Unitarian Beginnings and Heritage in Poland: A Historical Pilgrimage
Dates: May 20–26, 2026 |
Location: Poland |
Organizer: Polish Unitarian Society & Partners
We are pleased to share a unique opportunity for IARF members—particularly those in Europe—to explore the deep roots of liberal religion. This historical study tour is hosted by leaders from the Polish Unitarian Society, a member group of the IARF, in collaboration with Unitarian Universalist ministers from the United States.
Discover the “Heartland” of Religious Dissent
Join a journey back to the 16th century, visiting the Unitarian “heartland” where the Polish Brethren (also known as Socinians) established congregations that openly challenged dogma, rejected infant baptism, and championed pacifism. These events occurred eight years before similar movements in Transylvania, making this a crucial site for the history of religious freedom.
The influence of the Polish Brethren was monumental for the development of liberal religious and political thought in Holland, England, and America. The tour will focus on Raków, the intellectual center where the famous Racovian Catechism was printed in 1605.
Itinerary Overview
This pilgrimage moves from the modern capital to the historic countryside, ending in the royal city of Kraków.
WarsawDay 1: May 20
Afternoon arrival in the capital. Orientation and welcome dinner with the group.
Warsaw → The CountrysideDays 2-3: May 21-22
Meeting with local Unitarians and historian Prof. Stanisław Obirek. Departure by chartered bus to the historic heartland.
Raków & SurroundingsDays 4-5: May 23-24
Based near Raków, we visit worship sites of the Polish Brethren—some restored, others in evocative ruins.
KrakówDays 6-7: May 25-26
Tour concludes in the royal city. Visit Wawel Castle, the Old Town, and WWII history sites. Closing dinner.
Departure is scheduled for the morning of May 27.
Cost & Logistics
The tour is led by Rev. Jay Atkinson, Rev. Roger Jones, and Rev. Kevin Tarsa, alongside local Polish lay leaders Justyna Borusińska and Jarosław Wajchert.
Cost: Approx. $1000 USD (double occupancy) / $1200 USD (single). Includes lodging, local transport, breakfasts, and some meals. (Airfare not included).
Financial Aid: Scholarship aid is being explored for seminarians and early-career ministers.
Registration & Contact
For questions, specific payment details, or to register for the tour, please contact the lead organizer, Jay Atkinson.
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.
Don’t Forget the Pre-Conference Tour!
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.
On behalf of the IARF India Chapter and the B.V. Foundation, I invite you to join us and our partners for a series of meetings from 6-9 August 2025, to remember the events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
We believe that remembering the human cost of conflict is essential to our shared work for peace and religious freedom. A photo exhibition will be on display at each location.
Please join us:
Aug 6, 11:00 AM: Alwardas Degree College
Aug 7, 11:00 AM: B.V.F. Centre Hall, Bridge School
Aug 8, 11:00 AM: Dr. V.S.K Govt. Degree College, Maddilapalem
Aug 9, 10:15 AM: Gandhi Centre Seminar Hall, Dr. L.B. Degree College
We hope you can join us for this important act of remembrance.
Spring 2026 IARF Study Tour to Japan
One valuable aspect of IARF is the opportunity for members from different countries, religions, and cultures to meet and inspire each other. IARF is now planning a tour to Japan for spring 2026 to study Japan’s religious and spiritual traditions, with a particular focus on those connected to our member organisations.
The programme will include meetings with various groups associated with our members and member organisations, as well as activities commemorating the end of World War II and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Courses from IARF’s online Free Religion Institute, such as the one announced in this newsletter, will be one way to prepare for the study tour. Plans are still in their early stages, but if you are interested, please send an email to [email protected]. This also applies if you have specific suggestions or wishes for the tour (for instance, a particular theme) or if you would like to be part of the preparatory committee. We will keep you informed through future newsletters.
Buddhism and Free Religion: Continuing the Dialogue
The Free Religion Institute is pleased to announce another session in our ongoing series with Rev. Michinori Maruta exploring the connections between Buddhism and Free Religion (自由宗教 jiyū shūkyō).
These talks and discussions have thus far been offered as standalone sessions rather than a formal course for the Institute. We’re excited to share that we have plans to develop this into a structured course offering, with details of a new series to be announced soon.
All Institute materials are available to IARF members registered on our community platform. If you don’t have an account yet, you can set it up for free at iarf.net/register.
Buddhism and Free Religion (自由宗教 jiyū shūkyō)
Upcoming Session: The Middle Path and Free Religion
Join Rev. Michinori Maruta for an exploration of Buddhist perspectives on Free Religion
26 April 2025: What does jiyu (自由, freedom) mean to you?
Rev. Maruta shared perspectives on freedom from a Buddhist viewpoint and invited participants to share their ideas.
29 March 2025: Buddhism and Jiyū Shūkyō
Exploring connections between Buddhism and free religion.
22 February 2025: Buddhism and Liberation
Rev. Michinori Maruta explored Buddhist perspectives on liberation in this initial session of the series.
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.
IALRW Conference 2025: Power of Dialogue and Partnership
The International Association of Liberal Religious Women (IALRW) will host its 2025 Conference from June 11-16 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The conference will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online participation. Under the theme “Power of Dialogue and Partnership,” participants will explore indigenous perspectives, interfaith dialogue, and women’s leadership in addressing global challenges.
Building on discussions from the 2023 gathering in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, this five-day program combines academic presentations, interactive workshops, cultural experiences, and networking opportunities. The conference will feature interfaith dialogues with Buddhist and indigenous perspectives, with special attention to their traditions of living in harmony with nature.
The venue, The Waterfront Hotel in Kuching, will also host the 19th Sakyadhita International Conference for Buddhist Women immediately following the IALRW event, creating opportunities for extended dialogue and connection.
Dates
June 11-16, 2025
Location
The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Participation
In-person: 930 MYR (~$210 USD) | Online: $10 USD
Program Highlights
Opening
115 Years of IARLW: Historical Foundations & Future Directions
Rev. Dr. Esther R. Suter, IALRW President & IARF Main Representative to the UN
An exploration of IALRW’s journey since its founding in 1910 as the Ladies Wing of the IARF and its vision for the future.
Keynote
Reactivating Humanity and Humanness through Religions
Prof. Dr. Kamar Oniah Kamaruzaman, Advisor & Former IALRW President
Exploring how religious traditions can guide humanity toward compassion and justice during challenging times.
Dialogue
Buddhist and Indigenous Perspectives on Climate Change
Dr. Thea Mohr & Ms. Celine Lim
A conversation exploring connections between Buddhist and indigenous approaches to environmental ethics and climate action.
Policy
Nuclear Disarmament and Japanese Women’s Advocacy
Prof. Dr. Kathy R. Matsui, Advisor & Former IALRW President
Insights from Japanese women’s advocacy work on abolishing nuclear weapons and promoting peace.
Featured Speakers
Rev. Dr. Esther R. Suter
President, IALRW & Main Representative to the UN for IARF
She is an ordained minister in the Swiss Evangelical Church and serves as the Permanent Main Representative to the United Nations for IARF. She has extensive experience in international ecumenical work and interfaith dialogue, and regularly participates in UN sessions and conferences representing IARF’s interests and mission.
Prof. Dr. Kamar Oniah Kamaruzaman
Advisor, IALRW & Former President (2014-2023)
Prof. Dr. Kamar Oniah Kamaruzaman is a professor of Comparative Religion at the International Islamic University of Malaysia. She is an academic who is actively involved in social works and is especially active in interfaith engagements and initiatives, locally and internationally, and her publications on interfaith initiatives are references for such works.
Prof. Dr. Kathy R. Matsui
Advisor to IALRW & Former President (2006-2014)
She is a peace educator facilitating conflict resolution and reconciliation workshops. She works with peace researchers and educators internationally in the International Institute on Peace Education, the Conflict Resolution and Peace Education Working Group of the Global Partnership for Prevention of Armed Conflict.
Dr. Thea Mohr
Council of Europe and IRICD Commission, Europe Buddhist Union
Dr. Thea Mohr is an internationally recognized expert in intercultural competence and cultural intelligence, with specialized focus on India, China, Japan, South Korea, Arab countries, and several European nations. A business economist and religious/cultural scientist by training, she holds certification as an intercultural trainer and coach.
Registration Information
The conference offers two participation options:
In-Person
930 MYR (approx. $210 USD)
Includes registration fee (220 MYR), conference package (710 MYR), all sessions, materials, specified meals, and cultural activities
Online
$10 USD
Includes access to all virtual sessions, digital conference materials, and interactive components
Registration is considered complete upon submission of the online form and receipt of payment. For complete details and to register, visit the IALRW Conference 2025 website.
We invite IARF members and friends to join this gathering to explore the power of dialogue across religious and cultural boundaries, and to support women’s leadership in addressing today’s challenges.
Free Religion Institute Presents: Imaoka’s Religious Practices (Session 3)
The Free Religion Institute continues its inaugural e-learning season with the third session of Rev. Andrew Brown’s exploration of Japanese free religion through the work of Imaoka Shin’ichirō. This course examines how Imaoka’s ideas have shaped liberal religious thought in Japan, with previous sessions now available as recordings for IARF members.
We’re excited to announce that several new courses are in development and will begin within the next three months, further expanding our educational offerings on free religion and related topics.
Rev. Andrew Brown’s course continues with an exciting third session exploring the practical dimensions of Imaoka’s free religious approach. Recordings and materials from previous sessions are available to registered members through our e-learning platform.
All Institute materials are available to IARF members registered in the IARF Network. If you don’t have an account yet, you can set it up for free.
Session 3: Imaoka Shin’ichirō’s explicit, implicit and hoped-for free-religious practices
Exploring Seiza Meditation, weekly gatherings, Principles of Living, educational pilgrimages, and more
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 8:00 AM UK time
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
The session will delve into fascinating practices including:
Seiza Meditation (the Quiet Sitting method learned from Okada Torajiro)
Weekly talk and Q&A sessions at the Tokyo Kiitsu Kyōkai
The recitation of Imaoka’s eight “Principles of Living”
Educational journeys and pilgrimages
Walking in nature and aesthetic practices like calligraphy
Imaoka’s vision for free-religious ceremonies and music
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).
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”.
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.
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!
We’re looking forward to seeing you in Germany for what promises to be an insightful and connecting conference!
New Courses and Events at the Free Religion Institute
The Free Religion Institute launches the first course on its e-learning platform this spring, beginning with an exploration of Japanese free religion through the work of Imaoka Shin’ichirō. Led by Rev. Andrew Brown, this course examines how Imaoka’s ideas shaped liberal religious thought in Japan. Following January’s opening session, which is now available as a recording, the course continues with live sessions this spring.
Our second course, led by Rev. Michinori Maruta, examines connections between Buddhism and free religion. Drawing on his experience in both Buddhist practice and interfaith dialogue, Rev. Maruta will explore Buddhist perspectives on liberation and their relationship to free religious thought.
All Institute materials are available to IARF members registered on our community platform. If you don’t have an account yet, you can set it up for free at iarf.net/register.
Rev. Andrew Brown’s course is now available on the Institute’s e-learning platform. The recording and materials from the first session can be accessed by registered members.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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