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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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PluribUS 250 Articles

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

  • Article

A Nation of Neighbors: Towns Across the US Gather for July 5 Potlucks

In commemoration of America’s 250th, the nationwide America’s Potluck event invites communities to host a shared meal.

What My LDS Congregation Taught Me About Pluralism

A Nation of Neighbors: Towns Across the US Gather for July 5 Potlucks

How a Simple Park Cleanup Can Help Rebuild Community in America, Starting in Salt Lake City

The Founders Wanted Us to Welcome Religious Diversity

  • Richmond Times-Dispatch

American Democracy Requires A Better Kind Of Civic Character

Religious Revival for America’s 250th? Don’t Look to the Government

Our Democracy Relies on Religious Pluralism — Out of Many, One

At America’s 250th, We Are All Our Nation’s Founders

By the Book: What Thomas Jefferson’s Quran and New Testament Teach Us About Pluralism

Building Bridges in a Time of Division: More Than a Necessity, a Path Forward

Interfaith America Founder Eboo Patel Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Interfaith America Founder Eboo Patel to Receive 2026 Bush Institute Citation

Holocaust Remembrance Day: Jewish Leaders Reflect on Safety & Religious Liberty

Service is a Shared Value: How One BRAID Student Mobilized Her American University Community

Why We Need to Defend the Right to be Wrong – Even When We Deeply Disagree

Pluralism Heroes

Meet historical and current trailblazers of American pluralism.

  • 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.

Quick Takes

Short, insightful commentary on the challenges facing Americans as we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary.

  • Quick Take

The DOD’s New Recognized Religion List Disrespects American Diversity

The U.S. Department of Defense has reduced its list of officially recognized religious affiliations from over 200 to 30 — and has drawn controversial lines on who belongs under the definition of “Christian.”
  • Chris Crawford
  • Quick Take

Shooting at San Diego Mosque Raises Questions about Our Political Rhetoric

The horrific news out of the deadly shooting at a San Diego mosque is painful but not necessarily surprising. Spikes in violent hate crimes tend to accompany hateful political rhetoric, and what we have been experiencing as of late is a massive surge in anti-Muslim rhetoric from prominent politicians, as seen in the recent anti-sharia hearings in the House.
  • Mary Ellen Giess and Todd Green
  • Quick Take

We Need to Think Bigger as America Turns 250

The problem with the Rededicate 250 event on the National Mall is not that it was too religious; it’s that its religious nature was too narrow… If we are going to celebrate the religious achievements of America at 250, we should go after a bigger game than the relatively narrowly focused group of speakers that gathered on Sunday. Government is poorly positioned to spark a revival.
  • Chris Crawford

PluribUS 250 Videos

Get inspired by leaders and communities cooperating across differences. Watch events featuring our staff and network.

Pluralism Hero: Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth

Interfaith America Founder Eboo Patel to Receive 2026 Bush Institute Citation

Holocaust Remembrance Day: Jewish Leaders Reflect on Safety & Religious Liberty

  • Religion News Service

Braiding Together Our Sacred Union, from Roger Williams to Minneapolis

Tech Entrepreneur Laura Maristany’s Vision for Pluralism in the Workplace

How One Nun Brings Conversations of Faith to Hollywood

Cherie Harder on Pluralism and Virtue in a Diverse Democracy

What One Public Policy Dean Envisions for Civic Education

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PluribUS 250 Resources

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

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

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, tens of thousands of Americans will gather for potlucks to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
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

Gettysburg Discussion Guide​

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

Faith in Elections Playbook

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

Quiz Yourself on American Religious History

Test your knowledge about our nation’s history of religious diversity with these quizzes!

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

PluribUS 250 Events

Join us at these upcoming events to spend time envisioning a positive, pluralistic future together.

  • 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

Faith-Specific Convenings

Faith-Specific Convenings bring together leaders to explore their community’s understanding of religious liberty and its contributions to American civic life.
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
  • Mary Ellen Giess

At America’s 250th, We Are All Our Nation’s Founders

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