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Women’s Interfaith Network of Sarasota/Bradenton

The Women’s Interfaith Network (WIN) of Sarasota-Bradenton completed its third year of activities in December, 2010. Currently there are about 90 members representing Judaism, several forms of Christianity, Islam, Quakerism, Buddhism and Humanism as well as indigenous and spiritual traditions. WIN’s mission is to work towards harmony and cooperation across religious, racial, ethnic, cultural and national boundaries. All meetings and events are open to women of all ages and all or no religions. During 2010 WIN hosted a number of interfaith lunches and dinners and a book club met monthly. WIN also organized local political action against religious intolerance in Sarasota schools, spoke at several churches about WIN and its role in developing positive interfaith relationships, collected socks and underwear for youth in need, and was a major force in organizing the extremely successful interfaith worship service on 9/11. For further information, contact any of the WIN Co-Chairs.

In January, 2009, WIN helped to organize two local forums for peace during the violence in Gaza. Other activities in 2009 included Common Ground luncheons where women had an opportunity to learn about each others’ religions, several interfaith Seders held at members’ houses, and an interfaith celebration of Grandparents’ Day, co-hosted by the Sarasota Sailors’ Circus, held at a local nursing home.

Quotes from participants in Common Ground luncheons:

• “I loved the diversity in our group and am surprised at how much I learned.”
• “I had never heard of the Wiccan religion. It pleased me to learn how the earth and seasonal cycles are celebrated. I can now dispel the idea that Wiccans are devil worshippers.”
• “I gained a completely new perspective on Muslims and how their customs vary in different countries.”
• “It was comforting to hear other women expressing doubts about their own religious teachings.”
• “I made friends with people I’d never have known and am richer for it.”

Highlights of 2008 included an interfaith food drive and blessing in support of a local food bank; an interfaith Ramadan dinner at the local mosque; community action regarding the anti-Islamic DVD Obsession; and an interfaith holiday celebration of Advent and Christmas, Chanukah, Eid al Adha, Kwanzaa and the Winter Solstice.

For more information, contact:
Arlene Pearlman: ajp474@comcast.net - 941-377-1003
Ruta Jouniari: ruta@connect-isg.com - 941-366-5428
Jacci Tutt: jaccisam@aol.com - 941-378-3087