The Institute of Religious Studies aims to conduct scientific research on religion and churches in Romania, with a focus on the Transylvanian region. Its foundation was justified by the fact that in this region, religion has retained its social significance, constituting an important source of identity, and the churches carry out diverse social activities. Thus, the research of religion and churches is of particular importance from the perspective of religious, identity, and social policies. In Transylvania, numerous specialists from various academic fields are engaged in religious research. However, an institutional form of coordination for these activities has not been created until now – in addition to other activities, the Institute of Religious Studies aims to fulfill this integrative role.
The Institute of Religious Studies was founded and is supported by the Hungarian Unitarian Church, but in its functioning and activities, it seeks collaboration with other denominations. Based in the House of Religious Freedom, the institute, through its activities, strives to transpose the historical idea of religious freedom into the reality of contemporary society in Transylvania, stimulating and coordinating interdenominational religious research that promotes religious coexistence.
The objectives of the Institute are:
- Initiating and conducting scientific research in the field of religions.
- Coordinating scientific research on religions, involving independent researchers in the institute's activities.
- Promoting interdenominational cooperation in religious research.
- Organizing conferences and other professional forums.
- Publishing studies and research results, and editing publications.
- Popularizing research results in the field of religious studies.