Our Story

A diverse group of people gathered outdoors for a community event on a sunny day. Some are sitting on chairs, others standing or sitting on the grass. Many are taking photos or talking, with a backdrop of trees, a brick building, and banners related to a Muslim community event.

In 1989, the seeds of what is known today as Interfaith Atlanta were planted when
Governor Joe Frank appointed a Human Relations Commission, recognizing the
need for an interfaith organization in Atlanta. By 1992, the Interfaith Coalition of Metro
Atlanta had formed, bringing together 16 clergy from diverse faiths to launch
initiatives like television programming with Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters.

The pivotal moment came on September 11, 2002, with a memorial service at The
Temple. This interfaith service, which included 100 clergy sharing scripture from seven
religions and a choir of 100 from various faith traditions, underscored the need for an
official organization. Consequently, in 2002, 30 religious and community leaders
convened at Calloway Gardens, led by Imam Plemon El-Amin, Rev. Joanna Adams,
and Rabbi Alvin Sugarman, deciding that Atlanta needed an interfaith organization
to commemorate the 9/11 tragedy and promote unity.

In 2003, Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta (FAMA) officially became a 501(c) nonprofit organization. A year later, we partnered with the Interfaith Community Initiatives’ World Pilgrims program to increase empathy and understanding, reduce conflict, and create opportunities for cooperative action.

By 2013, ten years into our nonprofit journey, FAMA had grown to include over 60 faith groups and numerous friends and partners, all dedicated to fostering deeper and more meaningful human relations. This growth culminated in 2021 when FAMA became Interfaith Atlanta, reflecting our broader mission and vision for a unified Atlanta.

From our humble beginnings to our current status as a thriving interfaith organization, Interfaith Atlanta continues to build bridges, promote understanding, and work towards a more connected and compassionate community.