OUR HISTORY

In 2000, the inaugural World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation was held. This event, still ongoing, focuses on promoting peace and understanding among different religious communities.

The Interfaith Partners, a precursor to the IFLC, was organized by several Detroit faith-based organizations to plan a joint prayer service in response to the September 11 attacks. The service was held at Detroit’s Fort Street Presbyterian Church, bringing together representatives from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities.

The Religious Diversity Journeys program was initiated to promote understanding and awareness of prevalent religions in metropolitan Detroit. This program, targeting seventh-grade students, provides immersive experiences in various houses of worship.

Interfaith Partners played a key role in resolving a religious controversy in Hamtramck, Michigan, regarding the public broadcasting of the Islamic call to prayer. This led to ongoing interfaith initiatives, including an annual interfaith Thanksgiving dinner.

The Interfaith Partners reorganized into the InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit. In the same year, the IFLC organized the “Vigil for the Beloved Community” in response to an anti-Islam protest in Dearborn, drawing significant community support.

The IFLC hosted the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) Connect Conference at Wayne State University, with the theme “Bridging Borders and Boundaries.” The event attracted participants from 26 states and provinces and 48 different religious groups.

The IFLC collaborated with interfaith communities to provide drinking water to Flint, Michigan, residents during the water crisis.

The IFLC adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by hosting virtual events and forums, highlighting the swift online revamp of a virtual Religious Diversity Journeys program, focusing on interfaith support and solidarity.

The Faith & Works podcast was launched, with the first episode titled “What is Becoming of Religion and Community Values?” Panelists included Bob Bruttell, Robert Jones, and Saeed Khan, with Maddy Shefferly as the announcer and Ben Kouchnerkavich as the producer.

IFLC introduced new programs and revamped established programs aimed at deeper community engagement, including partnerships with local organizations to address social justice issues and healthcare access. Religious Diversity Journeys returned to in-person programming, stronger than ever.

The partnership was further developed to enhance connections between communities and faith leaders, ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources and addressing disparities.