Our Mission

Around the world, a dangerous alliance is gaining ground. Political movements that undermine human rights and democratic norms are increasingly aligning themselves with faith-based rhetoric to legitimize their power. What began as a largely American phenomenon has evolved into a global network. In countries like Hungary, Kenya, Brazil, and the Philippines, we see coordinated efforts to roll back the rights of women, LGBTQ+ people, migrants, civil society and Faith communities. These actors are not fringe—they hold positions of power in parliaments, pulpits, courts, and media. And they are deeply connected, sharing strategies, funding, and ideological narratives across borders.

Their goal is not faith—it is control.

Yet faith itself is not the problem. Across every tradition, countless individuals and communities are standing up for dignity, justice, and democracy. They are challenging the hijacking of their beliefs. They are resisting disinformation, protecting the vulnerable, and speaking truth to power. These are the people we work with and support.

At Faith in Democracy, we believe that people of faith and people of conscience must stand together against authoritarianism. We believe in the right of every person to express their faith—or to not believe—without fear, pressure, or political manipulation. We believe that moral courage and democratic values are not in conflict. They are inseparable.

Our work begins where the global Religious Right is strongest: at the intersection of belief, identity, and politics. We build the capacity of pro-democracy faith actors, connect them with secular allies, and create networks that span borders and traditions. We develop tools that counter hate, build resilience, and tell a different story—one of hope, solidarity, and democratic renewal.

The authoritarian playbook is well known. But it is also brittle. When movements try to impose rigid worldviews, they create cracks. The opportunity is now: to expose those cracks, to strengthen communities, and to reclaim the narrative.

This moment is urgent, but not without hope. Together, we can ensure that faith is never used to justify oppression, and that democracy is never left to fight alone.

Join us.