In the area of K-12 Education, IRCV is the leading organization studying the scope of coverage of world history and world religions in U.S. social studies curriculum, standards, and textbooks. We have noted important shifts during the past several decades in the coverage of world religions as part of instruction in history-social studies and other subject areas, and apply that knowledge in our assessments and advisory efforts.
IRCV has been interested in the place of faith communities at the American table and their effect on policymaking. IRCV keeps apprised of viewpoints and initiatives of religious leaders and communities pertaining to faith and politics, religious freedom and religious pluralism, and interfaith and intrafaith dynamics. This enables us to consider the present state of religious discourse on these issues and to more accurately assess the role of faith communities in shaping our collective future.
IRCV studies and evaluates media coverage of religion and politics, faith communities, and interfaith efforts. It is critical to understand how our political and cultural predispositions frame the coverage of religion in today’s world. By considering how national conversations on religion topics are represented in the media, IRCV is able to more effective engage media professionals in order to enrich coverage of a given event or subject.
IRCV is interested in the dynamic interplay of the secular and religious in the public square. IRCV understands the First Amendment to provide for separation of church and state, while at the same time allowing religious values and teachings to flourish and animate society. IRCV studies the place of religion in civil society in order to provide accurate assessments and recommendations regarding the balancing of rights in increasingly pluralistic societies.
IRCV periodically conducts research visits to Europe, Asia and the Middle East to assess educational, civic and religious conditions and developments. Insights gained from interactions with local leaders, including some whom we have come to know through our Citizen Diplomacy activities, help us continue to offer substantive training to new visitor groups in the U.S.