US CHAPTER of the
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION for RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
IARF US CHAPTER MISSION STATEMENT
The U.S. Chapter of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) brings more than a century of experience working for inter-religious amity and justice towards a sustainable and peaceful world. By working collaboratively with diverse faith groups and individuals of conscience in the United States, we promote and nurture inter-religious communication and understanding. We build relationships across the globe by working in collaboration with our parent organization, IARF International.
A Statement on the War in Ukraine
from the International Council
We are deeply saddened and appalled by the hostile acts that led to this war and the increased threat this now presents to peaceful coexistence in the region and the world beyond.
We believe that armed conflict should never be a way to resolve security concerns between states.
We express our heartfelt compassion for all victims of the war, including those fleeing from the atrocities of armed conflict and the many families who are now being split up.
We applaud Poland, Hungary and Romania, amongst others, for opening their borders for all refugees, and call on the other nations of Europe to support those countries in dealing with the refugee crisis.
We are deeply concerned for the spiritual freedom and wellbeing of the Ukrainian people and those of neighbouring states whose peaceful existence is threatened by the presence of the military forces now assembled in Eastern Europe.
We call upon faith communities everywhere to respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine in any way they can, and upon the churches in Ukraine to work together to be an example of mutual respect and humanity for the Ukrainian people. May the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Moscow Patriarchate and other churches and faith communities in the region have the courage and strength to inspire reconciliation and healing.
We sincerely hope that peace and justice will prevail in Ukraine and its neighbours.
Robert Ince, President
London
27 February 2022
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Our US Board
Board members live across the US and meet by video conference.
Betsy Darr
Chair
Retired religious educator with long interest in multi-faith encounters.
Dr. Janice Marie Johnson
New York
Committed to making multiculturalism real, her maxim is "Let us build together."
Stephen Schwichow
San Francisco
For Stephen, it is all about accepting each other because of, not in spite of, our differences.
John L. Young
San Francisco
Retired minister with deep interest in non-violence, and former chair of this chapter.
Julia Zubiago
Somerville, MA
Recently received an MPH from Tufts, interested in the junction of religion and health.
Advisors
Doris Hunter
Celine Ibrahim
Ahbi Janamanchi
Roy Kaplan
Bruce Knotts
Kathy Matsui
Nyla McCulloch
Peter Richardson
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or, $50 for a household
or, $10 for a student.
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