The Women’s Interfaith Institute was founded in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts in 1992 under the leadership of Dr. Allison Stokes. After Allison moved to New York, she organized the Institute’s Finger Lakes affiliate in 2002. Although the two non-profit organizations are incorporated separately, we share a common mission: “Women supporting women of diverse faiths in generating spiritual leadership, scholarship and service.”

In February 2003, the Institute in the Finger Lakes purchased the historic church next door to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. On March 5th, 2009 The Women's Interfaith Institute of the Finger Lakes suffered a devastating fire.  We have been dealing with the aftermath, and with the help of donations we are now preparing to regain the use of part of our historic building. Our goal is to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy by October 31st, 2010.

Our Location

The mission of the Institute is visually conveyed by our narrative quilt, “Unquiet Friend,” created by award-winning artist Alice Gant of Trumansburg, New York. The image is one of hospitality-- Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Lucretia and John Mott gathered around a table. Text on the quilt reads, “Abolitionists, women’s rights advocates, runaway slaves, friends and family gathered at the Mott’s table.” This stunning work of art, a gift of friends of the Institute, survived the Institute’s fire and has been restored to its original beauty.

Inspired by the spiritual and religious diversity of our foremothers, who gathered together around the table to nourish body, soul and mind, we invoke our Seneca Falls heritage to move us forward together in promoting hospitality, interfaith dialogue, cooperation and peace.