November 13, 2011, proved to be a landmark evening for Interfaith Alliance, as together, we celebrated our accomplishments of the past year and looked toward the challenges and opportunities of a new year. As Rev. Gaddy said when he opened the evening, “Tonight is a celebration within, not an escape from, the climate in which we live. Your support for our issues is crucial.”
Hundreds of guests gathered at the Prince George Ballroom in New York to support Interfaith Alliance’s many successes of 2011, to listen to inspiring stories from Rev. Gaddy, Donna Red Wing and singer-songwriter Chely Wright, to celebrate the professional contributions to religious freedom by our honorees Jim Lehrer and the Rt. Rev. Jane Holmes Dixon, and to hear remarks from several of our dedicated board members.
We were proud and humbled by the outpouring of support for this event – and for our organization as a whole – in what we know has been a tough year financially for many. Guests traveled from afar to join us that evening, and financial support came in before and after the event from Interfaith Alliance advocates who could not join us in person. It was easy to see that the significance of our work fighting for faith and freedom from the halls of Washington to the U.S. military to state houses, houses of worship and public schools across the country is understood, appreciated and most importantly, supported and encouraged.
The vision of Walter Cronkite, who served as Honorary Chairman of Interfaith Alliance until his death in 2009, continues to motivate our work. Donna Red Wing put it well when she reminded guests, “Our work has real life consequences.” Interfaith Alliance established the award in Cronkite’s name in 1998 to recognize people who courageously promote democratic values, defend religious freedom and reinvigorate informed civic participation. The award recognizes individuals whose actions have embodied the values of civility, tolerance, diversity and cooperation in the advancement of public dialogue and public policy on traditionally controversial and divisive issues.
PBS NewsHour anchor Jim Lehrer was recognized for his unbiased journalism. “Watching Jim Lehrer, I knew I’d be getting the news, not a political pitch,”Rev. Gaddy said. “He has helped us to understand each other better.” The Rt. Rev. Jane Holmes Dixon, the second woman ever named as a bishop in the Episcopal Church, was honored for her focus on interfaith dialogue and the courageous ways she has opened the doors of her church to women aspiring to leadership roles as well as the LGBT community. “Bishop Jane embodies the best and the goals of Interfaith Alliance and does so with the integrity embodied by Walter Cronkite,” Gaddy said.
Country star Chely Wright knew she was coming to sing this year, and she captivated guests with her performance, particularly “It Was,” which you don’t want to miss. Little did Chely, who considers Rev. Gaddy a mentor and “an angel in [her] life” know, she too would be honored that night. At the great cost of much of her fan base, Chely recently came out as gay with pride, poise and grace. She told guests, “I don’t feel like I came out, I feel like I came together.” And as a musician who serves as a source of inspiration for so many, as well as a constant friend to Interfaith Alliance, Chely was astonished when Rev. Gaddy announced she would receive the President’s Award for Defending Faith & Freedom.
Be sure to check out the photos, videos and stories from this year’s Walter Cronkite Faith & Freedom Award Gala. See you next year!