News and Views
Reflections
When religion becomes a reason for the justification of aggression, the horror of hostilities follow—thousands killed by bombs, guns, missiles, and drones; millions driven from their homes and lacking food, water, sanitation, and health care; hospitals, schools, and churches destroyed. Too often states in these dire conditions are the result of attacks on religious freedom.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals call for strong institutions to promote peace and justice. When a nation-state fails to protect its citizens, the United Nations should be strongly supported in having the means to step in and protect those in dire need. —George Garland
Commentary
Separation of Church and State: America’s Best Idea | John Fugelsang | The Nation magazine | June 15, 2026
How Christian nationalism shows up in patriotic worship services | Rick Pidcock | Baptist News Global baptistnews.com | July 7, 2026
International Engagement Working Group |IARF.net
IARF-US Board President George Garland has accepted a position on the International Board of Trustees, and is now co-chair of the International Working Group. Working Group members include Peter LePoole, Lukasz Liniewicz, Esther Suter, Ruzbeh Hodiwala, and US Chapter Treasurer John Gubbings, as well as US Chapter President George Garland.
The International Working Group coordinates and implements international chapter participation. Among the many issues the group has explored are the restoration of IARF consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This restoration was necessary in order to have voting membership in the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations (CoNGO), in association with the United Nations.
Interfaith Council for Dialogue, Service, and Advocacy
The International Association for Religious Freedom US Chapter endorses the planned new program, “Interfaith Council for Dialogue, Service, and Advocacy,” initiated by board member Roy Kaplan. The will host regular meetings for members of diverse faiths, and providing essential opportunities for collaboration, mutual understanding, and action. This initiative is increasingly relevant to counter growing and ongoing xenophobic, racist attacks on spiritual communities across the country.
Please click here to see the full presentation:ICDSA Presentation.pptx
Alerts
Below are full articles from various news sources covering current issues of religious freedom in the US. We will continue to provide our readers with reports.
June 26 Religious Liberty Commission takes aim at church-state separation
From the website of The Washington Post www.washingtonpost.com
“The report recommends the Justice Department issue guidance to promote “an originalist understanding” of how the Constitution sees religion and government.”
Click here to view/download the full Religious Liberty Commission Report
June 22 Mandated Bible stories in reading lists, revamped history for Texas public schools approved
“The State Board of Education approved the reading lists and K-8 social studies changes after months of debates.”
From the website of The Texas Tribune www.texastribune.org
June 8 Defense Department Rejiggers List of Recognized Religions after Backlash, Narrows it to 30
“The fast-evolving list was met with blowback from critics who suggested its changes were an attempt to impose Christian nationalism on the military.”
From the website of Religion News Service religionnews.com/
A Federal Government task force has released a 565-page document: Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias within the Federal Government
Click here to read the DOJ press release. Click here to read the executive order