As a resident of Norfolk with a deeply spiritual background, I am advocating for the development of an official Interfaith Commission by The City of Norfolk's City Council. This effort springs from the profound belief in the beauty of our diverse spiritual community and its potential for unity and common good in actualizing The American Dream.  It is the people and organizations of Spiritual Wellness who provide a multitude of services, alongside a place of worship and/or fellowship deeply important to the society of our City & Nation.

“Freedom of Religion,”

 not

“Freedom From Religion”!

Norfolk is a city rich in diverse spiritual traditions and faith backgrounds. Yet, we are missing a vital link to bring these diverse communities together and to promote understanding, acceptance, and concerted organization in addressing spiritual wellness. This absence hinders potential advancements in unity, social services, and health in the City.  It is vehemently evil to insist on a precedent of proving necessity for this Commission; yet our Petition recognizes the Merit of Public Opinion in hastening change.

Establishing such a commission would amplify the voices of spiritual organizations and individuals in policy-making processes, hence advocating for their rights and needs. Following the models set by over 80 cities in the U.S. that have formed interfaith commissions, Norfolk has the potential to promote greater spiritual freedom and unity.

In terms of practical actions, this commission may:

 

(PLEASE!  COMMENT WITH YOUR INPUT!!!)

 

1) Exact City Council priorities in organizing, engaging, and making decisions regarding individual & shared spiritual resources, value propositions, and access to programs and services for citizens

2)  Recommend space(s), signage, and other undertakings for creative & sustenance-based engagement in regards to spiritual health & its crucial interaction with physical and mental health.

3) Propose recommendations to City Officials and create developmental standards in conjunction with Norfolk’s Architectural Review Board & Norfolk City Planning Council.

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Let's make Norfolk spiritually inclusive and faithfully sustainable. Sign this petition to urge our City Council to officially recognize & task the Interfaith Commission.

Enable it to foster unity from our rich spiritual diversity, and to chart a path for mutual understanding and cooperation for the broader good of our City.

Together, we can defeat divisiveness.

 Together, we vote for freedom.

Join us in this peaceful campaign to bring life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to the forefront of our city's development. Sign today!

Matthew Lynch, Chief Co-Founder, C5fold:

c5fold.com