Jump to content

Freedom From Religion Foundation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Christmas Atheist Sign)

Freedom From Religion Foundation
AbbreviationFFRF
Formation1976; 48 years ago (1976)
FounderAnne Nicol Gaylor[1]
TypeNon-profit
39-1302520[2]
Legal status501(c)(3) educational organization[3]
PurposeSeparation of church and state, nontheism, atheism, secularism
HeadquartersMadison, Wisconsin, U.S.[2]
Region served
United States
Membership
36,000 members[4]
Annie Laurie Gaylor[5]
Dan Barker[6]
Stephen Hirtle
AffiliationsNonbelief Relief Inc[2]
Revenue (2020)
$12,928,696
Expenses (2020)$6,573,302
Endowment (2019)$4,705,512[2]
Employees (2019)
48[2]
Volunteers (2019)
19[2]
Websiteffrf.org Edit this at Wikidata

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is an American nonprofit organization that advocates for atheists, agnostics, and nontheists. Formed in 1976, FFRF promotes the separation of church and state, and challenges the legitimacy of many federal and state programs that are faith-based. It supports groups such as nonreligious students and clergy who want to leave their faith.

History

[edit]
The Freedom From Religion Foundation's Freethought Hall in Madison, Wisconsin

The FFRF was co-founded by Anne Nicol Gaylor and her daughter, Annie Laurie Gaylor, in 1976 and was incorporated nationally on April 15, 1978, who split with Madalyn Murray O'Hair’s American Atheists, in response to O’Hair’s antisemitism.[7][8][9] The organization was supported by over 19,000 members in 2012[10][11][12] and operated from an 1855-era building in Madison, Wisconsin, that once served as a church rectory.

In March 2011, FFRF, along with the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science, began The Clergy Project, a confidential on-line community that supports clergy as they leave their faith.[13] In 2012, it gave its first Freedom From Religion Foundation and Clergy Project "Hardship Grant" to Jerry DeWitt, a former pastor who left the ministry to join the atheist movement.[14]

FFRF provides financial support to the Secular Student Alliance, an organization that has affiliate groups for nonreligious students on college campuses.[15]

In 2015, FFRF announced Nonbelief Relief, a related organization that obtained and later gave up its federal tax-exempt status. Nonbelief Relief was unsuccessful in a lawsuit against the IRS because it lacked standing to challenge the Form 990 exemption that applies to churches.[16] Nonbelief Relief is a humanitarian agency for atheists, agnostics, freethinkers, and their supporters.[17] Nonbelief Relief was created by the executive board of FFRF to remediate conditions of human suffering and injustice on a global scale, whether the result of natural disasters, human actions or adherence to religious dogma.[18]

Media and publications

[edit]

The FFRF publishes a newspaper, Freethought Today, ten times a year.[19] Since 2006, as the Freethought Radio Network, FFRF has produced the Freethought Radio show, an hour-long show broadcast live on WXXM-FM Saturdays at 11 a.m. CDT. It had also been broadcast on Air America before that service ceased operation in March 2010. The show is hosted by the co-presidents of FFRF, Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor. Regular features include "Theocracy Alert" and "Freethinkers Almanac". The latter highlights historic freethinkers, many of whom are also songwriters. The show's intro and outro make use of John Lennon's Imagine song.[20]

Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the FFRF, is the author of the nonfiction book on clergy child sexual abuse scandals Betrayal of Trust: Clergy Abuse of Children (out of print) and the editor of Women Without Superstition: No Gods – No Masters and the anthology Woe to the Women. She edited the FFRF newspaper Freethought Today until July 2008. Her husband, Dan Barker, author of Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist, Godless: How an Evangelical Preacher Became One of America's Leading Atheists, The Good Atheist: Living a Purpose-Filled Life Without God, Life Driven Purpose, God: The Most Unpleasant Character in all Fiction, and Just Pretend: A Freethought Book for Children, is a musician and songwriter, a former Pentecostal Christian minister, and co-president of FFRF.[citation needed]

Litigation and issues

[edit]

Social programs

[edit]

Social services

[edit]
Main article: Hein v. Freedom From Religion Foundation

In June 2004, the FFRF challenged the constitutionality of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The Foundation's complaint alleged that "the use of money appropriated by Congress under Article I, section 8, to fund conferences that various executive branch agencies hold to promote President Bush's 'Faith-Based and Community Initiatives'" conflicted with the First Amendment.[21] The suit "contended that the defendant officials violated the Establishment Clause by organizing national and regional conferences at which faith-based organizations allegedly 'are singled out as being particularly worthy of federal funding because of their religious orientation, and the belief in God is extolled as distinguishing the claimed effectiveness of faith-based social services.'"[21] The FFRF also alleged that "the defendant officials 'engage in myriad activities, such as making public appearances and giving speeches, throughout the United States, intended to promote and advocate for funding for faith-based organizations."[21] The FFRF further asserted, "Congressional appropriations [are] used to support the activities of the defendants."[21][22] In 2007 the Supreme Court ruled 5–4 that taxpayers do not have the right to challenge the constitutionality of expenditures made by the executive branch.[23][24][25]

In May 2007, the FFRF, on behalf of Indiana taxpayers, challenged the creation of a chaplaincy pilot program for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). The FSSA hired Pastor Michael L. Latham, a Baptist minister, in 2006, at a salary of $60,000 a year. In September 2007, in response to the FFRF's suit, Indiana ended the program.[26]

Health care

[edit]

In April 2003, the FFRF, on behalf of Montana residents, sued the Montana Office of Rural Health and its executive director David M. Young along with the Montana State University-Bozeman and the Montana Faith-Health Cooperative. It was alleged that Young favored faith-based nursing parish programs for state funding.[27] In October 2004, the Federal District Court for the District of Montana held that the state's "direct and preferential funding of inherently and pervasively religious parish nursing programs was undertaken for the impermissible purpose, and has the impermissible effect, of favoring and advancing the integration of religion into the provision of secular health care services." According to the court, the state funding of faith-based healthcare violated the First Amendment.[28]

In April 2006, the FFRF sued to challenge the pervasive integration of "spirituality" into health care by the Department of Veteran Affairs. Specifically stating that the practice of asking patients about their religion in spiritual assessments, the use of chaplains to treat patients, and drug and alcohol treatment programs that incorporate religion violated the separation of state and church.[29] The case was later dismissed after the Hein decision because of lack of standing.[30]

Education

[edit]

In 2001, the FFRF, on behalf of anonymous plaintiffs, sued the Rhea County School District. The plaintiffs alleged that weekly bible classes were being held for all students in the elementary schools.[31] In June 2004, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district judgment holding that it was unconstitutional for the school district to "teach the Bible as literal truth" to students, including first graders.[32]

In March 2005, the FFRF filed suit against the University of Minnesota because of its involvement with the Minnesota Faith Health Consortium, a partnership with Luther Seminary, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and Fairview Health Services, stating that state taxpayer funds are helping to fund a faith-based organization. In September 2005, the University agreed to end the partnership and to cease teaching "courses on the intersection of faith and health", with the FFRF agreeing to drop its lawsuit.[33][34]

In April 2005, the FFRF filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education because of its distribution of funds to the Alaska Christian College, a Bible college run by the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska. The foundation stated that in the students' first year at the college, they take only religious-based courses, and finish that year with a Certificate of Biblical Studies. The college, the foundation says, "does not offer traditional college courses, such as math or English".[35] In October 2005 the FFRF and the U.S. Department of Education settled the lawsuit, with the Department of Education agreeing not to distribute $435,000[clarification needed] of federal funds to the College.[36]

A December 2020 article by Hemant Mehta outlined recent FFRF efforts. FFRF argues to limit official role of Pastor Mark Thornton at Boise State. A letter sent by the FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line included: "Boise State football players have no government-imposed burden on their religion, so there is no need – or legitimate legal reason – for Boise State to provide a chaplain for them." Legal Counsel for the University responded with the following: "We have been in communication with the Athletic Department to provide some education about this issue and to ensure measures are taken now and in the future to resolve the issue and establish appropriate constitutional boundaries. Mr. Thornton did not travel with the football team to our recent game in Wyoming and the university will no longer include a chaplain in its travel party. Written references to Mr. Thornton as the chaplain of the football team have been or are in the process of being removed and no future references will be made in writing or otherwise." Mehta continues: "None of that means students can't seek Thornton out on their own. They’ve always been free to do that. But Thornton can't – and shouldn't – have any sort of official role there."[37]

Criminal justice programs

[edit]

In October 2000, the FFRF brought suit, as taxpayers in the state of Wisconsin, against Faith Works located in Milwaukee. Their case stated that a faith-based addiction-treatment program should not be used as a court-ordered treatment program using taxpayer funds.[38] In January 2002, the ruling was decided in the FFRF's favor; that receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in public money is in violation of the Establishment Clause. The judge wrote "Because I find that the Department of Workforce Development's grant to Faith Works constitutes unrestricted, direct funding of an organization that engages in religious indoctrination, I conclude that this funding stream violates the establishment clause."[39] On Appeal, in April 2003, the Seventh Circuit later ruled against the FFRF on the narrower issue of whether prisoners joining specific faith-based programs on their own free will are coerced by government endorsement of religion.[40]

The FFRF brought a suit against the awarding of a federal grant to MentorKids USA, a group providing mentors to children of prisoners, alleging that only Christian mentors were hired and that they were to give monthly reports on the children's religious activities.[41] In January 2005, the court vacated HHS's funding of this group citing "federal funds have been used by the MentorKids program to advance religion in violation of the Establishment Clause".[42]

In May 2006, the FFRF filed suit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons alleging that its decision to fund not only multi-faith-based but also single-faith-based programs violated constitutional standards for separation of state and church.[43] The parties later agreed to a dismissal of that claim, but additional counts within the lawsuit, alleging separate violations, continued.[44][45]

Religion in the public sphere

[edit]

Employment issues

[edit]

In 1995, the FFRF sued the state of Wisconsin for designating Good Friday as a state legal holiday. In 1996, the federal district court ruled that Wisconsin's Good Friday holiday was indeed a First Amendment violation because, in reference to Wisconsin's Good Friday holiday law, the "promotion of Christianity is the primary purpose of the law."[46]

Public funding

[edit]

FFRF opposed the city of Versailles, Kentucky helping a church get federal funding to create a local disaster relief center.[47]

The FFRF is filling a lawsuit on behalf of four residents against the state of South Carolina to oppose the funding to Christian Learning Centers of Greenville County to build a private religious school, and the FFRF is challenging that it is unconstitutional. [48]

Religious displays on public property

[edit]

In December 2007, the FFRF, on behalf of a group of concerned Green Bay residents and invoking the First Amendment rights of all of the city's residents, sued the city because of the placement of a nativity scene at Green Bay's city hall. Before the case was heard, the city removed the nativity scene. The judge then dismissed the suit, citing lack of jurisdiction. Since the nativity scene already was removed and a moratorium imposed on future such displays, there remained no basis for continued dispute. He went on to say, "the plaintiffs have already won. ... the Plaintiffs have won a concrete victory that changes the circumstances on the ground."[49]

In 2011, in response to the refusal of the city of Warren, Michigan, to remove a nativity display in the civic center, the FFRF sought to place a winter solstice display. The mayor refused the request and the FFRF brought suit. The suit was dismissed by Judge Zatkoff of the U.S. District Court; the dismissal was upheld by the U.S. 6th Circuit Court in 2013.[50]

In September 2011, the FFRF, along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), sued the Giles County, Virginia, school district on behalf of anonymous plaintiffs. A display of the Ten Commandments had been placed beside a copy of the U.S. Constitution at Giles County public schools. Prior to the suit, in January and June 2011, the FFRF and the ACLU had sent letters to the school board requesting removal of the display. The school superintendent ordered that the displays of the Ten Commandments be removed. The Giles County school board met in June 2011 and voted to overturn the superintendent's decision to remove the display.[51] After the suit was filed, the school board in 2012 agreed to remove the display and to pay attorneys' fees.[52][53]

In November 2011, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker referred to the Capitol's Christmas tree as a "Christmas tree" instead of a "holiday tree". The FFRF, which opposed prior efforts to restore the name to "Christmas tree" objected to the title.[54]

In May 2012, the FFRF, acting on a complaint from a resident, asked the city of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, to remove a Latin cross from a World War I and II memorial on public land.[55] The city refused to do so. The FFRF states that it is currently looking for a plaintiff in the area to represent for a suit,[56] which the FFRF have yet to do, citing the difficulty with another case that occurred with another plaintiff in the state, Jessica Ahlquist, in the case Ahlquist v. Cranston.

On July 24, 2012, after receiving a letter from the FFRF, the Steubenville, Ohio, city council decided to remove the image of the Christ the King Chapel at the Franciscan University of Steubenville from its town logo.[citation needed]

In August 2012, the FFRF, on behalf of a resident, threatened a lawsuit challenging a Latin cross that had been displayed on top of the water tower of Whiteville, Tennessee. After the FFRF wrote three initial letters, but before the lawsuit was filed, the town removed one arm of the cross.[57] The removal cost the town $4,000, and as part of the settlement the town paid $20,000 in the FFRF's attorneys fees.[58] The town also agreed never to replace the missing arm and not to place other crosses on public property.[58]

In August 2012, the FFRF, on behalf of a Montana resident, sued the United States Forest Service. A special use permit for the placement of a statue of Jesus on federal land was granted in 1954 at the request of the Knights of Columbus.[59] The Forest Service continued to grant renewals of the permit until 2010. When the Service declined to renew, the Knights declined to remove the statue citing "tradition" and the "historical" value of the statue.[60][61] After on-line protests the statue was allowed to stay and the permit granted. The FFRF filed suit in February 2012.[62] In June 2013, a federal judge found in favor of the defendants, allowing the statue to remain.[63] In August 2013, the FFRF filed an appeal of the decision.[64] The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected FFRF's arguments and upheld the memorial.[65]

In 2012, the FFRF wrote several letters to Prudhommes Restaurant, in Columbia, Pennsylvania, explaining that offering a 10% discount to Sunday patrons who present a church bulletin is a violation of state and federal law, specifically the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The individual who brought the matter to the FFRF's attention has filed a discrimination complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. The FFRF was only involved in an advisory capacity.[66] The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission entered a final order allowing the restaurant to continue the church bulletin discount.[67]

A lighted cross in a public park in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, was removed by the borough in 2018 after complaints from FFRF. Not far from the park a solar-powered 28-foot cross was erected by a local resident on his own property.[68]

Prayer in government/schools

[edit]
Main article: National day of prayer § Legal challenge

In October 2008, the FFRF filed suit against the U.S. government over the statute establishing the National Day of Prayer (NDoP). In 2010, Federal judge Barbara Brandriff Crabb ruled it unconstitutional as it is "an inherently religious exercise that serves no secular function".[69] This ruling was appealed by the U.S. government. In April 2011, the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the FFRF's challenge to the NDoP, holding that the FFRF did not have standing to challenge the NDoP statute or proclamations and that only the President was injured enough to challenge the NDoP statute.[70][71]

The FFRF, in January 2013, after receiving a complaint from a resident, asked the city council of Rapid City, South Dakota, to eliminate its practice of beginning each city council meeting with a Christian prayer. After the FFRF sent a second letter in February 2013, the mayor stated at that time that prayers would continue.[72]

Joseph Richardson, of Lake County, Florida, delivered a secular invocation on behalf of "non-religious citizens" at a county commission meeting on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. Following the invocation the director of Lake County Public Works Fred Schneider took the microphone and delivered a prayer at the request of the Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks. Christopher Line, an FFRF attorney, wrote a letter to the Lake County Commission Chairman Kirby Smith stating, "This Christian prayer, delivered because the invocation Mr. Richardson gave was not sufficiently Christian, was discriminatory, unconstitutional, and a slap in the face to all of Lake County's non-Christian citizens. [...] as long as the board continues to allow citizens to deliver invocations to begin its meetings, it must treat all invocations the same, with no ‘corrective’ Christian prayer offered after a non-Christian prayer has finished." Sean Parks stated that he was, "saddened to hear that Mr. Richardson felt he was mistreated during the invocation" and "We would welcome them [the Central FL Freethought Community] back if they wish to lead the invocation in the future."[73]

Christian nationalism and January 6

[edit]

In 2022, the FFRF released a joint report together with the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty on Christian nationalism's role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.[74]

Internal Revenue Service

[edit]

Parish exemption

[edit]

The FFRF filed suit against the IRS over the parish exemption that allows "ministers of the gospel" to claim part of their salary as an income-tax-free housing allowance. This was originally filed in 2009, in California,[75][76] then subsequently dropped and re-filed in 2011, in Wisconsin,[77][78] because of standing. In August 2012, a federal judge stated that the suit could go forward. In August 2013, the Justice Department argued that leaders of an atheist group may qualify for the parish exemption. Gaylor states "this is not what we are after",[79] going on to say that the government should not give religious groups any special treatment.[80]

On November 21, 2013, a federal judge ruled in the FFRF's favor.[81][82] In January 2014, the Department of Justice filed an appeal in federal court.[83] In November 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued its decision, concluding that the federal tax code provision that treats church-provided housing allowances to ministers as income tax-free must stand.[84]

Electioneering

[edit]

In November 2012, the FFRF filed a lawsuit against the IRS for not enforcing its own electioneering laws. The FFRF cited in its suit the placement of full-page ads by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; the diocese requiring priests to read a statement urging Catholics to vote; and the institution of "Pulpit Freedom Sunday". The group claimed that not enforcing the federal tax codes that prohibit tax-exempt religious organizations from electioneering is a violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution.[85][86] The group stated that the increasing involvement of religious institutions in politics was "blatantly and deliberately flaunting the electioneering restrictions".[87] The IRS had filed a motion to dismiss in federal court, but in August 2013 it was decided that the lawsuit could proceed stating that the FFRF "has standing to seek an order requiring the IRS to treat religious organizations no more favorably than it treats the Foundation".[88] In 2014, the federal judge dismissed the lawsuit after the parties reached an agreement.[89]

990 Form

[edit]

In December 2012, the FFRF filed suit against the IRS for not requiring the yearly filing of a 990 Form for religious institutions, which is required for all other non-profit organizations.[90] The case, FFRF v. Werfel, was dismissed for lack of standing.[91]

State capitol signs

[edit]

Florida

[edit]

In December 2013, the FFRF was permitted to hang a banner at the capitol after a nativity scene was placed by a private group.[92]

Illinois

[edit]

On December 23, 2009, William J. Kelly, conservative activist and candidate for Illinois Comptroller, attempted to remove a FFRF sign at a Christmas display.[93] The case was dismissed on several grounds, including that the lawsuit ran afoul of the First Amendment prohibition against content-based discrimination and that the plaintiff's rights had not been violated.[94]

Washington

[edit]

A plaque with the same text as the Wisconsin State Capitol sign was displayed for the 2008 Christmas season at the state capitol in Olympia, Washington, next to a nativity scene.[95][96] The sign was stolen and then later found and returned to the state capitol.[97] The addition of the sign incited a large number of individuals and groups to request other additions, such as a Festivus pole,[98] a request by the Westboro Baptist Church for a sign stating "Santa Claus will take you to hell" (among other things),[99] a sign paying homage to the Flying Spaghetti Monster,[99] and many others.

Front (left) and back (right) of sign displayed at the Wisconsin State Capitol. The sign in Washington displays the same message.

Wisconsin

[edit]

The FFRF maintains a sign in the Wisconsin State Capitol during the Christmas season, which reads:[100]

At this season of THE WINTER SOLSTICE may reason prevail.

There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell.
There is only our natural world.

Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.

In 2013, a natural nativity featuring Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein and Mark Twain as the three wise men, the Statue of Liberty and an astronaut as angels and an African American girl baby doll to represent that "humankind was birthed in Africa" was added.[101]

Texas State Capitol

[edit]

In 2015, the FFRF applied to put a "secular Nativity" scene in the Texas State Capitol. The scene featured the Bill of Rights, three Founding Fathers, and the Statue of Liberty and a sign that wished everyone a "Happy Winter Solstice". The then governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, demanded it be removed. Following a series of legal challenges, in 2018, a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that FFRF's rights were violated. The Court also vacated the ruling of the trial court and sent the case back for consideration of FFRF's request for an injunction.[102]

FFRF's Bill of Rights Nativity

Rhode Island

[edit]

In 2013, the FFRF was allowed to place a sign in the rotunda, after complaints from its members, as a response to the crèches and other religious symbols that are already in place at the statehouse.[103]

Dayton, Tennessee

[edit]

On July 14, 2017, a statue of Clarence Darrow was unveiled in Dayton, Tennessee, on the Rhea County Courthouse lawn, funded by a $150,000 donation from the FFRF. The courthouse was the site of the historic 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial wherein Darrow unsuccessfully defended a teacher, John T. Scopes, who was found guilty of teaching evolution in a public school in violation of what was then a Tennessee state law. The statue was placed just a few feet away from a statue of William Jennings Bryan, Darrow's creationist opponent in the trial, which had been erected in 2005 by nearby Bryan College.[104]

Athens, Texas

[edit]

In 2011, the FFRF filed a letter of complaint regarding the placement of a nativity scene on Henderson County courthouse property.[105] After it was decided that the nativity scene would remain, the FFRF petitioned to have its own banner placed on the site, but county officials declined to discuss its placement. The FFRF banner was placed without permission on the courthouse property, but was soon removed. The banner stated: "At this season of the winter solstice, let reason prevail. There are no Gods, no devils, no angels, no Heaven or Hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but a myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds".[106] In April 2012, the county judge denied FFRF's request to place the same banner on the courthouse property.[107]

Events and activities

[edit]

FFRF has held conventions since 1977, one year after the group formed and one year prior to its official incorporation.[108] Conventions have included speakers such as Christopher Hitchens,[109] awards presented to recognize contributions to the advancement of the freethought community,[110] FFRF held NonPrayer Breakfasts, with what it described as moments of bedlam instead of moments of silence, and piano music by FFRF co-president Dan Barker.[111]

The Emperor Has No Clothes Award has been awarded by FFRF since 1999 in recognition of what it called "plain speaking" on the shortcomings of religion by public figures.[112][113] Past recipients include:

Year Recipient(s)
1999 Steven Weinberg[113]
2001 Jesse Ventura; Ted Turner; Andy Rooney; Janeane Garofalo; George Carlin; Richard Dawkins; Katha Pollitt[113]
2002 Robert Sapolsky; Steve Benson[113]
2003 Penn & Teller; Roger, Pat and Melody Cleveland; Natalie Angier[113]
2004 Steven Pinker; Ron Reagan; Peter Singer; Robyn Blumner; Anne Nicol Gaylor[113]
2005 Oliver Sacks[113]
2006 Julia Sweeney[113]
2007 Christopher Hitchens[113]
2008 Daniel C. Dennett[113]
2009 Ron Reagan; Ursula K. Le Guin; William Lobdell[113]
2010 Cenk Uygur; Ayaan Hirsi Ali[113]
2011 Jerry Coyne; Charles Strouse[113]
2012 Richard Dawkins[113]
2013 Dan Savage; Juan Mendez[113]
2014 Bart D. Ehrman; Sean M. Carroll; Donald Johanson[113]
2015 Ernie Chambers; Taslima Nasrin[113]
2016 Lawrence Krauss[113]
2018 Paula Poundstone; Jared Huffman; Salman Rushdie; Adam Savage[113]
2019 Trae Crowder; Anthony B. Pinn[113]
2021 Ann Druyan[113]
2022 John Irving[113]
2023 Lizz Winstead[113]

Finances

[edit]

In 2013, Charity Navigator gave FFRF a four-star rating and reported that FFRF had revenues of US$3,878,938, with a net surplus (after expenses) of $1,715,563 and net assets of $11,519,770. Officer compensation for the "co-presidents", husband and wife Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, was $88,700 and $86,500 ($175,200 combined) or approximately 10% of the net surplus.[114]

According to the 2011 IRS tax Form-990,[115] FFRF spent just over $200,000 on legal fees and services and just under $1 million on education, outreach, publishing, broadcasting, and events. The allotment for legal fees is primarily used in cases supporting the separation of church and state that involve governmental entities.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Ferguson, Dana (June 17, 2015). "Anne Nicol Gaylor, started Freedom From Religion Foundation, dies at 88". The Washington Post.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax". Freedom From Religion Foundation Inc. Internal Revenue Service. December 31, 2019.
  3. ^ "Freedom From Religion Foundation Inc." Exempt Organizations Select Check. Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  4. ^ "CRMC removes Christian messages after complaint". Overton County News. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  5. ^ Gutierrez, Lisa. "Atheist radio show hosts get unwanted Christmas present". Kansas City Star. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  6. ^ Stanglin, Doug. "Atheist prayers can be denied by House chaplain, appeals court rules". USAtoday. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  7. ^ "Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc." Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  8. ^ Erickson, Doug (February 25, 2010). "The atheists' calling the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation is taking its latest battle to the U.S. Supreme court. It's a milestone for the often-vilified but financially strong group, which has seen its membership grow to an all-time high". Wisconsin State Journal. Madison. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  9. ^ Vecsey, George (May 17, 1978). "Some in Atheist Movement Are Challenging Madalyn O'Hair". New York Times. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
  10. ^ Elbow, Steven (August 2, 2012). "Crime and Courts: Madison group ramps up national fight against religion in government". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
  11. ^ Aubele, Michael (April 1, 2012). "Those who don't believe just as adamant as religious folk". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  12. ^ "Those who don't believe just as adamant as religious folk | TribLIVE". December 12, 2013. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  13. ^ Winston, Kimberly (April 30, 2012). "For clergy, lost faith can lead to lost family, jobs". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
  14. ^ "Jerry DeWitt receives Freedom from Religion Foundation, Clergy Project Hardship Grant". The Clergy Project website. October 31, 2012. Archived from the original on June 2, 2013. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  15. ^ "Non-believers taking college campuses by storm". Salon. February 16, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  16. ^ Branaugh, Matthew (January 15, 2020). "Latest Form 990 Exemption Challenge Dismissed on Technical Grounds". Church Law & Tax. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  17. ^ "Church seeks to intervene in lawsuit over IRS tax exemption". Baptist News Global. November 26, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  18. ^ "FFRF Suing IRS for Tax Exemption". World Religion News. October 12, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  19. ^ "Freethought Today". Freedom From Religion Foundation. March 7, 2013. Retrieved March 24, 2017.
  20. ^ McCarthy, Susan (August 4, 2009). "Out, atheist and American". The Guardian. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  21. ^ a b c d Clement, Paul D. "Petition for a writ of certiorari, Case No. 06-157" (PDF). Office of the Solicitor General, United States Department of Justice.
  22. ^ Demirjian, Karoun (February 27, 2007). "Test for faith-based programs". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  23. ^ Hein v. Freedom From Religion Foundation, 551 U.S. 587 (U.S. June 25, 2007).
  24. ^ Boston, Rob (March–April 2007). "Slamming the courthouse door on church-state cases?". The Humanist. 67 (2): 38.
  25. ^ Demirjian, Karoun (March 1, 2007). "Faith-based case divides justices". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  26. ^ Banerjee, Neela (September 28, 2007). "Indiana, faced with suit, takes chaplain off payroll". The New York Times. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  27. ^ "Federal judge strikes down Montana 'faith-based' program". Associated Baptist Press. November 2, 2004. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  28. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Montana Office of Rural Health, No. CV 03-30-BU-RWA (D. Mont.).Memorandum and Order, October 26, 2004. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  29. ^ "Court rejects suit opposing religion in veterans' care". Reading Eagle. Associated Press. August 9, 2008. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  30. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Nicholson, 07-1292 (7th Cir. August 5, 2008).
  31. ^ Poovey, Bill (June 7, 2004). "Federal appeals court in Tennessee affirms ban on Bible class at county's public schools". Daily News. Bowling Green, KY. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  32. ^ Doe v. Porter, 370 F.3d 558 (6th Cir. June 7, 2004).
  33. ^ Lederman, Doug (September 12, 2005). "Faith and health part II". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  34. ^ Malladi, Sundeep (March 31, 2005). "Madison-based group sues University of Minnesota". The Badger Herald. Madison, WI. Archived from the original on March 7, 2007.
  35. ^ Lederman, Doug (April 28, 2005). "Church, state and the academic pork barrel". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  36. ^ Lederman, Doug (October 11, 2005). "Education Dept. suspends grant to Christian college". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  37. ^ Mehta, Hemant. "Boise State Gets Rid of Football Team's Chaplain After Constitutional Concerns". Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  38. ^ Murphy, Kevin (October 14, 2000). "Funding of Faith Works challenged". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  39. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v.McCallum, 179 F.Supp.2nd 950 (W.D. Wis. January 7, 2002).
  40. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. McCallum, 324 F.3d 880 (7th Cir. April 2, 2003).
  41. ^ Ross, JR (January 5, 2005). "Faith-based Grant to Arizona Group Blocked". The Madison Courier. Associated Press. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  42. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Towey, No. 04-C-381-S (W.D. Wis.). Memorandum and Order Archived 2013-10-05 at the Wayback Machine, January 11, 2005. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  43. ^ "FFRF lawsuit halts federal faith prison program". Freethought Today. Vol. 23, no. 9. FFRF. November 9, 2006. Archived from the original on August 10, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  44. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Gonzales, 06-C-0244-S (W.D. Wis. 2006). Complaint, May 4, 2006. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  45. ^ Sullivan, Winnifred Fallers (2011). Prison Religion: Faith-Based Reform and the Constitution. Princeton University Press. p. 242. ISBN 978-1400830374. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  46. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Thompson, 920 F.Supp. 969 (W.D. Wis. February 23, 1996).
  47. ^ Saitta, Danielle (February 18, 2021). "Potential church relief shelter causes controversy". ABC 36 News. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  48. ^ Pal, Amit (September 20, 2022). "S.C. religious school funding unconstitutional, charges new FFRF lawsuit - Freedom From Religion Foundation". ffrf.org. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  49. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. City of Green Bay, 07-C-1151 (E.D. Wis. 2008). Decision and Order Granting Defendants' Motion to Dismiss, October 7, 2008. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  50. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. City of Warren, 12-1858 (6th Cir. February 25, 2013).
  51. ^ "Groups promise lawsuit if Giles County School Board orders reposting of Ten Commandments" (Press release). Giles County, VA: American Civil Liberties Union. June 1, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
  52. ^ Doe 1 et. al v. School Board of Giles County, 7:11-cv-00435 (W.D. Va. 2012). Complaint, 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  53. ^ Salinas, Orlando (July 2, 2012). "Settlement reached in Giles Co. Ten Commandments battle". WDBJ. Roanoke/Lynchburg. Archived from the original on May 14, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  54. ^ Inc, Midwest Communications. "It's a Christmas Tree, not holiday tree in state capital rotunda". 1330 & 101.5 WHBL. Retrieved May 18, 2020. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  55. ^ Niedowski, Erika (May 2, 2012). "Hundreds gather to defend Woonsocket memorial". The Boston Globe. Associated Press. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  56. ^ Baron, Jim (March 5, 2013). "FFRF hasn't changed stance on monument". The Call. Woonsocket, RI. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  57. ^ "Whiteville settles lawsuit over cross atop tower". Knoxville News Sentinel. Associated Press. August 10, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  58. ^ a b "Whiteville settles cross lawsuit". WBBJ-TV. 7 Eyewitness News. West Tennessee. August 10, 2012. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  59. ^ "Media Information Sheet (Montana Jesus Statue – FFRF v. Weber)" (Press release). The Becket Fund. Archived from the original on October 7, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  60. ^ Brown, Simon (October 11, 2011). "Monumental Mistake: A Statue Of Jesus In A National Forest Violates Church-State Separation". ACLU. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  61. ^ Frosch, Dan (November 24, 2011). "Legal Battle Ignites Over Jesus Statue in Montana". The New York Times. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  62. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. United States Forest Service (2012). Complaint, February 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  63. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. United States Forest Service (2013). Order Archived December 15, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, 24 June 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  64. ^ Lee, Larry (August 26, 2013). "Jesus statue in Montana target of Freedom From Religion Foundation". WSAU 550AM. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  65. ^ "Appeals court upholds decision allowing statue of Jesus on Montana mountain | Fox News". www.foxnews.com. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  66. ^ Hilton, John (July 18, 2012). "Prudhomme's cites surge of support, patrons after complaint by atheist". Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  67. ^ "PA Human Relations Commission Allows Prudhomme's Church Bulletin Discount to Continue". Pennsylvania Family Institute. November 28, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  68. ^ Harrison, Courtney (March 30, 2021). "New cross reappears over Honesdale". WNEP ABC News. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  69. ^ National Day of Prayer:
  70. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Obama, 10–1973 (7th Cir. April 14, 2011).
  71. ^ Banks, Adelle M. (April 14, 2011). "Court dismisses challenge to National Day of Prayer". USA Today. Religion News Service. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  72. ^ Orlowski, Aaron (February 17, 2013). "Anti-prayer group fires second salvo". Rapid City Journal. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  73. ^ Hudak, Stephen. "Nonreligious advocate says his invocation was 'not sufficiently Christian' for Lake County". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 9, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  74. ^ Christian Nationalism and the January 6, 2021 Insurrection (PDF) (Report). Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, Freedom From Religion Foundation. February 9, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  75. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. v. Geithner, 715 F.Supp2d. 1051 (E.D. Cal. May 21, 2010).
  76. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. v. Geithner, 644 F.3d 836 (9th Cir. May 9, 2011).
  77. ^ Vielmetti, Bruce (September 16, 2011). "Madison atheists sue to end IRS break to ministers". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  78. ^ Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Geithner, 11-CV-626 (W.D. Wis. 2011). Complaint Archived December 13, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, September 13, 2011. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  79. ^ Smietana, Bob (August 20, 2013). "Feds say OK to atheists on religion tax break". USA Today. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  80. ^ Reilly, Peter J. (August 18, 2013). "Government lawyers advocate For atheism as a religion". Forbes.com. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  81. ^ Erickson, Doug (December 22, 2013). "With court ruling, clergy housing allowances come in for intense scrutiny". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  82. ^ FFRF, Inc., Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker, v. Jacob Lew and Daniel Werfel (W.D. Wis. 23 November 2013), Text.
  83. ^ Dilday, Robert (January 27, 2014). "Obama administration to appeal clergy tax ruling". apdnews.com. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  84. ^ "Appeals Court Rejects Atheist Challenge to the Clergy Housing Exclusion". Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. November 13, 2014.
  85. ^ Stewart, Katherine (November 20, 2012). "How US churches exploit tax exemption to promote faith-based politics". The Guardian. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  86. ^ Davidoff, Judith (November 14, 2012). "Freedom From Religion Foundation sues IRS for not enforcing electioneering restrictions on churches". Isthmsus. The Daily Page. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  87. ^ Bauer, Scott (November 15, 2012). "Freedom From Religion Foundation sues IRS over political activity by churches, religious groups". The Huffington Post. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  88. ^ Wing, Nick (August 21, 2013). "Atheists can sue IRS over failure to enforce limits on churches' political speech". The Huffington Post. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  89. ^ "IRS sued for refusing to release secret 'church investigations' procedures". The Washington Times. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  90. ^ Davidoff, Judith (December 28, 2012). "Freedom From Religion Foundation sues IRS for not requiring churches to annually maintain tax-exempt status". Isthmus. The Daily Page. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  91. ^ Hammar, Richard R. (2013). "Forced to File Form 990?". Christianity Today. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  92. ^ Farrington, Brandon (December 4, 2013). "Group sets up Nativity scene at Florida Capitol". tallahassee.com. Archived from the original on December 25, 2013. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  93. ^ "Furor erupts over atheist display at state capitol". WBBM-TV. Chicago. December 23, 2009. Archived from the original on March 25, 2010.
  94. ^ "Illinois Northern District Court, Case No. 1:10-cv-00583". Archived from the original on December 13, 2013.
  95. ^ Woodward, Curt (December 1, 2008). "Atheist sign joins nativity scene, tree at Capitol". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  96. ^ Tu, Janet (December 2, 2008). "Nonbelievers' sign at Capitol counters Nativity". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  97. ^ Simon, Mallory (December 5, 2008). "Missing atheist sign found in Washington state". CNN. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  98. ^ "Coming to Capitol: 'Festivus' display". KOMO-TV. Seattle. December 5, 2008. Archived from the original on May 23, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  99. ^ a b Roesler, Richard (December 11, 2008). "Group's display an attack on Santa". The Spokesman-Review. Spokane, WA. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  100. ^ Thibault, Kate (December 5, 2007). "Foundation adds to holiday display". The Badger Herald. Madison, WI. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  101. ^ Bauer, Scott (December 8, 2013). "Holiday displays at Wisconsin Capitol include Festivus pole, atheists' nativity scene". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on December 25, 2013. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  102. ^ Lee, David. "Fifth Circuit Upholds Atheist Group's Right to Display Altered Nativity Scene". Courthouse News. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  103. ^ Baron, Jim (December 17, 2013). "Atheists' Statehouse display generates another Yule controversy". The Times. Archived from the original on December 25, 2013. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  104. ^ Fausset, Richard (July 14, 2017). "At Site of Scopes Trial, Darrow Statue Belatedly Joins Bryan's". The New York Times. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  105. ^ Flowers, Rich (December 4, 2012). "Atheist sues city over nativity scene". Athens Daily Review. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  106. ^ Torre, Melanie; Compton, Kerri (May 8, 2012). "ETX Nativity scene approved for 2012, atheist banner still pending". KLTV. Tyler, TX. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  107. ^ Flowers, Rich (October 12, 2012). "County judge denies FFRF's request". Athens Daily Review. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  108. ^ History of FFRF conventions:
  109. ^ Erickson, Doug (July 23, 2007). "Atheist Hitchens will speak at convention". Madison.com. Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved August 17, 2013.
  110. ^ "FFRF Awards". ffrf.org. Retrieved August 17, 2013.
  111. ^ "Past Conventions". ffrf.org. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  112. ^ Staff Writers (July 11, 2017). "This neuroscientist says religion is a mental illness". The Independent. Archived from the original on July 11, 2017. Retrieved June 4, 2020. When accepting the Emperor Has No Clothes Award in 2002 from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which is given for recognition of "plain speaking" on the shortcomings of religion by public figures, ...
  113. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w in 1999, the Freedom From Religion Foundation. "Emperor Has No Clothes Award – Freedom From Religion Foundation". ffrf.org. Retrieved February 25, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  114. ^ "Charity Navigator Rating – Freedom From Religion Foundation". Charity Navigator.
  115. ^ Gaylor, Annie Laurie (March 5, 2012). "Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax (IRS form 990)" (PDF). ffrf.org. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Freedom_From_Religion_Foundation&oldid=1251017657#State_capitol_signs"