Who to Challenge on the Theocratic Right

Jump to a larger and broader list of rightwing and conservative groups

Compiled by the Institute for First Amendment Studies

American Family Association

Founded and led by Rev. Donald Wildmon, originally under the name National Federation for Decency. Wildmon also founded Christian Leaders for Responsible Television (CLeaR-TV), led by Rev. Billy Melvin of the National Association of Evangelicals. There may be few genuinely active chapters. Their last annual conference drew members from fewer than 40 chapters. There are 24 state chapter directors. The AFA employs about 150 people, and had an annual income of about $6 million in 1993.

Chalcedon

Founded in 1964 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt group, Chalcedon (cal-SEE-don) is a leading think tank of the Christian Right. In 1991, Chalcedon received $634,264 in contributions, gifts, and grants. The group also received $57,486 in tuition at their Christian day school; $5,533 from journal sales; $3,571 in speaking and writing fees; and $10,092 from sales of tapes and videos.

Some of Chalcedon's books are published by Ross House Books, a separate non-profit, tax-exempt affiliated organization.

Christian Coalition

Founded in 1989, the Christian Coalition has about 1,700 chapters (in all 50 states) and 1.7 million members. Their 1995 budget is $25 million. The coalition operates under a provisional status of a 501(c)(4) organization. They cannot legally endorse or oppose candidates. While they are not required to pay taxes, contributions to the group are not tax-deductible. In 1993, the Christian Coalition had full-time staff in 20 states and claimed 50,000 precinct leaders and 25,000 church liaison leaders.

Since November 1991, the Coalition's annual Road to Victory (RTV) national strategy conferences have drawn delegates from every state. About 800 attended the first RTV; about 1,500 attended in September 1992; and 4,200 attended RTV in September 1995. RTV is followed up with state and local Leadership Schools. These political seminars use a "nuts and bolts manual on how to start a chapter; how to fund raise for your candidate; how to be a candidate; and how to canvass your voters." They also deal with how to handle the media. Over 70 Leadership Schools were scheduled in 1993.

Coalition on Revival

Founded in January 1984 as a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, the Coalition on Revival (COR) mostly works behind the scenes to unite politically active fundamentalists, Pentecostals, and charismatics. COR's annual budget of around $100,000 is small compared to many of the Christian Right organizations. However, its purpose is also different from most of the other groups. COR does not solicit membership from among lay people, operates as a think tank and networking group of ministers and theologians.

Concerned Women for America

Founded in 1979 in San Diego, California, as a 501(c)(3) organization, CWA moved to Washington, DC, in 1985. CWA claims 600,000 members (anyone who has donated time or money in any given 18-month period) and over 800 chapters. CWA receives some foundation money (e.g., DeMoss Foundation), but most of its income comes from direct mail solicitations. CWA also makes a profit on conferences. Tax returns indicate a recent conference netted over $220,000. Total CWA budget is about $10 million annually.

Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family (FOTF) was founded in 1977 as a 501(c)(3) organization. 1992 budget: $78 million. Employees: almost 1,000 (as of 1993). FOTF publishes eight periodicals; and produces five different radio programs which are broadcast on more than 1,550 stations worldwide, including many in the former Soviet Union. Originally located in California, it moved to Colorado in 1991.

Free Congress Foundation

Founded in 1978 as a 501(c)(3) organization, FCF evolved out of the Committee for the Survival of a Free Congress. FCF's lobbying arm, Coalitions for America, is 501(c)(4). Generally considered on the secular side of right-wing politics, FCF has close ties with the Religious Right through the coalition activities, staff liaisons, and board of directors. FCF's 1988 budget of $3,340,000 represents an average annual increase of 19 percent over a six year period. 1993 income was estimated at between $6 and $7 million.

Major donors include members of the Coors beer family; the Krieble family of the Loctite Corp.; Nancy DeMoss; Michael and Helen Valerio of Papa Gino's; Howard Ahmanson Jr. of the Fieldstead Foundation; the DeVos Foundation; and Richard and Helen DeVos of the Amway Corp. FCF's National Empowerment Television (NET) has a $2.1 million budget that is expected to double by 1997.

Paul Weyrich is president of NET; former Secretary of Education, William J. Bennett, is chairman; Robert W. Golas is vice-president. Ralph Reed of the Christian Coalition is a director.

National Association of Christian Educators

Founded in 1983 as a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization. CEE is a division of NACE. The group claims over 1,250 chapters. With California in the lead, NACE/CEE has chapters in almost every state. NACE/CEE's annual budget is about $700,000. Most of this comes from individual donors; NACE/CEE also receives financial support from the Coors beer family through the Coors Foundation.

Operation Rescue

Founded in Binghampton, New York, in 1987, OR is not incorporated, so IRS records are not available. OR has claimed annual donations of up to $300,000 a year, including an early contribution of $10,000 from the Rev. Jerry Falwell. During 1991's "Summer of Mercy" campaign in Wichita, a reliable source in a local bank counted $150,000 in checks earmarked for OR in one day. OR has no formal affiliates or franchises. Local groups in several states use the name Operation Rescue.

Traditional Values Coalition

Founded in 1983, as a 501(c)(4) organization, TVC claims connections to 25,000 evangelical churches, including 6,500 member churches in California. TVC's 1990 budget was about $500,000. Affiliated groups include Traditional Values Lobby (also known as California Educators for Traditional Values), also a 501(c)(4). The American Liberties Institute (doing business as California Coalition for Traditional Values) is a 501(c)(3). California Business for Traditional Values is a 501(c)(6). TVC's newest group is the National Task Force for the Preservation of the Heterosexual Ethic in America.