ABOUT
The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) is a charitable organization that works for religious freedom around the world. Founded in 1900, it is the oldest international group that promotes dialogue among religions.
WHO WE ARE
IARF includes organizations and individuals from five continents, 23 countries, and various religious traditions. IARF has chapters in nine countries.
WHAT WE DO
IARF provides information on barriers to religious freedom as well as briefings on spiritual practices through our newsletter and presentations.
We collaborate with other organizations involved with issues of religious freedom and promote discussion of action steps.
The U.S. chapter organizes conferences and events on issues of religious freedom to promote and facilitate interfaith dialogue.
IARF-US communicates regularly with its current and potential members, organizes at least one interfaith event per year, and actively participates in other events led by its allies. We also fundraise, convene conferences, and respond to instances of religious persecution through both public statements and public witness.
Our Mission
The U.S. Chapter of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) brings more than a century of experience working for interfaith justice towards a sustainable and peaceful world. By working collaboratively with diverse faith groups and individuals of conscience in the U.S., 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.
U.S. Chapter Board
George Garland, President
John Gubbings, Treasurer
Roy Kaplan
Stephen Schwichow
Kunihiko Terasawa
U.S. Chapter Advisors
Betsy Darr
Doris Hunter
Abhi Janamanchi
Kathy Matsui
Peter Richardson
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in teaching, practice, worship, and observance. —United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18
From the President
Dear Members and Friends,
As we begin the new year, let us be thankful for the resolve and resiliency of our IARF members and friends in the ever-more uncertain and chaotic world that we share.
Our vision for worldwide religious freedom is strong. Now, more than ever, that vision will need our most robust efforts. Our efforts have made a difference and will continue to do so, as together we face the difficulties ahead. We have been and will be a beacon of light in a world where religious intolerance has been weaponized, a world where religious freedom has been challenged and, indeed, denied.
We are certainly a long way from attaining our shared vision, but we are also steadfast and determined to promote this vision through our advocacy with our own politicians, with collaborative organizations, and at the UN.
We have celebrated the joy and hope of many religious traditions in the past few months. Let us be filled with that hope in the new year.
On behalf of our Chapter Board, I wish you a Happy New Year and thank you for your continuing efforts. Let us continue together in community.
—George Garland
