AU Mission

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan educational organization dedicated to preserving the constitutional principle of church-state separation as the only way to ensure religious freedom for all Americans.

Thomas Jefferson Contents 2 Letter from the Executive Director 4 Communications 14 Project Fair Play 18 Legal Advocacy 26 Legislation 32 Grassroots Advocacy 41 Organizational Structure 43 Statement of Activities and Statement of Financial Position 46 Major AU Contributors Letter from the Executive Director

In 2011, Americans United used The views of our opponents were on display suc- Instead of acknowledging that this one reaso­ cinctly and officially at an October hearing held by nable restriction is a small price to pay for a all available resources to spread a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee lucrative benefit (the privilege, of paying no taxes), on “The State of Religious Liberty in the United these groups claim a violation of their right to our core message: that the right States.” I was the sole “pro-separation” witness, and preach. Americans United reports abuses to the of conscience is best protected by I challenged both a top lawyer for TV preacher Pat Internal Revenue Code and publicizes those actions. Robertson and the Roman Catholic bishop who heads The American people support us. Some polls show a high and firm wall of separation the church’s official lobbying operation on several 75 percent of Americans agreeing that politicking fundamental points. from the pulpit is wrong. between church and state. I took on the claim that there is a “war” against AU works in the courts to maintain a high wall religion generally – or Christianity specifically – of separation and also insists that no voices be shut being waged in the United States. I testified that out from forums allegedly open to all. Thus we any real threat “comes from those who seek special represented a Tennessee atheist who wanted to put It was a year of dramatic government blessings for those in favored faiths, up a plaque about the Bill of Rights next to a display and, conversely, the treatment of other faiths as of the Ten Commandments in the “public forum” at courtroom victories and strong second-class citizens.” his local county courthouse. I gave plenty of examples of discriminatory We stopped the District of Columbia from giv- successes in legislative advocacy. actions undertaken against atheists and minori­ty ing $12 million in public funds and property to a The enemies of First Amendment religious groups and rebutted my co-panelists’ church shelter that required homeless persons to insistence that everything from public-school participate in worship in order to eat. We blocked rights and the separation of sex-education classes to government’s failure to official prayers and other religious activities extend taxpayer funding to programs that are rife at a California community college and stopped religion and government were, with sectarian content are somehow violations of Christian-only prayers before several government religious freedom. meetings, high school graduations and other state- as usual, loud, well-organized It is this strange redefinition of “religious free- sponsored events. dom” that is at the core of so many of the struggles Some disputes require litigation; others are and extremely well financed, we have in venues throughout the country. For years settled when government entities understand that now, some churches and ministries have claimed their claims of “religious freedom” are inconsistent but AU continued to prevail in that they – but not other non-profit entities – should with what the law actually says. Some matters most crucial areas with a blend be able to promote or oppose candidates for public are even resolved by letters and conversations office using church funds and other resources in with officials who actually want to do the right – of well-tested strategies and a violation of federal tax law. One Religious Right constitutional – thing after being apprised of their legal group is actually urging pastors to break the responsibilities. willingness to pursue innovative law by openly endorsing or opposing candidates Legislators often equate preferential treatment from the pulpit in an effort to create a test case that of majority religions or funneling tax dollars to programs and tactics. will go all the way to the Supreme Court. religious groups with “religious freedom” instead

2 AU Executive Director Barry W. Lynn

of a violation of the principle that ministries and prayer rally at Reliant Stadium. Our opposition missions should be funded privately, not with tax- event attracted much media coverage. payer money. AU’s Legislative Department worked We also help local activists find experts to assiduously to stop a school voucher program for appear on panels, give college lectures, debate anti- military families, and we prevented the Senate from separationists, preach sermons and give keynote adopting a variety of House-passed proposals to aid addresses to allied groups. religion or to remove legal protections requiring What ultimately keeps us going with great non-discriminatory hiring by religious groups success is the diversity we bring to the public receiving government grants or contracts. debate. Americans United has no “theology.” Our Regrettably, in spite of increasing pressure from positions are rooted squarely and exclusively in the secular and some religious groups and a wide swath constitutional principle that – after more than two of civil rights organizations, the Obama administra- centuries – has provided the best balance between tion did not terminate Bush-era policies that allowed government and religion: Let houses of worship be public funding of some religious charities that themselves and pay for their activities, and let the continue to employ preferential hiring practices government forbear picking and choosing sides for co-religionists as they staff allegedly “secular” in what are fundamentally matters of theological programs housed in religious buildings. dispute and personal moral choice. Americans United does not merely “lobby” Congress but has an extensive program to educate and advocate at the state level. We helped local With the help of you, our groups defeat multiple creationism bills that would inject religion into public school science classes, supporters, this is a movement and we derailed a bill in Louisiana to create a Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds. that will continue. We successfully aided in battles to defeat voucher plans to fund religious schools in several states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Tennessee. Much of what we do occurs in Washington, but our extraordinary and unique chapter program provides us with eyes, ears and voices on the ground Barry W. Lynn to defend separation. One example: Houston-area Executive Director chapter activists created an alternative inclusive Americans United (religious and secular) event to occur the weekend for Separation of Church and State of Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s Christians-preferred

3 Communications:

Educating People, Spreading the Message

In December, Americans United was afforded a great opportunity: AU Executive Director Barry W. Lynn appeared as the sole guest for a nearly hour-long segment on C-SPAN’s popular “Washington Journal.” He spoke about “Faith, Politics & Public Policy” in what was billed as a response to the program’s guests the day before – Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and Jim Wallis of Sojourners. In an age when a 15-second sound bite is considered good publicity, Lynn had ample time to discuss in-depth AU’s perspective on the issues of religion and politics. AU Communications Staff

Joseph Conn Robert Boston Sandhya Bathija Simon Brown Susan Hansen Maria Matveeva Communications Director Assistant Communications Communications Communications Web Manager Communications Director Associate Associate (from October) Assistant (through September)

“We need a government,” Lynn told viewers, “that offer expert comment. We act vigorously to correct 2011 Education Highlights is strictly neutral on matters of religion, not taking any misinformation about the separation of church sides, not giving a special blessing to some religions and state. In addition, the department closely follows Americans United is able to reach a wide and over others or to religion over non-religion. Unfortu- the activities of the Religious Right, a movement diverse audience through media outreach. Here is a nately, sadly, so many political leaders these days have that seeks to impose fundamentalist doctrines on sampling of how AU’s Communications team spread decided to weigh in, primarily weighing in on the side all Americans. This year, a team of AU staffers the organization’s message in 2011: of the majority religion – Christianity – in America.” attended the so-called “Values Voter Summit” in Americans United knows that educational Washington, D.C., which drew 3,000 attendees to Church & State Magazine outreach is the best way to advance our mission of strategize about ways to increase Religious Right fighting for religious freedom and defending the influence in advance of the 2012 election season. AU Church & State has long been AU’s single most ef- Constitution, and appearances on programs like staffers also attended a conference put on by Ralph fective means of communicating with AU members “Washington Journal” are an excellent way to share Reed’s Faith and Freedom Coalition, which served and activists, as well as with key players in the AU’s perspective with a wide audience. The Commu- as an additional planning vehicle for the Religious academic, religious and political communities. Each nications Department is tasked with spreading AU’s Right in Washington. month, print copies of the magazine are mailed to message – through a monthly magazine, daily blog, The AU Communications Department is led thousands of households across the country, and brochures, speeches, books, media appearances, by Director of Communications Joseph L. Conn. the entire text is posted on AU’s website. This social networking, email alerts and our website, Others on the Communications team are Assistant year, AU covered important stories that were often www.au.org. Reaching out through these channels Communications Director Robert Boston, Com- overlooked by the mainstream media, including not only educates the public, it also rallies people munications Associates Sandhya Bathija (through features on the resurgence of the Religious Right to AU’s cause. September) and Simon Brown (from October), (just three years after it was pronounced “dead”); AU’s Communications team monitors all reli- Communications Assistant Susan Hansen and Web a Tennessee man’s protest of a Ten Commandments gious liberty developments and is always ready to Manager Maria Matveeva. display at a local courthouse; U.S. House Speaker (continued on page 7) 5 Americans United’s Website, Facebook and Social Media www.au.org Networking

On Nov. 1, AU officially unveiled a large-scale re- Americans United is steadily adding new fans to its launch of its website. Our top goals in the redesign Facebook page, now 55,000 strong! Every day, people were to make the site more appealing to visitors, to “like” Americans United posts more than 100 times, au.org make information easier to find and to engage both exposing the posts to their own Facebook connections. activists and the general public. The project has been a Each post – whether it’s the blog post of the day, a facebook.com/americansunited success. Since the website re-launch, AU has attracted chapter event, a press release or an important church- additional traffic. While part of this increase is due to state news story featuring comment from Americans twitter.com/americansunited the integration of AU blogs into the main site, there United – receives 30 comments on average and dozens has been significant growth in traffic beyond that. The of “likes.” flickr.com/photos/americansunited average number of monthly visitors in 2010 was 36,000, Other social networking sites that feature AU mate- but AU’s site now sees an average of 65,000 visitors per rial include Flickr (photos), YouTube (video), Twitter youtube.com/audotorg month. In addition, about 35 percent of these visitors (micro-blogging) and Good Reads (books). return to AU.org more than once per month.

6 John Boehner’s school voucher crusade; growing battles over sectarian funding proposals in state legislatures; the rise of Religious Right “Dominion- ism”; the truth behind the Alliance Defense Fund’s “Pulpit Freedom Sunday;” and a South Dakota law that restricts women’s access to reproductive care. AU Press Releases and Media Outreach

AU’s Communications team informs journalists and activists across the country by issuing press releases announcing new church-state litigation, court AU’s Sandhya Bathija spoke to a delegation of visitors from Cameroon victories, criticism of the Religious Right movement and church-state happenings in Congress and state church-state watchdog. AU posts daily blog items on Ringen penned an op-ed for The Denver Post on the legislatures. These alerts are sent directly to report- its Facebook page – leading to some lively discussions problems with voucher subsidies for religious schools. ers, editors, columnists, bloggers and other media among AU’s tens of thousands of Facebook fans! AU’s Communications team also works regularly professionals throughout the country, many of whom with the Field Department and chapter members to contact AU for further information or commentary. Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor submit letters to the editor in local newspapers across In 2011, Americans United issued almost 100 the country. press releases and advisories on topics including AU Executive Director Barry W. Lynn and other staff the faith-based initiative, AU’s court victories, a members often contribute opinion pieces for websites, Lectures to Foreign Delegations response event to Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s Christians- newspapers, magazines and other publications in only prayer rally, a court decision to strike down order to convey AU’s message in communities across Members of the Americans United Communications anti-sharia legislation, Sen. Charles Grassley’s the country. Beginning in late 2010 Lynn contributed staff are often called upon to speak to delegations investigation of TV preachers and an Alabama town’s posts for The Washington Post’s “On Faith” blog, a brought to the United States from other countries “Jesus or Jail” policy. practice he continued in 2011. His posts this year through the State Department’s International Visitors covered topics such as the controversy over GOP Leadership Program. On several occasions, Bathija AU’s Blog – presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith, and Boston met with delegates from other nations U.S. Rep. Peter King’s congressional hearing on and explained the American system of government “The Wall of Separation” Islam, a U.S. House resolution reaffirming “In God with regard to church-state separation and freedom We Trust” as our national motto and a reflection on of religion. In 2011, delegates from Cameroon, Saudi One of AU’s most popular features, “The Wall of why religious organizations shouldn’t dictate public Arabia, Turkey and several other nations visited AU Separation,” consists of daily posts written by Com- policy for the entire country. headquarters to learn about America’s strong tradi- munications staff members Joe Conn, Rob Boston, In addition, in 2011 Rob Boston contributed a regu- tion of religious freedom. Sandhya Bathija (through September) and Simon lar column about church-state issues to The Humanist, Brown (from October). The short items comment a bimonthly publication of the American Humanist on major church-state news and give readers an Association. AU Associate Legal Director Alex J. opportunity to consider the issues and understand Luchenitser wrote a blog essay for the American why it’s so important for AU to continue serving as a Constitution Society’s website. And AU Trustee Karen

7 ‘CultureShocks’ With Barry Lynn: AU’s Own Radio Program

Once described as “a really engaging and unique program that falls between the shows on Air America and National Public Radio,” CultureShocks addresses controversial issues and hot topics based on the premise that America is in the middle of a “culture war.” In 2011, Lynn interviewed a wide range of subjects, from former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura and conservative firebrand Andrew Breitbart to National Center for Science Education Director Dr. Eugenie Scott and New York Times best-selling author Seth Mnookin. Others on the guest list include journalist Katrina vanden Heuvel of The Nation, Episcopal Bishop and author John Shelby Spong, religion scholar Martin Marty, singer Roseanne Cash, Com- mon Cause President Bob Edgar, transgender-rights advocate Chaz Bono, education expert and author Diane Ravitch and Texas writer/politician Kinky Friedman.

8 Responding to Requests from the In addition, Lynn and staff were quoted in national publications such as The Washington Post, The New Public and Students York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Inside Higher Ed, The Christian Science Every day, Americans United receives dozens of Monitor, Mother Jones and USA Today. questions and comments from the general public News websites also quoted AU staffers, including via phone, mail or email. The Communications The Huffington Post, CNN.com, Alternet.org, ABC- Department responds to these questions with useful News.com, Politico.com and FoxNews.com. insight and accurate information. AU is contacted Finally, major dailies around the country carried frequently by students – from the elementary school quotes from AU staff or mentioned AU’s work: Chicago level to those pursuing law degrees or Ph.D.s – who Tribune, The Washington Times, Boston Globe, San want to know about a particular church-state issue Diego Union-Tribune, St. Petersburg Times, Miami and need to talk to an expert. The Communications Herald, The (Nashville) Tennessean, Arizona Repub- staff talks to these students and provides the sup- lic, Louisville Courier-Journal, Dallas Morning News, port they need to complete their paper or project. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Seattle Times, Houston Chronicle, Lexington Herald-Leader, Winston-Salem Journal, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Des Moines Register, Arkansas Times, The Oklahoman (Oklahoma 2011 News Media Highlights City), The Wichita Eagle, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Knoxville News Sentinel, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Americans United Executive Director Barry W. Lynn Memphis Commercial Appeal, Orlando Sentinel, has been one of the most visible faces of the fight Roanoke Times, Wilmington News Journal, Charleston for church-state separation for nearly 20 years and Post and Courier, Springfield News Leader (Missouri), is extremely active in the media. Throughout 2011, South Bend Tribune, Denver Post and more. Lynn countered false claims by the Religious Right and was quoted by national and local media outlets, Radio and Television Appearances supplying expert commentary on the intersection of religion, law and politics. AU staffers often appear on national and local television and radio programs to discuss and debate Print Media church-state issues. Notable television appearances in 2011 included MSNBC’s “The Last Word with Law- In 2011, Americans United was cited more than 900 rence O’Donnell,” MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris times in major news outlets nationwide, according to Matthews,” CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360°,” CNN’s AU’s Barry Lynn talks about church-state data from the Nexis news database. Lynn and other “The Situation Room,” CNN News, CBS News, ABC’s separation for Nickelodeon’s “Nick News with Linda Americans United staff were quoted in a variety “Good Morning America,” ABC “World News,” PBS’s Ellerbee”. of wire services including the Associated Press, “Religion & Ethics Newsweekly,” Al Jazeera and Fox CNN Wire, Gannett News Service, Scripps Howard News Network. News Service, States News Service, Targeted News Top radio appearances included NPR, Fox News Service, Religion News Service, the Christian News Radio, AP Radio and CBS Radio. (See our 2011 Wire, the Finance Wire, the Associated Baptist Press radio and television log for a longer list of broadcast and UPI. appearances.)

9 2011 News Media Highlights Appearances On Radio And Television January – December 2011

Americans United Executive Direc- Americans United staff members appear on radio and television news and talk programs to analyze and tor Barry W. Lynn has been called debate church-state developments. The following list includes many of the appearances from January – December 2011 by AU Executive Director Barry W. Lynn, Assistant Director of Communications Rob “the most visible face” of the church- Boston, Legal Director Ayesha N. Khan, Associate Legal Director Alex J. Luchenitser, Senior Litigation state separationist perspective. Counsel Gregory M. Lipper and Don Flanary, local counsel for AU in San Antonio, Texas. Throughout 2011, Lynn countered false claims by the Religious Right and was quoted by national and lo- Television cal media outlets, supplying expert commentary on the intersection of January 3 – Lynn on Fox News Channel, graduation religion, law and politics. prayer controversy (Nationwide) 26 Lynn on CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360°,” debate with Ken Hamm about tax incentives July for the Ky. “Ark Park,” (Nationwide) 5 Lynn on InvestigateNY, tax money for yeshi- April vas (New York) 14 Lynn on WBND, tax money for Catholic 16 Lynn on Nickelodeon’s “Nick News with school (South Bend, Ind.) Linda Ellerbee” on “Freedom to Believe…or 14 Lynn on WSBT, tax money for Catholic Not” (Nationwide) school (South Bend, Ind.) 14 Boston on WNDU, tax money for Catholic May school (South Bend, Ind.)

27 Local counsel Don Flanary on WOAI News, August Castroville graduation prayer (San Antonio, Texas) 4 Lynn on MSNBC’s “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell,” Texas Gov. Rick June Perry’s prayer rally (Nationwide) 5 Lynn on MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris 1 Local counsel Don Flanary on KSAT (ABC Matthews,” Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer affiliate), Castroville graduation prayer (San rally (Nationwide) Antonio, Texas) 5 Boston on FoxNews.com Live’s “Spirited De- 1 Local counsel Don Flanary on KENS (Chan- bate,” Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer rally nel 5), Castroville graduation prayer (San (Nationwide) Antonio, Texas) 5 Lynn on CNN’s “The Situation Room,” Texas 3 Khan on CNN, Texas graduation prayer Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer rally (Nationwide) controversy (Nationwide) 6 Lynn on CNN News, Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer rally (Nationwide) 10 6 Lynn on CBS News, Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer rally (Nationwide) 6 Lynn on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer rally (Nationwide) 6 Lynn on ABC “World News,” Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer rally (Nationwide) 14 Lynn on PBS’s “Religion & Ethics Newsweekly,” Faith-based hiring bias (Nationwide) 17 Lynn on WSBT, lawsuit challenging South Bend city funding of religious school (North- ern Indiana) 29 Boston on FoxNews.com’s “Spirited Debate,” AU’s Lynn remarks on ‘Ark Park’ on CNN’s AU attorney Alex Luchenitser speaks out against absence of prayer from the New York 9/11 Anderson Cooper 360° South Bend land grant to church memorial event (Nationwide) January 2011 September 2011

October

7 Lynn on Fox News Network, New York church rental of public school (Nationwide) 9 Lynn on PBS’s “Religion & Ethics News- weekly,” ministerial exception case at the Supreme Court (Nationwide) 20 Khan on WNDU-NBC 16, lawsuit challeng- ing South Bend city funding of religious school (Northern Indiana) 27 Luchenitser on WKRG-TV 5, Alabama town’s proposed “church or jail” program (Mobile, Ala.)

November AU’s Barry Lynn on FOX News: Does Faith Have AU’s Barry Lynn on C-SPAN: Faith, Politics, and 2 Lynn on FoxNews.com, House vote on “In Any Place on the Campaign Trail? Public Policy God We Trust” resolution (Nationwide) October 2011 December 2011 December 14 Boston on Al Jazeera English’s “Fault Lines,” Religious Right in politics (Nationwide/International) 22 Lynn on C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal,” religion and politics (Nationwide)

11 Radio

January May 21 Boston on WINA’s “Right Now Charlottes- ville,” churches and politics (Charlottesville, 6 Lynn on “The Ed [Schultz] Show,” Constitu- 4 Boston on UNI, National Day of Prayer Va.) tion reading on House floor (Nationwide) (Nationwide) 21 Lipper on KHOW’s “Caplis and Silverman 20 Luchenitser on WABE, school graduation in 11 Boston on WINA’s “Right Now Charlottes- Show,” Colorado school vouchers (Denver, church (Atlanta, Ga.) ville,” Religious Right (Charlottesville, Va.) Colo.) 20 Lynn on “In the Market with Janet Par- 20 Lynn on Dial Global’s “The Bill Press Show,” shall,” Senate inquiry about TV preacher Rapture forecast (Nationwide) July excesses (Nationally Syndicated) 20 Boston on KPSI’s “Steve Kelly Show,” David 21 Lynn on WGST, school graduation in church Barton (Palm Springs, Calif.) 1 Boston on WSCL, Sussex County Council (Atlanta, Ga.) 20 Boston on WVLK’s “Sue Wiley Show,” Ky. prayer lawsuit (Salisbury, Md.) 25 Boston on WLQV, Ten Commandments in “Ark Park” (Lexington, Ky.) 1 Khan on KTRH, graduation prayer at Texas schools (Detroit, Mich.) high school (Houston) June 5 Boston on KTRH’s “Matt Patrick Show,” February graduation prayer at Texas high school 1 Khan on KTRH (Clear Channel), Castroville (Houston) 4 Lynn on Dial Global’s “The Bill Press Show,” prayer at graduation (San Antonio, Texas) 5 Boston on Cyberstation USA’s “The Fairness Obama at prayer breakfast (Nationwide) 1 Khan on KTSA, Castroville prayer at gradu- Doctrine: Left-Right and Uncensored,” Gov. 22 Lynn on “In the Market with Janet Parshall,” ation (San Antonio, Texas) Perry’s Texas prayer rally (Nationwide) church-state developments, (Nationally 1 Lynn on AP Radio, Castroville prayer at 13 Boston on KPSI’s “Steve Kelly Show,” Fort Syndicated) graduation (Nationwide) Bragg religion flap (Palm Springs, Calif.) 2 Boston on WINA’s “Right Now Charlottes- 13 Lynn on “In the Market with Janet Parshall,” March ville,” Ky. Ark Park (Charlottesville, Va.) church-state developments, (Nationally 4 Lynn on KVOR’s “Jeff Crank Show,” Texas Syndicated) 3 Boston on KPSI’s “Steve Kelly Show,” prayer at graduation (Colorado Springs, 14 Lipper on WTRC’s “Dan York,” tax aid to Religious Right leader David Barton (Palm Colo.) Catholic school (South Bend, Ind.) Springs, Calif.) 9 Lynn on Fox News Radio, Texas governor’s 18 Boston on KDKA’s “Robert Mangino Show,” 7 Lynn on WMNF, general church and state prayer rally (Nationwide) religious garb in public schools (Pittsburgh) (Tampa, Fla.) 13 Boston on Dial Global’s “The Bill Press 20 Boston on WINA’s “Right Now Char- Show,” Texas governor’s prayer controversy lottesville,” creationism in Texas April (Nationwide) (Charlottesville, Va.) 21 Boston on WTBQ’s “Roundtable,” Kiryas 22 Boston on WSDL’s “Delmarva Now,” Sussex 25 Lynn on KTRH, school district requiring Joel lawsuit (Warwick, N.Y.) County Council prayers (Salisbury, Md.) students to stand for the Pledge (Houston, Texas)

12 27 Lynn on KPFK’s “Truthdig,” the Norway September November massacre and Islamaphobia (Los Angeles, Calif.) 12 Lynn on WGOW, religion and public schools 2 Lynn on WGN’s “Mike McConnell Show,” tax (Chattanooga, Tenn.) aid to National Cathedral (Chicago) August 13 Boston KPCC’s “Air Talk,” churches and 2 Lynn on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “At Issue politics (Pasadena, Calif.) With Ben Merens,” In God We Trust resolu- 4 Lynn on AP Radio, Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s 16 Boston on KMUW’s “Morning Edition,” tion (Statewide) prayer rally (Nationwide) Christian nation myth (Wichita) 14 Lynn on Dial Global’s “The Bill Press 7 Lynn on NPR’s “Weekend Edition,” Texas 19 Boston on Radioornot’s “Nicole Sandler Show,” religion in the presidential campaign Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer rally (Nationwide) Show,” churches and politics (Nationwide/ (Nationwide) 8 Lynn on Dial Global’s “The Bill Press web-based) Show,” Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer rally 19 Boston on WINA’s “Right Now Char- December (Nationwide) lottesville,” churches and politics 9 Lynn on KHOW’s “Caplis and Silverman (Charlottesville, Va.) 7 Lynn on “In the Market with Janet Parshall,” Show,” Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer rally 28 Lynn on “In the Market with Janet Par- current church-state events (Nationally (Denver) shall,” ministerial exception case at the syndicated) 9 Boston on WJNC’s “Viewpoints,” N.C. county Supreme Court (Nationally syndicated) 7 Lynn on Alan Colmes Show, religion in council prayers (Morehead City, N.C.) 29 Lynn on “The Hugh Hewitt Show,” churches the presidential campaign (Nationally 9 Boston on WUKY News, Tax breaks for Ky. and politics/Pulpit Freedom Sunday (Nation- syndicated) Ark Park (Lexington, Ky.) ally syndicated) 10 Lynn on “In the Market with Janet Par- shall,” Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer rally October (Nationwide) 17 Lynn on WSBT, lawsuit challenging South 7 Lynn on “The Ed Schultz Show,” Values Bend city funding of religious school (North- Voter Summit (Nationally syndicated) ern Indiana) 10 Lynn on Dial Global’s “The Bill Press 25 Lynn on Dial Global’s “The Bill Press Show,” Values Voter Summit (Nationally Show,” religion and the presidential race syndicated) (Nationwide) 30 Boston on KPSI’s “Steve Kelly Show,” candi- dates and religion (Palm Springs, Calif.)

13 Project Fair Play:

Blowing the Whistle on Illegal Church Electioneering

Federal tax law prohibits houses of worship and other tax-exempt organizations from involvement in partisan political campaigns. Despite this clear statutory provision, some religious organizations still plunge into electioneering. That’s what happened in El Paso, Texas, during the summer of 2011.

14 A local pastor named Tom Brown who runs a church Brown argued that his actions were permissible serves as the local district attorney for the region and a ministry used those entities to launch a recall since he registered his ministry’s website in his own including El Paso. Esparza announced that he would campaign against El Paso Mayor John Cook and name. Americans United rejected his argument. investigate the matter. City Council Members Steve Ortega and Susie Byrd. “The fact that the ministry website is registered In the meantime, Cook sued to stop the recall Brown was angry because the three voted to in Brown’s name is irrelevant,” AU told the IRS in vote, arguing that it shouldn’t be allowed to go extend health care benefits to domestic partners. a letter. “It remains the ministry’s official website, forward since the signatures were collected in viola- He joined forces with a group called El Pasoans for and as such it may not be used to engineer a recall tion of state law. A state court agreed that the law Traditional Family Values and announced he would of election officials – and that is exactly what Brown had been broken but declined to stop the balloting. recall Cook, Ortega and Byrd. has done. In fact, the IRS has made it clear that Cook, however, prevailed on appeal. The Texas 8th The effort was brazen. On his ministry website, websites operated by 501(c)(3) organizations may Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that the state’s Brown posted an “Open Letter to City Council” that not be used to endorse or oppose candidates.” laws must be enforced. said in part, “If you are upset at this action and After a story about the letter appeared in the El The incident was one of the more outrageous would like to sign and/or circulate a recall petition Paso Times, a city resident contacted Americans efforts to blend religion and partisan politics in 2011. against Mayor John Cook and Representatives Susie United and noted that Texas state law prohibits And it quickly caught the attention of Americans Byrd and Steve Ortega, then fill out the form below. “corporations” – which in Texas includes non-profit United’s Project Fair Play. Share this page with your friends and get them to groups and houses of worship – from intervening in Since 1988, AU has been active in opposing fill out the form. Thanks.” partisan political campaigns. The resident recom­ partisan activity by religious organizations. In 1996, Brown’s church and ministry essentially orga- mended that Americans United forward the AU officially launched Project Fair Play, a special nized and coordinated the recall campaign, taking complaint to the Texas Attorney General’s Office. project designed to combat the blatant politicization the lead role in circulating petitions. Not surpris- Americans United did so, and that office in of religion. ingly, this attracted the attention of city residents, turn forwarded the letter to Jaime Esparza, who several of whom contacted Americans United. AU investigated and determined that the matter appeared to be a clear case of non-profit, tax-exempt On his ministry website, Brown posted an “Open Letter to City Coun- entities being used for partisan political purposes. On July 12, Americans United asked the IRS to cil” that said in part, “If you are upset at this action and would like to investigate. sign and/or circulate a recall petition against Mayor John Cook and “This is a ministry, not a political action com- Representatives Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega, then fill out the form mittee,” said Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United, in a media statement. “If Pastor below. Share this page with your friends and get them to fill out the Brown wants to engage in partisan politics, he form. Thanks.” should do it on his own time and his own dime. He should not misuse the resources of his tax-exempt religious organization.”

15 Gov. Rick Perry at a Religious Right gathering in Project Fair Play operates on several fronts. AU educates clergy Washington, D.C., and stated why he believes Perry deserved support. If Jeffress had stopped there he through frequent informational letters sent to houses of worship across would have been all right, but he posted the endorse- the country and the production of targeted publications. ment on his church’s website. Jeffress added a disclaimer to the church website insisting that the views expressed were his own, but Americans United told the IRS that this does not absolve him of breaking federal law. Project Fair Play operates on several fronts. AU 2011 was not an election year for members of the (It should be noted that this was not AU’s first educates clergy through frequent informational U.S. House and Senate, but some states and local run-in with Jeffress. In 1998, while serving as pastor letters sent to houses of worship across the country jurisdictions did hold elections. Aside from the El of the First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls, Texas, and the production of targeted publications. We also Paso incident, Americans United reported two other Jeffress was given two books with gay themes from maintain a special website, www.projectfairplay. cases of church politicking in 2011. the local public library. He refused to return them org, that gives accurate information about federal In September, AU asked the IRS to investigate and urged members of his congregation to vote tax law. the activities of Bellevue Baptist Church in Mem- against city council members if they refused to ban AU also actively engages in contacting the media phis, Tenn. The church ran a statement on its website the tomes. A local newspaper reported that Jeffress to spread the word that tax exemption is a privilege, titled “Important Pro-Family Information on the challenged his congregation to “vote out the infidels not a right, and that the IRS Code means what it Memphis City Council Election Oct. 6” that directed who would deny God and his word.” At that time, says: religious organizations may lose their federal visitors to Family Action of Tennessee, a group that AU’s Lynn wrote to Jeffress to warn him that his tax exemption for egregious violations of the law. endorsed three candidates in the election. actions raised serious legal issues.) In addition, Project Fair Play serves as a The church was aware that its actions could be Also in 2011, Americans United continued to watchdog. AU regularly receives reports of church problematic. Its website contained a sentence insist- distribute educational materials about church politicking and files complaints with the IRS when ing that “[W]e are fully aware of the law granting politicking to activists, clergy and congregants there is clear evidence that a house of worship, min- tax-exemption to churches.” After the matter came nationwide. istry or other religious group has violated federal to light in the media, the church removed the link tax law. This work is especially vital now, because to the political endorsements. several Religious Right organizations are insisting In October, AU wrote to the IRS about the that churches have the right to intervene in partisan activities of Pastor Robert Jeffress and the First politics by endorsing or opposing candidates. Baptist Church of Dallas. Jeffress introduced Texas Although this view has been rejected by a federal appeals court, the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) and other allied groups continue to mislead The church ran a statement on its website titled “Important Pro- pastors and urge them to engage in electioneering. The ADF annually sponsors an event it calls “Pulpit Family Information on the Memphis City Council Election Oct. 6” that Freedom Sunday,” during which pastors are urged directed visitors to Family Action of Tennessee, a group that endorsed to openly violate the law by endorsing or opposing three candidates in the election. candidates during services. Americans United has in the past reported several churches for taking part in this event.

16

AU regularly receives reports of church politicking and files complaints with the IRS when there is clear evidence that a house of worship, ministry or other religious group has violated federal tax law.

Houses of worship may:

$ $ Discuss public policy issues.

$$ Sponsor non-partisan voter registration and encourage voting as good civic behavior.

$$ Sponsor candidate forums as long as all lead- ing candidates are invited and a broad range of issues is discussed.

$$ Urge congregants to communicate with candi- dates and make their concerns known to them.

Houses of worship may not:

$ $ Issue statements endorsing or opposing candidates.

$$ Donate money to a candidate.

$$ Offer church space to one candidate and refuse it to another.

$$ Sponsor rallies for candidates in church.

AU’s ProjectFairPlay.org website is a premier resource on how to prevent church electioneering and avoid breaking the law

17 Legal Advocacy:

Upholding Religious Liberty – In And Out of Court

When Ralph Stewart moved to Johnson County, Tenn., he didn’t intend to pick a fight over church-state separation, but that’s exactly what happened.

Stewart said he moved to the area, a rural enclave of 18,000, because he loved the land. He purchased 150 acres of that land, in fact, in order to care for neglected and abused animals. He mostly kept to himself, but he couldn’t remain silent when the county government began playing favorites with religion. AU Legal Staff

Ayesha N. Khan Alex Luchenitser Gregory M. Lipper Ian Smith Thelma Scott Taryn Wilgus Null Legal Director Associate Legal DIrector Senior Litigation Counsel Staff Attorney Legal Assistant Madison Fellow (through August)

Hellen M. Papavizas Benjamin N. Hazelwood Brooke R. Hardy Robert Shapiro Natalie R. Shapero Madison Fellow Madison Fellow Madison Fellow Steven Gey Fellow Steven Gey Fellow (through August) (from September) (from October) (until September) (from September)

In 1999, officials erected a Ten Commandments Flash forward to 2008, when local residents policy stating that “citizens and citizen groups” plaque outside the office of the county court clerk, asked Americans United to investigate the consti- would be allowed to erect displays “relating to his- located in Mountain City, Tenn. The plaque referred tutionality of the display. AU attorneys found that it tory and heritage of American law and government to the Commandments as “The Historical Founda- was unconstitutional and asked that it be removed. on the walls in the lobby of the Johnson County tion of American Law, Moral Values and Code of But Johnson County officials didn’t want to Courthouse.” Conduct.” comply. In October of 2008, they approved a new

19 The county soon received a request from a leader of the “Ten Commandment Warriors,” a local group that sought to display the same Commandments plaque. The group also offered another plaque fea- turing quotes from Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Adams, plus excerpts from the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It included an excerpt from a 1984 Supreme Court opinion stating that the Constitution does not mandate a “complete separation of church and state.” Both plaques were installed. The display’s spon- sor, a local funeral director and activist with the Gideons International, was allowed to compound the problem by including a 26-page pamphlet written by local clergy contending that U.S. law is anchored in the Bible and that the United States was founded as a Christian nation. All the while, Stewart followed these develop- ments closely, and within a few months he asked county officials to approve his own display. It consisted of two laminated posters. The first included language stating, “The Constitution of the United States prohibits govern- ment from favoring one religion or disparaging any other.” It featured three excerpts: the First Amendment’s religious liberty provisions, a quote from a 1989 Supreme Court decision and a passage from the Treaty with Tripoli, a 1797 document that declares the United States is not a Christian nation. Stewart’s second document argued that Ameri- can law is based on English common and statutory law, not the Bible. It included selections from the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Stewart’s posters received a less than enthusi- Ralph Stewart, shown here with his dog Beau, poses by the historical display he sought to erect astic welcome from county officials. They denied in Johnson County, Tenn. his request. In January 2011, Americans United filed suit ment right to free speech. The legal complaint Although the county enlisted outside legal help, on Stewart’s behalf. The case, Stewart v. Johnson also asserted that the county’s actions violated the officials soon realized that the case was unlikely to go County, charged that county officials engaged in separation of church and state because they had a well for them. Settlement talks were proposed, and impermissible content-based and viewpoint-based religious purpose, had a predominantly religious AU attorneys spent several months working out the discrimination in violation of the First Amend- effect and endorsed religion over non-religion. details. An agreement was finalized in November.

20 The settlement has two main parts. One involves Shapiro (until September) and Natalie R. Shapero that required homeless persons to participate in Stewart’s posters, which are now being displayed (from September). worship. As a result of the lawsuit, the District in the courthouse. The second portion of the and the Mission abandoned that transaction settlement requires the county to make a number 2011 Litigation Highlights and eventually reached a lease agreement of revisions to its display policy. Displays will be In addition to filing theStewart case, the Americans that prohibits the religiously affiliated agency limited to the lobby and hallways in the lower level United Legal Department worked on the following from “requir[ing] any individual seeking [the of the courthouse. They must relate to American or cases, either by serving as counsel or by filing Mission’s] services to participate in religious Tennessee law or Johnson County history and must friend-of-the court briefs in suits that could set services or religious studies as a condition to meet minimal aesthetic requirements. important precedents. AU’s litigation deals with receiving any service at the Leased Premises.” In addition, the county is forbidden to reject a religion in the public schools, taxpayer funding The agreement was a big step in the right direc- display simply because commissioners don’t like the of religious institutions, government-sponsored tion, but some constitutional concerns remain. content. If the county purports to reject a display displays of religious texts and symbols, government- AU intends to monitor the situation to determine for “aesthetic” reasons, officials must provide sponsored prayer, and religious discrimination and whether the lease’s implementation complies a detailed, written explanation and propose an accommodation. with the U.S. Constitution. alternative design that would be acceptable. The county has also agreed to put a disclaimer Completed Litigation in 2011 $$ Westphal v. Wagner: Americans United in the courthouse that makes it clear the displays challenged official prayers and other religious were not erected by Johnson County and do not $ $ Shapiro v. Browning: During its 2011 session, presentations at events sponsored by the South necessarily reflect the county government’s views. the Florida legislature proposed an amendment Orange County (Calif.) Community College Stewart is just one in a long list of successes that that would repeal the state constitution’s strict District. AU worked on behalf of several students Americans United had in 2011. prohibition on taxpayer funding of religious and faculty who asserted that school officials The AU Legal Department, headed by Legal institutions and would forbid Florida government routinely sponsored invocations at events at Director Ayesha N. Khan, spent 2011 working to bodies from denying public funding to religious Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, including maintain church-state separation on a variety of institutions unless the U.S. Constitution prohibits scholarship award ceremonies, commencements fronts. the funding. The proposed amendment would and Chancellor’s Opening Sessions (training In addition to litigation, AU’s legal team also become law if it is approved by Florida voters programs for faculty). AU noted that attendance engages in advocacy outside the courtroom, in November 2012. Americans United and its at some of these events was mandatory. For responding to complaints about constitutional allies filed a lawsuit challenging the misleading example, students who are awarded scholarships violations in communities across the country. Many language of the referendum. Rabbi Merrill had to attend a public ceremony or forfeit the of these disputes are successfully resolved by the Shapiro, president of AU’s Board of Trustees, financial aid. AU agreed to settle the case in Legal Department through letter writing, telephone served as the lead plaintiff. In December, a court April, and under the terms of the settlement, calls and, on occasion, representation of individuals ruled that the ballot language was indeed likely school officials agreed to discontinue official in non-courtroom settings. to confuse voters. The Florida attorney general prayers before scholarship ceremonies and In addition to Khan, others on the AU legal team subsequently submitted new ballot language that before the Chancellor’s Opening Sessions. are Associate Legal Director Alex J. Luchenitser, complied with the court’s ruling. Senior Litigation Counsel Gregory M. Lipper, Staff Ongoing Litigation in 2011 Attorney Ian S. Smith, Legal Assistant Thelma Scott, $$ Chane v. District of Columbia: Americans Madison Fellows Taryn Wilgus Null (until August), United joined with the ACLU in filing a lawsuit $ $ Joyner v. Forsyth County: In February 2007, Hellen M. Papavizas (until September), Benjamin because the District of Columbia had planned to Americans United wrote a letter to the Forsyth N. Hazelwood (from September), Brooke R. Hardy give $12 million in public money and property County (N.C.) Board of Supervisors asking (from October) and Steven Gey Fellows Robert to Central Union Mission, a sectarian shelter it to stop inviting clergy to deliver sectarian

21 prayers before meetings. The board refused to discontinue the practice, so members of AU’s “I cannot over-emphasize how inspiring the Schultz family is. Winston-Salem chapter filed suit. In 2010, a federal district court held that the invocation Corrie is a real hero, and he clearly takes his lead from his parents.” policy was unconstitutional. The board then ap- — Ayesha N. Khan, AU Legal Director pealed to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, which agreed with the lower court’s decision.

»» In a major victory for Americans United and $$ Schultz v. Medina Valley Independent School would be favored. AU did not object to the third the North Carolina ACLU, Judge J. Harvey District: Medina Valley Independent School proposal because the court had indicated that Wilkinson wrote, “Legislative prayer must District near San Antonio, Texas, has sponsored it would be approved. Although the religious strive to be nondenominational so long as that student-led Christian prayers at its high school school obtained the building for the minimum is reasonably possible – it should send a signal graduations and other school events. In May, price, the litigation produced a $545,000 benefit of welcome rather than exclusion. It should not Americans United filed a lawsuit on behalf of a for the city’s taxpayers. reject the tenets of other faiths in favor of just high school senior who objected to the practice one…. Faith is as deeply important as it is deeply and his family. AU asked for a temporary $$ Pedreira v. Kentucky Baptist Homes for Chil- personal and the government should not appear order that would have prevented prayer at the dren: In 2000, Americans United and the ACLU to suggest that some faiths have it wrong and graduation, as well as a permanent end to all filed a lawsuit challenging state financing of others got it right.” district-sponsored religious activity at future Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children (KBHC). school events. A federal district court ordered AU complained that the publicly funded organi- »» The board, aided by the Alliance Defense Fund, that the graduation prayers be banned at the zation indoctrinates youths in sectarian beliefs. appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the June 2011 ceremony, but that order was reversed AU earned an important victory in 2009 when court was expected to decide in early 2012 by a higher court. The case returned to the the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals concluded whether or not to take the case. district court, and AU continued to gather facts that the taxpayer plaintiffs could proceed with as the litigation went forward. their case. In March 2010, KBHC (now renamed $$ LaRue v. Colorado Board of Education: In Sunrise Children’s Services) asked the U.S. March 2011, the Douglas County (Colo.) Board $$ Wirtz v. City of South Bend: The South Bend Supreme Court to review the appellate court of Education created a voucher program that (Ind.) Common Council voted to buy property decision, which the justices declined to do in authorized 500 students to use taxpayer funds for $1.2 million and donate it to St. Joseph’s April 2011. The litigation continues at the district to attend religious and other private schools. High School, a Catholic school. Americans court level. The vast majority of those private schools are United, together with the ACLU, filed a lawsuit religious, and most of them discriminate on the challenging the deal. When a federal district $$ Does v. School District of Elmbrook: For years, basis of religion in hiring and/or admissions. court ruled against the proposed transfer, the the Elmbrook School District near Milwaukee, In June, Americans United, the American Civil city came up with a new plan to accept bids for Wisc., held its high school graduation ceremonies Liberties Union, the ACLU of Colorado and the the property. The bidding criteria, however, in an evangelical Christian church. In 2009, law firm of Arnold & Porter filed a lawsuit. A favored St. Joseph’s, which was the only bidder. Americans United filed a lawsuit on behalf of state court blocked the implementation of the That arrangement was struck down in court, nine students, parents and graduates of the school voucher program, but the defendants have ap- too. The city came up with a third proposal, district who feel unwelcome and extremely pealed to the Colorado Court of Appeals. under which the property would be sold for uncomfortable attending commencement in the a minimum price of $545,000, and no bidder sectarian setting. A federal court dismissed the

22 Corwyn Schultz, plaintiff in the Schultz v. Medina Valley Independent School District court case, with family

case, but Americans United appealed. The full June 2010 graduations could not be held at the district court concluded the prayers were con- 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has granted church. The school district appealed, but in stitutional. AU appealed to the U.S. 2nd Circuit AU’s request for rehearing, and arguments August 2010 the appeals court dismissed the Court of Appeals, and the case was argued in before the judges will take place in early 2012. appeal as moot. The litigation continues at the September. A decision is expected soon. district court level, and AU argued the case $$ Does v. Enfield Public Schools: Enfield Public further in March. $$ Mullin v. Sussex County: The Sussex County Schools, near Hartford, Conn., began holding (Del.) Council for decades has opened its meet- high school graduations in an evangelical Chris- $$ Galloway v. Town of Greece: The Greece (N.Y.) ings with a recitation of a Protestant version of tian church in 2007. In 2010, Americans United Town Board has a practice of opening its monthly the Lord’s Prayer by a member of the council. In and its allies filed a lawsuit in federal district meetings with prayers led by Christian clergy. June, AU filed a lawsuit on behalf of four local court, and the judge ordered that the schools’ Americans United filed a lawsuit, but a federal residents, including one Christian minister. All

23 plaintiffs in the lawsuit have attended council of public funds to refurbish a large cross on top 2011 Non-Litigation Highlights meetings in the past and were offended by the of a mountain, Americans United told the court. governmental body’s promotion of one religious AU’s legal team regularly sends letters to govern- perspective and disrespect of the plaintiffs’ $$ Ward v. Wilbanks: Americans United filed a ment bodies that have acted unconstitutionally. beliefs. AU filed a motion in December asking friend-of-the-court brief arguing that a public Many times, after receiving these letters, which the court to put an end to the council’s sectarian university does not have to accommodate a carefully explain the law, violators cease their prayer practice, and AU is awaiting the court’s student in a counseling program who refuses to activities. This successfully brings the matter to decision. help clients who are in romantic relationships a close without judicial intervention. Here is a that contradict her religious beliefs. AU told the sampling of AU’s non-litigation successes in 2011: Friend-of-the-Court Briefs 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the Con- stitution permits Eastern Michigan University to $$ Louisville, Ky.: The University of Louisville Filed in 2011 dismiss a student from its graduate program for Hospital -- a public hospital -- planned to merge refusing to counsel a gay client as part of a clini- with a Catholic hospital. This would have resulted $ $ Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Church and School cal course. In its Feb. 11 brief, AU also argued in the public hospital being subject to religious v. EEOC: Americans United, joined by reli- that the university did not target the plaintiff rules and restrictions followed by Catholic health gious and civil liberties organizations, filed a because of her religious beliefs; instead, it ap- care providers. Americans United sent a letter to brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in August in plied a neutral rule since no counseling students Gov. Steve Beshear and Attorney General Jack a closely watched church-school employment can “opt out” of treating certain patients. Conway opposing the scheme on constitutional dispute. The case involved a parochial school grounds. Beshear decided to block the merger teacher who challenged her firing under the $$ Awad v. Ziriax: In 2010, Oklahoma voters on Dec. 30, in part because of the church-state Americans with Disabilities Act. AU asserted approved a state constitutional amendment that separation concerns AU raised. that churches have a constitutional right to hire would have barred state courts from consider- employees who share their faith but that the so- ing Islamic law in any circumstance. In May, $$ Little Rock, Ark.: The Arkansas Better Chance called “ministerial exception” from civil rights Americans United and other civil liberties (ABC) program provides funding for pre-schools laws should be “no broader than necessary.” groups filed a brief with the 10th U.S. Circuit in the state. AU received a complaint that “Grow- The exception, AU said, should be applied only Court of Appeals arguing that the amendment ing God’s Kingdom,” a religious preschool, was when a religious entity’s acts “are motivated by violates church-state separation. The brief improperly receiving ABC funding. AU found religious concerns” and should not “immunize explained that both the purpose and the effect that the school had received over $1 million in religious entities from liability for conduct of the amendment were to single out Islam for taxpayer dollars between 2005 and 2011. AU’s unrelated to religion.” AU and its allies also disfavored treatment. complaint letter explained that granting govern- argued that “the exception must permit courts ment subsidies to a school that teaches religion is to determine when a religious justification” is $$ ACLU of Florida v. Dixie County: In a Nov. 9 a constitutional violation. The state investigated, pretextual. A decision in the case is expected brief filed with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of generally agreed with AU’s position and is now in early 2012. Appeals, Americans United argued that a six-ton working to revise the rules governing ABC grants. Ten Commandments monument at the Dixie $$ Sherman v. Illinois: Americans United sub- County (Fla.) courthouse violates the separation $$ Bloomfield, Ind.: A student religious club sub- mitted a brief to the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of of church and state. AU asserted that the monu- mitted a weekly Bible verse to be read as part of Appeals challenging a $20,000 earmark issued ment and others like it around the country are a public high school’s morning announcements. by the Illinois legislature to a group called promoted by Religious Right groups that want to AU complained, and the school district agreed Friends of the Cross. Taxpayers have the right to send a message of exclusion to Americans who to remove the religious content from morning challenge lawmakers’ unconstitutional approval don’t share their fundamentalist theology. announcements.

24 $ $ Blue Island, Ill.: The city of Blue Island $$ Show Low, Ariz.: A public elementary school nent image of a cross with the message “Easter required all residents to place a “St. Benedict teacher showed a video depicting the biblical Blessings.” AU complained to the County Jailer, Roman Catholic Church: 150 Years” sticker in account of Noah’s Ark and told students that the and several days later the cross was removed the windshield of their vehicles. AU objected, story was true. AU wrote a letter of complaint, from the website. and the mayor issued an executive order stating and school district officials responded that they that no religious institutions will be placed on told the teacher not to use religious materials $$ Crossville, Tenn.: Public school students par- vehicle stickers going forward. in class. ticipated in a flag-folding ceremony during which they explained the supposed meaning behind $$ Macon County, N.C.: A public school class $$ Murfreesboro, Tenn.: The city of Murfrees- each of the thirteen folds of the flag. Some of invited a local preacher to deliver a graduation boro had an advertisement on its website for a those statements included religious content. AU address. The Rev. Daniel “Cowboy” Stewart, “Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast” that was intended wrote to the school district to point out that this pastor of a small Baptist church in Robbinsville, to raise money for a religious organization. AU activity was unconstitutional and to request that delivered a sermon to the graduating seniors that wrote to the city to say that the government any future flag-folding ceremonies use a secular warned them about the machinations of Satan may not endorse or participate in these types of script. The school district agreed. and included references to the Bible. AU wrote events. The city agreed, removed the advertise- to the school district to explain that proselytizing ment and said the event was privately sponsored. $$ Canton, Ga.: A public school district hosted an at public school events is unconstitutional. The evangelical group called Team Impact. Although district assured AU that Stewart’s presentation $$ Oconee County, S.C.: Several sports teams at a the in-school presentation was secular, Team was an error and that a more thorough vetting public high school were employing “team chap- Impact used the event to invite students to an process for speakers would be used in the future. lains” who led students in prayer. Additionally, after-school evangelistic revival. AU wrote to the the wrestling team’s handbook contained biblical school district to explain that allowing a religious $$ Wilmington, Calif.: A public school allowed a quotations. AU wrote to the school to explain that group to use an official public school event to re- student religious club to advertise its events on both of these practices are unconstitutional. The cruit attendees to a church service is tantamount the school’s front gate even though other groups school district subsequently hosted a meeting at to the school itself inviting students to attend the had not been allowed to do so. The school district the district office for all middle school and high religious service. The school district agreed, in response to AU’s complaint letter stated that school principals and athletic directors. At this explaining that it had instructed Team Impact it would clarify that the front gate was available meeting, district officials instructed attendees not to invite students to the after-school event. to all student groups for advertisements. that they could not have team chaplains or in- All remaining assemblies with Team Impact clude religious material in any communications were cancelled. $$ Durham, N.C.: AU received a complaint that a with students. public school had let a church place a permanent $$ Broomall, Pa.: AU received a complaint that a sign on the school’s front lawn advertising wor- $$ Florence, S.C.: AU received a complaint that cross was being displayed in the public areas of ship services. The school removed the sign after several public school officials were sending a post office. AU wrote the postmaster that the AU sent a letter of complaint. out overtly religious emails to school staff and display violated separation of church and state, were conducting prayers at faculty meetings. and asked that the religious symbol be removed. $$ New Bern, N.C.: A public school principal The school district’s board of trustees voted Although AU did not receive an official response hosted prayer breakfasts for staff and included to stop these practices following AU’s letter of to the letter, the complainant confirmed the religious messages in emails and in other official complaint. removal of the cross. school communications. AU complained to the school district about these practices, and as a $$ Bowling Green, Ky.: Shortly before Easter, the result, the principal stopped these activities. Warren County Jail’s website contained a promi-

25 Legislation:

Advocating for Church-State Separation in Washington, D.C., and the States

In October 2011, Americans United Executive Director Barry W. Lynn advised the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution that the religious liberties of Christians are not under attack in the United States.

26 AU Legislative Staff

Maggie Garrett Peter Kurdock Dena Sher Amanda Rolat Nate Hennagin Emily Krueger Legislative Director Assistant Legislative State Legislative Counsel State Legislative Counsel Legislative Assistant Legislative Assistant Director (from July) (until March) (from December) (until May) (from July)

Lynn delivered his remarks while seated at the same table as Bishop William C. Lori, head of the U.S. As the lone voice of church-state separation to testify at the hearing on Conference of Catholic Bishops’ new lobbying group, and Colby May, an attorney with TV preacher Pat “The State of Religious Liberty in the United States,” Lynn countered Robertson’s American Center for Law and Justice. Religious Right claims that Christians are being oppressed because Although the three were in close physical proximity, they were being denied exemptions from laws that all others must they were far apart ideologically. As the lone voice of church-state separation to follow. testify at the hearing on “The State of Religious Lib- erty in the United States,” Lynn countered Religious Right claims that Christians are being oppressed Lynn went on to list several incidents in which bishops. No specific incident served as cause for because they were being denied exemptions from religious majorities used their position to discrimi- it. Committee Chair Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) is laws that all others must follow. nate against minorities and non-believers, such as an ally of ultra-conservative religious groups. He “There is no war against Christianity being residents of Katy, Texas, protesting the construction created the Arizona Family Research Institute, an waged by elected officials or by the courts,” he of a mosque by holding pig races near the property affiliate of the James Dobson-founded Focus on the told the subcommittee. “In truth, the real threat and the U.S. Army refusing to allow a Wiccan sym- Family, and he made it clear at the hearing that he to religious freedom comes from those who seek bol on the memorial marker of a sergeant killed in thinks religious liberty is under assault in America. special government blessings for those in favored Afghanistan until a lawsuit forced it to do so. Franks and his allies seem to think that faiths, and conversely, the treatment of members of The hearing was intended to be a showcase for Christians are being persecuted because the other faiths as second-class citizens.” the agenda of the Religious Right and the Catholic administration of President Barack Obama won’t

27 grant religious groups exemptions from a slew of If the Religious Right gets its way, “we will defy Americans United’s Legislative Department laws, including those intended to provide health George Washington’s promise that we would ‘give tackles difficult church-state legislative and policy care, extend civil rights protections and grant civil to bigotry no sanction,’” Lynn said. issues on both the federal and state level. This com- marriage rights to same-sex couples. Americans United has long fought against ponent of AU’s work was led in 2011 by Legislative Lynn said in his testimony that “we have a diz- ultra-conservative religious groups that think they Director Maggie Garret with the help of Assistant zying level of religious freedom in this country,” should not have to follow laws they find objectionable Legislative Director Peter Kurdock (from July), but bills that advance religion at the expense of and should be able to impose their beliefs on others State Legislative Counsels Dena Sher (until March) individual freedom would be another step toward who do not share them. AU took on these groups in and Amanda Rolat (from December), and Legislative a “very ugly” America in which discrimination is 2011 and expects that this fight will intensify in the Assistants Nate Hennagin (until May) and Emily rampant. coming year. Krueger (from July).

AU Executive Director Barry W. Lynn offers congressional testimony, debunking claims of a “war on religion.”

28 2011 Legislative Highlights

Here are some of AU’s notable accomplishments this year: Federal Legislative Advocacy

$ $ Worked to revise the Bush-era “faith-based” initiative by asking the Obama administration to end federally funded discrimination June 25 marked the 70th anniversary of Presi- dent Franklin D. Roosevelt signing an executive order that prohibited employment discrimination in government contracts. Executive Order 11246, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, strengthened these protections by granting en- forcement power to the Department of Labor. In 2002, however, President George W. Bush signed an executive order carving out an exemption to EO 11246, allowing religious organizations that receive federal contracts to discriminate in hiring on the basis of religion. AU used the AU Executive Director Barry W. Lynn, Washington, D.C., Mayor Vincent Gray and others speak at a rally anniversary as a way to again press the Obama opposing private school vouchers. administration to take action to stop federally funded employment discrimination. Americans regulations bar USAID funds from being “used $$ Fought against D.C. school voucher program United organized sign-ons for a letter to Presi- for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation reauthorization by Congress dent Obama from the Coalition Against Religious of structures to the extent that they are used for Congress established the federally funded Discrimination, which AU chairs, asking him to inherently religious activities.” The proposed Washington, D.C., voucher program in 2003 to reinstate the protections in EO 11246. rule strips these constitutionally required pay for tuition at religious and other private restrictions. It also sets out a new five-part test schools. Intended as an experimental program, $$ Opposed Obama administration regulations that for determining the permissibility of public the five-year pilot phase was set to end in Septem- weaken church-state protections for USAID funds funding of construction of religious structures. ber 2008. Yet, even after the pilot phase lapsed, In March, the Obama administration offered its Americans United drafted comments opposing Congress continued to fund the program through first proposed rule change to regulations adopted the regulations and submitted them. AU also appropriations bills. In 2010 Congress voted to by the Bush administration as part of the Bush drafted comments for a sign-on letter, which limit the program to current students only, but in “faith-based” initiative. Unfortunately, the pro- 18 other organizations joined. On May 9, AU, 2011 House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) made posed rule weakened the regulations adopted by along with other organizations that submitted the voucher reauthorization part of a deal to get the Bush administration. The proposal, issued by comments in opposition, met with lawyers from the House to sign off on a continuing resolution the U.S. Agency for International Development USAID to express concerns. Americans United is to fund the federal government through the (USAID), governs aid for the construction and continuing conversations about potential changes rest of the year and prevent a shutdown. The maintenance of religious buildings. The current to the proposed regulation. bill sought to extend the program for five years,

29 open it to new students and increase the amount led the fight against the voucher amendment, talking points and created an extensive website of the voucher. AU knew the bill would be very contacting House staff, drafting and distribut- dedicated to the Florida ballot initiative. AU difficult to defeat, but it was important to put up ing sign-on letters from NCPE (and collecting also plans to continue to work with its chapters a fight, present arguments and convince some 53 sign-ons—an NCPE record), drafting and and allies in Florida to urge voters to vote no Republicans to vote against it. Thanks to AU’s submitting letters on behalf of AU, and issuing on the initiative. efforts as co-chair of the National Coalition for action alerts to AU members. Thanks to these Public Education (NCPE), nine House Repub- efforts, the amendment failed 203-213 with $$ Battled against voucher and tuition tax-credit licans voted against the reauthorization. AU bipartisan opposition. bills in the states helped organize a press conference that included Americans United opposed voucher and tuition D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, who spoke against the State Legislative Advocacy tax-credit measures that would fund religious voucher program. schools in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, $ $ Defended state constitutional no-aid provisions New Jersey, Indiana and Virginia, among other $$ Defeated an amendment to create vouchers for The Florida legislature approved an initiative states. Pennsylvania was particularly difficult military families for the November 2012 ballot that would repeal since Gov. Tom Corbett (R) made a voucher For several years AU has, through the NCPE, the state’s no-aid provision. The amendment program one of his priorities. AU worked closely fought a voucher provision that members of the would allow for the direct funding of religious with Pennsylvanians Opposed to Vouchers Senate tried to include with the National Defense organizations that provide faith-based social and participated in a legal subgroup of that Reauthorization Act. The provision would create services and open the door to taxpayer-funded organization, acting as an important resource a voucher program for students with special vouchers for religious schools. In July, AU’s for the coalition. Corbett’s plan was defeated in needs whose parents are in the military. After legal department along with the ACLU, the Anti- December, but he has said he will push for the successful lobbying in the Senate in 2010, we Defamation League and the Florida Education program again. convinced Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), the main Association filed a lawsuit seeking removal of Democratic sponsor of the provision, to drop his the proposed constitutional amendment from $$ Defeated a Ten Commandments bill in Louisiana support. In 2011 the fight moved to the House, the ballot. After a court ruled that the ballot In Louisiana, a bill was introduced that would where Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) offered language was misleading, Florida’s attorney have created a Ten Commandments monument an amendment that would create such a voucher general re-drafted the language. The amend- on the capitol grounds. AU Louisiana Chapter program. AU worked with House staffers to edu- ment is now Ballot Initiative 8 and will be on President Dr. Thomas Hannie Jr., sent a letter on cate members of the Armed Services Committee the November 2012 ballot. AU’s legislative behalf of AU to committee members reviewing Subcommittee on Military Personnel about the department has begun the process of educating the bill and urged them to oppose it. In a win provision. Although it wasn’t offered in the Florida citizens about the dangers of passing for AU, the committee not only voted down the subcommittee, it was offered seven days later in the amendment. We have been engaged with our bill, but even read parts of AU’s letter during the full committee markup. AU was pleased that Florida chapters, provided them with written the hearing. committee members used AU’s information in the debate. In fact, a letter written by the NCPE, which AU co-chairs, was specifically noted “Academic freedom” bills are the latest incarnation of creationism bills, by members. Hunter’s amendment ultimately failed, as a bipartisan group voted against it. which contain code words that could allow creationists to introduce alle­ Hunter later introduced the amendment on the ged arguments against evolution into public school science classrooms. House floor. AU’s legislative department again

30 $ $ Church politicking bill defeated in New Hampshire A committee in the New Hampshire House voted down a resolution that would have urged Congress to amend the Internal Revenue Code to permit churches to endorse or oppose candidates. AU sent a letter opposing the measure to the committee considering the bill prior to a hearing.

$$ Opposed creationism bills in multiple states “Academic freedom” bills are the latest incarna- tion of creationism bills, which contain code words that could allow creationists to introduce alleged arguments against evolution into public school science classrooms. In Oklahoma, two bills like this were introduced. AU sent a letter to a House committee prior to its hearing. Thanks to hard work by Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education and AU chapters, the House committee defeated the bill. In Tennessee, the House and Senate had identical versions of an “academic freedom” bill. AU worked with chap- ter leaders to contact the relevant committees and asked members and supporters to do the same. AU also worked with an informal coali- tion of allies and scientists to devise strategy and organize opposition. The House committee advanced its version, and the full House passed the measure. A Senate committee, however, Some of the legislative action alerts AU activists received by email in 2011. deferred action on the measure several times, and the bill did not advance any farther in 2011.

31 Grassroots Advocacy:

Working in the Field

When Americans United found out that Gov. Rick Perry (R-Texas) planned to sponsor a Christians-only prayer rally in August that would be led by intolerant Religious Right forces, the organization responded quickly.

32 Thanks to the efforts of Field Director Beth Corbin, AU Field Staff AU’s Houston chapter and AU’s allies in the Lone Star State, more than 300 people attended a rally the night before Perry’s event in order to celebrate inclusion, diversity and unity. AU Executive Direc- tor Barry W. Lynn addressed the gathering, as did speakers representing a wide range of religious and non-religious groups from the Houston area. The “Family, Faith & Freedom” rally got at the heart of AU’s mission and drew a stark contrast with the shrill and divisive rhetoric of many of the preachers with whom Perry teamed. The rally, which garnered national media attention, also sent a message that those who are trying to manipulate our constitutional rights are in the wrong. AU’s Field Department is tasked with bringing Beth Corbin The Rev. Steven Baines David Morris together allied activists who want to fight to keep Field Director Assistant Field Director Chapter Coordinator church and state separate in their local communi- for Religious Outreach ties, and rallies like the one in Houston are one way to achieve that goal. In 2011, Corbin was assisted by Associate Field Director for Chapter Outreach David Morris and Assistant Field Director for The Field Department works with these Aligned Groups on church-state issues, just as it Religious Outreach Steven Baines. The department does with AU chapters. This network of allied organizations includes: conducts grassroots organizing by offering in- person and online training for chapter leadership, speaking at chapter and allied group events, notify- »» Alliance for Tolerance and Freedom »» Military Association of Atheists and Free ing the AU activist database with alerts and staffing (Lancaster, Pa.), Thinkers (Columbus, Ohio, affiliate), information tables at conventions and conferences. »» Heartland Humanists »» Monadnock Committee for Separation of The Rev. Baines leads chapter leader trainings on (Shawnee Mission, Kan.), Church and State (Westmoreland, N.H.), how to reach out to local faith communities, and he »» Humanists of the Treasure Coast »» North Coast Civic Association is often invited to deliver a sermon on church-state (Stuart, Fla.), (Encinitas, Calif.), separation while in the area. »» Humanists of North Puget Sound »» Public Issues Forum (Memphis, Tenn.), This year, the AU Field Department worked (Everett, Wash.), »» St. Charles County Social Justice Alliance especially hard to reach more student groups as part »» Humanist Society of Santa Barbara (Lake St. Louis, Mo.), of its youth and campus outreach and added student (Santa Barbara, Calif.), »» Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry organizations in Tennessee, Georgia, Connecticut »» Iowa Secularists (Iowa City, Iowa), (Charleston, S.C.) and Texas to its list of allies. »» Japanese American Citizens League – »» and the Space Coast Freethought AU’s Field Department also works with other Chicago Chapter (Chicago, Ill.), Association (Palm Bay, Fla.) public interest groups at the national, state and local levels to build support for church-state separation

33 and take on challenges to First Amendment values 2011 Chapter Highlights Right activist, took opposite sides. The topic was whenever and wherever they crop up. In 2011, a new combined chapter of AU formed to “Resolved, the United States Constitution neither The Field Department always looks for new and represent Augusta, Ga., North Augusta, S.C. and established nor advocates for a Christian nation.” innovative ways to strengthen existing chapters, Aiken, S.C., while another new chapter took shape initiate new chapters and increase AU’s visibility in Minneapolis, Minn. Several other communities $$ February 27: Columbia (Oregon and southwest within the secular and faith communities. It is im- showed interest in forming AU chapters in coming Washington) Chapter President Bruce Adams portant for AU to build effective relationships with years, including Bozeman, Mont.; Fort Myers, Fla.; debated Prof. John Kunich of the Charlotte these groups, with particular emphasis on increas- Jackson, Miss. and Knoxville, Tenn. School of Law in North Carolina. Kunich argued ing AU’s network of religious leaders nationwide. AU’s current roster of 67 chapters in 34 states that “intelligent design” creationism should has remained extremely active throughout 2011. be taught in public school science classes, and Here is a sampling of the quality events put on by Adams argued that it should not. AU’s chapters as they seek to educate their com- munities on church-state separation: $$ February 27: The Columbia (Oregon and south- west Washington) Chapter made a presentation $$ February 19: The Orange County (Calif.) Chap- on church-state issues to a class at Clark College ter held an event titled “Battling Islamophobia: in Vancouver, Wash. Understanding the Challenges Faced by the Islamic Community in Southern California,” $$ March 5: The Congregation for Humanistic Ju- with guest speaker Hussam Ayloush, Southern daism and the Sarasota-Manatee (Fla.) Chapter California executive director of the Council on hosted AU Executive Director Barry W. Lynn American-Islamic Relations. who spoke on the topic “Extreme Makeover - America’s Church-State History.” $$ February 22: The Winston-Salem (N.C.) Chapter held a meeting with guest speaker $$ March 7: The South Pinellas County (Fla.) Fleming El-Amin who spoke on the topic of Chapter hosted an event titled “The Future “Islamophobia.” of Separation of Church and State: Crisis or Confidence?” with guest speaker Barry W. Lynn. $$ February 24: The North Shore (Ill.) Chapter held a meeting titled “Happy 5th Birthday, $$ March 8: The Greater Naples (Fla.) Chapter Dover v. Kitzmiller!” to commemorate the fifth held an event titled “The Future of Separation anniversary of the Pennsylvania court decision of Church and State: Crisis or Confidence?” with barring “intelligent design” creationism in guest speaker Barry W. Lynn. public schools. (Ways to counter the current creationism crusade was also on the agenda.) $$ March 8: The Flagler County (Fla.) Chapter held a presentation on “The Problem of School $$ February 24: The Oklahoma City Chapter Vouchers” by Katie Hansen, president of the held a free public debate on whether America Flagler County Educators Association. is a “Christian nation.” Dr. Bruce Prescott, a member of the AU Board of Trustees and $$ March 19: The Orange County (Calif.) Chapter AU’s Barry Lynn speaks at the Texas Family, Faith and head of Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists, and held an event titled “Separation of Church & State: Freedom rally. Dr. Steve Kern, a Baptist pastor and Religious The Most Important War and Peace Issue of the

34 21st Century” with special guest speaker Judge $$ April 30: The Greater Houston Chapter held $$ May 21: The Upstate South Carolina Chapter Jim Gray of the Orange County Superior Court. its annual meeting and fundraiser. State Board hosted guest speaker Mustafa Sange who spoke of Education member Lawrence A. Allen spoke on concerns Muslins have about obstacles and $$ March 26: The Columbia (Oregon and south- about “The Future of Education in Texas.” threats to their religious freedom in the United west Washington) Chapter spoke at the NW States. Freethinkers Regional Conference about pulling $$ April 30: The San Antonio Chapter held a students out of class for religious instruction. “First Amendment Day Celebration.” The event $$ May 21: The Orange County (Calif.) Chapter focused on the freedom of religion, freedom of hosted a screening of the film “8: The Mormon $$ March 29: The Columbia (Oregon and south- the press and freedom of assembly provisions of Proposition.” The event was co-sponsored by west Washington) Chapter hosted AU Senior the First Amendment. Guest speakers included the Orange County Equality Coalition. The film Policy Analyst Rob Boston who spoke on the AU Executive Director Barry W. Lynn; Greg details the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day topic “Church-State Separation: Challenges and Harman, editor of the San Antonio Current; Saints’ involvement in the promotion and passage Opportunities.” Cary Clack, columnist, San Antonio Express- of California’s Proposition 8 to ban the right of News and Jennifer Jacobs Henderson, Ph.D., same-sex couples to marry. $$ April 9: The Orange County (Calif.) Chapter associate professor and chair of the communica- participated in the “Great American Write-In,” tion department at Trinity University. $$ May 24: The Winston-Salem (N.C.) Chapter an event in which progressive organizations hosted Jennifer Rudinger, executive director gather to write to elected officials. $$ May 5: The Flagler County (Fla.) Chapter held of the North Carolina ACLU, who spoke about a “Day of Inclusion” in response to the “National the Joyner v. Forsyth lawsuit over government- $$ April 9: The Delaware Valley Chapter hosted Day of Prayer.” sponsored prayers. its second Church-State Issues Symposium. Speakers included AU Executive Director Barry $$ May 5: The Rochester (N.Y.) Chapter held an $$ June 11: The Virginia Chapter held a meeting W. Lynn and AU Senior Litigation Counsel Greg event titled “From Darwin to Dover: The Rise in order to reorganize the chapter under new Lipper, among others. and Decline of Intelligent Design.” leadership.

$$ April 16: The Orange County (Calif.) Chapter $$ May 12: The Indiana Chapter hosted an event $$ June 14: The Delaware Valley Chapter hosted held an event titled: “Freedom of Religion vs. the titled “Why Establishment Poisons Everything” an event with Dean Miller who spoke on “The State Loyalty Oath: A Quaker Pacifist’s Story” with guest speaker the Rev. Dr. Charles W. Faith-Based War on the Public Sector.” with guest speaker Wendy Gonaver. Gonaver Allen, chaplain of Grace Unlimited, a ministry was fired, and later rehired, by California State of Indianapolis Lutheran-Episcopal Campus $$ June 18: The Orange County (Calif.) Chapter University, Fullerton when she asked to submit an Ministry. hosted a discussion on “How Religion Can Help addendum to the state loyalty oath. As a Quaker Us Develop The Values We Hold Dear” with Rabbi she wanted to be clear that the obligation to $$ May 12: The Delaware Valley Chapter’s Phila- Larry Seidman. Seidman holds a Ph.D. in electri- “defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign delphia meeting was on “Marriage Equality” cal engineering from the University of California, and domestic” did not include taking up arms. with guest speakers from the Pennsylvania Berkeley. He argues that science and religion can ACLU and Equality Pennsylvania. be fully compatible with proper understanding. $$ April 28: The West Suburban Chicago Chapter hosted guest speaker Col. Jill Morganthaler $$ May 15: The Clay County (Fla.) Chapter hosted $$ June 19: Members of the Columbia (Oregon and (ret.). She spoke about the rise of religious fanati- grassroots training with Yvette De La Cruz and southwest Washington) Chapter marched in the cism in the U.S. military. AU Field Director Beth Corbin. Portland Pride Parade.

35 $ $ June 23: The San Antonio (Texas) Chapter discuss the topic of church-state separation Rob Boston, AU senior policy analyst, who sponsored “An Evening in Support of the Schultz issues arising from some hospital mergers. discussed “The Christian Nation Myth.” Family.” The Schultzes spoke up against the graduation prayers at their sons’ public high $$ August 20: The Orange County (Calif.) Chapter $$ September 19: Ed Joyce, president of the school and filed a lawsuit to stop the invocations. hosted an event with speaker Liz Stevens, a Delaware Valley Chapter, was panelist in a former AU litigation fellow and current associate debate on church-state separation hosted by the $$ July 14: The Delaware Valley Chapter held its attorney at Parravano Witten PC. She spoke on Ben Franklin Thinking Society in Philadelphia. second annual “burger and beer” celebration for “The Interaction Between the Establishment and AU Executive Director Barry W. Lynn’s birthday. Free Exercise Clauses of the Constitution.” Liz $$ September 24: The Delaware Valley Chapter played a crucial role in seeing that Westphal v. hosted a debate on school vouchers in Pennsyl- $$ July 16: The Orange County (Calif.) Chapter Wagner, which challenged prayers at Saddleback vania with state lawmakers and academic and hosted an event titled “School Vouchers: A College, was brought to court. legal scholars. Threat to Public Education” with guest speaker Bonnie Castrey. $$ August 20: The Upstate South Carolina Chapter $$ September 25: the Long Island (N.Y.) Chapter hosted Prof. Robert Green who spoke on “Sepa- hosted a meeting at which its president, Robert $$ July 21: The Delaware Valley Chapter hosted ration of Church and State: A Civil Education J. Nuxoll, spoke on the historical perspective of an event titled “Debunking Myths About the Framework for Teachers.” the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious Separation of Church & State” with chapter freedom. The talk included such current topics president Ed Joyce. $$ August 21: The Greater Phoenix Chapter held its as Islamophobia and discrimination against monthly general membership meeting. Topics in- minority religious beliefs, attempts by religious $$ July 21: The North Shore (Ill.) Chapter hosted cluded a discussion on the new pace and direction fundamentalists to dictate educational content guest speaker Louis Altman who spoke on the plan to “take back” Arizona. Also, Anne Mardick and taxpayer money being used to fund religious topic “Humanistic Judaism: A Contradiction in discussed the topic of Religious Right training schools. Terms?” in which public school teachers are encouraged to insert creationism and other fundamentalist $$ October 1: The Delaware Valley Chapter $$ July 26: The Greater Houston Chapter hosted Christian views into the classroom. hosted a public debate on school vouchers in New a “Presentation on the Origins of First Amend- Jersey. Representing voucher advocates were ment Religious Freedom” with Chapter Vice $$ August 27 & 28: AU Field Director Beth Corbin Keith Benson, community activist with “Save President David Furlow, who is an attorney and and trainer Yvette De la Cruz conducted chapter Our Children,” Carm Catanese of Citizens for historian. leadership training in Baton Rouge, La., on Aug. Successful Schools and the Rev. Tim Merrill of 27. On Aug. 28, they led Grassroots 101 training Asbury United Methodist Church in Camden N.J. $$ August 5: The Greater Houston Chapter helped in New Orleans. Nearly 30 activists took part in Opposing school vouchers were John Bartram, organize the “Family, Faith, and Freedom” the two training sessions. president of the Monmouth County (N.J.) Chapter celebration in response to “The Response,” a of AU; Ed Barocas, legal director of the Ameri- fundamentalist-Christian-themed event initiated $$ September 8: The Delaware Valley Chapter can Civil Liberties Union of N.J. and Dr. Walter by Texas Gov. Perry. AU Executive Director hosted a meeting with guest speaker Dean Farrell of the University of North Carolina at Barry W. Lynn and the Rev. William Lawson Miller, author and chapter leader, on “The Faith- Chapel Hill. were featured speakers. Based War on the Public Sector.” $$ October 15: The Orange County (Calif.) Chapter $$ August 15: The Columbia (Oregon and south- $$ September 16: The Great Plains (Kan.) Chapter held a screening of the film “The Lord Is Not On west Washington) Chapter hosted a meetup to held its annual meeting with keynote speaker Trial Here Today.” It is the story of the landmark

36 First Amendment case McCollum v. Board of Education, which barred religious instruction in public schools.

$$ October 17: The Columbia (Oregon and southwest Washington) Chapter hosted a talk by attorney Karen Mockrin titled “Trying to Understand.” The goal was to give people responses to Religious Right rhetoric. Mockrin’s presentation featured little-known bits of Ameri- can history and constitutional jurisprudence as well as personal suggestions for engaging those who oppose church-state separation.

$$ October 23: The Arkansas Chapter held its an- nual meeting with guest speaker Steven Baines of AU, who spoke on the topic “Church-State Separation in America: Crisis or Crossroads - Where Do We Go from Here?”

$$ November 17: The Delaware Valley Chapter’s Philadelphia committee hosted a meeting featur- ing guest speaker Dean Miller who discussed his book “The Faith-Based War on the Public Sector.”

$$ November 19: The Orange County (Calif.) Chapter held its annual meeting.

$$ November 19: The Upstate South Carolina Chapter held a panel that featured AU mem- bers discussing challenges in confronting government-sponsored sectarian prayer in their communities and the consequences of speaking out.

$$ November 22: The Winston-Salem (N.C.) Chap- ter hosted speaker Janet Owen, who discussed the proposed amendment in North Carolina to ban same-sex marriage.

Americans United chapters host a variety of events to educate the public about church-state separation.

37 $ $ December 8: The Northeast Oklahoma Chapter $$ January 30: As part of the thoughtful Christian table at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, co-sponsored an event with the Tulsa Interfaith preaching series at National City Christian Tampa, Fla. Alliance that featured AU Senior Policy Analyst Church in Washington, D.C., Baines preached Rob Boston as the guest speaker. Boston spoke at the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services $$ July 1-4: Baines staffed an information table at on the topic “Piety, Policy and the ‘Christian Na- on the importance of church-state separation the United Church of Christ Synod in Tampa, Fla. tion’ Myth: Finding the Proper Balance Between and the safeguards it holds for religious liberty Religion and Politics.” and freedom in the United States. He also led $$ July 7-14: Baines staffed an information table four small-group studies for the congregation in at the Disciples of Christ General Assembly in $$ December 10: The Greater Los Angeles which this topic was examined more thoroughly. Nashville, Tenn. Chapter (formerly San Fernando Valley) held its Discussion was lively and informative for the annual meeting. more than 60 people who attended throughout $$ September 23: In cooperation with AU’s legisla- the week. tive department, Baines sent a letter to clergy, $$ December 13: The Delaware Valley Chapter’s urging them to sign a letter to President Barack Bucks County committee hosted a talk by John $$ February 2 – 6: Baines helped organize and lead Obama regarding the “faith-based” initiative. Seager, president of the Population Connection. the opening of “Practice Spirit, Do Justice,” a The Coalition Against Religious Discrimination, multi-faith conference within the larger LGBT which AU chairs, asked the president to remove $$ December 17: The Delaware Valley Chapter Creating Change conference in Minneapolis. executive orders that allow for employment sponsored a gala winter concert fundraiser with Baines was on the steering committee that spent discrimination with taxpayer dollars. classical pianist Laurent Levy. six months planning workshops and worship and mobilizing people of faith to attend. More than $$ September 25-27: Baines conducted a training 500 people were in attendance. session with Rochester, N.Y., Chapter leaders on religious outreach, met with local clergy and 2011 Religious Outreach $$ February 16: Baines attended a Capitol Hill was keynote speaker at a Rochester Chapter briefing co-sponsored by the Interfaith Alliance annual meeting. Highlights and the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress on the role of military chaplains and $$ October 23: Baines was the keynote speaker Americans United’s Field Department is responsible the challenges of ministering to troops while at the Arkansas Chapter’s annual meeting in for extensive work with members of the faith com- safeguarding church-state separation. Little Rock. munity. AU representatives attend various events, conferences and forums to reach out to clergy. This $$ February 27: Baines was the guest preacher $$ November 9: Baines was the guest lecturer at is especially important in light of the pivotal role at the 300-member First Unitarian Universalist George Mason University for the fall semester religious voices play in conveying AU’s message. Church of Hartford, Md. He spoke on the subject: church-state forum with political science and These organizations make a major contribution to “Church-State Separation: Crisis or Crossroads sociology majors. the success of AU’s work. – Where Do We Go from Here?” The Rev. Steven Baines, assistant field director $$ December 7: Americans United co-sponsored a for religious outreach, has been specifically tasked $$ June 20-24: Baines staffed an information table metropolitan Washington, D.C., clergy breakfast with reaching out to religious leaders as national at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly at National City Christian Church with more than ecumenical and interfaith partners. In 2011, his in Phoenix, Ariz. 30 clergy, seminarians and religious leaders in outreach program consisted of the following meet- attendance. AU Executive Director Barry W. ings, events, talks and conferences: $$ June 22–24: Baines staffed an information Lynn and Baines spoke on behalf of AU on the

38 current state of church-state separation in the national landscape. Thanks to this meeting, a new network of D.C.-based clergy concerned about reproductive justice and its connection to church-state issues was established.

$$ December 14: Americans United participated in the National Religious Leadership Round- table’s winter meeting via teleconference. Baines represented AU during this two-hour meeting with national organizational leaders and activists.

The Rev. Stephen Baines, assistant field director for religious outreach, mobilizes religious leaders on behalf of separation of church and state.

39 AU Chapters throughout the Country

Alabama Indiana Ohio Mobile Bay Chapter Indiana Chapter Northeastern OH (Cleveland) Chapter Alaska Kansas Oklahoma Alaska Chapter Greater Kansas City Chapter Norman Chapter (in formation) Arkansas Great Plains (Wichita) Chapter Northeast Oklahoma (Tulsa) Chapter Arkansas Chapter Kentucky Oklahoma Chapter Arizona Louisville KY Chapter Oregon Greater Phoenix Chapter Louisiana Columbia (Portland) Chapter California Louisiana Chapter Pennsylvania Orange County, CA Chapter Maine NW Pennsylvania Chapter Silicon Valley Chapter Southern Maine Chapter Delaware Valley Chapter Kern County Chapter Maryland South Carolina San Diego Chapter Maryland (Baltimore) Chapter AU of Upstate South Carolina Chapter Sacramento Chapter Massachusetts South Carolina (Charleston) Chapter San Fernando Valley Chapter Massachusetts Chapter Central Savannah River Area Chapter Connecticut Michigan Columbia Chapter Connecticut Chapter Michigan Chapter Tennessee Delaware Missouri Nashville Chapter Delaware Valley Chapter St. Louis Chapter Texas Florida Greater Kansas City Chapter Austin Chapter Gainesville, FL Chapter North Carolina San Antonio Chapter Tallahassee Chapter Winston-Salem Chapter Greater Houston Chapter Clay County Chapter Western NC (Asheville) Chapter Vermont Flagler County, FL Chapter East Carolina Chapter Upper Connecticut River Valley Greater Naples Area Chapter North Carolina Chapter of NH/VT Chapter NW Florida Chapter Nebraska Virginia NE Florida Chapter Nebraska Chapter Central Virginia/ Greater Richmond Chapter South Pinellas County Chapter New Hampshire Lynchburg, VA Chapter Sarasota-Manatee Chapter Upper Connecticut River Valley Virginia Chapter Nature Coast Chapter of NH/VT Chapter Washington Georgia New Jersey Greater Seattle Chapter Georgia Chapter Delaware Valley Chapter South Sound, WA Chapter Paulding County Chapter Monmouth County Chapter Wisconsin Central Savannah River Area Chapter New York Wisconsin Chapter Illinois AU of NYC Chapter West Suburban Chicago Chapter Rochester Chapter North Shore, IL Chapter Long Island Chapter

40 The organization currently represents more an attorney and ordained minister in the United Organizational Structure than 120,000 individual members and sup- Church of Christ, is our executive director. porters in all 50 states, as well as cooperating A 15-member Board of Trustees and a houses of worship and other religious bodies. 125-member National Advisory Council (NAC) Under Americans United’s banner, concerned governs Americans United. The Board of Founded in 1947 by a citizens from many different political, philo- Trustees, elected from among the NAC, meets sophical and religious viewpoints have joined periodically through the year to make decisions distinguished group of political, together to promote full religious freedom. about organizational governance and policy. A 31-member staff at the national offices in Trustees serve for a three-year period and are religious and educational Washington, D.C., conducts Americans United’s eligible for re-election for two additional terms. day-to-day operations. The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, leaders, Americans United for Separation of Church and Board of Trustees (as of Dec. 31, 2011) State is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt Rabbi Merrill Shapiro, President K. Hollyn Hollman, Esq. educational organization that Rabbi, Temple Beth Shalom; General Counsel, President/Founder, Flagler County AU Chapter Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty Palm Coast, Fla. Washington, D.C. works to inform Americans Karen B. Ringen, M.A. Vice President The Rev. Dr. Neal R. Jones Consultant, Public Health Policy & Program Minister, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, about the U.S. Constitution’s Planning President, Columbia, S.C., AU Chapter Boulder, Colo. Columbia, S.C. guarantee of religious freedom. Ouida Y. Brown, Esq., Treasurer Rachel Joseph Attorney, Private Practice Former AU Legislative Assistant Director Tuscumbia, Ala. Cincinnati, Ohio Americans United believes Prof. Barbara Forrest, Secretary Dr. Chuck Smith Professor of Philosophy Retired, Professor of Political Science that the principle of church- Southeastern Louisiana University Charleston, W.Va. Hammond, La. Jason Stewart state separation is crucial Dr. David C. Berliner Activist; President, New York (NYC) Regents Professor Emeritus, AU Chapter, Hoboken, N.J. Arizona State University John M. Suarez, MD both to good government and Tempe, Ariz. Activist, Retired Physician Ellen Brown Newbury Park, Calif. to the vitality and integrity of Advertising Account Executive, Edward Tabash, Esq. Past President, San Diego AU Chapter Attorney, Private Practice religious faith. San Diego, Calif. Pacific Palisades, Calif. Nancy Friedman President, Houston AU Chapter Houston, Texas The Rev. Jason D. Hays Pastoral Counselor Longmont, Colo.

41 AU Executive Americans United National Headquarters Staff (as of Dec. 31, 2011) and Operations

Staff Executive Legislative Department The Rev. Barry W. Lynn Maggie Garrett Executive Director Director of Legislative Affairs Chris Colburn Peter Kurdock Managing Director Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs Dianne Robinson Amanda Rolat Executive Producer State Legislative Counsel Renée Collins Emily Krueger The Rev. Barry W. Lynn Receptionist Legislative Assistant Executive Director Development Department Legal Department Marjorie D. Spitz Nagrotsky Ayesha N. Khan Director of Development Legal Director Rebecca A. Davis-Nord Alex J. Luchenitser Assistant Director of Development Associate Legal Director Sarah Stevenson Gregory M. Lipper Development Associate Senior Litigation Counsel Chelsea Collings Ian Smith Development Associate Staff Attorney Natalie Shapero Field Department Steven Gey Fellow Benjamin Hazelwood Beth Corbin Madison Fellow Field Director Brooke Hardy The Rev. Steven Baines Madison Fellow Chris Colburn Renée Collins Assistant Field Director for Religious Outreach Thelma Scott David Morris Managing Director Receptionist Legal Assistant Chapters Coordinator Accounting Department Communications Department Michael B. Smoot Joseph L. Conn Financial Officer Director of Communications, Chris Bruning Editor of Church & State Financial Assistant Robert Boston Operations Department Assistant Director of Communications, Assistant Editor of Church & State Duane Davis Simon Brown Facilities Manager Communications Associate Susan Hansen Communications Assistant Maria Matveeva Associate Web Designer Dianne Robinson Duane Davis Executive Producer Facilities Manager 42 Statement of Activities For the Year ended September 30, 2011 - Audited - Americans United National Headquarters Staff (as of Dec. 31, 2011) Statement of Activities Revenues, Gains and Other Support and Statement of Contributions $3,251,327 Trust and Foundation Grants 323,008 Financial Position Legal Settlement 250,000 Bequests 235,771 Investment Income, net 98,778 Gift Annuity Income 56,400 Other Revenue 38,509 Contributions - Chapters 35,381 Change in Value of Split Interest Agreement 12,861 Sales 6,458 Local Churches 3,068 Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments (606,956) Total Revenues, Gains and Other Support 3,704,605

Expenses Program Services: Educational and Publication Division 1,633,583 Field Services Division 814,376 Legal Division 1,022,861 Trustee and National Advisory Council Meetings 39,833 Total Program Services 3,510,653 Supporting Services: AU Accounting Staff Management and General 879,802 Fundraising 1,042,715 Total Supporting Services 1,922,517

Total Expenses 5,433,170

Change in Net Assets before other items (1,728,565)

Other Items Gain on disposal of Building 4,503,905 Minimum Pension Liability adjustment (771,656)

Change in Net Assets 2,003,684

Michael B. Smoot Chris Bruning Net Assets at Beginning of Year 4,120,799 Financial Officer Financial Assistant Net Assets At End Of Year $6,124,483 43 Statement of Financial Position Assets As of September 30, 2011

Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents $921,302 Investments 6,822,229 Accounts Receivable 2,606 Bequests Receivable 73,577 Interest Receivable 11,974 Inventory 4,400 Prepaid Expenses 52,682 Deposits 126,580 Total Current Assets 8,015,350

Property and Equipment Net of Accumulated Depreciation 250,329

Other Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents, Remainder Trust 6,365 Investments restricted for Remainder Trust 288,663 Total Other Assets 295,028

Total Assets $8,560,707

- Audited -

44 Statement of Financial Position Liabilities and Net Assets As of September 30, 2011

Current Liabilities Accounts Payable 145,834 Accrued Expenses 227,346 Accrued Pension 1,020,463 Charitable Annuities Payable 123,112 Deferred Rent 48,347 Total Current Liabilities 1,565,102

Long-Term Liabilities Charitable Annuities Payable 687,233 Remainder Trust Payable 183,889 Total Long-Term Liabilities 871,122

Total Liabilities 2,436,224

Net Assets Unrestricted 1,487,239 Unrestricted, Board designated 4,526,105 Temporarily Restricted 111,139 Total Net Assets 6,124,483

Total Liabilities and Net Assets $8,560,707

- Audited -

45 Guardians of Freedom Major AU Contributors AU’s Guardians of Freedom are generous donors who have committed $1,000 or more annually to support our work.

$100,000 or more $5,000 to $9,999 $1,000 to $2,499 Lawrence C. Stanback Bob Arnow Greg Achenbach AU Development Staff Eddie Tabash Judy T. Drake Dan Adcock Marvin P. Friedman James M. Alexander $50,000 to $99,999 Faye Joseph Lou Allstadt The Kamm Foundation & Melinda Hardin Alan J. & Suzanne Friedrike Merck Daniel Altman Werber Dworsky Nina Untermyer Sonia Appell Mary E. Liebman Peter Armstrong Fred J. Stanback, Jr. 2 Guardians wish to Phil & Shirley Arndt remain anonymous. Dr. Lorrayne Y. $25,000 to $49,999 Baird-Lange Leona E. Balek Estelle Brager Roderic L. Baltz Donna B. Litowitz $2,500 to $4,999 Allan Barnes Barbara Meislin, Stan & Shelley Balis Cdr. Ralph L. Barnum, The Purple Lady George W. Bauer US Navy (Ret.) Dr. Arthur K. Berliner Barbara Baugh $10,000 to $24,999 Norman Dorsen David Beck David Egen Alan Bednarski Rick Barabino J. Francis Phoebe P. Bender Stanley Eisenberg Philip & Linda Grosz Robert D. Bergstein William & Carroll Flowers Jay Jones Jean Bettanny Scott & Molly Forstall Blanche & Leonard Lewis & Thomas Fairhall William B. & Beth C. Hillig Dorothy K. Little Howard B. Betts The Alan K. & Cledith M. Matilda B. Melnick, M.D. Richard A. Bieder Jennings Foundation The Mosaic Foundation Jacob Blimes George & Eddy Krumme of R. & P. Heydon Thomas A. Blount The Morningstar Gladys Perez-Mendez Drs. Lawrence Foundation The Pond Family & Rita Bonchek Moeller Foundation Foundation Barbara Boucot Drew D. Perkins Elizabeth Pool The Brackthorn Dr. Harold L. Saferstein Laurence J. Resseguie Foundation Jill S. Slater David A. Simsek Dr. Lee A. Bricker The William B. John & Nancy Webster James D. Brower Wiener Jr. Foundation Stephen V. R. Winthrop Mr. & Mrs. Allan Paul & Michelle & M. J. Williamson F. Brown Zygielbaum David & Maggie Brown AU Development staff (from left to right): Rebecca Davis-Nord, Chelsea Collings, Marjorie Paul & Margot Zimmerman Karen Susan Brown Spitz Nagrotsky and Sarah Stevenson 4 Guardians wish to Thomas W. & Ruth Brown remain anonymous. Steadman Burgess 46 Monique Byrnes David Fuhrman Joanne & Donald Jackson Anni Luneau Michelle Rhea The Jerome P. Subar The Cahn Family The Fund for Humanity Michael Jacobson & Christopher Parker Robert S. Rifkind Foundation Foundation Gordon Gamm Herbert N. Jasper Barry W. Lynn Karen B. Ringen, M.A. Dorothy & Edwin Sved Nancy Caldwell Joseph & Barbara Bernice & Wendell Jeffrey Walter & Ruth MacGinitie David & Corinne Rose Greg Swift Glenn Camhi Gerstein R. B. Johnson Dan Makes Mort & Leora Rosen The Harriette & Charles Stephanie Campbell Robert G. Glantz Everett Jones Thomas Mancuso The Jack & Lucy Tabas Foundation Christopher Centner The Clem C. Glass Faye H. Joseph Marvin Marcus Rosenberg Fund Teresa L. Terada & Irene Napora Foundation The Kandell Fund Jennifer L. Martin Howard & Michelle The Titcomb Foundation Kathleen Cheevers Sarah & Seth Glickenhaus Dr. Russ Kania Edward & Marsha Rosenbloom Ms. Martha D. Toppin Barbara Cole Daniel T. Goggin Richard & Leanne Kaslow Mattison Elizabeth Rosenthal Amanda & Morgan Tucker George C. Comden Robert E. Goodrich T. F. Kelley, Ph.D. George H. McAfee Cynthia & Richard Stephen F. Uhl, Ph.D. Mr. & Mrs. Edwin D. Cox Hunter Gordon Michael G. Kessler Merridith A. McCarthy Rudder Madeleine & Richard Gerald C. Cummings David Gossett Fred Khoroushi & Gita William V. Meredith, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. David Rudo Wachter The Alan H. Dana & Dena Ringold Khadiri Jane Millar Paul Ryan Alice D. Wallace Legacy Fund Arthur C. Grant Ike & Ellen Kier Dr. Henry D. Messer Betty Sanders A. James Watt Allan Daniel The Eugene & Emily Bryce Kinsey The MJK Family Don & Marilyn Sanders Robert Weekley Dr. James Darnell Grant Family Donald D. Kioseff Foundation Mark & Samantha Sandler Sam Weisman Alan P. Donaldson Foundation Claire M. Kleiner Chaplain Charles James C. Sanford & Nancy Crown Lynn A. Downing Helen Gray The Esther A. & Joseph Moreland Larry Santiago The David F. & Sara Stephen P. Driscoll The Green Fund, Inc. Klingenstein Fund Inc. Walter & Edith Mossberg Alan & Louise Scheib K. Weston Fund & Robert A. Tocci C. P. Gresham Diane R. Krizek Richard S. Nelson Sheila & David Schiferl The White Lily Tom & Shirley Dunagan Joseph F. Hackett & Eugene T. Bileski & Carol L. Enkoji Roberta Schneiderman Foundation Jonathan & Jill Eisenberg Nancy M. Hamilton Peter Lamal Sara Nerken Dr. Marjorie Schulman David W. Wild Len & Karen Eisenberg Peter & Harriet Hanauer Paul Lampert, M.D. Carol & David Norr Tom Shanks Sheila Wolfe Lawrence M. Epstein Dr. & Ms. John C. Ken & Kathy Lang Harriett O’Donnell Janice & Sidney Shapiro Rosalind C. Woolf & Jeanne M. Griffin Hancock Henry J. Langford Norman & Jeanne Oliver Robyn & Merrill Shapiro Donald Young John F. Estes David Harris Gordon Large Patrick O’Reiley Mr. & Mrs. Peter Sheldon Ken Zaremba James Falconer Terence J. Harrist, M.D. Donald Lateiner Diane W. Parker S. Daniel Shia G. W. & Mary Tom Farber Russell Clay Harvey & E. Marianne Gabel Mr. & Mrs. R. W. Parker Paul & Betty Simmons Pamela Zerba Mark Feierstein John & Belva Hauxwell Timothy J. Lee Robert M. Pennoyer The Patricia K. Smith Irwin D. Zim, M.D. First Unitarian Univer­ Ann Heady Louise & Bruce Lees Kenneth J. Peters Charitable Foundation salist Congregation Stephen C. Hecht Harvey Lemmen Bob & Daphne Philipson Maria Petschek Smith 34 Guardians wish to of Ann Arbor Richard & Beverly Richard H. Levin Miles Pickering Richard A. Speizman remain anonymous. Gretchen Fisher Hermsen Howard & Jane Lewis David Pleet, M.D. Louisa Spencer Ray Flesher Robert W. Hewitt Peter Lieberman, Ph.D. Jane C. Pomerantz Jennifer Stanley & Betty Harris Paul A. Hillebert Arthur Lipson Dr. Bruce Prescott Mildred Starrett Dr. Ronald B. Flowers Curtis & Jane Hoffman & Rochelle Kaplan Kent & Julie Price Paul & Dia Steiger The Patricia & Robert Marjorie Holden Dorothy Lockspeiser Donald Priest Todd R. Stiefel Flynn Family Charles M. Holman William F. Long Elinor S. Prockop Antonia E. Stolper Foundation Roger B. Holmes Marian P. Lowry Robert Pulleyn & Bob Fertik Betty M. Fournier Kirk A. Hornbeck The Michael Benjamin Rudy & Alice Ramsey John & Sheila Suarez Randall & Ellen Frank The Fund for Humanity Lubic Fund William S. Reed

47 Patriots for Freedom

AU’s Patriots for Freedom are generous donors who have committed $500 or more annually to support our work.

Gus Abadjis Mr. Larry W. Buck Julie Eichenberger Remy Hathaway David & Paula Kirsch Andrew J. Mohr David A. Acton Donald L. Burkholder Pearl Elias Christopher Lori & Lee Kisling Paul Morse Neno Aiello Jean Burkholder Rob Elliott & Victoria Hays Harold D. Klebanoff Kenneth F. Mountcastle Matt Alan Daniel Burnstein Leland E. Embrey, Jr. Anthony Heibut Merle G. Krause Peggy Mumford David A. Alexander Ray H. Burton Babs & Saul Eskin Merrit Heminway Stephen Krueger Elise Murray Dr. Gladys M. Allen Virginia Burton S. G. Eubanks, Jr. Don Henley Jim & Penny Langland John Nedby Suzanne Eleanor Allen Jerry Busch Bruce Fallick Frank Heselton Jonathan Lapin Connie Neish Bernard Alpiner Nancie S. Carter Ellen Feingold Grant E. Hicks Dale Larson John Newsome Charles Alvarez Dr. Peter Castruccio Steve Fenwick Clarke Holland Donald C. Larson James A. Nichols Hamlet Ambarsoom Rich Chambers H. L. Ferris, Jr. Cynthia Holmes John H. Lavelle Mike Niegoff Paul Angelo Ronald L. Chapman Dr. Lillian D. Finnell Sue Hoover Benjamin Lehman & Ann Richard L. Norling Alice & Ara Apkarian Michele & Rory Childers Edwin Fiscus Winifred Hoppert Harmon Patrick O’Brien Philip & Marjorie Ta Yen Ching Louis C. G. Fisher James C. Hormel William M. Lehrer & Deanne Miller Appleman Jay Civelli Deborah Fleischaker David & Susan Hornish Drs. Lawrence S. Jennifer O’Connell Louise & James Arnold Charles R. Clack & Aram Schvey Ryan Howard & Narcinda R. Lerner Lavonne Painter Patricia K. Atlee & Antoinette Tadolini John G. Fletcher Christopher Huber Edward M. Levin Dr. & Ms. Lawrence Samuel Auerbach Carol Colby Russell Frehling & Marjorie Pak & Margot Aronson Pakula Daniel & Carol Babcock Janet M. Conn Linda Fried Helen Hyde James G. Levin L.G. Parchman James Bair Dennis Connolly Dick Friedman John F. Hyland S. J. Levy Carol Parkhurst Winton Bakke Col. Robert Connor, R.N. Nancy E. Friedman Arvid Iverson Mr. & Ms. S. Z. Lewin Jerome W. Parks William D. Barber Cliff & Patti Cooksey Eric S. Furfine, M.D. Thurman Jessup Mr. & Mrs. Louis R. Lieto Mehool A. Patel David H. Bartley Barry P. Cooper Randy Fuss Anne Hale Johnson Richard L. Lightman Dan & Susan Paulien Allen J. Baum Charles Couric Del Futrell Donald & Joan S. Johnson Don E. Linde Dr. Paul Pentel Alvin H. Baum, Jr. David Cowan Paul R. Gaskill & Terry Katherine Johnson Ken Lindley & Clay Pamela Pescosolido Ann Bein John Cowles Stuart Matt Johnson Schudel Kirk Pessner Alice Bennett Cullen Cullers Walter & Celia Gilbert David Jones Martin R. Lipp & Russ Miller David C. Berliner Bonnie & David Cushing Floyd Glenn Barbara & Harry P. Richard Lipsitz Dean & Jane Peyton & Ursula Casanova Mr. & Ms. Eric Dattner Howard A. Glickstein Kamen John D. Little Harold S. Pike, Jr. Ananth R. Bhandari Carl de Boor Marc Goldberg John Kane David Longfellow Frederic Platt David & Fay Bisno Richard Dean Jim Goodfield Eugene Kapaloski Anthony Major Raphael Podolsky Caitlyn R. Bixler Mr. & Ms. John Deitsch Ian Goslin George Karnoutsos Peter L. Malkin Miriam Pollet Robert J. Blattner Michael J. DeWeert Martin Guilfoyle Marilyn Katz Christopher Matice Helen Posey Elspeth G. Bobbs Brennan Diaz D. G. Gumpertz Charley Kearns Scott D. Matz Greg Pursell Robert L. Book Frederick J. Dietz, Sr. Michael D. Haney Charles B. Keeling Charles R. Mathews, M.D. Naomi L. Quenk Sharon Borine Suzanne Dolensky Robert Hanham John & Rae Keffer Jeannie McGuire James C. Quigley Peter Boyer Jeffrey A. Dooley Earl & Rhonda Hanna James J. Kelley Dr. Henry D. Messer Alan Rabinowitz Mrs. Janene Brandenburg Sarah H. Draper Thomas L. Hansen, M.D. Mark Kempson Dr. Richard Michelman Ann & Hugo Rathkamp Daniel J. Bressler Margaret L. Duetti Shannon Hardiman James B. Fredric & J. Milder Reach Out America Matthew Brill Stephen Dunston Flynn Harrell & Betty G. Kenley Dean A. Miller D. J. Reiber Dr. Erika Brinkmann Nancy & Dick Eales John E. Harriman Nancy Lee Kennedy Sasha & Ben Miller Robert Reiver Margaret B. Brown Martha Ehrenfeld David & Ruth Harris Eugene J. Kettner Allison & Kincaid Mills Glenn Reynolds Jackie Brunmeier & Carla McKay Lois C. Harrison Chris & Linda Khoury Harriet & Dan Mohler Robert S. Rich

48 Al Richardson Ellery Schempp Lila Silverstein Frank Sterling Dr. & Mrs. William J. Timothy C. Williams Col. Gerard & Cathy & Arlene Germaine & Tom Wick Lynn Stern Tuddenham Eliot A. Wilson Rifenburg Sen. Elliot Elizabeth Léonie Simpson Jason Stewart & Karin Bernard Turner Howard Wilson Bebe Roberts-Freeman & Rosel Schewel & John Wurr Vibe-Rheymer-Stewart Dr. Edward R. Uehling Norman S. Wolf & Harry Freeman William Schleuse Barry Skeist Joseph T. Stine, III Peter J. Valletutti John Wolff Adam R. Rose Albert Schneider Grover G. Sloan Erick D. Stowe Christopher & Deborah Benjamin S. Wood, Jr., M.D. Diane M. Rose & Catherine Heron Fay D. Slotnick McCawley J. Suits van den Honert JoAnn Worthington Doug Rosener Robert & Ann Schnetzler A.G. Smith David G. Swatzler Mr. Edward Vanegri Gail Wright Jason Rosenhouse Robert F. Schumann Don Smith Evan M. Tager George Wagner Ellen & Thomas Wyman Bill Roskin The Rev. Henry F. Huron & Leticia Smith Mark A. J. Tarr Mark H. Wainger & David L. Wysocki Randolph F. Ross Schwarzmann Bart Smoot, M.D. The A. Alfred Taubman Rhoda H. Woo Milton & Marjorie Zaitlin Bonnie & Michael Louis & Paula Scolnik & Kevin Winger Foundation Dr. Charles A. Waldren Robert Zaitlin Rothman Robert & Elizabeth Scott Dr. Brad Snedecor Bonnie & Robert Temple Michael W. Walker Richard Zukin Bruce Rubin Robert & Pearl Seymour David Solosko Mr. & Mrs. Edward Ralph Earl Watkins Hubert Russell David & Julie Shafer & Sandra Kniess D. Thomas Barry & Elsa Waxman * 42 Patriots wish to Michael A. Sacks Earl E. Shelp Scott M. Sommer Eric Thomas David Weeshoff remain anonymous. Ms. Marjorie C. Sagman Hilda Shelupsky Charles F. Sommers & Helen Wolfson Ralph Wehlitz Roy G. Saltman The Jack Schenker Melvyn Spain Richard Thomas Dorle Weil Ruth Sample Charitable Trust Marjorie Spitz Nagrotsky Ted & Penny Thomas Victor Weisberger & Dean Rubine Lorraine Shernberg Harris A. Sprecher Rose Z. Thorman John & Alice Wenzel Joel Sanders William Sidenstick Robert M. Starr John & Anna Marie Thron Gwenna Weshinsky Lisa Sandler Marc Sigle & Barbara Starr Harold Tieger Chuck Wieland Robert E. Silverman John Steel Chuck Williams

Foundations, Funds and Trusts

The following foundations, funds and trusts provided Americans United with financial support during fiscal year 2011.

H. Van Ameringen Foundation Jana Foundation Morningstar Foundation Artist’s Endowment Alan K. and Cledith M. Jennings Foundation Mosaic Foundation of R. and P. Heydon Borgenicht Foundation Kamm Foundation David and Inez Myers Foundation Brackthorn Foundation Kandell Fund Next Culture Initiative William C. Bullitt Foundation Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Norman Foundation Cahn Family Foundation Kirschner Foundation Peierls Foundation Leo and Celia Carlin Fund Kismet Foundation Pittsburgh Foundation Eliasberg Family Foundation Emanuel and Judith Klein Family Foundation Polen Foundation Fuller/Kelly Foundation Korek Foundation Trust Pond Family Foundation Clem C. Glass Foundation Al Leibenguth Trust Reynolds Family Foundation Glickenhaus Foundation Herbert Lieberkind Trust Schulman Family Foundation Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund Charles and Mary Liebman Trust Sill Family Foundation Grand Family Foundation Lindemann Foundation Patricia K. Smith Charitable Foundation HEB Foundation Lundberg Philanthropic Trust Arthur and Henrietta A. Sorin Charitable Trust Herb Block Foundation Malkin Fund Stiefel Freethought Foundation Holthues Trust Moeller Foundation Jerome P. Subar Foundation

49 Foundations, Funds and Trusts (continued) Steiger Charitable Lead Trust Virginia Baptist Foundation 4 foundations, funds or trusts wish to remain Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Foundation anonymous. Strausman Family Fund White Lily Foundation Taubman Foundation Whiting Foundation

In Memory

We honor the following dedicated members who remembered Americans United in their estate plans in 2011, and we offer our condolences to those they have left behind.

Martin Brandeis Neal McCarty Jane S. Schwartz Mary B. Brown Robert S. McHenry Barbara C. Smith Spencer Cork Daniel A. Nidess Wesley Quail Stelzriede Frederick L. Fenster Harriet O’Donnell Richard Paul Virnig Mary B. Holt Doris Ramberg Eleanor White Gratia Elizabeth Jones Watford Reed Florence Wikgren Elizabeth Lansing Rose Rose Archibald Wilson Joseph Lerner John Salz

50 Jefferson Circle

The following dedicated members have joined The Jefferson Circle, Americans United’s planned giving program, by setting up charitable gift annuities, promising bequests to AU and making other planned gifts.

Richard T. Arlen Joseph R. Haun Roy G. Saltman Virginia W. Barton Michael Jacobson Henry F. Schwarzmann Robert Behm Donald D. Kioseff Prescott E. Small Owen Benthin Lawrence S. Lerner Chuck Smith David Furhman Marvin Marcus Paul Zimmerman Ivan Gendzel Richard A. Olsen Albert Gerecht Patrick O’Reiley 2 Jefferson Circle members wish to remain anonymous. Leonard Hart James S. Rudolph

Madison Society

In 2011, 783 households supported AU through the Madison Society, our monthly giving program. We thank them for their generous support.

51 52 This report is published yearly by Americans United Written by Simon Brown Designed by Maria Matveeva Font: Olympian Lt. Std., designed by Matthew Carter

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