About Us

Chartered in 1893, the IRLA has advocated for religious freedom ever since. It is incorporated as a tax-exempt educational organization. The IRLA does not identify with any political party anywhere, nor does it endorse candidates for political office. The IRLA was originally organized by leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but its purpose is universal and non-sectarian. Various religious traditions are represented on the Board of Directors. The presidency rotates annually among a panel of vice presidents. The president in 1989 was the former general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation; in 1991, the general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. The IRLA has no paid staff. Officers and directors serve voluntarily. Funding for IRLA operations comes from organizations supportive of the association’s purpose.