Free Religion Institute: Inaugural Sessions
We’re excited to introduce the Free Religion Institute, a new IARF initiative where people from free and liberal religious traditions can find inspiration in each other’s wisdom and experiences. The Institute creates spaces for learning, sharing ideas, and exploring religious thought together. We welcome both members of different faiths and individual seekers from our global community.
About the Institute
“In the university of human life there is no graduation.”
— Rev. Dr. Shinichiro Imaoka
The Free Religion Institute represents IARF’s commitment to fostering liberal religious thought and education. Taking inspiration from Rev. Dr. Imaoka’s wisdom, we recognize that learning is a lifelong journey – one that transcends formal education and embraces the continuous pursuit of understanding across religious traditions, cultures, and philosophies.
As we embark on this ambitious journey, we begin with humble steps but clear vision. Our mission is to create an accessible platform where IARF members and all those interested in liberal religion can explore, learn, and grow together. We don’t aim to replace formal education but rather to provide resources and opportunities for continuous learning and development throughout life’s journey.
Since last Congress in September 2023, over a year ago, Prof. George Williams, our team of volunteers from the Institute Working Group, as well as our first instructors, Rev. Andrew Brown and Rev. Michinori Maruta, have been working to create an ambitious educational platform that will serve the IARF community and beyond.
We envision the Institute as a vibrant hub of liberal religious education and inspiration, offering a diverse range of learning and sharing opportunities:
Live & Self-Paced Courses
Interactive sessions with expert instructors and self-guided learning modules on liberal religious thought
Digital Library
Growing collection of resources on liberal religion, including historical documents and contemporary scholarship
Global Collaboration
Partnerships with IARF member institutions, special events at IARF Congresses, and international meetups
With our e-learning platform now ready, we’re preparing to release our first courses in the coming weeks and months. These are being developed with scholars and practitioners from within and beyond the IARF community. Our first sessions, which will later be published as short courses on our platform, will be held on 30 October, 27 and 30 November on Zoom (see below for details). They are free and publicly accessible.
Going forward, we’ll be partnering with IARF member seminaries and educational institutions, organizing in-person events and summer schools, creating a curriculum that explores free and liberal religious thought, and building a library of resources for our community. We’re grateful to everyone who has helped make this possible.
Learn More About the Institute
Inaugural Events
Imaoka Shin’ichirō and Free Religions
The sessions are now a part of Rev. Brown’s course on the Institute’s e-learning platform.
View Course
Session 1 Materials
Session 1: An Introduction to Imaoka Shin’ichirō (1881-1988)
Understanding Free Religion (jiyū shūkyō 自由宗教)
Wednesday 29 January 2025
View Recording
San Francisco: 1:00 AM
Boston: 4:00 AM
London: 8:00 AM
Amsterdam: 9:00 AM
New Delhi: 1:30 PM
Tokyo: 5:00 PM
Session 2 Materials
Session 2: Free Religion and the Tokyo Kiitsu Kyōkai
Wednesday 26 February 2025
Join Session
San Francisco: 12:00 AM
Boston: 3:00 AM
London: 8:00 AM
Amsterdam: 9:00 AM
New Delhi: 1:30 PM
Tokyo: 5:00 PM
About the Instructor: Rev. Andrew James Brown
A philosophically/theologically inclined writer with deep sympathies towards Imaoka Shin’ichirō’s understanding of creative, inquiring, free and liberative spirituality (jiyū shūkyō 自由宗教), Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, Konkokyo, Christian non-theism, D. G. Leahy’s “thinking now occurring for the first time”, a Lucretian inspired religious naturalism, new materialism and Kyoto School philosophy. Beyond his academic pursuits, Rev. Brown is also a photographer, cyclist, walker and jazz bass player, serving as the minister of a small, liberal, free religious community in Cambridge (UK).
Buddhism and Free Religion (自由宗教 jiyū shūkyō)
Session 1: Buddhism and Liberation
Rev. Michinori Maruta exploring Buddhist perspectives on liberation
Thursday 22 February 2025
Join Session
San Francisco: 5:00 PM (Feb 21)
Boston: 8:00 PM (Feb 21)
London: 1:00 AM
Amsterdam: 2:00 AM
New Delhi: 6:30 AM
Tokyo: 10:00 AM
Session 2: Buddhism and Jiyū Shūkyō
Exploring connections between Buddhism and free religion
Friday 29 March 2025
Join Session
San Francisco: 1:00 AM
Boston: 4:00 AM
London: 8:00 AM
Amsterdam: 9:00 AM
New Delhi: 1:30 PM
Tokyo: 5:00 PM
About the Instructor: Rev. Michinori Maruta
Rev. Michinori Maruta has dedicated his life to Buddhist practice and interfaith dialogue since joining Rissho Kosei-kai (RKK) in 1966. After studying applied chemistry at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, he pursued Buddhist studies at RKK Seminary and later studied the New Testament at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, England. His diverse experience includes significant work in interfaith dialogue and cooperation at RKK headquarters, serving as minister at RKK centers in California and Hokkaido, and since 2001, leading the Institute of Mindful Life. Through lectures, seminars, and digital platforms, he continues to share Buddhist wisdom and promote mindful living, bringing together traditional teachings with contemporary understanding.
From the ICCGC-CoNGO Confernece
The CoNGO-ICCGC Global Futures Conference, held on August 26 and 27, 2024, at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York, marked 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 partnered 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 emphasized local and global cooperation and solidarity across cultures and religions, while remaining mindful of diverse and uneven economic, social, and political conditions.
This conference aimed at igniting 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 was hosted by Interfaith Coalition Conference for Global Citizens (ICCGC), Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO), and Won Buddhism. There were 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, and Session 5. Global Citizenship Education for Future Generation.
The moderator of Session 5. Global Citizenship Education for Future Generation was Kathy R. Matsui, one of the New York UN representatives of IARF. 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. The four panelists discussed 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. Furthermore, session 5 focused on the principles, values and criteria needed to practice global citizenship education. Having learned from the past, with the advancement of science and technology, the panelists further discussed what is our mission to appreciate and put to practice an education that would enhance the creativity and innovative values of the future generation, a generation that can think in terms of what can be done for the benefit of all, what can be done to protect and respect the life and dignity of all living beings.
The first speaker of the four panelists of this session was Dr. Robert Catalano, presently a professor at Sophia University close to Florence, Italy. He has also served as Director of center for interreligious dialogue of the Focalare for 13 years. The second speaker was Dr. Janet Gerson, Education Director of the International Institute on Peace Education. She is also Co-Director Emeritus, Peace Education Center, Teachers College, Columbia University, NYC.
The 3rd speaker was Professor Russell Pearce, the Edward & Marilyn Bellet Chair in Legal Ethics, Morality and Religion at Fordham University School of Law. Our final speaker was Rev. James A. Lynch, Jr., a Reverend authorized by the lay Buddhist Organization Rissho Kosei Kai. He is also an official representative for Rissho Kosei Kai to the United Nations.
The session ended as the panelists and the participants danced along with the song the final speaker, Rev. Lynch played in his presentation, a song by Cat Stevens.
Session 5 has fulfilled our collaborative pursuit of an education that prepares global citizens to practice collective peace and human security, human dignity, and planetary sustainability, and local and global cooperation and solidarity, across cultures and religions, and mindful of uneven and diverse economic, social and political conditions.
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:
- Swami Swasamvedya Nanda, secretary of Ramakrishna Mission
- Syed Shamsuddin, Additional District Government Qazi
- Fr. Ratna Kumar, Deputy GM of RCM schools
- Smt. B.K. Rameswari, Prajapita Brahmakumari Eeswari Vidyalayam
- Sushil Sekhani Jain, chairman of Mahaveer International
- 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.
Watch “Levels of Dialogue: Religious Experience in an Interfaith Context”
In this session, recorded on 13 November 2023 during Inter Faith Week, the British Chapter of the International Association for Religious Freedom, in collaboration with the World Congress of Faiths, embarked on a deep exploration of interreligious dialogue’s dynamic tension between the unique characteristics of different faiths and their universal connections.
The event, held via Zoom, provided a platform for participants to engage with the complex interactions between various religious origins, developmental paths, belief systems, and spiritual practices, highlighting the potential for a familial resemblance among diverse faith traditions.
Featuring a keynote by the Reverend Canon Dr. Alan Race, Chair of the World Congress of Faiths and editor of Interreligious Insight, this recording offers invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by interfaith dialogue.
Dr. Race, a retired Anglican priest-theologian with an extensive background in the theology of religions and interreligious dialogue, shares perspectives from his latest book, My Journey as a Religious Pluralist (Wipf and Stock, 2021), enriching our understanding of how religious experiences and dialogues intersect with the broader quest for mutual understanding and respect among faiths.
Join us in this recorded session to explore the intricate landscape of interfaith dialogue, where the particularities of each religion meet the universal quest for spiritual connection and understanding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzH6Yo58Gxg
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]
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].
