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About the CFC
The United States was founded on the Enlightenment era concept of religious freedom -- both freedom of religion and freedom from religion -- and a “wall of separation” between church and state to prevent our secular government from establishing or favoring any religion. As America grows more religiously diverse with each passing year, these protections are more important than ever. The Congressional Freethought Caucus is proud to reflect America’s diverse faith perspectives — Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Humanists, and others. We advocate for true religious freedom, church-state separation, and for public policies based on facts, science, and reason.
For our complete mission statement, click here. We are the only congressional caucus specifically focused on these issues. We are dedicated to making a difference. And we are growing!
Promote
Public policy formed on the basis of reason, science, and moral values.
Protect
The secular character of our government and uphold separation of church and state.
Oppose
Discrimination against belief systems and to champion freedom of thought and conscience.
Provide
A forum to discuss moral frameworks, ethical values, and personal religious journeys.
Freethought Caucus at Work
CA 02
MD 08
AZ 03
VT
VA 08
CA 26
TX 35
IL 06
TN 09
TX 07
California 30
FL 10
CA 42
CA 34
WA 07
GA 04
CA 18
CA 15
NY 12
DC
WI 02
Washington 6
OR 06
IL 09
CA 14
MI 12
How It Started
In 2017, after Rep. Huffman came out as the only openly non-religious member of Congress, he and Rep. Raskin agreed that Congress needed a working coalition to defend church-state separation and secular values. By early 2018, the Freethought Caucus was born with Huffman, Raskin, and Reps. Jerry McNerney and Dan Kildee as founding members. Rep. Pramila Jayapal soon joined, as well, and many more members have followed. Today, the Freethought Caucus includes 23 members representing a diverse mix of regional, political and religious perspectives united around the CFC’s mission.