Keuka College Chaplain Eric Detar has been appointed to serve as a Yates County liaison for the New York State Office of Faith & Nonprofit Development Services’ newly formed Interfaith Council, a statewide initiative aimed at strengthening connections among faith communities and public resources.
The role, part of a broader effort launched by Gov. Kathy Hochul, seeks to engage trusted faith leaders in all 62 New York counties to promote collaboration, share resources, and better address community needs through interfaith cooperation.
“Chaplain Detar’s appointment is not only a recognition of his leadership, but a reflection of Keuka College’s values. We are proud that he will represent Yates County and Keuka College in this vital work of bringing communities together.”
Chaplain Detar, a longtime advocate for interfaith dialogue and connection at Keuka College, said the opportunity aligns well with the work already underway on campus and in the surrounding community.
“I think we’re uniquely positioned,” said Chaplain Detar, who is also director of the College’s Office of Community & Belonging and its HEOP Program. “Keuka College has long promoted interfaith understanding and service to others. I think this gives us the opportunity to build some bridges because there are programs that exist and conversations that are already taking place that we could invite people from the community to be a part of in a more intentional way. So I think that that helps to build those town and gown-type relationships.”
As one of Yates County’s two liaisons – Sandi Perl of the Living Well Mission will join him – Chaplain Detar will help connect the state’s Interfaith Council and local communities of faith. He said he hopes the role will enable him to share state-provided information and resources while strengthening connections across religious and cultural lines within Yates County.
“My hope is that it can be more than just a channel for sharing information. It’s a chance to bring people into the conversation.”
He cited issues such as food insecurity, housing needs, and supporting vulnerable populations as areas where interfaith cooperation can have an impact.
The state plans to make an initial $5 million available to support local programs.
“I’m hopeful we’ll be able to secure some of that funding to have a positive impact on our campus and community,” said Chaplain Detar.
The appointment also offers numerous potential benefits for Keuka College and its students. Chaplain Detar envisions creating new service-learning opportunities, leveraging grant programs, and strengthening the College’s ties with local congregations. He said interfaith programming already embedded in the Office of Community & Belonging – centered around respectful identity, relationship-building, and collaboration – could serve as a model for county-wide efforts.
“Keuka College students are already learning how to build community across lines of difference,” he added. “I think some of the programs that come out of the Office of Community & Belonging, along with this state program, will create opportunities to expand conversations.”
Chaplain Detar also sees potential connections with the College’s Wellness initiatives, as well as community initiatives like the Living Well Mission, which assists local families of all denominations.
“We’ll be strengthening the relationships we already have, and then hopefully making some new connections.”
The state’s Interfaith Liaisons introduction meeting is scheduled for September 23.
