Joan Chittester, OSB, gathered in Jaipur, India, with many women leaders of different religious traditions to raise awareness of the potential for change through women and religion. Chicago Tribune correspondent, Laurie Goering writes, “Participants called the conference itself an example of what women with a talent for compassion, forgiveness and building trust might accomplish in resolving conflict. 

‘The moment people are in dialogue they no longer demonize each other: I'm not the occupier, and you're no longer the terrorist,’ said Rabbi Naamah Kelman, dean of Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem. She at one point shared the stage with Iran's Zarif, a moment she called "a start" to better relations between the two rival nations. 

"We have to take steps into territory where we are uncomfortable, where we are afraid, and establish some connection," urged Donna Markham, a Dominican nun from Toronto.”