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

Promoting Democracy, Human Rights and Religious Freedom Since 1981

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 role will include an annual lecture in Washington, D.C.

Upcoming Events


  • January New Whiggery Dinner

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

    Please join us on January 26th at 6:00PM for our monthly New Whiggery dinner. Our speaker will be Dan Rothschild,...

  • January 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 January 28th at noon. This month we will...

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“Because Christ is Lord,

Caesar is not”

– Rev. Richard Neuhaus

 

Latest Commentary


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Ryan Danker

Threat to the Religious Defense in Canada’s Hate Speech Law

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A Spiritual Resource for Warfighters

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How Beijing’s ‘Civilizational Bluff’ Hurts the Global South

How Beijing’s ‘Civilizational Bluff’ Hurts the Global South

January 19, 2026

Elisa Zhai Autry

How Armenia Opened the Door to Putin’s Weaponized Orthodox Christianity

How Armenia Opened the Door to Putin’s Weaponized Orthodox Christianity

January 15, 2026

Ara Nazarian

Ep. 102 | After Two Years of War, a Chance for Peace?
Latest Podcast

Ep. 102 | After Two Years of War, a Chance for Peace?

October 7, 2025

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