NAUA is Now a Member of the International Association for Religious Freedom
On June 15th the North American Unitarian Association (NAUA) became a member of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF). This is an important milestone for NAUA as membership in IARF represents recognition of NAUA as a member of the world-wide community of liberal religious organizations.
The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), founded in 1900, is the oldest interfaith organization in the world, uniting members across five continents and over 20 countries. Its spiritual diversity includes Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Shintoists, Zoroastrians, and Indigenous practitioners—people who value open inquiry, spiritual growth, and action for justice. Through its Free-Religion Institute and other global programs, IARF engages in thoughtful study, interfaith dialogue, spiritual practice, and advocacy for human rights. Its consultative status at the United Nations enables IARF to give voice to liberal religion in the defense of marginalized communities and the promotion of liberative religion worldwide.
Through NAUA’s membership in IARF, NAUA members will be able to participate in IARF programs and initiatives. NAUA and IARF will collaborate not only with respect to interfaith educational programs but NAUA will also support IARF at the UN to strengthen the voice of liberal religion. NAUA’s admission to membership in IARF was accomplished through the efforts of our International Alliances Committee in collaboration with Professor George Williams, President of IARF. More information about IARF programs and our collaboration with IARF will be provided in future editions of the Compass Newsletter, on the NAUA website and in the Liberal Beacon.
