Our new logo is an inclusive circle, formed of many shapes and colors, symbolizing the Alliance's ideals of harmony and diversity.

POVERTY - Addressing problems of poverty in the Rochester area.

STATE / NATIONAL ISSUES - Elections, Fair Campaign Practices Project, and legislation, including First Amendment issues.

HEALTH CARE - Working with the Interfaith Healthcare Coalition on universal health insurance and related issues.

LEAD PAINT - Working with the Lead Paint Coalition, education about the problem and responses.

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Breaking News!

On August 18, 2009 Sr. Gratia L'Esperance (photo, right), a past president and current board member of TIAR, received the St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry Lifetime Ministry Award (photo, left).

Three particular points were set forth among so many more which could have been cited:

1. Sr. Gratia was the first woman graduate of St. Bernard's (and possibly may be the first woman graduate of a seminary ministry formation program in the country--or in the world?) This was preceded and followed by an exemplary record of service in ministry.

2. She has been involved in the Interfaith Alliance of Rochester (TIAR), serving as President from 2006-2008. In an era when the hostilities between faiths has wrought such enormous destruction, Gratia has become a force in fostering understanding and respect among diverse faiths.

3. Her work, recently completed--with the Mercy Center With the Aging was conducted with grace and insight.

(All of the above text is but a precis of the full citation.)

CONGRATULATIONS SISTER GRATIA !

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Annual Meeting

TIAR President Sally Chamberlin (photo, left) addresses the members and guests

The Rt. Rev. Prince Singh, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of
Rochester (photo, right), delivers the keynote address, "A New Economy for a New Era: Community vs. Consumption" [ To view the text of the address, click here ]

Sally Chamberlin moderates the panel discussion followng the keynote address. From left to right are Sally Chamberlin, Bishop Singh, Nazareth College Economics Professor Dr. Joseph Daboll-Lavoie, TIAR member Edward Lemon, Jr., and Sr. Christine Wagner, SSJ, Director of St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center.

Mission of The Interfaith Alliance of Rochester

We are committed to an inclusive democratic process based upon the mutual responsibility of public officials, public institutions, and the general public. It requires honest and civility through open discussion of issues and full participation open to all citizens.

We work towards a public good that offers dignity and wholeness to all people. This includes a quality public education, a sustainable environment, a living wage, comprehensive health care, adequate housing, and a voice for people of faith in the political arena that respects the First Amendment.

As a growing and diverse interfaith community, we bring a constructive and healing witness to public and political life in the Greater Rochester community. The Interfaith Alliance of Rochester is one of many local alliances in a national coalition of people of faith.

The Interfaith Alliance of Rochester

• We believe that people running for or serving in public office should express their views in a way that encourages civil discussion of issues.
• We educate our members about public policy issues. We strive to promote the Golden Rule as the core value to bring about economic justice.
• We provide an enlightened faith-based voice in an evolving community that understands the relevance and value of religious diversity.
• We strive to encourage all people to "do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God." Micah 6:8
• We believe that democracy works best when politics becomes the work of the people, when informed participation and respectful listening are allowed to contribute to the resolution of social problems, and when the "common will" seeks liberty and justice for all.

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