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BOROUGH PRESIDENT HOSTS CLERGY BREAKFAST

Photographs by Amelia D’Entrone Borough President Marty Markowitz addresses Brooklyn's religious leaders at a breakfast at Borough Hall.

Kimberly Konkel from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Faith-Based & Community Initiatives is guest speaker.

On April 20th, Borough President Marty Markowitz brought together leaders of Brooklyn’s diverse religious communities to hear their issues and concerns, and to encourage more inter-faith dialogue. Markowitz, Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham, and Kimberly T. Konkel, Associate Director of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, also discussed opportunities for faith-based government funding, as well as how religious leaders can work with the health care industry to improve the quality and equality of care in Brooklyn.

Markowitz first hosted a Brooklyn clergy breakfast in Fall 2002.

Borough President Markowitz talked about how Brooklynites of every faith share certain values, including assisting others and respect for differences, which religious institutions help to reinforce. He also highlighted many positive developments around the borough, such as the rejuvenation of Coney Island and the recent announcement of a Brooklyn cruise ship terminal, and explained how religious leaders can help facilitate a greater attitude of respect among Brooklynites to coincide with that growth.

I truly believe that if our public and religious institutions work together," Borough President Markowitz said, "Brooklyn can become a national and international model for acceptance and open-mindedness."

Markowitz was joined by Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham, who described how religious institutions can become involved in improving Brooklyn's health care system.

The event's guest speaker was Miss Konkel, who advised the audience about how religious institutions can apply for federal funds for community-oriented programs.