The Marin Interfaith Council has a new answer to the question its board spent two years asking: What is this organization for?
Board President Sidharth Kaw and Board Member Rabbi Elana Rosen-Brown of Congregation Rodef Sholom co-authored the refined mission statement, published Thursday, July 9, on the nonprofit's website. The statement centers on MIC's role as "a trusted convener that cultivates meaningful dialogue among the world's diverse faith traditions." Rosen-Brown has a long history with MIC. In a June 2017 interview with the Marin Independent Journal, she called the council "a connector for the faith communities, in celebration and in difficult times."
The renewal followed the departure of longtime Executive Director Rev. Scott Quinn, who led MIC for more than eight years. Rev. Lynn Oldham Robinett stepped in as interim executive director, and the board used the transition to reexamine the organization's identity. Past board member Jeff Bialik facilitated the strategic process, with Rabbi Henry Shreibman serving as consultative adviser.
"We needed to ask ourselves: What is MIC's core purpose today? Who do we serve, and how do we best operate in a changing world?" Kaw and Rosen-Brown wrote in the July 9 blog post announcing the statement.
Five pillars
The new mission maps onto five core pillars:
A Trusted Convener. MIC organizes vigils, panels, and community forums in moments of collective grief or crisis, bringing clergy, lay leaders, and residents together.
Cultivating Meaningful Dialogue. The council hosts structured public forums on issues including identity, racial justice, and environmental stewardship.
Sharing Wisdom of the World's Traditions. Programs such as the Religious Leaders Gatherings, the Annual Prayer Breakfast, and a monthly interfaith meditation each led by a different spiritual tradition anchor ongoing learning.
Fostering Collaboration. MIC connects faith communities and civic organizations to coordinate rapid responses and co-create programs.
Commitment to the Common Good. Three flagship programs translate relationships into action: Love Lives in Marin, an anti-hate initiative partnering with Not in Our Town; an Immigrant Rights Rapid Response Network that mobilizes faith-based volunteers; and Community & Climate Resilience work through an initiative called Project Adapt.
MIC is headquartered at 1510 Fifth Ave. in San Rafael and can be reached at 415-456-6957 or [email protected].
Upcoming events
- Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. — MIC Meditation with the Rev. Michael Carney, "A Native Way of Giving," via Zoom.
- Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026 — MIC Meditation with Rev. Lisa Winston, via Zoom.
Details and registration at marinifc.org.
