About Us
Our Mission
Alliance Defending Freedom exists to keep the door open for the gospel by advancing every person’s God-given right to live and speak the truth. We contend for the truth in law, policy, and the public square, and equip the alliance to do the same.
ADF plays the long game. While culture may change, truth does not. That’s why we pursue strategic victories that will bring lasting change in law and culture—together with a coalition of courageous clients, allies, advocates, and supporters.
Our Beliefs
Alliance Defending Freedom is grounded in the historic Christian tradition and has adopted the Apostles’ Creed as its Statement of Faith. We affirm the inspired, infallible, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God in Scripture and stand with the global Church in professing this shared faith.
Guided by John 15:5—“Apart from Me you can do nothing”—we seek to honor God by obeying the greatest commandments: to love Him and to love our neighbor. From this biblical foundation, ADF works to protect our God-given rights in five key areas.
Guaranteeing the right to life at every stage from conception to natural death.
We advocate for laws and legal precedents that protect the value and dignity of each individual human being’s life.
Restoring religious freedom as a fundamental right.
We promote the freedom of every person to live out their religious convictions in the public square, just as in the home or a place of worship.
Securing free speech for all.
We protect free speech in every sector of society, including in public schools and universities, because today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders.
Guaranteeing the fundamental rights of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children.
We advocate for laws and precedents that protect parental rights with the same strict legal standard that protects other fundamental rights.
Ensuring the law respects God’s creative order for marriage, the family, and human sexuality.
We advocate for laws and precedents that promote human flourishing by recognizing the important differences between men and women and honoring God’s design for marriage between one man and one woman.
Our History
In 1994, a group of over 30 prominent Christian leaders saw the need to combat decades-long efforts by activists and government officials to drive expressions of faith out of the public square. They founded ADF to consolidate a strategy to protect God-given freedoms in the courts and to recruit and train attorneys dedicated to that same mission.
Since then, ADF has remained dedicated to victory, winning nearly 80% of our cases, including 16 cases at the U.S. Supreme Court. We’re proud to have made a difference. See what God has accomplished through over 30 years of ministry!
Our Leadership
Meet the Team
It Takes an Alliance
From the beginning, Alliance Defending Freedom has been an alliance-building organization. Similar to the Body of Christ, the alliance is one body made up of many parts. By uniting pastors, attorneys, ministry leaders, and organizations dedicated to a common mission, ADF has achieved major victories for God’s kingdom.
Learn about how ADF is equipping an alliance:
Our Commitment
ADF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are fully dependent on generous donations from our Ministry Friends who choose to partner with us. Aside from litigation awards, we do not accept any funds from the government.
We understand and appreciate that when our Ministry Friends choose to give to us in any capacity, they are sacrificing their own resources to support us and our mission. ADF is deeply committed to responsible stewardship of all the resources that have been given to us and transparency throughout all our operations.
Careers at ADF
Want to work for one of the world’s largest legal ministries? At ADF, you will use your unique abilities and skills to make a lasting impact while being part of a professional and collaborative environment. If you’re looking for a career where you will glorify God while making a difference, then join our mission to keep the doors open for the Gospel so that true freedom can flourish.
Need Legal Help?
ADF offers pro bono legal representation to help protect your freedoms in court.
Get Involved
ADF never charges our clients a dime to represent them in court—because generous supporters like you step up to help defend their rights. Will you join us today? Your gift is 100% tax-deductible and powers our mission to protect freedom for all.