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In honor of the Semiquincentennial, Interfaith America is excited to share a positive vision of our nation's future — E pluribus unum, out of many, we can become a new whole.

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About PluribUs 250

PluribUS 250 Articles & Quick Takes

Read insights from leaders working across difference for the common good. Learn more about our nation’s rich religious, cultural, and political diversity.

  • Article

25 Years After 9/11, Islamophobia Hasn’t Ended. It’s Adapted.

Progress and visibility are not the same as belonging.

From Student to Educator: Michigan Leader Returns to the Summit

To Help Practice Pluralism, We Need Places to Meet

Believing in a Better Future: Reflections From the Obama Presidential Center

Immigration Policy Divides Us. Whether to Show Up for People Hurt by it Shouldn’t.

America is for Mr. Singh, Too

Sikh Reflections on Unity and Division in America, 25 Years After 9/11

The Founders Set the Table for Potluck Pluralism

“Love Has the Longer Reach”: IA-funded Community Organizations Model Resilience and Hope After Metro Surge

Black Churches Leaders Gather, Discuss Democracy in America’s 250th Year

“The Hyphen”: Empower Students to Bridge Their Jewish and American Identities

At Jewish Gathering, Leaders Deepen Relationships Within Their Faith Community

Texas Gov. Cheapens Religious Freedom in Bid to Restrict It for Muslim Travelers 

“It’s Our Road Now”: The Voices and Vision That Defined the 2026 Summit

Who Has a Place at the Table? Religious Liberty and the Responsibility We Share

What Can Tisha B’Av Teach America at 250?

Announcing the Speakers of the 2026 Interfaith Leadership Summit

The Truth About Our Elections

Meet the Trainers of the 2026 Interfaith Leadership Summit

Religious Diversity Has Been a Gift to America 

10 Inspiring Leaders on Their Hopes for America

Pluralism Heroes

Meet historical and current trailblazers of American pluralism.

  • Article, Pluralism Hero

Pluralism Hero: Thomas Kennedy’s Fight for Religious Freedom for All

Presbyterian politician Thomas Kennedy was an instrumental figure in the 1825 bill extending full political rights to Jews in Maryland.
  • Pluralism Hero

Pluralism Hero: Muhammad Ali, The Greatest

From early in his career, Ali demonstrated interfaith leadership in action. In 1966, he met with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Chicago Freedom Movement. The two discussed their shared opposition to the Vietnam War and goals to end systemic oppression.
  • Pluralism Hero

How to Be a Neighbor: Mr. Rogers’ Ethos of Love in a Divided World

Fred Rogers spent his life teaching children to recognize the innate dignity and love in themselves and in their neighbors.
  • Pluralism Hero

The First and the Promise: Joseph Rainey’s Pluralist Vision for America

Rainey was a civil rights icon and a genuine pluralist — and there was no conflict between the two. He understood that the American project’s strength lay in its capacity to absorb people whom the powerful had excluded — and let them govern. Tolerating differences was not enough; people needed agency to govern themselves.
  • Pluralism Hero

Father Greg Boyle Creates Belonging with Homeboy Industries

Father Greg Boyle is driven by two foundational convictions: everyone is unshakably good, and everyone belongs.
  • Pluralism Hero

Jimmy Carter Inspires Us to Find Ways to Be of Service Right Now

Carter looked around and asked a question that would define the next four decades of his life: With the resources available to me, how can I best be of service right now?
  • Pluralism Hero

Pluralism Hero: My Ancestor, John Van Zandt, an Abolitionist Who Helped Hundreds Find Freedom on the Underground Railroad

John Van Zandt was a prosperous slaveholder until he had an “awakening of conscience,” freed the enslaved people he owned, and moved across the Ohio River to Glendale, Ohio, to join the abolitionist movement.
  • Pluralism Hero, Video

Pluralism Hero: Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth

As you plan your celebrations for Juneteenth this year, take a moment to offer thanks to Opal Lee for her courage and perseverance. Her quest to unite Americans on the issue of freedom for all serves as an inspiration to all those who follow in her tennis-shoed footsteps.
  • Pluralism Hero

Pluralism Hero: Branch Rickey

“I can’t help but see… the conviction Branch Rickey held in early 1947, standing alone when all 15 other team owners wished to keep baseball — and America — divided,” writes Rollie Olson, Assistant Director of Alignment & Strategic Communications, President’s Office.
  • Pluralism Hero

Pluralism Hero: Prudence Crandall

Born in 1803, Prudence Crandall was an educator in Canterbury, Conn. In 1832, moved by her Quaker faith and the abolitionist newspaper, The Liberator, she admitted a Black student, creating the first known integrated classroom in the U.S. and igniting fierce local opposition.
  • Pluralism Hero

Pluralism Hero: Sister Norma Pimentel

“Sister Norma Pimentel’s mission is straightforward: Restoring human dignity,” shares Chris Crawford, Senior Director of Civic Strategies at Interfaith America.
  • Pluralism Hero

Pluralism Hero: Bruce Springsteen

“The magic trick that Bruce Springsteen performs is making this random assortment of individuals feel like a nation,” reflects Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith America.
  • Pluralism Hero

Pluralism Hero: Fannie Lou Hamer

Hamer’s resilience and her hope that America could be a place of equality and equal representation yields a legacy that inspires us to protect and mature our democracy,” writes Bex Blackburn, IA’s Assistant Director of Program Operations.
  • Pluralism Hero

Pluralism Hero: Diana Eck

“Diana Eck compelled a generation of scholars and learners to wake up to the religious diversity around us,” writes Carolyn Roncolato, IA’s Deputy Chief Program Officer.
  • Pluralism Hero

Pluralism Hero: Maya Angelou

“Dr. Angelou gave voice to the pain of exclusion, the possibility of shared belonging, and the importance of recognizing the human dignity and potential of all,” writes Olivia Whitener, IA’s Director of Foundation Relations.

Events

Explore media coverage of our latest PluribUS 250 events, including our Faith-Specific Convenings, Interfaith Leadership Summit, and America’s Potluck.

Legacies of Pluralism in Historically Black Protestant Churches
0:31

Legacies of Pluralism in Historically Black Protestant Churches

31 Views
1 month ago

"We have a moral compelling to put aside those ideological and theological differences in order to m...

Historically Black Protestant Church Leaders Discuss Faith, Pluralism & Democracy
3:40

Historically Black Protestant Church Leaders Discuss Faith, Pluralism...

164 Views
1 month ago

"The black church tradition has been one of the most powerful democratizing forces in our nation's h...

Jewish Leaders Discuss Faith, Pluralism & Democracy in America
3:15

Jewish Leaders Discuss Faith, Pluralism & Democracy in...

369 Views
5 months ago

Watch this collection of thoughts and ideas from a powerful gathering at Hebrew College @MyHebrewCol...

How to Support Students’ Search for Meaning: Wisdom from Campus Life Staff

From Student to Educator: Michigan Leader Returns to the Summit

To Help Practice Pluralism, We Need Places to Meet

How a Labyrinth Garden at Simpson College Brings Faiths and Communities Together

America is for Mr. Singh, Too

Black Churches Leaders Gather, Discuss Democracy in America’s 250th Year

Want to Make a Difference on Campus? Students Share Advice for Bridgebuilding

“The Hyphen”: Empower Students to Bridge Their Jewish and American Identities

At Jewish Gathering, Leaders Deepen Relationships Within Their Faith Community

“It’s Our Road Now”: The Voices and Vision That Defined the 2026 Summit

Announcing the Speakers of the 2026 Interfaith Leadership Summit

Meet the Trainers of the 2026 Interfaith Leadership Summit

  • Georgia Public Broadcasting

Ebenezer Baptist Church Hosts Intrafaith Dialogue on Democracy, America’s 250th

  • The Atlanta Voice

A Faithful Struggle Panel Takes Place at Ebenezer Baptist Church

  • ATL Live

Black Church Leaders Reflect on America’s Past and Future Ahead of 250th Anniversary

PluribUS 250 Events

Interfaith America’s PluribUS 250 events include our Faith-Specific Convenings, Interfaith Leadership Summit, America’s Potluck, and The Next 250.

  • September 1, 2026 5:00 pm

From Many, One? Catholic Perspectives at America’s 250th

Panelists will discuss the Catholic Church's experience internally with diverse views, the Church's relationship with others, and how the Church's can be a model of deliberation and discourse for building pluralism and strengthening democracy.
Learn More
  • August 15, 2026 7:00 pm

The Spirit of Seva: Sikh Reflections on the Common Good at America’s 250th

This panel discussion in Houston, Texas will examine the Sikh community’s unique past and future roles in building bridges across difference, upholding religious liberty, and protecting democracy.
Learn More
  • August 7, 2026 10:00 am

Interfaith Leadership Summit 2026

Join us for the nation’s largest gathering of college students and educators committed to American civic pluralism—where you’ll gain skills, inspiration, and lasting connections to bridge divides and build a more united society.
Learn More
  • July 5, 2026 11:00 am

America’s Potluck

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, tens of thousands of Americans will gather for potlucks to celebrate America’s 250th birthday – the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Learn More
  • June 30, 2026 7:00 pm

A Faithful Struggle: Historically Black Protestant Churches Reflections at America’s 250th

This moderated panel discussion hosted at Ebenezer Baptist Church will examine the Historically Black Protestant Churches community’s unique past and future roles in building bridges across difference, upholding religious liberty, and protecting democracy.
Learn More
  • April 14, 2026 7:00 pm

Jewish Reflections on Pluralism, Democracy, and Religious Liberty at America’s 250th

Interfaith America and the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership at Hebrew College are hosting a moderated panel discussion, examining the U.S. Jewish community’s unique past and future roles in building bridges across difference, upholding religious liberty, and protecting democracy.
Learn More

Join us today!

Let’s build an interfaith America, where people of all beliefs work together for the common good.

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PluribUS 250 Resources

Get equipped to work across difference with our resources and courses.

Faith in Elections Playbook

The Faith in Elections Playbook equips faith-based and civic groups with accessible, actionable resources for constructive engagement with elections.
Learn More

America’s Potluck Toolkit: How to Host a Potluck Gathering

This toolkit is a step-by-step guide for hosting your potluck, with ideas for activities, dialogue facilitation and key do’s and don’ts.
Learn More

The American Revolution: Faith and Freedom in America

Consider how diverse beliefs shaped early American ideals and how interfaith dialogue can strengthen civic understanding and unity today.
Learn More

Quiz: What Was Religion Like in Early America?

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! How much do you know about religious life in early America?
Learn More

Interfaith Literacy Quiz

Religious diversity is woven throughout the fabric of American history. Test your knowledge to see how well you know American religious history!
Learn More

Gettysburg Discussion Guide​

What can Gettysburg teach us about reconciliation, pluralism, and unity across our deepest differences today?
Learn More
PluribUS 250 Logo

PluribUS 250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by honoring Americans working across difference for the common good. The stories, resources, and events we share will:

  • Uplift our nation’s rich religious, cultural, and political diversity
  • Spotlight historical and current trailblazers of American pluralism
  • Highlight resources and organizations equipping Americans to work across difference
  • Invite our network into dialogue and celebration

Now more than ever, Interfaith America wants to celebrate the ways our partners have empowered Americans to bridge differences and work toward shared goals. Please join us in reflecting on our nation’s past, applauding the contributions of all Americans, and envisioning a positive, pluralistic future together.

interfaith america

Work With Us

Interested in writing about bridgebuilding, interfaith, or pluralism? Reach out to us to pitch a story.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Contact us to discuss storytelling opportunities or learn more about our work.

Allie Vroegop & Rachel Crowe

Interfaith America

editor@interfaithamerica.org

Related Pages

IA Today

Mission and Vision

Civic Life

Latest PluribUS 250