adams Archives - Good News!

Pastor Gil – Pastor, Leader & Advocate

Austin Tang — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:37:53 +0000

Gilford Monrose is a pastor, philanthropist, and a proud husband and father, renowned for using his platform to bring together people of all backgrounds. Pastor Gil proves that a flourishing city is not a soulless one by bridging the gap between communities, congregations, government, and law enforcement in his everyday work as the Faith Advisor for the Mayor Eric Adams of New York City. He is appointed to expand the Center For Faith and Community Partnerships. This office sector builds bridges among City government, diverse religious communities and nonprofit organizations to better serve all New Yorkers.

“Leading, building, and promoting the awakening of a generation of socially conscious and free thinking leaders.”

https://gilfordmonrose.com/

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Despite scandals, clergy say Eric Adams’ faith partnerships revitalized NYC aid services

Austin Tang — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:15:09 +0000

NEW YORK (RNS) — Adams’ legacy among faith communities is marked by an unprecedented partnership that brought congregations to the front lines of city governance in ways no modern mayor had before.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, center, attends the Church of Pentecost USA Inc., Dec. 22, 2024, in the Bronx. (Photo courtesy of the Mayoral Photography Office)

By Fiona Murphy

October 7, 2025

NEW YORK (RNS) — As New York City Mayor Eric Adams prepares to leave office this fall, after suspending his reelection bid amid outcry over a scandal-ridden mayorship, he leaves behind a new network of faith leaders mobilized by his crisis initiatives and concerned those partnerships will falter under a new administration.

Adams, who was indicted in 2024 on federal charges of wire fraud, bribery and conspiracy tied to campaign fundraising, decided not to run in the Democratic primary in June, choosing to run in the general election as an independent candidate instead. But faced with the popular Democratic candidate, Zohran Mamdani, and the familiar face of former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Adams announced on Sept. 28 that he would not seek reelection, after a Quinnipiac poll showed his approval rating was among the lowest for a New York City mayor in recent decades.

Despite his unpopularity with many New Yorkers, Adams’ legacy among faith communities is marked by an unprecedented partnership that brought small and often overlooked congregations to the front lines of city governance in ways no modern mayor had before.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, center right, meets with Jewish community leaders and walks through local businesses in Borough Park ahead of the upcoming Jewish High Holidays on Sept. 15, 2025. (Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

“I think we were looking to make sure that the faith-based community had direct access to New York City resources,” Monrose said. “Adams wanted to make sure that the faith community is consistently on his radar, that he would be in touch with them, and our office would continue to maintain relationships.”

Monrose turned that mission into a sustained network of outreach. Through the OFBCP, members of different faith communities across New York’s five boroughs were invited to monthly meetings with city commissioners to discuss services such as food pantries, clothing drives and issues that affected their small congregations. Monrose manages a WhatsApp group with hundreds of contacts he’s gathered over his years as a pastor in Brooklyn, along with an email list that sends out announcements several times a week about upcoming events sponsored by his office.

“There are some rooms that I have been in that I would never have been in if it wasn’t for Eric Adams,” said Latricia Davis, the outreach ministry pastor at the Community Church of Christ in Jamaica, Queens. “The emails, the texts and the response from his office was unbelievable. I’m getting emotional about it because he cared about us.”

The office’s work evolved into citywide initiatives. In 2023, it launched the faith-based shelter program, mobilizing churches, mosques and synagogues to house asylum-seekers during the city’s migrant crisis by providing renovations and resources to congregations citywide.

“Mayor Adams was willing to work with congregations as a way of addressing social safety net needs in the city that has been so far unique,” said Peter Gudaitis, executive director of New York Disaster Interfaith Services, or NYDIS, a nonprofit that has provided disaster relief and faith-community recovery services that worked closely with the OFBCP to coordinate and activate the faith-based shelter program.

Muslims and non-Muslim migrants eat their meals together during an iftar, the sunset meal when Muslims break their fast in the holy month of Ramadan, at the migrant shelter on Randall’s Island, on April 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

In June 2023, as thousands of migrants arrived in New York City, the city’s homeless shelters and hotel voucher program were overwhelmed. With asylum-seekers lining the streets and criticism mounting over the city’s slow response, Adams, through the OFBCP, began turning to houses of worship for help.

Joseph Clemmons, pastor of the Historic First Church of God in Christ in Brooklyn, had his church transformed. Funding from the city supported NYDIS in helping construct renovations, including the installation of six showers, and round-the-clock volunteers to house 40 to 50 migrants per night. Clemmons’ congregation did this from April 2024 to June of this year.

“That was Mayor Adams’ way of saying, I trust churches more than I do developers to do what’s right and to care,” Clemmons said. “I’ll never forget that.”

Over the span of two years, the program sheltered nearly 200,000 people in 21 houses of worship, relying on more than 300 volunteers who contributed thousands of hours of work. For many faith communities, the program was viewed as the city affirming their moral mission.

“Those people needed real help, and this is part of our faith,” said Muhammad Shahidullah, imam and director of the nonprofit Dawah USA, which served as a “waiting center” for asylum-seekers, hosting guests for short stays in the evenings from December 2023 to May 2024. Beyond housing, Shahidullah said Adams will also be remembered in the Muslim community for expanding visibility and inclusion.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during an interfaith breakfast event in New York, Jan. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

“He started the Friday Muslim prayer in the City Hall,” Shahidullah said, in reference to Adams’ office embrace of the adhan, or the Muslim call to prayer, across the city. “This was the first time in history that we were given permission, under his leadership. Also, the halal food is provided in public schools. This process started a long time ago, but in this term, they actually executed it,” Shahidullah said.

In December 2022, Adams formally expanded halal food access in schools citywide as part of his “Cafeteria Enhancement Experience” initiative. The faith-based shelter program has since paused, Monrose said, as the flow of new migrants slowed.

Since last winter, Adams’ rhetoric on immigration has become more critical, increasingly aligning with President Donald Trump’s hard-line anti-immigration stance. Some New Yorkers questioned whether Adams’ alignment with Trump’s policies was an attempt to secure a pardon on his federal corruption charges — charges that were ultimately dismissed after the Trump administration pressured the Justice Department. Adams has denied any connection between his policy positions and the case’s outcome.

“I do wish Mayor Adams had been able to stand up more strongly to the Trump administration on these issues,” Gudaitis said. “But it’s hard. I mean, could you imagine what New York City would be like if ICE was doing here, what they’re doing in D.C. and Chicago? I mean, it really worries me.”

While Adams’ evolving immigration stance divided voters, faith leaders say his legacy will be defined less by politics and more by partnership, especially his efforts to bring clergy into the city’s work on public safety.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, center, attends midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dec. 25, 2024, in the Manhattan borough of New York. (Photo courtesy of the Mayoral Photography Office)

One of the last major initiatives Adams will be remembered for is the Citywide Clergy Collective, launched in January 2024 with a $1.5 million city grant and agency partners including the New York Police Department. The program trains clergy to intervene after shootings, mediating tensions, supporting families and organizing funerals and vigils, while doing ongoing “triage” to prevent violent retaliation within communities.

Since joining the initiative, Bishop Chantel Wright, pastor of Reach Covenant Ministries International, a church-led community organization in Harlem, a neighborhood with one of the highest rates of gun violence in the city, her community has seen real change.

“What has happened for us is that there have been no killings,” she said. “Now, the older ladies in our community, they feel safe at night. They’re able to walk out and be in the community without ducking stray bullets.”

The last time her group assisted a family after a murder was last spring. Through the collective, Wright helped relocate the victim’s family, paying for transportation and funeral costs.

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The collective’s model has since been adopted beyond New York. Monrose has held conferences about the program in Pittsburgh and helped establish an office of violence prevention in his hometown in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He has also trained pastors in St. Lucia and in Belize. In New York, the collective’s funding has covered meals for bereaved families and clergy-run after-school programs to keep youth engaged.

“I just pray that the seed has been placed in the ground through the faith-based community,” Wright said. “I pray that whoever comes into office has enough wisdom not to dismantle it. It’s their secret weapon.”

Looking ahead, Monrose said he sees Adams’ legacy with faith communities as just the beginning. “I have never read a good book with only one chapter,” Monrose said. “I’m glad that I have the opportunity to be able to be a trendsetter when it comes to how cities and government work with clergy.”

Some faith leaders remain uncertain about the next batch of candidates. “The current candidates, I don’t work with them,” said Michelle Davis Levy, who goes by Rev. Zoya, from the Illuminating Center of God in Brooklyn. “I haven’t seen them in my neighborhood, and that’s an important point for me, to be forward facing a candidate, to be forward facing with the community they’re going to serve.”

Mamdani, a progressive Muslim and current state assemblyman, and Cuomo, running as an independent, have begun courting faith leaders in different ways. On Oct. 1, Mamdani’s campaign announced it will be backed by Defend and Advance, a new Muslim American super PAC, which has launched a five-week effort to mobilize the city’s nearly 388,000 registered Muslim voters ahead of the election. The Mamdani and Cuomo campaigns did not respond to request for comment.

Still, some clergy say they remain hopeful that the network Adams built will outlast his time in office.

“We made this coalition of faith-based organizations and community organizations, and we’re in partnership, and I don’t believe that’s going to go away just because Adams is no longer going to be our mayor,” Davis said. “I believe that they will continue to prosper and bear good fruit, no matter what.”

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Mayor Adams created a Citation for Good News Corporation, which is read at the 23rd Annual International Day of Peace to Times Square/NY. 9/20/25

Austin Tang — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:20:43 +0000

Listen to “Mayor Adams created a Citation for Good News Corporation, which is read at the 23rd Annual International Day of Peace to Times Square/NY…” on Spreaker.

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Citation for Peace Day 2025

Austin Tang — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 01:29:00 +0000

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NYC Faith Office in forefront of change in NYC.

Austin Tang — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:57:11 +0000

Listen to “NYC Faith Office in forefront of change in NYC.” on Spreaker.

#NYC #Faith #MayorAdams #Change

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GoodNewsLetter: Buzz Aldrin & Judy Gilbert are Good News for Peace. Bad News for Mother Earth is… SMOKE, FIRES, FLOODS, WAR, MURDER…

Austin Tang — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:27:08 +0000

Dear Friends and Members,

It is easy to lose hope thinking how SMOKE, FIRES, FLOODS, WAR, MURDER…could happen in our world, right?

And then Buzz Aldrin & Judy Gilbert share their life beliefs. Buzz, an astronaut who landed on the moon and Judy, a humanitarian share words of hope and determination.

When we come together in Peace and care for Mother Earth we will defeat and overcome natural and made made disasters… let’s focus on Positive Thoughts and Actions and Positive people.

We invite you to join us in our outreach for our International Day of Peace and NYC Climate Week Kick-Offs Weekend on September 19,20,21 2025 in Times Square and other venues.

Here is our press release for our events.

UN International Day of Peace 2025, September 21, Expands to a Global Weekend for a World Cease Fire, Unity, Music, and Climate Action. New York City Leads the Call

Here is a link to make a donation to our nonprofit Good News Corporation, who is working very hard to find the donors/sponsors to support our mission.

https://goodnewsplanet.com/pausetheworld/peace-day-donations/

We attended an Interfaith gathering called by Mayor Adams for the Massacre at 345 Park Ave. Our NYS Governor Hochul and NY Police Commissionaire Tisch share their thoughts as well.

Speeches from the Multi-faith

Vigil Honoring the Victims of the

Mass Shooting in Midtown

Manhattan

Discussing Faith we covered our Mayor Adams being interviewed on his own dedication to his faith, I share it with you, as I know him for over 15 years.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: New York City Mayor Eric Adams announces $500M renovation to iconic One Times Square, the 118-year-old Manhattan building, home to New Year’s Eve Ball on May 6, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

Faith And The City:

A Conversation with

Mayor Eric Adams

I also want to share a great new App for independent artists in all genres www.fenix360.com. This App has the potential to change your life for the better as a professional.

Allan Klepfitsz and Andrew Eborn

Appear on Paul Sladkus’s

Good News Broadcast to

Discuss FENIX360

Lastly, go enjoy the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Flushing Meadow Park on August 9, 10..Good News has been a sponsor for almost 20 years…its fun and represents FREEDOM OF SPEECH…WHICH IS WHAT ALL OF HUMANITY SHOULD BE ABLE TO SHARE…THAT’S PEACE

If you care about your money, please tune in to WOR 710 Radio on Sunday at 10:30 AM. Here you can listen and call in to Legal Expert and Elder Care Lawyer, 14 Year NYS Representative and Dr. Phil, ET, Good Morning America…Guest Lawyer, Ann-Margaret Carrozza, ESQ.

Ann is BRILLIANT, AND YOUR MONEY IS BRILLIANT, AND YOU ARE BRILLIANT IF YOU ARE SMART ENOUGH TO PROTECT IT.

Paul Sladkus is Ann’s Co-Host. Email me paul.sladkus1@gmail.com if you want me to ask her a question, or just call in (800-321-0710) and listen; it might be one of the most important programs in you and your family’s life.

Ann-Margaret Carrozza,

Asset Protection Lawyer,

STAY WELL

LET’S GROW TOGETHER. GOOD NEWS MOTTO: “All we are is what we are with each other.” Zeal

With Respect. Love and May Peace Prevail on Earth, For Information Contact:

Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual,

Founder, Good News Corporation 501 C 3 212 647 1212 paul.sladkus1@gmail.com and our Good News and Peace Worldwide Team who make our Peace Day 9/21 happen.

www.pausetheworldforpeace.org,www.goodnewsplanet.TV, www.youtube.com/goodnewsbroadcast

Social Networks: www.Facebook.com/PaulSladkus, LinkedIn Paul Sladkus, Twitter/X Good News to Go, Instagram PausetheWorld

LET’S GROW TOGETHER. GOOD NEWS MOTTO: ALL WE ARE IS WHAT WE ARE WITH EACH OTHER. ZEAL

For more information contact:

Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual 212 647 1212

New York, NY, Montauk, NY

PS – SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR FRIENDS AND MEMBERS: Looking for a vacation rental, SHORT TERM, in Montauk, this year and or entire summer in 2026, here is our listing https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/2025/04/16/36000-2br-one-of-a-kind-summer-rental-opportunty-historic-montauk-manor-montauk/ call me. Paul 917 687 1790

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Mayor Adams brother, Bernard talks about his brother Eric, running for Mayor

Austin Tang — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:57:34 +0000

Listen to “Major Adams brother, Bernard talks about his brother Eric, running for Mayor” on Spreaker.

#mayoradams #ericadams #bernardadams

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Mayor Adams addresses the his community at City Hall

Austin Tang — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:44:01 +0000

Listen to “Mayor Adams addresses the his community at City Hall” on Spreaker.

#mayoradams #ericadams

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Faith in Your Borough Harlem Registration

Austin Tang — Tue, 27 May 2025 21:35:10 +0000

In celebration of the Schomburg Center’s 100th anniversary, we’re proud to honor the legacy of the *Lion of Lenox Avenue, Congressman Charles B. Rangel*, during the Harlem Faith Tour on Thursday with Mayor Eric Adams. He will be joined by fellow faith leaders for an important gathering that continues his citywide tour engaging spiritual leadership. This is a moment for churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and nonprofits to come together, share concerns, and hear directly from city agencies working to support your vital work in the community.

Harlem Faith in Your Borough  Thursday, May 29  10:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Langston Hughes Auditorium 515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037

Faith in Your Borough (5 Boro Tour & Evening of Faith) is the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships’ initiative to connect Interfaith Leaders with crucial public resources. Through these events, the OFCP will host bi-monthly 5 Borough Tour and Evening of Faith events across the boroughs. These sessions will allow faith and community leaders to meet with city agencies such as the Department of Education (DOE), Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Finance (DOF), FDNY, and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), to receive technical assistance and support for issues unique to their boroughs.

Schomburg Center for Research In Black Culture,

Langston Hughes Auditorium

515 Malcolm X Blvd

New York, NY 10037

Thursday, May 29, 10AM

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Pastor Gil Monrose, gmonrose@cityhall.nyc.gov

Faith in Your Borough Harlem Registration

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Vigil and Press Conference to denounce last night’s murder of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington D.C.

Austin Tang — Fri, 23 May 2025 15:36:40 +0000

Listen to “Vigil and Press Conference to denounce last night’s murder of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington D.C.” on Spreaker.

WHO: Mayor Eric Adams and Multifaith Leaders

WHAT: Vigil and Press Conference to denounce last night’s murder of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington DC.

WHEN: Yesterday, Thursday, May 22nd, 12PM

Listen to “Ari Ackerman is a successful serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, sports team owner, and powerful social media influencer.” on Spreaker.

#mayoradams #israeliembassy #dc #washington

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