Friend:

This year marks Americans United’s 75th anniversary. On Thursday, we celebrated this momentous occasion with a special event in Washington, D.C., for staff, board members, coalition allies and some supporters who live in the area—during which we premiered this awesome video!

I’ll admit to having mixed feelings as we reach this milestone. I’m incredibly proud that Americans United has stood on the frontlines for so long—three-quarters of a century! It’s an amazing accomplishment. (I’m also happy to say that I’ve been part of AU’s story for nearly 35 years. My first day was Nov. 16, 1987. I’ll never forget it.) But I also know the scope of what we’re up against, and I’ve watched, with great dismay, as the Supreme Court has chipped away at the church-state wall and Christian nationalists have become, in the words of my friend and colleague Andrew Seidel, “emboldened.”

I can’t help but feel discouraged—for a while. But that discouragement soon evolves into righteous anger. It’s justifiable anger, an anger that provides fuel for a battle that I’m sure will still be raging after I’m gone. If I can lay some groundwork now for an ultimate victory to come, my life’s work will have been well spent.

During these challenging times, it’s useful to remember those who have fought against the odds in the past and triumphed. I recently finished a book about the struggle for civil rights in America. A quote from one activist—a man who never became famous but who was among many foot soldiers for a just cause—struck me: “What can be more thrilling than to be in the thick of a great fight, a noble cause, rather than on the sideline looking on?”

The intensity of the current great fight should inspire all of us to speak necessary truths: The Supreme Court is wrong about separation of church and state. Christian nationalists are wrong about separation of church and state. The politicians who enable them are wrong, too. And that knowledge gives me hope. For while error can temporarily seize control, it can’t survive in the long run. Truth is simply too powerful. Truth, and a national recommitment to separation of church and state, can and will pull us out of this morass.

For 75 years, Americans United has told a profound truth: Only separation of church and state can protect religious freedom, the right of conscience and every American's right to believe, or not, as they see fit. I’m proud to be part of that truth-telling, and I know full well that it would not have happened without the support of good people like you.

For that, I thank you.

Here’s to the next 75!

Rob Boston