New York, NY - March 6, 2024 - Today, amidst the backdrop of a mounting affordable housing crisis and pressing issues surrounding migrant justice, Manhattan's diverse community of women* faith leaders convened at the Riverside Church for the 2024 Manhattan Women* Faith Leaders Breakfast and Roundtable. Hosted by New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, the Interfaith Center of New York, and the Riverside Church, the event brought together leaders representing various faith traditions to explore innovative and compassionate approaches to addressing these critical challenges.
New York City is grappling with an escalating affordable housing crisis exacerbated by skyrocketing rents, evictions, and a lack of support for migrants. Against the backdrop of an uneven economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for collaborative and community-centered solutions has never been more urgent.
Faith leaders and their communities have long been at the forefront of addressing societal crises, from ensuring food security to promoting public safety. Women* faith leaders, in particular, offer unique perspectives and insights that can drive innovative and more humane approaches to housing and migrant justice.
During the gathering, attendees engaged in robust discussions and shared best practices aimed at fostering greater understanding and cooperation across faith lines. The event served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and solidarity as participants explored ways to leverage their collective influence and resources to effect positive change.
As a poignant conclusion to the event, Pingping Huang, the chief secretary of The International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation, offered a closing prayer rooted in Buddhist tradition, underscoring the importance of spiritual unity and compassion in the pursuit of justice and equity.
In his remarks, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander emphasized the crucial role of faith communities in driving social change, stating, "Our city faces complex challenges, but by coming together across faith traditions, we can harness the power of collective action to build a more just and equitable society for all."
The 2024 Manhattan Women* Faith Leaders Breakfast and Roundtable underscored the vital role of women* faith leaders in shaping the future of our city and reaffirmed the commitment of participants to work collaboratively towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.