In Memoriam: Br. M.D. Sebastian, SHJ
The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) remembers with deep gratitude the life and legacy of Bro. M.D. Sebastian SHJ (1941–2025), who dedicated his life to promoting peace, harmony, and interfaith understanding.
International Day of Peace 2025 – Report from BV Foundation
Under the auspices of the B.V. Foundation for Peace and Harmony, South India (a Member Group of the International Association for Religious Freedom – IARF) and the Gandhi Centre, Visakhapatnam, a grand meeting was held at the Seminar Hall of L.B. College to mark the International Day of Peace. The event was presided over by […]
Stand in Solidarity for Rights of Aboriginals and Torrest Strait Islanders to Demonstrate and Worship
As reported by media like The Guardian, on August 31 a group of neo-Nazis and others stormed Camp Sovereignty, a First Nations protest site and historic Aboriginal burial ground in central Melbourne. Attackers reportedly desecrated an ancestral fire, tore down flags and physically assaulted women attending a peaceful ceremony. The site stands as a symbol […]
Last Chance: EME Conference 2025 In-Person Registration Extended!
Great news for those of you who still wish to join us in person! We have extended the registration deadline for in-person attendance at the EME Conference 2025 to September 11th. This is your final opportunity to secure a spot and experience the event in Offenbach and Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The conference, themed “Limits […]
Remembrance of Transylvania 2005 Flood
Two decades ago, on August 23rd, 2005, villages in the valley of the Nyikó river in Transylvania (Romania) suffered the most catastrophic flood in memory. Sixteen people have died. The flood destroyed the livelihood of thousands of people of that region. Two thousands of them lost everything, their houses, barns, animals, workshops, machinery, their cars. […]
Invitation: Remembering Hiroshima & Nagasaki
On behalf of the IARF India Chapter and the B.V. Foundation, I invite you to join us and our partners for a series of meetings from 6-9 August 2025, to remember the events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We believe that remembering the human cost of conflict is essential to our shared work for peace and […]
IARF Is Shocked by Lack of Respect Towards Indigenous Group in Brazil and Peru
The British newspaper The Guardian reported on Sunday, 27 July about efforts of missionaries to contact the isolated Korubu indigenous group in the border area of Brazil and Peru. The goal of these efforts was reportedly to convert the community to Christianity. The newspaper writes that the missionaries and organisations engaged in illegal activities, since Brazilian law does […]
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 […]
Spring 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 […]