[1][2][3] The Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY) was founded in 1997 by the Very Reverend James Parks Morton after his retirement from 25 years as Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

[4][5][6][3][7] According to its certificate of incorporation, ICNY was organized "for the purpose of promoting interfaith dialogue and harmony among all of the world's religions and the prevention and resolution of conflicts arising there from."

Recipients are honored for their lifetime achievements and contributions towards increasing respect and mutual understanding among people of different faiths, ethnicities, and cultural traditions.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer[9] Michael B. Curry Bob Abernethy[10] Al Gore Peter L. Zimroth Mrs. Gaetana Enders Sri Swami Satchidananda (posthumous) C.T.

Kyotaro Deguchi Nicholas D. Kristof Steven Rockefeller Carl Sagan Paul Winter Dr. Mohamed El Baradei Richard Gere Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf Daisy Khan Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee Judge Shirin Ebadi Philippe Petit Kathy O’Donnell Archbishop Desmond Tutu Alan B. Slifka James Carroll Mary Robinson Ravi Shankar The Interfaith Center organizes and co-sponsors many interfaith events throughout New York City.