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We attended a 40th anniversary benefit gala for ARC (Association of Religious Communities) this evening.

This wonderful organization does much good locally and is supported by 80 faith communities for programs of shelter, relocation, food, and emergency help. Their Domestic Violence program is the best in the country, with a success rate based on rehabilitating perpetrators instead of incarcerating them. Their annual Peace Camp has kids experience a spectrum of faith traditions in a fun and meaningful way. (I learned that Danbury High School includes those that speak 60 different languages… and we are bridging all those different backgrounds with grace.)

ARC’s mission is: “To facilitate interfaith cooperation and other partnerships to alleviate the causes of violence suffering and hated while advancing peace, justice and human dignity.” Coming together over what unites us instead of what divides us is something this group has been pioneering for forty years.

I’m honored to be part of this and have been one of their Forum on Faith writers for many years now. My most recent piece was published last January; my next article comes out later this month.

If you are looking for an organization to support financially, consider ARC: 93% of their budget goes directly to those that they serve.

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