IARF Vision and Identity Statement
We are pleased to present the IARF Vision and Identity Statement, a foundational document recently adopted by our International Council. This statement is the result of thoughtful collaboration, inspired by discussions at our 2023 Congress and developed by a dedicated working group. It was formally adopted by the International Council at its March meeting this year.
This Vision and Identity Statement clarifies our shared purpose and direction as we move forward. It outlines our aspiration to be a vital global network, connecting liberal religious communities and individuals across diverse faiths and cultures. Crucially, it reaffirms our core mission: to advance free and liberal religion, protect religious minorities, and promote human rights.
As IARF marks its 125th anniversary, this vision serves as both a reflection on our rich legacy and a compass for our future work. It helps us articulate what “free and liberal religion” means in today’s complex world and how we intend to pursue our advocacy, education, and community-building efforts.
The full document is currently available in English, Japanese, and Hungarian, and we extend our sincere thanks to the members who dedicated their time and skill to these translations. We plan to make it available in more languages in the future.
We encourage all our members and friends to read the full Vision and Identity Statement. Your reflections and feedback are welcome as we continue to live into this shared understanding.
Read the Full StatementSpring 2026 IARF Study Tour to Japan
One valuable aspect of IARF is the opportunity for members from different countries, religions, and cultures to meet and inspire each other. IARF is now planning a tour to Japan for spring 2026 to study Japan’s religious and spiritual traditions, with a particular focus on those connected to our member organisations.
The programme will include meetings with various groups associated with our members and member organisations, as well as activities commemorating the end of World War II and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Courses from IARF’s online Free Religion Institute, such as the one announced in this newsletter, will be one way to prepare for the study tour. Plans are still in their early stages, but if you are interested, please send an email to [email protected]. This also applies if you have specific suggestions or wishes for the tour (for instance, a particular theme) or if you would like to be part of the preparatory committee. We will keep you informed through future newsletters.
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