Learn more about us
Building of mutual understanding among diverse faiths
Who are We?
Established in 2012, Interfaith Center for Northeast Florida, is a non-profit organization in Jacksonville FL, that aims to promote interfaith understanding through messages, events and celebrations. We develop and facilitate dialogue in order to enhance Northeast Florida’s awareness and appreciation of religious and non-religious diversity.
Our Vision
Interfaith Center Northeast Florida strives to make our region a beacon for interfaith cooperation.
Our Mission
Interfaith Center Northeast Florida seeks to be a leader in the building of mutual understanding among diverse faiths, in Northeast Florida.
Core Values
Interfaith Literacy
Mutual Curiosity
Community Engagement
Our History
The idea of outreach and intercultural/Interfaith dialogue has been as old as Muslim Americans settling in Jacksonville. Atlantic Institute’s vision was first thought of by small group of Turkish teachers and businessmen who decided to help public education by applying for a contract to start a charter school in Duval county during 2006. Interfaith and Intercultural dialogue efforts were organized by volunteers and likeminded community members. These efforts were finding much praise and success. Programming examples were Dialogue Dinners, Art and Essay Contest- one year had more than 1000 entries by mid and high school students and attended by most of county/city dignitaries.
These wide range successes demanded a designated group of volunteers who would solely engage in interfaith and intercultural activities for the general population. Atlantic Institute was established in 2012 by many volunteers from Jacksonville later grouped with other south eastern states. By 2013 Atlantic Institute was operating in five states and more than 15 cities. Atlantic Institute in Jacksonville enjoyed many synergies from cooperating with other branches throughout the south east. In 2016 a group of volunteers in Jacksonville had a vision to take this branch of Atlantic Institute to different level of service to community by declaring an independent interfaith organization- Atlantic Institute of Jacksonville which has now been registered as an independent 501 (c) 3.
After many months of relooking at our core focus and identity the governing Board of Directors renamed the organization Interfaith Center of Northeast Florida. We believe our new name and focus better describes our future ambitions and role with the interfaith community.