Interfaith Alliance

Most of the country knew Walter Cronkite as “the most trusted man in America.” At Interfaith Alliance, members and staff knew a different man, one who was passionate about the Constitution and the individual integrity of both religion and government. Take a moment to look back with us at “the other Walter Cronkite” – Interfaith Alliance’s Walter Cronkite…
 

For 12 years, Walter Cronkite served as Interfaith Alliance’s Honorary Chair, challenging us not only to protect faith and freedom but to use the diversity of American beliefs our membership represents to enhance and expand our work.

 
Marlene Adler, Mr. Cronkite’s long-time Chief of Staff, has always been a fixture in the background at Interfaith Alliance’s annual Walter Cronkite Faith & Freedom Award Gala in New York City, helping the event run smoothly. This year, she has graciously accepted our invitation to sit on the host committee of the November 3rd event to ensure that Mr. Cronkite’s life and legacy are celebrated in a way that he himself would have enjoyed.


 

 

Mr. Cronkite enjoyed discussing the state of religious freedom with Walter Cronkite Faith & Freedom Award recipients and guests – from actor and activist George Clooney (2006 honoree), whom he had known since Mr. Clooney’s childhood, to fellow journalists Jon Meacham and Sally Quinn (2007 honorees) and Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori.

 
Many of our members initially joined Interfaith Alliance because of their interest in an organization endorsed by Walter Cronkite, as well as their belief in our cause. Long-time supporters like Mr. & Mrs. Joel and Yvette Mallah, pictured at left above, enjoyed spending an evening with Mr. Cronkite in New York each fall.


The staff of Interfaith Alliance, pictured here in November 2006, will sorely miss Mr. Cronkite’s warmth and humor.


 

Rev. Gaddy and Mr. Cronkite forged a friendship early on in Mr. Cronkite’s time with Interfaith Alliance and enjoyed spending time together whenever their schedules permitted, often joined by Mrs. Gaddy and Mrs. Cronkite before Mrs. Cronkite passed away in 2005.


Interfaith Alliance has been incredibly fortunate to have Walter Cronkite’s intelligence, passion and dedication on our side. Moving forward, it will be up to all of us to continue his legacy by respecting the rights – and differences – of every individual, protecting the boundaries between religion and government and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism and build common ground.