Amrit Kaur, a Sikh woman, has been elected as the president of the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, an organisation which represents 11 world religions.

Created in 1978, the InterFaith Conference aims to promote dialogue, understanding and a sense of community among persons of diverse faiths and to work cooperatively for social and economic justice. 

Kaur, a board member, has been very active at the IFC since the last two decades.

Speaking about her election, she said, "I am deeply honoured to be serving as president of the InterFaith Conference. The principles of IFC are very much similar to what my faith Sikhism stands for. The very core principles of my faith teach me to stand for social justice, nurture understanding and build a just and harmonious society."

Kaur, a banker, pursued her studies in Delhi [Images] and Chandigarh before migrating to the United States in 1975. She has been actively associated with the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, and has served as its president, executive director and is currently the GGSF secretary.

She is also an active member of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education and has organised events at the Capitol Hill and the White House on its behalf.

Dr Rajwant Singh, former president of IFC said, "It is truly a great feeling to have a woman represent us to the wider community. It is doubly satisfying to see her being elevated to this high position of this august body representing so many religious jurisdictions."

IFC works through coalition-building, education, training and advocacy, by uniting diverse faith leaders to speak and act together, networking with other groups, publishing community resources and holding public events involving music, award ceremonies and lectures.

IFC staff and members also hold workshops and seminars in schools and community groups interested in fostering understanding among people of different faiths and traditions.