Gavrylechko Yuriy: Religious Freedom as a Pillar of Democracy: Key Takeaways from the 2025 IRF Builders Forum in Washington

Attending the Civil Society Congress of the 2025 IRF Builders Forum at The Catholic University of America in Washington on May 21-22, I witnessed a pivotal moment in the global defense of religious liberty. The event brought together high-level policymakers, diplomats, and civil society leaders under the theme "Breaking Barriers: Pathways to Greater Impact in Advancing Religious Freedom." What unfolded was not only a strategic conversation, it was a call to action.

At its core, the Forum was not merely a venue for discussion, but a working space for rethinking how the international community safeguards religious liberty in the 21st century. The conversations moved decisively away from rhetorical solidarity and toward the architecture of practical, long-term solutions. What emerged was a clear consensus: ensuring freedom of belief requires sustained engagement between state institutions, civil actors, and religious communities — particularly in regions marked by fragility and transition. Participants emphasized that the protection of religious freedom is inseparable from questions of democratic legitimacy, institutional trust, and societal resilience. The forum served as a point of convergence for those committed to building durable frameworks and shaping environments where pluralism and civic peace can thrive.

Among the many critical topics discussed, one issue stood out: the growing threat posed by extremist anti-cult networks orchestrated from Moscow, operating under the guise of religious “expertise” and public activism. For the first time on such a prominent international stage, with representatives of the U.S. State Department and global religious freedom experts present, names were named and structures exposed.

Ukraine  emerged as a central focus — not only as a state under assault, but as a model of resilience. Despite enduring full-scale war, Ukraine continues to uphold religious freedom and institutional sovereignty in this domain. It was rightfully recognized as a global example of democratic fortitude. Discussions centered on the growing threat from Russian-backed anti-cult networks, identified as tools of hybrid warfare. Ukraine was commended for its resistance, with specific mention of efforts to maintain religious freedom during conflict. 

Of particular note was the explicit mention of Iryna Kremenovska, identified as a key operative in a Russian-coordinated disinformation and repression network targeting Ukraine’s religious independence. Her activities - linked directly to Alexander Dvorkin, head of RACIRS and a known ideologue of religious persecution — were publicly acknowledged as part of a broader strategy of destabilization.

The forum underscored that anti-cultism, as practiced by such networks, is not a form of legitimate civil oversight, but rather a tool of hybrid warfare and authoritarian influence. It systematically undermines human rights, foments religious discrimination, and corrodes democratic institutions from within.

The Ukrainian government’s criminal investigation into Kremenovska, under Article 161 of its Criminal Code, was hailed as a precedent-setting move - a signal that democratic states can and must act decisively against such threats.

The concluding declaration of the forum was unequivocal: anti-cult extremism is organized transnational aggression. The United States and its partners must pursue international investigations, targeted sanctions, and criminal accountability for all those involved in these covert operations.

In an age where religious freedom is both a target and a test of global democratic resilience, Ukraine is showing what principled resistance looks like. The rest of the free world must not only take note, but take action.