Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On May 30, 1998, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution published an article on the activities on the Gwinnett Interfaith Alliance, which began in 1996 as a chapter of the national organization to promote the First Amendment right of religious freedom. John D. Elliott of Duluth, GA, new president of the Gwinnett Interfaith Alliance, wants to spur more activity from the 40-member organization to "provide a bridge of love and understanding across the faiths."

Source: Orange County Register

Throughout 1997 and into 1998 the Orange County Register has run monthly articles on different houses of worship. These correspond to actual tours set up by the Interfaith Council in Garden Grove to promote understanding across religious difference. The first stop was the Hacienda Heights Buddhist Temple, the second was the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Over two thousand participants were at the third stop, the Islamic Society of Orange County. The Christian Science Church, Jewish Synagogue Temple Beth Emet, the...

Source: The Washington Post

An article entitled "Rabbi Receives Papal Award" appeared in the Washington Post, May 9, 1998.

Source: The Denver Rocky Mountain News

On May 4, 1998, the Rocky Mountain News in Denver, CO reported on a poll released by the National Conference for Communtiy and Justice. The "national poll that questioned 1,014 adults showed 72 percent said "more racial, ethnic, culture and religious diversity" was very or somewhat important among law enforment officers; 68 percent valued it among local, state or national government leaders; and 67 percent valued diversity in elementary and secondary public schools."

Source: The Detroit News

On April 12, 1998 the Detroit News ran an article entitled "Power of Worship Drives the Lives of Metro Detroiters."

Source: Orange County Register

On February 27, 1998, Chapman University will hold a "ground blessing" for the planned $5 million Wallace All Faith Chapel. An article from the Orange County Register on February 9, 1998, entitled "All-faiths Chapel Coming to Chapman," describes the innovative design plans which will make the worship space equally suitable for use by all of the thirteen faith groups on campus. However, as the February 27, 1998 article in the same...

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported in their February 7, 1998 edition on the fifth annual celebration of religious pluralism at the University of San Diego's "All Faith Service." The service, which was started in 1993 by Monsignor I. Brent Eagen as a way of honoring the city's diversity, took place at the Immaculata Church on the campus of the Roman Catholic University.

Source: Pagan Educational Network

On August 17, 1996 the Pagan Educational Network released a press release stating that "In response to the burning of African-American churches across the South, the Pagan Community Fund (PCF) and the Pagan Educational Network (PEN) announce the birth of the Yemaya Fund... The birth of this fund springs from PCF's mission to assist those in need regardless of their faith and PEN's commitment to build community and religious freedom for all."

Source: No source given.

On Wednesday, June 25, 1997, the Supreme Court ruled that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which was signed into law in 1993, was unconstitutional.
Responses to the Supreme Court decision:

First Amendment Center

Source: Pagan Educational Network

On June 22, 1997 Pagan Educational Network published a press release stating that "On June 22, 1997 the Yemaya Fund made its first disbursement to the Inner City Community Church in Knoxville, TN. The gift of one hundred dollars was accompanied by a letter from the fund's sponsors, the Pagan Educational Network and the Wiccan Community Fund, and materials about Paganism. The Yemaya Fund was established in August 1996 to provide Pagans with a way of...