About

Founded in 1981, the IRD is an ecumenical voice for transparency, for renewal and for historic Christian teaching within the churches and within society. We advocate for a robust and faithful Christian social and political witness reflecting justice, charity, hope and realism. From our founding during the Cold War, when many Christians aligned with Marxist movements and dictatorships in pursuit of justice, IRD has advocated for democracy, human rights and religious freedom for all people everywhere. The world has changed but threats to democracy continue. We agree with Reinhold Niebuhr: “Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.”

Mission

We are Christians working to reaffirm the church’s biblical and historical teachings, strengthen and reform its role in public life, protect religious freedom, and renew democracy at home and abroad.

Vision

To lead the fight rallying Christians to champion biblical, historic Christianity and its role in democratic society, and to defeat revisionist challenges.

Our Staff