Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

Leaders of the 40-year-old interfaith group Texas Impact today announced the formal launch of a partner organization. The new Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to help people of faith participate effectively in public policy discussions concerning broadly shared religious social concerns through non-partisan education on policy issues and training in civic participation.

Visit the Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy online

Texas Impact president Reverend T. Randall Smith of Tyler said the Interfaith Center will be an important resource for Texas faith communities that care about the common good but are leery of becoming entangled in partisan politics.

Board member Beaman Floyd of Austin said the Interfaith Center’s mission includes a strong focus on training faith communities and their members in effective, nonpartisan communication. “The Interfaith Center is committed to helping people of faith become well-educated, well-rounded, resourceful citizens who engage and encourage other people to become involved in religious, social and cultural matters that stir their conscience,” said Floyd.

The Interfaith Center is based in Austin, Texas and is governed by a volunteer board that includes clergy and lay leaders from diverse faith traditions and areas of the state. The Center’s staff brings significant theological, public policy, communications and popular education background and represents diverse faith perspectives.