FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2022
CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171
The Rev. Dr. Katharine Henderson Named Interim President, CEO of Interfaith Alliance
Formerly president of Auburn Seminary, Henderson is a well-known leader in the multifaith advocacy community
WASHINGTON—Interfaith Alliance announced today that The Rev. Dr. Katharine Rhodes Henderson has been named interim president and CEO as the Board of Directors continues its search for a permanent successor. Today’s announcement follows the retirement of Rabbi Jack Moline, who the board has also named as president emeritus.
Dr. Henderson is a well-known leader in the interfaith movement for justice, having served for 12 years as president of Auburn Seminary. With her leadership she founded the Auburn Senior Fellows, as well as Face to Face | Faith to Faith, a multifaith program educating a new generation of young leaders from the US as well as conflict and post-conflict regions around the world as peacemakers for our global society.
“It is with great excitement that we welcome Katharine to Interfaith Alliance as our interim President and CEO,” said Jacob Worenklein, board chair for Interfaith Alliance. “Her mark on the interfaith movement for justice is indelible, and we are thrilled she will be joining us in our mission to further true religious freedom. And it is with profound gratitude for Rabbi Jack Moline and all he has done to defend faith and freedom that we thank him for his service. We will have more to share on how we will celebrate his tenure in the months ahead”
Raised in Louisville, Kentucky during the civil rights movement, Dr. Henderson grew up praying, singing, and marching alongside people of many faith traditions who came together out of moral conviction—all united for justice. Carrying this spirit forward, she has spearheaded innovative educational programs, ranging from convening CEOs on ethics in business practice to infusing mainstream media with compelling faith voices on issues such as a moral economy, racial equity, immigration, gun violence, LGBTQ+ equality, anti-Muslim bigotry, and antisemitism.
“As an ordained Presbyterian minister who spent the better part of my career advocating for justice in the interfaith space, it is my honor to help steward this organization’s vital work over the next several months,” said Rev. Henderson. “I’ve stood in solidarity with people across lines of difference for my entire life. As a child in Louisville, Kentucky during the civil rights movement, I marched alongside my parents and a chorus of multifaith voices to fight for a world of equity and love. Those experiences had a lasting impact and galvanized me for a lifetime calling that continues to compel me today. I’m mindful that we face a constellation of challenges–existential, moral and spiritual. And I have no doubt that work will continue with fierce determination.”
“There is no one better suited to guide this moment of transition for Interfaith Alliance than Katherine Henderson,” said Rabbi Moline. “For decades she has been dedicated to the pursuit of true religious freedom. I will continue to support the unique mission of Interfaith Alliance and its equally unique locus in the cohort of civil liberty organizations, and look forward to supporting the organization’s continued growth.”
If you are interested in speaking further with Interfaith Alliance, please contact Manisha Sunil at (202) 417-0171 or msunil@westendstrategy.com.