DELAWARE- Gov. Matt Meyer has announced new appointments to the Delaware Interfaith Council, highlighting the group’s role in connecting faith-based organizations with government services and strengthening communities across the state.
“The Delaware Interfaith Council is dedicated to advocating for policies that will foster community and uphold our responsibility to one another, and I want to thank the outgoing members for their leadership and guidance over the last year,” Meyer said. “Delaware’s religious communities remain fundamental to the strength and identity of our beloved state, and we must do everything in our power to preserve and uplift them.”
According to officials, the newly appointed members represent a range of faith traditions and include:
- Rev. Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker, II, Methodist Protestant, who will chair the council
- Rev. Patrick Burke, Episcopalian Community
- Jagdeep Hundal, Sikh Community
- Rev. Darien Jones, African Methodist Community
- Rev. Michael Kurth, Episcopalian Community
- Irfan Patel, Muslim Community
- Andrew Ramsaran, Hindu Community
- Rabbi Yair Robinson, Jewish Community
- Rev. Cathy Rion Starr, Unitarian Universalist Community
- Dr. Vicky Gordy Stith, United Methodist Community
- Dr. Wesleigh Thomas, Calvary Baptist Community
In January 2026, Gov. Meyer signed Executive Order 15 to reestablish and expand the council’s role. The order positions the group as both an advisory body and an action-driven partnership aimed at mobilizing faith communities to address statewide needs.
State leaders say council members will lead working groups focused on key issues, including health, housing, immigration, education, public safety and economic opportunity. The goal is to coordinate efforts across faith traditions while supporting policies that improve well-being and expand opportunity.
Established in 2012, the Delaware Interfaith Council works to strengthen communities by addressing challenges such as poverty, crime, violence, homelessness and educational disparities. The council also promotes collaboration between faith organizations and government providers to ensure faith communities remain involved in statewide initiatives.