Faith in the Public Square

The New York State Labor-Religion Coalition -- in conjunction with the Capital Region Poor People’s Campaign, FOCUS Churches of Albany, and Schenectady Community Ministries -- will sponsor a Truth Commission on December 7 to highlight “the continuing crisis of poverty, amplify the demands put forward by directly impacted communities, and help connect leaders and groups representing different identities, issues and regions of New York.”   According to an announcement for the virtual event, it will “gather testimony from directly impacted leaders, learn about ways communities are organizing in response, and build solidarity among the poor and dispossessed.”   Here is more: In 2017, the  Labor-Religion Coalition  organized a  Truth Commission on Poverty in New York State  that collected testimony from directly impacted New Yorkers, advocates, direct service providers, faith leaders and policy experts. The Truth Commission showed the prevalence and systemic nat...

For more than 50 years, SiCM (Schenectady Community Ministries), a partnership of 50 congregations for ministries of social service and social justice, has addressed public health needs such as food insecurity and nutrition education, racism and diversity concerns, and summer recreation through community collaborations and exceptional services and programs. On Friday, October 15, at 3 p.m., the organization will honor its former director, Rev. Phil Grigsby, when they dedicate the food pantry to him and rename it the Reverend Phil Food Pantry. Rev. Grigsby served the organization for 33 years.   The Official Grand Opening of the SiCM Community Hub will be at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 and provide access to this unique celebration including a tour of the brand-new building, wine tastings, and a commemorative gift.    According to the website: Your support provides the best programming possible to our neighbors and community partners. With your help, we can connect ...