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 of Religious Freedom and Tolerance,” runs from September 11-14, 2025, and features a keynote address from the inspiring Seyran Ateş, a distinguished author and women’s rights activist.

Don’t miss out on engaging discussions, valuable workshops, and the chance to connect with fellow members. If you can’t make it in person, remember that online participation is also available.

EME Conference 2025: Register now!

For the first time, this EME conference will be hybrid, allowing members and friends from around the world to join us either in person or online.

This year’s theme, “Limits of Religious Freedom and Tolerance,” promises thoughtful discussion and exploration. We’ll delve into how liberal religious perspectives engage with contemporary challenges to freedom of thought, conscience, and belief. Our hosts, the Frei-religiöse Gemeinde Offenbach and the Unitarische Freie Religionsgemeinde Frankfurt, are both celebrating their 180th anniversaries, adding a layer of historical depth to our meeting.

Keynote Speaker Spotlight

We are particularly pleased to welcome Seyran Ateş as our opening keynote speaker. A prominent author, women’s rights activist, and founder of the liberal Ibn-Rushd-Goethe Mosque, she will share insights on “Limits of Tolerance and Liberal Religion”.

Wikipedia Bio


Mosque (Wiki)


Mosque Website

Beyond the keynote, look forward to engaging sessions, including a panel discussion on Free Religion featuring Pascal Schilling and George Williams, parallel workshops exploring topics like Liberal Theology’s contribution to religious freedom (led by Dr. Kurt Bangert) and the historical evolution of these freedoms (with Rev. Norbert Rácz), plus valuable Circle Group discussions for deeper connection. Enjoy networking during dinners and coffee breaks, and experience a special Jazz and Blues Organ Concert by the acclaimed Barbara Dennerlein. The conference concludes with an Interfaith Service hosted by our Frankfurt congregation.

Interested in exploring the roots of the free religious movement? Consider arriving early for the optional Pre-Conference Tour (Sept 9-11), visiting historic congregations and significant sites in Ingelheim, Mainz, Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, and Frankfurt, including the Paulskirche and the Jewish Museum.

Find Key Information Quickly:

About the Conference


Meet the Hosts


Registration Details


Conference Programme


Pre-Conference Tour


Accommodation Info

Ready to join the conversation?

Head over to the official conference page for the full schedule, speaker bios, registration options (including online participation and the pre-tour), and travel advice. Sign up now to secure your place!

Visit Conference Page & Register

We’re looking forward to seeing you in Germany for what promises to be an insightful and connecting conference!

Celebrating 40 Years: A Report on the IARF JLC Anniversary Gathering

Date: Tuesday, 29 October, 2024 Time: 3.00pm – 6.30pm (Part 1: 3.00–4.20pm, Part 2: 4.30–6.30pm) Location: Hotel Sanraku Kyoto Yamashina Participants: 35

Objective

The year 2024, it has been 40 years since the IARF Japan Liaison Committee (JLC) was established on the occasion of the 25th IARF World Congress in Tokyo in 1984. To commemorate this, a gathering was held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the JLC.

We looked back on the 40 years of the JLC, reflected on the passion of the original members, deepened the exchange between members and wished to continue developing IARF activities in Japan in the future.

Summary

Part 1: Slideshow Session ‘JLC – 40 years of history through images’

After the MC, Rev. Torazo Tanino, declared the meeting open, Rev. Yukinobu Sahara gave the opening address. The moderator, Rev. Yoshinobu Miyake, and commentator, Rev. Takashi Nishida, were then introduced, and the history of the JLC was reviewed through a slide presentation entitled ‘JLC – 40 years of history through images’.

The history of the JLC was reviewed with detailed explanations by Rev. Miyake of the photos on each slide, as well as reminiscences told by Rev. Nishida and other participants.

While the Tokyo Congress is highly regarded for its overall programme management, it also made a strong impression on international participants in terms of human exchange.

Representatives of Rissho Kosei-kai, Konko Church of Izuo and Tsubaki Grand Shrine first participated in the 20th World Congress held in Boston, USA, in 1969, when the ‘International Congress of Free Christians and Other Religious Liberals.’ was renamed the ‘International Association for Religious Freedom’.

In 1981, Rev. Nikkyo Niwano of Rissho Kosei-kai was elected as the first Japanese president of the IARF. In 1984, Tokyo was chosen as the venue for the 25th World Congress of the IARF, the first time in Asia.

The Japanese member groups organised the JEC (Japan Congress Executive Committee) and meticulously prepared for the Tokyo Congress. Several options were prepared not only for the main congress programme but also for pre-congress tours and post-congress tours, including programmes to introduce and exchange Japanese culture in particular.

After the great success of the Tokyo Congress, the ‘Japan Congress Executive Committee’ was taken over by the ‘IARF Japan Liaison Committee (JLC)’, which later developed IARF’s activities in Japan. Since then, several members of the JLC have served continuously on the IARF International Council, and have also made their significant international contributions, such as the election of Rev. Yukitaka Yamamoto of the Tsubaki Grand Shrine as International President in 1996 and Rev. Mitsuo Miyake of the Konko Church of Izuo in 2010. A number of JLC members have also willingly participated in IARF World Congresses held in various cities around the world.

In addition to these international activities, the JLC has held regular liaison meetings several times a year to share information on domestic and international activities, and has also organised fieldworks and study sessions in Japan.

After showing the slides, Rev Kosuke Shiba of the Japan Chapter gave a closing address and led the closing prayer to conclude the first part of the meeting. And then, all of a ll the participants took part in a group photo.

Part 2: Social Gathering

The second part of the meeting was a social gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary and to deepen mutual exchange among members. After an opening address and opening prayer by Rev. Kazuhiro Motoyama of Tamamitsu Shrine, congratulatory speeches were given by three people. First, we received a congratulatory address from Rev. Nichiko Niwano, President of Rissho Kosei-kai, read on his behalf by Rev. Yukinobu Sahara, followed by a congratulatory address from Rev. Mitsuo Miyake of Konko Church of Izuo, who served as the 33rd President of IARF. Dr. George Williams, the current IARF President, also delivered a congratulatory message, which was read on his behalf by the MC, Mr. Souru Tanino.

Following a toast led by Rev. Toshihide Yamamoto of the Mutsumikai, participants enjoyed a meal while socialising. Each of the Japan Chapter and IALRW members present was introduced. A short video created by President Williams to commemorate the Tokyo Congress was also shown, as well as photos that could not be included in Part 1 due to time constraints. Ms. Haruyo Masuda, a participant from the Japan Chapter, spoke about her experience of hosting participants at the 1984 Tokyo Congress, which included a programme of ‘home visits’. Rev Mitsuo Miyake expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the secretariat staff and others involved in the preparations for the day.

We also enjoyed a video recording of the 25th IARF Congress held in Tokyo in 1984. All of the participants shared cheerful moments. With the closing speech and prayer led by Prof. Kathy Matsui, the whole programme of the gathering came to a joyful close.

INVINCIBLE: Peace and Conflict Resolution for Young Adults

The youth wing of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) brought its peace and conflict resolution program to Mumbai, targeting young leaders at Pramod Ram Ujagar Tiwari Saket Institute of Management (PRUTSIM). The December 14 event, called “INVINCIBLE,” engaged participants aged 18-25 in conversations about peace-building and understanding conflict.

Janhvi Gupte kicked off with an ice-breaker that got participants talking openly about tough issues. This approach worked especially well, creating an atmosphere where students felt comfortable discussing conflict and its resolution.

Aayush Soni followed with an overview of IARF and RFYN’s work worldwide, showing students how they could get involved in peace-building efforts.

The program took a serious turn as participants explored the consequences of conflict, examining the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombing. Gupte’s presentation on history’s deadliest wars brought home the reality of conflict, while photos of Hiroshima created a lasting impact. The story of Sadako Sasaki, a survivor who became a symbol of peace, resonated deeply with participants.

Discussions then moved to practical applications, exploring how peace affects daily life. Participants examined personal, social, and environmental aspects of peace-building, looking at concrete ways to resolve conflicts in their own lives.

The program wrapped up in PRUTSIM’s library, where participants viewed posters from Japan showing the impact of nuclear weapons. This exhibition drove home the real consequences of war.

In a spontaneous show of commitment, participants took a peace pledge, promising never to support nuclear weapons. Their engagement and feedback showed the program hit its mark.

The event ended with Immanuel Manish Daniel encouraging participants to join RFYN’s peace efforts. PRUTSIM’s support, including presenting appreciation certificates to facilitators, demonstrated their commitment to peace education.

INVINCIBLE at PRUTSIM showed that young people engage enthusiastically with peace initiatives when presented in relevant, interactive ways. The participants’ response suggests a growing awareness of the importance of conflict resolution skills among future leaders.

Global Citizens Pursuing a Just, Peaceable, Inclusive and Sustainable Future: An ICCGC-CoNGO Collaborative Conference

The CoNGO-ICCGC Global Futures Conference, scheduled for August 26 and 27, 2024, at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York, marks a significant assembly at the nexus of religion and civil society, dedicated to charting pathways toward a globally harmonious, just, peaceable, and sustainable future for people and their communities, the planet, and the entire ecological system.

The New York Conference partners with the Interfaith Coalition Conference for Global Citizens (ICCGC) and the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO) to collectively pursue peace, human security, dignity, and planetary sustainability. This collaboration emphasizes local and global cooperation and solidarity across cultures and religions, while remaining mindful of diverse and uneven economic, social, and political conditions.

This conference aims to ignite transformative dialogues and initiatives on a range of issues that are pressing both locally and globally. (Excerpt from Concept Note prepared by ICCGC)

This conference is hosted by Interfaith Coalition Conference for Global Citizens (ICCGC), Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO), and Won Buddhism. There are five sessions:

• Session 1. Global Ethics & Global Citizens
• Session 2. Towards a Global Peace
• Session 3. Dialogue between Religions and Civil Society
• Session 4. Youth for Climate Action
• Session 5. Global Citizenship Education for Future Generation

The moderator of Session 5. Global Citizenship Education for Future Generation is Kathy R. Matsui, one of the New York UN representatives of IARF. Global citizenship education (GCED) is needed to face the challenges of the 21st Century and the challenges of the VUCA world, which is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Global Citizenship education encourages global citizens to be independent, to develop global perspectives, to build harmony among people from other countries and ethnic groups, to understand diversity through cross-cultural education, to respect the Earth and all living beings, and to promote global well-being while enriching their lives.

Global citizenship education offers opportunities for youth and adults to learn to create imaginative solutions to world problems, to help solve diverse global issues, and to become active citizens to make changes in society for the good of everyone. In this session, panelists will discuss the following: how global citizenship is practiced in real life, what GCED is to the individual panelists, how GCED is implemented in their specific role and environment, and what message each panelist has for the youth and our future leaders.

The speakers of this session are:

• Panelist 1: Dr. Roberto Catalano (Professor, Sophia University Institute, Italy)
• Panelist 2: Dr. Janet Gerson (Education Director, International Institute on Peace Education)
• Panelist 3: Dr. Russell Pearce (Professor, Fordham University)
• Panelist 4: Rev. James Lynch (Representative for Rissho Kosei Kai to United Nations)

IARF 124th Annivesary Celebrated by BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony

The BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony, a member group of IARF South India, celebrated the 124th IARF Formation Day on Saturday, May 25th, at the Gandhi Center Seminar Hall located at Dr. LB College in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, South India. Prof. Prakasa Rao, chairman of the foundation, presided over the meeting.

The celebration began with an interfaith prayer, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. In his presidential address, Prof. Rao highlighted that the IARF was established on May 25th, 1900, in Boston to realize the vision of the World Parliament of Religion held in 1893. As the oldest interfaith organization in the world, IARF collaborates with religious communities and secular organizations committed to openness, free religious inquiry, human dignity, social responsibility, and service. The organization also works to protect religious freedom and fundamental human rights through its representatives at the United Nations.

The chief guest, Prof. V. Balamohandas, former vice-chancellor of Acharya Nagarjuna University and president of the Gandhi Center, commended IARF’s remarkable 124-year history and called for improved religious tolerance worldwide. He emphasized that while religious worship and beliefs are personal matters, the coexistence of people belonging to different religions is a tradition that IARF should continue to uphold. Prof. Balamohandas termed atrocities committed in the name of caste, color, and community as barbaric, stressing that peace is only possible when all religions coexist and live in harmony.

Other speakers who endorsed the chief guest’s statement included:

1. Swami Swasamvedya Nanda, secretary of Ramakrishna Mission
2. Syed Shamsuddin, Additional District Government Qazi
3. Fr. Ratna Kumar, Deputy GM of RCM schools
4. Smt. B.K. Rameswari, Prajapita Brahmakumari Eeswari Vidyalayam
5. Sushil Sekhani Jain, chairman of Mahaveer International
6. B. Gowtam Babu, the Buddhist Society of India

The convener, Abdul Muneer Mushhad, proposed a vote of thanks. The meeting concluded with participants taking a peace pledge and singing the Indian national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.”

Limits of Religious Freedom and Tolerance: IARF EME Conference 2025

The International Association for Religious Freedom is pleased to announce that its Europe and Middle East (EME) region will hold its quadrennial conference in September 2025 in Frankfurt and Offenbach am Main, Germany. The conference will be hosted by several German IARF member groups, led by the Frei-religiöse Gemeinde Offenbach, which will be celebrating its 180th anniversary during this time.

Building upon the success and lessons learned from the 2023 IARF Congress, the 2025 EME Regional Conference will be the first hybrid conference, allowing members from all regions to participate and contribute. The event will consist of a Pre-Conference Tour on 9-11 September 2025, followed by the main programme on 11-14 September (please note that arrival and departure dates are one day earlier or later, respectively).

The theme for the conference, “Limits of Religious Freedom and Tolerance,” was selected through a participatory process involving all EME members. The Organising Committee is diligently working on the programme details and logistics, with registration set to open soon. Interested participants are encouraged to subscribe to the IARF newsletter for updates and to check the official website for more information as it becomes available. The committee also welcomes volunteers who wish to contribute their expertise and enthusiasm in shaping an exceptional conference program.

The upcoming conference follows in the footsteps of previous successful EME conferences, such as the 2021 online conference Does Religion set you Free?, the 2016 conference in Tetovo, Northern Macedonia, titled Religion and Conflict Prevention, and the 2012 conference in Elspeet, the Netherlands.

For those interested in contributing to the conference preparations, please contact Rev. Pascal Schilling at [email protected] or IARF Secretary Luke Liniewicz at [email protected]. The EME region looks forward to promoting growth, connection, and mutual understanding through this conference while putting liberal religion in the spotlight.

The Date

Pre-Conference Tour:
9-11 September 2025 
(Arrival date: 8 September)

Conference: 
11-14 September 2025
(Arrival date: 10 September
Departure date: 14 in the afternoon or 15 September)

The Hosts

A coalition of German Member Groups of the IARF led by the Frei-religiöse Gemeinde Offenbach and the EME. The congregation is founded on the principles of freedom of religion and the inherent worth of every individual. It advocates for a free belief system that embraces scientific knowledge while acknowledging the human capacity to unite reason and emotion in the religious experience. Central to its philosophy is the idea that religion fosters a sense of moral responsibility, serving as the spiritual and emotional foundation for the religious individual. The Frei-religiöse Gemeinde Offenbach welcomes all interested individuals to engage with the congregation and explore the principles of free religion.

IARF-US Launches Monthly Discussion Series

The US Chapter of the International Association for Religious Freedom is excited to announce a new monthly discussion series. On the third Wednesday of each month between April and December 2024, presenters will share their personal global spiritualities or alternately provide suggestions for how to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)—an essential element for maintaining humanity’s spiritual freedom. 

The one-hour sessions will begin at 4pm (PDT) on the designated dates, and attendees are welcome to listen or participate in the discussions following each presentation.

April 17
4:00 PM PDT (UTC-7)
John Young describes his daily and weekly spirituality practices drawn from many of the world’s major religions.
May 15
4:00 PM PDT (UTC-7)
George Garland talks about the role of the US Commission on Religious Freedom.
June 19
4:00 PM PDT (UTC-7)
Professor Kunihito Terasawa discusses his combined practices of Rissho Kosei Kai Buddhism and Evangelical Lutheranism.
July 19
4:00 PM PDT (UTC-7)
George Garland addresses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Planetary Boundaries – A Safe Space for Spirituality.
August 21
4:00 PM PDT (UTC-7)
Rahul Young discusses SDG #7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Electrifying America.
September 18
4:00 PM PDT (UTC-7)
Stephen Schwichow describes how he combines his Buddhist practices with his UU membership.
October 16
4:00 PM PDT (UTC-7)
Leela Stake addresses SDG #5: Gender Equality.
November 20
4:00 PM PDT (UTC-7)
Betsy Darr shares her experience of being a UU Pagan.
December 18
4:00 PM PDT (UTC-7)
John Young discusses how indigenous spiritual traditions can participate in inter-religious dialogue.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from speakers with varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering a rich dialogue on the intersection of spirituality and global sustainability.

To participate in this engaging series, individuals can request the Zoom link by emailing Rev. John Young at [email protected]. You can also contact Rev. Young on our Community Platform.

Levels of Dialogue: Religious Experience in an Interfaith Context

Join us on Zoom on 13 November

All are invited to attend this joint Event of the British Chapter of the International Association for Religious Freedom and the World Congress of Faiths to mark Inter Faith Week on 13 November 2023 from 18.30-20.00 (UK time) on Zoom. You can register for the event and obtain the Zoom link here.

The Theme

Religions have different origins, developmental pathways, belief systems, and spiritualities. Yet there remains the possibility of a family resemblance between them. This tension or ambiguity inherent in the dynamic of ‘particularity in relation to universality’ is explored, argued over, and negotiated through interreligious dialogue. This talk rehearses some of the factors involved in how the reality of religious experience might be related to the demands and outcomes of dialogue as such.

Our Speaker – Revd Canon Dr Alan Race

The Revd Canon Dr Alan Race is Chair of the World Congress of Faiths and the editor of its journal ‘Interreligious Insight’, a retired Anglican priest-theologian, and the author of books and articles on the themes of theology of religions and interreligious dialogue. His most recent book is ‘My Journey as a Religious Pluralist’ (Wipf and Stock, 2021).

IARF India Chapter’s Engagements in October: Solidarity and Discourse

By Dr. James Arputharaj Williams, India Chapter of the International Association for Religious Freedom

An Inter-Faith Journey of Solidarity to Manipur

Backdrop of the Crisis:

Manipur, a state nestled in Northeast India, recently witnessed devastating ethnic unrest. Since 3 May 2023, long-standing tensions between the Kuki tribe, primarily Christians, and the Meitei community, who are majority Hindus, erupted into violence. The conflict led to the tragic burning of over 230 churches, deaths of more than 60 Christians, and displacement of countless individuals. This surge of violence has its roots in decades of tension, but recent decisions by the Manipur government, favoring the Meitei and sidelining the Christian Kukis, acted as a catalyst for the current situation.

Against this somber backdrop, the India Chapter of the IARF is dispatching a delegation to Churachandpur on 26th October 2023. Comprising five members, both young and seasoned, including three women, the team aims to extend a hand of solidarity and support to those affected by the conflict.

Using a helicopter for transit from Imphal, the delegation’s primary mission is to spend time with survivors, listen to their stories, and offer prayers. Their endeavors are being supported logistically by the local Lutheran Church in Imphal. We request your prayers and well wishes for the safety of our team and the success of their mission in this challenging region. It is our collective hope that peace and stability will soon return to Manipur, allowing its inhabitants to reclaim their homes and livelihoods.

UN Day Inter-Collegiate Debate – 2023

In line with a tradition of over 30 years, the India Chapter of the IARF is organizing the Inter-collegiate debate to commemorate UN Day on 24th October. This year’s debate, scheduled for 14th October 2023, centers on the thought-provoking topic: “Is the UN failing or are Nations failing in maintaining peace and harmony amongst the people?”

Previously hosted at Loyola College, Chennai, last year saw the debate being conducted at Hotel Ibis, Chennai. This year, around 25 city colleges have been invited, with the anticipated attendance of former AYC associates and volunteers.

Our distinguished judges for this event are:

• Mr. Sambandam, Section Director, The Hindu, Chennai
• Dr. Suchismita Pattanaik, Environmentalist, CISRS, Bhubaneshwar
• Dr. James Arputharaj Williams, AYC/IARF

We are also privileged to have Prof. Venkateshwar Rao from the International Association for Religious Freedom, Vishakapattinam, as our keynote speaker.

All are welcome to join these events as we strive to promote peace, understanding, and unity. Your continuous support and prayers are invaluable.

Contact: G 11/1, Natesan Nagar, Virugambakkam, Chennai – 600 092
Phone: 9871100363
Email: [email protected]