Do you ever feel that each year goes by faster than the one before? I sure do. In fact, it doesn’t seem that long ago that I was writing to you at the end of 2009, and now here we are, talking about 2011. I’d like to think that the time goes by so quickly because it’s so full – of time spent with cherished friends and loved ones, of worthwhile pursuits and of accomplishments of which we can all be proud.
And I am very proud of everything that you and Interfaith Alliance supporters nationwide have accomplished in 2010. Together we have stood up to intolerance and have finally begun making much-needed progress against Islamophobia and other religiously motivated hatred. Together, we’ve taken the first steps to push back against decades of religious bias in the military. And, after years of hard work with you at our side, it was just last month that we were finally able to celebrate the first meaningful changes to the White House’s faith-based initiative that are beginning to bring it in line with our Constitution.
In this, Interfaith Alliance’s final e-newsletter of 2010, you’ll find celebrations of accomplishments like these, photos of one of my favorite nights of the year and articles that examine the state of religious freedom in our nation and the steps that remain to be taken to protect it. Take a look, let us know what you think and remember that you are Interfaith Alliance – without you, without your support and your belief in our work, there is no ‘we:” We quite simply would not exist. So thank you, for everything you do. It’s a pleasure to work together.