We are an ecumenical think tank committed to responsible Christian witness in society rooted in historic church teaching and Christian realism.

365K
monthly visits

10,300+
published articles

45+
years of experience

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


Nicaea at 1700

Join leading scholars and church leaders as we explore the significance of the Nicene Creed 1700 years after it was...

May Wednesday Worship

Institute on Religion & Democracy 1023 15th Street NW Suite 200, Washington, DC

The Institute on Religion and Democracy's Wednesday Worship will take place on May 21st at noon. This month we will...

View All Events

MODERN ISSUES.

ONE CHURCH.

Latest Commentary


Southern Baptist Turbulence

April 1, 2025

Mark Tooley

Attacking Biblical Morality to the Same Tune

March 31, 2025

Rick Plasterer

Overt and Incremental Attacks on Religious Freedom in Latin America

March 28, 2025

Rick Plasterer

Review of Lyndal Roper’s “Summer of Fire and Blood: The German Peasants’ War”

April 1, 2025

Daniel N. Gullotta

“Like a Western Suit that Doesn’t Fit”: Shūsaku Endō, Christianity, and Japan

March 31, 2025

Nadya Williams

Spirits in Tension: Liberty and Religion 

March 28, 2025

Jacob Ogan

What next?


Media Inquiry

Need an expert? Request an interview or talking point.

Contact us

Donate

Ready to make an impact? Support smart commentary.

Donate today

Search

Looking for an article? Search the archives.

Get searching