"Each individual as a creature of God knows that we are all part of a much broader transcendent reality that is rooted in family and marriage as part of divine creation." -- Mark Tooley, IRD President

Contact: Jeff Walton, Institute on Religion and Democracy, 202-682-4131, 202-413-5639 cell, jwalton@TheIRD.org

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- More than 3,000 pro-family advocates have gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah for the largest gathering of its kind in the world. The ninth World Congress of Families will unite religious leaders, scholars, and pro-family advocates to affirm, defend, and celebrate the natural family as the fundamental unit of society.

Who: IRD President Mark Tooley, Evangelical Action Program Director Chelsen Vicari

What: Ninth World Congress of Families

When: October 27-30

Where: Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah

IRD's Evangelical Action Director Chelsen Vicari spoke on the conference's opening day as part of a panel examining "The Beneficial and Harmful Influences of Feminism." IRD President Mark Tooley will speak on the morning of Thursday, October 29 as part of a plenary panel addressing "Personal, Family and Cultural Casualties from the Decline of Faith." Both are available for interviews.

IRD President Mark Tooley commented:

"IRD is committed to upholding marriage and family as taught in universal Christian teaching and confirmed in natural law as found in all cultures.

"Western secularism pretends we are all only autonomous individuals making choices for self-empowerment. But each individual as a creature of God knows that we are all part of a much broader transcendent reality that is rooted in family and marriage as part of divine creation."

The Institute on Religion & Democracy works to reaffirm the church's biblical and historical teachings, strengthen and reform its role in public life, protect religious freedom, and renew democracy at home and abroad.

www.TheIRD.org