The Limits of Tolerance and Religious Freedom: Report from the 2025 EME Conference

The following is a translation of the report scheduled to appear in the upcoming newsletter of the Free Religious Congregation in Offenbach. For more details on the conference programme and speakers, please visit the official conference page at iarf.net/eme-conference-2025.

The tension and excitement were immense: participants from around the world gathered in our community to discuss one of the greatest challenges of our time. Where must religious freedom end to protect more essential human rights? Where should the boundaries of our tolerance be drawn when we face extreme beliefs and worldviews?

For four days, the participants tackled these and other questions. Unitarians, Unitarian Universalists, Remonstrants, Free Christians, liberal Muslims, Christian Unitarians, and other free-religious and freethinking movements from the USA, Brazil, Europe, and the Middle East showed how seriously they take this issue. Yet, coming together—the warm, open, and friendly encounters and exchanges—was always the top priority. New acquaintances and even friendships were formed. Old companions reunited, and complete strangers discovered how much they share!

Absolute highlights of this conference were our guests of honor: Firstly, the President of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), Professor George Williams, who traveled all the way from Hawaii. Secondly, women’s rights activist and Imam Seyran Ateş, founder of the Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque, delivered the keynote address for the conference, offering a deep insight into the world of dealing with extremism and intolerance—especially as she is constantly confronted with it herself. Moreover, she honored us by participating in the interfaith service with a contribution of her own.

In the following, we would like to give you a more detailed insight into the conference and the pre-tour! But first, the most important thing: An immeasurable “Thank You” goes to my team at Schillerplatz. Philippe Bender, Alexander Goy, Henry Rodriguez, and Kathrin Corso worked in the background to ensure the smooth care and support of our house guests. Additionally, Johannes Spindler from the Unitarians – Religious Community of Free Faith, was a great help from the very first minute in managing technical and organizational tasks on-site, and in him, I found a new friend and companion.

And last but not least, there are Gudrun Hahn from the Frankfurt community and chair of the German IARF member group, Matthias Pilger-Strohl, Dorothee Gehrmann, Angela and Alexandra Wegel from our community, as well as Pastor Alexander, Sonja Weisdorf, and Stefan Vardopoulos from the Frankfurt community, where the last day of the conference took place and who took care of all the challenges for a successful conclusion. A big thank you finally goes to Lukasz Liniewicz, who as the Secretary of IARF supported the live streams and organization! “Thank you” to all of you!

Below, you can find recordings of the main events from the conference, hosted in the new IARF Digital Library. Each video includes subtitles available in both English and German.

Conference Pre-Tour: Offenbach and Frankfurt in a Nutshell

Pre-Tour: Day 1, Tuesday, September 9, 2025

On the first day of our pre-tour, we had a lot planned as a grand bus tour was on the agenda. Together with the guests of the IARF EME Conference, we visited many friendly Free Religious communities near and far.

The tour started at the Free Religious Community in Ingelheim. Here we admired the oldest completely preserved consecration hall from 1910 and were introduced to the beginnings of the Free Religious movement.

After a short drive, we reached the Free Religious Community in Mainz, in the heart of the Rhine city. There, we were once again warmly welcomed and had the opportunity to learn about the situation of the community and the movement during the Nazi regime in the Third Reich.

A leap into the present was taken at the Forum Franklin in Mannheim, the headquarters of the Free Religious State Community of Baden. Here, impressive ways of social and intergenerational encounters based on free-thinking and humanistic values were presented.

The joyous conclusion took place in Ludwigshafen at our friendly Free Religious State Community of Palatinate. We were warmly hosted, informed, and entertained with singing and good conversations. We also gained insights into the Ronge Museum, which contains the estate of the co-founder of the Free Religious movement, Johannes Ronge.

Pre-Tour: Day 2, Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The focus of this day was the city of Frankfurt am Main, and what better place to start than where a part of the Free Religious movement began: in Frankfurt’s St. Paul’s Church (Paulskirche)!

Arriving at the historic building, a guided tour brought us closer to the connections between the German Revolution, the Frankfurt National Assembly, and the city of Frankfurt. Moreover, through a small journey through time, we were able to connect with contemporary witnesses of the Free Religious movement who were active in the Paulskirche parliament.

After the tour, we soaked up the Frankfurt lifestyle with a snack in the Kleinmarkthalle!

Strengthened, we then met with our sister community, the Unitarian Free Religious Community of Frankfurt, where we were warmly welcomed as usual, and the guests got an insight into our partnership.

The Museum Judengasse was our next stop. In an impressive way, the guests were introduced to the historical life of the people in the Frankfurt Ghetto and shown how social protest for preservation and a culture of remembrance can lead to success.

After these many impressions, we ended the day relaxing on Frankfurt’s Römer square with apple wine, excited for what the next day—the official opening day of the conference—would bring.

Pre-Tour: Day 3, Thursday, September 11, 2025

On the third day of the pre-tour, which was also set to transition into the conference opening in the evening, we visited the French-Reformed Church in Offenbach and were warmly welcomed by board member Sven Malsy and Pastor Schneider-Trotier. We were guided through the church and the parish house, learning about the important and interesting history of the Huguenots in Offenbach.

Afterwards, the group visited the Albert Schweitzer Center, which has found its new home in Offenbach. Unfortunately, there are no pictures of this visit.

Conference: Day 1, Thursday, September 11, 2025

After a two-and-a-half-day pre-tour, the festive opening of the IARF EME Conference ’25 had finally arrived, and to our great joy, we were able to welcome many guests from near and far from various liberal religious communities!

As pastor of our Free Religious community and chairman of the European group of the International Association for Religious Freedom, I opened the conference with a short reflection and a speech. Gudrun Hahn, chair of the German IARF group, and Prof. George M. Williams, President of the IARF, also took the opportunity to address the participants in the consecration hall or those connected online. The opening concluded with a presentation by Rev. Dr. Esther Suter, IARF representative to the United Nations.

During dinner, all guests had the opportunity to network, maintain existing contacts, and exchange and deepen thoughts in a relaxed atmosphere.

To conclude this memorable opening, a cultural highlight awaited the participants: Master cellist Christopher Herrmann and concert pianist Ekaterine Kintsurashvili thrilled the audience with a wonderful concert, where fans of both classical and modern music were fully catered for with creative arrangements.

Conference: Day 2, Friday, September 12, 2025

The morning began with my presentation, giving an insight into the rich history, vibrant present, and future-oriented goals of the Free Religious movement. I emphasized how this liberal religious community has always defended individual religious freedom and an open, tolerant society. A powerful reminder of the importance of questioning traditional dogmas, finding one’s own free path of faith, and staying in dialogue with one another.

In the afternoon, the full attention was on Kurt Bangert, representing the Federation of Free Christians, who spoke on liberal theology and religious freedom, and Norbert Rácz, who provided an insight into the “Evolution of Religious Freedom Through History.”

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the keynote speech by Seyran Ateş. The distinguished lawyer, author, and founder of the liberal Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque delivered a speech titled “Limits of Tolerance and Liberal Religion” that touched us all. She spoke with remarkable clarity about the possibilities of a liberal Islam that sees itself as an integral part of a pluralistic, democratic society. At the same time, she urgently warned against the dangers of a political, conservative Islam that curtails freedom and human rights, pointing out that politics often shies away from confronting this issue. Her call to stand up for an enlightened and tolerant faith was an inspiring call to action for all of us.

Conference: Day 3, Saturday, September 13, 2025

The morning started with a “Panel of Free Religion.” On the podium were women’s rights activist and Imam Seyran Ateş, IARF President Prof. George Williams, the President of the Federation of Free Religious Communities in Germany, Renate Bauer, and Robert Ince, former President of the IARF. Moderated by myself, the group discussed the meaning of religious freedom and the challenges facing liberal faith communities in today’s world. It was a fascinating discussion that showed how different and yet how similar the paths to a free and self-determined faith can be.

The highlight of the day was the presentation by Gabriela Frey. The coordinator of the European Buddhist Union and its representative at the Council of Europe spoke about “Interreligious & Interconvictional Dialogue on a European Level – The Council of Europe: Work, Potentials and Challenges.” She shared her many years of experience working for religious freedom in European institutions and highlighted the opportunities and hurdles that interreligious dialogue faces at the political level.

The day concluded with a true delight for the guests! Master organist Detlef Steffenhagen enchanted us with his captivating concert program “Organ goes cinema.” The sounds of the organ filled the consecration hall and created an unforgettable finale for this eventful day.

Conference: Day 4, Sunday, September 14, 2025

The fourth and final day at the Unitarian Free Religious Community in Frankfurt began with an Interfaith Service. Led by Pastors Alexander Schmahl and myself, this interreligious ceremony brought us together to share our common values of humanity, dialogue, individual freedom, and mutual respect. It was a moment of deep connection that reminded us how much we can achieve when we talk to each other, identify what unites us, and stand up for each other and for a liberal faith.

A special highlight was the presentation by Rev. Dr. Esther Suter. As the IARF’s representative to the United Nations, she gave us a fascinating insight into the work of the “International Association of Liberal Religious Women” and reported on their conference “Power of Dialogue and Partnership,” which had taken place just a few weeks earlier in Malaysia. Her presentation highlighted the crucial role of liberal religious women in promoting dialogue, peace, and justice worldwide.

After a final joint reflection on the past days, which summarized the diversity of ideas and the depth of the conversations, the conference came to a worthy conclusion. We are particularly grateful for the lively community we were privileged to experience over the days.

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!

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.

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

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. 

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).

Spotlighting the IEA, our Member Group in the Holy Land

• To learn more about the IEA and its projects, please visit the IEA’s website or write to its office.
• You can read their 2022 activity report here.
• If you are a member of the IARF (a Member Group or Chapter), you can also find Dr. Yehuda Stolov on our community platform.

The IARF is thrilled to introduce and spotlight one of its longstanding member organisations, the Interfaith Encounter Association (IEA). Based in Israel, the IEA has been dedicating itself tirelessly to the cause of interfaith dialogue and grassroots peacebuilding for over two decades. Thee IARF has offered several grants to the IEA over the years as we believe it is precisely this kind of grassroots, volunteer-based, transparent movements that is especially needed in areas afflicted by conflict and prejudice. IARF has helped fund its Leaders’ Forum operating in the Jerusalem & Hebron areas, and encounters between Jewish religious students and Muslim young adults. For historical information see Jerusalem-Hebron Religious Leaders’ Forum 2011 report  and  Religious Leaders – 12.12 – 7.13 report. Dr. Yehuda Stolov, the Executive Director of the IEA, has served as a member of the International Council (IARF’s Board) from 2014 to 2018.

A Truly Diverse Engagement

IEA’s mission to create a foundation for sustainable peace is apparent in the diverse religious and political backgrounds of its coordinators and participants. They represent different areas from Negev to Galilee, Hebron to Otniel, and East to West Jerusalem, striving continuously to overcome challenges and establish peace. By engaging a wide spectrum of people, the IEA aims to build the infrastructure for peace, one encounter at a time.

The Resurgence of IEA Activities in 2022: A Record Number of Encounters

In the wake of Covid-19, the year 2022 marked a resurgence of pre-pandemic levels of activity for the IEA. A record total of 412 encounters were held, with eight groups renewing their activities or starting anew. The resulting participation was unprecedented, as thousands of individuals across various ages, viewpoints, social statuses, religions, and cultures came together in these bridge-building encounters, forging mutual understanding and friendship.

The Presidential Award: A Testament to Tireless Work

One highlight of the year was the IEA receiving the Presidential Award for Volunteerism from the President’s own hands, a moment that was celebrated with all coordinators at the President’s residence. This honor represents the tireless work behind the scenes that includes strategic planning, administrative paperwork, and continuous communication, all carried out with the support of caring individuals, families, and communities.

The Principle of Constructive Dialogue and Mutual Respect

A Glimpse into Diverse Scenarios

The IEA’s remarkable work was visible in diverse scenarios, such as the Jaffa interfaith group discussing active listening and peace concepts; the Reut-Sadaqa group in Jerusalem discussing dream interpretations and renewal rituals; the Debate of Peace group involving Jewish and Arab high school students in Model UN simulations, and many more.

Online Engagement: Interfaith Dialogue in the Comfort of Your Home

In the online realm, the IEA continued to make interfaith dialogue accessible right from the living rooms via groups like 929 and the New Testament Study, while two of their groups, Teaneck, NJ, and D.C. and beyond, brought the IEA’s essence to the U.S., meeting both online and offline.

Beyond Encounters: IEA’s Special Events

The IEA’s extensive work is not limited to these encounters, but also includes events that bring together people from different groups across the Holy Land. In 2022, the IEA held an annual Iftar dinner, an Interfaith Encounter Day, and an Interfaith Singing Evening, demonstrating their continued commitment to promoting peace and unity through shared experiences.

Joining the IEA: An Open Invitation

The Interfaith Encounter Association invites you to join in this important work. Whether through participating in a local group, spreading the word on social media, partnering with your institution, or providing financial support, your contribution can help further the cause of peace.

IARF Ideals Practiced in Our Congregation – Free-Religious Congregation in Offenbach am Main, Germany

The free-religious community in Offenbach has been a part of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) since the 1920s. Besides our connection with the international IARF community, a significant concern is promoting dialogue, cooperation, and the further development of religious life among diverse religions and worldviews. Below, we present a few of the projects and activities of our community:

Café International

Held twice a month, Café International provides individuals of all backgrounds a space to meet, exchange ideas, and receive assistance with everyday life. Volunteers aid newcomers to the city, while joint excursions featuring language guides and an educational program for children showcase how living together can be simplified despite language and cultural barriers. Café International evolved from Café Hallo, an initiative launched in April 2022 for refugees from Ukraine.

Circle of Religions

Our free-religious community in Offenbach is a co-founder of this group, which has organized several “Days of Religions”. During this event, various religious communities present themselves in public spaces and schools, addressing questions such as: How does your religion relate to the diversity of sexual orientations and identities? What are your views on abortion? etc. Annually, we also coordinate a “Prayer of Religions” where each religious community delves into its religious practices before discussing a common topic.

Church Asylum

We offer church asylum or shelter to those persecuted for political, religious, or inhumane reasons. In light of the influx of refugees from Syria, Ukraine, and other third-world countries, we strive to provide them a safe haven and aid in their integration into our society.

Kindergarten

Our free-religious community in Offenbach and its gGmbH now operate three kindergartens. Here, we foster children from a multitude of cultures and religions. In these kindergartens, we run a program for school beginners, teaching them about various religions and the importance of respectful coexistence.

Festival of Women

Every two years, we organize a festival dedicated to the persistent unequal treatment of women and men across all walks of life. In conjunction with this, we hold a panel discussion on “Women in Religion” and a consecration hour that critically addresses this topic. All proceeds are donated to the women’s shelter in Offenbach.

About the Free-Religious Community Offenbach

The Free-Religious Community Offenbach, established on March 9, 1845, is one of the earliest and largest free-religious communities in Germany, with around 1,150 members. As a liberal religious community, we encompass a spectrum of beliefs, from religious humanists to rationalistic pantheists and dogma-free Christians. We encourage each member to form their own faith, fostering freedom of thought, faith, and conscience without strict adherence to holy scriptures or universally accepted doctrines.

The community was founded by individuals active in education, social care, and economic life, who were interested in religious-rationalist reform and political-democratic changes. Today, we continue to uphold these ideals, seeking co-determination in both church and state matters, championing social justice, equal rights, and educational opportunities for all. Despite the significant societal changes since our establishment, our guiding principles remain grounded in a dogma-free religion and a deep sense of unity in the spirit of humanity.

The Free-Religious Community Offenbach is part of the Bund Freireligiöser Gemeinden Deutschlands and is connected globally through the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) and the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF). Despite our widespread connections, we maintain our independence, primarily serving the city and county of Offenbach but reaching far beyond.

Our community center, located in the city center, serves as a hub for a range of activities, including Sunday celebrations, lectures, discussions, festivals, group activities, rites of passage, and social care services. In an ever-evolving world, we continue to adapt our statements, work methods, and community life while preserving our foundational faith and principles.

IALRW’s Congress to Follow the IARF Congress on 7-9 September 2023

The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) is delighted to announce that our member organisation, the International Association of Liberal Religious Women (IALRW), will be hosting their World Congress in Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár) from the 7th to the 8th of September, 2023. This congress comes directly after the IARF World Congress, presenting a unique opportunity to attend both events in succession.

The congress will be held under the theme “Religion in Action: From Reconciliation to Inclusive Diversity”, reflecting the IALRW’s ongoing dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding among women of diverse faith traditions. Although the speakers for the event have not yet been confirmed, we assure you that the lineup will consist of some of the most insightful voices in the field. We will be publishing the program shortly, so please keep an eye on our website for updates.

The World Congress will be graciously hosted by the Hungarian Unitarian Church at the House of Religious Freedom, a historic 15th-century townhouse located in Cluj-Napoca. Known as one of the oldest and most significant townhouses in the city, the House of Religious Freedom has been lovingly restored by the Hungarian Unitarian Church and is dedicated to promoting the ideals of religious freedom and tolerance.

IALRW’s history is rooted in the IARF, and its focus on women’s issues in religious communities and interfaith cooperation remains a cornerstone of its mission. The organisation welcomes women from liberal faith communities around the world, fostering an environment of mutual support in the search for spiritual enrichment and identity. We are confident that this upcoming World Congress will be a testament to this mission, offering attendees the chance to engage in enriching dialogue and meaningful action.

For further information about the World Congress, please contact Dr. Esther Suter at [email protected]. You can also visit the IALRW website at https://www.ialrw.org/ to learn more about their ongoing projects, recent research, and member organisations.

The IARF and IALRW look forward to welcoming you in Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár) for these back-to-back congresses. Please mark your calendars and join us in fostering interfaith dialogue and inclusive diversity.