You’ll find information on our ongoing efforts to counter anti-Muslim sentiment, particularly through our widely successful Faith Shared interfaith events houses of worship across the country held in June. The influence of this powerful initiative continues to grow, and for good reason. Rank injustices against a minority of citizens awaken us to the reality that if such things are possible, the rights and freedoms of every American are also at risk.

As you know, the 2012 election season already is well under way. Even this early, plenty of evidence points to the need for Interfaith Alliance’s election-year work aimed at activating all citizens and ensuring that religion isn’t used as a bargaining chip on the campaign trail. We need your help. Together we can educate candidates, clergy and fellow voters on the role of religion and politics simply by sharing the vital information in our 2012 election year guides, which are now available. You also can help in another area of concern related to protecting faith and freedom by urging your senators and representatives to support anti-bullying and pro-equality legislation currently pending in Congress. It’s as easy as a few clicks.

We are grateful that numerous interfaith events are planned around the country in honor of the tenth anniversary of September 11th, including panel discussions, shared meals and candlelight vigils being sponsored by our affiliates. Interfaith Alliance is proud to have provided encouragement and resources for many of the planning committees. Please read on as there may be an event planned in your neighborhood – and please attend with your family and friends. This coming weekend, it is more important than ever for Americans from differing faith traditions to join together with respect, understanding and an appreciation for our shared beliefs.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to look through our e-newsletter and then, please, get in touch with us and let us know what you think. I am very proud of the accomplishments we have made so far in 2011 to protect religious freedom, but we need you by our side. Much work lies ahead. Without you, without your support and without your encouraging belief in our work, Interfaith Alliance quite simply would not be able to do this work or even exist. Really!

So with great thanks to you, I look forward to a fall and winter filled with the same kind of effective work that characterized our spring and summer.
Welton Gaddy