The New York State Council of Churches, founded in 1893, represents 7,500 congregations across the State of New York. We are comprised of nine partner denominations including American Baptist Churches USA, Empire Baptist Missionary Convention (National Baptist Convention), The Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church USA, The Reformed Church in America, The Religious Society of Friends, United Church of Christ, and The United Methodist Church.
Here is a brief look at the past year in review:
Ecumenical and Interfaith Advocacy Days – In March, advocates from across New York State met in Albany to worship, learn, and met with their representatives at the Capitol to advocate for policies to help their communities. This is an annual event, please consider joining us in 2026 – watch our website for more information www.nyscoc.org.
Staffing Changes – At the end of March 2024, our long-time office manager and chaplaincy coordinator, Karen Lapierre, retired. The Council was blessed to find two new staff members to fill her shoes.
Rev. Jim Ketcham is our new Chaplaincy Certification Coordinator and brings his passion to criminal justice reform along with him. He is helping to smooth out the process for chaplain candidates as well as the committees involved with this program. To learn more about chaplaincy, contact [email protected].
Heather Smith has come on board as our Office and Communications Manager and has agreed to add “Community Solar Program Administrator” to her list of duties. Contact her to learn more about how your congregation can benefit from the Community Solar Program at [email protected].
Chaplains Conference – In October, about 30 Protestant Chaplains gathered in Latham, NY for this annual training and networking event. The program theme was "Coming Home" and focused on longing for home within ourselves, yearning for home among the institutionalized, and strategies for faith communities to welcome people home.
Interfaith Affordable Housing Collaborative – The Interfaith Affordable Housing Collaborative (IAHC) provides technical assistance and pre-development funding to faith-based institutions that wish to develop affordable housing throughout New York State. In 2024-25 IAHC organized or attended over 100 outreach and community events, including organizing a statewide housing conversation with faith leaders in September, four seminars for NYC faith leaders on the City of Yes and holding discernment consultations with over 50 congregations. IAHC will host the “Rebuilding the Sacred Hearts of Our Communities” Housing Summit on June 18, 2025 at The Riverside Church in New York City. Register here.
The Religious Nationalisms Project – This project was started to help congregations, and the public identify the way in which governments can adopt and twist any religion to deny freedom and democracy to religious minorities and people of the same faith who disagree with the government’s interpretation. Our fall tour focused on Christian Nationalism before and after the Presidential election.
9th Annual Awards & Fundraising Gala – Held in November, in Albany, we honored several people this year. We also renamed our Chaplain Award after Rev. Edwin Muller. Find our informative program booklet here.
1st Annual Gathering of Faith Leaders with the NYS Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services – In December, more than 50 NYSCOC Executive Committee members, work group members, and judicatory heads met in Albany to address general and specific concerns with members of Governor Hochul's Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services.
Year End Legislative Review – We have kept a close watch on many pieces of legislation and have gathered a legislative wrap-up here.
● Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council Releases Recommendations
● Governor Hochul Vetoes Two Key Child Care Bills
● Citing Budget Concerns
● New York City Passes Historic “City of Yes” and “City for All” Legislation
● Hochul Vetoes the TREES Act
A very important part of our work is to certify protestant chaplains for the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Children and Family Services. Over this past year, we have certified nine new chaplains and have 4 more in process.
We always have actions and opportunities to share through our website (www.nyscoc.org), newsletters (sign up at www.nyscoc.org/contact), and on our social media (Facebook:@NYSCofChurches; Instagram: @nyscoc; and YouTube: @nyscouncilofchurches). Please follow us, share our information, and join us in advocacy and action!
We look forward to connecting with you,
The Reverend Peter Cook
Executive Director, NYSCOC and
Principal, The Religious Nationalisms Project
Rashida Tyler
Deputy Executive Director, NYSCOC and
Project Manager, Interfaith Affordable Housing Collaborative
The Reverend Jim Ketcham
Chaplaincy Certification Coordinator
Heather Smith
Office & Communications Manager and
Community Solar Program Administrator