Skipp Porteous: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Skipp Porteous (born 1944) is a former Pentecostal Christian minister, now an outspoken critic of fundamentalist Christianity in its various forms and opponent of religious extremism of all kinds.

He has written about his life and experiences in Jesus Doesn't Live Here Any More. In 1984, together with attorney Barbara Simon, Porteous founded the Institute for First Amendment Studies (ceased operating 2001).

The First Amendment to the American Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression from government interference, enforcing the separation of church and state.

The institute monitors the rights and freedoms of American citizens by gathering data, preparing newsletters and reports, and supplying information to the public.

Porteous campaigns vigorously to expose and counter the political activities of the so-called Religious Right and works as a private investigator, specialising in researching controversial religious groups and cults.