Mission: Within the vast expanse of human understanding and experience, every element of a human being s life anywhere in the world is, in one way or another, affected by religion and public policy. As religion scholar Dr. Martin E. Marty has commented, religion and politics inevitably intersect . Politics, by dealing with proposals for the common good, inevitably touches on people s basic ideas about what is most important in life. For most Americans, this means drawing religious understandings of reality and human purpose. From Christian to Muslim to Jew to atheist, and every faith in between, we are all influenced by a personal acceptance or rejection of religious principles, and by the decisions, dictates, and functioning of government. Instead of competition, conflict, and ill will, which often develop, these most two fundamental elements in the daily lives of human beings should be in cooperation and dialogue. The Institute on Religion and Public Policy is building bridges between religion and policy to advance a more constructive, peaceful future.
Programs: The Institute on Religion and Public Policy conducts research on issues relating to religion and public policy in both the domestic and international policy arenas. The Institute sponsors lectures and conferences, as well as publishes books and other materials, to exchange and appropriate ideas on the importance of remaining active in and aware of the ever-developing relationship between religion and public policy. The Institute on Religion and Public Policy also provides leadership in motivating public interest and action in areas of concern to the religious and public policy communities.
The Institute on Religion and Public Policy works globally with government policymakers, religious leaders, business executives, academics, non-governmental organizations, and others in order to further and develop relationships among these parties. The Institute encourages and assists these groups to work together effectively and cooperatively on issues of common concern.
Donor & Volunteer Advisory
This organization's nonprofit status may have been revoked or it may have merged with another
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I had the unique opportunity to participate in a closed door Round
Table hosted by THE INSTITUTE of leading Pakistani political,
religious and academic leaders. The goal-oriented discussion and
opportunities for engagement were both surprising and hopeful. The frank dialogue was informative. It is this kind of interchange that brings understanding and helps us move forward.
THE INSTITUTE is in a position to provide leadership and effective
solutions to some of today's most challenging security and democracy
issues.
I had the distinct privilege of attending as a guest the Interparliamentary Conference on Human Rights and Religious Freedom in Rome. It was an amazing experience to see people come together from all over the world to speak on our fundamental rights as human beings to be able to peacefully pray to our own gods without fear of persecution. THE INSTITUTE does an amazing job at connecting people of diverse faiths, backgrounds and ideas and it is an honor to donate to such a forward thinking organization.
The Institute is doing really great work! I am impressed with their commitment to stay on top of national and international instances of religious persecution. They compile relevant news articles into a weekly newsletter and into their website archives.
o In 2009, THE INSTITUTE was instrumental in clearing the name of Sigma Huda; an anti-human trafficking leader unjustly smeared to stop her work, and organized her release from prison.
o THE INSTITUTE helped to find justice for Sameh Khouzam, a Coptic Christian facing discrimination and ill treatment by the US immigration system
o THE INSTITUTE now trains all US immigration judges on religious freedom.
o The Interparliamentary Conference on Human Rights and Religious Freedom (IPC) is a Nobel Peace Prize-nominated program of the Institute on Religion and Public Policy. Founded in 2002, the program draws lawmakers from countries around the world to discuss fundamental rights and religious freedom in the context of pressing policy issues such as public health, counterterrorism and human trafficking.
o THE INSTITUTE reviews legislation in accordance with international standards and regional commitments. This can take the form of formal reviews of proposed legislation, as well as less formal consultations between THE INSTUTE and those working on legislation in various countries.
