Let’s celebrate our differences instead of fearing them. Religious tolerance isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom, compassion, and the foundation of peace.

We may pray differently, but we all want the same things: love, safety, and dignity.

The Federation of Free Religious Communities of Germany (BFGD) is one of Germany’s oldest organizations dedicated to free thought, religious freedom, and humanistic values. Founded in 1859, the BFGD brings together communities that value critical thinking, personal conscience, and et…

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Also, please consider subscribing for our digest – you can receive an email with everything that has been posted in your groups and courses, new members and public posts every day, every 3 days or every week. It’s a convenient way to stay up to date with what is happening on the IAR…

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The International Council will meet on Wednesday the 24th at 2 PM UTC.

All IARF Members are welcome to participate as observers. You can join using this link.

As the agenda is quite full, there may not be an opportunity for observers to speak during the meeting. However, your presence and interest are warmly welcomed and…

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Today the sun shines at its brightest, blessing us with the longest day of the year. A perfect moment to celebrate light, warmth, growth, and the abundance of nature.

May our hearts be full of joy, your spirit renewed by the sun’s fire, and may our lives are blooming with possibility.

In every faith tradition — Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and others — there are teachings of compassion, justice, and human dignity.

Yet across history and today, religious communities continue to grapple with important human rights questions:

Freedom of belief and…

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In a world that often tries to separate reason from faith, Schweitzer reminds us that true depth comes when they walk hand in hand. Deep thinking strengthens genuine spirituality, and authentic religion invites honest reflection.

Less about rigid dogma and more about openness, compassion, personal experience, and ethical living — it’s reshaping way how to connect with the sacred today. Progressive faith traditions helped development of the min…

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One of the most fascinating etymological roots points back to the Latin word “religare” (a view shared by ancient thinkers like Augustine and many modern writers).

Breaking it down:

• Re- (meaning “back” or “again”)

• Ligare (meaning “to bind, tie, or fasten”)

Together, it literally means “to…

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Christianity: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)

Judaism: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.” (Talmud, Shabbat 31a)

Islam: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he…

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We may look different, speak different languages, and carry unique stories, but at our core, we’re all one family. Let’s choose unity, kindness, and understanding over division.

Origins in Prague (1923)

The modern Flower Communion was created by Rev. Dr Norbert Čapek (1870–1942), a former Catholic who bec…

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The first one (Sunday the 31st at 1am UTC): https://iarf.net/network/courses/34/content?session=96, and…

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A bold voice in Christianity, the former Episcopal Bishop of Newark challenged traditional doctrines and championed a more inclusive faith. He was among the first to ordain women and an openly gay priest, advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion decades before it became mainstream.

Spong believed Christianity must e…

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How do ancient religious texts continue to speak to a complex, modern world? The answer doesn’t lie in ignoring historical context, but in diving deeply into it.

In the 21st century, the historical-critical method and liberal literary criticism are more vital than ever for…

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— His Holiness the Dalai Lama

This simple yet powerful message reminds us that true spirituality isn’t about rituals or rules — it’s about how we treat one another every single day.

On this day 126 years ago, visionary leaders gathered in Boston to establish the International Association for Religious Freedom — one of the world’s oldest interfaith organisations dedicated to promoting religious liberty, liberal religiosity, dialogue, and…

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Liberal and progressive religious people often find themselves living in a challenging paradox. They face a “double critique” from two completely opposite sides:

1. Secular Critics: Who often view all religion as inherently rigid, outdated, or conservative, dismissing the possibility of meaningful…

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Our differences are not barriers — they are our greatest strength. Let’s celebrate the richness of every culture, keep conversations open, and build bridges that drive real progress and understanding.

Together, diversity makes us stronger.

When we approach our own faith with humility, openness, and intellectual honesty — rather than fear and defensiveness — we create space for real encounter. We move beyond “my way is the only way” toward a deeper app…

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iarf.net

A Look at the…

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Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy on 20 August 1828, the Brahmo Samaj was one of India’s most influential reform movements. It called for a return to pure, monotheistic spirituality — free from idol worship, superstitions, and outdated customs.

The movement played a key role in:

• Abolishing Sati

• Promoting women’s education

• Advancing ratio…

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Our Human Rights Education program, running since 2005, is back with 10 workshops in 2026 across five colleges and universities in India.

College students and young professionals are learning about fundamental rights, religious freedom, and combating discrimination through interactive two-day sessions…

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Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2185465010?pwd=TDRJRzVKRXl1MzN0SjJZY0NDdkNLZz09

The Egyptian government continues to systematically enforce laws, policies, and judicial decisions that repress non-Muslim religious life. This includes Baha’is, Coptic Christians, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jews, Qur’anists, members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, and non-believers.

While the gover…

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