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The International Association for Religious Freedom ( IARF ) was founded in Boston, USA in the year 1900 as an organisation to bring together people “striving to unite Pure Religion and Perfect Liberty”. Historically, IARF is the first interfaith harmony and peace promoting organisation in the world. IARF is an NGO in general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations ( UN ).
The International Association for Religious Freedom affirms the Right to Freedom of Religion and Belief. Openness to the many diverse expressions of faith in the world is at the heart of the IARF and its works. IARF encourages religious practices. It is committed to open enquiring, respect for the Human Dignity of others and reverence for life. It resists religious intolerance. It affirms the Right to Religious Freedom and, sides with the oppressed religious communities all over the world.
The IARF seeks to be guided by the spirit of Truth, which transcends time and place, race and creed, country and color, but it is present in the religious traditions of the world. IARF sponsors interfaith community projects in places where there are ethnic and religious conflicts.
The IARF welcomes into membership anyone committed to the Fundamental Right of Religious Freedom and to openness, understanding, compassion, and solidarity among persons of different Religious Traditions.

IARF statement of purpose
The purpose of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) 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 the truth of enlightenment, to flourish.
It requires work on three aspects, any of which may constitute the core objective for the IARF membership in a country or region :

• Freedom from oppressive interference or discrimination by the state, government or society’s institutions on the grounds of region or belief ;
• Mutual understanding, respect and the promotion of harmony, or at least “tolerance”, between communities or individuals of religion or beliefs ;
• An essential accountability by religious communities to ensure that their own practices uphold the fundamental dignity and human rights of their members and others.

• Groups from different religious traditions or beliefs (normally those which share its values)
• Communities suffering from religious persecution or discrimination.