In the last few years, there has been a rise in religious and ethnic tension throughout the world. In the aftermath of September 11th, strained interfaith relationships, mistrust and intolerance seem to be the rule rather than the exception. New York City is a microcosm of the world, a city in which almost every race, nationality and ethnicity is represented. Yet New Yorkers seem to demonstrate a similar kind of wariness about the “other." In times past, Muslim, Jews and Christians could live in close proximity to one another and get along peaceably. These days, it seems that no one trusts a person of another faith. We no longer strive to find and embrace the commonalities we share.

Inspired by the book Faith and Feminism: A Holy Alliance, Shqipe Malushi proposed the establishment of a monthly dialogue between women of faith who are advocates for justice in their communities. These monthly gatherings provided a forum for women to tell their stories, hear one another with openness and compassion and provide a context for collective effort.