Welcome to the Free Religion Institute

First, why do we think interfaith dialogue is essential?

The International Association for Religious Freedom is celebrating its 125th year of interfaith dialogue. We bring together more than 50 member organizations from almost all of the major world religious traditions. We do this because:

• we know ourselves by knowing each other;
• we share our knowledge and our traditions’ wisdom with a liberal spirit of appreciating differences in perspective, culture, language, and spiritual experiences;
• we cooperate and collaborate to protect minorities from injustice, intolerance and persecution;
• we serve in a liberative, creative religious faith and practice for an enlightened and compassionate humanity.

So, what is there in the study of other religions that can be valuable for us? My friend Huston Smith is credited with saying, “You can’t know your own religion without knowing another religion.” And as a student I had the privilege of listening to Thomas Merton at the Trappist monastery in Gethsemane, Kentucky, say, “Learning about different religions enriches your faith in your own.” “Understanding other religions can deepen your understanding of your own.” “Exploring other religions is a path to deeper self-awareness in your own faith.”

It was Imaoka sensei who called us to explore religion for its liberating, creative essence found in all genuine religious and spiritual paths. He saw IARF’s unique role as the University of Life, a school of study and practice. In IARF we come together because we wish to be compassionate and genuine human beings. We talk together and attempt to listen deeply to each other’s successes and struggles. Each stage of life requires more knowledge as we develop in our particular faiths. We study together, share practices that keep us on a path toward the good, beautiful and true. May some of these topics tempt you to ask for a specific class. Enjoy and find the energy, strength and talent to become your spiritual ideal.