, elderly, disabled and institutionalized. To learn more, visit http://www.interfaithworkscny.org or call 315-449-3552.

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InterFaith Works of Central New York - 3049 E. Genesee St. - Syracuse, NY 13224 - Tel: 315.449.3552

© 2007 InterFaith Works of Central New York