FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2021
CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171
Interfaith Group Releases Toolkit for Faith Communities to Combat Discrimination
Partnering Against Hate offers resources to congregations looking to foster inclusivity
WASHINGTON—Interfaith Alliance, a national organization dedicated to protecting the integrity of both religion and democracy in America, today launched a grassroots toolkit providing resources for people of faith to mobilize against hate and discrimination in their own communities.
With reported hate crimes on the rise—against and within faith communities, but also as instigated by faith communities against outsiders—it is more critical than ever for people of faith and conscience to send the message that hate speech and hateful violence will never be tolerated or left unchallenged. The Partnering Against Hate toolkit is designed to help guide groups and individuals who want to do more to make their communities safer and more inclusive.
“Religious leaders and people of faith are uniquely positioned to reject hateful rhetoric framed as religious expression by providing an alternative message of love, inclusion and mutual respect,” said Maureen O’Leary, director of field and organizing for Interfaith Alliance. “A wide array of diverse religious traditions vehemently condemn hate and summon us to recognize the dignity of every person and treat them with respect. Legal and legislative efforts to combat hate crimes have been essential to keep marginalized communities safe, but grassroots efforts are equally important at the local level, where people are affected the most by bias and bigotry.”
The toolkit starts by laying out baseline information on what hate crimes are, who is most affected, and existing legislative efforts to combat hate. It goes on to offer exercises for both self and group reflection, educational tools on how to identify and challenge hate, and action items designed to root out discrimination and build solidarity among community members.
The full toolkit can be accessed here.
If you are interested in speaking further with Interfaith Alliance about the toolkit, please contact Manisha Sunil at (202) 417-0171 or msunil@westendstrategy.com.
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Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.