The International Association for Religious Freedom | Site-Wide Activity https://iarf.net/network/activity/ Activity feed for the entire site. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 23:53:49 +0200 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 dafa6c04e4d4da662e15b944625bb765 DR. ADAM KONADU became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3981/ Sun, 07 Jun 2026 18:26:53 +0200 0 b0823b53432bcbd3f0bbbcf55bfb321b Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: On Planet Earth, there is only one race — the human race.We m […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3979/ Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:17:16 +0200 On Planet Earth, there is only one race — the human race.

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.

]]> 0 a809ec42a8c786e8df3d0a46c0c0a376 Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Flower Communion (also known as Flower Ceremony, Flower […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3972/ Sun, 31 May 2026 12:29:40 +0200 Flower Communion (also known as Flower Ceremony, Flower Celebration, or Oslava květin in Czech) is a distinctive Unitarian Universalist ritual that celebrates the uniqueness of every individual within a beloved community.

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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]]> 0 c7cb37fd666eb58e58042d7121902644 Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update: The next session of Rev. Maruta's (@michinori-maruta) course […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3969/ Sat, 30 May 2026 15:55:33 +0200 The next session of Rev. Maruta’s (@michinori-maruta) course on Buddhism and Free Religion will be held tomorrow (or today, if you are in America). He’s holding two (it’s the same content, repeated for people from different parts of the world).

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

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]]> 0 49f8bf090a99768c2848edc94b71fc9e Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Bishop John Shelby Spong (1931–2021)A bold voice in C […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3967/ Fri, 29 May 2026 12:53:13 +0200 Bishop John Shelby Spong (1931–2021)

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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]]> 0 a1f10792f79e76ea8ee95c7fbafc6923 Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: The Evolution of Faith in the 21st Century: Why Literary […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3963/ Thu, 28 May 2026 09:09:39 +0200 The Evolution of Faith in the 21st Century: Why Literary Criticism Matters

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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]]> 0 2008cef9dfdb30571131e79ce92e4f78 Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: "My religion is kindness to all."— His Holiness the Dalai L […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3958/ Tue, 26 May 2026 10:31:44 +0200 “My religion is kindness to all.”

— 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.

]]> 0 b49cb442df631773c55ebeadee52635b Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: May 25, 1900 – Founding Day of the International A […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3953/ Mon, 25 May 2026 11:05:41 +0200 May 25, 1900 – Founding Day of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF)

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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]]> 0 0f4b3563e07a7f861e8310cbd9094f7a Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update: Kurt's course, Presuppositions and Principles of Historical […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3944/ Sat, 23 May 2026 01:31:58 +0200 Kurt’s course, Presuppositions and Principles of Historical Criticism, has recently concluded after four live sessions. You can still access it and watch the recordings, of course! It is really worth it!

]]> 0 fad0da97916d853ac0fcfe45ae8e29b1 Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Have you ever felt caught in a ideological tug-of-war?Liberal […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3931/ Fri, 22 May 2026 11:46:52 +0200 Have you ever felt caught in a ideological tug-of-war?

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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]]> 0 fe1a68d54ebda6497365dbac33406fbd Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Today is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3930/ Thu, 21 May 2026 11:35:44 +0200 Today is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development!

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.

]]> 0 8ba3328b5e8435a04ae285f0c6a3d093 Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update: This is the former logo of the IARF, which has been in use […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3927/ Wed, 20 May 2026 19:02:26 +0200 This is the former logo of the IARF, which has been in use for many decades, until about 2010. I’ve copied and redrawn it from an issue of an IARF periodical from thr 1980s (https://iarf.net/library/item/iarf-world-community-news-nr-1-1983).

]]> 0 7799eaa28fd97fb8d8dd0b1469b87173 Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: A liberal approach to religiosity and theology offers the […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3926/ Wed, 20 May 2026 11:34:24 +0200 A liberal approach to religiosity and theology offers the strongest foundation for authentic interreligious dialogue and cooperation.

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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]]> 0 2ef949156a4ad473d4b591ef37ac1114 Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update: The recording of yesterday's session of Beyond's discussion […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3925/ Tue, 19 May 2026 19:37:22 +0200 The recording of yesterday’s session of Beyond’s discussion series on freedom is now available.

iarf.net
A Look at the…

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]]> 0 9f124acde8f9c957ee33b7a50e093a73 Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: The Brahmo Samaj Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy on 20 August […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3920/ Tue, 19 May 2026 16:58:05 +0200 The Brahmo Samaj

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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]]> 0 3359fb7dd9c8ca065779bc7de08faea7 Morgana Sythove and Felipe Ribeiro are now friends https://iarf.net/network/activity/3915/ Mon, 18 May 2026 21:48:54 +0200 0 5b2a9f3da6ee8298a7d01a413222702f Waqar Tariq became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3913/ Mon, 18 May 2026 17:28:42 +0200 0 646b965e991c236215ef66030279f770 Mark Solomon became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3908/ Mon, 18 May 2026 15:27:07 +0200 0 517f45d93558d51743b507163863e9c8 Hetty Zock became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3906/ Mon, 18 May 2026 12:46:49 +0200 0 0397b27ab7848603f7f929dbdac1800e Susanna Faust Kallenberg became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3904/ Mon, 18 May 2026 09:04:54 +0200 0 97c68d58aebc9e0726a414d867041d9a Mirjam Minderman-de Niet became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3903/ Mon, 18 May 2026 08:35:44 +0200 0 821c59be64fc6d75d6b7bb36e6e45a89 Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Empowering young minds for a tolerant India! Our Human Rights […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3885/ Fri, 15 May 2026 10:09:57 +0200 Empowering young minds for a tolerant India!

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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]]> 0 858ac58f361a01ebbd913dbb144170aa Leah Frey-Rabine posted an update: The next BEYOND. Zoom Spiritual Meeting will be on Monday, […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3884/ Thu, 14 May 2026 19:35:41 +0200 The next BEYOND. Zoom Spiritual Meeting will be on Monday, May 18, from 19:00-20:30. Carol Wanske and Peter Dennebaum will discuss freedom from a Christian perspective. You are cordially invited to join us in discussion and fellowship.

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

]]> 0 bcd0308c906f6cf0ae6bbf8636a5339b Daniel NKONGOLO BUNYENGU became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3882/ Thu, 14 May 2026 18:12:48 +0200 0 6097fd30722f3159f316b66aa08d353f Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Religious Freedom Under Pressure in EgyptThe Egyptian […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3881/ Thu, 14 May 2026 15:16:49 +0200 Religious Freedom Under Pressure in Egypt

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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]]> 0 536ee8255917c5b6a6b3f070aee65b96 KENNETH ING became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3876/ Thu, 14 May 2026 12:09:34 +0200 1 0888f85e989a69612be3ea8863fefa08 Peter Bertram Godfrey became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3867/ Wed, 13 May 2026 15:05:24 +0200 0 63ebb209fa3f4512fe4c59df64a89cff Carol Wanske became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3865/ Wed, 13 May 2026 13:50:57 +0200 0 b0efc6f8a88c04acbfe4ea541d471420 Britto Arul posted an update: We are conducting a workshop for school teachers on Peace and […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3864/ Wed, 13 May 2026 11:38:02 +0200 We are conducting a workshop for school teachers on Peace and Harmony in collaboration with the Indian Social Institute at Institute of Development Education and Action Studies (IDEAS) from 15th May 2026 to 17th May 2026.

Around 40 teachers from the southern zone of Tamil Nadu, India, will participate in this programme. The workshop aims to equip…

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]]> 0 8094a7fb95755ba18bee64f4f75e5020 Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted a new event https://iarf.net/network/activity/3863/ Tue, 12 May 2026 21:15:17 +0200 0 33decc300d359a4144d8dbd4a6e91408 Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz published a new course. https://iarf.net/network/activity/3862/ Tue, 12 May 2026 21:14:21 +0200 In an increasingly pluralistic world, how can religious diversity serve as a resource for stronger, more inclusive communities? This webinar explores how religious pluralism can be actively mobilized to foster community engagement across diverse socio-economic environments.

We are honoured to welcome Prof. Dr. Christoph Knoblauch (University of…

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]]> 0 233867bb0d87184fc59a4aeaba15bf58 Leah Frey-Rabine posted an update: Birthday blessings to our wonderful Executive Secretary and […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3860/ Tue, 12 May 2026 18:48:23 +0200 Birthday blessings to our wonderful Executive Secretary and cyberspace pilot Luke! May you enjoy many more happy, healthy, and peaceful years to come!

]]> 1 232f1a709747b1cb440bedefd9b28a6a Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: The IARF Japan Study Tour 2026 is underway! We’re enjoying t […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3857/ Tue, 12 May 2026 16:00:53 +0200 The IARF Japan Study Tour 2026 is underway!

We’re enjoying the perfect balance of visiting sacred places and spending meaningful time with our wonderful member communities across Japan. The journey started in Tokyo with warm fellowship at Rissho Kosei-kai headquarters alongside IALRW Japan and the IARF Japan Chapter.

The group is now connecting w…

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]]> 0 b168b8aae834d7c41dd077dc380b6658 Mathias Becker became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3855/ Tue, 12 May 2026 13:51:45 +0200 0 a4ba78b68a6c52ff894399204ec986db Peter le Poole posted an update: Part of our group in front of the beautiful Itsukuina shrine […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3848/ Tue, 12 May 2026 08:09:03 +0200 Part of our group in front of the beautiful Itsukuina shrine (shinto) on Miyajima island, half an hour by boat from Hiroshima. Nice little village at the feet of lush mountainous forests. Very serene. Wish I could spend a month here!

]]> 2 52c529cb04174757e9f9fa5454d818cf Sonal Dhir became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3852/ Mon, 11 May 2026 22:36:05 +0200 0 66bfe8851224c090a720da120f2ed852 Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update: Dear all,To make it easier to stay in touch with our global […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3671/ Mon, 11 May 2026 12:44:35 +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…

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]]> 3 a07d6938c7810ae209e671d11e5bd521 Fertac Bilge became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3836/ Sun, 10 May 2026 03:37:36 +0200 0 edc29b0eb59f5b358707290439f8f3ea Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: We’re glad to announce that BEYOND. - The European Network f […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3821/ Sat, 09 May 2026 12:56:34 +0200 We’re glad to announce that BEYOND. – The European Network for Religious Progressives has officially joined the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) as a new member group!

Our connection began at the 2025 European Conference in Frankfurt, and we are delighted to now welcome them into our global community.

BEYOND.’s strong com…

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]]> 0 9d50b3814183171958227035f492fdc0 Margaret (Peggy) Kanada became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3819/ Sat, 09 May 2026 06:42:05 +0200 0 a2deccd6d9e1bc64903f86bf6a7a7c68 Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted an update: The May issue of our newsletter is out! You can read it here.A […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3818/ Sat, 09 May 2026 04:33:41 +0200 The May issue of our newsletter is out! You can read it here.

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 IARF Net…

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]]> 0 e2c6abadd42a1747d6e16e75c8089a4d Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: In May 1945, as the smoke cleared from a world-shattering […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3801/ Thu, 07 May 2026 10:00:54 +0200 In May 1945, as the smoke cleared from a world-shattering conflict, the IARF Secretariat did more than just reopen its doors—it reclaimed a vital space for the human spirit. At the very heart of this rebirth was a commitment to liberal religiosity: the profound belief that faith should be a matter of conscience, characterised by an open mind and a…

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]]> 0 f3c294c53cb6c9450f30a27f27849e9a Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Many people are walking away because faith feels stuck in the […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3796/ Wed, 06 May 2026 10:39:56 +0200 Many people are walking away because faith feels stuck in the past.

What if the solution isn’t abandoning religion — but approaching it with more openness, reason, and compassion? A liberal approach that keeps the spiritual wisdom while embracing human dignity, science, and evolving ethics.

Faith doesn’t have to fear questions. It can grow with them.

]]> 0 2e0e33e76ef32b719bdcbbcaaf411be3 REV TINA GANDHI became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3793/ Tue, 05 May 2026 15:04:29 +0200 0 028a556ca014a5b15b3a6a63900769aa Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Today is World Press Freedom Day!A free and independent press […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3784/ Sun, 03 May 2026 08:24:29 +0200 Today is World Press Freedom Day!

A free and independent press is essential for democracy, accountability, and truth. We honor the journalists around the world who courageously report the facts, often at great personal risk.

Protecting press freedom protects all of us.

]]> 0 981384a6e0fe4b672abc1ffae74678f4 Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: What if faith doesn't require believing in miracles as […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3780/ Sat, 02 May 2026 11:03:24 +0200 What if faith doesn’t require believing in miracles as literal history?

Rudolf Bultmann, one of the most influential 20th-century theologians, argued that we must demythologize the New Testament.

He believed the Bible’s supernatural stories (miracles, virgin birth, resurrection as literal events) were ancient myths meant to convey deeper existential…

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]]> 0 7b1be424dd6ae2554cff6b81cc008cc0 Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Happy Beltane Day!May the fires of passion, growth, and new […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3773/ Fri, 01 May 2026 08:33:42 +0200 Happy Beltane Day!

May the fires of passion, growth, and new beginnings light up your path. Wishing you joy, fertility, and vibrant energy as we celebrate the peak of spring!

]]> 0 b2a7a69d57bf6a7dd610a4e6d95ea31a Lukasz (Luke) Liniewicz posted a new event https://iarf.net/network/activity/3771/ Fri, 01 May 2026 02:02:27 +0200 0 90c59f761a3de19393234986b8b35f34 Ernests Ivanovs posted an update: Progressive Muslim voices — from scholars to everyday b […] https://iarf.net/network/activity/3770/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:42:18 +0200 Progressive Muslim voices — from scholars to everyday believers — continue this spirit today by advocating for gender justice, religious pluralism, human rights, freedom of thought, and welcoming communities that embrace diversity, including LGBTQ+ Muslims and interfaith families.

True faith, in its ethical core, is a force for mercy (rahma) and…

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]]> 0 8e5bb4dbf37775538caee8869da8093d Riany Annisya became a registered member https://iarf.net/network/activity/3762/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:49:13 +0200 0