Women Working for Peace in World

September 14, 2008

Author: Yvette Kimm

Source: The Herald Tribune

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080914/COLUMNIST/809140335/-1/newssitemap

As founder and president of the Center for Religious Tolerance, Andrea Blanch works for peace, understanding, respect and acceptance of all cultures, races and religions. One of the center's newest projects was the formation of the Sarasota-Bradenton Women's Interfaith Network to build bridges between faiths and promote peace and social justice.

"I hope people recognize that our world is shifting quickly, that it is our responsibility to learn as much as we can about people of other cultures, other faiths," Blanch said. "It's particularly important for people to stay open to other religious traditions."

There is too much misinformation. stereotypes, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim sentiment and anti-Christian discrimination, she said.

"There are individual organizations fighting against each form of discrimination, but we believe we have to stand together against this kind of hatred if we want to build a peaceful society," Blanch said.