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Dear Friend,
Many members of our government might deny it, but you and I know the United States was founded as a secular nation—one that enacts policy based on evidence, not belief, and that ensures freedom and equality for people of all faiths and none. That fact, clearly established in the Constitution, was first bolstered by the words of leaders like Jefferson and Madison and today is protected by SCA supporters like you.
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For generations, we’ve understood that separation of church and state is a central pillar of our democracy, fervently opposing any ideologue who tries to tear it down. We’re facing that existential threat now, as the current Administration, Congress and Supreme Court try to reshape America into a theocracy.
Like you, I’ve known my entire life that there is something wrong with the way our nation normalizes religious privilege. Whether it’s hearing “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance or watching presidents swear-in with their hand on the Bible, I’m tired of feeling like a de facto second-class citizen. We’ve all had those painful experiences—they bond us together and reinforce why we must fight for a better future.
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The Secular Coalition for America, with our 19 member organizations, has long been organizing nonbelievers like us to do just that: protect our nation from religious influence on our government.
Whether you're a longtime supporter or just getting to know the SCA, your support helps us grow this movement and combat countless attacks on our secular Constitution. We need your help now more than ever before.
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Since Trump’s election, we have watched America’s flirtation with theocracy give way to overt religion-based rule. Christian nationalists now have the keys to our government, and they are doing everything in their power to make their extreme views the law of our land:
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We are losing precious time to stop climate change while our government suppresses research and scientific evidence.
Politicians continue to favor their anti-science religious teachings over sound evidence, thereby ensuring remedial efforts will be delayed, and subsequent crises exacerbated.
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Hard-won rights for the LGBTQ community and women are under constant attack.
A new “Conscience and Religious Freedom” rule lets health care workers refuse to provide any service if they cite a religious or conscientious objection, and a Justice Department “Religious Liberty Task Force” is vehemently defending this and other discriminatory policies.
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More than 150 Trump-appointed judges are undermining the separation of church and state.
His Supreme Court has already made it easier to spend tax dollars on religious displays, and they’re set to do the same for religious schools in the upcoming term.
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We must put an end to the devastating influence of the religious right before things get worse. That means success at the ballot box, in our communities, and on Capitol Hill. The SCA and our members have the organizing network, government relationships, and plan to make it happen.
While it is critical that we continue fighting for the legal enforcement of our constitutional rights, it is clear that we must double down on our lobbying and advocacy initiatives. That starts with growing our support on Capitol Hill, and we’re well on our way.
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Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA), co-chair and founding member of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, speaking at this year's Secular Lobby Day.
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The Congressional Freethought Caucus, which was founded last year, has grown to twelve members and counting.
- Already, in partnership with the Caucus, we have called attention to social media platforms that treat nonbelievers’ content as hate speech, built momentum for federally funded secular addiction recovery programs, and, with the American Humanist Association, strengthened bipartisan support for a resolution calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, apostasy, and heresy laws.
We’ve built new, strong partnerships with lawmakers in Washington D.C. and are organizing supporters like you to show our political strength at the local and state level.
- Our community now represents more than one quarter of the U.S. population—a sizable voting bloc that can and must put pressure on every party and candidate in 2020. That’s why we, along with the Secular Student Alliance, will be relaunching Secular America Votes, a student-led effort to bring our 19 member organizations together around voter turnout in the next election cycle.
This summer, groundbreaking public recognition from the Democratic National Committee cemented our path forward as a social and political force.
- It was the first time in history that one of the nation’s two major political parties directly courted secular Americans like you. That success was cultivated through years of time and effort, and we’re not taking our foot off the gas. We are hard at work building secular caucuses in national, state and local parties across the political spectrum.
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In the face of an administration that openly despises nonbelievers and idealizes a theocratic America, our community has stayed focused, only growing stronger and more ambitious. Now, we must seize this moment and bring about real, systemic change. If we succeed, 2020 will mark a long overdue return to a secular government, but that is only possible with your continued support.
I know you believe in the Secular Coalition for America and recognize the urgency of our work. Please, consider donating before the year’s end. With your help, we will build a future that reflects the secular values of you, me, our Founding Fathers, and all Americans.
Thank you for your time, energy, and support,
Sincerely,
Debbie Allen
Executive Director
P.S. If you made it this far—thank you for taking the time to read such a long email. Your thoughtful, tireless engagement and support is the backbone of our organization and our community. Together, we can win this fight!
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