The Foundation for the Advancement of Women in Religio

The Board of Directors of the Foundation for the Advancement of Women in Religion (FAWR) announces the launch of this new not-for-profit membership organization that will seek funding for scholarship and projects by women in religion. “Women are becoming an increasingly resonant voice calling for tolerance and social justice in all religious traditions, we want to honor that voice and give it more exposure” states Cyra Akila Choudhury, Executive Director of the Foundation. She further states, “women have traditionally held many roles as leaders and producers of religious knowledge, but it has never been more important to embrace the role of women as peacemakers than it is today.”

FAWR supports religious pluralism within the context of a robust secular political culture. “We hope that by supporting public progressive scholarship by women, we can change the tone of the public discourse on faith and its place in our lives. As we’ve seen, religion has become a particularly charged topic in our political and cultural life. Progressive women’s scholarship has much to offer in bringing balance back to our conversation”, says Mr. Benjamin Hamlin, a member of the board.

A launch reception will be held in honor of women in religion at the American Academy of Religion’s annual meeting on Saturday, November 18, 2006.

The Foundation for the Advancement of Women in Religion is a progressive, broad-based coalition of scholars and activists that seeks to promote a progressive, socially just message regarding religion to the public. Its main goal is to promote public dialogue and scholarship by women as an alternative to the Religious Right and other intolerant interpretations within religious communities. FAWR provides scholarship support and networking opportunities to individual scholars, activists and non-profit organizations that further its mission. For more information about FAWR programs please visit www.womeninreligion.org

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