Institute on Religion and Democracy
Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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Accusations of steeplejacking
Critics have accused IRD of helping conservative Christians organize within mainline congregations, capture institutional leadership, and in some cases encourage departures into more conservative denominations. The allegation was discussed in Steeplejacking by John Dorhauer and Sheldon Culver. IRD rejects the characterization and disputes the evidentiary basis offered by its critics.
Criticism of political alignment and funding
Progressive critics have characterized IRD as a political operation aligned with conservative causes, citing its positions on military spending, foreign intervention, environmental protection, welfare policy, and social issues. Reference material also identifies several conservative foundations and Fieldstead & Company among historical donors.