Press Releases

Please click here: IRO Media Statement 24 January

Please click here: IRO Statement 14 October

The Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), as it looks forward to its 75th anniversary next year, celebrated with the Jewish Welfare Board; Sukkoth. Mr.Goh Chok Tong, Emeritus Senior Minister and Patron of IRO, was the Guest of Honour for the event held on 4 October 2023 at Jacob Ballas Centre.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) is appalled at latest news about a 20-year-old Singaporean Muslim youth who has been detained for planning an attack on the Jews in Singapore. Interfaith members of IRO stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters as they recover from this shocking anti-Semitic incident.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore urges interfaith communities in Singapore and worldwide to focus on digital initiatives to counter the worrying trend of online radicalisation. There is a dire need for worldwide religious communities to strengthen their digital presence. n this regard, the IRO regularly works with faith groups in Singapore to promote inter-religious knowledge through its website and social media.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO), is deeply concerned with reports regarding a 16-year-old Singaporean male who has been detained under the Internal Security Act for planning an attack on two mosques. The IRO urges everyone in Singapore to help battle against such disturbing situations of extremism by strengthening our interfaith unity.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) is pleased to note that the Circuit Breaker will come to an end as planned on June 1 and appreciates the phased approach of safe reopening. In particular, IRO welcomes the reopening of churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other houses of worship allowing private prayers as part of Stage 1 reopening.

Religious leaders and members from the Hindu, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Taoist, Jain, Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Baha’i faith communities in Singapore affirmed a new pledge to strengthen the nation’s social defence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, it is, now, even more, vital for us to support each other. Keeping close touch with friends from diverse faiths and backgrounds will promote greater understanding during such crisis times.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) condemns the terror attack on Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Afghanistan, killing 25 members of the Sikh community on Wednesday, 25 March 2020.
The IRO is deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives and injuries caused by this attack. It is appalling that there were young children in the Gurdwara at that time. IRO is devastated by such cruel acts against religions that continue to target places of worship where religious worshippers congregate for prayer.

Leaders and members of the Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) appreciate and support the efforts taken by our religious communities to manage the situation of COVID-19. The temporary closure of the mosques and the continued suspension of masses in the church are tough, but necessary, decisions. IRO’s members of Hindu, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Taoist, Jain, Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Baha’i religions support such measures to protect Singapore.

Members of the Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore joined in solidarity to pray for victims affected by the Coronavirus. Leaders from the Hindu, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Baha’i faiths led this silent prayer. They also prayed for the brave healthcare professionals who are on the frontlines of this battle.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) commemorated seventy years of promoting religious harmony in Singapore this evening at the Fullerton Bay Hotel. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong joined IRO’s Patron Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, religious leaders, members and supporters of IRO in this celebratory gala dinner.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO), Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) and Roses of Peace (ROP), joined together to co-host an Iftar for Singapore’s Muslim community on the grounds of the Maghain Aboth Synagogue on Waterloo Street. Over 100 members of various faiths joined the Interfaith Iftar graced by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Grace Fu.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) strongly condemns the series of coordinated attacks in Sri Lanka that took place during Easter Sunday.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) has launched a public exhibition that showcases the history of pioneer efforts to promote religious harmony in Singapore. In support of Singapore Bicentennial and in conjunction with Singapore Heritage Festival, the exhibition commemorates IRO’s 70th year as the nation’s leading non-governmental organisation in promoting interfaith harmony. The exhibition supported by Far East Organization and Far East Plaza was officially launched today by IRO’s Patron, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) is deeply saddened to learn of the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand earlier today.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) has raised over S$250,000 for six charities across the religious spectrum in Singapore through an interfaith charity dinner held at the Fullerton Hotel this evening. The dinner also marked the launch of IRO’s 70th anniversary celebrations in 2019.

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong today formally accepted an invitation to be the Honourable Patron of the Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO), the Republic’s most established multi-faith organisation dedicated to promoting religious harmony.
At a reception held at the Harmony Diversity Gallery in the MND Building this afternoon, Ben J Benjamin, President of the IRO, thanked Mr Goh for agreeing to be its Honourable Patron, succeeding His Excellency President SR Nathan who served in the same position from 2012 to 2016.

oday marks the 69th founding anniversary of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO). Celebrations were held at PGP Hall with over 500 guests from various communities in attendance to honour the founding anniversary of the IRO.