What is MCCJ?

We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating intolerance. We profoundly believe every person has the right to live in dignity and enjoy respect, regardless of race, gender, faith, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability or socioeconomic status. We aspire to make Miami a model of intercultural understanding.

What does acronym MCCJ stand for?

MCCJ stands for Miami Coalition of Christians and Jews. in 1927, the National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ) was founded in response to rising anti-Catholic and anti-Semitic climate in America. The Greater Miami chapter of NCCJ opened its doors in 1935. In 2005, our local chapter became independent as part of a national decentralization and adopted the name Miami Coalition of Christians and Jews (MCCJ). Today, MCCJ is a nonsectarian organization that seeks to advance understanding and respect among people of all cultures, religions and races.

How does MCCJ fulfill its mission?

We create safe havens for dialogue, train inclusive leaders, highlight the benefits of diversity, and build trust among our different communities. We advocate and educate, and engage in conflict resolution when called upon. Believing intercultural dialogue and respect for diversity are both individual and collective responsibilities, we frequently partner with other community stakeholders to further our mission.

Our History

The agency was founded in 1935 as a regional chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ) which later became the National Conference for Community and Justice. As part of the decentralization of NCCJ, we became an independent nonprofit organization in 2005, and - returning to our roots - changed our name to Miami Coalition of Christians and Jews (MCCJ).

Often referred to as a human relations organization, MCCJ is also a human rights organization, advocating respect for all, working to eliminate discrimination, and helping minorities gain rights, access and a greater voice. MCCJ was at the forefront of the local struggle for racial justice - organizing mixed youth groups and community events in times of segregation.

Following the 1980 McDuffie riots, we partnered with the Community Relations Board to formulate policy recommendations through a process of community hearings which resulted in the Overcoming Racial and Ethnic Isolation in Miami report.

We have worked with the Miami Dade and City of Miami Police Departments, facilitating diversity training and community conversations with law enforcement professionals. In an effort to heal divisions following the Elian Gonzalez crisis, we joined hands with the Miami Herald to co-facilitate nine community dialogues with different leadership sectors.

In 2006, Taking America's Pulse was published, a research project on intergroup relations in contemporary America. In 2007, as part of our interfaith program, we printed and distributed 400,000 educational brochures entitled Pope John Paul II and the Jews in English, Spanish and Creole, documenting efforts by Pope John Paul II to repair Catholic-Jewish relations.