WASHINGTON – Following the announcement that Wade Henderson would be stepping down as the president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the end of next year, Rabbi Jack Moline, executive director of Interfaith Alliance, released this statement:

“In his twenty years at the helm of the Leadership Conference, Wade has been an inspiration for all those who work for civil rights and religious freedom. As a inveterate defender of the Constitution, Wade’s legacy has powerfully demonstrated the importance of religious communities and religious freedom to the ongoing struggle for civil rights. He has built on the legacy religious engagement in the civil rights movement, bringing new and diverse religious voices into the work for equality. He has been a champion for the rights of Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and other religious minorities that are too often the targets of bigotry and discrimination. And he has recognized the importance of safeguarding the freedom of conscience and the freedom to worship to building a freer and more equal America.

“There is a paradox that those who most deserve retirement are those we can least afford to lose. Wade will be sorely missed, though he and LCCHR will surely continue to be pillars of the civil rights movement.”

Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.