The Women's Interfaith Institute focuses on women's empowerment for the world's betterment. Inspired by our foremothers, we are women supporting women of diverse faiths in generating spiritual leadership, scholarship and service. We are committed to “bringing peace to life” and to promoting pluralism, dialogue and understanding through all the gatherings, celebrations, seminars, workshops, retreats, and conferences we offer.

Recovering from the Fire and Moving Back In
On March 5th, 2009 the Women’s Interfaith Institute of the Finger Lakes suffered a devastating fire. The fire took place three days after renovations on our Great Hall (the former sanctuary) were complete. Fortunately, firefighters from nine companies saved the building. We spent 17 months dealing with the aftermath of the fire, repairing the roof to protect our building, and preparing a section of the building—community room, kitchen, meeting room, office, and bathrooms—so we could move back in. Then on August 26th, 2010, Women’s Equality Day, the Institute was awarded a Certificate of Occupancy to reclaim the restored north section of our building. There was still much arduous clean up work to do, but with the help of countless volunteers, we have moved back in and are resuming programming.

International Women’s Day Centenary and
Membership Drive
The Women’s Interfaith Institute celebrated the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2011 by hosting a group of visitors from the University of Rochester. Students, staff and faculty spent the day touring sites in Seneca Falls and enjoying a special luncheon program—a dialogue between the Mayor Diana Smith and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The Institute also launched a membership drive that day. For details of these activities please read the Founding Director’s report below.

Read our Founding Director's Report: "International Women’s Day Centenary Celebration"

To visit our Berkshires affiliate click here: http://womensinterfaithberkshires.org