About Us

President since 2014: Prof. Kamar Oniah Kamaruzaman, Malaysia

Vice-presidents: Rev. Dr. Esther R. Suter, Switzerland; Margaret Kanada, Japan, Barbara Kres Beach, USA;

First Secretary: Siti Mariam Salasal, Singapore;

Second Secretary: Michiko Iwabuchi, Japan;

First Treasurer: vacant, Japan;

Special Council Members: Rev. Doris Hunter, USA; Prof. Kathy Matsui, Japan;

Advisors: Christine Hayhurst, UK; Johanna Boeke, UK; Bhiksuni Chuehmen, Taiwan

Newsletter: The IALRW-Newsletter reporting on the activities of members in their different countries and on current issues and questions of concern to religious women is actually not maintained. Some member organisations edit their newsletter which will be published at IALRW-website for information. Click “Newsletter” link at the left of our website to go to current newsletter and articles.

Conferences: IALRW organizes international conferences every three or four years and there are national and regional conferences in intervening years.   The last three international conferences took place in Washington D.C. USA, 2018, Birmingham UK 2014, and the Centennial Conference in Kochi, India 2010.

Interfaith Cooperation: As a member group of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), the IALRW participates fully in its activities and promotes consideration of women’s issues in its agenda. The IALRW is represented in the IARF Council with one seat, actually by Rev. Dr. Esther R. Suter, IARF Human Rights Main Representative to UN-Geneva

Membership: Membership is open to women from liberal faith communities throughout the world who seek to share their ideas, their experiences and concerns, offering support to each other in the search for spiritual enrichment and identity. The IALRW represents such diverse religious traditions as Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Unitarians and Universalists, and the liberal wings of other faith groups.