Yesterday, I spoke to more than 70 attendees at a gathering focused on how Evangelical pastors can help combat antisemitism by building meaningful relationships with local rabbis. I was joined on stage by Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, with Rev. Adam Durso leading the conversation. The event was hosted by the Leading Leaders Collective in partnership with Bishop Robert Stearns, Founder and President of Eagles’ Wings; Christian Cultural Center; UJA-Federation of New York; and Faithly. It takes intentional conversations, mutual understanding, and meaningful relationships across faith communities to challenge antisemitism and build a culture of respect.

Yesterday, I spoke at the groundbreaking for @NoelPointerFdn’s new home in Brooklyn. The foundation will change the historic Engine Company 204 firehouse into a permanent home for music education. I’ve known and supported this vision since its beginning nearly 30 years ago. To see this taking shape was truly a full-circle moment!

Yesterday, I had the honor of participating in the African American Day Parade in Harlem with the #NYPD, alongside Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch (@NYPDPC), First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella (@NYPD1stDep), and fellow members of the department. Since 1969, the African American Day Parade has been elevating Black culture, celebrating our history, achievements, and contributions while bringing the community together. It was meaningful to be a part of this tradition!

This past weekend, as chaplain for the #NYPD, I had the opportunity to attend two meaningful events commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11. At One Police Plaza, I spent time with NYPD colleagues and families who lost loved ones on 9/11. Being with these families is a powerful reminder that, 25 years later, the loss is still deeply personal. I also attended the @Sept11Memorial 25th Anniversary Benefit Dinner at Cipriani Wall Street. It was a special evening with longtime friends and acquaintances, including Denzel Washington and @KatieCouric. The evening honored the work of the Museum and recognized @MikeBloomberg, its chairman, for his continued commitment to preserving the memory and legacy of #September11. Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember the lives lost, honor those who responded, and carry forward the stories of courage, compassion, service, and hope that emerged from that day. #NeverForget

Last week, I had the opportunity to serve on a panel at the inaugural One New York: Interfaith Summit, representing the New York State Interfaith Council as president. The summit brought together faith leaders, community organizations, government partners, and advocates to address issues affecting New Yorkers. As we discussed the role of faith communities in this work, I shared that the faith leader does not have to become a clinician to become an effective part of the mental-health continuum of care. Our authority is relational and spiritual. The responsibility is to recognize, respond appropriately, refer wisely, and remain present. That means understanding where our role begins and where it ends, while also recognizing the importance of working alongside mental-health professionals and other community partners. When we understand our respective roles, we are better equipped to support the people we serve. I want to thank Governor Hochul for all her support for the faith community around the issue of mental health.

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of welcoming Elder @Ulisses__Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other senior interfaith leaders to Christian Cultural Center (CCC). It was a meaningful opportunity to come together around shared values: religious liberty and respect for human dignity. Since the pandemic, our partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) has helped CCC expand our food distribution efforts to feed more than 130,000 families each year. When we collaborate across faith traditions, we can accomplish more for the communities we serve!

Standing Together Last night, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, and I stood with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl and the Central Synagogue community following the hateful disruption of their Shabbat service last week. We came from different faith traditions, but with one conviction: an attack on one faith community is an attack on the sacred dignity and religious freedom of us all. In moments like these, solidarity must be more than words. We stand together because hatred seeks to divide, but faith calls us to unite. Check out the recap video and article: abc7ny.com/post/show-solidar…

It was an honor to speak at The Brooklyn Hospital Center's Clergy Breakfast about the importance of community and the partnerships between houses of worship, healthcare, and law enforcement that help communities flourish. tbh.org/news/dr-rev-ar-berna… via @official_tbhc

It was a privilege to serve as the guest speaker at yesterday's Clergy Breakfast hosted by @BKHospital and the 88th Precinct Clergy Council. Faith leaders, elected officials, and hospital leadership gathered around a common purpose: exploring how we can work together to improve the well-being of our neighbors. Strong communities are built through collaboration. When institutions, civic leaders, and people of faith come together in service, we create opportunities to address not only immediate needs but also the long-term health and flourishing of those we are called to serve.

Yesterday, I attended @GovKathyHochul's signing of an Executive Order establishing a statewide moratorium, or temporary pause, on new hyperscale AI data centers in New York. The pause is intended to give the state time to assess how these large-scale facilities could affect energy demand, utility costs for working families, and our shared infrastructure, while considering the opportunities AI brings for innovation and economic growth. How do you think we should balance innovation, economic growth, and the needs of working families? I'd love to hear your perspective in the comments. Image source: Governor Kathy Hochul's Flickr

The New York City Commission of Religious Leaders, with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America among the cosignatories, recently released a statement condemning the horrific violence against the Muslim community in San Diego, stating: “Violence fueled by any form of religious or ethnic hatred is an assault on all of us ... We mourn the lives that were lost and pray for recovery of the injured.” Read the full statement:

Today, I had the honor of meeting with Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, and Ambassador Tamer El Miligy, Consul General of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

As National Police Week comes to a close, I extend my gratitude and respect to law enforcement officers across New York City and across the nation. As an NYPD Chaplain, I consider it a privilege to walk alongside those in the line of duty, providing spiritual guidance, support and encouragement. May we continue to honor the service, sacrifice, and humanity of every individual who protects our communities each day. Tag an officer you appreciate! #nationalpoliceweek

I’m proud to partner with Healthy Moms Healthy Babies of America in their mission to cut the U.S. maternal mortality rate in half over the next five years. Every mother deserves the opportunity to experience pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood with the care, support, and resources needed to thrive. Tag a woman you appreciate and help us continue spreading awareness around maternal health and wellness.

Join me tomorrow (May 14th) at 11am ET as I sit down on @FOX5NY’s podcast Passion & Faith with @TsWhitlow. We’ll be discussing faith, division, and purpose in today’s world. You can watch the live interactive interview on YouTube: youtube.com/live/yowUu4-BW30

It was an honor to stand alongside the #NYPD as we gave flowers to a woman whose decades of advocacy helped shape public safety in Eastern Queens. For more than 40 years, Mrs. Bess Debetham fought tirelessly for better police coverage, believing that families and neighborhoods deserved timely protection and equal security. Her dedication led to the establishment of the 116th Precinct, which has helped improve response times and provide greater support to communities she deeply cares for. Today’s community room dedication was more than a ceremony. It was a recognition of persistence, service, and the impact one committed voice can have on an entire community.

On Sunday afternoon, I was honored to offer the invocation at the swearing-in ceremony for the Honorable Dagmar Plaza-Gonzalez, Brooklyn’s newest judge serving in the Civil Court of New York City’s Kings County. This moment reflects her longstanding commitment to service and the community's trust in her leadership. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!

On Sunday April 19th, NYPD’s largest and oldest religious fraternal organization held its 106th annual communion breakfast. As NYPD Chief Chaplain, I shared the dais with Chaplains Romano, Limongi and Franco while Police Commissioner Jessica Tish addressed the gathering. (@nypdnews @nypdpc)

Earlier this week, I stood alongside community leaders in support of @GovKathyHochul’s new initiative Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes. This effort will provide up to $70 million of grant funding to help strengthen in-person and cyber security of community-based organizations. Additionally, she proposed legislation for a 25-foot buffer zone around New York houses of worship, which would prohibit protestors from entering or interrupting services. Security grants are not optional, they’re a moral necessity. If we’re serious about confronting hate and protecting religious freedom, then we must be just as serious about safeguarding the spaces where that freedom is lived out. To learn more about this program, visit governor.ny.gov/apply-securi….

Why we support the City Council’s Safe Access plan nydailynews.com/2026/02/26/w… (via @nydailynews)