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 […]
The Rev. Dr. Richard Boeke: A Life of Faith in Action Across Borders
The Rev. Dr. Richard “Dick” Boeke (March 2, 1931 – May 25, 2025), a tireless advocate for interfaith cooperation and religious freedom, passed away on May 25th. His legacy in the Unitarian Universalist tradition and the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) reflects a rare combination of theological depth, institutional leadership, and joyful service. Born […]
2569th Buddha Birth Anniversary Celebration at Gandhi Centre, Visakhapatnam
On May 24, 2025, the B.V. Foundation for Peace & Harmony (a member group of IARF), in collaboration with United Religions Initiative and the Gandhi Centre, Visakhapatnam, hosted a lecture on “Buddhism in Promoting Peace and Harmony” to mark the 2569th Buddha Birth Anniversary. Dr. Maturi Srinivas, a noted pulmonologist and Buddhist scholar, delivered a […]
Buddhism and Free Religion: Continuing the Dialogue
The Free Religion Institute is pleased to announce another session in our ongoing series with Rev. Michinori Maruta exploring the connections between Buddhism and Free Religion (自由宗教 jiyū shūkyō). These talks and discussions have thus far been offered as standalone sessions rather than a formal course for the Institute. We’re excited to share that we […]
IALRW Conference 2025: Power of Dialogue and Partnership
The International Association of Liberal Religious Women will host its 2025 Conference in Kuching, Malaysia, June 11-16..