The 2026 Ecumenical and Interfaith Advocacy Day, convened by the New York State Council of Churches, stood out as one of the most well-attended gatherings in the event’s history. Faith leaders, clergy, and advocates from across New York State came together in Albany not only to speak truth to power, but to embody a growing, collective movement rooted in justice, compassion, and shared moral responsibility.
The gathering opened on Monday, March 9, with a powerful and deeply grounding keynote from the Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos. His address set the tone for the entire Advocacy Day, calling participants to see their public witness not as political obligation, but as sacred work. With clarity and conviction, Rev. Tañón-Santos reminded those gathered that faith communities are called to stand with the most vulnerable and to act boldly in the face of injustice. His message—both pastoral and prophetic—resonated throughout the two days, anchoring the advocacy that followed in hope, courage, and spiritual purpose. (His keynote can be viewed on the Council’s YouTube channel.)
That spirit carried into the afternoon with a timely and impactful workshop led by Bryan MacCormack of the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement and Diego Alcalá Laboy of Albany Law School. Their session, “What to Do if ICE Comes to Your Church,” offered practical, urgently needed guidance for congregations navigating an increasingly complex immigration enforcement landscape. Participants left not only informed, but equipped—ready to ensure their houses of worship remain true sanctuaries.
The day concluded with a warm reception, where relationships were deepened, new partnerships were formed, and a sense of shared purpose continued to grow among attendees.
On Tuesday, that shared purpose took visible and public form. Advocacy efforts moved into the halls of power, beginning with policy briefings and culminating in a press conference held on the Million Dollar Staircase at the State Capitol. In one of the most striking moments of the gathering, faith leaders and elected officials stood together to call for legislation that reflects the dignity of all New Yorkers. Supporting a comprehensive immigration platform including the Sensitive Locations Act, New York For All, and the MELT Act. Learn more about these bills and our legislative priorities Here.
“Faith traditions teach us that sacred spaces exist to shelter the human spirit, not expose it to fear. That is why I introduced Senate Bill S4121, drawing a clear line in law that schools, houses of worship, hospitals, and shelters must remain places of refuge. In New York, sanctuary must be more than a promise spoken from the pulpit—it must be a protection written into law.” said State Senator Robert Jackson.
While the Council’s legislative priorities spanned a wide range of critical issues—including housing justice, economic equity, environmental stewardship, and criminal justice reform—immigration advocacy emerged as a central and unifying focus this year. From protecting sensitive locations such as houses of worship, to advancing broader protections for immigrant communities, participants made clear that faith demands action in defense of those most at risk. Watch video the press conference and Monday's Keynote by Rev. Amaury Tanon-Santos on the Council’s YouTube channel Here.
Throughout the two days, what was most evident was not only the strength of the policy agenda, but the strength of the community itself. Advocacy Day 2026 was more than a series of meetings and messages—it was a powerful expression of faith in action, and a reminder that when people of faith come together across traditions, they can help shape a more just and compassionate New York.
Stay Involved!
Sign on to a Faith Leader Letter to support the Sensitive Locations Act
See the Letter On the Sensitive Locations Act from Bishop Matthew Heyd
Sign on to the Faith Leader Letter to support the New York for All Act
Attend the Next Columbia County Sanctuary Salute Workshop for Faith Leaders on April 15th English Training (register here)
