The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), based in the UK, is the oldest global inter-religious organization. It was founded on May 25, 1900 in Boston, Massachusetts, and arose out of the American Unitarian Association (formed in 1825). It was originally known as the “International Council of Unitarian and Other Liberal Religious Thinkers and Workers.” [1] The IARF’s statement of purpose is to “work for freedom of religion and belief because it is a precious human right that potentially enables the best within our religious lives, or our search for truth or enlightenment, to flourish.” This vision involves freedom from government oppression and interference, mutual understanding and respect between faith communities, and holding religious communities accountable for upholding human rights. The IARF has member groups in 25 different countries and represents a broad list of faith traditions, ranging from Buddhism to Zoroastrianism.[2]

  1. Traer, Robert. “A Short History of the IARF.” International Association for Religious Freedom. Accessed February 5, 2019. https://iarf.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/A-Short-History-of-the-IARF-Bob-Traer.pdf
  2. The International Association for Religious Freedom. “About the IARF.” The International Association for Religious Freedom. Accessed February 5, 2019. https://iarf.net/about/.