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Vo1. 31 No. 1 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. January/February 2014 Marci Hamilton is attorney for amici curiae FFRF, other advocates file brief against Hobby Lobby

The Freedom From Religion Foun- dation, working with noted state- church attorney Marci A. Hamilton and groups advocating for the rights of victims of religious abuse filed an Marci Hamilton amicus brief Jan. 27, before the U.S. Supreme Court. The brief opposes ception, and essentially maintains his Hobby Lobby’s claim that for-profit corporation has a soul and rights of corporations have a right to deny con- conscience that trump the rights of traceptive coverage to women workers conscience of his employees. based on religious objections. Green runs a chain of more than The Hobby Lobby chain of stores 500 craft stores and is challenging the argues that it is “a person” under the contraceptive mandate of the Afford- federal Religious Freedom Restora- able Care Act. The law requires health tion Act (RFRA), and that the federal care plans to provide coverage for cer- government’s contraceptive insurance tain “preventive care” at no additional mandate imposes a “substantial bur- charge, including immunizations, dia- den.” betes screening, AIDS screening and Hamilton successfully argued be- contraception. fore the U.S. Supreme Court in City of “RFRA is being invoked in this case Borne v. Flores (1997) that RFRA was un- as a license for employers to influence constitutional as applied to state and care Is a Legal Duty (CHILD), the est threat to individual freedom of con- their female employees’ contraception local governments. Child Protection Project, the Foun- science.” choices,” FFRF contends in the amicus In the amicus brief, Hamilton ar- dation to Abolish Child Sex Abuse, FFRF notes that its original found- brief. gues that the unconstitutionality of the Survivors for Justice and the Survivors ers, Anne Nicol Gaylor and Annie Lau- The amici also assert: “If Hobby federal RFRA “has been lost in the in- Network of those Abused by Priests rie Gaylor, formed FFRF “partly in re- Lobby can deploy RFRA to block cov- tense public debate between claimed (SNAP). sponse to unwarranted governmental erage of women’s reproductive health, religious liberty for for-profit corpo- FFRF’s interest in the case arises and religious intrusion into a woman’s the next believer will argue against vac- rations and women’s reproductive from its position that “the radical re- reproductive health decisions.” cinations, and the next against screen- health.” definition of ‘religious freedom’ to in- Hobby Lobby was founded by David ings for children or domestic violence FFRF’s brief is also signed by Bishop clude a right to impose one’s religious Green, who has a religious objection screening and counseling. There is Accountability.org, Children’s Health- beliefs on others is arguably the great- to some forms of prescription contra- Continued on page 3

Inside This Issue Feds appeal FFRF’s parish exemption win Aisha Goss: Fight the The federal government filed notice allowance to exclude that allowance attorney Richard L. Bolton, represent- Religious Jan. 24 that it’s appealing the Freedom from taxable income. Ministers may ing FFRF, noted: “The Court’s decision Right From Religion Foundation’s signifi- even use untaxed income to buy a does not evince hostility to religion — cant federal court victory declaring the home and deduct interest paid on the nor should it even seem controversial.” Page 6 “parish exemption” unconstitutional. mortgage and property taxes — known However, the decision set off “shock Under the 1954 law, “ministers of the as “double dipping.” waves” in the clergy network. gospel” don’t pay any taxes on salary The clergy benefit costs the govern- Clergy are permitted to use the Seymour designated as a “housing allowance.” ment up to $700 million a year in lost housing allowance not just for rent Chwast: U.S. District Judge Barbara B. Crabb revenue, and benefits not just min- or mortgages, but for a wide range of Memorable for the Western District of Wisconsin isters but their employer churches, home improvements, including main- Moments in issued a strong, 43-page decision on which can pay ministers less because tenance and repairs. They may exempt Monotheism Nov. 22 declaring 26 U.S. C. § 107(2) untaxed income goes further. from taxable income up to the fair unconstitutional. The case is FFRF, An­ Christianity Today found that 84 market rental value of their home, Page 11 nie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker v. Ja­ percent of senior pastors receive particularly benefiting well-heeled pas- cob Lew, Acting Secretary of the Treasury a housing allowance ranging from tors. Ellery Department and Daniel Werfel, Acting $20,000 to $38,000 in added (but not The 1954 bill’s sponsor, Rep. Peter Schempp: Commissioner of the International Revenue reported or taxed) salary. Mack, argued ministers should be re- Champion Service. “I agree with plaintiffs that §107(2) warded for “carrying on such a cou- of the First The appeal will go before the 7th does not have a secular purpose or ef- rageous fight” against a “godless and Amendment Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Chi- fect,” wrote Crabb, adding that a rea- anti-religious world movement.” cago. sonable observer would view it “as an All taxpayers are burdened by taxes, Pages 12–13 The law allows “ministers of the gos- endorsement of religion.” Crabb noted. “Defendants do not iden- pel” who are paid through a housing At the time of the federal ruling, Continued on page 3 Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014

Meet a Legal Staffer

Patrick Elliott and Macy, his Labrador pup. Name: Patrick Elliott. administrator said we were instrumen- Where and when I was born: St. tal in changing the vote. Paul, Minn., Oct. 7, 1983. What sucks about it: I feel like New- Education: B.S. in legal studies and man from “Seinfield” sometimes and political science from the University of how he talked about the mail: “There’s Wisconsin-Madison (2005) and a J.D. never a letup, It’s relentless.” The num- from the University of Wisconsin Law ber of new violations does not seem to School (2009). be letting up, even though we are sure- Family: I live in Madison with my ly making progress. girlfriend, Sarah, and our Labrador I spend a lot of time thinking about: Meet an Intern retriever, Macy. My parents, sister, two Accepted everyday practices that are brothers and extended family live in probably wrong or could be done bet- the Twin Cities. ter. This is mostly “Freakonomics” type Name: Yuna Choi. What I like best about it: Acquiring How I came to work at FFRF: As a stuff like how buses stopping at train Where and when I was born: Biele- a better understanding of the legal sys- recent law school graduate and First tracks in the city probably cause more feld, Germany, Feb. 23, 1992. tem through cases of First Amendment Amendment enthusiast, I saw that accidents than they prevent. Family: Mom, Dad and a 13-year-old violations. FFRF had an opening in the legal de- I spend little if any time thinking brother. Something funny that’s happened partment in 2010 and I jumped at the about: How to make sense of the bible Education: Senior psychology major at work: I enjoy learning of the various opportunity. or any religious text. at Carleton College, Northfield, Minn. “hate” mail and “crank” calls that FFRF What I do here: Separate church My religious upbringing was: Ro- I expect to graduate in 2014. receives. and state. Our attorneys work to resolve man Catholic, and not just nominally My religious upbringing was: Pri- My legal interests are: Separation of state/church violations through com- Catholic. My brothers now make fun of marily Buddhist, although we did ca- church and state (obviously), restor- munications with government officials. me for hurrying them up so we would sually attend a Baptist church during ative justice, criminal prosecution/de- We also educate the public about the not be late to Mass and for “shushing” part of my childhood. I am, however, fense. Establishment Clause and advise FFRF them in church. pretty secular and have been since I My legal heroes are: Clarence Dar- on litigation and act as in-house coun- My doubts about religion started: was fairly young. row, Nelson Mandela. sel. I have helped oversee litigation in- After taking a course on early Chris- How I came to work as an FFRF These three words sum me up: Curi- volving Ten Commandments displays tian literature in college. I took that intern: An externship opportunity at ous, empathetic, paradoxical. in schools, school board prayers, state class after watching Dan Barker debate FFRF was advertised through the ca- Things I like: Any book by George days of prayer, and FFRF’s IRS cases. In a Christian apologist on whether Je- reer center at my school. I have always Orwell or Kurt Vonnegut, fruit and addition, I help with advocacy on leg- sus rose from the dead. At the time, I been interested in religion in a philo- chocolate/cheese pairings, the smell islation, including opposing proposals thought Dan lost the debate but I was sophical way and thought that this of incense, “Arrested Development” to expand private school vouchers. interested in learning more about the was a good chance to become more (TV show), science fiction, blunt hon- What I like best about it: I get to history of the bible. It turns out that he acquainted with the political aspects esty. work on a lot of really fun and inter- won the debate, but it just took me a of religion as well as to develop skills Things I smite: Fox News, licorice, esting cases that most attorneys would while to realize it. in public relations and journalism. passive aggression, chauvinism. never have the chance to work on. Things I like: Marine aquariums, Although I am a prospective medical My loftiest goal: To find a cure for a They are fun because almost every one poker, stand-up comedy, NCAA “March school candidate, I wanted to extend chronic disease. Also to become profi- involves the government, religion and Madness.” my involvement to other areas. cient in Arabic (equally important and the Constitution. Things I smite: Closed government What I do here: As an editorial in- lofty). One of my favorite moments at FFRF meetings and records, revisionist his- tern, I write legal victory reports and was when I received a thank-you call tory, coaches not going for it on fourth profiles of famous “freethinkers” FFRF is most appreciative of Yuna for from a school administrator. I thought down when it’s the correct thing to do. (Freethought of the Day), upload rel- giving us three weeks of her life, gratis, in to myself, “This never happens.” We In my golden years: I’ll be living evant YouTube videos, edit copy for December and making all her own living ar­ are used to angry calls but not thank- near a lake or ocean. Freethought Today and assist the pub- rangements. She was immensely helpful. you calls. School board members had Upcoming projects? I’m working on licist with various tasks. changed their mind on approving a creating a T-shirt celebrating the Third fundamentalist charter school, and the Amendment. Freethought Today Notify Us of A Note to Members published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. Your Address [email protected] • FFRF.org Your address label shows the expira- P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 Change Promptly! tion date of your membership in FFRF, (608)256-8900 • FAX (608)204-0422 Email: [email protected] which includes your subscription to Editor: Bill Dunn, [email protected] Don’t miss a single issue! If you Freethought Today and “Private Line.” move, notify us directly and If it says January/February 2014 or ear- Production Editor: Scott Colson promptly. The Post Office does lier please renew! Your prompt re­newal Executive Editor: Annie Laurie Gaylor not forward third-class mail. ($40-single mem­ber­ship; $50-house- Assistant Editor: Lauryn Seering FFRF cannot be responsible for re- hold; $100 gung-ho; $25-student) saves Contributors: Philip Appleman, Seymour Chwast, Patrick Elliott, Aisha Goss, us time and post­age, and is tax-deduct- placing back issues if we have not Brent Nicastro, Ellery Schempp, Barbara G. Walker, Maddie Ziegler been notified prior to your move. ible. Free­­­thought Today is published 10 January/February 2014 Back issues, while they last, may times a year, with combined issues in be ordered for $2 each. Jan/Feb and June/July. Send member- The only freethought newspaper in the United States ship or renewal to FFRF, Box 750, Madi- son WI 53701, ffrf.org/donate January/February 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3 Vouchers subsidize incompetent schools Photo: TimohtyHughes state approval were not able to garner schools. Department of Public Instruc- on the Daughters of the Father web- as many applicants as the 18 Catho- tion testing data published last year site includes revisionist history lessons lic schools and seven other Christian showed that Milwaukee Public School from A Beka Books, creationism in- schools now receiving taxpayer money. students outperform voucher students struction in science classes and health Only parents in the religious majority in reading and math. Looking past the class instruction for seventh and eighth were able to send their children to a averages, the data reveals that entire graders on “sins such as adultery, forni- denominational “choice” school. voucher schools lack basic skills. cation and homosexuality.” This flawed program violates the Es- Carter’s Christian Academy and It matters what is taught in taxpayer- tablishment Clause of the First Amend- Daughters of the Father Christian funded schools. No parental “choice” ment and its equivalent in the Wiscon- Academy are two Milwaukee schools on where to send a child for school sin Constitution: Article 1, Section 18. that rely almost entirely on taxpayer should mean that all taxpayers pick While the legality and feasibility funding. Daughters of the Father pro- up the tab for fundamentally flawed of statewide vouchers have not been motes itself as “specializing in reading schooling by educators who are incom- tested, the Milwaukee Parental Choice and math.” Of the 92 students tested in petent. It is expected that the Milwau- Program has been tested. It is the long- 2012 at Daughters of the Father, only kee voucher program will cost $161 est running voucher program in the one tested proficient in reading and million this school year alone. country. What have we learned? Wis- two tested proficient in math. With vouchers, there are no assur- consin taxpayers are paying millions At Carter’s Christian Academy, none ances that educators are answerable to of dollars to dozens of incompetent of the 85 students tested proficient in the citizens who ultimately write the religious schools that do not provide a reading and only one tested proficient checks. They are not governed by pub- comprehensive education. in math. Between the two schools, 81% licly elected school boards that have to By Patrick Elliott Milwaukee’s LifeSkills Academy, are classified as having “minimal” skills answer to constituents. There are virtu- which received $2.3 million in state in reading and 75% have minimal ally no protections to ensure that stu- voucher money since 2008, shut down math skills. dents are receiving a sound education. With “National School Choice suddenly in mid-December. A priest in It is understandable that students Voucher supporters will be unable Week” upon us, it is a fitting time to charge of the building that was rented attending these schools are struggling, to offer reforms that guarantee an- take a look at Wisconsin’s failed vouch- by the school said that the school’s op- given the fundamentalist curriculum other LifeSkills Academy debacle will er program. The abrupt closure of erators moved out “in the dead of the that is being taught in what are gener- not happen again. Moving students LifeSkills Academy, a Christian school night.” Families of students were left ally considered secular subjects. Infor- around in the middle of a school year in Milwaukee, is merely a symptom of scrambling to find a new school. mation available on each school’s web- like they are chess pieces is absolutely a larger problem. Wisconsin’s voucher LifeSkills students had struggled site makes it clear that they both utilize disruptive to student learning and will system is broken and cannot be re- with basic reading and math, with only curriculum provided by A Beka Books, continue under a voucher system. paired. one of the 56 students testing profi- a publisher of fundamentalist Chris- Any additional accountability mea- At its core, the voucher system is cient in either subject on 2012 state tian textbooks. A Beka has promoted sures for voucher schools that are put a backdoor means to fund religious exams. Despite their poor operation of its materials by saying that textbook into place cannot fix a fundamentally schools with taxpayer money instead the Milwaukee school, Taron and Rod- writers “do not paraphrase progressive broken program. of public schools. The expansion of ney Monroe opened LifeSkills Acad- education textbooks and add biblical vouchers statewide highlights this fact. emy II in Florida last year and bragged principles” but instead “create text- Patrick Elliott is a staff attorney with All of the new schools, 25 out of 25, are about their ability to get government books from a biblical worldview, built the Freedom From Religion Foundation in Christian schools. grants for religious schools. upon the firm foundation of Scriptural Madison, Wis. Notably, the one Islamic school and LifeSkills Academy is merely one truth.” two Jewish schools that applied for of many inept Milwaukee voucher A profile of the 2011-12 curriculum FFRF, other advocates file brief Feds appeal against Hobby Lobby FFRF’s parish

Continued from front page they don’t like, to their benefit.” RFRA is being “permitted to foment exemption win no limit to the variety of religious be- Oral arguments will be heard March culture wars,” Hamilton writes, which lievers in the United States, and good 25. The 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Ap- violates the separation of powers, Ar- Continued from front page reason to know that the vulnerable will peals ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby ticle V and the Establishment Clause of pay the price.” that corporations have the same (or the Constitution. tify any reason why a requirement on Hamilton writes: “RFRA lets reli- stronger) religious rights as individu- Hamilton holds the Paul R. Verkuil ministers to pay taxes on a housing al- gious citizens rewrite any federal law als. Chair in Public Law at Benjamin N. lowance is more burdensome for them However, the 3rd Circuit ruled Cardozo School of Law and is the au- than for the many millions of others against a similar challenge by another thor of God vs. the Gavel: Religion and the who must pay taxes on income used for business that “for-profit, secular corpo- Rule of Law. housing expenses.” Include FFRF rations cannot engage in religious ex- “We find ourselves in the novel posi- Gaylor and Barker, as co-presidents ercise” and that a business owner’s re- tion, for once, of siding with the fed- of FFRF, are the primary plaintiffs. In Your Estate ligious rights do not allow that owner eral government, in this case Kathleen Crabb agreed they have standing to to impose his religion on his business’s Sebelius, secretary of Health and Hu- sue and are injured because FFRF Planning employees.” man Services,” commented FFRF Co- designates part of their salaries as a Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp., President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “Dog- “housing allowance,” but they are not Arrange a bequest in your will or East Earl, Pa., is appealing that ruling, ma must not be permitted to trump lawfully able to claim the same benefit trust, or make the Freedom From which will also be heard March 25. civil liberties in our secular republic.” “ministers of the gospel” are accorded. Religion Found­ation the benefi- “The clergy and churches have be- ciary of an insurance policy, bank come accustomed to privileges and account, or IRA. It’s easy to do. prerogatives from our secular govern- For related information Freedom From Religion Foundation ment which are not only unconstitu- (or to request a bequest tional, but which don’t play fair. The brochure), please phone P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • ffrf.org rest of us should not have to pay more Annie Laurie Gaylor at taxes, because clergy don’t pay their (608) 256-8900. What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? fair share,” said Gaylor. FFRF Barker, a former minister, now P.O. Box 750 Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics), heads the volunteer Clergy Project, Madison WI 53701 the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state and church which helps clergy who have changed separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. their minds about religion leave the The Foundation’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Please include your name and pulpit. Barker said he knows hundreds Freedom Depends physical mailing address with all e-mail correspondence. of former ministers who agree with Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action alerts” and FFRF that “the housing exclusion is an on Freethinkers “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. unfair and unwarranted boost from the government and should be abolished.” Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014

Heads Up A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman

Some Say the World Will End in Ice

Ice storm leaves 100,000 without power. NY Times, December 21 Overheard So who put Robert Frost on this cool track? Perhaps another Frost, a guy named Jack? I was an atheist by cation and reading and facts” to faith third grade. New York Times, 7-26-07 Or maybe he’d read Dante, and heard tell Singer Linda Ronstadt The worst are packed in ice in the depths of hell. New York Times, 12-29- How did my family miss the dedication 13 of Dorr Township to the Holy Family with a nativity in the publicly owned The Kickstarter cam- gazebo at the center of town? Think of the people freezing in Berlin paign for “Bible Chronicles: The Call Atheist Jeremiah Bannister, Dorr, During the Ice-Cold War, and how they all of Abraham” is not off to a quick start. Mich., on how a crèche was allowed on After launching two days ago, it has land leased by the township Grabbed a sledge or pickaxe, to begin gathered just $1,649 of its $100,000 Advance Newspapers, 12-15-13 target from 28 total backers. Funding Proving that something doesn’t love a wall. closes on Feb. 6. The hardest thing I had to do was Article on the “God-focused single- walk through the door of a police sta- player role-playing” video game tion and stand at a desk with people The woods are filling up with ice and snow: gamespot.com, 1-9-14 around, and say why I was there. Clergy abuse victim DG, 55, on report- The sky has ugly promises to keep. Sexual abuse in Jewish religious institu- ing in 1993 his molestation at age 13 by Our promises seem promising — although tions has emerged as one of the most Marist Brother Raymond Foster, who tragic issues of our generation. Fearing killed himself after being arrested in We’ve many miles to go before we sleep. scandal, rabbis in the past were often 1999 inclined not to report such cases to the Australian Broadcasting Corp., 12-13-13 authorities, thus enabling pedophiles “Straight up, no ice” has been my preference, to continue preying on children as Mr. Obama has gone to church 18 they moved on to other religious edu- times during his nearly five years in the And that has made all the difference. cational institutions. White House, according to Mark Knol- Columnist Isi Leibler ler of CBS News, an unofficial White Jerusalem Post, 1-1-14 House historian, while his predecessor, © Philip Appleman 2013 Mr. Bush, attended 120 times during Freethought Today is honored to publish this new poem. If you didn’t think that took balls, his eight years in office. you’ve never been to Oklahoma. Say- News story analyzing the president’s ing “I’m an atheist” in Oklahoma is like personal faith and church attendance, Philip Appleman is Dis­tinguished Professor­ Emeri­ screaming “jihad” at airport security. which included a “no show” on Christ- tus at In­dia­na Uni­ver­si­ty. His published volumes of Entertainer Doug Stanhope, on athe- mas poetry in­clude Perfidious Proverbs and Other Poems: ists raising $125,000 for tornado sur- New York Times, 12-29-13 A Satirical Look at the Bible (2012), Darwin’s Ark vivor Rebecca Vitsmun, who famously (new 2009 edition) and Karma, Dharma, Pudding told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer she was not There is nothing about the image that & Pie (2009). His nonfiction work in­cludes the widely thanking God for saving her family suggests he believes in one god, no used Norton Critical Edition, Darwin, and the Nor­ The Raw Story, 12-30-13 god, or several. It simply depicts a Na- ton Critical Edition of Malthus’ Essay on Pop­ulation. tive American shooting a bow and ar- His poetry and fiction have won many awards, including a fellowship in It’s a campaign to get the word out row. poetry from the Na­tional En­dow­ment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award that there are atheists and agnostics. U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton, ruling from the Poetry Society of America, the Humanist Arts Award from the There’s no attempt to convert anyone. against a Methodist pastor in his suit American Humanist Association and the Friend of Darwin Award from the It doesn’t say, “We hate God.” claiming that the Oklahoma license National Center for Science Education. His work has ap­peared in Har­ Stephen Hirtle, Pittsburgh Coalition of plate forces him to display an image per’s Magazine, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, Reason spokesman [and FFRF chair], contrary to his beliefs The Paris Review, Partisan Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review.. on a bus ad rejected by the city’s Port Tulsa World, 1-15-14 Authority over which the group is suing Pittsburgh City Paper, 12-4-13 There has been anti-science propa- ganda running unchecked on the You do know Jesus wasn’t born in Beth- right for years, from anti-gay equality YOUR WEEKLY ANTIDOTE TO THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT lehem, Pennsylvania, right? misinformation to climate change de- Jon Stewart, responding to Fox News nials. When you look at white evangeli- host Megyn Kelly’s claim that Jesus and cal Protestants, the evolution denial- TUNE IN TO Santa were both white men ism gets even worse. Only 27% of that “The Daily Show,” 12-12-13 group believes in evolution. FREETHOUGHT RADIO Columnist Charles Blow, citing a Pew The lady looked at me. I thought she Research Center study was going to put money in the kettle. New York Times, 1-4-14 produced by the She came up to me and said, “Do you Freedom From Religion Hosted by Dan Barker and believe in God?” And she says, “You’re It seems that if Oklahoma Christians Foundation Annie Laurie Gaylor supposed to say Merry Christmas,” and want to imbue society with their val- that’s when she hit me. ues, there are better ways to do it that Broadcasts and streams Saturdays at 11 a.m. Central, Progressive Talk The Mic Kristina Vindiola, Salvation Army bell respect the pluralistic nature of our 92.1 FM, Madison, Wis., and over several other stations. ringer, on what happened when she society. Perhaps they should just focus iTunes or podcasts archived at: ffrf.org/news/radio said “Happy Holidays” outside a Phoe- on living out the Ten Commandments nix Walmart and ditch the monuments. Slightly irreverent views, Kirsten Powers, columnist and Fox I am a retired Christian. News political analyst, on a State Capi- news, music & interviews Irish actor Peter O’Toole, who died tol controversy Dec. 14 at 81, saying he prefers “edu- USA Today, 1-14-14 January/February 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5

FFRF Building Fund grows Photo: Andrew Seidel Photo: Andrew Diane Post, VA, $200 Charles Saxton, AR, $200 Anonymous, AZ, $150 Anonymous, IL, $100 Steve Biever, WI, $100 Jeffrey Brown, OR, $100 Teresa DeAnn Day, AZ, $100 Anonymous, CT, $100 Dennis DePorter, IL, $100 Steve and Ginger Durgin, CA, $100 William Flowers, OH, $100 Tim Hardegree TSGT, USAF (Ret.), NM, $100 Gene Joyner, NC, $100 Jeanne Kaufmann, PA, $100 Anonymous, CA, $100 Anonymous, NY, $100 Stefanie Moritz and Vince Jenkins, WI, $100 Anonymous, MA, $100 Alan Palmer and Linda Mahan, PA, $100 Allen Perper, MD, $100 Michael Reese, AR, $100 This listing reports donations re- Charlotte Siverling, WI, $100 ceived by FFRF from Dec. 6, 2013, to Anonymous, CA, $100 Jan. 23, 2014. It is not cumulative ex- Anonymous, CA, $100 cept for the total. Donations received Anthony Uva, NJ, $100 before Dec. 6 were listed in previous is- Phyllis Watlington, CO, $100 sues. Freethought Today will list subse- Donald Worrell, AL, $100 quent donations in future issues. Con- tributors are not named here unless $5 – $99 they grant express permission. Carol Black, NY, $75 FFRF welcomes 53 Anonymous, CA, $50 $5,000+ Anonymous, OH, $50 Todd L. Erickson, MN, $10,500 Anonymous, CT, $50 Anonymous, TN, $5,000 Anonymous, WI, $50 Lifers, 2 After-Lifers Jill & Jeff Dean, AZ, $5,000 Anonymous, NY, $50 Anonymous, FL, $5,000 Louis Emery, IL, $50 Ron Taggart, OH, $5,000 Francine and Lenny Goldstein, NY, $50 The Freedom From Religion Foun- Jerry Szubin, Grant Taylor, Frank Trafi- Paul and Peg Heffron, MN, $50 dation is very pleased to welcome a cante, Joseph Triebwasser, Stan Ulrich, $1,000 – $4,999 Anonymous, CA, $50 whopping 53 new Lifetime Members, Jay Wakefield, Herbert Weiss and Ruth Tom Wolfe & Pat Powers, WI, $3,000 Peter Kwaak, TN, $50 representing 29 states and two coun- Weiss. Khalid Ali, WI, $2,500 Carol Lyden, OH, $50 tries. FFRF also recently received “Af- States represented include: Arizo- Dianne Centa, OH, $2,500 Skeets and Julie Mahoney, AZ, $50 ter-Life” Memberships from Chris Al- na, California, Colorado, Connecticut, John Tindale, SC, $2,500 Anonymous, CA, $50 len and Ralph Eschenbach. Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Ronald Wallace, FL, $2,500 Anonymous, CA, $50 New Lifetime Members, including Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Min- Fairfid Caudle, NY, $2,000 Anonymous, WI, $50 one donor who wishes to remain anon- nesota, Mississippi, Montana, North Bob Jolly, RI, $2,000 Anonymous, VA, $50 ymous, are: Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ne- Anonymous, FL, $1,610.92 Anonymous, CO, $50 Deron Barnhart, Scott Brierley, vada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Penn- Prof. Paul Newman, IN, $1,200 Fred Yonce, CO, $50 Russell Collins (via Combined Fed- sylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Paul Fleischauer, WI, $1,001 Brian and Anne Wales, WI, $40 eral Campaign donations), Dana Cur- Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. Robert James Cimasi, MO, $1,000 Anonymous, CA, $35 rent, Salvatore D’Addona, Scott Del- Countries outside the U.S. repre- Anonymous, TX, $1,000 Anonymous, CA, $35 comyn, Todd L. Erickson, William E. sented are Canada (Saskatchewan) Anonymous, MD, $1,000 Tom Hancock, CO, $30 Favrot, Mark Fischer, Dorothy Fulton, and Germany. Blachford-Cooper Foundation, CA, Anonymous, OR, $30 Joy Goldbaum, Steve Goldrich, Ryan Additionally, FFRF formally wel- $1,000 Jerry and Sonja M. Williams, TX, $30 Grisso, Joseph Arthur Haas, Robert comes Gerry Hirsch as a Lifetime Mem- Merrit Heminway, TN, $1,000 Anonymous, CA, $25 Harp, Christopher Helwig (through a ber. He became a Lifetime Member a Windell Horton, TX, $1,000 Anonymous, MO, $25 matching donation), Matthew Hertz, year ago, and we’re sorry he was inad- Anonymous, PA, $1,000 Mike Butche, IL, $25 Beaux Johnson, Ben A. Johnson, Dr. vertently left out of the announcement Gordon McGrew, IL, $1,000 Anonymous, CA, $25 Raymond C. Jones, Jared Kaplan, at that time. Likewise, Denny Law was Saundra McMillan, MO, $1,000 Kyle Merlin Sleder, MI, $25 Ms. Malita K. Kim-Schultz, Jo Ann mistakenly omitted from the Decem- Anonymous, MD, $1,000 Tom Stavros, MN, $25 Kremers, John Kristoff, Mr. Andriy ber listing of new Lifetime Members. Eugene Osegovic, CO, $1,000 Darlene Demetri, CT, $20 Lapitskyy, Ken Lindley, Dave Mar- Individual Lifetime Members are Eugene Provost, NJ, $1,000 Kelvin Houston, IL, $20 shall, Dr. Richard Martin, Ken McMur- $1,000 designated for membership or Anonymous, CO, $1,000 Anonymous, WA, $20 ray, Velia Mitro, Ginny Morgan (gift membership renewal, mean never an- Anonymous, WA, $1,000 Michael W. Manchester, Ontario, Can- from Alfred Wolf), Pamela Morris, Dr. other renewal notice and go into rainy Mark Troyer, CA, $1,000 ada, $15 George Phillips, Jr., Jerry Rauser, Ste- day reserves. After-Life Memberships Mike Weeda and Joanne Michalski, IL, Anonymous, TX, $14 phen Kyle Roof, Patricia Rose, Debora of $5,000 are for those who want their $1,000 Anonymous, NJ, $10 Salisbury, Robert Schachner, Jeffrey donation to live after them, and also go Nancy Dollard, OH, $10 Sherman, Harry Siitonen (who submit- into reserves. All dues and donations $100 – $999 Louis Williams, CA, $5 ted his second Lifetime payment to be to FFRF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, are de- John Smail, CA, $666 Subtotal: $76,815.92 a “Post-Lifer”), Joanne Karen Skeates, ductible for income-tax purposes. Francois Boucher, CA, $500 Ryan Patrick Sommers, Ava Stafford Thank you to our 57 very generous, Anonymous, AK, $500 New cumulative total: (her parents, Roger and Camille, are aforementioned members! David Nathan, in honor of Ben Na- already “Lifers”), Laurie Stephenson, than, MA, $500 $1,723,929.56 Anonymous, PA, $500 Kenneth Schmidt, Sr., FL, previ- H. Drower, IL, $250 ously listed as Anonymous, has since Lane Kistler, WI, $250 granted permission to acknowledge his Paul Koehler, CA, $250 $1,000 contribution by name. Floyd Le Cheryl Kolbe, OR, $250 Bouton, MI, also listed anonymously Anonymous, CA, $250 previously, has also granted permission Anonymous, NY, $250 to acknowledge his $300 contribution. Barry Skeist, NY, $250 Dr. John Steinberg, M.D., was incor- Bonnie and Gary Stormo, SD, $250 rectly listed without his credentials in Declare and share your nonbelief in FFRF’s online “Out of the Closet” campaign! Oguz Poroy, IA, $249 our last listing. Many thanks for his ffrf.org/out Edward Hettick Jr., FL, $200 generous $1,000 donation. Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014 Recent FFRF legal victories Bibles removed from UW guest rooms

Okla. staff warned on portunity to “goods, services, facilities, Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell re- teacher prayer privileges, advantages and accommo- quested in a Nov. 26 letter that the city dations.” remind the officer that such actions A concerned student reported to The owner confirmed Dec. 2 that are unconstitutional. FFRF that pep rallies at Alva High the restaurant had dropped the dis- “[The officer’s] overt promotion of School in Oklahoma regularly featured count. religion while acting in his official ca- student-led prayer circles supported by pacity as a government agent gives the the faculty. In a letter sent Oct. 23, Staff unfortunate impression that the Tole- Attorney Andrew Seidel reminded Su- Carolina meals won’t do PD endorses Christianity over other perintendent Steve Parkhurst and the open with prayer religions and generally endorses reli- Order FFRF bible warning labels at school principal that the Establish- gion over nonreligion,” wrote Cavell. ffrf.org/shop. ment Clause of the First Amendment Prayers will no longer precede In his response Dec. 4, the police deems any school-sponsored sectarian meals at the Simpsonville Activity and chief said the situation would be inves- practice unconstitutional. Senior Center in Simpsonville, S.C. tigated further and that “[the officer’s] FFRF received a statement from Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel warned supervisor was made aware of the in- A fter attempting to end the Parkhurst on Nov. 4, claiming that the Parks and Recreation Department, cident and was instructed to counsel practice for several decades, the Free- the group prayer was merely optional which runs the center, that such reli- [the officer] about his actions.” dom From Religion Foundation has after a pep rally. Seidel addressed this gious practices are prohibited by the persuaded University of Wisconsin-Ex- contention in his letter, “Even if prayer Establishment Clause and Title XX of tension in Madison to remove Gideon at Alva High’s pep rallies were volun- the Social Security Act. FFRF extinguishes bibles from its 137 guest rooms. tary, and even if participation at pep “Not only does organizing public Points of Light In November, a complainant who rallies were made non-mandatory for prayer at meals jeopardize your federal encountered the bible at the Lowell students in the band, cheerleaders, funding, it also violates our citizens’ A proselytizing group will no lon- Center on the UW-Madison campus and football players, the mere volun- rights to be free from religious pros- ger have access to families at Frick contacted FFRF. The seven-story con- tariness of the prayers would still not elytizing by the government or gov- Middle School in Oakland, Calif. A ference center hosts events of up to 400 remedy this constitutional violation. ernment funded organizations,” wrote religious organization called Points people and was used by the UW secular Courts have summarily rejected argu- Seidel. of Light hosted a barbecue at a “Back student group — Atheists, Humanists, ments that voluntariness excuses a con- On Dec. 5, FFRF received a reply to School Night” alongside school ac- and Agnostics — to host a freethought stitutional violation.” from Director of Recreation Robbie tivities. FFRF’s complainant reported festival last March. Parkhurst concluded his letter on a Davis, stating that “staff at the Simp- that both events were treated and ad- Patrick Elliott, one of FFRF’s five positive note, “Faculty members have sonville Senior Center has ceased lead- vertised through official school chan- staff attorneys, took action, contacting been reminded that this must be stu- ing or encouraging prayer before meal nels as a single event with no mention UW-Extension: “When a government dent-initiated and as a faculty member functions.” of the ministry’s involvement. At one entity like the Lowell Center allows they cannot participate.” point, a PoL representative addressed distribution of religious material to FFRF letter curbs the crowd and made religious state- visitors, it has unconstitutionally entan- Hymns removed ments, such as “praise God” and “lift gled itself with a religious message, in Cornerstone prayer up Jesus.” this case a Christian message.” from school music Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent UW-Extension Chancellor Ray FFRF reminded the Hyde Park Cen- a letter to Oakland Unified School Cross (now UW System president) re- Emmons Lake Elementary School in tral School District in New York that District Superintendent Gary Yee on sponded Nov. 25 that all bibles would Caledonia, Mich., was contacted Oct. 3 active involvement of faculty during Nov. 7: “It is regrettable that religious be removed from guest rooms by Dec. by Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel on be- after-school clubs is inappropriate. groups seek to use the school as a re- 1. The decision received wide area me- half of a concerned parent. Seidel in- In a Nov. 7 letter to Superintendent cruiting ground for their particular dia coverage. formed Superintendent Randy Rodri- Greer Rychcik, Staff Attorney Eliza- religion. Their presence at this school Elliott called it a solid victory for guez that teaching Christian-themed beth Cavell requested that staff at F.D. event creates the appearance of district state/church separation. “While pri- music to students is unconstitutional. Roosevelt High School in Staatsburg, endorsement of their programs. Given vate hotels may choose to put any type “The problems with the music are N.Y., stop participation in the school’s the purpose of the school welcome of literature they want in their guest compounded by the fact that [the prayer group, Cornerstone, on consti- event, the prominence of the PoL min- rooms, state-run colleges have a consti- teacher] used the song as an oppor- tutional grounds. istry, and PoL’s use of the school to tutional obligation to remain neutral tunity to teach Christian doctrine to Cavell also referenced the Equal Ac- spread its message, a reasonable par- toward religion.” students, as well as by the fact that the cess Act, which prohibits teachers from ent would conclude that PoL has the FFRF President Emerita Anne Nicol concert is specifically labeled a ‘Christ- participating in noncurricular student backing of the school.” Gaylor first contacted UW-Extension mas’ concert,” noted Seidel. activities. In a Dec. 19 response, the district’s in the 1980s and 1990s about the un- On Oct. 16, the superintendent as- “We ask that teachers throughout attorney strongly criticized the ar- constitutional practice. Now 87, Gaylor sured FFRF that the school “has initi- the district be reminded of their con- rangement. Attorney Laura O’Neill responded, “It’s satisfying to finally see ated steps to resolve this concern at a stitutional duty to remain neutral to- told Points of Light, “The statements this violation remedied.” local level.” ward religion, a duty that does not sim- made by your staff member violated The complainant confirmed that re- ply begin and end with the school day,” board policy because they promoted ligious teachings have been withdrawn wrote Cavell. Christian viewpoints. It is the district’s Letter stops N.C. from music classes. The school’s legal counsel respond- expectation that your staff will comply employee prayers ed Dec. 3: “The district understands with Board Policy and refrain from and appreciates its constitutional and making any statements that proselytize A complainant reported to FFRF Jersey restaurant statutory obligations to students in this or favor one religious viewpoint over that annual Thanksgiving celebrations stops church discount regard and, to that end, has reminded another. Specifically, your staff may at a department within the North Car- those teachers who were approached not in any way promote Christian view- olina Education Lottery have included FFRF successfully ended a discount by Cornerstone to remain neutral to- points or proselytize on any district prayers initiated by the department di- extended exclusively to churchgoers ward religion and to refrain from par- campus.” rector. by Aleathea’s Restaurant in Cape May, ticipating in the substantive affairs of In a Nov. 29 letter, Staff Attorney N.J. Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell, religious clubs. The district has also in- Patrick Elliott urged NCEL Executive informed by a concerned customer, structed those teachers to refrain from School tells coach to Director Alice Garland to remind em- advised the restaurant to drop the dis- any participation or activity that may stop prayer ployees that such practices are uncon- criminatory practice in an Oct. 10 let- be perceived as an endorsement of the stitutional. ter: club’s religious message.” A coach at West Linn High School Founded in 2005, the lottery is man- “Your restaurant’s restrictive promo- in Tualatin, Ore., will no longer partic- dated to turn over 100% of its proceeds tional practice favors religious custom- ipate in team prayer. FFRF received a to public education. ers, and denies both customers who do Proselytizing cop complaint last fall that Assistant Coach In a Dec. 6 response, lottery coun- not attend church as well as nonbeliev- warned to stop Art Williams would regularly join a cir- sel assured FFRF that the practice will ers the right to ‘full and equal’ enjoy- cle of football players to bow his head stop. “We have addressed this matter ment of Aleathea’s. Any promotions A concerned citizen in Toledo, in prayer. with the affected department director, should be available to all customers Ohio, informed FFRF that during a Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent and informed all upper management regardless of religious preference or traffic collision investigation, after a letter Sept. 24 to William Rhodes, that religion should never be part of practice on a nondiscriminatory basis.” asking whether the citizen attended superintendent, requesting that all any activities, NCEL-sanctioned or not, Cavell said such a discount violates church, the police officer started rec- coach-led prayer cease immediately: while on company property and/or New Jersey law and the federal Civil ommending various churches in the “West Linn High School and its coach- time.” Rights Act, which ensures equal op- area. es should be aware of the tremendous January/February 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7 influence coaches have on their ath- K-9 unit’s bible official school store. letes. Parents trust their children to “The [shirt] designs themselves the coaches’ charge and coaches — posts taken down Band director’s prayer align official athletics teams (not pri- through their own example — must be The Douglas County [Ga.] Sheriff strikes sour note vate student clubs) with Christianity in sure that athletes are not only treated K-9 Unit’s Facebook page no longer violation of the law.” fairly but also imbued with a sense of posts religious messages. The page The marching band director at a Seidel urged the district to con- community and camaraderie.” administrator regularly posted bible high school in Rock Hill School Dis- fiscate the remaining stock of shirts On Oct. 15, an attorney represent- quotes on Sundays, as well as several trict Three, Rock Hill, S.C., apparently and remind staff not to wear them to ing the district responded that Wil- other Christian-themed posts. Staff initiated a student prayer circle before school. liams was directed not to join students Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote to the performances. Staff Attorney Patrick The district responded Oct. 23: in prayer. sheriff Nov. 27: “It is a fundamental Elliott contacted the school’s legal “The entire school staff was notified principle of Establishment Clause ju- counsel Dec. 6 on behalf of a com- that the donated shirts are not to be risprudence that the government can- plainant: worn during school because they are a Superintendent not in any way promote, advance, or “It is a violation of the Constitution violation of the board’s policy regard- removes nativity scene otherwise endorse religion.” for a [school] employee to organize, ing the wearing of religious symbols. Since receiving FFRF’s letter, there schedule, or participate in prayers or The rest of the donated T-shirts have The superintendent of Green Local have been no further religious posts on other religious proselytizing before been confiscated and will be given Schools in Green, Ohio, took down a the unit’s Facebook page. marching band performances.” back to the donor.” nativity scene after receiving a letter In a Dec. 12 letter, legal counsel ad- Religion off athletic from FFRF. Religious marquees mitted that “the band director has on Superintendent Judith Robinson occasion signaled to the students just shirts at school had displayed a nativity scene in her banned at school before they recited the prayer.” office window. Staff Attorney Andrew The director “understands that he After a complaint by FFRF, coaches Seidel wrote to her Dec. 18: “It is un- is to refrain in the future from signal- at South Central High School in Win- lawful for a public school to maintain, ing that any such prayer take place at a terville, N.C., received a lesson from erect, or host a nativity scene, thus en- school-sponsored activity or event.” the school principal on the Constitu- dorsing Christianity.” tion. Robinson emailed promptly that Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote same day stating that she had taken School strips staff of Nov. 27 to the Pitt County School Dis- down the scene. ‘Jesus’ shirts trict about reports of coach-led prayers at football, soccer, baseball and basket- The superintendent of the Wayne ball games. Pledge refusal County [W.Va.] School District will On Dec. 20, FFRF received assur- OK at Utah school ensure that religious messages are not ances from the school district’s attor- put on school marquees after FFRF no- ney that the principal had informed Students at Oquirrh Hills Middle tified her of one such marquee and the all coaches of restrictions on prayer at School (West Jordan, Utah) will no constitutional problems it posed. school events. The district also agreed longer be reprimanded for refusing Buffalo Elementary School had dis- that bible verses would not be placed to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. A played the message “WISE MEN STILL on athletic shirts, which at least one student contacted FFRF to say that, on SEEK HIM” around Christmas. Staff team had done in the past. multiple occasions, a teacher had sin- Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote to the su- gled out a student for refusing to recite perintendent Dec. 31. the pledge. Superintendent Lynn Hurt re- School removes ‘Lord Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote sponded Jan. 3 that she had notified God’ from mural to the superintendent Nov. 13: “Stu- the principal to remove the sign. The dents should not be singled out, re- school district’s attorney “will prepare buked, told they must stand, or oth- a notice for all of our principals and erwise penalized for following their share it with them at their monthly freedom of conscience. It is illegal to meeting about this situation,” Hurt reprimand a student in any way for said. non-disruptively exercising his or her constitutional right to object to recit- ing the pledge of allegiance.” Public school prayer The district responded Nov. 20 that monitored in Minn. it has and “will continue to teach and remind our students, faculty, and staff FFRF has received multiple com- FFRF was successful in remedying this to foster and maintain an atmosphere plaints about prayer at Pillager [Minn.] constitutional violation in a Georgia of respect and tolerance in our class- Public School events. In 2010, FFRF elementary school. rooms and communities.” objected to a prayer led by a pastor at a Veterans Day assembly for all K-12 FFRF action led to return of shirts like Robinson Elementary School in students. Superintendent Chuck Arns this to the donor. Dawsonville, Ga., painted over part Religious fliers out in gave assurances that prayers would not of a verse from an Anglican hymn af- Ohio school recur at future events but prayers at Buchtel Community Learning Cen- ter FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliot some events continued. ter teachers in Akron, Ohio, will no contacted the attorney for the Dawson South Bloomfield Elementary Most recently, an invocation by a longer be allowed to wear religious County School District on behalf of a School (Ashville, Ohio) will no longer pastor was included as part of a Na- T-shirts in school. The shirts promote concerned parent. be permitted to pass out religious fliers tional Honor Society ceremony in No- the school’s athletic program with mes- The verse, which read, “All Crea- to students. vember. sages such as “Jesus Is My Hero,” “Pick tures Great and Small. The Lord God A concerned parent contacted Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote Up the Cross and Follow Me: Jesus” Made Them All,” was painted above a FFRF when her child brought home to the attorney for the school district and “God’s Got Our Back.” cafeteria mural depicting a variety of an advertisement for “A Night in about the continuation of prayers, ask- FFRF contacted Akron Public animals and insects. Bethlehem,” an event organized by ing for the superintendent to “issue a School Superintendent David James In December, the parent notified a church and featuring a live nativity memorandum which makes absolutely on June 5. Senior Staff Attorney Re- FFRF that the religious portion of the scene, Christmas music and religiously clear that prayers are not permitted as becca Markert detailed constitutional hymn had been painted over with a themed activities. part of school-sponsored events, which concerns and conflict with the board’s new message. The mural now reads, Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel con- includes all events organized by school policy, which bars staff from using their “All Creatures Great and Small. Robin- tacted the school Dec. 12 about its staff. We also request that all staff who positions or property “ ‘for participant son Elem. Loves Them All.” constitutional obligation to remain plan school events are trained on the political or religious purposes.’ Wear- The mural was the latest violation neutral to religion and pointing out legal necessity to immediately cease ing T-shirts calling upon others to fol- in Dawson County Schools that FFRF that religious fliers “waste the time and scheduling prayers.” low Christ is not an example public has rectified. In January 2013, FFRF resources of paid school personnel” The attorney replied Jan. 8: “In the school teachers are constitutionally al- received confirmation from the school and force “teachers of diverse views next week, Superintendent Arns will lowed to set. Furthermore, the policy system that it would not grant academ- and beliefs to distribute religious pro- address all school administration and states staff would ‘dress in a manner ic credit to students for attending an motional materials.” others who could be responsible for consistent with their professional re- unaccredited Christian Learning Cen- Superintendent Jeff Sheets respond- planning school events. He will remind sponsibilities.’ ” ter, as had been reported in the news. ed Dec. 23 that the district has a policy them that during school-sponsored The district responded that it takes In February 2013, a parent alerted not to send any third-party communi- events, there shall be no religious ex- such allegations seriously and request- FFRF about a Latin cross painted on a cations home with students. He said he pression or instruction, whether in the ed names of teachers involved. Staff At- large boulder beside the high school informed the South Bloomfield princi- form of prayer or references to the torney Andrew Seidel sent a follow-up football field. After receiving a letter pal, who was new, of this policy. Sheets bible.” letter with names of staff who had worn from Elliott, the school painted over also stated he would remind district FFRF members with students in the the shirts, including the principal and the cross. residents of the policy. district will monitor future activities to assistant principal. Seidel also noted ensure compliance. that the shirts were being sold in the Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014 Convention speaker Goss fights the Right

Aisha Goss of the Secular Coalition he goes back to his public school, for America spoke Sept. 28 to attendees at there’s still the Ten Commandments We like to ruffle FFRF’s 36th national convention in Madi­ on the wall, there’s still creationism in feathers. We like to son, Wis. FFRF is affiliated with the coali­ his textbook, and his whole class joins tion. hands to say grace before every meal.

Photography by Brent Nicastro see change. While FFRF has been amassing its 165 state/church victories this year, we’ve been working on the legislative side. The Secular Coalition for Ameri- clearly. ca works hard to push for legislation to We don’t just represent those who do what our founders intended, which identify themselves as atheists, free- is to protect a secular government as thinkers, humanists or any of the the best protection of freedom for all. other names that are part of the secu- We do this in two ways: We lobby lar community. About 55% of Ameri- federal and state governments and cans in general think political leaders facilitate cooperation among secu- shouldn’t rely on religious beliefs to lar groups. The second part is really make decisions. Even though most of important because part of the reason us believe that religion shouldn’t be why Washington ignores secularists is the foundation of government, be- because they don’t see us as a united cause the Religious Right speaks so and organized group. In fact, during loudly, they pay attention. letters and we always send comments the past presidential election, a se- Before the 1970s, most nontheists and usually they’re lost or, you know, nior Obama staffer was asked why they were Republican because the Repub- the mail made it one day past the dead- haven’t done any outreach to the secu- licans had the idea of smaller govern- line. But this year all four of our rec- lar community. The adviser looked at ment, and smaller government often ommendations were discussed. We’ll our communications manager and means less [perceived inteference] see what the final bill looks like, but said, “We don’t view you as a constitu- in churches. It wasn’t abortion that for now we’re counting it as one of our By Aisha Goss ency. We don’t do outreach to that caused the shift. It was actually the successes. community.” integration of schools. The Religious Along with the contraceptive man- We’ve been working hard to change Right pooled its resources to fight in- date, we opposed a “conscience clause” My family is from Birmingham, the minds of even Republicans about tegration of schools during the Carter for pharmacists who deny emergency Ala., and when you’re African-Amer- the importance of science, the impor- administration. contraceptives and the medical ne- ican and in Birmingham, Ala., there tance of the secular nature of govern- glect of children through faith heal- are certain milestones that must be ment, and the importance of the secu- Who we are ing. We’ve also included quite recently met. By 3, you’re walking and talking. lar community. Some estimates say that information about vaccines. Vaccines By 5, you’ve joined the children’s choir people who consider themselves either When we talk to people and groups, are not being administered because and had a speaking role in either the secular or “none” number up to 20 mil- we say who secular voters are. We point people believe they are not of God, or Christmas or Easter programs. And by lion. out that secular people tend to be even seen as witchcraft by some. 10, you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your That number catches people’s atten- more educated, have higher incomes We’ve seen an outbreak of measles Lord and personal savior and have tion. We even were invited to go before and are more likely to vote, that they’re and a resurgence of whooping cough been baptized. the Republican National Committee to more likely to be politically aware and in places where the diseases had been Last year, my 8-year-old cousin de- red-line their platform to say what they understand how government operates. eradicated because children are not cided that he was an atheist. Despite needed to do to reach out to secular We explain what our issues are. We being vaccinated. Adults who usually his protests, his family insisted that he Americans. With the three words that talk about health care and science have a stronger reaction to these child- be baptized. So he went to his father’s were left on the page, we kind of said education and the military and all of hood illnesses are actually dying be- gas station and took three boxes of the “revise.” the other places where religious en- cause their children introduce diseases individually packaged Alka-Seltzer. For They don’t see us as organized. On titlement receives special privilege. into the home. those wondering about the math, that the other side they have the Religious Some of the issues we’re dealing with On education, we oppose voucher is 324 tablets. Then he stuffed them in Right, which is very organized. In fact, on a federal level are the religious programs, abstinence-only education, his pockets, his socks, his shoes, his un- they spend about $390 million to lobby exemption to the contraceptive man- and creationism and intelligent design derwear, anywhere that he could get an just the federal government, not to date, religious groups using taxpayer in science classrooms. Alka-Seltzer, he put an Alka-Seltzer. mention the states and U.S. territories. money without limits, the Abstinence If the federal tax subsidies for reli- So when he was dunked in that small We spend only about $350,000 on all Reallocation Act of 2013 and a bill to gious exemptions were stopped, that baptismal pool, the church went into our lobbying at the state and federal repeal the 1954 Johnson Amendment would bring an additional $71 billion an uproar, “Oh, lawdy, it’s a demon!” levels. that bars politicking from the pulpit in a year into the American economy. You can imagine their surprise and And when you have members of a exchange for tax exemption. Another But that’s not a part of discussion right disgust when he emerged from the congressional science committee say thing we’re dealing with is the inclu- now unless we introduce it. One would pool and said, “I think I bubbled out things like, “We can’t send any more sion of humanist chaplains for military think that with all of the problems with my Jesus.” troops to Guam because if we do, the nontheists. the government shutdown that an ad- This budding little Alabama activist island will capsize,” there’s definitely a One of our victories this year was ditional $71 billion a year would be a had a strong statement to make about reason why secular Americans need to gaining more transparency for fed- bit of an incentive. We have to make it the role of religion in his life, but when be heard and need to be heard more eral dollars being spent for religious an issue for lawmakers. purposes. Because churches aren’t We also address discrimination by required to fill out certain IRS forms, employers and landlords and gov- there was no reporting as to where the ernment-issued marriage licenses re- federal money went. This is changing quired on the basis of sex. during the Obama administration, but We also work on similar issues at the it’s being done fairly quietly so as to state level. One thing we actually were not ruffle feathers. But we like to ruffle fighting in one of our state chapters, I feathers. We like to see change, and believe it was Arizona, was that in or- I am proud to be able to report that der to graduate from high school, one change to you. must pronounce Jesus Christ as “Lord We blocked the expansion of reli- and personal savior” and know and un- gious exemptions in the Employment derstand each of the Ten Command- Non-Discrimination Act. The House ments. We were able to get that bill amendment we supported on human- tabled before it made it to the floor. ist chaplains got 150 votes. Although it These are the types of battles we was defeated, this was the first time that fight on a daily basis. So whether you’re something with the word humanist in an 8-year-old activist with a pocketful it got more than 10 votes in Congress. of Alka-Seltzer or someone sitting at We also made suggestions for elimi- home watching your representative say nating religious exemptions in the tax something nonsensical into a micro- code that were included in the recom- phone, we all need to band together mendation to the House Ways and and collectively address the problem, Means Committee. This was a huge not only in the courtrooms but also in victory for us because we always send our legislatures. Thank you. January/February 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9

In Memoriam

Celebrating the life of freethinker Kenneth Taubert Sr., 1921–2013

Ken delivering meals to the elderly.

had a twinkle in his eye and something for his innovative volunteerism with a cheerful to say to everyone. We’re told neighborhood “tiny tots” group. He he loved debating religion with his continued throughout his life to vol- mostly Catholic peers at his nursing unteer and participate in athletic fun- home, and vice versa. Due to Ken’s draisers. In retirement, he volunteered genial nature, these debates never be- for Mobile Meals and once wrote, “I Ken, with Helen Hakeem, picketing the Senate chaplain. came personal.” get lots of hugs, and I don’t mind that Ken was an avid runner who, in re- a bit.” when that work was done in-house. He tirement, turned to brisk walking. He Ken is survived by his son, Bruce, and professor Michael Hakeem, then- liked to boast, after having a pacemak- and daughter, Marcia Hochstetter, and The Freedom From Religion chair of FFRF’s Executive Board, and er placed, about keeping pace with An- their families, plus several grandchil- Foundation is very sorry to report the Helen Hakeem, who was secretary, of- nie Laurie and another young woman dren and great-grandchildren. Ken death last fall of longtime member and ten engaged in freethought activism on a 13-mile walk around a Madison and Virginia’s sons Kenneth Taubert former treasurer Kenneth F. Taubert together. lake in the early 1990s. Jr. and Carl Taubert are deceased. Sr., at Hart Park Square in Wauwatosa, Co-President Dan Barker recalls More than 500 books in FFRF’s li- FFRF’s staff seconds this summation Wis. a memorable road trip with Ken and brary bear Ken Taubert’s initials from in Ken’s obituary: “A man who gave Ken was born in Madison, Wis., in Mike to monitor a “faith-healing” event previous donations. FFRF was honored everyone the benefit of the doubt and 1921, and was raised, along with his sis- in Milwaukee featuring Peter Popoff, to be given Ken’s remaining personal taught compassion and understand- ter, in a strict Catholic foster family. He after Popoff’s exploits had been de- library upon his death. ing, he will be deeply missed by all who enlisted in the Army Air Corps at age bunked by James Randi on “The To- He was featured in a major story had the privilege of knowing him.” 20 and spent six years in that service. night Show.” in The Capital Times (April 3, 1950) He married his wife, Virginia, in 1942. Ken and Mike took in another Ken worked for many years as a su- Milwaukee faith-healing event (“An pervisory custodian at the University Evening with W.V. Grant,” June/July of Wisconsin-Madison. He was an avid 1991), with Ken noting, “I cannot Allen Korbel, 1931–2013 golfer. think of a group more loathsome than He joined FFRF in 1980. In an Oc- the faith healers.” tober 1990 article, he poignantly de- He once turned out at 6:30 a.m. with My Creed tailed his secular awakening: a few hardy FFRF “non-souls” to picket I do not choose to be a common man “I left the Catholic Church when I the appearance of U.S. Senate Chap- A llen Korbel, 82, a Wisconsin It is my right to be uncommon. . . if was about 30 years old. I became disen- lain Richard C. Halverson at a prayer member of FFRF since 1991 and I can. chanted with religion in general, when breakfast attended by 600 religionists later a Lifetime Member, died Dec. I seek opportunity . . . not security. we were told by a priest that our third on a snowy morning in Madison. 17, 2013. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, child, whom doctors told us would not “Ken was such a good activist and Born in Milwaukee on April 16, humbled and dulled by having the live more than one month, would not joined us in several other pickets, in- 1931, he was an accomplished race state look after me. go to heaven unless he was baptized. I cluding in front of University Hospitals car driver and downhill skier with I want to take the calculated risk, argued that this little fellow had done to protest Gideon bible distributions,” “a passion for life,” noted his friend to dream and build, to fail and suc- nothing wrong, and was sure to go said Anne Nicol Gaylor, FFRF presi- Paul Wild. “He was a rare individual, ceed. straight to heaven. The priest insisted, dent emerita. a longtime libertarian, secular hu- I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. so we had him baptized, but I never set In the May 1992 issue of Freethought manist and freethinker.” I prefer the challenges of life to the foot in the Catholic Church again.” Today, Ken recounted “a sweet victory” He is survived by two daughters guaranteed existence; He went on to form the first Wis- — getting his polling place in Monona, who have carried on his tradition of the thrill of fulfillment to the stale consin group to support the rights of Wis., changed from a Catholic church independent thought. calm of Utopia. the mentally impaired, back in the days to a public school. He also persuaded Allen most generously included a I will not trade freedom for benefi- when it was not unusual for them to be the city of Madison to enforce its own $5,000 bequest to FFRF in his estate. cence hidden away. ordinance prohibiting anyone from His daughter, Mary Plautz, noted or my dignity for a handout. Ken attended church with his wife advertising on city property, including that he once told her, “if anything I will try to never cower before any for a number of years. “During this pe- a church that was a repeat offender. has to be written about me, I’d like master riod, I read the bible for the first time When Ken presented his annual it to be this” — “his creed,” which nor bend to any threat. and became a born-again atheist. From treasurer’s report to the convention, was part of a picture frame hanging It is my heritage to stand erect, then on, I read every religious book I including recapping the annual Form on the wall. He felt this exemplifies proud, and unafraid; could get my hands on. I also read ev- 990, he invariably pointed out that a moral and cultural attitude not to think and act for myself; ery freethought book I could find.” churches are uniquely exempted from only about entrepreneurship, but enjoy the benefits of my creations; He served as volunteer treasurer for filling it out by the IRS. “We know Ken about the self determining, fulfill- and face the world boldly and say; more than a decade and was known to was 100% behind our current litiga- ing values in human life”: “This I have done.” many convention-goers and readers of tion contesting that inequity,” said An- — Dean Alfange (1897-1989) Freethought Today. Ken “faithfully” nie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president. helped prepare Freethought Today She added, “Ken was genuinely the mailings for more than a decade back most congenial man I’ve ever met. He Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014 Photo: David Shinn Meet a Profoundly Hilarious Member Photo: Mike Maxwell threw on a pair of sweats, ran across the street, burst into the church and yelled, “SHUT THE F*C* UP!” That’s when I realized I had some unresolved anger issues I better deal with — simply yelling at Christians wasn’t helping me and it sure wasn’t going to help the world. Making peo- ple laugh is way more fun. Where I’m headed: Right now I’m touring my solo comedy show, “Je- sus Loves You! (But Hates Me): One Woman’s Journey from Believer to Blasphemer.” It’s an irreverent ride through my religious childhood and Christianity in America today. There are skits and songs! Spoof films! And even game shows! Whenever I perform, I’m struck by how many people want to tell me their Thea Deley as Thea Deley. stories afterward. Many of us ex-Chris- tians feel angry, hurt and isolated. This Name: Thea Deley. breaks my heart. Where I live: Paonia, Colo. Religious indoctrination is not Where and when I was born: I was something you simply “get over” by born in 1966 while my dad was sta- deciding you no longer believe it. The tioned at the Pueblo Army Depot in brain is much more complex than that. Colorado. While I no longer believe in hell, my Thea Deley as Not-Very-Virgin Mary in her solo comedy show. Family: Mike Maxwell (partner of 22 brain’s limbic system still reacts as if it’s years) and two dogs (Kali and Jenna). a real threat. Education: Social sciences degree Sometimes I catch myself whisper- with a minor in philosophy from Colo- ing, “Please God, please forgive me” white. have sex!” That was the last straw. rado State University; master’s in pub- when I make a mistake. This upsets me. • Telling children that God is going Before I die: I’d like to perform my lic relations from the University of I don’t even believe in God! Does this to punish them if they are bad little show at a national secular conference Denver. Also studied improv comedy at make me weak? No, just conditioned. girls and boys. and have Julia Sweeney come up to me Second City in Hollywood. I’d like to help recovering Chris- • Hypocrisy. In religious people, yes, afterward and say, “Wow, I really loved Occupation: Religious satirist, writ- tians rewire their brains. We are worthy but most especially in myself. My ethi- your show!” Or at the very least, “Wow, er, performer and founding minister of love, and until we believe that for cal challenge is holding Christianity ac- I really loved your ‘virginity restora- of the Church of Personal Responsibil- ourselves we cannot experience it fully. countable for its abuses while striving tion’ squirt gun!” ity. I help ex-Christians heal by giving Person I admire: Eve Ensler, cre- to see the humanity of its followers. Ways I promote freethought: Per- them opportunities to laugh at their ator of “The Vagina Monologues.” She My doubts about religion started: forming my show, collaborating with religious backgrounds. (When you get started a global movement with a one- Leaving Christianity was a process that progressive secular and religious some distance, it really is hilarious!) woman show and reminds me that the- took me about a decade. Highlights groups around our shared values, offi- Military service: I’m a proud mili- ater can change the world. along the way: ciating nonreligious wedding ceremo- tary brat (my father served in the Army A quotation I like: I must have read • (Age 8) Learning in Sunday school nies, and blogging, vlogging and creat- for 20-plus years). Most people don’t and reread Dan Barker’s quote (be- that my favorite toothpaste was made ing other online content. think about the families, but we “serve” low) a hundred times while writing by devil worshipers, and if I continued I wish you’d have asked me: How the country alongside our military par- my show. I was scared, and his words to brush with Crest I too would go to did being an FFRF member help you ents/spouses. helped me believe in myself. Thanks hell. create your show? Whenever Dad got his transfer or- Dan! • (Age 14) Sitting in my living room I used Freethought Today’s Black ders, we started packing. By the time “You are an intelligent human be- while our pastor explained I couldn’t Collar Crime Blotter as inspiration for I graduated from high school, I had ing. Your life is valuable for its own become a minister because I was a girl. a video and creepy character in one of lived in 11 cities, seven states and three sake. You are not second-class in the • (Age 18) Dry humping my college my scenes (Pastor Irv). I also created countries, including pre-”Fall of the universe, deriving meaning and pur- boyfriend when the hair dryer in the a game show based on FFRF’s online Wall” Germany. pose from some other mind. You are other room inexplicably turned itself bible quiz. I call it “Bible Feud” and pit How I got where I am today: I was not inherently evil — you are inher- on. My boyfriend tossed me off the bed two teams of people from the audience raised in a conservative Protestant fam- ently human, possessing the positive and fell to his knees, saying, “It’s a mes- against each other. It’s lots of fun and ily. Ironically, my military upbringing rational potential to help make this a sage from God! We’re not supposed to ends in a public stoning! influenced my evolution away from world of morality, peace and joy. Trust both Christianity and conservatism. yourself.” Being exposed to so many different These are a few of my favorite things: cultures forced me to question what Camping in the Utah desert with Mike other American kids might take for and our dogs, sipping wine on the ter- It Pays to Complain granted. You took a school field trip to race of my favorite local winery, shar- SeaWorld? We went to the Rothenburg ing a meal with friends, performing Museum of Torture. Seeing a medieval improv and sketch comedy, frantically A California FFRF member was suc- act that proselytizes for and prefers any chastity belt the day you get your first changing costumes backstage while cessful in getting a state Department of particular sect without a secular pur- period really affects a girl! one of my spoof videos plays and hear- Public Health official in Sacramento to pose. Since there’s no secular purpose I developed critical thinking in high ing someone in the audience laugh so remove a religious statement from her to prayer, I believe it also forbids pros- school debate and speech tournaments hard they snort. email signature. After the employee’s elytizing for prayer. You’re of course and honed them further in college These are not: information such as title, address and free to include whatever you’d like on with philosophy and news-writing class- • The strange cultural assumption phone number, her official emails end- your private emails and in your private es. Eastern religion courses opened my that the bible is a book of wisdom upon ed with: “What you have made a matter conversations.” mind to other spiritual paths. To this which to base your life, and that if you of Prayer, should cease to be a matter Koslyn followed up the next day with day my disgruntled mother says, “We do you are somehow more fit to run of care!!!” another email that asked the employee never should have let you go to col- this country than an atheist. Pamela Koslyn, a Life Member, to “Please respond promptly in writ- lege!” • Pro-lifers acting as if they care wrote the employee: “As I’m sure you ing about what steps you are taking to I admit my life would have been about women. know, not everyone believes in prayer, respect the Establishment Clause and much simpler — less existential angst, • Virginity pledges and Purity Balls. and as I’d expect you to know, the remedy this constitutional violation.” perhaps — had I stuck to the Chris- • Bleeding heart New Age liberals CDPH cannot endorse prayer. I think That same day, Dec. 24, Koslyn re- tian conditioning, but I wouldn’t trade who righteously promote “tolerance” this is an inappropriate use of state ceived an email from the employee’s freethought for the world. because they’re too afraid to take a resources, since your email speaks for direct manager: “I would like to let you Years after I left my faith, I lived by stand. the state, and by my reading of the Cal- know that your e-mail was brought to an evangelical church. Early one Sun- • Dogmatic atheists who categori- ifornia Constitution’s ‘No Preference,’ my attention by [the employee]. The day morning, their worship band woke cally demonize all Christians. ‘No Establishment’ and ‘No Aid’ claus- language on her e-mail account has me up at 6:30, and I just snapped. I • Dualism. Life just isn’t black and es, you’re forbidden from doing any been removed.” January/February 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11

Meet a Member In the seventeenth century, Dr. John Lightfoot, vice chancellor of the University of Cambridge and one of the most eminent Hebrew scholars of Good without God? Of course! his time, declared, as the result of his most profound and exhaustive study of the Scriptures, that “heaven and earth, centre and circumference, were created all together, in the same instant, and clouds full of water,” and that “this work took place and man was created by the Trinity on October 23, 4004 B.C., at nine o’clock in the morning.”

Name: Alex J. Fierro. and /r/TrueAtheism [online atheist Where I live: Tuxedo Park, N.Y. forums], fantasy football, mixed mar- Where and when I was born: New tial arts, the Flying Spaghetti Monster Jersey, 1986. and designing and programming web- Education: Bachelor’s in mathemat- sites. I also enjoy debating the exis- ics, State University of New York at Pur- tence of a higher power with my “BFF,” chase. who is a devout Christian. We are both Occupation: Website developer. comfortable with who we are. How I got where I am today: I am These are not: Those stupid “Keep happy with what I have achieved in Christ in Christmas” car magnets! They my life thus far, but I know that I am drive me absolutely crazy. Many Chris- still young and want to continue to do tians chant “Keep Christ in Christmas” more. I have been able to manufac- as if the name signifies that the holiday ture my own luck through hard work, belongs to them. We atheists know that dedication and believing in myself. I the true spirit of the holidays is giv- have also been fortunate enough to ing presents, spending time with fam- have loving friends and family. I have ily and listening to your drunk uncle a spectacular wife, Lia, who has always explain how Barack Obama is actually been supportive of all of my endeavors, the Anti-Christ. as well as many friends, both religious Christmas, like most Christian holi- and secular. days, is adapted from the pagan holi- Excerpted from “A History Person in history I admire: Al- day that preceded it. This fact led me of the Warfare of Science and Theology” by though it may seem cliché, the person to create my own parody car magnet Andrew Dickinson White who stands out for me is Christopher entitled “Keep Eostre in Easter.” It’s a Hitchens. Hitchens was simply amaz- subtle jab at the ubiquitous symbol. I ing; he had incredible wit and bril- created a website (keepeostreineaster.com) liance. It was common for me, while to sell the magnets, and 100% of all the reading his books, to go from laughter proceeds will go to FFRF. Please feel to rage, all within the same paragraph. free to buy one (or several) so I can get He was able to wield a mastery of the the boxes of magnets out of the garage English language and combine it with and keep the aforementioned wife sup- incredible logic. It’s because of this tal- portive of my endeavors! ent that his legacy will always live on. My doubts about religion started: He put together some of the most pow- I was raised by Christian parents and erful arguments against organized reli- attended church every Sunday for gion and did so in a succinct, beautiful bible study from a very early age. As I and wonderfully unapologetic way. got older, my love of critical thinking A quotation I like: “I would love to and analysis led me toward a career in believe that when I die I will live again, mathematics and computer science. that some thinking, feeling, remem- This same analysis also led me to doubt bering part of me will continue. But the validity and the morality of what I much as I want to believe that, and had studied. despite the ancient and worldwide cul- As Penn Jillette said, “Reading the tural traditions that assert an afterlife, bible cover to cover will turn you athe- I know of nothing to suggest that it is ist faster than anything.” Even if you more than wishful thinking. The world discard the ridiculous fables like talk- is so exquisite with so much love and ing snakes and people living to be 900 moral depth, that there is no reason to years old, many of the verses reveal deceive ourselves with pretty stories for a God that is not the all-loving being which there’s little good evidence. Far that cherry-picked, rewritten bible sto- Please, pleads Alex Fierro, keep the pagan fertility god Eostre in Easter! better it seems to me, in our vulnerabil- ries claim he is. Instead, as Dawkins put ity, is to look death in the eye and to it, he’s a character that is “jealous and Ways I promote freethought: By try- When the topic of religion comes be grateful every day for the brief but proud of it; a petty, unjust . . . malevo- ing my absolute hardest to live a good, up in conversation, I never choose to magnificent opportunity that life pro- lent bully.” pure life. I donate to charity, I read, be timid about my religious beliefs. By vides.” — Carl Sagan, “In the Valley of the This transition was eased by parents volunteer when I have time and always giving back and building strong last- Shadow,” Parade, 3-10-96 who, while they didn’t agree with my try to be as generous as possible and ing friendships, you can provide an ex- These are a few of my favorite observations, always remained support- treat others with kindness and respect. ample to others that it is possible to be things: Tarantino movies, /r/atheism ive and respectful. I do this all as an unapologetic atheist. “good without God.” Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014

50th anniversary of landmark court decision Ellery Schempp, Champion of the First Amendment

Ellery Schempp, an FFRF Lifetime Member and recipient of its Champion of Nonbelievers the First Amendment award, is an accom­ plished Ph.D. physicist. He was a plaintiff going to school to in Abington School District v. Schempp, the landmark 1963 U.S. Supreme Court case in learn history and which mandatory bible readings in public school were declared unconstitutional. The math should not case is chronicled in Stephen Solomon’s book have the bible or Ellery’s Protest: How One Young Man De­ fied Tradition and Sparked the Battle over prayer forced on School Prayer. Ellery discussed the case in its 50th anni­ them. versary year at FFRF’s 36th annual conven­ tion Sept. 20, 2013, in Madison, Wis. His remarks were edited for print. in Abington? His introduction included a clip of him The bible is full of unimaginable being interviewed by Eric Sevareid of CBS cruelties to women, to children, full of News in 1963. violence, rapes and genocides. Maybe a million deaths have been recorded Ellery Schempp accepts a medallion noting the 50th anniversary of Abington in the bible, championed as righteous School District v. Schempp from FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. and the will of God. It was obviously not a book fit for children and had Thomas. When he spoke in a ringing in testing the constitutionality of Pennsyl­ passages directly contradicting science. voice about the great problems of our vania law, which arbitrarily and seemingly In the Abington decision, the court time, you wanted to rush to the barri- unrighteously and unconstitutionally com­ recognized that children are particu- cades. pels the bible to be read in our public school larly vulnerable and deserve particu- It soon became clear to me that system. I thank you for any help you might lar protection for their developing there were many claims to religious offer in freeing American youth in Pennsyl­ thoughts as to their freedoms of belief, truth, and they couldn’t all be right. vania from this gross violation of the reli­ without coercion from a majority or a The notion that there is only one true gious rights as guaranteed in the First and dominant religious faith’s belief. Being faith and that fits in all schools or in foremost Amendment in our United States excused from class was not an effective society is simply too absurd. Constitution. answer. Self-identifying as a dissenter I started thinking about the Consti- or nonbeliever opens the door to dis- tution and the bible way back in 1956. Well, speaking for American youth crimination and taunting. I was a 16-year-old junior at Abington was indeed a bit pretentious. I also en- As Dan mentioned, a similar case Senior High School in a suburb of Phil- closed a $10 bill, which is worth $85.80 was brought by Madalyn Murray adelphia. Pennsylvania had a law that today. This got their attention. If a kid O’Hair in Maryland in the 1960s. Mur­ required 10 verses of the bible be read can save this sum from his allowance ray v. Curlett was consolidated with our in every classroom at the start of each and cutting grass, he must be serious. case before the Supreme Court. The school day. Many schools included a decision in our favor was 8-1 with Jus- By Ellery Schempp recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. Not fit for kids tice Potter Stewart dissenting. Twenty or 30 states had similar laws The decision made national news that had gone unchallenged for more In 1956, 1960, even 1963 and later, and caused outrage on a grand scale. I It’s wonderful to be back in Madi- than 60 years. It seemed to me that this the Secular Student Alliance didn’t ex- have a lot of cousins, and suddenly ev- son with my FFRF friends. I’m a second was a violation of the First Amendment ist. The Freedom From Religion Foun- ery one had an identity crisis. “Can we generation supporter of FFRF as a Life because it clearly established a Chris- dation did not exist. American Atheists change our names?” they asked. Presi- Member. Annie Laurie and Dan Bark- tian religious practice in the schools did not exist. There was no Internet. dent Kennedy made a nice statement er do so much good work; they leave under the authority of the govern- And so it was really only the ACLU that to calm the country: “I’m sure we can me breathless. ment. could come by to be supportive. all pray a little more in our homes, our So, let us pray. Isn’t it amazing how The First Amendment is only 45 I had several reasons for my protest. churches and our synagogues.” that phrase grasps us and makes us words long, so it’s not taxing even for One was fairness. I thought the schools We received about 5,000 letters, compliant? Something profound is teenagers. It’s interesting that this daily needed to be fair to everyone. The bi- roughly one-third supporting us, one- supposed to follow to make us obedi- ceremony was known as morning devo- ble is not the holy book of Buddhists, third opposing in reasonable terms ent or something, but where do we tions, so the religious nature was obvi- Hindus, Muslims, so that is an unfair- where people could differ, and one- want to put our obedience, our loyal- ous. I did, in fact, bring a copy of the ness. Nonbelievers going to school to third, of course, were hateful, vitupera- ties and our commitments? Quran to school because I wanted to learn history and math should not have tive and ugly. My parents answered I was born in Philadelphia in the show that the bible was not the only the bible or prayer forced on them. every letter with a return address. This Jewish Hospital. Mom resisted having source of truth, not the only holy book. I got to thinking, and that’s always was in the days before Xerox machines me baptized. There was a lot of pres- The Quran was merely by accident; I a bit dangerous. I knew that kids in and stamps cost 3½ cents. It still came sure from the Schempp side of the fam- didn’t know a thing about Islam at the Oregon and other states did not have to hundreds of dollars. ily. Grandmom was a devout Methodist time, neither did anybody I knew, but bible reading. Could it be true that Atheists are the most hated and and a fan of Billy Graham. Dad had one of my friend’s fathers had a copy of they were less moral than those of us feared group in America. We were ac- slowly distanced himself from the bible it in his library. [Ellery read the Quran and what he considered to be cruel while the teacher was reading bible and violent. But he did want to believe verses to the class and refused to stand in some higher power, and only late in while a student recited the prayer.] his life concluded that gods were man- That got me sent to the principal, made and religion is more a business who lectured me on respect and school than an uplifting force in society. He rules. I replied that I was concerned was disappointed in this conclusion, about respect for the Constitution and but he died in 2004 as a nonbeliever. freedom of conscience. He sent me to So here I am, unwashed and unbap- the guidance counselor. Was I having tized. We attended pretty faithfully the problems at home? Did I have any dif- Unitarian Church in Germantown. In ficulties with my father? addition to the usual bible stories and No, I said, I just disagreed about Sunday school, we learned about all bible reading and prayer. So that the religions, and I quickly assimilated evening, Nov. 26, 1956, I wrote a letter the idea that there was no single truth, to the American Civil Liberties Union, and any claim that God spoke to some asking for help: and not to others was ridiculous. The church had an especially inter- Gentlemen, esting pulpit, where we heard Rein- As a student in my junior year at Abing­ hold Niebuhr, Paul Tillich and Nor- ton Senior High School, I would very greatly man Thomas, who spoke several times appreciate any information you might send Ellery greets Jim McCollum, another Champion of the First Amendment (in a year. I was greatly enamored with regarding possible union action and/or aid McCollum v. Board of Education) and his wife Betty. January/February 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13

When people tution is a purely humanistic document and mentions religion just twice. Both called us ‘you times, the word “no” is attached [in Ar- ticle VI and the First Amendment]. communist The Constitution’s oath for taking office does not contain the phrase “so atheist,’ they help me God.” That has been append- ed by various oath takers, probably for had reached political spin. The writers of the Con- stitution were also very careful in dis- their ultimate in tinguishing between an oath and an outrage. affirmation. We have the phrase “I do swear or affirm” because swearing an oath had religious connotations, and cused of being everything the writers the founders were keen to put in the hated, so we expected the letters that word “affirm” to assure freedomfrom said, “What are you, commies? What religion. are you, Nazis? What are you, Catho- The bible never mentions democ- lics? What are you, Jews?” We didn’t racy or freedom of speech or freedom expect ones that said, “What are you, from religion. It does not mention Presbyterians?” “In the name of Christ, checks and balances or limitations on go to hell” was a frequent theme. the power of the executive. It does not Some were newspaper clippings even mention tolerance for other be- smeared with excrement. One of the lievers. So it’s no model for good gov- things we learned was that in the Unit- ernment. I think it’s purely a religious ed States. it was considered bad not or theological document for some be- to be Christian. It was very bad to be lievers. Photography by Brent Nicastro a communist, of course, but it was re- You know the commandments — ally quite awful to be an atheist. When the 10, actually. If you type into Google people called us “you communist athe- “613 commandments,” you’ll find that ist,” they had reached their ultimate in there are 613 [mitzvahs in the Jewish outrage. tradition]. We’re not a Christian na- Our family suffered relatively little, tion or a Judeo-Christian nation. We especially compared to the Murray are a constitutional nation. family or the McCollum family 65 years I’ll end by mentioning just one ago. Dog feces were thrown on our thing about the Declaration of Inde- steps, the kids in the school bus rolled pendence, which the right wing is so down the windows and shouted, “Now fond of quoting. It is a poetic docu- passing the commie camp.” My broth- ment, intended to stir emotions and er Roger was knocked around several to override the prevalent notion of the times, which hurt. Some parents told divine right of kings. This is a topic in their daughters not to play with my sis- itself, but the Declaration is equally for ter Donna. religious independence as for political The ACLU had a nice remembrance independence. in June, and I met a man named Shan- An important point to note is that non Turk. His family had moved to the Declaration is not any part of the Butler, Pa., from someplace in the Constitution. And it is no part of the “I always wonder, however did the United State manage to win World War West. He had never been part of morn- law of the United States. Not a single before we had ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance?” ing devotions or reciting the Lord’s legal decision binds the Supreme Prayer, so he was initially baffled and Court or any other court based on the wouldn’t recite it. The teacher called Declaration of Independence. Appeal to reason him forward, forced him to bend over [The Declaration’s] rights “en- and paddled him. dowed by a creator” is humanistic in its Turk was a determined young man intent. Even if religious, it is deistic. It and refused, so for the next two years, emphasized the rights of the common every day, he was paddled in front of man, the common woman, over the the class. When he told his story, he kingship class. embraced me with tears in his eyes, because one day the paddling stopped. Working together Countless people over the years have told me how unpleasant it was for them Finally, I want to say that I think it’s at morning devotions. so important to have the Secular Co- alition for America, which represents Bible’s no blueprint about 100 endorsing organizations at this point. The coalition has a full-time I went to Tufts University in the fall lobbyist. It’s the first time in our his- of 1958. I didn’t know then that when tory that we’ve had somebody who is I applied to Tufts and several other col- able to go and talk to Congress about leges, my principal at Abington Senior the issues important to humanists and High School, Eugene Stull, had written atheists. a letter of “disrecommendation” to ev- I also want to say to my atheist ery college I had applied to. friends, I know it’s very important to I learned about this because when have a world outlook that rejects di- 1962-63 came about, CBS News called vine intervention and provides us a me up and asked if I would be willing way of looking at the world around us to do an interview. I went to Charles and getting satisfaction and seeing the Stearns, the dean of admissions, to ask beauty in it. It is not enough to have a if there was anything I should know. personal belief; it is important to sup- He told me that after my application port separation of church and state was accepted, Stull called long distance because that is social and political and (long distance was expensive and rare extends well beyond us. in 1958) to tell him to rescind my ad- So I urge you to continue support mission, that I was a rotten apple and for organizations like FFRF, Secular would bring disrepute onto Tufts. Student Alliance, American Human- Stearns told me that Stull’s call was ists, the Secular Coalition, because the most amazing he’s ever received as these organizations amplify our views. dean, but he was very kind to say that When Zack Kopplin mentioned this Tufts did not regret their decision. morning that he wants to start a new There’s nothing in the Constitution organization, I worry a little bit. We about the bible, and there’s nothing in don’t need a proliferation of new ones; Member Brian Hinkley, Ontario, Canada, writes, “I put this together as I was the bible about democracy or the Con- we need to support the organizations thinking of what I could say at our family Christmas dinner. Fortunately, three stitution. Religious people assume that that are doing so well now. other members of my family are also atheists. Others are a mix of religious and there is some connection. The Consti- I thank you very much. nonreligious.” Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014 ‘Firthought’

Not a typical Christmas display FFRF and its Metropolitan Chicago Chapter erected a winter solstice display at Daley Plaza in December to counter a larger-than-life nativity display erected for decades. FFRF’s display also countered an annual menorah that is at least a story tall. The 8-foot lighted “A” stands for atheist and agnostic and was borrowed with permission from Richard Dawkins’ “out” campaign. A banner also depicted the “nativity” of the Bill of Rights (Dec. 15). Just before Christmas, a Christian group temporarily unfurled a banner reading “A is for angels” to block the atheist “A,” but the month-long display was otherwise unscathed and well-received.

Margaret Downey, FFRF State Representative, Pennsylvania, puts the finishing touches on her Tree of Knowledge, erected Dec. 8 in Philadelphia to balance religious displays. Margaret decorates a tree each year with the covers of books by freethinkers. Solstice displays Revelry! FFRF’s solstice billboard in Pitman, N.J., attracted attention from Santa and from vandals, including an attempted arson.

Capitol display FFRF supporters (left) Gan Drak, Tony Houston, Debbie Flitman and Richard Rosol placed FFRF’s secular banner to counter a religious display in the Rhode Island Capitol in Providence. Photo: Chris Calvey

Vandals slashed FFRF’s winter solstice banner in an Arlington Heights, Ill., city park in the last week in December. The banner sustained an L-shaped gash, and a carefully buried spotlight cord was wrenched from the ground. The banner was placed in North School Park for a second year in a row by Metropolitan Chicago FFRF to counter a nativity scene on public property. “Since we had planned to take the banner down this Sunday, Dec. 29, it would be too late at this point for FFRF to send a replacement,” said Tom Cara, chapter director. “So perhaps the best thing is to leave it as is, so that people can see what a divisive issue religion can be when debated on government property.” FFRF’s “Let Reason Prevail” banner was placed in City Park in Streator, Ill., on Dec. 16 to counter the annual nativity display. A “Let Reason Prevail” sign returned to Prineville, Ore., and to the grounds of the Washington State Capitol in Olympia. The same wording on a poster was returned to the Milwaukee Courthouse for a third year in a row by Lifetime Member Ed Susterich. FFRF AHA! thanks all local members and activists who placed the “equal time” signs. FFRF Staff Attorney spoke at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to the FFRF and one of its area members placed an 8-foot banner in Washington campus Atheists, Humanists & Agnostics organization about FFRF’s litigation. Square in Ottawa, Ill., to counter 16 billboard-sized paintings of “the life of About 30 people attended the lecture, which was followed by a rousing Jesus.” 90-minute Q&A. January/February 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15

In the News Apologist D’Souza including the police, claiming he is a prophet. According to BBC News, As- pleads not guilty ghar is a British Pakistani from Edin- Dinesh D’Souza, 52, Christian burgh who came back to Pakistan to apologist and conservative author, was look after his family’s property. The released Jan. 24 on $500,000 bond af- complaint against him was filed by a ter pleading not guilty at his arraign- tenant who had been served with an ment in Manhattan to federal counts eviction notice by Asghar. of making more than $10,000 of con- Before returning to Pakistan, As- tributions in the names of others and ghar had been diagnosed as paranoid causing false statements. According to schizophrenic, but a medical panel ap- an indictment filed by Preet Bharara, pointed by the court in Pakistan reject- U.S. Attorney for the Southern District ed the claim of mental illness. of New York, D’Souza allegedly made According to Religion Clause, the contributions in other people’s names death sentence is unlikely to be carried to a U.S. Senate candidate in 2012. The out since Pakistan has had a de facto indictment didn’t name the candidate, moratorium on the death penalty since Angry atheist? Not, says Sacreamento-area atheist Reace Niles, 20. but sources said it was Republican U.S. 2008. Asghar’s lawyer said the convic- Senate candidate Wendy Long, who tion will be appealed, and the British lost to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. Foreign Office plans to raise its con- D’Souza takes the Christian position cerns with the Pakistani government. pany her to Home Depot to buy and form system of free public schools.” in frequent debates with freethinkers pot plants for a church function. The law would allow annual grants and has debated FFRF Co-President • Asked court staff to join her in of $4,200 per students. About 2,400 Dan Barker eight times. D’Souza was Marriage equality prayer in court chambers, and asked students could qualify for grants in the forced to resign in 2012 as president makes more gains staffers to attend religious events after first year, with $10 million budgeted. of King’s College, an evangelical Chris- regular business hours. Legislators said they hope to expand tian school in Manhattan, over reports In the seven months since the 2013 Brigantti-Hughes, 54, had obtained the program. he was having an affair with Denise Supreme Court landmark decision permission to hold lunch-hour bible Thirteen states had tuition tax cred- Odie Joseph, 29, while still married striking down part of the Defense of study and prayer group at the court- it programs as of this year, according to to his wife of 20 years. He was raised Marriage Act that defined marriage as house, but the requests for staff prayers the National Conference of State Leg- Catholic but now calls himself a non- between a man and a woman, the num- were made at other times during regu- islatures. denominational Christian. ber of states allowing gay marriage has lar business hours, the determination jumped from 12 to 17 (plus the District said. Okla. commandments States’ abortion barriers of Columbia). In Utah and Oklahoma, She also had staff do personal favors the issue is in limbo pending appeals, for her that were not related to reli- hit with suits mushroom The Associated Press reported Jan. 16. gion. The alleged conduct took place John Williamson, a former state between 2006 and 2011. American Atheists filed a federal The Guttmacher Institute, a non- Senate president who wrote the bal- lawsuit Jan. 13 against members of the profit organization which works to lot measure that an Oklahoma judge Oklahoma State Capitol Preservation advance reproductive health and abor- overturned, said that as a Christian he Nativity scenes take Commission for allowing placement tion rights, reported Jan. 2 that more will never accept gay marriage. “But military hits of a 2,000-pound Ten Commandments abortion restrictions were enacted in in states that by a vote of the people monument at the north entrance to 2011–13 than in the entire previous have approved that, I say ‘OK, they got Officials at Shaw Air Force Base near the Capitol. The American Civil Liber- decade. what they want. You have a majority of Sumter, S.C., ordered removal of a na- ties Union has filed a similar lawsuit in In 2013, 39 states enacted 141 pro- the people there, and if the minority tivity scene that was set up by a small state court. visions related to reproductive health doesn’t like it, they can move to Okla- lake on the base, the Air Force Times The commission put a moratorium and rights. Half of them, 70 in 22 homa.’ But now what can we do?” reported in December. on proposed displays on Dec. 19 af- states, sought to restrict access to abor- An AP poll in October showed Spokeswoman Lt. Keavy Rake said ter getting ones from the New York- tion services. about a third of Americans opposing the Military Religious Freedom Foun- based Satanic Temple, a Hindu leader A few states adopted measures to gay marriage, down from 45% in 2011. dation lodged a complaint about the in Nevada, the People for the Ethical expand access. Most notably, Califor- Twenty-seven states still have constitu- display. Reke said base officials want a Treatment of Animals and the Church nia enacted the first new state law in tional prohibitions and four have state holiday display that reflects more than of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. The seven years to expand access to abor- laws against same-sex marriage. a single group’s beliefs. Volunteers satanists’ monument features a 7-foot- tion. Five states expanded access to from the base chapel set up the nativity tall Baphomet, a goat-headed creature comprehensive sex education and to scene. sometimes used as a stand-in for Satan. emergency contraception for sexual Judge censured for The commander of the Guanta- The demon’s lap, flanked by a smiling assault victims. courthouse religion namo Bay Navy Base in Cuba ordered child on each side, would double as a two nativity scenes out of cafeterias to seat for visitors. Bronx County Judge Mary Brigantti- the base chapel, reported the Miami Tulsa atheist William Poire told Pakistan blasphemy Hughes was censured by the New York Herald. KRMG-TV: “I don’t want to see a Hin- nets death sentence State Commission on Judicial Conduct, “The spirit of the Navy’s policy on du monument or a satanist monument ABA Journal reported. According to a this is, if it’s religious, it goes to the any more than I want to see any other A court in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Dec. 17 statement of facts cited by the chapel,” said base commander Capt. endorsement or any other religion.” sentenced a British man, Muhammad commission, Brigantti-Hughes: J.R. Nettleton. “It’s more appropriate Asghar, 70, to death Jan. 23 for blas- • Directed staffers to type or copy there.” phemy. Asghar was arrested in 2010 religious material for her personal use. Eighteen service members had com- Church properties after he wrote letters to various people, • Asked a court attorney to accom- plained to MRFF. Guantanamo has escape Fla. taxes about 6,000 residents, a third of them civilian contract workers from Jamaica A 12,000-square-foot home in Coral and the Philippines. Springs, Fla., that has a pool, guest house and several garages was recently assessed at at $1.9 million. The owner, Vouchers subject of the Church of the Bible Understand- North Carolina suits ing, pays no property taxes, WPLG re- ported Dec. 13. Public school advocates sued the It’s also the primary residence of state of North Carolina on Dec. 11 to Stewart Trail, a former vacuum sales- block a new law that would let taxpayer man and carpet cleaner who founded money be used by low-income students the church. The previous owner, a for- wishing to attend private or religious mer Miami Dolphins football player, schools, reported The Associated Press. paid $50,000 a year. The North Carolina Association of A $2 million, 5,000-square-foot Educators and the North Carolina Jus- house owned by the Seafarer’s Church tice Center filed the lawsuit in Wake of the Creator is also tax-exempt. “It’s County Superior Court on behalf of a house hosting religious services,” said 25 parents, teachers and others. They Broward County property appraiser contend the new law violates the state Lori Parrish. constitution, which requires that the “Federal law governs religious facili- school funding be “used exclusively ties,” said Parrish. “The law is the law, for establishing and maintaining a uni- and we follow the law.” Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014

humanist,” he told the Boston Globe in on Human Evolution.” The U.S. adults 1990. “The fact that ordinary human surveyed were asked whether, in their State/Church Bulletin beings are capable of love, compassion view, humans and other living things and sacrifice, independent of theology, have evolved over time, or instead have Chambers sponsors bill 30 priests with substantiated abuse al- is proof that we can indeed be good existed in their present form since the to tax Neb. churches legations against them. Archdiocese without God.” beginning of time, reported Religion attorney John O’Malley warned that Two years later, he told the Harvard Clause. Nebraska state Sen. Ernie Cham- the documents will be upsetting. “The Crimson that “humanism is not sci- Overall, 60% said that living things bers, an atheist, introduced a bill Jan. information is painful; it’s difficult to ence, nor mysticism, but is a faith in have evolved, while 33% said they have 8 to eliminate property tax exemptions read, even without the benefit of hind- human experience.” always existed in their present form. for religious organizations. Bill LB675 sight.” About 64% of White Evangelical Prot- attempts to “gain more revenue, rath- The archdiocese has already paid estants and 15% of White Mainline er than less, by taking away churches’ about $100 million to settle claims, Pew study: How Protestants believe that evolution did property tax exemptions,” according including numerous ones against Fr. public views evolution not occur. Also, 48% of Republicans, to Chambers’ Statement of Intent. Daniel McCormack, who was sen- 27% of Democrats and 28% of Inde- “If taxes were paid on the many tenced to five years in prison after The Pew Research Center released pendents believe that living things have churches and cathedrals and temples pleading guilty in 2007 to abusing five a new poll Dec. 30 titled “Public’s View always existed in their present form. in every city in this State, perhaps the children while he was a parish priest State’s assistance to local governments and teacher at a Catholic school. and schools would be diminished con- Many of the accused priests are siderably, leaving more in State coffers dead. The documents will include only for other purposes,” said Chambers, 30 of 65 priests against whom credible 76, of Omaha. allegations were made. That’s because Chambers’ name is on the 1983 settlements that required the disclo- landmark Supreme Court case Marsh v. sures involved only 30. Chambers. He sued in 1980 to end the Legislature’s practice of opening with a prayer offered by a state-supported Year of the Bible chaplain. The district court held that in Texas city the prayer did not violate the Consti- tution but that state support for the Mayor Tom Hayden of Flower chaplain did. The 8th Circuit U.S. Mound, Texas, a Dallas suburb of Court of Appeals held that both prac- about 65,000 people, has proclaimed tices violated the Constitution, but the 2014 the Year of the Bible. Supreme Court upheld the practice on “I was nervous about doing this,” a 6-3 vote. Hayden told KDFW on Jan. 1. “And In 2007, Chambers famously filed a I’ve been thinking about it for two lawsuit against God for causing “wide- years, and procrastinated about if for spread death, destruction and terror- as long as I possibly could.” ization of millions upon millions of the The proclamation draws heavily on Earth’s inhabitants.” President Rondald Reagan’s almost A state district court judge dismissed identical proclamation in 1983. It also Chambers v. God in 2008, saying the de- sets up a website: thebible2014.com. Sinners! fendant wasn’t properly served due to “The way it’s set up is that people Allen Jones, Montana, writes of this sign near Montana City: “Obviously, these his unlisted home address. “Given that would have the same scripture each folks are a little short on the Constitution, federal and state laws.” [Editor’s note: this court finds that there can never be day,” said Jon Bell of Calvary Chapel. And without God, who’d stop all the black collar crime and tsunamis?] service effectuated on the named de- “That they would go over and so that at fendant, this action will be dismissed the end of the year, they’d have gone with prejudice,” wrote Judge Marlon through the whole Bible in a year.” They Said What? Polk. Hayden said the proclamation was Chambers’ reaction: “Since God not an official town action, which knows everything, God has notice of didn’t assuage resident Curt Orton. A Higgs boson goes into a church . . know quite why. That’s just the way this lawsuit.” He received a Hero of the “He was elected mayor, not the spiri- . and the priest says, “We don’t allow God works. Sometimes some of us are First Amendment Award from FFRF in tual leader of Flower Mound.” Higgs bosons here.” And the Higgs bo- lucky and some of us are not. 2005. son says, “But without me there is no New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Botched circumcision mass.” saying his policies on homelessness Secularism makes Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, had nothing to do with the plight of brings lawsuit host of “Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odys- Dasani, an 11-year-old homeless girl gains in Tunisia sey,” a 13-part series airing in March Politicker, 12-17-13 Pittsburgh Rabbi Mordechai Rosen- on Fox and the National Geographic Tunisia’s National Constituent As- berg is being sued for allegedly sever- Channel, on the misnamed “God par- Flame-broiled sembly approved a new constitution ing a newborn’s penis during a ritual ticle” Jan. 26 by a vote of 200 to 4, with 12 ab- circumcision about eight months ago Parade magazine, 1-12-14 in lake of fire? stentions. The governing Islamist En- at Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel nahdha Party made some concessions, Hill. [Government officials] are simply most importantly the removal of refer- According to the suit, the baby was blind to the religious exercise at issue: ences to Islamic law, the BBC reported. rushed to Children’s Hospital, where The Little Sisters [of the Poor] and However, it also designates Islam as doctors performed microsurgery. other applicants cannot execute the the state religion, while guaranteeing Sources told KDKA the surgery took form because they cannot deputize a freedom of worship. It also forbids “at- nearly eight hours and that the boy was third party to sin on their behalf. tacks on the sacred,” the meaning of hospitalized for about two months. Mark Rienzi, Becket Fund for Reli- which is unclear. On his website, Rosenberg says that gious Liberty senior counsel, Supreme The constitution also recognizes “a doctor’s medical circumcision, usu- Court brief that persuaded Justice So- equality between men and women for ally performed in the hospital, is not nia Sotomayor to block ObamaCare’s the first time. In 2011, a revolution considered valid according to Jewish contraceptive mandate ensuring wom- overthrew autocratic President Zine El law.” en workers at nursing homes run by Abidine Ben Ali and the first free elec- nuns can’t get birth control coverage tions were held. The population is 10.7 Associated Press, 1-4-14 million, of which 98% are Muslim. Harvard humanist chaplain dies at 84 The audacious complaint [by the Lit- tle Sisters of the Poor] is against the Chicago archdiocese Tom Ferrick, 84, Harvard Univer- requirement that such groups sign a releases documents sity’s first humanist chaplain, died Dec. short form certifying that they have 30 of complications from Alzheimer’s religious objections to providing cover- The Catholic Archdiocese of Chica- disease in Cambridge, Mass. He is sur- age for contraceptive services. . . . The go released 6,000 pages of documents vived by a sister. suit by the nuns’ group boils down to to attorneys that sex abuse victims Ferrick attended the College of the an unjustified attempt by an employer hope will reveal what the church knew Holy Cross in Worcester and then the to impose its religious views on work- and did or didn’t do about decades of seminary befored being ordained a ers. allegations against clergy, The Associ- Catholic priest. After leaving the priest- Editorial, “No burden to religion” “I think I’ll go to McDonald’s or ated Press reported Jan. 16. hood, he became Harvard’s humanist New York Times, 1-3-14 Wendy’s from now on,” emails Lori. The documents include complaints, chaplain in 1974. “The notion that we “I don’t want a church service, just a personnel records and other files for all stand in need of redemption is anti- This kid was dealt a bad hand. I don’t burger!” January/February 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17 God the father, God the son, God the monster

others. I was shocked. brought up in the wrong religion, or most of my life. Might the answer be My tears were due not only to pity no religion. that God is so scary that people dared for the agony shown, but also to a hor- Later, when I developed the bible- not criticize his behavior, out of the rified realization that God, who was reading habit, I found even worse hor- sheer terror euphemistically called said to be loving and all-forgiving, rors. The Old Testament God never re- “fear of God”? Thomas Paine remarked would not forgive human sins until his ally meant it when he said, “Thou shalt that the bible is “a history of wicked- anger was appeased by this atrocious not kill.” On the contrary, again and ness,” and to his mind the word of God blood sacrifice of his allegedly beloved again, he ordered dreadful massacres looked more like the work of a demon. son. of thousands of men, women, children I don’t understand why this fear What kind of a father was this, I and animals, all to be slaughtered with- is still allowed to infect children in a wondered? Was he a God whom one out mercy. supposedly enlightened age. Nowa- could trust, or admire, or even like? If He condoned rape, slavery, pillage, days, fundamentalist organizations like he was both kindly and all-powerful, thievery, mutilation. He even demand- the Good News Club are still teach- why couldn’t he just forgive every- ed the murder of one’s own family ing young children to tell each other one right off, without insisting on the members if they were insufficiently re- “You’re going to hell” if they don’t brutal murder of his child? And why spectful to him (Deut. 13:6-9). Accord- conform. Any psychologist knows that should such a murder appease him in ing to the Genesis story, he destroyed imaginary threats, however horrific, the first place? Was God so sadistic as nearly the whole population of Earth are not the key to good behavior. By Barbara G. Walker to demand bloodshed and pain for ret- in order to start over when a few hu- In my childhood experience, they ribution? mans displeased him. had only one result: I was presented It was a jarring moment. All my pre- Far from inspiring love or adora- with what seemed to be an imaginary vious impressions were overturned, tion, this God struck me as the scariest fiend, and I blotted him out. and I was forced to take a lonely ex- character in all of literature. An infi- Let us hope for a future less tainted In my childhood Sunday school, cursion into the illogic of theology. I nite egotist, demanding eternal prais- by God the Monster. when I was shown a graphic picture learned later that, in spite of the blood es, a jealous tyrant, a monument of of Jesus’ execution scene, I cried. I sacrifice that supposedly released hu- cruelty, a constant threat. I wondered, Barbara G. Walker is the author of Man wanted to know why all-powerful God manity from an inevitable hell, people how could anyone read the bible and Made God, The Woman’s Encyclopedia of couldn’t protect his own son, of all were still being sent to hell — even not realize that its principal subject is Myths and Secrets and The Skeptical Femi­ people. Then I was told that Jesus’ good, innocent people who committed a monster? nist. Shes is a Lifetime Member of FFRF. death was part of God’s plan to forgive no crimes but happened to have been This question has puzzled me for FFRF scores more than 200 solid state/church victories in 2013

The Freedom From Religion Found- 10. Alabama form more student groups around “A decade or two ago, FFRF was win- ation sent out a total of 938 formal the country. FFRF also sent out many ning a victory or two a month, and now letters of complaint in 2013 to errant The top 10 legal areas were religion regional action alerts and watched de- it’s nearly one a workday,” said FFRF public officials, winning more than in schools, legislative prayer, miscel- velopments concerning troublesome Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. 235 solid victories keeping religion out laneous, nativity/holiday displays, bills in several state legislatures. Staff “It’s important to realize that nearly of government. The total will grow, as church bulletin discounts, crosses, attorneys wrote letters to the editor, once a day last year, our staff attorneys’ many complaints lodged in 2013 will National Day of Prayer violations, re- blogs and other educational outreach efforts educated, and ensured that rea- bear fruit this year, especially as FFRF ligion in the workplace, election law on state/church matters. son and the Constitution prevailed.” follows up. complaints and government prayer The letters total doesn’t include the breakfasts. many follow-up letters that go out or FFRF attorneys filed a whopping represent the time that staff attorneys 522 complaints over religious viola- spend responding to questions and tions in public schools, followed by queries from FFRF members and many government prayer (112), nativity/me- members of the public. More than norah displays on public land (41), for- 2,430 requests for help to end state/ mal complaints over crosses on public church entanglements were received property (23), National Day of Prayer by FFRF last year. Most requests were events (18), religion in the military lodged via FFRF’s Web form: Report a (17), religion in the workplace (17), State/Church Violation. and election violations (13, typically FFRF provides this service free of endorsement from the pulpit). charge and is one of the few state/ Last year FFRF downed four crosses church watchdogs in the country, writ- on public land, and impressively end- ing more individual letters of com- ed at least 166 promotions of religion Live free and laugh plaint over state/church violations in public schools, some as egregious A bit of levity for the New Year, writes Mark Sanbourne, New Hampshire, about than any other group. as daily prayers in elementary schools. his plate. “A rather interesting reflection in your rear-view mirror, especially if “The need is great,” noted FFRF Co- (Keep up with FFRF’s significant victo- you have a fish emblem on the rear of your car.” President Dan Barker. “We’re deluged ries by reading the monthly synopsis in with requests for help from around the Freethought Today.) country by citizens who care about de- FFRF also lodged 28 complaints fending the Jeffersonian wall of separa- about church bulletin discounts, the tion between church and state.” only other type of violation FFRF con- Because of growing demand for cerns itself with, whereby the Civil help, FFRF is pleased to report the Rights Act is abridged when, typically, hiring of a fifth attorney at year’s end: restaurants offer discounts for church- Sam Grover, who had served as a sum- goers. mer legal intern. In 2013, FFRF’s legal department also wrote and filed an amicus brief in The “top ten” states (where FFRF the Supreme Court case Town of Greece sent the most complaints to): v. Galloway. Staff attorneys also aided 1. Texas litigation attorneys in writing and fil- 2. California ing lawsuits. FFRF entered into an in- 3. Tennessee formal partnership with the Secular 4. Georgia Student Alliance to help defend the 5. Florida rights of freethinking students and ed- La Última Cena 6. Wisconsin ucate students about their rights. FFRF Co-President Dan Barker (seated, right) spoke in Mexico City on Nov. 16. 7. Ohio FFRF and SSA drafted a Secular Gerardo Romero is “Jesús” and Diana Sánchez, president of Ateos Mexicanos, 8. North Carolina Public High School Students Bill of is next to him. Dan’s new acquaintance Gricha Raether is holding the wine 9. Michigan Rights. The new partnership will help bottle. Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014

Black Collar Crime Blotter involve a boy who was 14 when the alleged his Facebook page. He told an alleged victim Compiled by Bill Dunn crimes began. Source: Staunton News Leader, the devil was inside her and he could take the ‘My biggest fear with 1-6-14 demons out, the report said. Source: Pioneer Arrested / Charged Peter Donnelly, 71, Castlewellan, N.IRE: Press, 12-12-13 Zach is my daughter Richard Seaton Sr., 73, Shreveport, LA: Gross indecency with a child and 6 counts of Alexander G. Garcia, Nampa, ID: Lewd Statutory rape, 2 counts each of sexual miscon- indecent assault. Donnelly, former pastor at conduct. Garcia, a Seventh-day Adventist dea- won’t be the last life duct and sodomy and 5 counts of 1st- and 2nd- St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Belfast, is ac- con, is accused by a girl under 16 of inappro- degree statutory sodomy. Seaton was pastor at cused of molesting a girl, starting when she was priately touching her in a church storage room he ruins.’ United Methodist Church in Leeton, MO, at the 10, from 1982-87. Source: BBC, 1-6-14 during a potluck. time of the alleged crimes in 1994-99. Richard Shahan, 53, Homewood, AL: Mur- In court documents, detectives said Garcia — victim’s father The 5 alleged victims, all girls, ranged in age der. Shahan, associate pastor at First Baptist claimed Satan was also in the storage room from 8 to 16 when assaulted. They came for- Church of Birmingham, is charged with the July and may have taken control of his body. Source: at Baptist youth ward over time, from 1999-2009. Shortly after murder of his wife, Karen Louise Shahan, who KTVB, 12-12-13 he was questioned in 2009, Seaton moved to died in their home. He was arrested Jan. 1 at a Edwin Bonet-Ruiz, 54, Elizabethtown, KY: Louisiana. Nashville airport on his way to Germany. A “cus- 1st-degree sexual abuse and unlawful use of leader’s sentencing His son, Richard Seaton Jr., now 46, was toms lookout” alerted authorities to his flight. electronic means to induce a minor in sexual sentenced to 18 years in 2012 for forcible “He’s our only suspect,” said Homewood or prohibited acts. Bonet-Ruiz, a Central Hardin rape and abuse of office. Seaton, a top aide Police Lt. Dan Smith. Cause of death hasn’t Spanish teacher, is accused of kissing and hug- was charged with molesting a boy who was 12 to Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover, was found been confirmed, but sources said the victim was ging a 14-year-old student in his classroom. years old in the 1990s and continuing until he guilty of raping an 18-year-old George High stabbed to death. Source: AL.com, 1-2-14 He was fired by the school and had his was 14. School student on a couch in the mayor’s office An unidentified Polish priest, 66, was ministry credentials revoked at Abundant Life The victim came forward in 2012 “when he after the 2010 Independence Bowl. charged with drink driving after allegedly run- Church. Associate Pastor Terry Linscott said saw that a young boy, whom he didn’t know, had The student’s boyfriend had been arrested ning over parishioner Katarzyna Pawlak, 41, Lo- Bonet-Ruiz’s wife of 33 years called to tell been showing up at church and that [Jetter] had at the game for disorderly conduct and taken wicza, who was walking home from the priest’s church officials he allegedly confessed to police. brought him,” an arrest affidavit said. Source: to jail. Seaton offered the victim, who had also church service. Source: DRB, 12-11-13 Indianapolis Star, 12-12-13 been drinking heavily, a ride which eventually A hospital spokesperson said the woman Mia Cummings, 29, Oakland, CA: 8 counts turned into rape, according to her testimony. suffered a concussion “but will make a full re- of oral copulation, forced oral copulation and Source: KSLA/KDTV, 1-11-14 covery.” Source: orange.co.uk, 1-1-13 contacting a minor with the intent to commit a Sentenced Mark Lewis, 39, Vacaville, CA: Arson of Godson Akubuiro, Lagos, Nigeria: Coun- sex crime. Cummings, an after-school program an inhabited dwelling, conspiracy and stalking. terfeiting. Akubuiro, general overseer of the coordinator at All Saints Catholic School, is ac- Abraham Rubin, 50, Brooklyn, NY: 4 Lewis, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, and Mountain of Breakthrough Deliverance Minis- cused of molesting a male student, now 14, months in jail after pleading guilty to bribing a 3 others are charged with throwing a Molotov try, allegedly led a 16-person ring, including the starting when he was 12. witness. Rubin, a member of the ultra-Orthodox cocktail in a Snapple bottle at a residence where pastor’s six children, that printed and circulated Court documents said most of the alleged Satmar sect, allegedly offered $500,000 to a his ex-girlfriend was sleeping with her 3 children fake naira notes. Source: allafrica.com, 12-31- acts occurred in All Saints’ kitchen. Source: victim of sexual abuse not to testify against her and her parents. 13 Digital Journal, 12-11-13 abuser, Nechemya Weberman. She did testify The other suspects live at the church. The Bryant Badger, 75, Casper, WY: Public in- Annamalai Annamalai, Dayton, GA: 22 and Weberman, a highly respected counselor in bottle was thrown through a bedroom window. decency, obscene literature and incitement to a counts of conspiracy, bankruptcy fraud, money the ultra-Orthodox community, was sentenced Only minor damage occurred. crime. Badger, retired pastor of First Christian laundering and obstructing justice. Annamalai, to 50 years. Sarah Nottingham alleged Lewis is harass- Church, was arrested near a park in an under- an India native also known as Dr. Commander The victim, now 19 and married, was sent ing her because she ended their year-long cover sting in which he allegedly left multiple Selvam, is accused of fraudulently concealing to Weberman for not meeting her sect’s strict relationship after naked pictures of the pastor obscene notes in a park restroom. The sting property belonging to the Hindu Temple and modesty guidelines on dress and for asking started surfacing publicly. A former parishioner was mounted after the notes were turned in by Community Center of Georgia Inc. from the questions about the existence of God. Source: sent one to the local Fox affiliate. a track coach concerned about his athletes run- bankruptcy trustee. The temple’s former CEO, Jerusalem Post, 1-13-14 Police said Lewis is also a suspect in 4 ning in the area. Kumar Chinnathambi, was also charged in the Alicia Gray, 28, Mobile, AL: 6 months in jail more cases of harassment and vandalism An affidavit said undercover officer Mitch indictment. and 5 years’ probation after pleading guilty to since Christmas against Nottingham. Source: Baker met Pastor Badger and got into the back Annamalai allegedly funneled more than $1 engaging in a sexual act or deviant sexual inter- news10. net, 1-12-14 seat of the SUV at Badger’s request. “When million from the temple to business entities he course with a student under 19 years old. Gray, Shelton P. Sanford, Rock Hill, SC: 1st-of- Baker observed Badger unzip, unbutton and controls and to accounts in the names of his a public high school math teacher, admitted to fense DUI. Sanford, co-pastor at Westminster begin to remove his pants, he signaled to other wife, two children and assorted priests. molesting a 14-year-old male student. Presbyterian Church, crashed his 2010 Honda officers listening to the conversation via wire to Annamali, who once lived in a million-dollar In a video made with her pastor at Deeper on I-77 about 3 a.m. move in by turning the radio to country music.” home in Duluth, GA, told federal magistrate Life Fellowship after sentencing, Gray credited “Our hearts are heavy and we are sad- Source: Casper Star-Tribune, 12-24-13 Linda Walker he could not afford a lawyer. He her faith for getting her through the ordeal. God dened,” said Sheldon MacGillivray, executive Gnanapragasam Selvan, Kailasapuram, came to Dayton in June 2010. Source: Journal- “makes me secure and happy in who I am,” she pastor. “This is not the Shelton Sanford we India: Sexual assault. Selvan, pastor at St. Constitution, 12-7-13 said, adding that “God still makes beauty from know.” Source: heraldonline.com, 1-11-14 Anthony’s Catholic Church in Pettai, allegedly Zachary R. Ruppel, 27, Columbus, OH: ashes.” Larry Hutcheson, Moore, OK: Unspecified raped and impregnated a 14-year-old choir Compelling prostitution, importuning and dis- Judge Michael Youngpeter also barred Gray landlord violations. Hutcheson, lead pastor at member. The priest and the doctor who alleg- seminating matter harmful to juveniles and 10 from working with minors during probation, or- Power House Assembly of God, was cited for edly terminated the pregnancy, S. Meenakshi, counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor. dered her to surrender her teaching certificate failure to provide heat and hot water in a house are being sought. Ruppel, choir director at St. Francis DeSales and register as a sex offender. Source: al.com, he rents for $400 a month to the parents of 5 The fetus was allegedly buried in a cemetery Catholic High School, is accused of soliciting 1-13-14 children. controlled by the church, after which parishio- nude photos and oral sex from 2 male juveniles Larry M. Bollinger, 67, Gastonia, NC: 25 The mother, Maria Lewis said, besides ners told police. Source: The Hindu, 12-20-13 in exchange for membership in the All-Ohio years in prison after pleading guilty to 2 counts space heaters, the house had no heat and ev- Michael Bryant, 48, Memphis, TN: Sexual State Fair Youth Choir. Source: Columbus Dis- of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign eryone slept in 1 bedroom. A city health inspec- battery by an authority figure. Bryant, pastor at patch, 12-6-13 place. Bollinger, a Lutheran minister for 33 tor said he told Hutcheson in mid-December to Hour of Restoration Church of God in Christ, is Ronald Paul Rathbun Sr., 57, East Anchor- years, admitted molesting Haitian girls between fix the heat within 48 hours. The family moved accused of molesting a 16-year-old family mem- age, AK: Possession and distribution of child the ages of 11 and 16 in 2009 as a missionary in in April. ber for years. The teen alleged Bryant exposed pornography. Rathbun, pastor at Eternal Love in Haiti. Hutcheson said Jan. 8 he’s been working himself and touched her inappropriately at least Ministry, allegedly possessed images of naked Federal prosecutors said Bollinger went with on it. “You can only make plumbers move so twice a week the last 2 years and that it hap- girls between the ages of 6 and 14, including his wife to Haiti but she came home before him. fast. But we’re here to do what we can and get pened the day the police report was filed. 102 photos of 1 child. He allegedly told police The crimes allegedly took place after she left. it done as quickly as we can.” Source: news9. Investigators allege the girl’s mother prayed he didn’t think child nudity was pornography. “I think it’s a sentence that will show sex of- com, 1-8-14 to God to remove “these thoughts” from Bryant’s Source: Alaska Dispatch, 12-2-13 fenders they can’t escape American justice just Oliver Brazelle, 79, Shoals Creek, AL: 2nd- mind instead of telling police. The girl’s aunt by going to a foreign country and molesting degree sexual abuse and 2nd-degree sodomy. eventually told police. Source: WREG, 12-18-13 children there,” said prosecutor Kimlani Ford. Brazelle, former music and youth minister of Elmer A. Holbrooks, 56, Jacksonville, FL: Pleaded / Convicted Source: Charlotte Observer, 1-5-14

First United Methodist Church, is accused of Domestic battery. Holbrooks, pastor of Anchor Megan Garland, 29, Waukesha, WI: 4 years Johnnie F. Winnell, 60, Charleston, W.VA: molesting a teen boy who was a member of his Church in Callahan, was jailed after a fight with in prison and 6 years’ probation after pleading Pleaded guilty to sexual abuse by a guardian. youth group in the mid-1990s. his daughter Charity, 19, outside the church. no contest in October to child enticement and Winnell, pastor of United Gospel Mission, was Church members contacted police in June Holbrooks said Charity was using his back- sexual assault by school staff. Garland, a teach- charged after a 14-year-old family member told 2012 about allegations. Brazelle was fired the hoe and got frustrated: “She throwed it in re- er at Messmer [Catholic] High School, admitted authorities Winnell touched her sexually at least next month. Source: Times Daily, 1-7-14 verse, turned the wheels and throwed it in for- having sex with boys ages 14 and 15. twice at his home while she was pretending to Johnny Botello, 76, Wichita Falls, TX: In- ward, and full steam ahead, slammed on the She was initially caught performing a sex act be asleep. decency with a child by sexual contact. Botello, brakes. I popped her on her right shoulder once, on the younger boy in the parking lot of Destiny Winnell also worked as a computer opera- pastor of Bethel Asamblea de Dios, is charged maybe twice. I don’t think it was the second time Church and School in Milwaukee. Source: Jour- tor for the school system’s transportation office. with touching a girl younger than 11 under her until she looked at me with a hateful attitude like nal Sentinel, 1-3-14 Source: Charleston Gazette, 1-6-14 clothes at church. Source: Times Record News, ‘What did you do,’ and I popped her again and Zachary Fuhriman, 30, Lander, WY: 3 Mark Hooper, 43, and Susan Hooper, 43, 1-7-14 said ‘Don’t disrespect your dad.’ ” years’ probation after pleading guilty to 3rd- Mount Jewett, PA: Pleaded no contest to child Dennis Rutledge, 62, Lancaster, SC: Ex- “Action News called Charity to get her side degree sexual abuse of a minor. Fuhriman, for- endangerment. Mark Hooper, pastor of Cobb posure of private parts in a lewd and lascivious of the story, but she swore at our reporter and mer youth leader at First Baptist Church, had Street Baptist Church, and his wife are accused manner, 5 counts of 1st-degree criminal sexual hung up,” reported WETV. Holbrooks said he’s consensual intercourse with a girl in early 2013 of starving their 3 adopted children, ages 9 to conduct with a minor and 2 counts of 3rd-degree apologized to the congregation. Source: action- when she was 16. He met her in 2007 when she 11, to punish them. criminal sexual conduct with a minor. Rutledge, newsjax.com, 12-17-13 was a member of his youth group, the same Police said the 9-year-old daughter ran former deacon and choir director at an unidenti- Willie L. Marvin Sr., 51, Columbia, SC: year he left the job. away from home and went to a neighbor’s. fied church, is accused of molesting 2 girls ages Criminal sexual conduct, voyeurism and pro- “He’s made a mockery of being a church She weighed 31 pounds at the time. At an April 10 and 8 over 5 months in 2013. ducing, promoting or directing a sexual perfor- leader and a mockery of the people who put him hearing, the children said they were afraid of The church pastor said Rutledge resigned mance by a child under 18 and voyeurism. Mar- in that place,” the victim’s mother said. “I do not their mom, saying she withheld meals if the in June without giving a reason and said every- vin, co-pastor with his wife of New Life World believe the plea agreement is justice for him to girls didn’t do their hair right or if the children one is praying for everyone involved. Source: Ministries, is accused of sending explicit texts walk away with a slap on the wrist and no jail didn’t get their homeschool assignments done WSOC, 1-6-14 and an obscene photo to a phone Marvin gave time.” on time. Larry Clark, 61, Buena Vista, VA: Clark, to the alleged victim. Intimate contact is also al- In a letter read aloud to the court, the victim’s The children allegedly weren’t allowed to pastor of Pentecostal Outreach Church, who leged. Source: The State, 12-17-13 father said Fuhriman manipulated his daughter use the bathroom and would be punished for was first arrested on sexual molestation char- Jacoby Kindred, 61, Maplewood, MN: 2 and exhibited the behavior of a predator. “My having “accidents.” The 2 younger children said ges in November, has since had several charg- counts of 1st-degree criminal sexual conduct. biggest fear with Zach is my daughter won’t be they were fed oatmeal laced with red pepper es added and now faces 28 counts of taking Kindred, who told police he’s a pastor with One the last life he ruins.” flakes and not allowed to drink anything with it. indecent liberties with a child and carnal knowl- Accord Ministries but has no church building, is County Attorney Michael Bennett defended Source: WJAC, 12-31-13 edge of a child. accused by 2 females, now 14 and 16, of fon- the plea agreement but said punishment was Otis B. Jetter, 71, Indianapolis: Guilty by All the allegations involve teen boys. Miles dling, oral sex and penetration, starting when needed. “He violated what my office believes is jury of 3 counts of child molesting. Jetter, pas- Kelly, an investigator with the Rockbridge they were about 6. a social contract between grown men and the tor at Pilgrim Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, County Sheriff’s Office, said the latest charges He calls himself Jacoby Preacherman on community: You leave high school girls alone so January/February 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

protection order requiring him to stay away from United States. If God moves on me to take up a Anthony Fulton, New Haven, CT, is ac- ‘You were a wolf in anyone younger than 18. Source: Coloradoan, serpent, I can take up a serpent.” cused by some members of Faith Refuge of 12-10-13 Zoo herpetologist Michael Ogle released this stealing about $10,000 from the church for his shepherd’s clothing.’ statement: personal use and of stripping the church of “[Thirty-two of the snakes] have died due to equipment. Civil Lawsuits Filed poor body condition caused by anorexia that “They took it upon themselves to buy flat — Judge Edward was a result of severe parasite infestation and screen TVs. And now they’re leaving, they take Mordechai Rosenberg, 54, Pittsburgh, is overall stress caused by being housed in quar- it with them, but we’ve got it on black and white Lukemire to Pastor being sued for allegedly causing a “life-chang- ters that were too small.” that they wrote it out from Faith Refuge,” said ing injury” to an 8-day-old boy he circumcised Most of the 21 survivors are in fair to good Charlene Chesson, church member. Terrance King in April 2013 at Tree of Life Synagogue, accord- condition but also were exposed to the same Fulton denies the allegations. Source: ing to the boy’s parents. The suit alleges Rabbi pathogens and are at high risk of being infected, WTNH, 12-6-13 Rosenberg completely severed the boy’s penis. Ogle said. Source: WBIR, 1-8-14 Doctors managed to reattach the penis dur- William J. Lynn, the first U.S. priest crimi- they can be high school kids.” Source: Fremont ing an 8-hour microsurgery that required 6 blood nally convicted of covering up sexual molesta- Removed / Resigned County Ranger, 12-19-13 transfusions. The boy was hospitalized for near- tion of minors by another priest, had his 2012 Finian Egan, 79, Sydney, Australia: 4 ly 2 months, the suit says. Source: N.Y. Daily John Paul, 67, was put on administra- conviction overturned 3-0 by a Pennsylvania years in prison for sexually preying on young News, 12-29-13 tive leave by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia state appeals court, which ruled the trial court girls. Egan, a Catholic priest, was accused of The Catholic Diocese of New Ulm, MN, on allegations he molested minors more than misinterpreted the endangering welfare of a molesting 3 girls between the ages of 10 and 17 and the Servants of the Paraclete are being 30 years ago. Paul resigned as pastor of Our child law under which Lynn was sentenced to while he worked in various dioceses starting in sued for alleged negligence in failing to ad- Lady of Calvary Catholic Parish in November. 3-6 years. the 1960s. A jury found him guilty of rape and 7 equately supervise Francis Markey, pastor at Source: philly.com, 1-6-14 The appellate court held the statute didn’t counts of indecent assault. St. Andrew Parish in Granite Falls. The plaintiff Mark Connelly resigned as Mission Com- apply to someone supervising the person in The first victim testified she told a nun about alleges he was molested as a child by Markey, munity Church pastor, Gilbert, AZ, due to alle- charge. Prosecutors plan to appeal the appel- the abuse and was then flogged, forced to drink who died in 2012 in Ireland while awaiting trial gations of extramarital affairs. late decision. castor oil and made to clean up her own vomit. for sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy. “We had received some information last The Archdiocese of Philadelphia posted Another told how Egan raped her and took her Markey was ordained in 1952 and was ac- Sunday that we took to [Mark Connelly] and pre- $25,000 bail bond, which was criticized by D.A. to confession to another priest, who ordered cused of sexual abuse of at least 3 children in sented it to him, and he ended up confessing,” Seth Williams. “It is disgusting that they would her to stop letting Egan touch her. She tried to the 1960s and 1970s in Ireland. He was sent to said Gary Sutliff, interim pastor. pay to free this man,” Williams said. Source: throw herself out of Egan’s car after confession. the Servants of the Paraclete in New Mexico in Members said the affairs involved women philly.com, 1-2-14; Religion Clause, 12-27-13 Source: AAP, 12-19-13 1981 and came to Minnesota in 1981. Source: from the 6,000-member church, one of Arizo- Final prosecutor’s and defense motions Howard Richmond, 53, of Naperville, IL: 12 Willmar Tribune, 12-12-13 na’s largest. Source: azfamily.com, 1-6-13 were made in the trial of former Catholic priest years in prison after pleading guilty to forgery Former altar boy Jon Couzens is suing Loren Nys, a priest at Sts. Peter and Paul Gabriele DelBianco in Sarnia, Ontario. He’s and operating a continuing financial crime enter- the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Catholic Church in Kiel, WI, will leave the parish being tried on 18 counts of sexual assault and prise. Richmond, founder of Life Reach Minis- Rights, its president and CEO Bill Donohue, and live in Milwaukee with other retired clergy gross indecency allegedly involving 4 teen girls tries, a storefront church in Aurora, bilked follow- the Kansas City Catholic League and 2 for- under the supervision of the Salvatorian provin- in the 1980s but claims the acts were consensu- ers out of more than $1 million by telling them mer officers of the now-dissolved local group cialate. al, including liaisons on overnight trips approved he was going to build a megachurch in Chicago. for defamation. Allegations of inappropriate physical con- by parents. Source: Chicago Tribune, 12-19-13 The suit alleges Donohue published false tact with minors were found in 43-year-old let- DelBianco left the priesthood in 1996. Mordechai Elon, Jerusalem: 6 months of statements about Couzens’ alleged involvement ters from parents during a personnel review, Source: Blackburn News, 12-20-13 community service and a $2,850 fine for com- with drugs and a murder conspiracy in press re- although the Salvatorians claimed the concerns A Minnesota judge ruled “John Doe 1” may mitting an indecent act against a minor. Elon, a leases, online and in documents distributed to were addressed at the time. Source: Journal proceed with his suit alleging he was abused by rabbi and mentor in Israel’s Zionist movement, churches. Sentinel, 1-5-14 Fr. Thomas Adamson and that the Archdio- was convicted of sexually fondling a 17-year-old Donohue started attacking Couzens after a John Meredith, Owensboro, KY, was sus- cese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Dio- male yeshiva student. Source: Times of Israel, 3-day newspaper series in 2011 telling the sto- pended as pastor of Blessed Mother Catholic cese of Winona failed to respond adequately. 12-17-13 ries of altar boys Couzens said were molested Church after a diocesan probe of an unspecified Adamson had admitted to molesting boys in Edward P. Mallonee, 55, Union City, TN: in the early 1980s by Msgr. Thomas O’Brien allegation deemed credible. the Winona diocese but was still transferred to Unspecified period of supervised probation after at Nativity of Mary in Independence. One of the Commonwealth’s Attorney Bruce Kuegel other parishes with no warning to families, the pleading guilty to felony reckless endangerment. boys, Brian Teeman, 14, killed himself in 1983. said the diocese referred the case to his office. suit says. Mallonee, pastor of Second Baptist Church, and His parents settled their lawsuit against the Source: Messenger-Inquirer, 1-1-14 The plaintiff alleges the defendants created his girlfriend, Shelly S. Moran, allegedly plotted church in 2013 for $2.25 million. Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput, a public nuisance by hiding the histories of abu- to poison Cathy Mallonee, the pastor’s wife of Couzens is also suing the diocese for al- Philadephia, permanently removed 5 priests sive priests and that their actions also consti- 34 years. They originally faced 2 murder counts. leged abuse by O’Brien. It’s set for trial in April. from ministry over sexual abuse allegations, in- tuted a private nuisance by leading to his sexual “I wish it would have gone to trial and all the Source: Kansas City Star, 12-1-13 cluding Michael A. Chapman, who was earlier abuse. facts would have been out and let a jury make The Los Angeles-based Kabbalah Centre investigated and returned to duty in 2013. Ramsey County Judge John Van de North the decision,” said Police Chief Perry Barfield. is being sued for over $1 million by 3 former A review board cleared Chapman in May ruled the public nuisance claim should go for- The victim held Mallonee’s hand in court and followers in San Diego. They allege the center 2012 but a new accuser came forward a few ward but described his decision as a “close call.” wrote a letter to the court saying he shouldn’t be pressured them “to give money until it hurts” in months later. The other priests removed are He dismissed the private nuisance claim. prosecuted. He resigned in February 2013 amid order to receive “the light” from its leaders. The Stephen B. Perzan, Peter J. Talocci, Mark Plaintiff’s attorney Jeff Anderson said it’s the rumors of an affair. plaintiffs claim they were told donations would E. Fernandes and Joseph M. Glatts. Source: first time nationally that nuisance claims have The indictment alleged the defendants took go to a new building in San Diego and for a chil- philly.com, 12-15-13 been used in a clergy sex abuse case. Carbofuran (trade name Furadan) to Honduras dren’s charity, neither of which happened. Michael W. O’Connell, Chicago, stepped Van de North also ordered information on and tried to put it in Cathy Mallonee’s drink. She The late Rabbi Philip Berg (born Feivel Gru- down from daily responsibilities at St. Alphon- credibly accused priests from a 2004 study to was there on a church mission trip. berger) founded Kabbalah, which has 50 world- sus Catholic Parish due to an allegation he mo- be publicly released. “The chemical is highly toxic to animals and wide branches, in Jerusalem in the 1960s. He lested a minor in the late 1990s as pastor of Our The Diocese of Duluth has added 17 humans. It would only take a very small amount died last September. Source: L.A. Times, 12-5- Lady of the Woods Parish. names to the public list of priests credibly ac- for it to be fatal to a person,” said Tom Womack 13 The allegation has been reported to the cused of molesting minors. The diocese said of the state Department of Agriculture. Source: Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, officials none are active in public ministry and all but 3 WBBJ, 12-13-13 said. O’Connell was ordained in 1983. Source: are dead. Source: Pioneer Press, 12-10-13 Terrance King, 34, Hawkinsville, GA: 30 Civil Lawsuits Settled Chicago Tribune, 12-9-13 Prosecutors dismissed 4 counts of 2nd-de- years in prison for statutory rape, aggravated Avrohom Glick, 67, Balaklava, Austra- The Kansas City-St. Joseph Catholic Dio- gree child rape against former Assembly of God child molestation and enticing a child for in- lia: Under police investigation for alleged child cese and the Missionaries of the Precious youth pastor Michael D. Whitson, 51, Vancou- decent purposes. A jury deliberated less than sex abuse as deputy principal of an Orthodox Blood settled a lawsuit for $130,000. The plain- ver, WA. He was accused of starting a sexual an hour in convicting King, pastor of Pleasant Jewish boys school in Melbourne more than 30 tiff alleged he was molested as a Bishop LeB- relationship in 2002 with a Winlock boy who was Grove Baptist Church, who was accused of tak- years ago. Glick denies the allegations. lond High School student by Fr. James Urbanic then 12. ing a 15-year-old girl to a hotel in 2012 and hav- He has been removed as head of Jewish in the rectory after a pick-up basketball game in Prosecutors said they intend to refile charg- ing sex. studies at Yeshivah College boys high school, the mid-1970s in St. Joseph, MO. Source: Kan- es after more investigation. Whitson pleaded “You were a wolf in shepherd’s clothing,” current Principal Yehoshua Smukler said in a sas City Star, 12-22-14 guilty in 2006 to 2 counts of 3rd-degree assault Judge Edward Lukemire said at sentencing. statement. A suit against the Catholic Diocese of of a child with a sexual motivation enhancement Source: Macon Telegraph, 12-13-13 The alleged victim said he was raped and Beaumont, TX, was settled for an undisclosed and was sentenced to 90 days in jail. Source: Michael Delaney, 66, Tomah, WI: Life in made to perform lewd acts on the rabbi. Source: amount. The 6 male plaintiffs alleged Ronald chronline.com, 12-9-13 prison. Delaney, a retired pastor with the Church Haaretz, 12-9-13 Bollich, a priest who died in 1996, molested of God of Prophecy in Necedah, was convicted by a jury of sexual assault of a child under age them as teens. “The last victim was abused 20 years after Allegations 16 as a persistent repeater and 5 counts of child Other the first victims were abused,” said Dallas attor- enticement. The victim was 13 in 2008 when End Time Message Church founder Robert ney Tahira Merritt. “The diocese knew [Bollich] Michael Glennon, 69, a notorious Australian Delaney allegedly assaulted him and threatened Martin Gumbura, Harare, Zimbabwe, who has was a sexual predator.” Catholic priest, died in prison in Ararat, purport- to tell people he was gay if he said anything. 11 wives, is on trial on charges of raping 7 fe- Victims were fondled, groped and raped, ac- edly of natural causes. Glennon was sentenced Delaney served prison time in 1982 for 2 male church members. cording to the filing. “After having been so badly in 2003 to serve at least 15 years on 23 child counts of sexual abuse of a child in Arizona. On the witness stand, Gumbura said he’s in abused by Bollich, [the last victim’s] mental sta- sex charges involving 3 victims. Another alleged victim said in a letter to the love with all the women but because he wouldn’t tus degraded to such a point that he had several It was his 5th child molestation conviction court that victims “will bear the scar of this man marry them, they all cried “rape.” nervous breakdowns. He has been declared since 1978. The youngest victim was 7. Several being born for the rest of their lives. He denied claims by an alleged victim he disabled due to mental problems.” Source: offenses occurred while he was free on bail. “Someday, when you’re gone, you’ll be for- made her have 2 abortions. “I didn’t even know Beaumont Enterprise, 12-12-13 Talk show host Derryn Hinch, who was jailed gotten. No one will care when an old pervert that she aborted. I have 30 children and if I had for contempt of court after disclosing Glennon’s dies in jail.” Source: La Crosse Tribune, 12-10- known about the pregnancies, I wouldn’t have convictions, tweeted: “Good News to start 2014. 13 asked her to abort because I want 100 children.” Legal Developments Just heard evil paedophile priest Michael Glen- Brent “Pete” Turley, 23, Norwood, MO: 10 Source: New Zimbabwe, 12-19-13 non is dead. Died where he belonged: in jail. years in prison without parole. Turley, a married In a letter to parishioners of the Chicago Shiya Ostreicher, a New York rabbi and Victims rejoice.” Source: The Age, 1-1-14 youth leader at the church the 14-year-old vic- Catholic Archdiocese, Cardinal Francis political player involved in 5 Brooklyn nonprof- The Catholic Diocese of San Isidro, Ar- tim attended, pleaded guilty to using the Internet George announced that documents on substan- its that get millions of dollars in taxpayer cash gentina, is sorry about Jose Mercau, a priest and his phone to solicit sex with the girl, whose tiated abuse claims linked to at least 30 priests and private donations, is being investigated by sentenced to 14 years in 2006 for molesting 4 mother found his text messages. will soon be made public. About a third of the state and federal prosecutors after a referral by children. Turley arranged to meet an undercover of- priests are dead. the Moreland Commission on Public Corruption, “The San Isidro diocesan community, and ficer in a park. Condoms were found in his pock- Files will be turned over to prominent Minne- which was set up by Gov. Mario Cuomo. especially the bishop and priests, publicly apol- et. He also allegedly admitted he enticed and sota plaintiff’s attorney Jeff Anderson. Source: Ostreicher was also influential in lobbying for ogize to the young victims who were affected by engaged in sex with 2 more victims. Chicago Tribune, 1-9-14 a law that extended the state Tuition Assistance the conduct of a priest within our diocese, Fr. Court documents said Turley told officers A Campbell County grand jury declined to in- Program to rabbinical students at an estimated Jose Mercau, when he was a priest at St. John he took a girl he thought was 12 (but was really dict Andrew Hamblin, 22, pastor of Tabernacle cost of $18 million a year. Source: N.Y. Post, 12- the Baptist Church,” said the document signed 14) to see “Yogi Bear” in a theater and digitally Church of God in LaFollette, TN, who was ar- 18-13 by Bishop Oscar Ojea and read at Masses Dec. penetrated her during the movie. Source: KYTV, rested in November for possessing 53 poison- Mortimer Stanley, 82, Manchester, UK, a 14-15. 12-10-13 ous snakes he used in church services. Many of retired Catholic priest, is under police investiga- Mercau ran a group home for homeless and Hugo Ornelas, 49, Fort Collins, CO: Life in the confiscated snakes have died and the oth- tion for alleged sexual assaults against 3 wom- runaway youths. Source: Catholic News Ser- prison with parole eligibility after 12 years for a ers won’t be returned from the Knoxville Zoo, en who say they were molested as preteens at vice, 12-18-13 series of sexual assaults on a 15-year-old fam- the state said. St. Vincent Primary School between 1980 and Email: [email protected] ily member. Ornelas, pastor at Iglesia del Dios Religious freedom includes handling snakes, 2000. Stanley retired to Ireland in 2002. Source: Vivo, also faces charges for allegedly violating a Hamblin said. “That is my God-given right in the Daily Mail, 12-6-13 Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014

believe the pursuit of reason over su- perstition and fear in our society out- Letterbox weighs all other worthy causes. I am proud to be able to donate in this man- Former pastor backs emption” was unfair, but as an honest, ner. It is an honor to be able to support law-abiding citizen, never failed to take your mission to reveal the ravages of re- parsonage suit advantage of it. Did you know that the ligion and the rewards of reason. Enclosed you will find my check Presbyterian Church USA now desig- Please use this donation to keep for $40 to renew my membership for nates 100% of a member’s pension a up your important work in the courts, yet another year. I love Freethought housing allowance, leaving it up to the in the schools, in the governmental Today. You might think the life of this individual and the IRS as to how much chambers and in the minds of us all. octogenarian is dull if I say that receiv- is actually taxable? Stan M. Deutsch ing your publication is a high point of Few clergypersons of my day ever California my month, but in fact I am quite active, made the big bucks, but I have saved busy and fulfilled even without your up to $1,000 a year in taxes at times Thousand and fine publication. due to this perhaps someday “uncon- In the December issue, I particularly stitutional” provision. So, a small por- one thanks to Paul enjoyed the Dan Savage feature. I feel tion of the $40 you receive from me is I can think of a thousand and one as if I have met a new “hero.” Impres- due to the extra funds I have available reasons to support FFRF, so I have to sive is a weak word for the Sacramento because of the parsonage exemption. decided to donate a dollar for each of chapter’s billboard campaign. Crank Reality, as Dawkins or someone them to the building fund. Thank you mail is always as entertaining as shock- might say, can be messy. Thanks, too, for all the great work you do! ing, and the black collar crime is, well, for your support for the Clergy Proj- Paul Fleischauer just shocking. I had to chuckle though, ect, where I much enjoy my role as a Wisconsin at the account of the “peeping Tom” screener for applicants. Finally, due who returned the next night to pray to my son’s recently moving to L.A., ‘After-Lifer’ sees for the woman he was spying on. I have the possibility of attending the As a retired Presbyterian clergyman, 2014 convention. Hoping to see you harm religion causes I have long thought the “parsonage ex- there. I’ve supported many causes over the Earl Cruser years, generally environmental protec- How beastly California tion, equal rights and understanding Atheists charitable “I ain’t afraid to park in a space of science, but these causes have mil- reserved for the Anti-Christ,” writes with donations lions of supporters. Religion is a major Remember the season member Brian Wales about this scene Hemant Mehta, “Friendly Athe- cause or aggravating factor of the prob- in Lake Geneva, Wis. ist” blogger, Illinois high school is the reason lems in those areas, but action against math teacher and FFRF mem- For the past few weeks, I’ve toler- religion has far fewer supporters. must do all we can to keep religion out ber, found that the third time was ated people trying to correct me if I That’s why I want to focus my sup- of the government. the charm for his efforts to do- responded “Happy Holidays” to their port where it will make the most differ- “Think reason, not God” would be nate $3,000 he raised from the “Merry Christmas.” (I’d really like to ence, fighting the root source of these good on a T-shirt. freethought community for a wor- say “Have a wonderful Winter Solstice” problems. Please accept my check for Charles Saxton thy cause. The Niles Township Food or something like that.) I cringe when $5,000 for the purchase of an After- Arkansas Pantry accepted the $3,000 which I’m assailed with “Remember the rea- Life membership. had been turned down by the Mor- son for the season,” which makes me Chris Allen Costco was wrong ton Grove Park District and the Mor- want to retort “Remember the season Texas ton Grove Public Library board, the is the reason.” to issue apology Chicago Tribune reported Jan. 10. So with this barrage of insensitiv- FFRF depends on [An excerpted email from a California Mehta originally raised the mon- ity from those who want everyone FFRF member to Costco]: ey in October following news that to believe the same way they do, I’ve support like this The Costco store in Simi Valley was an American Legion post pulled its decided to complete my payment for I had written a $100 donation check 100% correct to label the Holy Bible as support from the park district after a Lifetime Membership. I submitted but hadn’t yet mailed it. Then I re- fiction and 100% wrong to apologize. a board member refused to stand my Combined Federal Campaign pay- viewed your 2013 in review summary For over 2,000 years, Christians have for the Pledge of Allegiance. Park roll deduction forms and included a and realized I had to do more. Your been attempting to prove that it’s a officials returned the check, citing a pledge, which should complete my partial summary of accomplishments nonfiction book, and to date they have desire to avoid a “First Amendment Lifetime Membership. is rivaled by no other freethought-re- failed to present one shred of evidence dispute.” Russ Collins lated organization that I’m aware of, that this book is anything but pure fic- Then, a library board trustee Nevada and I’ve been somewhat aware of the tion. called Mehta’s blog a “hate group,” activities of a number of similar groups A complaint from a Christian pas- and questioned the legality of ac- Jolly Trust makes going back about 35 years. tor was to be expected, but that was no cepting a donation originally in- I appreciate the work of all such reason to apologize. Instead, Costco tended for the park district. generous bequest groups and am a member of a num- should have asked the complainant: “I can’t believe how hard it is to I am very pleased to be able to send ber, but FFRF seems to be a fine com- Where is the proof? Where is the evi- get rid of $3,000,” Mehta said in a the Freedom From Religion Founda- bination of being upfront atheist, dence? YouTube video, announcing plans tion this gift of $5,000 from the Bob organized and very aggressive about in- In a future “Informed Debate” sec- to give the money to the food pan- Jolly Charitable Trust, in honor of my creasing the membership, in addition tion of the Costco Connection maga- try. late friend Bob Conway Jolly, who was to all the rest that you do. Kudos to ev- zine, I recommend that you ask the Niles Township Supervisor Lee a staunch supporter of your organiza- eryone there, starting with the original question: Is the Holy Bible fiction or Tamraz said it was immaterial to tion. Bob died in August of a glioblas- and now extended family. nonfiction? him where the donation came toma brain tumor, and he directed that I tore up my $100 check and wrote John D. Dunn from. “We should be appreciative his estate go into a charitable trust. another for $1,000 and have enclosed California of the donation and make sure it is The majority of the trust will sup- both. Keep up the absolutely terrific used to the benefit of the people of port the work of the Boston acting and creative hard work for which Madison convention Niles Township. I’m grateful for the community, which Bob was a part of you’re known. $3,000.” for many years, but he also directed Richard “Dick” James a great experience In another recent charitable act, several specific bequests, including this California Receiving Freethought Today in the Mehta raised $27,254 from 1,224 one to FFRF. • • • mail always makes the day better. Most contributors to donate to Ryan Bell, The gift is unrestricted, but it would Enclosed is a check for $200 for recently, I loved seeing the faces and a Seventh-day Adventist pastor who be fitting to Bob’s memory if some, at the building fund. I would give more statements of people who are on bill- was asked to resign from his church least, went into the FFRF endowment. if I could, but I’m retired on a fixed boards. Their simple statements and and from two Christian schools at I am also using a recent mailing to sug- income. The work you do is so impor- colorful visibility reach so many people which he was an adjunct professor. gest a message on a building fund pav- tant. I have been an atheist most of my who would love to say thank you in Bell’s “sin” was announcing he was ing stone that would say “In Memory of life. Religion never made sense to me person. I plan to make a poster out of going to spend a year living without Bob Conway Jolly, Boston Actor 1953- at all. these pages. God, in effect, giving atheism a try 2013.” When I was in high school, I would In the previous edition, the photo to see where atheists were coming Marshall Williams hear them pray at football games and of the “God Graveyard” sponsored by from. Rhode Island wonder why their god would intervene UW Atheists, Humanists & Agnostics “As an atheist, I want Bell to know in a silly football game but not to stop on Halloween was brilliant! Entire civi- that we appreciate what he’s trying Proud to become the murder of an innocent child or any lizations once worshiped gods that are to do and that we’ll support him other of the bad stuff going on in this now considered myths. even if his Christian community will new Life Member world! If football is more important Belated thanks for the Madison con- not and (more importantly) even I am sending a donation for a Life- than a child’s life, then he is sure not vention. Each individual story is help- if he decides atheism isn’t for him time Membership. I have never donat- worth praying to, much less worship- ful to us all. The first speaker I listened when the year is over,” Mehta said. ed an amount this large to any other ing! That is when I started to be an to on our first day was attorney Andrew charitable organization. But I firmly atheist. Keep up the good work. We Seidel (“Sweat the Small Stuff”). I January/February 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

Mixed messages? Missouri member Matt Gaines happened on this Jeep Cherokee in St. Joseph. hope you reprint his speech in a future name is Minimalist. How clever is that? edition. He won his race that day! As atheists and freethinkers, we Julie H. Tooth need to identify ourselves by wearing Kentucky our lapel pins, T-shirts and hats with • • • the FFRF logo or our favorite free- Whenever I have to go to a hospi- thinker/skeptic phrase. We need to tal and they ask me, “Religious prefer- recognize each other and become vis- ence,” I reply: ible so that we can let reason replace “Chocolate.” religious superstitious delusion and in- Bill Wiener trusion. We already have the power in Louisiana the sheer number of us out there. We • • • also must attain political clout to make We were in Tallahassee a few days New Jersey member Tom Roche writes: “I had the privilege of meeting Charles this happen. It is the only way to ensure ago to see a grocery co-op named after Strouse at the 2011 FFRF convention in Hartford, where he posed for a photo that our government will remain true Dan Barker’s song, “Friendly Neigh- with me and signed ‘Tomorrow’ sheet music for my daughter. Last October, to the secular origin of this country. We borhood Atheist.” Thought you might our family was finally able to see ‘Annie’ on Broadway and meet some of the need to assert our voice of reason with get a kick out of knowing about it. cast after the show. Now I’ve put together an ‘Annie’ collage which hangs in my confidence. Andrew’s speech gave me Rose Secrest daughter’s bedroom. I’m looking forward to it being a conversation starter: a lot to think about. Tennessee ‘Oh, where did you meet Charles Strouse?’ Thanks for all that you do.” We experienced a taste of this pow- er of identity and honesty at a lunch Japanese-American billboards. I clipped four of the ones sence. Atheists have the great task of break during the conference. My hus- that I liked best. They will make nifty releasing from belief anyone who ap- band and I were one of the first people view very informative zingers in elevator conversations. proaches them for there to be any sort to enter a restaurant before the lunch Thank you very much for publish- My favorites include, “The only high- of encounter beyond the very superfi- crowd came in. We were wearing our ing “Japanese-American escapes Chris- er power I have is on my microwave” cial and trivial. In a way, atheists have conference identifications. After the tian nation myth” [by Hawaii FFRF by Billy Nilva, “I believe in people, not to coax people to consider nonbelief restaurant filled up, I looked around member Satoko Makino, June/July13]. gods” by Liz Shoemaker, “I worship in order for them to encounter it. and it appeared that almost every pa- I’m a Japanese-American atheist who nothing and question everything,” by It might be best to view nonbelievers tron was wearing an FFRF badge. It was comes from an evangelical Christian Dylan McDonald and “Evidence mat- as having a way of thinking that’s en- a great place to strike up a conversa- background. I’m struggling to find ters, skepticism makes sense” by Paul tirely different from how believers view tion, and the food was good, too. others like me, as my family (mostly Cox. themselves and the world. So all the Cheers for a new year filled with in Hawaii) is still enmeshed with the Bravo to all the Sacramento faces friction and strife that seems to arise progress and reason. church, and I live in an area where the and voices. between believers and nonbelievers is Deborah Hilpipre Japanese-American community is small Pete Prunkl really like people arguing while speak- Minnesota and not very cohesive. North Carolina ing two different languages. Editor’s note: Videos of speeches are at: Ms. Makino’s perspective as an im- One thing that can confuse believ- ffrf.org/outreach/convention migrant was really interesting and Believers’ beliefs are ers is that science uses the word “be- something I never gave much thought lief” to label hypotheses or conjec- God question brings to with regard to how my family may inconsistent tures. That “belief” is a placeholder have come to be converted to Christi- While rejecting overwhelming sci- until actual understanding is obtained. hospital applause anity. Hers was the only thing I could entific evidence, it is funny how the For example: “We believe a virus is the Some time ago, I was sitting in Kai- find in an Internet search written by a global-warming deniers often are the cause of these changes.” Unfortunate- ser’s post-operative waiting room in Japanese-American atheist. Thanks to most devoted believers in stories made ly, some people mistake the scientist’s San Rafael, along with about a dozen her for speaking out about her experi- up thousands of years ago, without a use of the word as evidence atheists be- other people awaiting news of their ence. shred of evidence, and against all logic. lieve like the faithful. loved ones. Keiko Take the so-called “Great Flood.” Of course, some scientists are mem- My wife’s surgeon stopped by to tell Massachusetts How about asking some logical ques- bers of a faith. They can explain how me that all had gone well. Moments tions, like where did all the water come they integrate their faith with science later, Betty, my wife’s anxious 92-year- Billboards appreciated from, and where did it go afterward? far better than I can. old mother, arrived and announced Ran off the edge of the flat Earth, Richard Tew “thank God” when I told her that the on both coasts perhaps? California surgery had gone perfectly. I live in Glassboro, N.J., next to Pit- Jorg Aadahl I replied, “Thank God? How about man, where your organization put up a San Mateo Wading for Godot thanking the doctors and the nurses?” “Keep Saturn in Saturnalia” billboard. The entire waiting room burst into I learned about it when an arsonist Once again, atheism Immersed in various, curious faiths, applause. It was a wonderful moment tried to burn it down. sloshing around in hope, for atheism. I want you to know that there are not a belief submerged in hilarious, Richard Kirschman those of us who appreciate the work To understand atheism as religion is spurious myths, California you are doing and helping make sure not to understand atheism at all. Athe- and/or gushing about a Pope, • • • that everyone’s civil liberties are cov- ism is seeing the world through belief- religionists pray, My husband and I enjoy Thorough- ered. Thank you. free glasses. and obediently trudge, bred horse racing and handicapping. Ashley Rahn Atheists know well that they are through ridiculous layers Recently, I ran across the name and New Jersey viewed by the faith community as just of inebriant sludge. breeding of a Thoroughbred that I • • • another system of belief. They realize JB Kennedy thought you might appreciate — Uni- Thanks for publishing the faces and that those who approach atheism this California tarian. His sire is Pulpit and the dam’s thoughts that went up on Sacramento way for any reason are missing its es- Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014

Pet peeve: of the Caribbean whenever possible. Meet a Member Given all that we’ve done, Deb still bastardizing the would rather read a book, any book. She also enjoys the music of George (and his better half) words freedom Gershwin and the enchanting voice of Robert Goulet, whom we met when and liberty in the he played King Arthur in “Camelot” in Charlotte. I’m currently reading Reza name of theocracy. Aslin’s Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth and Bart Ehrman’s Forgery and Counterforgery: The Use of Literary Deceit in Early Christian Polemics. Amendment violations), and Wiscon- Pet peeves: Bible thumpers who sin is just too damn cold! proclaim faith in something they tend But seriously, I want to continue to know very little about, and then educating myself. I want to speak out claim it to be fact. Given their indoc- where I can to expose the mythology trination, it’s no surprise what they and to hold our leaders accountable accept as fact. Also, those who deny to the Constitution. There are plenty evolution because it doesn’t fit their of minor offenses that go unnoticed biblical worldview. And those who bas- by many, which is why we must remain tardize the words freedom and liberty proactive and vigilant to stop constitu- in the name of theocracy. tional abuse. I started to doubt religion: When I Persons I admire: Bart Ehrman, realized that my parents, icons of mo- head of the Department of Religious rality, would lie for what they thought Studies at the University of North were good reasons. Some people think Carolina-Chapel Hill, for my New Tes- the Santa Claus lie is benign, but the tament education through which I parents who teach us that we should am armed to debate the most fervent never lie are the first to lie to us. I fundamentalist. Christopher Hitchens found this to be a problem as a child for his in-your-face, anti-theistic phi- and still do today. Why, is the question losophy, and making me proud to wear I had to ask? Deb and Bob Lee are not seeking “insurance for the hereafter” with religion. the title “radical atheist.” I must also For years after graduating from include the rest of the “Four Horse- high school and leaving home, I didn’t men” — Dan Dennett, Sam Harris and even want to think about religion. I Who we are: We are Robert “God- came wonderfully enlightened to the Richard Dawkins, for exposing the ab- held on to the inculcated belief for a lessBob” and Deb Lee, married for 31 fraud and chicanery. surdity and insanity of religion. long time but never investigated what years and living in Iron Station, N.C., a I confronted my mother, a staunch, Quotes I like: In The Age of Reason, I was taught to believe. Deb says that small community 25 miles from Char- bible-believing Christian, with my athe- Thomas Paine wrote, “It is necessary to she began to doubt as a teenager. Even lotte. ism in the last few years of her life. She the happiness of man that he be men- after we were married, we had occa- More about us: I was born in George- was completely closed to alternative tally faithful to himself. Infidelity does sional debates. Eventually we agreed town, S.C., on Dec. 28, 1951. Deb was ideas and was unable to engage in ra- not consist in believing, or in disbeliev- that Christianity, and religion in gen- born April 20, 1959, in Greensboro, tional discourse on the issue. She died ing; it consists in professing to believe eral, are for the feeble-minded who al- N.C. I’m employed by USAirways at in 2008, thinking that she was going to what one does not believe. It is impos- low a fear of death to cloud their logic Charlotte Douglas International Air- meet Jesus. sible to calculate the moral mischief, if and drive them to seek insurance for port as a baggage handler and have At Mother’s funeral, my mother-in- I may so express it, that mental lying the hereafter. worked in the airline industry since law told me I would see her again one has produced in society. When man The critical issue is truth. Through 1984. day, to which I responded, “If I dig her has so far corrupted and prostituted truth one discovers honor and dignity. Deb works for Bank of America in up I will!” To which she replied, “You the chastity of his mind, as to subscribe Abandoning the dogma and affirming Charlotte as a global mobility analyst. never quit, do you?” I answered, “No, his professional belief to things he one’s atheism is often a difficult choice. She had spent 25 years in accounting I don’t.” does not believe, he has prepared him- For me, it has proven costly in the loss before moving to human resources in In recent years, with evangelical self for the commission of every other of family and relationships, but it’s a 2010. leaders gaining a political foothold, I crime.” cost I’m willing to bear for the cause of Education: I have a diploma in com- felt a need to become engaged in the Thomas Jefferson: “If one wishes honesty and integrity. I encourage all puter technology and have had train- battle for separation of church and to know more of this Three-headed, nonbelievers to stand and be counted ing in hotel management, automotive state. I started to look for organized Christian Beast-god, one need only in the battle for reason. I’m fortunate technology and emergency medicine. atheist groups and wanted one with observe those who say they serve him. to be in a place where I won’t be penal- Thirty years’ experience in aviation legal abilities through which we could They are of two classes: fools and hypo- ized, as some are, for speaking out and is quite an education in itself. Deb initiate action when needed. I found crites.” vociferously proclaiming my atheism. holds a bachelor’s degree in business the Freedom From Religion Founda- Favorite things: Travel — we’ve trav- Belief for belief’s sake can never be and economics from the University of tion. eled throughout the world — Russia, as fulfilling as truth realized through North Carolina at Greensboro. I filed a complaint in 2011 with FFRF China, Australia, New Zealand, the Ca- education. It’s not about when you be- Military service: In January 1971, I regarding prayers conducted at the ribbean and most of Western Europe. gin to doubt, but that you do doubt volunteered for the draft, and on Feb. opening of every session of the North Flying — we’re both private pilots: I that’s most important. 1, I was inducted into the U.S. Army. Carolina General Assembly. Working have an instrument rating and Deb has Now, I say “De Omnibus Dubitan- Fortunately, instead of Vietnam, I was with the Triangle Freethought Soci- about 25 hours instruction in hot-air dum” (“doubt everything,” René Des- sent to Germany, where I spent a year ety (an FFRF chapter), we transcribed ballooning. Scuba — we’re both certi- cartes). and a half as a records clerk in a tank a vast number of the prayers to prove fied divers and enjoy the warm waters battalion motor pool. I returned to their sectarian nature. the U.S. in January 1973 and was dis- I got prayer stopped at the Kanna- charged at the rank of E-4. polis City Council and had a letter sent How I got where I am today: My fa- to my county commission to have their ther was killed in a farming accident practice changed to a “secular” prayer, when I was 4. Eventually, one must ask if there is such a thing. I wrote letters Overheard what kind of a god allows an innocent to the editor about school prayer and boy to be forever traumatized by such why we’re not a Christian nation. I con- I don’t give a [expletive] about reli- deal with the religious, with everyday an event. That should have been my demned my county commission for gion when it comes to sports. In fact, I affronts delivered (at times unknow- first clue that there was no god at work their biblical motives in denying civil think it’s stupid. I think everyone that ingly) by believers, with the casual pre- in my universe. rights to gays by supporting a ban on goes on national television and is asked sumptions that historically have tend- I attended a fundamentalist Pente- gay marriage. why do you win says, “I want to thank ed to favor the faithful and grant them costal church all through school and My writings brought a lot of fire God.” Really? Like God gives a [exple- unmerited respect. A lot is at stake. played drums in a gospel band. After from the fundamentalists, but I was tive] that you made 18 jump shots. I Religion is a serious matter, reaching high school, I’d had enough and was eating it up! I also helped sponsor a have always had a problem with that. far beyond the pale of individual con- looking to find a new world where billboard on the Billy Graham Parkway I have a problem with people showing science and sometimes translating into logic and reason ruled the day. I rarely which read “One Nation Indivisible” to their religion in public. I have a real violence, sexism, sexual harassment attended church again except for holi- show the godless Pledge of Allegiance problem with that. and assault, and sundry legal attempts days, funerals etc. in its original form. Luigi “Geno” Auriemma, head coach to restrict a woman’s right to abortion To educate myself, I studied religion Where I’m headed: Well, it isn’t of the University of Connecticut wom- or outlaw it altogether, to say nothing courses online and purchased a variety heaven or hell! I’ve considered pro- en’s basketball team of terrorism and war. Now is the time of books on religion and atheism. I lis- posing, after I retire, that we create the Hartford Courant, 1-17-14 to act. tened to dozens of YouTube debates “FFRF Southern Division.” There’s so Journalist Jeffrey Tayler, “15 ways to between atheists and apologists to get much work to do in the South (North [Atheists] need to buck up, assert our stand up for rationality” at the real truth of Christianity. I be- Carolina is No. 5 in the U.S. for First rationality, and change the way we Salon.com, 1-11-14 January/February 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23 Meet an Ohio Member Proud in California around the sun. I hope to use the time for personal enjoyment and the enjoy- ment of others. I plan to keep working to improve and understand the human condition. Person in history I admire: Martin Luther King Jr. is at the top of my list. He had the right skills, education and courage to lead the civil rights move- ment and was willing to pay the highest price for his beliefs. Historically, there have been few people with the right virtues at the right time to lead a move- ment. A quotation I like: “The truth will set you free. But first it will piss you off.” (Gloria Steinem) Name: Thomas J. Reke. These are a few of my favorite Where I live: Akron, Ohio. things: People, be they family, friends Where and when I was born: Day- or strangers. I enjoy reading, walking, ton, Ohio, Feb. 6, 1941. the computer, television, dining out, Family: I live with my partner of 31 art, music and travel. I have visited 20 years, Charles Wright. On March 19, countries and 47 states so far. Sacramento freethinkers depicted on more than 55 area billboards in December 2012, we were married in Washington, These are not: Greed, prejudice, gathered Dec. 21 for a group photo. Judy Saint, Greater Sacramento FFRF D.C., while we were there for the Rea- people who want to force their reli- Chapter director, hosted a “Meet and Greet” reception, where each FFRF’er son Rally. gious beliefs on others and people who featured on a billboard talked about being part of the “out of the closet” Education: B.S. in education, Uni- talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. campaign. The campaign received widespread regional and national coverage. versity of Dayton, 1963. I spent almost My doubts about religion started: seven years in a Catholic seminary and In my mid-20s. The main thing that had 13 years of Catholic education. My changed my thinking was realizing that experience shows Catholic education there are so many different religions is not cost-effective. with divergent beliefs. I seem to have Occupation: I taught high school less use for religion every day. I’m al- briefly and then taught basic math most to the point of being anticlerical. and reading at U.S. Forest Service Job Before I die: I hope to see more Corps centers in Wisconsin and Michi- churches close their doors. gan and one operated by Alpha Kappa Ways I promote freethought: I be- sorority. Then for 30 years, I had the long to organizations that promote privilege of working with veterans it. I’m a Life Member of FFRF and through the Department of Veterans encourage other people to become Affairs, where I did psychological test- members. When appropriate, I try to ing. Now I’m retired after 50 years of engage people in a productive discus- working. sion about rational thinking. How I got where I am today: I have I keep up with and work on Estab- had help from many people, both di- lishment Clause issues. FFRF’s legal rectly and indirectly, from my family to staff has been of great assistance in this people whom I never knew. endeavor. I also let it be known that I’m Where I’m headed: I can’t predict an atheist or a self-liberated Catholic. how many more trips I will be taking Janet Thew, who stood all by herself in a small town against religious displays on town property (and lost her position on the Planning Commission as a Sharing the Crankmail result) is pictured with her billboard, one of 55 erected late last year FFRF and its Sacramento chapter. Judy Saint, chapter director, notes, “The good news is A sampling of seasonal best wishes, printed Sign in Arilghton Heiths: Ha Ha!! On your stu- that this bravery is what motivated us to establish a local FFRF chapter here. We as received, from some of FFRF’s fans: pid sign!! I was planning on tearing it down but someone got to it first. Every wear you put up a made an award just for her, which we call the ‘Imagine Award.’ ” Stupid: You people are very very very sad and sign..it WILL be torn down..I promise! — James are empty in side and the only thing that can fill Baack, Illinois from. religion. Go to fucken saturn and preach you is the very thing you wage war against ohh- some desperate homos off the street that are your shit. We can put any sign we want up- its hh yeah just for your info separation of church CHRISTmas: Christmas would be nothing with- trying to tear apart the United States. The US not racial, porn, anti gay so shove ur’s up ur ass. and state is no where in the constitution or the out out Christ as he died for us. Christ is the was founded by god. Then that violation of yalls — John Pubic, Yardley, Pa. bill of rights check it out it’s called reading top reason for every season. — MeLiSsA, PRo LiFe was made by a homo who didnt know god. Yall to bottom left to right take Advil for headaches 100%, PrOuD MemBer OF tHe NRA better watch your big mouth cuz I got freedom lololololololol — Blake Hubbard of speech and that was not from a homo. — keep you belifes away from my rights: you sponge bob Plain and simple: Mean people need Why? Why are you guys so anti-Christian only? people do realize that in this counrty we have Jesus. They will be in my prayers to- Everything I hear and/or read you guys attack a freedom OF religon not FROM — Wyatt Ells- Saturnalia sign burner: Nancy Pelosi was Christianity and their beliefs only. I am just curi- worth seen running from the area with her hair on fire. night. ous. What is your big deal with Christianity? — — Walter Wilson, St. Petersburg, Fla. Tweet by Carrie Underwood, reacting Melissa Olsen Evolution taught in Public schools: All over Pray: I heard that the FFRF celebrates the win- to numerous negative reviews of her the country the religion of evolution is taught in acting as Maria in “The Sound of Mu- MERRY CHRISTMAS: MERRY CHRRISTMAS public school systems. This is a clear violation ter by Praying to the sun!!! How lunnie can you YOU DOUCHE BAGS! of separation of church and state. These athe- get?? — Gary Frechette sic” on NBC ists need to keep their religion to themselves. If Christian Post, 12-9-13 Christmas: Why do you want to destroy it? It they want to discuss their religion of evolution in What the fuck is wrong with you people? You are pathetic and sad. I’d rather have God in the isn’t part of your belief- do your own thing--- private, that’s fine, but please, our children dont Boise Bible College is about students honor a vacum or whatever. — Evelyn Landis, need to hear your atheist dogma. You are an classroom than guns. — You suck and Need a Inkster, N.D. emberrisment to this nation. — Didint your mom Real Life who want to make a difference. We Teach you better? have rigorous courses that stress writ- You will burn in hell: I hope you know that all World View: I recently read the article that a Long Island middle school omitted any refer- ing and research. of the work you are doing will take you to hell. Double Standard: In Chicago an “A” has been David Davolt, director of develop- Deny God all you want but when the day comes erected. Yet I do not see the “A” erected during ence to Christ in the songs performed for the you will pay with your soul. — David Anderson any Jewish religious holidays such a Yom Kipp- Christmas play. Then we wonder why incidents ment, announcing a $2 million gift to pur, Rosh Hadhanah, and Habnukkah? — Mi- happen such as columbine and sandy hook. — the school accredited by the Associa- The Bible: Most of the Bible was NEVER meant chael Kuehn, Cicero, Illinois Fed Up, New York tion for Biblical Higher Education to be taken literally! The Old Testament was Idaho Statesman, 12-16-13 written thousands and thousands of years after Great sign: Go fuck yourself you faggot piece WAR ON ATHEIST: LIVE AND DIE NO ONE the events happened! The Bible was written by of shit — Johnny Jones WILL MISS YOU.STOP OVER SOMETIME men of FAITH not men of history or science! I FOR AN ASS BEATING YOU DOUCHEBAGS! America, you can follow Jesus’ advice teach Bible History, I teach about Jesus and the God: In a foxhole, there is no such thing as an — dAN grisius, pickerel, Wisconsin and Jesus’ teaching and arm yourself. Trinity. The things you say are so wrong! And atheists. — Flagrante Delicto Former U.S. Navy chaplain Gordon one last thing: when someone is baptized, it joining: I know you guys don’t believe in HIM, cannot be undone! It would be like putting rain HATE BILLBOARDS: NONE OF YOUR BUSI- but please leave us alone that do. YES, you do Klingenschmitt, who was involuntarily back into a cloud! It’s impossible, so your De- NESS. FUCK YOU. — Stephanie Weiland, Il- have your leader as President as he is the Anti- discharged in 2007 for mixing religion baptismal certificate is basically worthless. — linois Christ. — terry butts, winchester, virginia and politics as an officer Karen Beargie rightwingwatch.org, 12-10-13 IM A CHRISTIAN YEAHHHH!! All y’all are is Your sign: Dont touch that sign christ in christ- mas he is real. Not like your stupid freedom Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2014

Weekend of May 2-3 Announcing Raleigh FFRF mini-convention

is author of numerous books includ- who are now part of the Clergy Project. ing Did Jesus Exist? and Forged, which FFRF’s Dan Barker is also administra- exposes deliberate forgeries in the tor of the volunteer support group for New Testament. He graduated from clergy still in the pulpit who “have seen Mandisa Thomas Wheaton College and received both of the light.” He will emcee the panel, his Masters of Divinity and Ph.D. from which will include Candace R.M. Gor- The Freedom From Religion Princeton Theological Seminary. ham, a local chapter member who left Foundation, in conjunction with its • Mandisa Thomas, founder and the ministry and is the author of The lively Raleigh chapter, the Triangle president of Black Nonbelievers, Inc., Ebony Exodus Project: Why Some Black Candance Gorham Freethought Society, will hold a region- based in Atlanta. She was featured in Women Are Walking Out on Religion — al mini-convention on the weekend of a recent issue of JET magazine and is and Others Should Too. May 2-3 at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, a frequent guest speaker. A married Other panelists and speakers will be Saltimbocca, a chicken breast stuffed 421 South Salisbury St., in downtown mother of three, she works to encour- announced as the schedule is finalized. with sliced prosciutto, sage and fresh Raleigh, N.C. age more blacks to come out and stand The mini-convention will include mozzarella served with penne with gar- Although scheduled for the conve- strong as nonbelievers. FFRF traditions such as a complimen- lic cream sauce and sautéed asparagus. nience of East Coasters and Southern • Todd Stiefel, tary dessert reception on opening A grilled salmon entree or a veg- freethinkers, all are welcome. Plan a Raleigh local, night, a Non-Prayer Breakfast, a draw- etarian entrée can be substituted. All now to avoid disappointment. FFRF Lifetime ing for “clean,” pre-“In God We Trust” include a garden salad, warm rolls with Phone the Raleigh Sheraton at Member and currency and entertainment at the butter, sweet iced tea, Starbucks coffee 1-800-325-3535 by April 4 and identify head of the Sti- piano by Dan, who will co-emcee the and dessert, a fresh assorted berries yourself as an FFRF member. The rates efel Freethought conference with Annie Laurie Gaylor tower with lemon zest whipped cream. are $129 single/double, $139 triple, Foundation, of FFRF. Chapter activists will run a Vegan and gluten-free options may $149 quad and $169 club, plus tax. which has “Meet and Greet” social where partici- be ordered. “We’re looking forward to this sparked much pants can meet speakers and activists. much-deferred convention with our freethought ac- Formal proceedings start at 7 p.m. Registration costs very talented Raleigh-area chapter tivism and was an integral sponsor of Friday, May 2 (dinner on your own) members,” said FFRF Co-President the Reason Rally. Todd graduated cum with registration opening up earlier. Cost to attend: $50 for FFRF mem- Dan Barker. The chapter is directed by laude from Duke University, worked Two optional group meals will begin bers, $55 for non-FFRF spouse/com- Harry Shaughnessy. The event will take 12 years for Stiefel Laboratories and is and end Saturday (with Saturday lunch panion accompanying a member, $90 place the day after the National Day of now a full-time freethought activist. on your own). The event will conclude for non-members (includes $40 to be- Reason, er, Prayer, which is held the • Michael Nu- by 10 p.m. Saturday. Late-afternoon come FFRF member), and $5 for stu- first Thursday of every May. gent, founder and workshops may be scheduled (to be an- dents. Confirmed speakers include: chair of Atheist nounced) for Friday afternoon. FFRF will be visiting the West Coast • Bart Ehrman, Ireland. Michael for its annual convention, set for the who is James A. will fly in from Meals Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los An- Gray Professor, Dublin to give geles, on the weekend of Oct. 24-25, Department of Re- an international The Non-Prayer breakfast includes 2014. Future issues of Freethought ligious Studies at flavor to the con- scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, Today will publish full details on both the University of ference and talk juice, coffee and tea and pastry rolls conferences. Check updates at: North Carolina at about Irish issues, for $20 (inclusive of 23% service and http://ffrf.org/outreach Chapel Hill, and as well as the growing number of blas- 7.75% sales tax). A vegetarian option writes “The Bart phemy prosecutions around the world. will substitute a tomato for meat. Ehrman Blog.” He • Former clergy in the Raleigh area Dinner of $40 inclusive is Chicken

Register online at: http://ffrf.org/convention Return with payment to: FFRF, Attn: Convention, P.O. Box 750, Madison, WI 53701 Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Mark Your Raleigh Mini-Convention May 2-3, 2014 Calendar! Raleigh, North Carolina Announcing . . . Make checks payable to “FFRF”

Number registering _____ FFRF member registration(s) @ $50 per person ...... $______Non-member spouse or companion accompanying member @ $55...... $______Non-member registration(s) @ $90...... $______37th Annual (Includes $40 annual FFRF Membership) _____ Student registration(s) @ $5 ...... $______National _____ Saturday Non-Prayer Breakfast @ $20* per person ...... $______Convention ____ Classic ____ Classic Vegetarian ____ Vegan Weekend of If gluten-free, please specify. _____ Saturday Night Dinner @ $40* per person ...... $______October 24-25, ____ Chicken ____ Salmon ____ Vegetarian ____ Vegan Total: $______2014 If gluten-free, please specify. * Meal prices include 23% gratuity & 7.75% sales tax Millennium Biltmore Hotel - Los Angeles Name(s) Please include names of all registrants for nametags 506 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, California

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