Source: The Christian Post
On January 1, 2006 The Christian Post reported, "Leaders from different faiths including Judaism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism and Buddhism attended the Fifth Annual Interfaith Breakfast hosted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Friday at the New York Public Library. 'As we gather here today from different religions and different parts of the world, we recognize that we share so much in common as people of faith and as New Yorkers,' said Michael Bloomberg. 'I am proud to join the city's religious leaders to reaffirm our commitment to each other and honor our diversity of faiths and beliefs. The New Year will bring new challenges,' he said, 'and I look forward to tackling them by working together with the guidance and wisdom of our city's spiritual community.' The mayor has plans to work with the faith communities on the problem of homelessness in the city and child poverty, which affects 1 in 6 children in America, according to executive director of the Council of Churches of the City of New York, the Rev. Dr. John E. Hiemstra."