Founded in 1914,[1] and originally named Church Peace Union, Carnegie Council is an independent and nonpartisan institution, aiming to be the foremost voice of ethics in international affairs.

The Council focuses on Ethics, War and Peace, Global Social Justice, and Religion in Politics as its three main themes.

[4] The Council convenes agenda-setting forums and creates educational opportunities and information resources for a worldwide audience of teachers and students, journalists, international affairs professionals, and concerned citizens.

Carnegie gathered together numerous religious leaders, scientists and politicians, and appointed them trustees of a new organization, the Church Peace Union (CPU).

Between the World Wars, the CPU worked towards strengthening the League of Nations and promoted the American influence to resolve international conflicts.

After World War II, the CPU helped with the establishment of the United Nations and fought for the prevention of nuclear proliferation.

[5][6] In 1961, the CPU was renamed the “Council on Religion and International Affairs” (CRIA) and appointed William A. Loos as president in 1963.

It examined the role of history education in high schools and museums, the work of truth commissions and tribunals, and the challenges of overcoming religious divisions.

The result was a series of case studies and conferences that encouraged interdisciplinary work in the field of historical memory.