The Interfaith Alliance of Pennsylvania was chartered as a statewide chapter of the national Interfaith Alliance in November 2005. The Interfaith Alliance, headquartered in Washington, DC began eleven years previously to promote tolerance and diversity and advocate for religious liberty. The Interfaith Alliance of Pennsylvania is centered in Harrisburg and focuses on religious diversity and social issues as they pertain to the Keystone State.

“Part of William Penn’s intention in founding Pennsylvania was to demonstrate a Quaker idea of religious liberty as an example for all the world,” noted Rabbi Carl Choper, President of the Interfaith Alliance of Pennsylvania. “Now Pennsylvania includes Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Baha’is, Sikhs and much more, indeed everything from Atheist to Zoroastrian,” Rabbi Choper said. “Yet, with so much religious and ethnic conflict around the world today, highlighting religious liberty is as important as ever.”

Some of the organization’s work has included initiating the Commonwealth Interfaith Service and Harrisburg’s 9/11 Commemoration, each now held annually. Speakers on November 1 will include Rabbi Jack Moline, national President of the Interfaith Alliance and Rev. Sandy Strauss, Director of Public Advocacy for the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. Senator Teplitz will present a citation at the event.