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Since our founding in 1992, Interfaith Alliance has been at the forefront of advocating for religious freedom and social justice. Our history is marked by significant achievements that reflect our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive society.
A Journey of Advocacy and Change
Since its inception in 1992, Interfaith Alliance has championed the cause of religious freedom and social justice. Our timeline showcases the significant milestones that have shaped our impact over the years.
1994
Founding
On July 14, 1994, Interfaith Alliance is founded. “A broad coalition of mainline religious leaders plans… an educational and lobbying group intended to counter the Christian Coalition, the leading organization of religious conservatives,” the New York Times reported.
1995-1996
Growth of a National Movement
Interfaith Alliance began distributing voter candidate guides, peaking at 5 million in 1996. “Led by a 19-member board that includes Catholic bishops, Jewish rabbis and ministers of several Protestant denominations, the Alliance has ‘snowballed’ into a national movement,” USA TODAY reported.
1997
Cronkite Amplifies the Message
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Legendary journalist Walter Cronkite became a spokesperson for Interfaith Alliance, which led to 70,000 new members over a two-year period. In 1998, Interfaith Alliance announced the Walter Cronkite Faith and Freedom Award.
1997
Grassroots Leadership Emerges
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Local alliances grew rapidly in the early years of the organization, and the first national leadership gathering was held in 1997.
1998
Countering Right-Wing Extremism
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Interfaith Alliance countered right-wing activists trying to impeach President Bill Clinton.
2000
Religion-Free Campaign Commitment
George W. Bush and Al Gore both signed Interfaith Alliance’s pledge calling on candidates to “not use religion as a weapon in their campaign or claim that a vote for them is a vote for God.”
2001
Faith for Fair Reform
Interfaith Alliance undertook a major campaign in support of campaign finance reform, which was opposed by right-wing Christian groups. “Campaign Finance Reform and Faith, a Call To A Faithful Decision” was published in 2002.
2001
Aftermath of 9/11
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The morning after the attacks, Interfaith Alliance issued a statement extending our condolences to those touched by the attacks and calling on Americans to “hold fast to the core values” of the nation’s great religious traditions, and in so doing to deter hateful stereotyping and vengeful attacks on Muslims and Islamic centers of worship.
2009
Green Paper On Same-Gender Marriage & Religious Freedom
Interfaith Alliance releases “Same-Gender Marriage & Religious Freedom: A Call to Quiet Conversations and Public Debates,” a paper authored by its president, Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy. In the paper, Rev. Gaddy calls for a new national discussion on marriage based on the premise that "law, not scripture, is the foundation of government regulations related to marriage in our nation."
2010
Founding member of the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign
During a time of heightened anti-Muslim bigotry, Interfaith Alliance was a founding member of the Shoulder to Shoulder campaign to unite Christian, Jewish, and other religious leaders in working together in countering Islamophobia
2016
Do No Harm Act
Interfaith Alliance joined religious and civil rights organizations in welcoming the introduction of the Do No Harm Act, a federal response to the misuse of religious freedom to create a license for discrimination.
2016
Muslim Ban
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Donald Trump’s Muslim ban is rebuked by Interfaith Alliance, and overturned by President Biden in 2021.
2017
Johnson Amendment
Interfaith Alliance is a leader in defending the Johnson amendment, which prohibits partisan politicking by houses of worship and other 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Although President Trump makes revoking it a priority, the Johnson amendment remains on the books today.
2017
Masterpiece Cakeshop
Interfaith Alliance speaks out against the misuse of religion to harm LGBTQ people in one of a series of cases concerning religious freedom that is taken up by the Roberts Court.
2020
Important Programming During COVID Era
President and CEO Rabbi Jack Moline hosts two interview programs that reach tens of thousands of people: Stay Home, Stay Focused, and The American Purpose.
2022
New President and CEO
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Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is named President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, succeeding Rabbi Jack Moline.
2022
Respect for Marriage Act
Interfaith Alliance is a critical supporter of the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified protections for same-sex marriage and interracial marriage into federal law. Senator Durbin held up our signed petition demonstrating that the majority of people of faith support same sex marriage.
2023
Partnership with Religion News Service
Interfaith Alliance’s longstanding radio program and podcast The State of Belief announces a partnership with Religion News Service for wider distribution.
2024
Achieving Democracy Together
Unveiling a major rebrand, Interfaith Alliance charts a new course as a democracy and religion civic organization with the leadership of President and CEO Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush. During the lead up to the 2024 election, Interfaith Alliance launches the Vote Is Sacred Bus Tour from Omaha to Philadelphia.
2025
Promise 2025
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Interfaith Alliance challenges the implementation of Project 2025, while articulating a compelling alternative: Promise 2025. Three issue pillars take shape for the organization: Democracy NOT Theocracy, Freedom NOT Extremism, and Education NOT Indoctrination.