2023 Events and Activities
MISSION, VISION, AND CORE VALUES
(adopted in 2023)
Mission:
The Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee builds relationships among people of faith to promote greater understanding, dignity, and respect, and to advocate for the inclusion and acceptance of all.
Vision:
We envision a strong, peaceful, and sustainable community where all are treated with justice, mutual respect, and dignity.
Values:
Connection:
We listen and learn from one another as we build bridges of understanding and support. We stand with one another against hate, racism, and discrimination to promote a just community.
Community:
We serve together to strengthen our communities and build relationships across diverse faith traditions and racial, cultural, ethnic, and generational divides.
Sustainability:
We promote a sustainable environment that ensures future generations can thrive and enjoy all of God’s creation.
2023 NOTABLE EVENTS
The Interfaith Conference issued statements and/or its faith leaders participated in rallies against hate and violence, including to antisemitism in response to hate-filled leaflets distributed in Wisconsin; asking for increased fair housing protections; rallying on the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine; supporting the adoption of a climate plan for the City of Milwaukee; and in reaction to gun violence in our community, supporting legislation to close gun show loopholes and to support red flag laws.
The Interfaith Conference’s educational programs included its 4 Tuesdays in March program, which carried the theme “Democracy In Peril”; sponsoring programs on white supremacy and Christian Nationalism by Rev. Butler; presenting on what faith leaders can do to prevent gun violence at an emergency gun violence summit; beginning a series of webinars on Going Green in 2024 through use of the Inflation Reduction Act; and presentations on different faith practices to Rockwell and MATC.
The Interfaith Conference continued its partnership with the Wisconsin Council of Churches in arranging to conduct Covid-19 vaccination clinics and educational events. The Conference also collaborated with other partners on issues of health inequity and providing information concerning cancer and cardio care.
The Interfaith Conference reinstituted a continuing Amazing Faith Dinner Dialogue (AFDD) program in July with a dinner hosted on the last Wednesday of every month at a different place of worship or nonprofit location every month. The Conference also is in discussion with Marquette University and UWM to begin AFDD events on college campuses in 2024.
The Interfaith Conference formally announced the hiring of Ahmed Quereshi as its Executive Director. On December 4, 2023, it held its 53rd Annual Luncheon at Marquette University’s Alumni Memorial Union Ballroom, entitled “Setting a Table for Solidarity” which more than 230 persons attended. The Franciscan Peacemakers received the Rev. Herbert Huebschmann Urban Ministry Award; James Santelle received the Frank Zeidler Award; Rabbi Levi & Leah Stein received the Mark Rohlfing Memorial Award; and Nicole Gorelik received the Emerging Leader Award. The keynote speaker was Venice Williams and Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah concluded the event with a prayer for peace.
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