Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Non-profit OrganizationsDistrict of Columbia, United States51-200 Employees
Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on defending the constitutional principle of church-state separation as a prerequisite for religious freedom for all. Founded in 1947, the group describes itself as nonpartisan and pursues its goals through education, advocacy, and litigation, drawing on a diverse membership that includes lawyers, lobbyists, students, religious leaders, and others with a range of beliefs. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Its work combines high-impact litigation, lobbying, and grassroots advocacy to prevent religion from dictating public policy, ensure the government does not compel belief or practice, and guard against discrimination framed as religious beliefs. The organization sustains a broad national supporter network and seeks to defend the separation of church and state across communities in the United States. In March 2026, it filed FOIA-related lawsuits against the Department of Defense and the Department of the Labor concerning government worship services.