About Americans United
Americans United (AU) is the only organization dedicated solely to defending the separation of church and state. We are the shield protecting the foundational American principle of freedom of religion — including the right to believe or not believe — for all.
Overview
Americans United was founded in 1947 to defend the separation of church and state. The founders were a “curious combination” of liberals, fundamentalists and clergy. Their goal was “to assure the maintenance of the American principle of separation of church and state upon which the federal Constitution guarantees religious liberty to all the people and all churches of this Republic.”
Mission
Congress and all State legislatures, and all executive and judiciary agencies of government must be warned that they are playing with fire when they play into the hands of any church which seeks … to breach the wall that sharply separates church and state in this country. The principle of their separation is so firmly established in a long tradition as well as in the Constitution that any tampering with it will tend to light the fires of intolerance and fanaticism which our system of government is designed to prevent.”
Protecting religious freedom since 1947
The origins of Americans United date back to a U.S. Supreme Court decision in Everson v. Board of Education issued on Feb. 10, 1947. The ruling violated the separation of church and state by extending public funds to religious schools. A coalition of leaders from religious and educational communities met in Chicago to decide how to respond to the ruling. Some religious groups were already lobbying for more forms of tax aid, and they wanted to make sure that door remained tightly shut.
The group decided to form a national organization that would educate the American people about the importance of church-state separation and advocate for that principle in courts, state legislatures and Congress. And Americans United for Separation of Church and State was born.
Vision
We envision a nation where church and state remain separate. In this nation, everyone is free to live and believe as they choose, our government does not favor any religion or spiritual belief, or favor religion over nonreligion, our laws do not allow anyone to use their religious beliefs to harm others, and we come together as equals to build a stronger democracy.
Mission
We bring together people of all religions and none to protect everyone’s freedom to live as themselves and believe as they choose – and stop anyone from using their beliefs to harm others.
We fight in the courts, legislatures, and the public square for freedom without favor and equality without exception.
We bring together Americans of all religions and none to speak out for the freedom to live as ourselves and believe as we choose.
We fight for laws that prevent religion from being used to harm others.
We litigate against religious extremists and their lawmaker allies who are attacking religious freedom in America.
Work
We fight for freedom and equality
The separation of church and state affects so many of the issues we all care about: public education, LGBTQ+ equality, reproductive freedom, civil rights, real religious freedom and protecting our democracy. Church-state separation frees all of us to come together as equals and build a stronger democracy.
Impact
Learn more about Americans United
“Anyone who looks at the history of this organization learns one thing very quickly: defense of the separation of church and state is an ongoing project that requires eternal vigilance,” – Rev. Barry W. Lynn, former AU executive director.
AU protects lives, changes laws, and upholds freedoms every day. From the courtroom to the classroom to the community, Americans United delivers real results that defend people’s rights across the country. Here’s what that looks like in action.
Leadership
We cannot allow Christian Nationalists and their extremist network of deep-pocked funders to infiltrate and corrupt our democracy. That's why Americans United will continue fighting in the courts, in Congress, in state legislatures, and in the public square for true religious freedom.
AU is led by a team of legal experts, policy advocates, organizers, and strategists committed to protecting religious freedom for all. Our leadership brings decades of experience, deep conviction, and a clear vision for the future of church-state separation.
Together
In a nation divided, we are
Americans United
At Americans United, together means we all share the responsibility and the power to create change.
We help students, parents, faith leaders and concerned Americans across the country connect to others who care about church-state separation and teach them how to protect it.
You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference.
We create spaces where everyone can learn, connect, and take action to protect our democracy. In a nation divided, we are Americans United for freedom without favor and equality without exception for everyone.
Join
Join Americans United
America needs a national recommitment to the separation of church and state. We the people must resurrect this founding principle and reject religious extremists’ attempts to destroy it.
Thank you for joining us in the fight to protect your right to live as yourself and believe as you choose.
A powerful alliance of Christian Nationalist groups, billionaires and politicians is trying to destroy our democracy by undermining church-state separation and declaring America a “Christian nation.”
As a member of Americans United, you will join people of faith as well as nonbelievers from across the country who care about equality, protecting marginalized communities, and ensuring freedom for people of all beliefs.
A donation of $35 or more includes your AU membership and a subscription to Church & State magazine. Tax-deductibility information will be included in your email receipt.
