The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado

Background Statement

The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado was founded in 1998 by a group of faith leaders from multiple backgrounds who were frustrated that their multiple faith voices were not being represented in the public sphere- specifically in politics or media. This group was determined that faith should be a force for good in public life- so they began to bring people together to engage in advocacy at the state capitol, to build stronger relationships, and celebrate multiple faith traditions.

After September 11, 2001 The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado rallied around the Muslim community in Denver who was experiencing a backlash of discrimination. They helped organize a gathering of more than a thousand people who came to the Colorado Muslim Society to stand in solidarity - and to cry together for the pain the country was experiencing. Stories are told of the Interfaith Music Festival which provided an opportunity for people to come together across traditions to celebrate and enjoy music from multiple traditions.

In 2007, The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado became the leading faith voice working for full rights and equality for LGBTQ+ people, organizing people of faith to advocate for first civil unions, and eventually marriage rights for LGBTQ+ people (realized in 2014). Our team worked to discern positions on bills and to advocate at the state capitol around a broad range of issues including assuring public money was not given to private religious schools through vouchers, and to advocate against wage theft.

The economic challenges of 2008-09 impacted all sectors, including nonprofits, and in 2012-13, the Board and Staff did deep soul searching to determine if there was still a 'need for the organization'. The group determined that the needs of the time were real, and that they would make key changes in order to rebuild and ensure financial and organizational sustainability.

An evaluation of the 'interfaith' landscape revealed that key partners held strength in 'interfaith dialogue', but were not able to outwardly address 'political issues'. Other faith based advocacy organizations were unable to engage in work on some issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, equality, and women's reproductive choice.

This revealed a clear role for The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado as an organization of people from multiple faith backgrounds (or no faith background) committed to education and advocacy around rights and equality. Taking a bold, grassroots approach, we were able to be nimble and responsive to the needs of our community. We were able to be present and participate in activism that was rising to the surface in the moment.

The 2016 presidential election impacted The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado as we saw a marked increase in divisive and hateful vitriol in our politics and policies. We were called upon to respond to Executive Orders that discriminated against people based on religion, immigration status, sexual orientation and gender. Community leadership was needed to bring people together and to resist threats to freedom and equality. While the pace was daunting, there were ample opportunities to fulfill our organizational mission.

In 2017 we took on the role of a support institution in catalyzing social change projects. Our program, Facing Racism, was developed and then launched in partnership with Soul2Soul (a Black women led anti-racism organization). We launched Denver's first Tiny Home Village and incubated a new nonprofit, the Colorado Village Collaborative, which is now leading on support for unhoused neighbors in the Denver Metro area. Through bringing together vital partners, building public and political will, and providing faith communities opportunities to live their mission in the community, we found a new way to live out our own organizational mission. 'Catalyzing Social Change' fits our mission by bringing people together across our differences in order to stand with those most marginalized, improve our local communities, and disrupt systemic oppression.

COVID-19 impacted Interfaith's work but the experienced and nimble staff was able to pivot to spaces in support of public health recommendations to "stay home and stay safe," in support of Black Lives through our education and video series, in support of the most marginalized in our communities: the unhoused, the formerly incarcerated, people of color, pregnant persons, and religious minorities.

In 2021, we welcomed a new Executive Director, Shara Smith, Interfaith’s first African American chief executive. In her short time at Interfaith, Shara has overseen our record level success in advancing legislation, as well as advocacy efforts that support the entire community. Most recently, Shara worked with our community partner One Colorado, faith leaders across various traditions, elected officials, and advocacy organizations to hold a community vigil in response to the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs.

We are energetically welcoming the next era for the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado. Along with a strong and experienced new staff team, a committed and visionary Board of Directors, and a reputation for bold and creative leadership, we continue to explore ways to help YOU be a force for good in Colorado.

We appreciate your generosity and support of our successes in building partnerships, mobilizing faith communities, and increasing our impact to bring lasting social change.