The American Council Affirms Its Independence as a Civic Organization Separate From Any Church
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The American Council, a California-based leadership organization that trains candidates, advocates on legislation, and educates citizens about public life, affirmed that it is an independent organization with no legal or financial affiliation with Destiny Christian Church or any other congregation.
The statement follows several years of news coverage and online commentary describing The American Council as connected to, started by, or operating on behalf of Destiny Church in Rocklin, CA. Much of that confusion traces to the professional history of the Council's founder and president, Tanner DiBella, who served on Destiny's staff for roughly fifteen years before stepping away to lead The American Council full-time. He continues to attend Destiny as a member of the congregation.
"Destiny is my home church," said DiBella. "But The American Council has never been a ministry of Destiny, and it is not one today. It has its own board, its own budget, its own staff, and its own mission. I believe deeply that the church should be free to be the church, and that a civic organization should stand on its own and answer for its own work. Blurring those lines does a disservice to both."
The Facts
- Independent governance. The American Council operates as a family of independent organizations: The American Council Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on education and leadership formation; The American Council, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit engaged in legislative advocacy and civic engagement; and The Leadership Fund, a political action committee that makes candidate endorsements and supports candidates. Each is governed by its own board, and none is affiliated with any church.
- Independent operations. The Council maintains its own offices at 1024 Iron Point Road in Folsom, CA and does not operate from church property.
- Independent decisions. Destiny Church has no role in the legislative positions, training curriculum, or programming of The American Council, or in the candidate endorsements made by The Leadership Fund.
- No current church role. Mr. DiBella holds no staff position at Destiny Church.
The American Council respects the role of a free press and welcomes scrutiny of its work. It will, however, respond to false statements of fact, including claims that the Council is owned, funded, directed, or controlled by Destiny Christian Church or any other congregation. The Council reserves the right to pursue all available remedies, including legal action, against the publication of knowingly false claims about its structure, governance, or finances.
A Broader Table
The American Council was built to convene, not to represent a single congregation. Its trainings, briefings, and advocacy efforts draw pastors, business owners, parents, and civic leaders from across denominations and communities throughout California and beyond.
"Our work depends on people who come from many different churches and many different walks of life, and who share a conviction that citizens should show up for their communities," DiBella said. "Every one of them deserves to know that when they partner with The American Council, they are partnering with an independent organization that is accountable for its own decisions. That clarity matters to us, and it matters to them."
The American Council welcomes inquiries from journalists and encourages reporters to contact the organization directly to verify its structure and affiliations.
About The American Council
The American Council is an independent, California-based civic organization that equips people to serve well in public life through candidate training, endorsements, legislative advocacy, and civic education. Founded in 2019, the Council works to strengthen families, support principled leaders, and bring moral clarity to the most consequential policy debates of our time. Learn more at theamericancouncil.com.