The International Association for Religious Freedom | Site-Wide Activity

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Since 1900, the International Association for Religious […]

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 08:34:52 +0200

Since 1900, the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) has been the vanguard of the liberal religious movement. By bringing together diverse traditions to fight for freedom of conscience and social justice, they’ve proven that “liberal” isn’t just a label—it’s a commitment to a world where everyone is free to believe (or not belie…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update: Dear all,To make it easier to stay in touch with our global […]

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 23:19:33 +0200

Dear all,

To make it easier to stay in touch with our global community, did you know you can install the IARF Network directly onto your phone’s home screen and receive native notifications?

Watch this quick, 2-minute tutorial to see how to do it.

Why install the app?

* 🚀 Faster, one-tap access to the network.

* 🔔 Receive instant notifications when s…

Nathaniel Wood posted an update: Thought I would post something, and as I am leading two […]

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:07:07 +0200

Thought I would post something, and as I am leading two services at Cross St chapel, Manchester next week, I thought that was shareable.

I’m very much at the start of learning to be a Unitarian minister and am trying to get some services under my belt before going in to training.

On the Wednesday, my focus will be on dealing with people with…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group Trustees’ Working Group: Dear all, You will find the agenda here. It includes links to […]

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:43:45 +0200

Dear all,

You will find the agenda here. It includes links to some documents for context.

Please connect using this Zoom link.

Please let me know if any items on the agenda require additional clarification or if you’d like to add more points (or remove/defer some).

All the best,
Luke

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group Trustees’ Working Group: Dear Trustees,Following up on the issue James brought to our […]

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:38:02 +0200

Dear Trustees,

Following up on the issue James brought to our attention and the discussion at the recent working group meeting, I have put together a quick briefing on the situation in India and how I believe we might respond.

On March 24, the Supreme Court of India delivered a judgment reaffirming that Scheduled Caste status is strictly limited to…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group Trustees’ Working Group: Dear all,This is what I have planned for this (work) […]

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:49:27 +0200

Dear all,

This is what I have planned for this (work) week:

Finalise scheduling the IC Meeting.
Contunue working on website documentation, private and public (I discovered a few problems that had to be dealt with, so I’m still at 80%),
Continue course planning
Invitation to the EME Board and Boyond Board meetings
Draft procedure summary for the Greeley…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group International Engagement Working Group: Dear all, You will find the full report here: https://www.ohch […]

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:12:30 +0200

Dear all,

You will find the full report here: https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc6150-how-freedom-religion-or-belief-relates-death-and-honouring.

All the best,
Luke

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Let this Pesach inspire us to fight oppression wherever it […]

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:43:10 +0200

Let this Pesach inspire us to fight oppression wherever it exists and welcome every stranger as our own.

Wishing you a joyous and world-healing Passover!

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: It’s time for a global shift. For too long, religion has b […]

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:08:22 +0200

It’s time for a global shift. For too long, religion has been used as a tool for dogmatic oppression. But the core of the sacred is liberation. We need a reformation that prioritises the dignity of the individual and the freedom of the marginalised over the preservation of rigid power structures. Faith should break chains, not forge them.

Nathaniel Wood became a registered member

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:25:53 +0200

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Interfaith cooperation is more than just sharing a meal; […]

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:07:35 +0200

Interfaith cooperation is more than just sharing a meal; it’s about realizing that we don’t need to share the same prayer to share the same purpose. When we work across traditional boundaries, we discover that our different paths often lead to the same mountain of justice and compassion.

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group International Engagement Working Group: Dear all, We will meet tomorrow, 1 April, at 3pm UTC (11am […]

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:06:57 +0200

Dear all,

We will meet tomorrow, 1 April, at 3pm UTC (11am EDT, 4pm BST, 5pm CEST, 6pm EEST, 8:30pm IST). Please use this link to connect. This is the agenda.

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to add something to the agenda.

All the best,
Luke

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: What if faith wasn't about having all the answers, but about […]

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:19:41 +0200

What if faith wasn’t about having all the answers, but about having the courage to ask the right questions? A liberal approach to religion treats ancient wisdom as a compass, not a cage. It values personal conscience and critical thinking over blind obedience. Let’s trade dogmatic certainty for a spiritual journey that actually evolves with us.

Johannes Spindler posted an update in the group IARF Europe and Middle East Board: Hello everyone. little reminder today is our EME Board […]

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:02:44 +0200

Hello everyone.

little reminder today is our EME Board Meeting scheduled at 5pm CEST.

See you 🙂

Maybe @luke could you please repost the Meeting link here again

Thank you:)

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update in the group Publication and Communication Working Group: Dear Team,I hope this message finds you all very well!I’m h […]

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:20:43 +0200

Dear Team,

I hope this message finds you all very well!

I’m happy to share the link below to the document outlining the weekly themes for our social media posts.

New posts will continue to be added during the week as needed.

I’d love to hear your ideas, comments, and advice — they’ll be very helpful to me!

Warm regards and blessin…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group International Engagement Working Group: Dear all, Only John has voted so far, please fill in the poll […]

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 02:31:21 +0200

Dear all,

Only John has voted so far, please fill in the poll as soon as convenient: https://iarf.net/poll/next-international-engagement-working-group-meeting/NnYEyQg8p66hmcnBv0dZ2xbx2Lmk3aTO/.

Thank you very much,
Luke

Britto Arul posted a new event

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:11:53 +0200

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: True wisdom doesn’t come from blindly following external r […]

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:41:00 +0200

True wisdom doesn’t come from blindly following external rules or dogmatic authorities.

It comes from Reason and Experience.

When we place authority on our own honest moral reasoning and what we’ve actually lived through — rather than top-down dogma — we become freer, more authentic, and more responsible human beings.

Question everything. Trust y…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group Trustees’ Working Group: Dear all,This is what I have planned for this (work) […]

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:39:02 +0200

Dear all,

This is what I have planned for this (work) week:

Follow up on scheduling the 2nd IC Meeting,
Contunue working on website documentation, private and public (about 80% done), including a tutorial page for the IARF Network with short video clips,
Finalise the slides for Robert and Derek’s GA presentation this weekend,
Create a brochure for…

Pascal Schilling posted a new event

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:36:17 +0200

Pascal Schilling posted a new event

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:36:17 +0200

Pascal Schilling posted a new event

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:36:17 +0200

Pascal Schilling posted a new event

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:36:17 +0200

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: In IARF we gather because we all share one deep desire:to […]

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:35:12 +0200

In IARF we gather because we all share one deep desire:
to become more compassionate and authentic human beings.

We talk openly, listen deeply to each other’s successes and struggles, and support one another through every stage of life.
We study together, share spiritual practices, and walk toward what is good, beautiful, and true — each in our own…

Marianne W. van Bork became a registered member

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:13:27 +0200

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: We come to know ourselves by knowing each other. In a world […]

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:12:34 +0200

We come to know ourselves by knowing each other.

In a world of differences, we share our knowledge and the timeless wisdom of our traditions with an open, liberal spirit — celebrating diverse perspectives, cultures, languages, and spiritual experiences.

Together, we stand in cooperation and collaboration to protect minorities from injustice, i…

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: In too many places—even prosperous, developed o […]

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:46:35 +0200

In too many places—even prosperous, developed ones—nationalism and sectarianism are on the rise. Societies are splitting into polarized camps, with populists offering easy blame games instead of real answers to tough issues like climate change, migration, and inequality.

Meanwhile, free and progressive religious voices are fading into the bac…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz created a new scheduling poll.

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 19:52:55 +0200

Please indicate your ability for the next meeting (the first two weeks of April).

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Dear Bektashi friends and all who hold this day sacred,Happy […]

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:14:33 +0200

Dear Bektashi friends and all who hold this day sacred,
Happy Sultan Novruz!

On this blessed day — the King of Days — when spring awakens and we remember the birth of Imam Ali in the Kaaba, may your hearts be filled with peace, your homes with prosperity, and your paths with love and tolerance.
Let this New Day bring renewal, goodness, and har…

Bjarne Dimmler posted an update: If you are asked to explain your faith and your religious […]

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:40:08 +0200

If you are asked to explain your faith and your religious institution – e.g. Free-religious or Unitarians – how do you explain, what you are believing in shortly?

And how do you explain the worth/the advantage of being in your community?

E.g. Some more or less religious people already asked me why I need a community to believe in “nothing”…

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: “This day, verily, is the crown of all the months… Great is […]

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:01:09 +0200

“This day, verily, is the crown of all the months… Great is the blessedness of him who greeteth it with radiance and joy.” — Bahá’u’lláh
On this sacred Naw-Rúz (March 21, 2026), let us rejoice in the spiritual springtime! May the breath of life refresh our souls, and may we arise to build a world of unity and justice together.
Sending love, prayers,…

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Triumph of light over darkness, good thoughts, good words, […]

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 23:16:55 +0200

Triumph of light over darkness, good thoughts, good words, good deeds.

Happy Nowruz to all celebrating! May your year bring health, joy & strength.

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Freedom of religion is important.But what’s even more i […]

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 23:11:42 +0200

Freedom of religion is important.

But what’s even more important is the development and progress of religions themselves.

Religions don’t have to stay frozen in the past.

They can — and must — grow:

→ more liberal

→ more updated

→ more inclusive

→ and moving toward true universality — a spirituality that welcomes every human being, regardless of bac…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group Trustees’ Working Group: Dear all, As indicated last week, Monday and Tuesday are now […]

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 02:54:47 +0200

Dear all,

As indicated last week, Monday and Tuesday are now my days off, so I will be sharing my work plans on Wednesday (it is still Wednesday somewhere).

Begin scheduling the 2nd IC meeting (done),
Initialise the membership procedure for Beyond (Council),
Contunue working on website documentation, private and public (about 40% done), including a…

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Over 120 years ago, a small group of free and liberal […]

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:06:59 +0200

Over 120 years ago, a small group of free and liberal religious people came together in a shared commitment to religious freedom and interfaith understanding.

From those early European and American meetings to our truly global conferences today—like our inspiring 36th Congress in 2023—we continue to gather, celebrate our bonds, and draw wis…

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Karen Armstrong (born 14 November 1944) is a British author […]

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:05:02 +0200

Karen Armstrong (born 14 November 1944) is a British author and commentator known for her books on comparative religion. A former Roman Catholic religious sister, she went from a conservative to a more liberal and mystical Christian faith.

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group Trustees’ Working Group: Dear all, We received a formal membership application from […]

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:57:50 +0200

Dear all,

We received a formal membership application from the progressive religious group Beyond. Some of you met their respresentatices at the last EME meeting. It has the endorsement of the EME.

All the best,
Luke

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group Trustees’ Working Group: Dear all, A liberal religious magazine, Sofia, related to the […]

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 20:09:47 +0200

Dear all,

A liberal religious magazine, Sofia, related to the Sea of Faith group, requested an article on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the first IARF Congress, held in London in 1901. I wrote it, and the issue with it has been published recently. It is available online here: https://sofn.uk/library/the-international-association-for-reli…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz created a new scheduling poll.

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 02:55:53 +0200

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update: It is now possible to reply to email notifications (about a […]

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 22:39:00 +0200

It is now possible to reply to email notifications (about a new group post, a reply to your post, a post you’re mentioned in or a chat message), and the reply will be processed and posted in the app automatically. So if you prefer to work in your inbox as much as possible, this should make life easier for you, because you don’t have to open the…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group Trustees’ Working Group: Dear all, The Trustee meeting will be this Sunday, 15 March, […]

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:55:05 +0200

Dear all,

The Trustee meeting will be this Sunday, 15 March, at 3 PM UTC, which is:

New York (EDT): 11:00 AM
London (GMT): 3:00 PM
Amsterdam (CET): 4:00 PM
New Delhi (IST): 8:30 PM

You can view the draft agenda here.

Please join using this link.

All the best,
Luke

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: The Three Dialogues That Can Change Our World We often talk […]

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:33:36 +0200

The Three Dialogues That Can Change Our World We often talk about needing better conversations. But real dialogue goes far deeper than just words. It lives in three beautiful dimensions:

The Dialogue of the Head “In the dialogue of the head, we mentally reach out to the other to learn from those who think differently from us.”
The Dialogue of the…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group IARF Japan Study Tour 2026: Dear all, I've worked some more on the interactive map of the […]

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:44:04 +0200

Dear all,

I’ve worked some more on the interactive map of the tour: https://iarf.net/tour/iarf-japan-study-tour/. It is now fully functional. It’s possible for all group members to add their stories (photos, videos, text) either to pre-defined stops or any place on the map (just click somewhere and the coordinates will be applied automatically). I…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group Trustees’ Working Group: This is an overview of IARF member groups and individuals […]

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:27:14 +0200

This is an overview of IARF member groups and individuals connected to them in India.

1. The Current India Chapter (South)

Located in the South and Tamil-speaking. They do not get along with Central India, Raju, Prakash Rao or RFYN. More active recently. They usually organise interfaith events and commemorative day celebrations (Human Rights Day…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group Trustees’ Working Group: After looking at it from different angles and taking into […]

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:26:30 +0200

After looking at it from different angles and taking into account multiple factors (more about the rationale below), and these are the three options I arrived at (and now I realise that perhaps we should have a post-tour – it’s impossible to plan a 3 full-day tour and a 3 full-day Congress without includding Shabbat, so maybe it’s better if we…

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update in the group Trustees’ Working Group: I'd like to publish the newsletter on Sunday. If you have […]

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:29:39 +0200

I’d like to publish the newsletter on Sunday. If you have anything you’d like to be included, or write something yourself, please let me know. The highligted items will be our oral statement and George’s article, I think.

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Dear Friends, an invitation to join IARF and discover new […]

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:38:31 +0200

Dear Friends, an invitation to join IARF and discover new volunteering opportunities is now live on all our social media accounts. E.

Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update: It's interesting how certain religious phrases become slogans […]

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:58:38 +0200

It’s interesting how certain religious phrases become slogans and memes; after Deus vult, it is Christ is King, apparently. I’ve never liked this title – yes, it was subversive when the world was ruled by an emperor, but times have changed, and instead of being revolutionary, it has now become reactionary, even before the current far-right trend,…

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), born Narendranath Datta, was t […]

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:31:52 +0200

Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), born Narendranath Datta, was the visionary Indian Hindu monk and chief disciple of Ramakrishna.

He introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, raised interfaith awareness, and elevated Hinduism to a major world religion.

A timeless spiritual giant!

Ernests Ivanovs posted an update in the group Publication and Communication Working Group: Hi everyone! Quick heads-up regarding our social media posts […]

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:09:55 +0200

Hi everyone!

Quick heads-up regarding our social media posts this week. I was hit hard by the flu this past Sunday, and while I’m still battling a high temperature, I’m managing to carve out about an hour a day to work, so social media posts will be added daily this week.

Normal service (and the full Monday-noon schedule) will resume next week. Tha…