Rochester, NY — The Greater Rochester Community of Churches (GRCC) Faith in Action Network and, in partnership with the City of Rochester, Monroe County, and numerous community, civic, and faith-based organizations, will host International Human Rights Week from December 5–14, 2025. The weeklong observance will celebrate the dignity and equality of all people and encourage collective action to advance human rights locally and globally.

The 2025 celebration will open on Friday, December 5, with a Joint Declaration of Human Rights Week by Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello at Rochester City Hall, officially recognizing the week in both the City and County. Throughout the following days, GRCC and its partners will sponsor a series of programs—including interfaith gatherings, a film screening, community discussions, and educational forums—inviting residents to reflect on shared values of justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity.

“Human Rights Week brings together people of every faith and background to affirm our common humanity,” said Sister Beth LeValley, coordinator for GRCC’s Human Rights Week Committee. “Our goal is to move beyond words to shared understanding and collaborative action that strengthens the moral and social fabric of Greater Rochester.”

The observance will culminate on Sunday, December 14, with a community-wide Human Rights Conference, where participants will explore practical and faith-informed ways to defend, protect, and reclaim human rights for all.

A full schedule of events—including registration links, contacts, and participation details—is attached with this release and can also be found at https://www.tiar.org/news

GRCC’s Faith in Action Network gathers congregations and people from diverse communities to build relationships and support initiatives based on spiritual and community values that advocate, model, and celebrate basic human rights and has recently hosted several immigration justice events as part of its mission to the wider Rochester community. GRCC works toward the day when every child, youth, and adult feels safe, experiences support and care, and can discover ways to use their gifts for the good of the beloved community. GRCC respects the pillars of major faiths in recognizing the dignity of the human person and the common call to protect human rights.