“From financial contributions to blood donations, the American people responded voluntarily to meet the immediate needs of those impacted by recent crimes against humanity. At the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), we already see the long-term implications of support needed to heal already fragile intergroup relations in the US. As attention turns to reconciliation, it will be organizations such as NCCJ that will need resources to promote understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution and education. For leadership organizations this will present opportunities to demonstrate their continued commitment to sound corporate citizenship and a civil society.” 
—Sanford Cloud, Jr., president & CEO, National Conference for Community and Justice

"Across this diverse country, people are praying for the victims and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks, for their families and friends and for our nation. While their prayers rise from many different faith traditions, all have in common a belief in the sacredness of human life. We have a duty to remember this basic tenet and to remind others." 
—Dr. Bob Edgar, general secretary, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA

“The already incomprehensible tragedy of Sept. 11 will be multiplied inestimably if our response to this tragedy compromises our nation's historic commitment to providing basic rights and liberty for all or in any way diminishes the spirit of compassion that has been evidenced in an inspirational outpouring of personal and corporate generosity.”
—Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, executive director, The Interfaith Alliance

“As many have said, it’s a new and different world following September 11, 2001. It is still hard to comprehend such horrendous loss. And, more positively, it is also so gratifying to observe such generous and compassionate responses by people and organizations everywhere. But while it’s a new world in many ways, it is still the same world in many ways, with the same day-to-day needs of individuals, children, families and communities. I hope the great spirit of giving, volunteering and compassion will continue, as the needs continue, months and years ahead. We’re a truly caring nation. May that caring know no end. 
—Peter B. Goldberg, president & CEO, Alliance for Children and Families; chairperson, 
   INDEPENDENT SECTOR

"History has shown us that, in past times of national calamity, civil rights and civil liberties fall victim to the crisis just as surely as the human victims whose loss we all grieve. We must not compound this tragedy by infringing on the rights of Americans or persons guaranteed protections under the Constitution."
—Wade Henderson, executive director, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights

“The attacks of September 11 were a bold attempt to squash the American spirit, our freedom and our democratic way of life. They failed. In the wake of the attacks, the not-for-profit charitable sector, in partnership with government and millions of Americans, moved rapidly to provide critical services and financial and human resources to assist for all affected by those terrible events in all parts of the country. In these dark hours we can be proud of the generosity of all Americans who now join together to help where they can. We stand committed to repair and renewal in the months and years ahead.” 
—Stephen Hoffman, CEO, United Jewish Communities 

“One of the most tragic moments in American history has produced a sterling example of the commitment of the nonprofit community to help the needy and comfort the bereaved. Nonprofits have been at the forefront of relief efforts as America begins the arduous task of rebuilding and will remain there to help shepherd the nation through the healing process.” 
—Sara E. Meléndez, president & CEO, INDEPENDENT SECTOR

“The American people must not let the seeds of violence planted by the perpetrators of the attacks grow into intolerable acts of racial hatred against our fellow Americans. It is the responsibility of each of us to remember that tolerance is the foundation of our nation. The annals of history will not distinguish between the acts of hatred committed against us or the acts we commit against other Americans because of their race or religion.” 
—Karen Narasaki, executive director, National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium 

“The September 11th attack was a brutal assault against humanity. Since that day however, the best of humanity has risen to counter the evil and villainy represented by terrorism. Millions of Americans have donated food, money, clothing and time. These compassionate acts are testaments to the human spirit. And it is this same spirit that must keep our nation mindful of the undiminished needs of millions of vulnerable American children and families who even in these precarious times require affordable housing, quality education, adequate healthcare, livable wages and other fundamental services.” 
—Hugh Price, president & CEO, National Urban League 

“The Islamic Society of North America condemns the senseless acts of terrorism against innocent civilians. We urge everyone to exercise restraint and tolerance until the perpetrators are brought to justice. The United States is a beacon of freedom to the world, we cannot let the people who committed the attacks of September 11, diminish our glow. 
—Dr. Sayyid Syeed, secretary general, Islamic Society of North America 

“A debate over which of two paths to take-justice or vengeance—is taking place in conversations across America and at the highest levels of political power. The outcome of that debate be a test of our national character and will shape our future even more than terrorism can. We can make the right choices in this crisis, and in so doing, point the way to a better world.” 
—Jim Wallis, convener, Call to Renewal, editor, Sojourners 

“As the nation recovers from the tragedy of September 11, it is clear the true spirit of America has been displayed for the world to see by the millions of people who have donated time or money to the recovery efforts. Through this event, we have witnessed the strength and unity of our country and learned that each one of us is connected to each other. It is the hope of NCLR that this legacy of September 11 strengthens the ties of tolerance and freedom that bind us as Americans.” 
—Raul Yzaguirre, president, National Council of La Raza