Capital District Interfaith Alliance
Interfaith Alliance of New York State



Capital District Chapter TIANYS Meeting Report
March 8, 2004


Members and visitors Present: Ed Bloch, Rev. Dr. Senley Jack, Bob Lamar, John Amidon, Anne Marfey, Nicholas Fuller, Bernard Fleishman, Ty Hickman, Liz Pearson, Joe Norton, Jean Cowan, Patricia Beetle, Wendy Van Orden, Joe Seeman, Lou Ismay, Deb Riitano, Florence Skiff.

The meeting was called to order by B. Fleishman. Invocation was given by Senley Jack.

The minutes of February 9th meeting were approved.

Treasurers Report: Accounty balance is $3917.17. After subtracting outstanding checks: $3484.

Committee reports

Anger Management workshops start tonight.

Joe Seeman had bus tickets ($20) for the March for Peace around the World, March 20th. He urged people to get tickets so the Alliance would know how many buses will be required.

No report from Criminal and Economic Justice Committee.

Executive Committee:

Mrs. Chaudhry was not present to report on her trip to the 2004 Hajj in Mecca.

National TIA Conference in Chicago: Ed B. said it was a very good conference. The national organization has grown, and is looking at a wider range of issues. More staff has been hired and the Board has new members.

CFE/AQE. Ed B. and B. Fleishman have composed an informational letter to be sent to leaders in faith communities to inform them about the Court decision requiring attention to education inequities. The letter is to be sent or hand delivered and accompanied by personal visits in order to present the issue.

Update on the possible problem in Berne. There has been no further problem. Most of the people are supportive of the Buddhists. W. Van Orden asked about the proposal to send a supportive letter. Bernie Fleishman said he would write one.

Support of Bishop Hubbard: Letters have been sent to Bishop Hubbard and to newspapers. Creo also sent letters, signed by many faith leaders. It was printed in The Evangelist but TU and other local newspapers have not done anything with it. It was suggested that calls be made to ask why.

Lou Ismay noted that some men sentenced recently were identified in the paper by their religion. This is a sign of bias.

Joe Seeman said there would be a rally at the FBIL building in Albany on March 19th.

Ed Bloch said it was time to pay 2004 dues to ARISE. Bob Lamar made the motion that we pay $100, seconded by W. Van Orden, passed.

Joe Seeman said he would help set up an e-mail Discussion List for TIA chapter Business. A sheet was circulated to get e-mail addresses.

Deb Riitano recommended a speaker, Zaidan Atashi, Sunday March 14th, 3:00 at Siena College.

Johon Amidon asked if we should make a statement on the gay marriage issue. The thought was expressed that one religious view should not influence state government. Joe Seeman pointed out that this was a political wedge issue.

It was noted that the next meeting time coincided with a Jewish religious day so the meeting date was changed to April 19th.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:25.

Respectfully submiltted,
Florence Skiff

The next Executive Committee Meeting will be Monday, February 23rd, 9:00 am at Friendlys, Rte 7. The next General Meeting will be Monday March 8, 2004, at 9:00 am at Latham Community Baptist Church.



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