Washington D.C. Faith Leaders Gather to Welcome New Cardinal at Interfaith Breakfast

Washington, D.C. — Leaders of diverse faith communities from across the Washington D.C. area gathered earlier this month to welcome Robert Cardinal McElroy, the new Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Washington. The event brought together ten distinguished leaders from various religious traditions.  The morning was marked by warm dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared vision to strengthen interfaith collaboration in the nation’s capital.

“We are all brothers and sisters—children of the same God,” said Elder Baxter. “This gathering reflects our shared commitment—despite many differences—to stand shoulder to shoulder as we seek to promote peace, compassion, and understanding among people of all faiths.”

Faith Leaders in Attendance:

• Sousan Abadian, Executive Director, Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington
• Elder Eric Baxter, Area Seventy, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Diocese of Washington
• Robert Cardinal McElroy, Archdiocese of Washington
• Ervad Brigadier Behram Panthaki, Zoroastrian representative
• Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director for Witness in Society, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• Alan Ronkin, Regional Director, American Jewish Committee
• Ven. Dr. Dhammadipa Sak, Buddhist community leader
• Imam Dr. Talib M. Shareef, President, The Nation’s Mosque, Washington D.C.
• Dr. Siva Subramanian, representative of the Hindu faith

Media Contact:
Allyson Chard
Director of Public Affairs, Washington D.C. North Area
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
📧 allychard@mac.com