Canon John speaks with Pastor Gilford Monrose, Director of the Office of Faith Based and Clergy Initiatives for Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams about striking a balance as liaison to diverse communities in the borough in the midst of what he calls the “triple pandemic” of Covid-19, police brutality against men and women of color, and a spike in violence across Brooklyn. Monrose has made an art form of his role as connector beyond Borough Hall, as pastor of an East Flatbush congregation; board member of the Kingsbrook Jewish Hospital, the Flatbush YMCA, the Boys Town Advisory Board; and a chaplain for the Metropolitan Transit Authority, among other organizations he serves. He helped launch the God Squad, an initiative of local pastors to end gun violence in the neighborhood of his church, and serves on the 67th Precinct Clergy Council. Given how clearly Monrose sees both sides — and the nuances — of every issue, you don’t want to cut out this middle man!
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