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-US provides information on barriers to religious freedom as well as briefings on spiritual practices through our website, newsletter, alerts, and presentations.
We collaborate with other organizations involved with issues of religious freedom and promote discussion of action steps, including organizing conferences and events 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.
Coming Soon—
The Summit for Religious Freedom April 25 through April 27
Convened annually by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. This is a gathering of individuals—no sponsors/organizations. In person, Alexandria, VA/Washington, D.C. and Virtual.
How to Register:https://eventspecialists.swoogo.com/srf2026/begin
For information: thesrf.org
U.S. Chapter Board
George Garland, President
John Gubbings, Treasurer
Roy Kaplan
Stephen Schwichow
Wynante Sewell
Kunihiko Terasawa
U.S. Chapter Advisors
Betsy Darr
Doris Hunter
Abhi Janamanchi
Kathy Matsui
Peter Richardson
From the President
Dear IARF-US Members and Friends
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. (See ICDSA Presentation.pptx in News Briefs)
The program 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 widespread intolerance, and ongoing xenophobic, racist attacks on spiritual communities across the country.
We are all aware of continuing actions at various levels of government, which quite blatantly express disrespect for separation of church and state. State Department officials have been instructed to make support for Christianity a priority. Our Justice Department has a newly formed group to root out religious diversity. All in direct violation of the 1st Amendment.
Our newsletter and website provide background materials and resources for all concerned.
George Garland
