Q&A with new CIC Board Member Alesia Flores

Alesia Flores has been a member of the CIC board since September, and is in charge of the 2025 Interfaith Harmony Month. A local attorney, she is currently the Deputy Director of National Programs for the legal nonprofit Root And Rebound. She is also a member of Unity of Charleston, a local New Thought religious congregation. She recently took time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for Spiritually Speaking:

 Q: Why is interfaith dialogue important to you personally? 

Interfaith dialogue is the catalyst for peace among religious groups.  People have a tendency to form preconceived notions about religions they know very little about.  When we take the time to engage in meaningful dialogue, we have the opportunity to dispel negative stereotypes and realize that religions share more similarities than differences. This is important to me because I believe we all share in the responsibility to promote peace through interfaith harmony.  

Q: Why is it important to promote interfaith dialogue at the governmental level, as we are doing with Interfaith Harmony Month?  

Governmental authorities possess power and influence. People look to their elected officials for guidance and direction.  By actively engaging the government in interfaith dialogue and activities, we can encourage government leaders to promote tolerance and understanding of various religious groups among their constituents.  This leads to greater interfaith harmony within the community.  

Q: Tell us a bit about your involvement with Unity of Charleston. 

I've been attending Unity of Charleston for several years. I serve as Vice President of the Board of Trustees.  As it states on our website, Unity embraces "a progressive approach to Christianity and all the world's spiritualities."  This aligns with my own beliefs about spirituality.  

 Q: What new directions would you like to see for the Charleston Interreligious Council? 

I would like to see the Charleston Interreligious Council continue to broaden its reach and influence in Charleston.  Its mission "to seek to build bridges of understanding to promote sensitivity, tolerance, respect, and fellowship among religious groups in Charleston," is especially relevant today as we continue to see religious violence and extremism at play in the world.