Alliance Defending Freedom is grieved to learn of the passing of Dr. James Dobson Thursday at age 89. Dobson founded the highly influential Focus on the Family in 1977 before forming other ministries and organizations like the Family Research Council, Family Policy Alliance, and Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. Dobson was also involved in the establishment of Alliance Defending Freedom.
“The world has lost a mighty voice for truth and an incredibly influential servant of Christ today,” said ADF CEO, President, and Chief Counsel Kristen Waggoner. “Dobson’s bold leadership and commitment to the Gospel shaped the lives of so many and will continue to do so many years after his passing. We know that death is not the end, and we are confident he is walking victoriously into the arms of his Savior and hearing the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ ADF is grateful for the vision and inspiration Dobson provided us, and we extend our warmest sympathies to Shirley and the rest of the Dobson family.”
On Jan. 31, 1994, Dobson joined five other visionary leaders—Bill Bright, Marlin Maddoux, D. James Kennedy, Larry Burkett, and William Pew—and launched the Alliance Defense Fund, which eventually became Alliance Defending Freedom. Dobson had previously served with Alan Sears on the U.S. Attorney General’s Commission on Pornography in 1986, which led to Dobson being a central figure in calling Sears to serve as CEO, president, and general counsel for ADF for 26 years.
“I am sad to learn of the passing of my ally and friend, Dr. James Dobson,” said Sears. “He gave us the greatest gift any person can give: his name and reputation. It was an incredible trust and turned out to be a gift that changed the world. Without Dobson in those early years, it’s unlikely ADF would have become what it is today. It was through Focus on the Family that the ADF theme verse, John 15:5, was adopted, which acknowledges that ‘Without Christ, we can do nothing.’ This has been the cornerstone of everything ADF has accomplished, and Dobson’s legacy will continue on through the many ministries he envisioned and led.”
