Poster by John Johnston of Woodson High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, who received an Honorable Mention in the 2003/2004 First Freedom Student Competition.

Questions and Answers

Q: What is the focus of the First Freedom Center?

A: Freedom....It's all about freedom. Religion, speech, press and assembly were the great freedoms contained in the First Amendment of the Constitution and the keystones of our democracy. Of these, our first freedom- freedom of religion- is the most distinctly American, but perhaps the least understood or appreciated. Through the educational content of the First Freedom Center, freedom of religion will be restored to its place of preeminence in our national consciousness.


Q: Will the First Freedom Center be geared toward any particular religion(s)?

A: The Council for America's First Freedom is a non-denominational organization. With an educational focus, the Council does not promote any particular religion, but rather the freedom to believe or not to believe, that is guaranteed to all Americans in the First Amendment, inspired by the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.


Q: We already enjoy religious freedom in the United States. Why should we care about it elsewhere?

A: Philosopher, poet, literary and cultural critic, George Santayana once said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." While Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and George Mason left the United States a legacy of religious freedom that has protected us from war and persecution, our country has not always encouraged respect and tolerance of divergent views. Today more than 24 countries are conducting religious wars for control of governments and suppression of opposing religious views. The United States has been spared such conflict because religious expression (or non-expression) with no governmental oversight or control was built into the very fiber of our nation. The United States was the first nation to guarantee freedom of religion as a fundamental human right. Nations without this basic freedom are plagued with persecution, war and terror. To think that this terror can be confined is optimistic. The horrific events of 9/11/01 proved that the United States is not immune from the religious persecution and conflict that plague the global community. We must remember the past as we work to ensure a safer future.


Q: Is the Council a left- or right-wing group?

A: In addition to being non-denominational, the Council for America's First Freedom also is a non-political organization. We advocate neither a "left wing" or "right wing" agenda or approach to religious freedom. An important part of being an educational organization is being politically neutral, and we are diligent about preserving that neutrality.


Q: Where does the Council stand on issues such as school vouchers, homosexual clergy and the words "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance?

A: As a non-political organization, the Council does not take a stand on such issues. We will "teach the controversy" by presenting visitors with all sides of contemporary issues of religious freedom, encouraging individuals to reflect on the issues and form their own opinions. As advocates of the inalienable freedom of conscience, we encourage people to exercise that right.


Q: Where is the money for the Center coming from?

A: The Center is a public-private partnership. Thus, funds are being provided by the federal government, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond, a number of substantial, private leadership gifts and foundation grants, and individual gifts at all levels from donors nationwide.


Q: Since the Council accepts money from local, state and federal governments, doesn't that put you in an awkward position in terms of the separation of church and state issue?

A: The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom provided for the disestablishment of a State Church. That is to say that the state would no longer fund or promote a specific faith or denomination. In that same spirit, the Council does not fund or promote a specific faith or faith in general. As an educational organization with an emphasis on the history and foundation of the concept of religious freedom in this country, the Council will focus on the concept of religious liberty, letting its modern-day applications be pondered and decided by its visitors. The Council will reflect neutrality, both in terms of politics and faith, thus public funding for the Center is consistent with Virginia's stance in 1786 - one that allows freedom of thought and conscience for all.


Q: How will atheism be handled in the Center's exhibitions and content?

A: An important part of freedom of conscience is the freedom not to believe in any particular faith or creed. As a non-denominational organization, the Council does not promote any individual religious group or religion in general. The First Freedom Center will be a celebration of freedom, not religion.


Q: Will the Council offer a curriculum for teachers?

A: Yes! As our educational programming develops, teachers will be able to access new lesson plans on the Web, developed from core curriculum outlined by Constitutional scholars, historians and teachers from around the nation; attend workshops at the Center that teach this crucial and sometimes controversial topic, and; enjoy countless other resources to supplement and creatively explore their curricula.


Q. How long has this project been in the works?

A: The Council for America's First Freedom has been in existence for 20 years, working quietly to preserve and promote America's legacy of religious freedom. In the past, this mission was accomplished through programs like the annual First Freedom Student Competition in which high-school students compete in art, oratory and essay contests; the First Freedom Awards, which recognize Virginia, national and international champions of religious freedom; and Project B.R.I.D.G.E., a Bosnian youth program. In recent years the Council has further developed its vision and acquired the historic (and adjacent) property for the Center (no small feat). Now it is developing the project plans and the fundraising to make it happen. Even in today's difficult economic and philanthropic climate, the Council is having success laying the foundation for the Center. This is a major undertaking, but progress continues to be made.


Q. Does America really need another museum or education center?

A: It needs THIS center. The 2007 annual report of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom found that the situation for religious freedom around the world is getting worse, not better. This worsening state underscores the importance of education on this most fundamental human right, a gap in education the First Freedom Center seeks to fill.

The United States is the birthplace of religious freedom, an enduringly positive and powerful association of international significance. If James Madison hadn't successfully steered Thomas Jefferson's bill through to adoption in Virginia, religious freedom and separation of church and state, new ideas not welcomed by everyone, might well not have been articulated and protected in the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution.

The First Freedom Center stakes this ground for the United States and makes this statement to the world. It will welcome visitors for an on-site experience here and will reach out from the Center to classrooms across this country and to homes and advocates around the world. This will be a Center unlike any other in the world.


Q. What happened to discussion about building a religious freedom monument in Richmond, Va.?

A: Over the years, there has been conversation and analysis as to whether the Council should work toward an Education Center or a monument as its first priority. The decision was made to devote the Council's energies to the Center for a number of reasons.

The Council owns the historic capitol site in Richmond, where religious freedom was first established.   The Council's decision was confirmed during a feasibility study conducted by a national fundraising counsel. Interviews revealed overwhelming support for the Center as the first priority. More than three-quarters of the interviewees felt it important to establish something of educational substance first.

The Center is much more deliverable. Planning for the Center has been well-supported and is far along. Additionally, there are more sources of financial support for a dynamic education attraction than a monument.