We are an ecumenical think tank committed to responsible Christian witness in society rooted in historic church teaching and Christian realism.
Current Programs
Providence Magazine
Addressing national security and global statecraft through the lens of historic Christian thinking.
Juicy Ecumenism
Smart commentary on today's issues, Juicy Ecumenism is the official blog of the Institute on Religion & Democracy.
In Defense of Christians
Advocating for the protection and preservation of Christianity in the Middle East, the birthplace of the faith.
The New Whiggery
The New Whiggery exists to promote the best of the American constitutional tradition and to evaluate political decisions in light of history, first principles, prudence, and a moral framework grounded in natural law.
John Wesley Institute
The John Wesley Institute is honored that former Asbury Theological Seminary President Timothy Tennent is becoming a Distinguished Scholar of World Christianity with JWI. His roll will include an annual lecture in Washington, D.C.
Upcoming Events
Join IRD and Providence for a Christian Realist discussion of Hacksaw Ridge. We will watch the movie at 6:15 PM....
Join the IRD on March 15th for our Women's Brunch. We will hear from Gretchen Shappert, Assistant Director at EOUSA. ...
The Institute on Religion and Democracy will host a thirty-minute silent worship in the Quaker tradition. Join us in experiencing...
The IRD is starting a Pope John Paul II Reading Group for young professionals. Once a month we will meet...
Join our monthly New Whiggery Dinner for DC young professionals with Ben Klutsey, Mercatus Center. Dinner is at 6 pm,...
The IRD is starting a John Wesley Reading Group for young professionals. Once a month we will meet and discuss...
The Institute on Religion and Democracy's Wednesday Worship will take place on March 26th at noon. This month we will...
Join us for a survey of the relationship between the church and monarchy in Britain; past, present and future. Our...
Dr. Timothy Tennent will deliver the first Annual Tennent Lecture on World Christianity on April 11 with remarks on “Staying...
The Institute on Religion and Democracy's Wednesday Worship will take place on May 21st at noon. This month we will...
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Latest Commentary
Secularization and Political Polarization – Part 2
March 7, 2025
Rick Plasterer
Reconciling Methodists Tout ‘DEI which the Lord has Made’
March 6, 2025
Wyatt Flicker
Lunch With Ukrainian Church Leaders
March 5, 2025
Mark Tooley
The Just Statecraft of Trump’s Ukraine Diplomacy
March 7, 2025
Tim Milosch
Christmas Attacks: Part of a Growing Trend of Violence Against Christians
March 6, 2025
Antonio Graceffo
T.S. Eliot and the Need for Lent
March 5, 2025
Michael Lucchese
What next?