History

IRFA grows out of the work of the Coalition to Preserve Religious Freedom, a volunteer-based multi-faith network of social-service, education, and religious freedom organizations that since 2003 has advocated for institutional religious freedom to Congress, the administration, and the press.  

IRFA Founder and President Stanley Carlson-Thies during 1992-2001 and 2002-2008 researched, consulted, spoke, and advised on faith-based policy from the Center for Public Justice.  He helped craft the original Charitable Choice proposal during the Clinton administration.  In 2001-2002 he served on the initial staff of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.