Mayor Adams launches five-Borough Multifaith tour, unites NYC leaders to tackle community challenges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has initiated the city’s inaugural “Five-Borough Multifaith Tour,” a series of collaborative dialogues with clergy and faith leaders from across the city to address critical issues impacting their communities directly. This groundbreaking initiative kicked off today on Staten Island, where approximately 100 diverse faith leaders gathered for the first of several planned meetings spanning all five boroughs.

Mayor Adams emphasized the invaluable role of faith communities in supporting New Yorkers in need, highlighting their tireless efforts in providing essential services ranging from food assistance to mental health support. The multifaith tour underscores the administration’s commitment to engaging with and assisting faith-based organizations in their vital community work.

“This Five-Borough Multifaith Tour is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our city’s faith leaders who stand at the forefront of countless challenges, ensuring the well-being of our neighborhoods,” remarked Mayor Adams. “I am deeply grateful for their contributions and look forward to meaningful discussions as we embark on this journey together, starting right here on Staten Island.”

Pastor Gilford T. Monrose, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships, expressed enthusiasm for the multifaith gatherings, emphasizing their inclusive nature and the critical role played by various places of worship in shaping community dynamics.

The Adams administration has actively collaborated with faith leaders on multifaceted issues, including housing, homelessness, public safety, and the asylum seeker humanitarian crisis. Last month, Mayor Adams unveiled plans to facilitate the development of affordable housing by enabling faith-based organizations to leverage their properties effectively through zoning updates, part of the comprehensive “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” initiative aimed at addressing the city’s housing crisis.

Earlier this year, Mayor Adams joined forces with a coalition of 272 multifaith leaders to launch the Citywide Clergy Collective, a dedicated group committed to combating gun violence across the five boroughs. Supported by a $1.5 million grant from the New York State Department of Criminal Justice, this collective implements crucial programs and services to address the impacts of gun violence on communities, guided by local faith leaders in collaboration with city agencies.

The Five-Borough Multifaith Tour also aligns with the Adams administration’s broader efforts under “Breaking Bread, Building Bonds,” an initiative focused on countering hate crimes and fostering intercommunity dialogue. Since its inception in January 2023, this initiative has facilitated over 1,100 meals citywide, fostering mutual understanding among New York’s diverse neighborhoods and engaging over 11,000 participants.

Through these innovative initiatives, Mayor Adams continues to strengthen partnerships with faith communities, recognizing their pivotal role in advancing social justice, promoting community resilience, and fostering unity across New York City. The multifaith tour exemplifies a collaborative approach towards addressing complex urban challenges and building a more inclusive and cohesive city for all residents.