🟥 Freedom of Religion & Belief
A ranked guide to advocacy groups defending religious liberty and the separation of church and state—both through civic action and faith-based leadership.
Numerous organizations in the United States work to promote freedom of religion as protected by the First Amendment. Some focus on civic advocacy, interfaith engagement, or cultural identity; others speak from within religious institutions to promote inclusion and justice.
Together, they advance religious liberty, pluralism, and the constitutional separation of church and state through education, legal action, and public engagement.
The First Amendment, Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, U.S. Constitution
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...."
About These Advocacy Group Guides: I’ve created more than 60 issue advocacy guides to help people connect with effective organizations and take meaningful action. If you’re interested in other issues, you can explore them all here: Advocacy Groups by Issue.
🔹 Civic and Interfaith Advocates for Religious Freedom
This list includes secular, interfaith, and identity-rooted organizations that work to protect religious liberty and pluralism across all belief systems.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
A leading organization in defending individual rights and liberties, the ACLU actively fights for religious freedom and the separation of church and state through legal action and public education.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
This organization focuses on protecting the separation of church and state through legal advocacy, educational outreach, and grassroots organizing.
Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF)
FFRF advocates for the separation of church and state and promotes a non-theistic viewpoint. It offers legal assistance, educational resources, and a platform for activism.
Freedom Forum champions First Amendment rights through public education, journalism support, and legal resources. It promotes understanding of religious liberty alongside other constitutional freedoms through events, exhibits, and civic engagement.
American Humanist Association (AHA)
AHA promotes humanist values and advocates for the rights of non-religious individuals while supporting the separation of church and state.
Secular Student Alliance (SSA)
The SSA supports secular student organizations and advocates for the rights of non-religious students, promoting freedom of belief on college campuses.
While primarily focused on LGBTQ+ rights, HRC also advocates for religious freedom, emphasizing that all people should be free to practice their faith without discrimination.
This organization brings together diverse faith communities to advocate for religious freedom and challenge religious extremism, promoting dialogue and mutual respect among different religions.
Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice
This organization advocates for social justice within the Jewish community and beyond, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and pluralism.
Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA)
MALA is dedicated to empowering Muslim Americans through civic engagement, leadership development, and fostering interfaith relationships. The organization works to promote understanding and inclusivity for the Muslim community.
Hindu American Foundation (HAF)
HAF advocates for the civil rights of Hindus in the U.S. and promotes an accurate understanding of Hinduism through education, outreach, and community engagement. They work on issues related to religious freedom and social justice.
This organization advocates for the civil rights of Sikhs and promotes understanding and respect for all religions, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom in a diverse society.
🔹 Faith-Based Voices for Justice and Religious Liberty
These are advocacy groups rooted in formal religious institutions—churches, fellowships, or boards—using faith teachings to promote freedom, inclusion, and equality.
The UCC is known for its progressive stance on social justice issues, including religious freedom. The church actively promotes inclusivity, equality, and interfaith dialogue through various programs and initiatives.
Known for its progressive stance, the Episcopal Church advocates for religious freedom and social justice, promoting inclusivity and respect for all beliefs.
The United Methodist Church - General Board of Church and Society
This body advocates for social justice issues, including religious freedom, emphasizing open-mindedness and respect for all faiths within a Christian context.
This organization promotes socially engaged Buddhism and advocates for peace, justice, and religious freedom, encouraging interfaith dialogue and activism.
Top Issues in advocating for freedom of religion
Separation of Church and State: Keep government neutral in religious matters—no favoritism or enforcement of belief.
Religious Discrimination: Challenge bias based on belief or nonbelief in schools, workplaces, and public services.
Religious Freedom for All: Protect the right to freely practice—or not practice—any faith, especially for minorities.
Secular Public Policy: Ensure laws are based on fairness and fact, not religious doctrine.
Protection of Minority Religions: Defend smaller or less-known faiths from social and institutional discrimination.
Challenging Religious Extremism: Counter ideologies that use religion to justify violence, exclusion, or hate.
Education and Youth Engagement: Raise awareness of religious freedom through learning, leadership, and youth activism.
Interfaith Dialogue and Pluralism: Promote respectful collaboration between faiths and defend religious diversity in public life.
Legal Advocacy: Use the courts to uphold religious rights and stop violations of the First Amendment.