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The Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement (IRMCE)

Creating reliable and relevant media resources about the dangers and promises of religion in the contemporary world.

IRMCE translates research on religion into media that reaches millions, and tools activists use to protect democratic institutions against authoritarianism.

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The Threat

Why IRMCE Exists

Religious extremism threatens democracy through a pointed, organized political strategy, not just rhetoric. It has built infrastructure—media networks, legal organizations, political campaigns—designed to reshape American governance.

The Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement creates and distributes scholarly resources on the promises and threats religious communities hold for global democracy. We train, advise, and mentor researchers, journalists, and other leaders to communicate their research to the broader public using traditional and non-traditional educational channels and various forms of media, and to work with organizers and activists to broaden their impact on the ground.
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Scholarship to Impact
Training Newsrooms
Public Conversation
Direct Collaboration

Our Partners

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  • Amherst College

Our Work

Research That Reaches People

Explore Our Work

We're scholars who conduct research intended to leave the ivory tower and enter the public square. That means:

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Working with journalists to provide the necessary tools and frameworks to report on the full scope of global religions.

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Producing audio and video media that make scholarship accessible to a variety of publics.

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Building networks that connect academics with activists and organizers.

Who We Are

Where Religious Scholarship Meets Action

Dr. Bradley Onishi founded IRMCE to make research matter beyond academic circles. He's appeared on PBS NewsHour, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and dozens of national outlets explaining how Christian nationalism operates and why it threatens democracy. His book, “Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism—And What Comes Next,” documents this movement's strategy and stakes.
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IRMCE’s Impact

What Your Support Makes Possible

Support Our Work

Your donation supports research-driven media that bring leading scholarship on religion, democracy, and extremism out of the ivory tower and into the public square. It funds collaborations with top scholars, journalists, and organizers to produce accessible shows, course packs, and educational resources that equip communities to respond to misinformation and religious nationalism. Most importantly, your gift ensures that rigorous, independent scholarship reaches the people who need it—strengthening civic engagement and protecting democratic life.

Join IMRCE’s Efforts to Safeguard Democracy

Get Involved

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Journalists covering religion and politics: Our training programs equip you to recognize and accurately report on Christian nationalism and religious extremism.

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Researchers and scholars: Partner with us to translate your work into public impact.

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Activists and organizers: Access the analysis and networks you need to defend democracy effectively.

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Supporters: Fund the infrastructure that counters authoritarianism through public scholarship.