Happy Thanksgiving!
In the United States, it is customary to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November. Despite global challenges, there is still much to be grateful for—even as the world stands at a tipping point between hope and fear, light and darkness.
This year has been fraught with war, climate inaction, and growing inequities, yet the principles of religions and spiritualities calling us to beauty, truth, and justice are more necessary than ever. In the darkness, the candles of liberal faith can shine brightly.
The International Association for Religious Freedom is moving in a new direction. All International Council members are now expected to contribute either as workers or by appointing associates to represent their chapters or member groups. So far, this has proven effective in our committees for finance, UN representation, and developing the website for free communication.
Membership has grown, with Sony College in Chhindwara, India, and Pagan Federation International joining us. IARF’s strength lies in its openness to diverse perspectives—religious, spiritual, or secular—and its recognition of every faith’s unique contributions to our collective enrichment. No tradition has a monopoly on truth; through dialogue, we find new ways to serve a struggling world. (Several more groups are preparing their applications.)
Contributions from regions such as Europe and the U.S. have increased, and individual donations—some surpassing those of member groups—have been especially impactful.
Personally, I am deeply grateful for the positive reception of the Free Religion Institute. The concept of “free religion” – inspired by figures like Raja Rammohan Roy, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Dr. Imaoka Shin’ichirô – explores liberating spiritualities across traditions. Translating this vision across languages remains challenging, as political and historical contexts often distort the meaning of freedom.
Andrew Brown suggests “free-religion” as a way to reconnect with the liberative essence of faith traditions. Today, we face enslavements in new forms. Free-religion invites us to confront these with liberating practices.
We need your support. Volunteer as an editor, librarian, teacher, or researcher, or help with technical tasks for the Institute and the website. If volunteering isn’t possible, please consider donating to sponsor an intern or a program.
Let us honor Guji Yukitaka Yamamoto’s plea: “Do not let IARF die.” Together, we can keep its mission alive.
George Williams
IARF President
Empowering Foundations: Advancing Equality and Opportunity through Rural Engagement
In a significant demonstration of international interest in rural India’s development initiatives, David Moss, Senior Vice President and Head of Trading Compliance at a leading New York-based investment management company, conducted an extensive two-day visit to various IARF-RFYN projects in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, during October 19-20, 2024. The visit showcased remarkable achievements in youth empowerment, interfaith harmony, and women’s economic development.
Youth Empowerment and Skill Development
At the heart of the visit was a compelling session at Sony Computer Education centre, where Moss engaged with RFYN, aspiring professionals, sharing invaluable insights about global finance career opportunities. Moving beyond traditional accounting roles, he emphasized critical skills needed in today’s financial sector, including professional email communication, financial fundamentals, and proficiency in digital tools such as Excel and Google Sheets. Moss particularly stressed the importance of staying informed about global financial trends.
The impact of his guidance was evident in the enthusiastic response from participants, who presented him with a hand-sketched portrait as a token of their appreciation.
Interfaith Harmony and Educational Initiatives
The visit highlighted significant strides in promoting interfaith harmony through education and cultural exchange. Moss visited Anjuman English Medium school, An Urdu school which stands as a beacon of religious integration. The school’s unique approach ensures children aged 5-13 years from various religious backgrounds study together, fostering early understanding of religious diversity. Despite language barriers, students made commendable efforts to interact with Moss in English, demonstrating their commitment to global communication skills.
Further emphasizing the interfaith aspect, Moss visited a local Jain temple, where Mr. Deepak raj Jain provided insights into Jain philosophy and traditions. This cultural exchange exemplified the program’s commitment to promoting understanding across different communities.
Vocational Training and Career Development
A significant portion of the visit focused on RFYN’s innovative ‘Careerfirst’ initiative, which bridges the gap between underprivileged youth and employment opportunities through government-sponsored vocational training. Moss visited several prestigious training centres, including CII (Confederation of indian industries), ATDC (Apparel Training & Design Centre), and Ashok Leyland’s training facility in Chhindwara. During these visits, he engaged directly with students, learning about their economic backgrounds and aspirations. His encouragement to complete their courses and pursue career goals resonated strongly with the trainees.
Women Empowerment and Rural Economic Development
In Bamhni village near Tamiya block, situated 95 km from Chhindwara, Moss witnessed the transformative impact of RFYN India’s women empowerment projects, which have shown remarkable success over the past 7-8 years. The village, predominantly tribal and challenged by work opportunities, has been uplifted through a collaborative initiative involving Cosmo foundation, Sony Computer Education and RFYN.
The installation of Chironji de-shelling machines has created sustainable livelihood opportunities for women’s self-help groups. This initiative processes seeds from the Buchanania lanzan plant, a high-value dry fruit with strong export demand, particularly in Gulf countries. Villagers shared how this mechanization has provided an additional benefit to their economic conditions.
Leadership and Recognition
During his visit, Moss met with IARF Chhindwara Branch members to learn about the organization’s history and development in the region. The success of these various initiatives is attributed to a dedicated team of professionals, including Mr. Manoj Soni (Secretary, IARF Chhindwara Branch), Mr. Aayush Soni (RFYN Representative and VP, IARF), Mr. Immanuel Manish Daniel (Senior Member, IARF), Dr. SA Brown (Ex. Council Member, IARF), Dr. KK Shrivastava (Founding Member of IARF Chhindwara branch), Mr. Ansari (Founding Member of IARF Chhindwara branch), Mr. Ratnesh Jain (IARF Member), Mr. Vishwesh Chandel (Member, IARF Chhindwara Branch), Mrs. Kirti Soni (Director, Sony Computer Education), and Ms. Janhvi Gupte (Ex. VP and RFYN Representative, IARF).
Future Implications
“The synergy between various stakeholders – from government agencies to educational institutions and community organizations – is what makes these initiatives truly successful,”
Moss observed during his concluding remarks. The visit highlighted how targeted interventions, when properly executed, can create sustainable change in rural communities while promoting education, women’s empowerment, and interfaith harmony.
The success of these programs, particularly in Bamhni village and through the Careerfirst initiative, demonstrates the effectiveness of RFYN’s approach in identifying and bridging gaps between job seekers and employers. This model of rural development, combining skill development, women’s empowerment, and interfaith harmony, could serve as a template for similar initiatives across rural India.
The comprehensive nature of David Moss’s visit not only highlighted the impact of RFYN’s initiatives but also strengthened the connection between global expertise and local development efforts in rural India, setting a promising precedent for future international collaborations in rural development.
IARF Applauds Rejection of Bill to Repeal FGM Ban in The Gambia
The National Assembly of Gambia
Since our call for support of the Petition Against FGM Ban Repeal in The Gambia, which the Nala Feminist Collective started, the situation has evolved positively. The third reading of the bill was initially planned for July 24.
IARF, an organization uniting liberal religious groups from diverse faith traditions across the globe, stands firmly against human rights violations, particularly those justified under the guise of religious or cultural practices. We are pleased to report that the bill to repeal the ban on FGM was rejected on July 15, and the planned third reading on July 24 will not take place.
IARF and its member organizations congratulate Parliament Speaker Fabakary Jatta and the National Assembly of The Gambia for this wise decision. This outcome has an impact beyond The Gambia and will continue to forward the dignity and self-determination of all human beings.
We remain committed to supporting efforts that protect human rights and bodily integrity worldwide.
Context
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It affects an estimated 200 million women and girls worldwide, with more than three-quarters of females aged between 15 and 49 in some regions having undergone the procedure. The practice can lead to severe immediate risks such as pain, shock, hemorrhage, and infections, as well as long-term consequences for sexual health and mental wellbeing.
The Gambia’s 2015 ban on FGM/C was a significant milestone in the global effort to eradicate this harmful practice. The recent attempt to repeal this ban had raised alarms among human rights organizations globally. The IARF, as part of its commitment to human rights and religious freedom, had engaged in advocacy efforts, including drafting formal communications to Gambian authorities expressing concern over the potential repeal.
The rejection of the bill to repeal the FGM/C ban not only maintains crucial protections for women and girls in The Gambia but also reinforces the country’s commitment to international human rights standards. This decision aligns with various human rights conventions ratified by The Gambia, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Sony Computer Education and GVAN Celebrates World Environment Day
World Environment Day 2024
On the occasion of World Environment Day, the international organization IARF, in collaboration with the esteemed district institution Sony Computer Education and GVAN, a dedicated entity for environmental protection and conservation, organized a transformative tree plantation event in the garden at the district hospital premises.
This remarkable initiative was spearheaded by IARF Vice President Aayush Soni and Manish Daniel. Vishwesh Chandel, President of GVAN Samiti, underscored the urgent need to address the global warming crisis. He passionately emphasized that planting and protecting trees is not just an option but a necessity for a sustainable future. He called upon everyone to pledge to plant and nurture at least one tree, thus becoming active guardians of our planet. During this inspiring event, saplings of Amaltas, Christmas Tree, Bael, and Banyan were lovingly planted.
In light of the ongoing water crisis and the sudden increase in temperatures causing severe heat waves, Chandel highlighted the critical importance of such initiatives. Planting trees is a powerful act of hope and resilience, providing much-needed shade, enhancing air quality, and preserving our precious water resources.
The event was graced by the presence of Mrs. Kirti Soni and Manoj Soni, Directors of Sony Computer Education, along with Manish Daniel and our GVAN members.
Our collective progress empowers us to proudly say that we are no longer just planting trees or saplings; we are cultivating vibrant gardens. This transformation stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we are making a profound impact, turning our vision of a healthier planet into a beautiful reality. Let us continue this journey with renewed vigor and dedication, knowing that every tree we plant today is a gift to future generations.
President’s New Year Letter
Dear Sisters and Brothers of IARF,
As the Winter Solstice ushers in a change of seasons, may the increasing light bring us hope, rebirth, and renewal. Our traditions universally celebrate the New Year with symbols of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. Christmas heralds Jesus as the Light of the World, Hanukkah celebrates the Festival of Lights and the miracle of the menorah, the Druidic Alban Arthan witnesses the Oak King triumphing over the Holly King symbolizing light conquering darkness, and Kwanzaa honors African traditions by lighting a Kinara. These messages of hope and renewal are universal, even in the many traditions that mark the New Year at the onset of other seasons like spring or harvest.
Never in our lifetimes has the symbolism of the struggle between darkness and light been more palpable in our lived reality. Never has the message at the heart of the International Association of Religious Freedom been more pertinent. Like the shortened days of winter, we have experienced a period of diminished resources and perhaps a waning belief in our unique organization – the oldest interfaith community, known for its contributions to religious freedom, peace, progressive religion and a liberating spirituality that frees from suffering, oppression, addiction, and more.
Our past successes should fill us with pride, but they also call us to recognize our place and role in the world. We are the world! This realization urges us to acknowledge our utmost importance at a time when the world is facing more challenges than ever. In our 123 years, IARF has adapted to the spiritual needs of each era. Now, we must meet the challenges of this new epoch.
As an interfaith association, we must remember the values of our traditions in cultivating love and peace. We are more than just an organization; we are a conscience of a world that is losing its compassion, kindness, and love of truth.
I sense an expectation from our member groups to rejuvenate ourselves with newfound energy and enthusiasm. We have the moment, the enthusiasm, the energy, and the will to guide IARF through these dark times. We have a mission, and our people expect us to overcome the danger of fading into oblivion.
The challenge is even greater because IARF is far from having an adequate financial basis. However, we can and must become more generous toward our cherished organization. New programs will include a focus on youth, a digital education program titled the Institute for the Study of Free Religion with over 50 courses in liberating spirituality, a speakers bureau, online chats, representation in the United Nations, shared media, printed materials, and more. While limited resources might hold us back, the need for our diverse faith perspectives has never been greater.
May your New Year be blessed, happy, and safe. May you share your light with a neighbor.
George Williams, IARF President
Highlights from the 2023 IARF Congress
Commemorating the Anniversary of Professor Van Holk’s Courageous Stance
On its 83rd anniversary, we remember Professor L. van Holk’s (1893-1982) historic protest speech against the persecution of Jews at Leiden University. The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) commemorates Van Holk not only as a Remonstrant theologian and a revered scholar but also as its dedicated secretary, deeply committed to religious freedom and human dignity.
The Netherlands has always played a pivotal role in the IARF, with Dutch theologians being active members since its inception in 1900. Their liberal Protestant roots, shared by the Remonstrant Church, provided fertile ground for the IARF’s principles. The Dutch contribution was significant, with the first Executive Committee comprising four Dutch members and several congresses, including the momentous 1922 Congress in Leiden, being held in the Netherlands.
Professor Van Holk, a distinguished figure at Leiden University, embodied the spirit of religious freedom and moral courage. On November 26, 1940, in response to the dismissal of Jewish colleagues by the Nazi occupiers, he delivered a poignant protest speech. His words, though not recorded at the time, were captured in the memories of those present and later documented. He stated:
Ladies and gentlemen, students,
The latest domestic policy measures against our Jewish fellow citizens have deeply shocked us all. We see these measures as a smear to the university and our people, a serious damage to education and science, and a moral and religious injustice…
It fully behooves us all to first alleviate the suffering that will now arise in many families, and to faithfully seek out our Jewish friends and acquaintances to express our high regard. Secondly, as Dutch, as university people, and above all as Christians, we must remain faithful to the principles of human value, justice, and charity, rooted in and proclaimed by both the Old and New Testaments. Remember that Christ teaches us in the Holy Scriptures (John 4:22) ‘Ye worship what ye know not: we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews.’ May I ask you to join me in a full minute of silence in this spirit?
His speech transcended mere words; it was an act of defiance, a beacon of hope and solidarity. He continued his lecture by discussing the Jewish Dutch philosopher Spinoza, powerfully reinforcing his stand against the persecution of Jews.
Despite the risks, Van Holk’s actions exemplified the values central to the IARF. His subsequent arrest and internment in camps didn’t deter his spirit; he continued to inspire and educate, establishing a sort of “people’s university” within the camps.
After the war, Van Holk resumed his academic duties, serving the university and its ideals for two more decades. Among other things, he represented the Remonstrants and the IARF at the Second Vatican Council. His legacy, though less publicized than some of his contemporaries, remains a testament to the power of individual courage and the enduring principles of the IARF.
As we mark this anniversary, let us not only remember Professor Van Holk’s brave stance but also reflect on the ongoing need to uphold the values he so fiercely defended. His life and actions remind us that in times of darkness, voices of truth and compassion can shine the brightest, guiding us towards a more just and understanding world.
For our readers who speak Dutch – Prof. van Holk’s book De Boodschap van het Vrijzinnig Christendom (The Message of Liberal Christianity) can be read online here.
BV Foundation Commemorates International Day of Peace 2023
Summary
The BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony, a member group of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), hosted a special event in honor of the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2023. The event was conducted at SVVP Degree College in MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, under the chairmanship of Prof. Prakasa Rao.
Lighting the Lamp of Peace
The day began with the time-honored tradition of lighting a lamp to signify the commencement of the celebrations. Dr. K. Jagadeshwara Rao, the Principal of SVVP Degree College, served as the chief guest for the occasion. A multi-faith prayer session was conducted to unite all attendees in a solemn commitment to peace.
Advocating for Global Harmony
The focal point of the event was a series of speeches highlighting the critical need for fostering global peace. Prof. Prakasa Rao took the audience on a historical journey, elaborating that the International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly on September 21, 1981. The goal behind this designation is to promote nonviolence, peace, and ceasefire among nations and individuals worldwide.
This Year’s Theme: End Racism and Build Peace
The current year’s theme resonated strongly with the audience, emphasizing the necessity to “End Racism and Build Peace.” Prof. Rao stressed that maintaining social harmony is of utmost importance, especially in an era where antisocial elements are disturbing the peace through violent activities.
Allocating Resources for Peace Over War
The speakers also discussed how nations often allocate extensive budgets for defense at the expense of vital sectors such as healthcare, food security, social welfare, and education. They argued for a reevaluation of priorities, emphasizing the significance of peace for societal wellbeing.
A Standing Ovation for UNO’s Efforts
Dr. K. Jagadeshwara Rao applauded the relentless efforts made by the United Nations to uphold peace despite numerous challenges. He suggested that educational institutions have a pivotal role to play in sensitizing the youth about methods to maintain global peace.
Taking the Peace Pledge
The event concluded with all attendees taking a pledge for peace, thereby symbolizing a collective commitment to promoting harmony across communities, nations, and religions.
For more information on upcoming events and how you can participate, please contact the BV Foundation at [email protected].
Introducing our New Community Platform on IARF.net!
We are thrilled to announce the addition of a community platform to our official website, IARF.net. This platform is designed to foster stronger connections, promote grassroots activities, and provide our volunteers with efficient teamwork tools.
Registration
Every member of a Member Group or a Chapter, an individual member, or a registered Congress participant is encouraged to register here. You can easily sign up using your email or Google account. Please allow a few hours for our admin to approve your account. Until it is approved, you will only be able to edit your profile inforfmation.
Profile Setup
To maintain a community based on transparency and trust, we kindly request members to upload a photo of themselves and write a short bio entry. This not only verifies your membership but also helps other members to know you better!
Purpose of the Community Platform
Our goal with this platform is multi-fold. We aim to:
- Make it easier for individual members to connect with other members worldwide
- Encourage members to write content for the website
- Boost grassroots activities
- Enhance the online event experience for events like the upcoming Congress in Cluj Faith in Reconciliation, the recent European Regional Conference Does Religion Make You Free, inter-member events like the conference held together by the Japan Chapter, RFYN and the India Chapter earlier this year, the IARF Dialogues series, and more.
- Make collaboration for our volunteers easier by giving them access to teamwork tools
- Stimulate collaboration within the organisation
What can you do on our Community Platform?
Once registered, you can:
- View and message other members here
- Submit content for the website (all content will be reviewed by a moderator, unless you are an editor)
- Join social and work groups here
- Share your thoughts, pictures, videos, and other files
- Announce events and meetings and participate in events held by other groups, and browse an event calendar
…and much more!
Ongoing Development
Please note that our community platform is still in the developmental phase. Our Administrator Luke is diligently working on it to improve and perfect the user experience. As we’re still in the testing phase, the user base may not be extensive yet – but we are hoping for this to change very soon!
Luke would greatly appreciate any feedback and would be happy to answer all questions or provide individual support in registering and using the platform. Please contact him through a message on IARF.net, send an email to [email protected], or contact him on WhatsApp at +31641744951.
We believe that this community platform will revolutionize the way we interact, communicate, and collaborate. So, sign up today, and let’s build a stronger and more connected IARF together!
Human Rights Day Observed by the Visakhapatnam Branch
On Saturday, December 10th 2022, the BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony and the India Chapter of the International Association for Religious Freedom Visakhapatnam Branch organized a special meeting to mark World Human Rights Day. The event was held at the SVVP VMC Degree and PG Courses seminar hall in MVP Colney, Visakhapatnam. The purpose of the meeting was to educate degree and PG students about human rights and their role in protecting them.
Prof. Narava Prakasa Rao, International Council Member of the IARF, presided over the meeting. He emphasized the need for young people to be aware of various issues and to act responsibly in safeguarding their rights. He also emphasized that today’s youth are not useless, but rather their potential is underused. If they are motivated and their potential is utilized properly, they can make significant contributions towards building a just society.
The chief guest of the event, Prof. A. Rajendra Prasad, former Vice Chancellor of Nagarjuna University, called on the students to become change agents and work towards protecting human rights. He also emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of the Human Rights Act of 1993 and for the framing of rules under the Act to make it an effective law. He pointed out that the most vulnerable sections of society, such as children and women, often have their human rights violated and therefore there is an urgent need to increase awareness of human rights among these groups.
A debate competition was also held among the students on this occasion. Other attendees at the event included Dr. K. Rajesh, Principal of the Degree college, Sambasiva Rao, Principal of the Junior college, Dr. Appa Rao, NSS Coordinator, Dr. Ganesh Babji, Mrs. Syamala, and others.
Festive reflections: Chanukah
In the coming year we will be publishing reflections around the time of big festivals of the many religions represented in IARF. We begin with Chanukah, the Jewish festival of light. The author of this piece is Rabbi Robert Carroll, member of the International Council, our governing body, and the Interfaith Encounter Association, one of our Middle Eastern member groups.
Jewish historical memory reflects a constant tension between the particular and universal. To give one example: The Exodus from Egypt was on one level the story of a major incident in the life of a very minor
people. It can be read as nothing more than that. But the God of the Exodus is also the God of all humanity and the Exodus, in Jewish teaching, foreshadows the Redemption that God will one day bring to all peoples. For Jews, to remember the Exodus is also to work hand in hand with God to bring that day about. So too the story of Chanukah – on one level it’s only about one small nation fighting for its cultural survival. But on a deeper level it contains many messages for all of us.
The basic story is well-known from the Books of Maccabees and the historical writings of the historian Flavius Josephus:
In the 2nd century BCE Antiochus Epiphanes, king of the Seleucid (Syrian) remnant of Alexander the Great’s empire, began a campaign to forcibly Hellenize the Jews of the land of Israel. A statue of Zeus was erected in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Pigs were sacrificed on God’s altar, in brazen defiance of God’s command. Those who kept the Sabbath or circumcised their sons, as Biblical law requires, were executed.
Though the Seleucids had the support of the High Priest and elements of Israelite society, a rebellion quickly took root, led by a group of priests from Modi’in, Mattathias and his son Judah (known as Judah the Maccabee). Despite suffering many initial defeats their guerilla war was successful, recapturing Jerusalem within three years. The word “Chanukah” simply means “rededication” and refers to the eight days of celebration which then took place. Talmudic legend relates that although only one cruze of ritual oil had remained undefiled, it miraculously burned for eight days – hence the origin of the Jewish custom of lighting a Menorah, or 8-branched candelabrum, adding a successive candle during each night of Chanukah.
As we can now see, the Chanukah story is one of a particular people fighting for its religious and cultural self-determination. But like the story of the Exodus, it has elements that speak to all of us.
One of the greatest modern-day Jewish sages, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kuk, taught that all peoples and cultures reflect and embody the light of God; just as God is infinite, God’s wisdom – His light – shines forth in manifold forms, and in all nations and faiths. Josephus fittingly coined the phrase “Festival of Lights” to describe Chanuka, and indeed over the centuries, the symbolism of light and flame came to be the holiday’s dominant motif. It speaks to us today in more ways than one: Do we want to bring warmth and illumination to the world, or do we want to be arsonists who burn and destroy?
The Chanukah story is almost 22 centuries old, yet it seems that in our day more than ever, the idea of freedom is at risk from those who would use the fire of faith to consume and oppress rather than to illuminate, to show compassion, or to perceive the holiness that all people as children of God have within themselves.
Ultimately, this is the question that Chanuka asks us: What kind of lights do we want to kindle in our world?