Obituary of The Very Rev. James Parks Morton

January 4, 2020

The Interfaith Center of New York mourns the death of our founder and friend, The Very Rev. James Parks Morton. A pioneer in interfaith work, peace-building, and environmental stewardship, Dean Morton created an organization for hundreds of grassroots faith leaders from African Diaspora, Buddhist, Christian, Jain, Jewish, Hindu, Humanist, Muslim, Native American, Shinto, and Sikh communities in New York City. After September 11, 2001, Dean Morton helped focus ICNY's work increasingly on providing assistance to immigrant and disenfranchised religious communities while also bridging the divide between the city's religious leadership and its secular civic institutions.

Before founding the Interfaith Center in 1997, Dean Morton lead the Cathedral of St. John the Divine for 25 years. At the Cathedral, he conceived the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB) to help people rebuild, occupy, and own their own apartments and trained youth in stone carving. He also opened the Cathedral to the arts through artist-in-residence programs, hosting saxophonist Paul Winter, high wire artist Philippe Petit, Early Music conductor Fred Renz, I Giullari di Piazza, and the American Poets Corner. Among his interfaith activities while at the Cathedral, Dean Morton served as president of the Temple of Understanding (1995-1997), and as co-chair of the Global Forum of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders (1985-1993).

Our hearts are with Pamela, his family and all those who had the great fortune to know him.

Details about Dean Morton's funeral arrangements at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine will be forthcoming.

Sincerely,

The Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer
Executive Director

Funeral Services