The 36th Congress of the IARFFaith in Reconciliation
4-6 September 2023, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (and online)
and on Zoom on
4-6 September 2023!
Theme
The Theme of our Congress is Faith in Reconciliation. We see conflict around the world and we see religious freedom threatened by those who are determined that their particular view must prevail. And yet, who will speak out for the oppressed? and who can be trusted to act impartially to reconcile our differences?
Many members of the IARF and our partners have been and still are involved in conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts around the globe – in Northern Ireland, Germany & Poland, Israel & Palestine, India, Korea & Japan, South Africa and elsewhere.
In the Congress, we hope to explore the ways in which religion can inspire and fuel efforts to bring about healing, reconciliation and just peace through stories, learning, art, interfaith worship and personal relationships.
We will be discussing, amongst other things:
- What role can religious leaders and people of faith play in reconciliation?
- What do our traditions say about reconciliation? What do we struggle with and need to reform?
- What place is there for religious narratives in modern societies and institutions, and how should we express our beliefs and sentiments in a way that doesn’t antagonize but brings us closer to our fellow human beings who do not share our sensibilities and our spiritual way of looking at the world?
- What lessons from interfaith dialogue can be translated into the broader social and political plane?
Faith in Reconciliation can be understood in two ways: as the question “What role has faith or religion played in reconciliation and conflict resolution and what role can it play in the future?” – as well as a statement that calls for personal reflection – “do I, does my community, have faith in reconciliation, does our religion help us to retain hope that it is attainable in our societies and regions”?
Reconciliation as a concept, a process, a principle or value can be viewed from different perspectives – such as social studies, philosophy, psychology and theology – as well as an experience, an existential reality that is a part of every human life.
We hope to address this multifaceted nature of reconciliation – and, by necessity, conflict – and provide an opportunity to gain both knowledge – through lectures, talks and workshops – as well as experience – through exchanging stories and listening to each other, contemplating art and worshipping together.
About the Congress
The IARF was established in 1900 as the world’s first international interfaith organisation and brought together representatives of liberal religion from different traditions, cultures and continents. Currently it has over 40 members, religious communities, educational institutions and others, in Africa, America, Europe, the Middle East as well as South and East Asia. They represent such diverse religious traditions as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Native religions, Shintoism, Unitarianism/Universalism, Zoroastrianism and others.
The World Congresses have been organised every three or four years for a number of decades to gather members of the IARF and others around a topic relevant to people of liberal religious convictions in order to facilitate dialogue, learning, exchange and collaboration between individuals and communities. The last three Congresses were held in Kochi (2010), with the Dalai Lama as the keynote speaker, in Birmingham (2014), with Karen Armstrong, and in Washington DC (2018) with Jen Bailey.
Registration
Please use the form below to register. There are two types of Congress passes – regular ones, for in-person participation, and online ones. We’re also offering a number of rooms at the Unitarian Collage as well as breakfasts and dinners that will be served at the venue. You may also register for the pre-Congress tour.
If you cannot use any of the payment methods offered by Ticket Tailor or encounter any other problems during registration, please contact the administrator at luke@iarf.net. Luke will be happy to assist you with all matters related to registration and payments.
Sponsorships
We are offering a number of partial and full sponsorships for IARF members, especially young adults, thanks to generous grants from our Europe and Middle East region, the Dutch Chapter and Soni College.
If you cannot afford the online Congress pass, please write to us at luke@iarf.net. If you wish to travel to Cluj, please fill in the application form.
Programme
Summary
The programme is a comprehensive mix of events, aimed to offer both educational and engaging experiences. It includes lectures, hands-on workshops, devotional sessions, panel discussions, circle group interactions and the IARF’s Greeley Award ceremony, as well as the General Meeting of the IARF.
The line-up of speakers is diverse, reflecting the variety of member groups and faiths that make up the IARF. In addition to this, you can expect to hear from professionals and thought-leaders from the political and academic sectors, introducing a breadth of perspectives into the discussions.
The programme will be updated regularly as we continue to fine-tune the event schedule and the list of speakers. You can stay updated by frequently checking our website or subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates. We hope this programme provides a rewarding and stimulating experience.
Speakers
The list will be updated and expanded, so please check back later for the latest information.
Keynote Speaker
Prof. George Williams
Prof. Williams' speech will be held on Monday 4 September at 14:00
George M. Williams earned his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1972, specializing in religions in modern India and Svâmî Vivekânanda. For 35 years, he was a professor of Eastern Religions at California State University, Department of Religious Studies.
The American Chapter of IARF awarded him its 1989 Distinguished Service Award for his contributions toward cooperation and understanding among the world religions. He also holds two honorary doctorates from Starr King School in Berkeley and from the Protestant Theological School of Kolozsvár (Cluj), Romania.
Williams was twice invited to the National Institute of Advanced Studies at Bangalore, India to work on the preservation of ancient sacred texts through digital archiving – such as the works of Raja Rammohan Roy, founder of the Brahmo Samaj. He produced a film on "The Bodhisattva Way of Peace: Lay Buddhism in Japan", video series on Shinto practices and rituals, and helped in publishing Rev. Dr. Yukitaka Yamamoto’s book, Kami no Michi (Way of the Kami) in 1987.
He has given many guest lectures at universities in the U.S., Canada, India, Japan, Hungary, and Romania. He also taught Asian religions twice for Semester at Sea. Williams published the Handbook of Hindu Mythology; Cosmic Sage: Shinichiro Imaoka, Prophet of Free Religion; and a monograph on Shinto. He has helped a Hawaiian faith, Kanenuiakea, to become a member group of IARF.
The Keynote Speech: Remembering History as a Prelude to Reconciliation
An attempt to untangle IARF’s many historical perspectives must be part of the process of reconciliation. While Western groups were IARF’s founders and dominant majority, the minority members from Japan, India, and Hawai’i provided its multicultural richness – but they also brought historical injustices hidden by our own narratives.
Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt
The time of Rev. McNatt's speech will be confirmed soon
Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt became President of Starr King School for the Ministry in 2014, following a 13-year stint as Senior Minister of The Fourth Universalist Society in New York. She is a Chicago-born graduate of Yale University and Drew Theological Seminary.
McNatt's rich career spans editorial roles at the New York Times Book Review, authorship of three books including her memoir, “Unafraid of the Dark”, and various contributing roles to Beliefnet.com, UU World, and The Huffington Post among others. Her ongoing projects involve an anthology of Unitarian Universalist historical writings and research into early 20th-century multiracial liberal religious coalitions in Chicago.
McNatt's services to the UUA encompass diverse roles like Committee Member on Urban Concerns and Ministry, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Starr King School, and Member of the UUA Board of Trustees. She has taught Unitarian Universalist history at Union Theological Seminary and Yale Divinity School since 2005.
She has been active in social justice work, notably with OccupyFaithNYC, Moral Monday NYC, and the Unitarian Universalist Trauma Response Ministry. Since 1984, she has been married to Robert McNatt, a fellow Unitarian Universalist. They have two children, Allen and Daniel.
Prof. Kunihiko Terasawa
The time of Prof. Terasawa's speech will be confirmed soon Kunihiko Terasawa received his Ph.D. at Temple University, and teaches World Religions in Dialogue, Buddhist Traditions, Religions of China, Religions of Japan, and Islam and the Modern World at Wartburg. Terasawa is researching how interreligious and transnational solidarity of religions can overcome ultranationalist populism in East Asia and the Pacific Rim. His most recent work is “The Case of Hirose Akira: The Ethical Predicament of a Japanese Buddhist Youth during World War II,” Religions by MDPI, June 10, 2018, Basel, Switzerland
Prof. Kathy Matsui
The time of Prof. Matsui's speech will be confirmed soon Kathy R. Matsui, Ph.D. is professor at the Department of Global Citizenship Studies, Seisen University (Tokyo, Japan) and teaches courses on conflict resolution and peace related subjects. She received doctorate degree from Leadership Studies Program, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington. Her research concerns are development of capacities for conflict transformation and reconciliation. She works with peace researchers and educators nationally in Peace Education Project, Peace Studies Association of Japan; and internationally in International Institute on Peace Education and Global Partnership for Prevention of Armed Conflict. As a peace educator, she recently focuses her activities on Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI), held annually for participants to study conflict transformation and practice building a culture of peace. She is currently an advisory board member for Hague Appeal for Peace, Global Campaign for Peace Education. She is also active in her participation in inter-religious dialogue and cooperation for world peace as a member of the Women's Executive Committee, Peace Research Institute and the Reconciliation Education Task Force of Religions for Peace, and as a board member of International Association for Liberal Religious Women (IALRW), a member of International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF). Some of her publications are: (1) Lessons From WWII Comfort Women: The Role of Peace Education in Developing Capacities for Forgiveness and Reconciliation (Lambert Academic Publishing, 2012), (2) “Shared Reflections and Learnings from Betty Reardon—Action Planning Models: National and International Partnerships in Asia,” in Snauwaert, D.T. (Ed) Exploring Betty A. Reardon’s Perspective on Peace Education Looking Back, Looking Forward, (pp.217~228, Springer, 2019)
Rev. Dr. John Young
Rev. Young's talk will be held on Monday 4 September at 15:45
Rev. John Young, originally from Kansas, U.S., earned a BA and MA in Political Science, followed by a Doctorate of Ministry from the University of Chicago and Meadville UU Seminary. He further expanded his academic credentials as a Fellow at Harvard University. His impressive career spans 40 years in the Unitarian Universalist Ministry, during which he served communities throughout the U.S. and travelled to countries including India and Japan.
Rev. Young also dedicated eight years to teaching at the University of North Florida. An accomplished author, he has written four books and is currently working on a fifth. He now resides in Mill Valley, CA. He is a proud husband, father to two children, and grandfather to four grandchildren.
Rev. Young's talk:
What I Learned About Reconciliation From Teaching With Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Reconciliation is primarily for people who realize they will continue to live in community together and therefore need to: speak truth to each other (including hard truths), express regret if they are courageous enough to do so for their misdeeds, and for victims or their families of these misdeeds to forgive, if they are compassionate enough to do so, and, at least, to speak their mutual truths, and then find ways to proceed in a healthy manner together.
Rev. Dr. Esther Suter
Rev. Suter's talk will be held on Wednesday 6 September at 14:30 Rev. Dr. Suter is an ordained minister in the Swiss Reformed Church, with a diverse background spanning various roles and engagements. She has served as a pastor, university hospital chaplain, and volunteer pastor in a disadvantaged area of Manhattan, New York. Her passion for ecumenism and interfaith dialogue led her to focus on Peace and Reconciliation, particularly through her involvement in partnership programs between the Federation of Swiss Reformed Churches and Presbyterian Churches in South Korea. Throughout her career, Rev. Dr. Suter has embarked on significant journeys to Latin America and Africa, undertaking projects such as establishing a shelter for street children in Santiago de Chile during a military dictatorship. She has also been an active participant in various United Nations World Conferences of Women and served as a delegate for the World Council of Churches. Her commitment to women's rights and human rights has led her to engage with organizations like the International Association of Liberal Religious Women and the International Association for Religious Freedom, where she serves as an NGO representative at the United Nations. In 2018, Rev. Dr. Suter co-founded Swiss Interfaith Women, a member of the International Association of Liberal Religious Women. Under her leadership, they organized an interfaith and intercultural Youth Camp focused on religion, art, and peace for young women. Additionally, she has made notable contributions during the COVID-19 lockdown by promoting her Doctoral Thesis in Systematic Theology on Fritz Buri's existential understanding. Rev. Dr. Suter's diverse interests encompass women's rights, feminist theology, ecumenism, interreligious dialogue, nuclear disarmament, peace advocacy, language proficiency (German, French, English, Spanish, Latin, Hebrew, Greek, Chinese), and Chinese medicine.
Janhvi Gupte
Janhvi's talk is schedule for Tuesday 5 September at 12:00 Janhvi Gupte is serving as an International Vice President and International Youth Representative to the IARF Council. She joined IARF as a volunteer in 2008. In the past 10 years, she meticulously contributed herself to numerous Human Right Education and Training Programs, Peace Programs and Interfaith activities for young adults and rural community. She is certified Indian Sign Language interpreter helping to bridge the gap between deaf and the hearing world. She volunteers for the sign language interpreting and career counseling for the deaf. She represented Indian subcontinent at Hiroshima Peace and Cultural Foundation, Hiroshima, Japan to present views of Indian youth on antinuclear test. She presently works as Compliance Officer at Goldman Sachs International, Bangalore, India.
Rabbi Bob Carroll
Rabbi Carroll's talk is scheduled for Tuesday 5 September at 18:00 Bob is a Modern Orthodox rabbi, former University Chaplain, IT consultant to Fortune 500 companies, and is currently Board Chair of the Interfaith Encounter Association in Jerusalem. In addition to his rabbinic training he has completed doctoral coursework in Jewish/Christian/Islamic theology and mysticism. He has delivered papers at Interfaith conferences and events in Israel, Delhi, Amman, Barcelona, Tirana, and at the Parliament of World Religions. He also serves as co-chair of one of the IEA’s ongoing Jewish/Christian/Muslim monthly interfaith encounter groups, as well as a new Muslim/Jewish group in New Jersey and a Christian/Jewish Bible study group that meets at the Community of the Beatitudes in Emmaus, Israel.
Timetable
Please note that the times given in the schedule are for Romania (EEST). Please check the table below for different time zones or use a service like timeanddate.com
| City | Time Difference |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA, USA | 10 hour(s) behind |
| Washington DC, DC, USA | 7 hour(s) behind |
| London, United Kingdom | 2 hour(s) behind |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | 1 hour(s) behind |
| Jerusalem, Israel | Same as Cluj Napoca |
| New Delhi, India | 2:30 hour(s) ahead |
| Tokyo, Japan | 6 hour(s) ahead |
Monday 4th September
08:00
Breakfast
If you arrive late on Sunday, please pick up your booklet and nametag.
09:00
House of Religious Freedom
Tour of the House of Religious Freedom
Embark on a journey through Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár)'s cherished 15th-century marvel, the House of Religious Freedom. Revered not just for its architectural splendor but as a symbol of Europe's pioneering commitment to religious freedom, this townhouse stands as a testament to the profound impact of the 1568 Edict of Torda. This historic decree laid the foundations for religious tolerance in Europe, emphasizing the importance of personal choice in matters of faith and setting a precedent for future generations. Beyond its pivotal role in advocating for freedom of belief, visitors to the House can admire architectural wonders from Gothic archways to a distinctive 15th-century staircase. The house, once the endangered Unitarian Bishop’s residence, has been meticulously restored by the Hungarian Unitarian Church with support from the Romanian and Hungarian governments. Today, it flourishes with exhibitions in collaboration with the Transylvanian National History Museum, the art collection of Unitarian bishops, and cultural showcases including a Transylvanian-themed restaurant. Serving as a beacon of Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár)'s rich history and its ongoing dedication to the principles of tolerance and coexistence, the House offers tours in multiple languages, ensuring an immersive experience for all attendees.
10:00
Auditorium
Representatives of the Hungarian Unitarian Church
Opening Session
Presentation by the Hungarian Unitarian Church on the history and tradition of the area
10:45
Auditorium
Coffee Break
11:00
Auditorium
Gudrun Hahn, Ruzbeh Hodiwala and Britto Arul
Circle Groups
Small group discussions designed to foster meaningful exchanges and help participants to get to know each other better. Read more here.
12:45
School Cafeteria
Lunch
14:15
Auditorium
Rev. Dr. John Young
What I Learned About Reconciliation From Teaching With Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Reconciliation is primarily for people who realize they will continue to live in community together and therefore need to: speak truth to each other (including hard truths), express regret if they are courageous enough to do so for their misdeeds, and for victims or their families of these misdeeds to forgive, if they are compassionate enough to do so, and, at least, to speak their mutual truths, and then find ways to proceed in a healthy manner together.
15:15
Break
15:30
The Unitarian Church
Presided by the Rt. Rev. Istvan Kovacs, Bishop of the Hungarian Unitarian Church, and Robert Ince, President of the IARF
Opening Ceremony
A special event at the church with the participation of local and IARF faith leaders
16:30
The Unitarian Church
Prof. George Williams
Keynote Speech: Remembering History as a Prelude to Reconciliation
An attempt to untangle IARF’s many historical perspectives must be part of the process of reconciliation. While Western groups were IARF’s founders and dominant majority, the minority members from Japan, India, and Hawai’i provided its multicultural richness – but they also brought historical injustices hidden by our own narratives.
17:30
Break
18:00
The school
Reception at the school for participants and local faith leaders
An evening with dinner and performances of local artists.
Tuesday 5th September
08:00
School Cafeteria
Breakfast
09:00
Auditorium
A Unitarian minister from the UK
Interfaith Devotion
A short inspirational interfaith service including readings, prayers, songs and other rights and including all faiths represented at the Congress whose representatives are willing to participate.
09:45
Auditorium
Speaker: President Robert Ince
1st Session of the General Meeting of the IARF
The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) General Meetings are a cornerstone in shaping the governance and direction of our organization. These gatherings, usually held every four years during our IARF Congresses, are crucial junctures for establishing our collective vision and determining operational strategies. If you are a member of the IARF, read more here.
09:45
A guided tour of Cluj Napoca
For those who are not IARF members.
11:00
Break
11:15
Auditorium
Janhvi Gupte, chair of the RFYN and Vice-President of the IARF, Emmanuel Manish
RFYN - the IARF's young adult network
The RFYN will present their work in India and talking about challanges they encounter and what role conflict and reconciliation plays in their work.
12:15
School Cafeteria
Lunch
13:45
Auditorium
Ukrainian refugees resident in Romania
Panel Discussion with Ukrainian Refugees
A heart-to-heart conversation about the war, post-war hopes, and plans.
15:00
Auditorium
President Robert Ince
The IARF Dana McLean Greeley Memorial Award for Peace and Justice ceremony
This award was created in 2006 by the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) to honor the vision and legacy of Rev. Dana McLean Greeley. The award provides funding and support to young adults within IARF's Religious Freedom Youth Network (RFYN) for developing exceptional interfaith cooperation programs over a 4-year period. The award aims to foster new leadership for IARF's mission of promoting religious freedom and harmony globally. It will be presented during the commemorative service at the IARF Congress to the individual, youth organization or network whose interfaith program over the past 4 years is deemed most successful in building bridges of understanding and cooperation.
15:45
Auditorium
Prof. Kunihiko Terasawa
Reconciliation between Korea and Japan Through Interreligious / Transnational Dialogue of Buddhism and Christianity
South Korea and Japan now share freedom and democracy in East Asia surrounded by authoritarian nations, North Korea, China, and Russia. However, the Korean-Japanese relationship has been difficult during modern times. Japan annexed Korea from 1910 until 1945. During that period, though Japan asserts they did it to promote modernization, Japan took an assimilation policy of Koreans in terms of language, religion, and culture.
I explore the causes of the Japanese-Korean conflicts in hopes that; we can find how to heal and reconcile. I see this being possible through interreligious dialogue and transnational solidarity of Buddhism and Christianity and with the younger generation. Japan learned Buddhism and Confucianism from China through Korea around the 6th century. There had been significant communication between both through Buddhism during the Nara era and Confucianism during the Tokugawa era.
These modern conflicts between the two nations began under the pressure of modernity, establishing Japan’s modern-nation-state during Meiji Restoration in 1868. This was meant to counter aggression of European colonialism after China’s defeat in the so-called, the Opium Wars, by which Japan employed new nationalistic policies through State Shinto and emperor ideology. To accelerate this process, the Meiji government ended Shinto-Buddhist synthesis by persecuting Buddhism nationwide to instead impose State Shinto through public school education. This interrupted the spiritual transnational solidarity of Buddhism, Confucianism, and later Christianity between Japan and Korea.
I explore Japan’s State Shinto’s ideological justification for the annexation of Korea and how Buddhists and Christians in Japan and Korea resisted Japan’s ultra-nationalism and its imposition to Korea. They indeed failed, but I also explore the reasons behind this failure. These would give important historical lessen for Korea and Japan’s reconciliation efforts and a vision for future peace in East Asia.
16:45
End of the day's main programme
17:00
Europe and Middle East Business Meeting
19:30
School Cafeteria
Dinner
Wednesday 6th September
08:00
School Cafeteria
Breakfast
09:00
Auditorium
A Unitarian minister from the Hungarian Unitarian Church
Interfaith Devotion
A short inspirational interfaith service including readings, prayers, songs and other rights and including all faiths represented at the Congress whose representatives are willing to participate.
09:45
Auditorium
President Robert Ince
2nd Session of the General Meeting of the IARF
Continuation of the General Meeting.
09:45
The Art Museum in Cluj
Soori Jafari
Visit to the Art Museum in Cluj
For those who are not IARF members
11:00
Coffee Break
11:15
Auditorium
Youth Organisation of the Hungarian Unitarian Church
Culture as Identity Through the Eyes of a Young Person
The details will be added soon.
12:00
School Cafeteria
Lunch
13:30
Auditorium
Young adult members of the Japan Chapter
Presentation by Young Adult Members of the Japan Chapter
Young members of the Japan Chapter present their work and talk about their experience of and struggles for reconciliations.
14:15
Auditorium
Rabbi Bob Carroll
Faith-based encounters as a tool for re-humanizing the Other and peacebuilding in The Holy Land
We will discuss the IEA’s unique methodology, which involved using religious ideas to establish common values and simultaneously create a safe space for disagreement and individual identity. We’ll present our Guidelines for Fair & Respectful Dialog, give some examples of how our encounters have brought people together and enabled them to tear down walls of prejudice, and also discuss how we successfully recruit participants from a very wide political and religious (or not) slice of the populations of each faith. Lastly, we’ll talk about what we have learned does _not_ work.
15:15
Coffee Break
15:30
Auditorium
Rev. Dr. Esther Suter
Short Introduction to IALRW
15:35
Auditorium
Prof. Kathy Matsui
Reconciliation and Peace in the North-East Asian Region
16:05
Auditorium
Rev. Dr. Esther Suter
Peace Treaty for the Korean Peninsula
16:10
Auditorium
Rev. Dr. Esther Suter
The United Nations and IARF
Including presentation of a short film about the Ark of Return memorial at the United Nations
16:30
Auditorium
Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt
The Dangers Without, The Dangers Within
A candid exploration of religious freedom's threats in the modern world. Rev. Bray McNatt, an African-American Unitarian Universalist leader, will share insights into the external dangers to faith, alongside an introspective analysis of internal challenges within our communities.
17:00
Auditorium
Discussion in Plenary
17:30
Closing Session
19:00
Dinner
The IALRW Congress: 7-8 September 2023
The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) is pleased to update you on the World Congress hosted by our member organization, the International Association of Liberal Religious Women (IALRW), in Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár) from September 7th to 8th, 2023, immediately following the IARF World Congress.
Under the theme “Religion in Action: From Reconciliation to Inclusive Diversity,” the Congress is designed to foster dialogue and understanding among women from diverse faith traditions. The opening ceremony will be conducted by Kamar and Esther, featuring greetings, prayers, a water ceremony, and opening remarks. This will be followed by presentations from Kathy Matsui, Julie Steinbach, Esther Suther, and Karen Kortch, covering reports from Japan, Malaysia, Europe, and the USA. The first day will also include a panel discussion on reconciliation, moderated by Kathy Matsui, and a special presentation by Rev. Esther Suter on the IARF’s work related to women’s issues at the United Nations.
The second day will commence with an interfaith morning devotion featuring Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. This will be followed by a warm welcome to Romanian and Hungarian guests by Rev. Kingka-Reka Szekely, Prof. Kathy Matsui, and Rev. Esther Suter. Maria Koreck will then present her work with the Roma people in Romania, followed by small group discussions. The Congress will conclude with a farewell celebration and dinner.
The event will be hosted at the House of Religious Freedom, a historic 15th-century townhouse in Cluj-Napoca, restored by the Hungarian Unitarian Church to promote religious freedom and tolerance.
For more information, please contact Dr. Esther Suter at dr.estherrsuter@bluewin.ch or visit the IALRW website at https://www.ialrw.org/.
The IARF and IALRW look forward to welcoming you in Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár) for these consecutive congresses. Please mark your calendars and join us in fostering interfaith dialogue and inclusive diversity.
Thursday 7 September
08:00
Breakfast
09:00
Prof. Kamar Oniah Kamaruzaman and Rev. Dr. Esther Suter
Interfaith Devotion
With texts from the Bible, the Quran and the Lotos Sutra (Buddhism), followed by remarked by Rev. Esther Suter and Prof. Kamar Oriah Kamaruzaman.
10:00
Kathy Matsui, Julie Steinbach, Esther Suther
Presentations of IALRW Women about their Work
Reports from Japan, Malaysia, and Europe. Speakers include Kathy Matsui, Julie Steinbach, and Esther Suther. Other contributions from women’s organisations. A short introduction by Rev. Esther Suter about the United Nations and women’s issues.
11:30
1st Session of the General Meeting
Includes the President’s report, financial report, and proposal of amendment to bylaws related to interfaith. Voting on the amendment and other decisions such as membership, accounts, and annual dues will also take place. Discussion about future options.
12:30
Lunch
14:00
Michiko Tsuchihashi, Rev. Rosemary Bray MacNatt, Prof. Kathy Matsui
Panel on Reconciliation Followed by Discussion Groups
The discussion will be moderated by Kathy Matsui.
15:00
Conversations in Small Groups
Breakout rooms on Zoom for more intimate discussions.
16:00
Break
16:15
Rev. Esther Suter
The Work of the IARF Representative to the UN Related to Women’s Issues
A presentation by Rev. Esther Suter, followed by a discussion.
18:30
Dinner
Friday 8 September
8:00
Breakfast
9:00
Opening Ceremony
Greetings, prayers and water ceremony.
9:45
Rev. Kingka-Reka Szekely, Prof. Kathy Matsui, Rev. Esther Suter
Welcome to Romanian and Hungarian Guests
10:00
Maria Koreck
Presentation on Work with the Roma People in Romania
Followed by Small Group Discussions.
11:20
Prof. Kamar Oriah Kamaruzaman
2nd Session of the General Meeting
Online Remarks of Outgoing President Prof. Kamar Oriah Kamaruzaman. Nomination (Posting of Slate) and Approval for New President and Council/Officers. Installation: Short address on Vision of IALRW by the New President.
13:00
Group Photo
13:10
Lunch
14:40
Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt
Respecting Each Other
Followed by a short discussion
15:40
Break
15:50
A female Unitarian minister from Transylvania, a female Reformed minister from Transylvania, a representative of the Roma, a representative of the Unitarian Women's Convocation, and Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt
Panel Discussion
Understanding and Respecting Each Other's Traditions and Backgrounds
17:30
Farewell Celebration
18:00
Farewell Dinner
Venue
The primary venue of the Congress will be the auditorium of the John Sigismund Unitarian Academy. The academy is located at the very heart of Cluj. The auditorium is a spacious room that functions superbly as a conference room and accommodates up to 200 people.
The opening ceremony and the keynote speech will be held at the Unitarian Church. Some parallel events may take place at the House of Religious Freedom.
All three buildings are located in one district in close proximity – only about 160m!
Below you can see the venues marked on the map of Cluj. The map also shows the location of the airport and the railway station. You may zoom in to see the exact location of the venues.
Cluj in Photographs
Travelling to Cluj
Arriving by Air
Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár in Hungarian) is a well-connected hub in Romania that can be conveniently reached from many European cities by air. The “Avram Iancu” Cluj International Airport is the key air route, offering frequent flights from major European cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin. Upon arrival, you can reach the city center in a short 20-minute drive, offering you a swift transition from air travel to the conference.
Travelling by Train
For those preferring rail travel, Cluj-Napoca is also well-served by a robust railway network. Direct train services are available from Budapest, Hungary’s capital, providing a scenic and comfortable journey to the city. Regular rail services also connect Cluj with Vienna, Austria, Belgrade, Serbia, and Bucharest, Romania’s capital. The Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár) railway station is conveniently situated, with local public transport and taxis available for easy access to the city center. More information about schedules and tickets can be found at Romanian Railways’ official website.
Driving to Cluj-Napoca
If you’re planning a road trip, Cluj is well linked by highways and national roads to major cities in the region. It is roughly a 6-hour drive from Budapest, while Bucharest is about 7-8 hours away by car. There’s ample parking in and around the city, and the major car rental companies have offices at the airport and in the city center, making car travel a feasible option. These multiple modes of transport ensure that getting to Cluj-Napoca for your conference is as convenient as possible.
Visa Information
If you’re an international attendee needing a visa to enter Romania, understanding the process is crucial. A key component of the process involves securing a visa invitation pre-approved by the Immigration Office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which our Romanian member group, the Hungarian Unitarian Church, will handle.
To receive this invitation, you’re required to provide several documents: proof of your Congress registration, confirmation of a return flight to Romania, and scanned copies of a passport-format photograph along with your passport. It may take up to 45 days for the Immigration Office to approve the invitation. Please do not request an invitation if you cannot provide all of these documents.
Upon receiving the pre-approved invitation, you’re ready to apply for a Business visa. Applications are accepted online at https://eviza.mae.ro/. However, submission of original documents to a Romanian embassy is required. The following list enumerates the necessary documents for your visa application:
- Proof of financial means
- Pre-approved invitation from the Inspectorate General for Immigration – Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania
- Details of accommodation
- Confirmed travel ticket
- Valid travel medical insurance
- Current travel document
- Passport-format photographs
- Vehicle supporting documents (if applicable)
For more comprehensive information regarding the visa process and requirements, we highly recommend visiting the official website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Pre-Congress Tour: 1-3 September
The Tour in a Nutshell
The Pre-Congress Tour offers an enriching journey through the remarkable sites of Unitarian heritage in the heart of Transylvania. Noteworthy places on the tour include:
- Torda (Turda in Romanian), where we will explore the monument, church, and museum rich with the history of our faith.
- The imposing Citadel of Déva (also known as Deva), a testament to centuries of architectural prowess and military strategy.
- The Unitarian High School in Székelykeresztúr (Cristuru Secuiesc), a beacon of education that upholds Unitarian values.
- The Fortified Church of Nagyajta (Aita Mare), a spectacular symbol of the region’s religious and architectural heritage.
- The vibrant Saxon cities of Segesvár (Sighisoara or Schesburg) and Brassó (Brașov-Kronstadt), where we will have an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich Gypsy and Romanian cultures of Transylvania.
- Finally, the charming Pottery Village of Korond (Corund), a hub of traditional craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
On September 2nd, a Saturday, we will convene for an open-air gathering and communion in Székelyudvarhely-Szejkefürdő (Odorheiu Secuiesc). This heartwarming event offers a platform for the members of the Pre-Congress Tour to introduce themselves and partake in a moving liturgy-blessing. The picturesque setting and shared purpose promise an unforgettable day of fellowship and spiritual reflection.
Detailed Itinerary
1 September, Friday
- 9:00 AM: Depart from Kolozsvár/Cluj Napoca and drive towards Torda/Turda
- 11:30 AM: Arrive in Torda/Turda and visit the church and Unitarian School
- 12:30 PM: Learn about the historical significance of the Diet and religious tolerance in the 16th century
- 1:30 PM: Enjoy lunch in Torockószentgyörgy (Colțești)
- 2:30 PM: Continue the journey to Deva
- 4:00 PM: Visit the congregation and explore the Deva citadel (if accessible)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and overnight stay in Deva
We will start our journey from Kolozsvár/Cluj Napoca and make our way to Déva/Deva, covering a distance of 166 km.
Our first stop along the way will be Torda/Turda, a charming town in Transylvania with a rich historical significance. Torda/Turda is renowned for its salt mine, but it holds special importance for Hungarians and Unitarians due to its role in hosting significant historical events, such as the 127 diets. These diets served as the governing body of the Principality of Transylvania in the past. In 1568, an important moment of religious tolerance occurred during one of these diets. It was here that the legal status of Lutherans, Reformed, Catholics, and Unitarians (Anti/Trinitarians) was recognized, setting a precedent for religious freedom within 16th-century Transylvania.
We will have the opportunity to visit the local church and observe the Unitarian School, which unfortunately was confiscated by the Romanian government during the Communist era and has not been returned to the church. The church itself was constructed in the 18th century when Transylvania was part of the Habsburg Empire. Thanks to a decree of tolerance issued by Joseph II in 1781, Protestants were allowed to build new churches, making this particular church possible.
A notable addition to the town in recent years is a monument erected in 2018 to commemorate the 450th anniversary of Religious Freedom. Created by a Romanian artist, this artwork symbolizes the spiritual connection humanity holds with the Transcendent, drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Jacob’s ladder as seen in his dream. Additionally, the museum here houses a 19th-century painting depicting Francis David advocating for freedom of religion during the 1568 Diet.
After immersing ourselves in the historical and cultural treasures of Torda/Turda, we will enjoy a delicious lunch in Torockószentgyörgy (Colțești) at 13:30, before continuing on our journey to Deva. In Deva, we hope to visit the local congregation and, if possible, explore the citadel. If the elevator to the citadel is operational, we will ascend to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Deva played a significant role in history as it was the place where reformer Francis David was imprisoned in 1579. Francis David preached about following Jesus rather than simply adoring him, and tragically, he lost his life in this very citadel in November of the same year.
Finally, we will conclude our day with a delightful dinner and overnight stay in Deva, allowing us to rest and prepare for the adventures that await us on the following day.
2 September, Saturday
- 7:00 AM: Depart from Deva and head towards Székelyudvarhely-Szejkefürdő/Odorheiu Secuiesc
- 11:00 AM: Attend the open-air worship service and participate in sharing blessings
- 2:00 PM: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the open-air surroundings
- 3:00 PM: Drive to Nagyajta/Aita Mare and visit the fortified church
- 6:00 PM: Continue the journey to Brassó/Brașov
- 7:00 PM: Explore downtown Brassó/Brașov (if time permits)
- 8:00 PM: Dinner and overnight stay in Brassó/Brașov
Our journey continues as we depart from Deva and head towards Székelyudvarhely-Szejkefürdő/Odorheiu Secuiesc, covering a distance of 235 km.
At 7:00 in the morning, we will hit the road, eagerly anticipating the experiences that await us. Our first stop of the day will be an open-air worship service at 11:00, where we will have the privilege to participate as part of an international delegation. This gathering has a longstanding tradition, with its roots dating back to the 19th century, when it was initially held at Homoródfürdő (Băile Homorod) and later documented. Unfortunately, during the Communist era, this gathering was prohibited. It was only in 1999 that we were able to revive this meaningful tradition, relocating it to emphasize the free-spirited nature of a 19th-century patriot named Orbán Balázs. Orbán Balázs was an individual who exemplified open-mindedness and free thinking. Despite being born into a family with a Hungarian-speaking father and Greek mother and having been baptized Roman Catholic, he rejected the rigid dogmas of the Catholic Church as he reached adulthood and embraced Unitarianism openly. Orbán Balázs is best remembered for his work in collecting various forms of folklore and his famous guidebooks, which served as illustrated history books. His dedication to documenting history extended to lugging around a hefty 25 kg camera that often intimidated others. Some of his notable works include “The history of Seklerland” and “The history of Torda,” among others.
Following the worship service, we will have a delightful open-air picnic lunch at 14:00, surrounded by nature.
Our journey will then take us to Nagyajta/Aita Mare, where we will visit the fortified church. The fortress is an impressive sight, and its historical significance warrants our exploration. After immersing ourselves in history, we will resume our journey towards Brassó/Brașov, covering a distance of 41 km. Arriving in Brassó/Brașov at 19:00, we will indulge in a delectable dinner and spend the night in comfortable accommodations. If time permits, we may also visit downtown Brassó/Brașov to soak in the local atmosphere.
3 September, Sunday
- 8:00 AM: Visit the attractions of Brassó/Brașov
- 9:00 AM: Depart from Brassó/Brașov and commence the journey back to Kolozsvár/Cluj Napoca
- 11:00 AM: Take a coffee break in Segesvár/Sighișoara
- 1:00 PM: Explore the Unitarian high school in Székelykeresztúr/Cristuru Secuiesc
- 2:30 PM: Indulge in a delicious lunch in Farkaslaka/Lupeni Kotyogó
- 4:30 PM: Visit the pottery village of Korond/Corund
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy a delightful dinner at Gerendas
- 8:00 PM: Begin the drive back to Kolozsvár/Cluj Napoca
Our last day of exploration begins with a visit to Brassó/Brașov at 8:00, where we will be able to explore the city’s unique charms. The city is known for its picturesque beauty and notable landmarks, making it a perfect destination for our final day of the trip.
After soaking in the beauty of Brassó/Brașov, we will hit the road once again, making our way back to Kolozsvár/Cluj Napoca. Along the way, we will make a stop at Segesvár/Sighișoara at 11:00 to enjoy a relaxing coffee break.
Continuing our journey, we will visit the Unitarian high school in Székelykeresztúr/Cristuru Secuiesc at 13:00, allowing us to learn more about the educational system and principles upheld by the Unitarian community.
Our appetites will be satisfied with a scrumptious lunch in Farkaslaka/Lupeni Kotyogó at 14:30, offering a taste of the local cuisine.
Before concluding our journey, we can’t miss the opportunity to visit Korond/Corund, a renowned pottery village known for its craftsmanship. Here, we will witness the artistic and cultural heritage of the region come to life through the creations of skilled potters.
As evening approaches, we will enjoy a delightful dinner at Gerendás. With our stomachs full and hearts content, we will begin our final drive back to Kolozsvár/Cluj Napoca, covering a distance of 140 km. This will mark the end of our extensive and fulfilling journey, leaving us with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of the places we visited.
Contact Information
For any queries or additional information, please feel free to reach out to Rev. Kinga-Reka Székely from the Hungarian Unitarian Church at szkingareka@gmail.com. We invite you to embark on this journey with us, steeped in cultural discovery and historical enlightenment.
The IARF Administrator, Lukasz Liniewicz, will be happy to assist you with all matters related to the Congress. Please address your questions regarding the registration process, the programme, visa issues and travel and accommodation at luke@iarf.net or use the form below.