alliance defending freedom
What is Alliance Defending Freedom?
According to their website, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is the world’s largest legal organization dedicated to defending essential freedoms such as religious liberty, free speech, marriage and family, parental rights, and the sanctity of life. Through its efforts in Congress, state legislatures, and courtrooms across the United States, including the U.S. Supreme Court, ADF works tirelessly to protect these fundamental rights.
Founded by 35 Christian leaders, ADF was established to safeguard religious freedom and ensure that the doors for the Gospel remain open. With a strong belief in the power of collaboration, ADF is not just a single entity but a unified alliance made up of attorneys, church and ministry leaders, non-profit volunteers, legislators, business professionals, and grassroots advocates, all working together to defend freedom. Since its inception, ADF has been highly successful, winning 15 cases in the U.S. Supreme Court since 2011 and maintaining an impressive success rate of nearly 80% in its cases.
Who are important key players in Alliance Defending Freedom?
Key players in Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) include a range of individuals who have played significant roles in both the organization's legal advocacy and its connections to political and judicial circles.
Mike johnson
A former ADF attorney, Mike Johnson was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives on October 25, 2023. His involvement with ADF reflects the organization's strong ties to conservative legal and political leadership.
Amy Coney Barrett
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has been associated with ADF through her legal work and views on issues like religious freedom and conservative values, making her a key figure connected to the organization's mission.
Mike Pence
The former Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence, has been a prominent ally of ADF, advocating for conservative Christian values and policies that align with ADF's stance on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious freedoms.
William Barr
The former U.S. Attorney General under President Donald Trump, William Barr, has been involved with ADF in the broader context of conservative legal advocacy, particularly regarding issues like religious liberty and abortion.
Jeff Sessions
Another former U.S. Attorney General, Jeff Sessions has been linked to ADF through his shared interest in promoting religious freedom and conservative legal perspectives in government and public policy.
Josh Hawley
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has been a key political figure associated with ADF, advocating for conservative issues related to marriage, family, and religious liberty.
ADF’s influence also extends internationally through its subsidiary, Alliance Defending Freedom International, which operates in over 100 countries. Additionally, its connections to significant figures in the political right, including those associated with the Trump administration, have made it one of the most influential Christian legal advocacy groups in the U.S.
Who funds Alliance Defending Freedom?
The Servant Foundation
Through its financial arm, The Signatry, The Servant Foundation contributed over $50 million to ADF between 2018 and 2020. These funds have supported various initiatives, including the "He Gets Us" campaign during Super Bowl commercial breaks
The Green Family
Known for their involvement with the Hobby Lobby chain, the Green family has been another major donor to ADF.
The Bolthouse Foundation
A foundation contributing to ADF's efforts in promoting conservative Christian values.
The Edgar and Elsa Prince Foundation
This foundation has also provided financial support to ADF.
The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation
Associated with the DeVos family, this foundation has supported ADF's work.
The Bradley Foundation
A well-known conservative foundation that has contributed to ADF's mission.
The Charles Koch Institute
Linked to the Koch family, known for supporting free-market and conservative causes, this institute has been a donor to ADF.
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
Based in the Pacific Northwest, this trust donated nearly $1 million to ADF between 2007 and 2016.