Alliance Defending Freedom

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is a prominent American conservative Christian legal advocacy organization dedicated to defending and promoting religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Established in 1993 by a coalition of evangelical leaders—including Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ; Larry Burkett, founder of Crown Financial Ministries; and James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family—ADF has grown into one of the most influential Christian legal interest groups in the United States.

Headquarters and Locations

Headquartered in Chandler, AZ, USA, ADF operates branch offices in several locations, including Washington, D.C., and New York.

Its international subsidiary, Alliance Defending Freedom International, with headquarters in Vienna, Austria, operates in over 100 countries.

• Chandler, AZ, USA (Headquarters)
• Washington, D.C.
• New York
• Vienna, Austria (International headquarters)

Mission and Legal Work

ADF's mission centers on advocating for religious freedom and other fundamental rights through strategic litigation, public policy initiatives, and educational programs.

The organization has been involved in numerous high-profile legal cases, including the landmark 2022 Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the authority to regulate abortion to individual states.

Programs and Initiatives

In addition to its legal work, ADF offers various programs to support its mission.

One key initiative is the Blackstone Legal Fellowship, a summer training program designed to prepare Christian law students for professional legal careers.

The fellowship has attracted participants from diverse law schools and has featured speakers like Amy Coney Barrett, who later became an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

ADF also engages in public campaigns to promote its values.

For example, in 2003, the organization launched the "Christmas Project" to encourage the celebration of Christmas in public schools and to oppose the secularization of holiday observances.

By 2004, ADF had contacted thousands of school districts to inform them of their rights to celebrate Christmas without censorship.

Impact and Influence

Through its multifaceted approach—including litigation, education, and public advocacy—Alliance Defending Freedom continues to play a significant role in shaping legal and cultural discussions surrounding religious freedom and related issues in the United States and internationally.