New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders

Sacred Text

The Coalition mobilizes with moral and interfaith action addressing the pressing issues of the day, based on these core values

Jewish, ” It has been told you, O Man, what is good And what the Eternal One demands of you; only to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk Humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.

Christian, ” You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the greatest commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’. On these two commandments hang all the laws and the prophets.” Matthew 22: 37-40.

Sikh, ” The (One) supreme, unique Lord owner, from his bright energy, has created all human beings who belong only to Him. When All and everything is created by the same bright energy and light (noor), then how can Some of them be high or low, or good or evil.” ‘ Sri Guru Granth Sahib’

Hindu, ” May all be happy; May all be free from infirmities; May all see good; May none partake suffering.” Mangalore Mantra, Garuda Purana (35.51).

Muslim, “.. .To every one of you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If G_D has so willed, He would have made you a single community. But (His plan is ) to test you in what he has given you. So, strive as in a race to excel One another in goodness and virtues. Unto G_d you must all return; and then He will show you the truth of the matters in which you differed.” Al-Qur’an -Surah al-Maa’idah 5:48.

Mission

The New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders subscribes to a community-centered theology, rooted in love, that harnesses the power of interfaith collaboration and fellowship to become a chorus for justice across New Jersey.

Vision

The New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders will be a unifying force of interfaith religious leaders across New Jersey in order to build a just and merciful world.

Guiding Principles

Leading with Love:

In everything we do, we acknowledge the basic tenet of faith, which is love. Leading with love unites us all toward a common good.

Trust and Responsibility:

We hold sacred the trust that the community has in us as religious leaders, and we don’t take that trust lightly. That faith in us comes with a responsibility to center the voices of our neighbors in need and advocate for positive change in our systems.

Collaboration:

Through continuous connection, we will work together to advocate for positive change.

Faith in Action:

We work to demonstrate the calling that God has for all of us, to serve each other, and especially our most vulnerable neighbors.

Legislative Agenda

Criminal Justice Policy Initiatives

Rev. J. Amos Caley

2024 Environmental Justice Advocacy Priorities

Rev. Charles Loflin

Economic Justice

Rev. Sara Lilja

NJ School Desegregation – A Call to Action for Faith Leaders

Rev. Dr. Charles Franklin Boyer

Racial Justice

Sarah Blaine

The Largest & Longest Running Interfaith Community in New Jersey