Christian Coalition

The Christian Coalition (CC) is a conservative, Protestant, grassroots movement, heavily dependent upon the financial backing and time of thousands of supporters. It differs from its predecessor, the Moral Majority, because it seeks to effect local and state politics as well as national politics. By taking on local and school board elections, education systems have been significantly affected in many states, particularly in regard to sex education, homosexuality, “humanist” values, and creationism in the classroom. The CC was formed in 1989 by Pat Robertson, a Pentecostal minister. Despite a failed presidential run, Robertson found huge pockets of support for the organization through his television show, The 700 Club, and his creation, The Family Channel. At the height of the organization's power, it took center stage in the Christian Right. The CC believes that America has backslid from its Christian values and that issues such as abortion, feminism, and gay rights further detract from the nation's potential to reclaim its Christian heritage. The organization also takes a strong stance in support of Israel and lower taxes. The mission of the CC is as follows:

During the organization's high point, it claimed 2.8 million members and 2,000 local chapters nationwide. As of 2006, the organization boasted 2 million members, though critics say the number is, in fact, far less. To date, each election year, the CC mounts major campaigns to promote traditional family values platforms. In 2004, the group distributed approximately 30 million voter guides in targeted states and congressional districts deemed politically competitive.

The organization has faced slumping membership and some controversy since 1997, when Ralph Reed, a key political strategist, left the CC. Pat Robertson resigned in December 2001, and Roberta Combs assumed the presidency of the organization. In 2002, the CC settled a lawsuit with African American staff, who charged that the organization discriminated against them, making them use back entrances while white staff utilized front entrances. In the last 5 years, the CC has faced increasing debt and numerous lawsuits from creditors. To date, only seven states hold chapters of the CC. In 2006, Joel Hunter was elected president of the organization. Hunter resigned his spot soon after, noting that his desire that the CC focus on issues such as AIDS, poverty, and the environment conflicted with priorities of the board of the CC.