The New York Society for Ethical Culture is the cornerstone of the Ethical Culture movement founded in 1876 by Dr. Felix Adler. Ethical Culture is a religion centered on ethics, not theology, whose mission is to encourage respect for humanity and nature and to create a better world. Members are committed to personal ethical development in their relationships with others and in activities involving social justice and environmental stewardship.Throughout our history we have helped create significant community institutions that have had a long-lasting effect in promoting civil society.