New York City - September 29, 2025, The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, an interfaith organization dedicated to religious freedom and human rights,
presented His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York, and Tony Elumelu Chairman of Heirs Holdings, The United Bank for Africa, and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, with the Appeal of Conscience Award at the foundation’s 60th Annual Gala, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, founded by Rabbi Arthur Schneier in 1965, is an interfaith coalition of business, religious, and diplomatic leaders that advocates for peace, religious liberty, and respect the other. The Appeal of Conscience Award is presented to public figures who exemplify enlightened leadership and uphold the principle that “a crime committed in the name of religion is the greatest crime against religion.

His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church, was seated at the Dias of the 60th Anniversary Awards Banquet as a long time coworker of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation.

Faith leaders from various traditions, both present, included His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese; His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States), who extended greetings from Pope Leo XIV, and Papal Nuncio Gabriele Caccia; Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Armenian Pontifical Legate in Western Europe and Envoy to the Vatican; Bawa Jain, Co-founder of the World Council of Religious Leaders; among others.

Among the numerous civic and diplomatic representatives were: The Honorable John D. Negroponte, Former United States Director of National Intelligence, Vice-Chair of McLartey Associates; Karen Dresbach, Executive Vice President of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation; Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America; Dr. Adele Elemelu; His Excellency Vladimir Bozovic, Consul General of Serbia in New York City; Marko Romic, Chief of Cabinet of the President of Republika Srpska; Mladen Filipovic, Head of the Representation at the Representation of the Republic of Srpska in Austria; together with other representatives of the community.

The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, under the leadership of Rabbi Arthur Schneier, has worked worldwide on behalf of religious freedom, human rights, peace and tolerance since 1965. An interfaith coalition of business, religious and foreign policy leaders, this international organization promotes mutual understanding, peace and interreligious cooperation and provides a voice of conscience to protect minorities.

The highly influential and respected Rabbi Arthur Schneier and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation have been of crucial assistance in proactively fostering dialogue with the Patriarch Pavle and other religious leaders in the Balkans by promoting mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.