We’re less The challenge White biblical religious, but of leaving imagery is also better off Jehovah’s Witnesses still with us PAGE 3 PAGES 12-13 PAGE 15

Vol. 37 No. 3 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. April 2020 FFRF sues over forced prayers in Puerto Rico The Freedom From Religion Foun- Monday during the school day. cannot ensure that the prayer practice has people,” FFRF points out. dation filed a federal lawsuit on Feb. 27 FFRF is representing two of these chil- stopped and that teachers at the school The family brings this action under against Puerto Rico’s education secretary dren and their mother at the U.S. District have been properly trained on the separa- pseudonyms to protect the mother and and a principal on behalf of a family sub- Court for the District of Puerto Rico along tion of church and state. But based on the her two minor children from social ostra- jected to forced prayers and bullying in a with Humanistas Seculares De Puerto mediation thus far, FFRF is optimistic that cism, retaliation and even physical harm. public primary school. Rico, a leading Puerto Rican secular hu- the lawsuit will end quickly and favorably. Eligio Hernandez Perez is being sued in Since September 2019, in direct con- manist organization that the mother be- As far back as 1962, the U.S. Supreme his official capacity as the secretary of the tradiction of well-established constitu- longs to. Court has held that “the constitutional Department of Education. Luz Ramos tional law, officials at the Luis M. Santiago The parties have entered into medi- prohibition against laws respecting an es- is the principal of the Luis M. Santia- School, a public school in Toa Baja, have ation to resolve the lawsuit, but due to tablishment of religion must at least mean go School and is being sued in both her reportedly organized, led and coerced stu- the coronavirus pandemic, Puerto Rico that in this country it is no part of the busi- official and individual capacities, since dents to participate in 50-minute prayer schools are closed at least through March ness of government to compose official sessions on school property every other 30. Until the public schools reopen, FFRF prayers for any group of the American See Puerto Rico on page 3

Where do you ‘Freethought’? Major hit to state-church separation The 11th U.S. Circuit Court the landscape in Bladensburg, tions in a June 2017 decision. of Appeals issued a ruling on Md., did not violate the First In September 2018, the 11th Feb. 19 upholding the constitu- Amendment. Circuit upheld the decision, tionality of a massive Latin cross Taking its cue from the Su- agreeing that the govern- on city property in Pensacola, preme Court, the 11th Circuit ment-funded, freestanding Fla. ignored the religious signifi- See Pensacola on page 3 Circuit Judge Kevin New- cance of the Bayview Park cross, som, writing for the unanimous holding that because it’s been three-judge panel, wrote that there a long time, and secular the 40-foot-tall Christian cross community events have been in Bayview Park “has evolved held in the park nearby, it is into a neutral” symbol. constitutional. The Freedom From Reli- Newsom wrote: “American gion Foundation, the Ameri- Legion itself demonstrates that can Humanist Association and an ‘undoubtedly . . . Christian their plaintiffs won at the dis- symbol’ — in particular, a Lat- trict level and before the 11th in cross — may nevertheless Circuit. However, the case was pose no Establishment Clause remanded back for recon- concerns.” sideration following the U.S. The Pensacola cross stands I like to treat myself to lunch and read my Freethought Supreme Court’s June 2019 in popular Bayview Park, serv- Today. I hold it proud where everyone can see the headlines American Legion v. American ing solely as the centerpiece of and I even strategically pick the best seat in the house for Humanist Association cross deci- annual Easter Sunrise Christian viewing. Most of the time I get snarky looks, but I have been sion. In the Bladensburg case, worship services. It was first approached by some curious folks. We all need to advocate the Supreme Court ruled that challenged in a 2016 lawsuit The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of for freethought when and where we can! the government-owned, gov- filed by FFRF and AHA. Appeals has allowed to stand Kami Pryor ernment-maintained, Christian The district court sided with the Latin cross in Bayview Park Georgia cross war memorial dominating the national secular organiza- in Pensacola, Fla. FFRF is still at work on your behalf Like all of you, we at the Freedom 256-8900. Please leave a clear message and these uncertain times, it’s more import- National events. We are “full steam From Religion Foundation are adapting call-back number. Your email to info@ffrf. ant than ever to maintain a sense of nor- ahead” on planning FFRF’s 43rd Nation- to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 org will continue to be routed to the ap- malcy and community. Production of the al Convention (ffrf.org/convention2020) in pandemic. We hope this message will find propriate staff person. Freethought Today newspaper continues San Antonio, Nov. 13–15. If conditions you well and want to assure you that FFRF If you have a complaint about a state/ on schedule; it also remains an online warrant cancellation, FFRF will refund is committed to working on your behalf to church violation, use the online form at publication (freethoughttoday.com). We registration fees in full. Guests may cancel keep religion out of government and pro- ffrf.org/legal/report. Please be patient about plan to continue producing the weekly hotel reservations without penalty at least mote freethought. After all, one of FFRF’s results: Many schools and public ser- Freethought Radio (broadcast and pod- 48 hours prior to arrival. purposes is fighting the virus of religion. vices are closed or operating at reduced cast, ffrf.org/radio). “Freethought Matters” Office closed to visitors. For obvious To keep employees safe while also capacity. TV show will continue to broadcast on reasons, FFRF’s Freethought Hall office maintaining services, FFRF staff are offi- To donate or renew (thank you for Sundays through the end of May and be in downtown Madison, Wis., is not open cially working remotely for the foresee- helping to keep our nonprofit going!), posted on YouTube (google “Freethought until further notice. able future. Other measures we’ve taken: please use the online forms at ffrf.org/re- Matters playlist”). Wednesday’s Facebook We sincerely wish for you to take all Travel. We have canceled or postponed new or ffrf.org/donate if possible to reduce Live! “Ask an Atheist” may be affected. precautions to keep yourself, your family all travel and events through the spring. the need to process mail at FFRF. FFRF’s social media continues, along with and your community safe. Rest assured, Modified operations and services. Al- Note: Our online store is closed for the press releases and action alerts (check out that while the theocrats are not stopping though staff are working remotely, you time being. at ffrf.org/news) and Friday’s Weekly Wrap their activities during this time, neither may still phone the FFRF office at 608- Keeping our community in touch. In email. will we. Page 2 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020 OVERHEARD The Declaration of Independence our society, to claim public money and noted that the power of the government resources for themselves, and to identify is not from God, but from the people. I a despised other and organize around think it’s important to understand what their contempt of that enemy. Through the Founding Fathers believed when the unlikely person of President Trump, they had the clause that there must be a the Christian Nationalist movement has separation of church and state. This also seized the levers of power at the heart of protects religion from interference by government. This is just the beginning. government in their beliefs. Katherine Stewart, from an excerpt of Indiana state Sen. Mark Stoops, in voting her new book The Power Worshippers: against having an “In God We Trust” sign Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious in every public school classroom. The bill Nationalism. Stewart will be speaking was amended without the requirement. at FFRF’s convention in November in TheIndyChannel.com, 1-22-20 San Antonio. The New York Review of Books, 2-28-20 The abortion law is much more than the right to perform an abortion. My husband Avijit [Roy] once wrote: Photo by Chris Line It recognizes women as independent “We risk our lives the moment we start Greta Martens holds up a protest sign during a visit to the Wisconsin Capitol by Vice people who have the right to decide over wielding our pens against religious bigotry President Pence on Jan. 28 to promote religious vouchers. our own bodies. The church is never and fundamentalism.” going to be in favor of this. Today, I ask you to Maria del Valle, speaking about take up the cause Argentina’s bill that would have legalized of those armed only Legal assistant helps abortion in that country. The bill failed. with pens. We all The New York Times, 2-23-20 must have the right to examine, question, As a science advocate, I take strong issue criticize, oppose, make a difference Rafida Bonya with the nonscience [Ken] Ham peddles express ourselves, Name: Greta Martens to families and students. His parody of the Ahmed demonstrate, and Where and when I was born: Wausau, scientific method does real harm, bleeding write free from the culture of fear Wis., in 1996. inexorably into education and public propagated by blasphemy accusations Education: I have a B.A. from Ham- policy. The wholehearted embrace of and other forms of religious persecution. line University in history and a minor in “alternative facts” and the rejection of plain Rafida Bonya Ahmed, in testimony to the legal studies. evidence are making our society more U.S. House of Representatives in a joint Family: One younger brother and and more polarized. Yet Ham’s treatment hearing on “Ending Global Religious two wonderful parents. of Williamstown [Ky.] is a reminder that Persecution” on Jan. 28. How I came to work at FFRF: My sig- these sorts of cult-like organizations have The Humanist magazine, March/April 2020 nificant other was a legal intern at FFRF impacts that go much farther than the last summer and had an amazing experi- foolish ideas they promote. No one should be made to feel wrong ence. When I found out there was going David MacMillan, a self-described for who they are — especially not a child. to be an opening for a legal assistant, I “former creationist” and now paralegal Conversion therapy is not only based in knew I had to apply. and law student in Washington, D.C., discriminatory junk-science, it is dangerous What I do here: Whatever the attor- in an op-ed about the Ark Encounter in and causes lasting harm to our youth. neys need done, such as filing with the Kentucky. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, after court, organizing, doing research on Greta Martens takes a break while hiking Cincinnati.com, 2-24-20 signing a bill that bans conversion therapy anything and everything. in Rocky Mountain National Park. for minors. Virginia is the 20th state to What I like best about it: I like know- If this bill passes, it’s only fair that the enforce a ban on the practice, but the first ing that I’m making a real difference. I middle school, when I realized I had lit- abuse of the church-state line go in both Southern state. get to come in every day and see the out- tle worth as a woman to the church. It directions. The New York Times, 3-3-20 come of all of our hard work. was hard not to question everything else If public schools must carve out What gets old about it: Putting phys- after that. mandatory periods to facilitate prayer, We respect people of the Christian ical files away. I’m willing to take those Things I like: Reading DC comics, go- then houses of prayer should carve out faith and the importance of the bible to papercuts for FFRF ing for hikes, free mandatory periods to facilitate academics. their beliefs. But the place for biblical though. A AFFR samples and taking Frank Cerabino in an op-ed, “Mandatory instruction is in the Sunday school I spend a lot of road trips to ran- math in church is my pi-in-the-sky plan” classroom, rather than the public school time thinking about: Politics and what- dom states. which was in response to a Florida bill classroom. It’s in the home and in ever comic I last read. Things I smite: People who litter and that would require public schools to church. Public school is the place to live I spend little if any time thinking bigots. have a mandatory period of silence each out the values of one’s faith, rather than about: Being petty or mean. I like to stay In my golden years: I’ll be relaxing day to permit “the study of the bible and the place to learn it. positive as much as I can. on the shores of Lake Superior and yell- religion.” The bill did not pass. Editorial speaking out against the bill to My religious upbringing was: Kind of ing at the youth to get off my beach. Palm Beach Post, 2-22-20 allow teaching the bible in school that is intense. I went to a religious elementa- What’s your favorite podcast?: I now waiting to be signed by the governor ry school and was a regular churchgoer religiously listen to the “NPR Politics This is the real meaning of “religious into law. with my family. Podcast,” “Stuff You Missed in History liberty”: the privilege enjoyed by certain Charleston Gazette Mail, 3-5-20 My doubts about religion started: In Class,” and “This American Life.” favored groups to hold special status in

Photoshop # White Freethought Today caption Published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. contest P.O. Box 750 Madison WI 53701 Please send us a humorous [email protected] FFRF.org or witty comment about this P 608.256.8900 F 608.204.0422 photo. Email your response to EDITOR PJ Slinger [email protected] [email protected] by April 22. EDITOR EMERITUS Bill Dunn The winner, chosen by FFRF EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Annie Laurie Gaylor staff, will receive an FFRF T-shirt. We’ll announce the GRAPHIC DESIGNER Roger Daleiden winner and runners-up in the COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Amit Pal May issue. CONTRIBUTORS If you’ve seen or taken any Andrew Bradley, Max Boot, Jeremiah Camara, Ingrid Laas, Chris Line, Bailey photos that you think would Nachreiner-Mackesey, Jamie Raskin, Amber Scorah, Jake Swenson be good for this contest, please The only freethought newspaper in the United States email them to [email protected]. April 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 3 We’re less religious, but also better off This op-ed first ran in the Washington Post Less religious nations are better off on Feb. 19 and is reprinted with permission. How the 10 top most religious nations compare with the 10 top least religious nations. By Max Boot Top 10 Top 10 most religious least religious countries countries t has become conventional wisdom on the right that religion is under assault Gross domestic product per capita $7,955 $44,278 from secular liberals — and that the I Unemployment rate 7.9% 4.4% waning of faith is bad for America. Attorney General William P. Barr, a Poverty rate 29.2% 13.7% conservative Catholic, summed up this Homicide rate per 100,000 people 5.1 1.01 alarmist outlook last fall during an in- cendiary speech at Notre Dame. He be- Life expectancy (years) 66.4 80.9 moaned “the steady erosion of our tradi- tional Judeo-Christian moral system” and Infant mortality per 1,000 births 36.3 3.25 the “growing ascendancy of secularism Max Boot Years at school (mean) 7.5 12.1 and the doctrine of moral relativism. By any honest assessment,” he thundered, than 50 percent since 1980. How does Income Inequality “the consequences of this moral upheaval Barr account for these improvements if Higher numbers mean more unequal 38.6 31.1 have been grim.” He went on to cite sta- the United States is on the road to ruin? Gender Inequality tistics on rising out-of-wedlock births (“il- Barr’s simplistic idea that the country Higher numbers mean more unequal 0.49 0.2 legitimacy”), along with “record levels of is better off if it is more religious is based depression and mental illness, dispirited on faith, not evidence. My research associ- Current health expenditure young people, soaring suicide rates, in- ate Sherry Cho compiled statistics on the Percent of G.D.P. 4.24 9.06 creasing numbers of angry and alienated 10 countries with the highest percentage young males, an increase in senseless vio- of religious people and the 10 countries Freedom Index lence, and a deadly drug epidemic.” with the lowest percentage based on a Higher score is better 56.5 87.6 This tendentious reading of United 2017 WIN/Gallup International survey of Sources: Top 10 most and least religious countries from WIN/Gallup International End of Year States history ignores reality. By most 68 countries. The least religious countries Survey 2017. These questions were asked in 68 countries. Other data from International Monetary metrics, the country is far better off than are either Asian nations where monothe- Fund, the United Nations Development Program, Human Development Reports and U.S. Census when Barr was a boy. ism never took hold Bureau’s 2017 estimates. He was born in 1950, (China, Japan) or THE WASHINGTON POST when segregation [Attorney General William] Western nations such was legal and homo- Barr’s simplistic idea that as Australia, Sweden mean 12 years of schooling per capita vs. the same level as in 1940. Pew concluded sexuality was not. the“ country is better off if and Belgium, where 7.5 years in the most religious countries. that “the U.S. is the only country out of Consider some of secularism is much Income inequality is 24 percent lower in 102 examined in the study that has high- the improvements it is more religious is based more advanced than the least religious countries, and gender er-than-average levels of both prayer and since 1960. Real per on faith, not evidence. in the United States. inequality (as measured by the World wealth.” But, perversely, the United States capita gross domes- — Max Boot The most religious Bank) is more than 400 percent lower. does worse in critical areas — such as the tic product has in- countries represent Finally, the least religious countries are rate of homicides by firearms and the rate creased 216 percent, various faiths: There freer, with an average score of 87.6 from of children living in single-parent house- from $18,268 in the first quarter of 1960 to are predominantly Christian countries (the Freedom House, compared to 56.5 for the holds — than Western nations that are less $57,719 in the first quarter of 2019, driven Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Armenia), most religious countries. religious. How does Barr explain this if he in part by a 230 percent increase in out- Muslim Pakistan, Buddhist Thailand, Hin- Gallup notes that “levels of religiosity thinks religion is a social elixir? put per hour for non-farm workers as of du India — and countries of mixed faiths diminish as income and education levels Fundamentalists may be unhappy that 2015. The share of 25- to 34-year-olds who (Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Fiji). of the interviewees increase.” Put another religious observance has declined over have graduated from college has tripled as Indicators suggest that the less religious way: Declining religiosity is not the result the decades, but the data shows that, by of 2016. Infant mortality has fallen nearly nations are much better off. Average GDP of a leftist plot. Capitalism has done more most measurements, life has gotten much 80 percent as of 2018. The homicide rate per capita in the least religious countries than the Supreme Court to break down better for most people. There is little evi- was unchanged as of 2018 — five murders is more than five times higher, while the traditional beliefs. dence that a decline in religiosity leads to per 100,000 people — but that disguises a unemployment rate is more than twice The United States is unusual not be- a decline in society — or that high levels of vast improvement since the homicide rate as low and the poverty rate is one and a cause religious observance has declined religiosity strengthen society. (Remember, peaked at 10.4 per 100,000 in 1980. While half times lower. The homicide rate is five over the years but because it remains Rome fell after it converted to Christiani- the number of out-of-wedlock births was times lower. Life expectancy is 22 percent much higher than expected. A 2018 Pew ty.) If anything, the evidence suggests that more than seven times higher in 2018, the higher, and infant mortality is 1,000 per- Research Center survey found that 55 too much religion is bad for a country. share of single mothers has declined since cent lower — in part because the least reli- percent of American adults say they pray Max Boot is a Washington Post columnist, 1997 because more unmarried parents gious nations spend 50 percent more per daily, compared with only 22 percent the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow for nation- live together. The abortion rate soared af- capita on health care. The least religious of Europeans. U.S. church attendance al security studies at the Council on Foreign Re- ter Roe v. Wade in 1973 but has fallen more countries are also better educated, with a is down from its peak in 1960 but about lations and a global affairs analyst for CNN. Puerto Rico Pensacola Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 the complaint alleges she developed the the mother could request that her chil- father of one of Doe 2’s classmates, whose cross unconstitutionally entangled the school prayer practice at issue. dren be exempted from participation in son told Doe 2 that, “If you believe in God, government with the Christian faith. According to the filed complaint, while future prayers. However, the teacher sub- you go to Heaven, if you don’t believe in Both the district judge and the appeals dropping off her children at school on sequently informed the mother that if her God, like your mother, you will go to Hell.” court panel grudgingly ruled in FFRF’s Sept. 3, 2019, the mother observed staff children, both excellent students, did not The plaintiffs are seeking an injunc- favor. The city petitioned the U.S. Su- collecting all students in the school’s front participate in the prayers, marks would be tion prohibiting the defendants from con- preme Court to overturn the ruling. The yard in order to participate in a Christian made in their student records indicating tinuing to coerce student participation in Supreme Court waited until after ruling prayer. The initial part of the prayer was that they had cut class. school-led prayer, as well as a declaration in Bladensburg to remand it to the 11th conveyed by a schoolteacher with use of a Since last September, staff-led prayers that the defendants’ conduct violates the Circuit for reconsideration in light of microphone and speakers. Upon observ- have taken place regularly at the school Establishment Clause of the First Amend- that ruling. ing this prayer, the mother immediately on alternating Mondays, starting at ap- ment and the free exercise rights of the This ruling said: “Removal of the Bay- confronted the first available school offi- proximately 9 a.m. and lasting for ap- individual plaintiffs. view Park cross at this point . . . could cial, who was also taking part in the prayer, proximately 50 minutes. Every prayer “We look forward to ending these egre- well, in the Supreme Court’s words, to protest and to request that her children delivered during these school prayer ses- gious practices and upholding the right of ‘strike many as aggressively hostile to be exempted from participating. sions has been a Christian prayer. In an this American family to a public education religion.’” A school official informed the mother effort to avoid these prayers, the mother free from religious indoctrination and di- “It is not ‘hostile to religion’ to up- that participation in the school-led prayer has brought her childen in late on these visiveness,” says FFRF Co-President Annie hold government neutrality over reli- was mandatory for all students. The moth- days. Teachers for both the students have Laurie Gaylor. gion. Bayview Park is not a Christian er subsequently requested an urgent threatened to punish the children for un- FFRF Attorneys Samuel Grover and park, Pensacola is not a Christian city meeting with the school principal, but this excused absences or for being tardy as a Madeline Ziegler are representing the and the United States is not a Chris- still hasn’t taken place. The mother next result of the mother’s efforts to avoid the Freedom From Religion Foundation, tian nation,” says FFRF Co-President discussed the school prayer incident with school-led prayers. while local counsel Carlos A. Cintron Annie Laurie Gaylor. “Tax-exempt her child’s homeroom teacher and the Moreover, Doe 2’s teacher publicly Garcia is representing the Humanistas church property abounds where this school social worker, who suggested that outed the family as non-Christian to the Seculares De Puerto Rico. cross belongs.” Page 4 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020 Chapter president ran HEADS UP Montessori school A Poetry Column By Philip Appleman Name: Aleta Ledendecker. Creation Where and when I was born: I was born in Baltimore in 1951 (but you for the discoverer of the Grotte de Lascaux: shouldn’t be asking a “lady”!) I now live Marcel Ravidat, 1923–1995 just outside Knoxville, Tenn., where we polish the buckle of the Bible Belt with- On all the living walls out even trying. of this dim cave, Family: I’ve been married for over 50 soot and ochre, acts of will, years to my best friend, Carl. We have a come down to us to say: wonderful freethinking daughter, plus three grandchildren. We bought a copy This is who we were. of Women Without Superstition as a col- We foraged here in an age of ice, lege graduation gift for our daughter and, warmed by the fur of wolves, when we first met Dan Barker and An- felt the pride of predators nie Laurie Gaylor in Cincinnati (a long going for game. time ago). Annie Laurie inscribed it: Here we painted the strength of bulls, “To Meagan, the pagan.” the grace of deer, turned life into art, Education: I have a master’s degree and left this testimony on our walls. in education, Explorers of the future, see how, plus training as when our dreams reach forward, a Montessori Aleta Ledendecker, shown wearing one your wonder reaches back, and we embrace. teacher for early of FFRF’s “Ask an Atheist” T-shirts, is When we are long since dust, childhood and el- president of the FFRF East Tennessee and false prophets come, ementary levels. chapter. then don’t forget that we were your creators. Despite all that than our abilities.” J.K. Rowling, as spo- So build your days formal educa- ken through the voice of Dumbledore. on what you know is real, and remember tion, I discovered Things I like: Traveling and the that nothing will keep your lives alive Aleta Ledendecker that I learned far ocean (preferably fitting in both at the but art—the black and ochre visions more during my same time.) you draw inside your cave teaching years than I did when I was Things I smite: Project Blitz, espe- will honor your lost tribe, the student. cially how it brings religion into public when explorers in some far future Occupation: Carl and I ran a small education. marvel at the paintings on your walls private Montessori school until we re- My doubts about religion started: tired about five years ago. That neces- When I was in grade school. The idea sitated our being “in the closet” about of a god watching all the kids in the © Philip Appleman our atheism. Carl always joked that the world do unimportant forbidden stuff door was open if anyone wanted to was hard to comprehend. look. In addition Before I die: I to teaching chil- A R want to make the dren, I was a Mon- world a better tessori teacher trainer and the director place in whatever ways I can. Philip Appleman is a Dis­tinguished Pro­fessor of Montessori Educators Internation- Ways I promote freethought: I am Emeri­tus at In­dia­na Uni­ver­si­ty. He is editor of al, Inc. I still continue to teach grad- active in numerous freethought groups the Norton Critical Edition of Darwin. He and Photo by Brent Nicastro Brent by Photo uate classes in Montessori philosophy in the Knoxville area and throughout his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are for William Howard Taft University. Tennessee. I am also the head of our both “After-Life” Members of FFRF. How I got where I am today: One day local chapter of FFRF. When separa- Other books by him, available at shop.ffrf.org, include Karma, at a time. More seriously, I found myself tion of state and church issues arise in Dharma, Pudding & Pie and Darwin’s Ark: Poems by Philip Appleman. in the right place at the right time in so our area, I am willing to be the voice many ways. I consider myself very fortu- for those who cannot speak out for nate to have lived the kind of life I have fear of reprisal. had and to have been as successful as I What has been your most difficult have been. challenge?: I contracted Lyme disease Bradley Wolbert and one who wishes Where I’m headed: Into the future. in 2012. It took several years of intense FFRF thanks to remain anonymous. Person in history I admire and why: treatment to regain my quality of life The four Immortals are Astrid Stephen Hawking. Despite overwhelm- and be able to function fully again. I Falkenberg, Dan Fregin, Donato Lin- ing health issues, he lived his life on his must continue to be vigilant about my 23 new Life di and Rick Stravinsky. Immortal is a terms and made a huge contribution to health to keep it from returning. But category where a member has made the world of science. I praise modern medicine and antibi- Members arrangements in their estate planning A quotation I like: “It is our choices otics (not god), without which I might to include FFRF. that show what we truly are, far more not be here today. FFRF welcomes and thanks its 23 States represented are: Califor- new Lifetime Members, one new Af- nia, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, ter-Life member, one new Beyond Af- Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Freethought Matters ter-Life member and four Immortals. Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Or- A weekly half-hour TV talk show produced by FFRF The new Beyond After-Life mem- egon, Texas and Wisconsin. ber is Randy B. Bachman and the An antidote to religion on the airwaves and Sunday morning sermonizing After-Life Member is Harold “Hal” Freethought Matters TV talk show airs in: Saferstein. Beyond After-Life is a Watch our show tongue-in-cheek-named membership RECRUIT A MEMBER every Sunday! Chicago WPWR-CW (Ch. 50) 9 am Denver KWGN-CW (Ch. 2) 7 am category of $10,000 for those who Houston KUBE-IND (Ch. 57) 9 am want their donation to “live on” after Sample copies for $2 Los Angeles KCOP-MY (Ch. 13) 8:30 am them. After-Life is a $5,000 member- Send $2 with the name and Madison, Wis. WISC-TV (Ch. 3) 11 pm ship category. Minneapolis KSTC-IND (Ch. 45) 9 am The newest $1,000 Lifetime Mem- address of each person you wish to receive a sample copy New York City WPIX-IND (Ch. 11) 8 am bers are Mark Benussi, William Blan- Phoenix KASW-CW (Ch. 61) 8:30 am cato, Linda Blight, John Bouvier, Da- of Freethought Today to: (Ch. 61 or 6 or 1006 for HD) vid Burkhart, Jeanette Carter, Brian J. Portland, Ore. KRCW-CW (Ch. 32) 9 am Photo by Chris Line Freeman, Dr. Donald M. Hayes, Jose FFRF (703 on Comcast for HD or Ch. 3) I. Hernandez, Thomas A. Kent, Val- P.O. Box 750 Visit FFRF’s YouTube Channel Sacramento KQCA-MY (Ch. 58) 8:30 am to watch the shows. erie G. Lacey, Leo Luzcando, Cassidy Madison, WI 53701 Seattle KONG-IND (Ch. 16) 8 am Maxson-Jones (gifted by Gerald C. (Ch. 16 or Ch. 106 on Comcast) Please send us only names Cummings), Janet Nye, Alap Patel, Washington, D.C. WDCW-CW (Ch. 50) 8 am Jack Sunday, Bert Van Gorder, Barba- of likely supporters ra Walden, Gary G. Welch, David Wil- Freedom depends upon freethinkers Go to: ffrf.org/freethought-matters for more information liamson, Jocelyn Williamson, George April 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 5 Religion in the time of coronavirus port for Israel, according to a report by By PJ Slinger Right Wing Watch. Hemant Mehta writes on his “Friendly While the coronavirus pandemic has Atheist” blog about the Church of Cyprus, affected everyone in some way, it’s inter- an independent Greek Orthodox church, esting to look at how religious institutions and how it will continue to serve wafers are dealing with it. While there have been and wine during communion. “They’re some logical responses, there is certainly not afraid because they insist God would no shortage of irony to go around. never let the virus transmit that way,” Me- Perhaps the most ironic case is straight hta writes. from Our Lady of Lourdes, the French “Regarding the offering of the Holy shrine that features the “healing pools,” Communion, the position of the Church in which sick pilgrims bathe and hope is known,” the Orthodox Times said in a for healing. The shrine’s pools have been statement. “The Holy Communion does closed temporarily because of coronavirus not symbolize but it is the body and blood fears. It appears the shrine’s higher-ups of Christ. It would be blasphemous to are flat-out admitting that the healing think that Christ’s body and blood could pools do not work as advertised. transmit any disease or virus.” And, Bethel Church, a prominent Monsignor Charles Pope, the pastor faith-healing megachurch in Northern of Holy Comforter–St. Cyprian Church California, has ceased its hospital visits in in Washington, D.C., writing in the order to protect the faith-healers from the National Catholic Register, is not happy coronavirus. that churches have been canceling Mass “Though we believe in a God who ac- because of the pandemic. tively heals today, students are not being “Physical health has its place, but spiri- encouraged to visit healthcare settings walk through atmospheres and has a, lit- nature, the one who created nature takes tual health does too — and its place is vast- at this time,” Aaron Tesauro, a church erally a protection — the Psalm 91 protec- revenge on him.” ly more important. . . I am concerned that spokesman, said, according to Robyn Pen- tion policy around you.” Christian evangelical pastor Rick Wiles we have lost our courage and our faith nacchia of the Wonkette. Of course, a pandemic wouldn’t be a claims the coronavirus is God’s “death and subordinated holy things to the state “So, with all of this, with the fact that pandemic without some religionists blam- angel” seeking justice for those “transgen- in this matter.” they’re basically now admitting that they ing it on the gays. dering little children,” according to an ar- In New York, state Attorney General can’t magically heal coronavirus . . . will Pastor Steven Andrew of the USA ticle in the New York Post. Letitia James demanded that televangelist Bethel be ceasing its faith-healing prac- Christian Church claims that the corona- “God is about to purge a lot of sin off of Jim Bakker stop selling his “Silver Solu- tices?,” Pennacchia writes. “Probably not, virus is punishment for “LGBT sin.” this planet,” Wiles said. “Look at the Unit- tion,” which he claimed was a cure for because that’s where all the money is.” “God’s love shows it is urgent to repent, ed States, look at the spiritual rebellion in coronavirus. Bakker said the product is And then, of course, you have the because the bible teaches homosexuals this country — the hatred of God, the ha- “almost like a miracle” and that “God cre- preachers and ministers who make out- lose their souls and God destroys LGBT tred of the bible, the hatred of righteous- ated it in Heaven.” landish claims. societies. Obeying God protects the USA ness. There are vile, disgusting people in The Vatican suspended a clerical sex Pastor Brian Tamaki, New Zealand’s from diseases, such as the coronavirus,” this country now.” abuse fact-finding mission to Mexico, say- popular Destiny Church leader, says the Andrew wrote in a press release. “Our safe- And, of course, there are the preachers ing it was due to the coronavirus. Abuse coronavirus pandemic is a sign the world ty is at stake, since national disobedience who say the pandemic takes political sides. survivors said they doubted that the virus has “strayed from God,” but that those of God’s laws brings danger and diseas- Televangelist Jonathan Shuttlesworth was the actual reason for the mission be- who continue to tithe will be protected. es, such as coronavirus, but obeying God claims God will spare conservative red ing called off, according to a report in the “The prince of the power of the air, brings covenant protection.” states from the coronavirus, but will use San Francisco Chronicle. Satan, has control of atmospheres un- Rabbi Meir Mazuz, an Orthodox Israeli the pandemic to punish pro-choice blue Mattia Ferraresi, writing in The New less you’re a blood-bought born-again, rabbi, blames the coronavirus on the exis- states that favor abortion rights. He also York Times, sums it up nicely in her col- Jesus-loving, bible-believing, Holy Ghost- tence of gay pride parades. At a talk, Ma- claimed that “America will be minimally umn, “God vs. coronavirus.” filled, tithe-paying believer,” he said in a zuz said a pride parade is “a parade against affected” by the global coronavirus out- “Holy water is not a hand sanitizer and sermon. “You are the only one that can nature, and when someone goes against break because of President Trump’s sup- prayer is not a vaccine,” Ferraresi writes. FFRF announces its essay contests for 2020

The Freedom From Religion Founda- students (through age 30) and “older” tion has announced its four 2020 essay undergrads (ages 25–30) are asked to competitions for freethinking students write on the topic: “Why God has no — offering more than $60,000 in total place in political debate; the growing scholarships. dangers of Christian Nationalism.” In Each of the four contests has 10 the context of this year’s presidential and prizes: First place — $3,500; second congressional elections, make the case place — $3,000; third place — $2,500; for keeping “God” and religion out of the fourth place — $2,000; fifth place — political debates, and the dangers posed $1,500; sixth place — $1,000; seventh when public officials pander and mix place — $750; eighth place — $500; religion with government. Word limit: ninth place — $400; and 10th place 550–750. Deadline: Aug. 1. — $300. FFRF also offers optional FFRF thanks Phil Zuckerman, author honorable mentions of $200. To and professor of sociology and secular encourage student activism, Florida studies at Pitzer College, for suggesting FFRF members Dean and Dorea Michael Hakeem Memorial Essay Con- “Living and Thriving Without Religion.” the topics for the college and grad school Schramm are providing a $100 bonus test for Freethinking College Students: Write a personal essay (in the “first per- competitions. to any winner who’s a secular student Currently enrolled college students (up son”) about why you are not religious Additional prompts on the topics and club member. to age 24) may write on: “The Necessity of and its benefits. Please be sure to explain contest rule requirements can be found The contests cater to students in differ- Freethought — Why I Am Not Religious.” why you reject religion. You may wish to at: ffrf.org/studentessay. Students are re- ent age/class ranges. Although we are asking for a personal es- include challenges you have faced in be- quired to submit their essay via the online William J. Schulz Memorial Essay say (written in “first person”) about why ing nonreligious. You may also wish to application, and should carefully review Contest for College-Bound High School you reject religion, you may also wish to include recommendations on how the all contest rules. All eligible entrants will Seniors: High school seniors graduating approach this from a philosophical or secular community can better engage receive a digital year-long student mem- this spring and attending college in the social science point of view. You may ad- people of color. This contest is offered bership in FFRF. fall are asked to write about: “Why I’m an ditionally include personal experiences to provide support and acknowledgment FFRF is appreciative of FFRF mem- unabashed atheist/agnostic/choose your or challenges you have faced as a young for freethinking students of color, as a mi- bers who make the effort to contact favorite appellation.” Write a persuasive, freethinker (atheist, agnostic). Word lim- nority within a minority. The other FFRF local high schools, colleges and uni- personal (“first person”) essay about why it: 450–650. Deadline: July 1. student contests are open to all students. versities to help publicize its compe- you reject religion and think others would The David Hudak Memorial Contest Students may only enter one FFRF con- titions. (See “ads” on the back inside be better off doing so too. You may wish for College Students of Color: Students test annually. Word limit: 400–600. Dead- cover of the Freethought Today wrap to include experiences or challenges you of color ages 17–21 (college-bound high line: July 15. that may be copied or cut out and sent have faced as a young freethinker. Word school seniors to currently enrolled col- Brian Bolton Essay Contest for to your local schools.) Or pass on the limit: 300–350 words. Deadline: June 1. lege students), may write on the topic of: Graduate/“Older” Students: Graduate link: ffrf.org/studentessay. Page 6 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020 Don’t let Trump pay back evangelicals like this

This article first appeared in The New these two come as a pair; they are nec- York Times on March 6 and is reprinted essarily connected. We are free to ex- with permission. ercise religion precisely because the government refrains from establish- By Katherine Stewart ing religion. At present, the Christian National- any Americans know by now ist movement has substantial sources that when Christian nationalists of support in the form of access to Mtalk about “religious freedom” wealthy donors and robust donor-ad- they are really asking for the privilege vised charities. It also has a large base to impose their religion on other peo- of supporters who make large num- ple. What Americans may not yet un- bers of small contributions. But lead- derstand is that they are also demand- ers of the movement know that their ing money from taxpayers to do so. bread will have a lot more butter if Long before Donald Trump hitched it comes from the government. They his political fortunes to the Christian already receive significant funding Right, previous Republican adminis- indirectly from taxpayers in the form trations had primed the pumps that of deductions and exemptions. They would send public money flowing to- are determined to secure these extra ward religious organizations. funds, and they are immensely fearful In 2002, the George W. Bush ad- of losing them, especially if a plural- ministration increased the flow of istic society decides to do something federal money to faith-based organiza- about the fact that its tax dollars are tions providing services on behalf of being used to fund groups that ac- the government. Bush himself insisted tively promote discrimination against Photo by Shutterstock that these organizations would not be many citizens and support radical po- permitted to discriminate. But, in fact, litical agendas. the new method But the short game is more relevant has no choice but to fund religion. In the future, if the Trump admin- of faith-based now. There is a pile of public money Some important things to know istration has its way, the current flow funding invit- on the other side of the wall that sep- about today’s Christian Nationalist of taxpayer money to religious organi- ed the risk of arates church and state, and Christian movement: It doesn’t believe in the zations may well look like the trickle discrimination Nationalists are determined to grab it First Amendment as we usually un- before the flood. Religious national- and the erosion (and to hold on to what they have al- derstand it and as our Founders in- ists dream of a time when most or all of church-state ready grabbed). tended it. It doesn’t believe that the social welfare services pass through separation. These kinds of pro-discrimination government should make no law re- the hands of religious entities. They The Obama rules are bound to cause harm. There specting an establishment of religion. imagine a future in which a young administration, may be a woman who loses her job It also takes a dim view of government woman seeking advice on reproduc- responding to at a faith-based service provider be- assistance — unless the money pass- tive health care will have nowhere to these concerns, cause she is “living in sin” with her es through churches first. Political- turn but a state-funded, church-oper- Katherine Stewart put in place partner. There may be people seeking ly connected religious leaders like ated network of “counseling” centers provisions to counseling services who will forgo the Ralph Drollinger of Capitol Minis- that will tell her she will go to hell if ensure that members of the public help they need because it is offered tries, whose White House bible study she doesn’t have the baby. were not subject to discrimination on only in conservative Christian health has been attended by at least 10 cur- The discrimination against individ- the basis of religious belief or unwant- care settings and is staffed with Chris- rent and former members of Trump’s uals and the misuse of public money ed proselytizing. The provisions also tian-only providers, all of whom claim cabinet, maintains that social welfare that the Trump administration’s pro- required that users of church-spon- to be living in conformity with a “bible programs have no basis in scripture. posed regulations would allow is bad sored social programs be made aware lifestyle.” “The responsibility to meet the needs enough. But these are far from the of nonsectarian options. There will be some minority-reli- of the poor lies first with the husband worst consequences of this kind of as- The Trump administration is now gion providers — a Jewish soup kitch- in a marriage, secondly with the family sault on the separation of church and proposing to eliminate these Obama- en here, a Muslim job-training initia- (if the husband is absent), and thirdly state. The most profound danger here era safeguards. And true to form, they tive there — that will defend the new with the church,” Drollinger has writ- is to the deep structure of American did so earlier this year, on the increas- rules and claim to benefit from them. ten. “Again, nowhere does God com- society and politics. ingly Orwellian-sounding annual Reli- But they will serve, in effect, as strate- mand the institutions of government In 1786, when Thomas Jefferson gious Freedom Day in January. gic cover, lending the appearance of or commerce to fully support those and James Madison pushed through One purpose of the new proposed diversity to a movement that ties the with genuine needs.” the Virginia Statute for Religious regulations is to make sure that organi- idea of America to specific conserva- These ideas are shared by David Freedom that Religious Freedom Day zations receiving taxpayer money are tive religious and cultural identities. Barton, a historical revisionist who sits commemorates, the issue that moti- exempt from the kinds of anti-discrim- Legitimizing these forms of dis- on the boards of an array of Christian vated them and that brought evan- ination law by which nonreligious or- crimination is itself a grotesque viola- Nationalist legislative and data ini- gelical Christians at the time over to ganizations must abide. If that sounds tion of whatever it is that we actually tiatives, pastoral networks and other their side was a detested tax imposed like a violation of the Establishment mean by religious freedom. But that’s influential groups. Barton has argued on all Virginians to pay for the church Clause of the First Amendment, that’s the point, as far as Trump and his that the bible and God himself op- services demanded by the established because it is — or at least it should be. Christian Nationalist allies are con- pose progressive income taxes, capital church. “To compel a man to furnish Under the proposed regulations, cerned. The religious rights of the gains taxes and minimum wage laws. contributions of money for the prop- faith-based aid organizations that re- larger American public are collateral While these activists rail against di- agation of opinions which he disbe- ceive public money are free to hire damage in a war of conquest aimed rect government aid to the poor, they lieves and abhors, is sinful and tyran- and fire their workers and subcontrac- squarely at the public coffers. are eager to increase the flow of gov- nical,” Jefferson wrote. “No man shall tors on account of their religion, sex- To grasp the motivation for the ernment handouts to churches and re- be compelled to frequent or support ual orientation, or any other behavior Trump administration in promulgat- ligious groups who may then provide any religious worship, place, or minis- or characteristic that the organization ing “religious freedom,” it helps to the aid themselves, but without adher- try whatsoever.” finds religiously appealing or objec- review a little Supreme Court history. ence to nondiscrimination law. As a It is ironic, then, that the Trump tionable. Organizations that receive In 2017, the Trinity Lutheran Church further bonus, when the money gets administration’s religious freedom their money through vouchers and of Columbia, Mo., brought a case in funneled to religious organizations, initiative seeks to fund religious or- other forms of indirect aid can now which the church claimed that it had some of it then can then be pumped ganizations with taxpayer money. But proselytize, require that recipients an equal claim to government grants back into the right-wing political ma- what makes this particularly danger- participate in religious activities or for purchasing materials to upgrade chine through religious organizations ous is that the same money in many ask that recipients pledge their loyalty its playground. and the policy groups they support, cases goes to churches and religious to Jesus. And the government itself is Lawyers from conservative Chris- which act as de facto partisan political organizations that are increasingly no longer required to offer a nonsec- tian legal organizations, including the cells. and aggressively asserting themselves tarian option for those whose beliefs Alliance Defending Freedom, argued In order to understand the game in partisan politics, and that happen or conscience make it impossible for that refusing to allocate public mon- that Christian Nationalists are play- to support Trump. As Jefferson and them to accept aid on these terms. ey to religious institutions amounted ing, it’s important to remember that Madison understood, the destruction Why is the Trump administration so to discrimination against religion. the First Amendment has two clauses of the wall that separates church and determined to tear down the wall of This theory, if it takes hold in law, sig- concerning religion: one that guaran- state corrupts politics just as surely as separation between church and state? nificantly weakens the Establishment tees the freedom to exercise religion it corrupts religion. The long game is clear: because that’s Clause. If withholding taxpayer mon- and one that prohibits the govern- Katherine Stewart is the author of The the way you “take back America” and ey from religious institutions amounts ment from establishing any religion. Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous make it a Christian nation. to discrimination, then the taxpayer What the framers understood is that Rise of Religious Nationalism. April 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 7 IN THE NEWS

‘In God We Trust’ to be pope, followed by an ‘exclusive’ tour in all OK state buildings? of the Vatican and other sites around Rome,” according to screenshots from The Oklahoma House has backed the app that a Religion News Service re- a bill that would require hundreds of porter viewed. public buildings in the state to display Applicants are also told that a mini- the national motto, “In God We Trust.” mum “fully deductible” donation to the The House voted 76–20 on March Catholic Church of 100,000 euro (about 2 in favor of the bill, sending it to the $112,000) is requested and will be “hand Senate. House Bill 3817 would require delivered to the pope himself.” the Office of Management and Enter- prise Services to display “In God We Trust” in a prominent place in all state Study: Just 1 in 4 now buildings, except for those owned by a practicing Christian school districts. The size and placement of the phrase Christianity in the United States has would match how the motto is displayed undergone dramatic change in the last in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. few decades, with the number of prac- The bill could cost the state an esti- ticing Christians now only about half as mated $85,000 to place the signs in 342 FFRF staff attending the annual member organization meeting of the Secular common as in 2000. state buildings. Coalition for America on the weekend of Feb. 5–6 posed with Secular Coalition The Barna Group, which has survey for America Executive Director Debbie Allen. From left: Andrew Seidel, director data over several decades, found that of strategic response; Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-founder; Debbie Allen of SCA; currently, just one in four Americans Coach loses lawsuit Rebecca Markert, legal director; Dan Barker, co-president; and Mark Dann, is a practicing Christian. A practicing over praying on field director of governmental affairs. Christian is identified as a Christian who says that faith is very important in The former high school assistant their lives and who has attended church football coach in Washington who sued tion and outright deceit,” according to gious by more than half of U.S. adults within the past month. the school district after he was ordered a report by openDemocracy. (55 percent), though only 9 percent de- In 2000, 45 percent of all those sam- in 2015 to stop praying on the field af- There are thousands of these cen- scribe him as “very” religious. pled qualified as practicing Christians. ter games lost his lawsuit on March 5. ters in the United States and many have Opinions about all four candidates That share has consistently declined in FFRF had written an amicus brief in the been criticized for posing as neutral are divided along party lines: Respon- the past 20 years, and now is at 25 percent. case siding with the district. health facilities for women while hid- dents who identify as Democrats or say U.S. District Court Judge Ronald ing their anti-abortion and religious they lean toward the Democratic Party Leighton ruled that Joe Kennedy’s re- agendas. are much more likely than Republicans Trump has stacked courts ligious rights were not violated when In its investigation, openDemocra- and GOP leaners to say that Biden, with arch-conservatives he was coaching at Bremerton High cy sent undercover reporters posing as Buttigieg, Sanders or Warren are at School. vulnerable women with unwanted preg- least somewhat religious. The New York Times published an Kennedy’s attorney said he would nancies to centers affiliated with Heart- While some Democrats are highly re- analysis of the more than 185 federal appeal. beat International in 18 countries. It ligious — especially black and Hispanic judgeships so far appointed during the In 2015, the district placed Kennedy found that women were falsely told Democrats — the party has become in- Trump administration. These lifetime ap- on administrative leave after he repeat- abortion increases risks of cancer and creasingly unaffiliated in recent years. pointments include 51 to appeals courts, edly violated the district’s directive to mental illness; that a woman needs con- The share of Democrats and Demo- who now make up a quarter of the entire stop praying on the field immediately sent from a partner to access abortion; cratic leaners who identify as Christian appellate bench. Trump has made these after games and that hospitals will refuse to treat declined by 17 percentage points be- appointments in only three years, con- medical complications from abortion. tween 2009 and 2019 (from 72 percent trasting with the total of 50 appeals court Heartbeat International has close to 55 percent), while the share who are judges confirmed under the Obama ad- Appeals court upholds ties to the White House. Vice Presi- religiously unaffiliated jumped by 14 ministration in eight years. rules involving abortions dent Pence has spoken at its events and points, from 20 percent to 34 percent. The stacking of the appeals court President Trump applauded a 2018 Su- with arch-conservative appointments is A U.S. appeals court on Feb. 24 up- preme Court decision in favor of crisis very significant, because, in the words held Trump administration changes pregnancy centers. Bible bill heads to of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Soto- that include additional hurdles for those W.Va. governor’s desk mayor, “the court of appeals is where seeking abortions through a federal pro- policy is made.” gram that helps low-income women. Blasphemy resolution The West Virginia state Senate “Perhaps most telling,” the Times re- The 7–4 ruling by the 9th U.S. Cir- passes House committee passed and sent to Gov. Jim Justice a ports, “all but eight of the new judges cuit Court of Appeals overturned deci- bill clarifying that county school boards have had ties to the Federalist Society.” sions issued by judges in Washington, A bipartisan resolution calling for may offer elective courses on the bible. Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, Oregon and California. The court had the worldwide repeal of blasphemy laws HB 4780 passed March 4 30–3–1, but the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary already allowed the administration’s unanimously passed the House Foreign not before warnings about the constitu- Committee, has called Trump’s appel- changes to begin taking effect while the Affairs Committee on March 4. tionality of the bill. late nominees “far outside the judicial government appealed those rulings. Res. 512 calls for the Department of “I’ll bet you a Holy Rosary that this is mainstream.” The rules ban taxpayer-funded clin- State to work toward the global repeal going to be declared unconstitutional,” ics in the Title X program from making of criminal laws against blasphemy, said Sen. Mike Woelfel, moments be- abortion referrals and prohibit clinics apostasy and heresy. fore he reluctantly voted for it, accord- Christian poll didn’t that receive federal money from shar- The bill was introduced on July 23, ing to MetroNews. get results it wanted ing office space with abortion providers 2019, by Rep. Jamie Raskin, co-founder Sen. Patricia Rucker defended the — a rule critics said would force many of the Congressional Freethought Cau- bill when asked if it had provisions for After getting results diametrically to find new locations, undergo expen- cus, along with Rep. Mark Meadows. other sacred texts to be studied. opposed to what it assumed it would sive remodels or shut down. “No, it does not,” Rucker responded. get, the National Association of Chris- More than 20 states and several civil “It says Hebrew Scriptures, Old Testa- tian Lawmakers blamed Satanists and rights and health organizations chal- Poll: Dem candidates not ment or New Testament.” atheists for the results. lenged the rules in cases filed in Ore- seen as very religious The poll, sponsored by their own or- gon, Washington and California. Judg- ganization, showed 95.8 percent of the es in all three states blocked the rules Americans don’t consider the Dem- Rolls-Royce and $112K? 16,000 respondents do not want to see from taking effect. ocratic candidates to be particularly You can meet the pope Christians hold more elected offices. religious, according to a Pew Research “View the comments on this thread Center survey that asked about four According to a Rolls Royce app, if to see what religious persecution and Religious ‘extremists’ candidates (prior to Pete Buttigieg you own a new Rolls Royce and have anti-Christian bigotry looks like in target pregnant women dropping out of the race): Joe Biden, $112,000 to donate to the Catholic America,” it said on the group’s Twit- Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders and Eliza- Church, you can have a private audi- ter page. “Satanists and atheists piled A global network of “crisis pregnan- beth Warren. ence and Mass with the pope, the Reli- on this poll and have begun leaving vile cy centers,” backed by anti-abortion Sanders is described as “not too” gion News Service reports. messages as well.” groups linked to the Trump White or “not at all” religious by 60 percent, The Whispers app, which was un- The organization was founded by Ar- House, has been condemned by law- while a third of respondents say Sand- veiled in February and is only available kansas state Sen. Jason Rapert, who ear- makers, doctors and rights advocates ers is at least “somewhat” religious. to owners of new Rolls-Royce cars, fea- lier claimed Christianity is in decline for targeting vulnerable women with Biden is the only candidate who is tures “an offer that promises a one-hour and warned of “the rise of the occult in “disinformation, emotional manipula- considered at least “somewhat” reli- private audience and Mass with the our nation.” Page 8 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020

FFRF’s Reagan ad gets Media and Christian Nationalism plaudits on Twitter FFRF’s “unabashed atheist” com- atheists and agnostics, working to keep mercial with Ron Reagan that ran twice state and church separate, just like our during the March 15 Democratic de- Founding Fathers intended. Please sup- bate between Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie port the Freedom From Religion Foun- Sanders on CNN had Twitter all atwitter. dation. Ron Reagan, lifelong atheist, not Kathy Griffin, the actress with more afraid of burning in hell.” than 2 million followers on Twitter, CBS, NBC, ABC and Discovery Sci- remarked, “Gets me every time. [Rea- ence networks have refused the ad since gan]’s so smart and legit funny.” 2014, but it has previously run periodi- Reagan says in the ad: “Hi, I’m Ron cally on CNN, Comedy Central and Ra- Reagan, an unabashed atheist, and I’m chel Maddow’s show on MSNBC. alarmed by the intrusion of religion FFRF thanks members who have do- into our secular government. That’s why nated to FFRF’s Advertising Fund for I’m asking you to support the Freedom making possible this major campaign. From Religion Foundation, the nation’s Below is a small sampling of other re- largest and most effective association of actions on Twitter to FFRF’s ad.

FFRF’s Director of Strategic Response Andrew Seidel discussed his debut book The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism is Un-American on Feb. 26 in Los Angeles. Sponsored by the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism, and co-sponsored by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, Seidel’s presentation touched on how the media cover Christian Nationalism. Project Blitz stands defeated on East Coast As legislative sessions across the country came to a close, FFRF cele- brates the defeat of several Christian Nationalist bills. In Florida, H.B. 341 and its Sen- ate counterpart, S.B. 746, both died, ensuring that public schools will not be forced to offer bible classes. H.B. 7103, a proposal that would have per- mitted prayer over the loudspeaker at state-sponsored athletic competitions, has also died. Meanwhile, a similarly problematic bill has been defeated in New Hamp- were both the creation of the Chris- shire. H.B. 1148 sought to place the tian Nationalist legislative push called theocratic motto “In God We Trust” in Project Blitz. It seeks to inject state leg- public schools. This is similar to oth- islatures with a whole host of religious er “In God We Trust” bills that have bills, imposing the theocratic version popped up in states across the country of a powerful few on We The People. over the past year. Their proposals While politi- signal an unvar- cians claim that These laws are about nished attack on these laws are in- advancing the Big Lie that the American secular- tended to showcase ism and civil liber- United“ States was “founded on the national motto ties — those things or inspire patrio- God” or Christianity, dismantling we cherish most tism, it is clear that the wall of separation between about our democ- Your weekly antidote to the Religious Right their true purpose religion and government. racy and now must is to peddle religi- tirelessly defend. osity to a captive FFRF members FREETHOUGHT RADIO audience. These laws are about advanc- and supporters in New Hampshire and PODCASTS AND BROADCASTS ing the Big Lie that the United States Florida sent hundreds of messages to was “founded on God” or Christianity, their lawmakers urging them to op- FIND OUT MORE: ffrf.org/radio dismantling the wall of separation be- pose these Project Blitz bills and de- tween religion and government. It is fend the secular institutions in their — Hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor — a victory for state/church separation state. FFRF will continue to call out Slightly irreverent views, news, music & interviews and our secular education system that these sinister legislative agendas for New Hampshire students will not be what they are — a calculated, discrim- subject to this religious pandering. inatory Christian Nationalist push fun- Florida’s bible class bill and New damentally at odds with the principle Hampshire’s “In God We Trust’’ bill of religious liberty for all Americans. April 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 9 FFRF stops public prayers all over country

By Bailey Nachreiner-Mackesey Utah From Virginia to Louisiana to Arizona Prayers at public works employee and Utah and numerous points in meetings in the city of Provo have been between, FFRF has ended public prayers stopped. by school or city officials. Here’s a A city employee alerted FFRF rundown of the most recent prayer cases that government meetings routinely FFRF has been successful in stopping. featured a prayer before meals, always on city property and always at the request of management, who are all Arizona Mormons. Yuma Union High School District FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler has taken exemplary action to address a wrote to Provo City Attorney Robert state/church violation in its school. West, urging the city to discontinue the A Kofa High School student practice of impermissibly subjecting contacted FFRF to report that the 2019 employees to prayer at government Kofa High School graduation ceremony meetings. West informed FFRF that included an invocation. This invocation these prayers will stop. was scheduled in advance by the school “Having had your complainant’s and listed in the graduation program. concerns called to his attention, the FFRF Legal Fellow Dante director does not want your complainant Harootunian wrote to Superintendent to feel unwelcome at department lunches Gina Thompson, asking that the district and has decided not to make prayer at take action to ensure that religious rituals these lunches a routine practice,” West are not part of graduation ceremonies The district’s Chief Administrative wrote in a letter of response. or any other school-sponsored events. Officer Jennifer W. Gardner sent a letter Thompson sent a very positive letter Illinois of response to FFRF with assurances that of response to FFRF outlining the Washington Park School District has the district has taken action to address Virginia district’s commitment to remedying this taken steps to make sure that school- the complaints. A high school in the Wythe County violation. sponsored events no longer start with Public School District in Max Meadows “First, I will meet with individual prayer. has removed a large prayer display from employees who may have been A local resident alerted FFRF Texas its lunchroom. responsible for the inclusion of an that multiple recent Washington Prayers before the annual A concerned community member invocation in the Kofa High School Park District-sponsored events had homecoming parade have been stopped reported that Fort Chiswell High School graduation ceremony to educate them begun with prayer. According to the in the Conroe School District. was displaying a religious prayer on a about the importance of separating complainant, the district promotes, A Conroe community member large placard in its cafeteria that read: church and state and preventing school schedules and staffs local monthly reported that last year’s homecoming “Our Father: We thank thee for this sponsored prayer in school activities,” lunch events for seniors at Five Points, parade began with a prayer being read food. Bless it to the nourishment of Thompson wrote. “Second, I will be a facility operated jointly by several over the loudspeaker in Moorhead our bodies and our lives to thy service. distributing a statement of policy to local government agencies, including Stadium. This prayer was reportedly Amen.” all district employees, which will refer the Washington Park District. FFRF was overtly Christian as it involved multiple FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan Johnson in part to the prohibition of the use of informed that the Park District partners invocations of the Lord. Some students wrote to Wythe County Public Schools district resources for the promotion of with local senior living facilities and were apparently required to attend this Superintendent Scott Jeffries, urging religion in school activities. Third, we other similar organizations to provide event. him to remove this sign. The school’s plan to add a component to our training food for the events. At least some of FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan Johnson general counsel informed FFRF the for new employees reminding them of the organizations that the district have wrote to the district’s general counsel placard had been removed in response the importance of separating religious partnered with to provide food for these and reminded the district that prayer at to the complaint. matters from state public school events have taken advantage of this school-sponsored events is against the functions.” partnership to pray over attendees. On law. In a letter of response, the school’s at least one occasion an attendee who attorney assured FFRF that it will West Virginia protested was told they would either sit forgo prayer at future parades, which Mineral County Schools in Ridgeley Arkansas down and be quiet during the prayer or historically had been held off campus by has committed to addressing complaints The Springdale School District leave the event. the parent booster club. of coach-led prayer in the district. has committed to working with local FFRF Legal Fellow Dante “Next year there will be no prayer A concerned district parent partners to ensure that community Harootunian wrote Washington Park at the Homecoming Parade, regardless contacted FFRF to report that Frankfort events are not promoting religion. District Executive Director Brian Tibbs, of whether it occurs on or off school High School Football coaches prayed A district staff member informed asking that the district refrain from property,” the letter says. “If the booster with their players on the field after FFRF that each year the district requires partnering with organizations that club wants to solemnize the event, they a game. FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan staff members to attend a back-to-school will use their status as co-hosts of a can begin the event with a moment of Johnson wrote to Superintendent Troy event sponsored by local businesses and government-sponsored event to require silence.” Ravenscroft reminding him that this held on school property. This event attendees to sit through their prayers. conduct is unconstitutional and that . . . apparently begins annually with an Tibbs informed FFRF via email that the district has an obligation to remain invocation given in the name of Jesus the district has “taken the necessary The San Antonio International neutral on religion. and including proclamations exclusive steps to make sure this doesn’t happen Airport has removed scheduled prayer Ravenscroft sent a letter of response, to Christianity. again.” from its volunteer event schedules. thanking FFRF for informing him of FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote A member of the airport’s this violation and alerting FFRF that to Superintendent Jim Rollins, asking Ambassador Program reported to FFRF the district views this “as an opportunity the district to ensure that future events Louisiana that Christian prayer had continually to work with staff and athletic coaches do not unconstitutionally endorse Lafayette School District preceded volunteer appreciation on observing and upholding the First religion. Rollins said in a letter of administrators have been reminded of luncheons at the airport. The airport Amendment, its boundaries and its response that the district has discussed district legal policies governing religion apparently regularly scheduled an requirements.” FFRF’s concerns with Chamber of in schools after a student was scheduled invocation before these luncheons Commerce staff and “will continue to to lead an invocation. began. On at least one occasion, this was . . . work with them to ensure that Chamber A district member reported to FFRF reportedly led by a Catholic priest who Prayer before government-sponsored of Commerce-sponsored district that Broussard Middle School scheduled gave a prayer and requested a response training sessions has been stopped in staff meetings are both inclusive and a student to lead an invocation at its from attendees. Martinsburg. constitutional.” end-of-the-year ceremony. This student FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Grover A local community member reported was apparently listed as the “master of wrote to the program’s coordinator, that the poll worker training class led ceremonies” on the event program and pointing out that these prayers by Berkeley County Council began What Is a Freethinker? delivered a prayer that was Christian in unfairly alienated non-Christian and with the Lord’s Prayer. FFRF Legal nature, directed to “God” and ending nonreligious volunteers and urged Fellow Brendan Johnson alerted Doug freethinker n. with “Amen.” the program to continue without such Copenhaver, the council’s president, 1 A person who forms opinions FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Grover prayers in the future. of this unconstitutional government- about religion on the basis of reason, wrote to the Interim Superintendent Chief Customer Experience endorsed prayer. independently of tradition, authority, Irma Trosclair, urging the district Officer Karen W. Ellis responded to Copenhaver informed FFRF in a to discontinue scheduling religious FFRF’s complaint with assurances that letter of response that the council was or established belief. invocations at any future school- scheduled prayer had been canceled unaware this meeting began with prayer, sponsored events. and would not occur in the future. but has since dealt with the issue. Page 10 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020 FFRF VICTORIES

By Bailey Nachreiner-Mackesey we will reap a harvest of blessing if we Speaking freely don’t give up.” Arkansas FFRF Legal Fellow Dante Harootunian asked the office to remove all social media Bible-distributing Gideons will no posts promoting religion and refrain from longer be allowed in Mountain View uploading such posts in the future. Sheriff School District schools. Mark Moore informed FFRF in a letter of A concerned parent reported to FFRF response that this post has been removed. that members of Gideons International . . . were allowed into Mountain View Mid- dle School to pass out bibles to students Numerous religious displays have been during class. FFRF’s complainant report- removed from Letcher County Public ed that their child’s teacher welcomed Schools property after the school district the Gideons into the class, thanked received letters of complaint from FFRF. them for being there, and took a bible A concerned Whitesburg resident re- before letting them distribute bibles to ported to FFRF that Letcher Central High students. The complainant’s child re- School had a bible verse on display in its portedly felt very uncomfortable and locker room. The display said: “But the felt pressured to take a bible because ev- Lord is with me like a Mighty Warrior. Jer- eryone else in the class did. emiah 20:11.” FFRF wrote a letter of com- FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote plaint to the district, pointing out that this to Superintendent Brent Howard in- display violated the constitutional princi- forming him that it is unconstitutional ple of state/church separation. for school districts to permit the Gide- FFRF Associate Council Sam Grover gave a talk in Las Vegas on Feb. 29 at an FFRF had first contacted the district on Society to distribute bibles as part of event called “Celebrate the First Amendment,” sponsored by the Center for after an area resident reported multiple the public school day. Howard respond- Science and Wonder. The other speaker, who talked about free speech on instances of the district promoting and ed to FFRF’s letter by email, informing college campuses, was Joe Cohn, the Legislative and Policy Director for FIRE, endorsing religious messages. The com- FFRF that the district’s attorney was which is a group whose mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights plainant reported that Fleming Neon made aware of the issue and the matter of college students and faculty. Grover’s talk focused on current events within Middle School had a display in its hallway has been handled. the freethought movement, with an emphasis on exploring why the current that said, “Jesus is my savior. You can’t Christian Nationalist push to radically redefine “religious liberty” is endanger- scare me!” and that Martha Jane Potter ing the rights of many Americans. Elementary School posted a prayer on its California official Facebook page. An annual winter concert program in In both letters of complaint, FFRF the Merced City School District will be strued as a message of religious endorse- trip to pack meals for Feed My Starving asked the district to remove all religious moved to a non-church location in fu- ment, and will refrain from doing so in Children, an overtly Christian charitable messaging and iconography from public ture years. the future.” organization. During the trip, the group’s school property in recognition of its con- A district parent reported that last staff asked students to pray over the meals stitutional obligation to remain neutral year, Burbank Elementary School held Florida they packed, and overtly Christian music toward religion. a Christmas concert at a nearby church. A religious sign has been removed was played over the loudspeakers for the Letcher County School District has re- According to the parent, the church con- from the Orange County Tax Collector’s duration of the trip. moved each of these religious displays. tained religious iconography including a office inside the West Oaks Mall, which FFRF Legal Fellow Dante Harootuni- “The bulletin board has been replaced, large cross and a nativity scene, as well as was previously on display to the public. an alerted the district that this prosely- the Facebook post has been removed, a banner outside the building advertising This sign read, “Faith — it does not tizing partnership is not acceptable for and the locker room has been repainted,” worship services. make things easy it makes them possible a public school district. Lakeland Super- Superintendent Denise Yonts informed FFRF Legal Fellow Dante Harootunian — Luke 1:37.” FFRF Staff Attorney Chris intendent Eva G. Merkel informed FFRF FFRF in a response letter. wrote to Superintendent RoseMary Par- Line asked the county to remove this sign via email that the district’s partnership . . . ga Duran, pointing out that the use of a from county property in recognition that with this Christian organization will church for public school programming it represents an unconstitutional endorse- “simply have to cease.” Ludlow Independent Schools has de- is inappropriate and unconstitutional be- ment of religion over nonreligion. leted religious posts on its official district cause it sends the message of approval of Orange County Tax Collector Scott social media pages. the church to impressionable students. Randolph confirmed the sign was re- Kansas A district parent informed FFRF that In a response letter, the district’s attor- moved in response to FFRF’s complaint. A “See You At The Pole” event will not a teacher at Mary A. Goetz Elementary ney informed FFRF that in consideration recur in the Coffeyville Public Schools. School had been using her official po- of the complaint, the district will “seek A concerned district staff member re- sition as a district employee to promote out alternative, non-church venues to Illinois ported that other staff organized and en- her Christian youth group to students. host such events in the future in order to Outside adults, including religious dorsed a “See You at the Pole” event. The According to the complainant, the avoid any misinterpretation that the dis- leaders, will no longer be allowed to at- complainant reports that an email was teacher invited students to her youth trict is endorsing or promoting any partic- tend student club meetings in Arcola sent from two district staff members to group on a daily basis, included infor- ular religion, or religion in general.” School District #56. the rest of the staff promoting the event. mation on the youth group in a news- A student contacted FFRF to report FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line re- letter to parents, and posted flyers pro- that the Arcola High School Students minded Superintendent Craig Correll moting this group around the school. Colorado with a Testimony club’s Tuesday meetings that public schools have a constitutional The teacher also reportedly organized The Vanguard School, a charter school were regularly attended by an outside pas- obligation to remain neutral toward reli- a prayer walk on school property which in the Cheyenne Mountain School Dis- tor who came in to spread his religious be- gion. Furthermore, Line points out, it is the school promoted on its official Face- trict in Colorado Springs, will refrain liefs to students, promising pizza and soda unconstitutional for the district staff to book page. The Christian youth group from advertising for and affiliating itself to attendees. These meetings apparently plan, promote or participate in “See You and the prayer walk appeared to be affil- with religious organizations in the future. take place during the school day. At The Pole” events because doing so iated with a local church. A district parent reported that each FFRF Legal Fellow Dante Harootunian alienates non-Christian students, teachers FFRF Legal Fellow Dante Harootuni- year, the school holds a “Thanksgiving informed the district that public schools and parents whose religious beliefs are an asked the district to make certain that Baskets” fundraiser for St. Joseph Cath- are not an appropriate place for outside inconsistent with the message being pro- none of its employees are unlawfully and olic Church and a “Christmas Blessings adults to proselytize to children. FFRF moted by the school staff. inappropriately indoctrinating students Store” in partnership with the Calvary asked that the district ensure this club is Craig informed FFRF that “this was an in religious matters by encouraging them Baptist Church. truly student-led, and not facilitated by re- obvious oversight from the teacher and is to pray, recruiting them for religious or- FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote ligious leaders. against board policy.” He has notified the ganizations or activities or otherwise us- a letter of complaint to the district point- FFRF received a letter of response from principal to instruct the employee that ing the district to promote religion. ing out that, while it is laudable for the the district, assuring that only school staff this cannot happen again in the future. In a response letter, the district’s attor- district to encourage students to become will be allowed to attend student meetings ney informed FFRF that the administra- active, charitable and involved in their in the future, and that staff will “be pres- tion has addressed these matters with the community by volunteering and donat- ent only in a non-participatory capacity.” Kentucky teacher involved and deleted the social ing, the school cannot use that goal as an Religious posts have been removed media posts corresponding to the event. avenue to support churches or religious from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office organizations. Indiana official social media page. Superintendent Walter C. Cooper A constitutionally inappropriate part- A concerned area resident reported Maryland sent FFRF a response letter which not- nership within the Lakeland School Cor- that a recent post on the office’s Face- Staff at Frederick County Public ed that “Vanguard understands the poration in LaGrange will not continue. book page concluded with the bible verse Schools have been reminded of district optics and perception that advertising A community member reported that Galatians 6:9 — “So let’s not get tired of policy and their legal obligation to refrain the events in this manner could be con- Lakeland Middle School organized a field doing what is good. At just the right time from impermissibly endorsing religion. April 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 11

A district community member in- FFRF Legal Fellow Dante Harootunian formed FFRF of on-field prayer after an ‘The Battle of Church and State’ wrote to Butler County Sheriff Richard October football game between Walkers- K. Jones, pointing out that extending a ville High and Catoctin High and what free government benefit only to church- appeared to be the coaches leading and es, or even solely to houses of worship, is participating in prayer. unconstitutional. FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan Johnson The department, along with local wrote to the school’s attorney, inform- media reports, confirmed these classes ing the district that public school coach- will now be offered free to all nonprofit es must refrain not only from leading organizations. prayers themselves, but also from partici- pating in students’ prayers. He urged the district to stop any and all school-spon- Texas sored prayers occurring at any district The Mesquite Independent School athletic programs. District has conscientiously redressed a The district’s attorney has directed serious state/church violation. principals and the supervisor of athletics A community member reported that and extracurricular activities to remind Frasier Middle School football players coaches that, as the board policy states, were required to attend a religious meet- “school employees, when acting in their ing in the gym after practice. The meet- official capacities, are representatives of ing was led by an outside group, Men of the state and are prohibited by the Estab- Honor. Speakers encouraged students to lishment Clause of the First Amendment read the bible, pray and join their overt- from soliciting or encouraging religious ly Christian organization. The meeting activity and from participating in such ac- then ended with an outside pastor who tivity with students.” came in to lead the students in prayer. FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan Johnson asked the district to refrain from sponsor- Michigan About 150 people showed up to hear FFRF Co-President Dan Barker speak ing inappropriate and unconstitutional A Sparta Area Schools coach has about “The Battle of Church and State” for Houston Oasis on Jan. 26. Pictured, religious meetings in the future, and en- been instructed to cease religious pros- from left, are: Wil Jeudy, Veeral, Laura Whittenton and Dan Barker. sure no future assemblies from outside elytizing to his team. groups contain a proselytizing message or A district parent reported that a agenda. Sparta High School football coach about football team prayers. assurances that the script would not be Assistant Superintendent Karyn Cum- used his position to promote a reli- FFRF had sent a letter in October to used again in the future. mings responded to FFRF with assuranc- gious event to students and their fam- Cameron R-1 School District Superin- es that the district “fully investigated” this ilies. According to the parent, this tendent Matt Robinson about Camer- matter and that “the employees in ques- coach sent a mass Remind App mes- on High School’s head football coach, New Jersey tion have accepted full responsibility and sage encouraging students and fam- Jeff Wallace, and assistant coach, David Multiple signs for church parking have completely understand that their actions ilies to attend a worship event called Stucky, holding religious “chapel” ser- been removed from Matawan city property. were not acceptable.” “FAITH...FIGHT...FINISH!” vices for players before and after football FFRF Staff Attorney Maddy Ziegler . . . This event was listed as taking place games. The coaches prayed with players wrote to Mayor Joseph Altomonte, af- at Sparta High School and organized and read and discussed bible verses. ter FFRF received a local complaint Staff in the Goldthwaite Independent by “The Big Idea — Sparta Elementary In reaction to FFRF’s complaint, At- that three signs, reading “Second Bap- School District have been reminded School.” The district’s website also had torney General Eric Schmitt dispatched tist Church Parking Only, 9 a.m.–2 of their obligation not to use school a section entitled “Sparta area church- a missive to the district urging it to disre- p.m. Sun. & Religious Holidays,” were resources to promote religion. es” that lists the names, addresses, gard FFRF’s concerns and mischaracteriz- placed along a public road. FFRF re- A community member reported that phone numbers, worship times and ing FFRF’s arguments, even advising the quested that the city remove the signs the Goldthwaite Lady Eagle Basketball Sunday school times for several local district that the coach’s actions are lawful. and ensure that parking enforcement Facebook page was used to promote two Christian churches. FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line urged is in compliance with constitutional re- religious events — See You at the Pole FFRF Legal Fellow Dante Harootuni- Cameron R-1 School District to take quirements going forward. and Field of Faith. Additionally, the Fields an informed Superintendent Pete Bush immediate action to stop school-spon- Matawan’s attorney responded to of Faith promotional material listed a that the district cannot allow its schools sored prayers or religious worship oc- FFRF’s letter with assurances that the school coach as the event contact, sug- to be used as recruiting grounds for curring within the district’s athletic signs have been removed and that they gesting that she was involved in coordina- churches. programs. The school district recently had been “posted by entities other than tion of the event. Bush informed FFRF in a phone sent FFRF a note indicating that it is the municipality.” FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan Johnson call that the football coach has been heeding FFRF’s counsel. wrote to Superintendent Ronny Wright, instructed to refrain from promoting “Employees of the district were remind- New York informing the district that district staff may religion and that the church directory ed of the district’s board policy regarding Holland Patent Central School Dis- not plan, promote or participate in events on the school’s website was removed. prayer at school or at school-sponsored trict has remedied a serious state-church like See You at the Pole or Fields of Faith. events and were also instructed not to violation. Wright informed FFRF that he has Missouri lead students in prayer, initiate a prayer A concerned district parent recently re- “spoken with the employee referenced in FFRF has prompted Hogan Prepara- with students or cause a student to initiate ported to FFRF that a Holland Patent High [FFRF’s] letter and both district athletic tory Academy in Kansas City to address prayer,” stated Robinson. “This matter has School biology teacher began a lesson on directors, in order to remind them that complaints of a teacher handing out rosa- therefore been resolved.” evolution by undermining the theory of school resources cannot be used to adver- ries as “prizes” to students. evolution, denigrating those who under- tise such events and the appropriate role A concerned Hogan Academy parent stand and accept the fact of evolution. for school employees in such events.” reported to FFRF that, after handing out Montana FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line sent a rosaries, this teacher told students that, The Libby School District’s Veteran’s letter to Holland Patent Central School if they carry the rosary, nothing bad will Day assembly will no longer include re- District Superintendent Jason Evangelist, Virginia ever happen to them. He also reportedly ligious language as part of a flag folding pointing out that this teacher’s anti-scien- Religious reading materials have been told students a story about two students ceremony. tific rant was both unconstitutional and removed from Arlington National Ceme- who were shot while walking home from A district community member re- pedagogically deplorable. tery’s Administrative Building. school. The student not wearing a rosary ported that during last year’s cere- The district has taken swift action A local resident reported that Arling- was killed, while the students who had a mony, student participants were pro- to address FFRF’s concerns and ensure ton National Cemetery had a kiosk dis- rosary survived. Our complainant also re- vided with a script that claimed to that Holland Patent students are no playing Christian material in its adminis- ports that he told students that he is fol- explain the meaning of each of the longer subject to religious proselytiza- tration building where families meet prior lowed by “spirits,” and that he has a device 13 folds in the flag. According to the tion in its schools. to burial. According to the complainant, that will beep when spirits are near. complainant, the script attributed re- the administration building only displayed FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote ligious meaning to the majority of the books from the American Bible Society, to Superintendent Jayson Strickland that folds. This includes assertions that Ohio and did not contain secular grief guides. he should no longer be allowed to distrib- Americans rely on God and his guid- A free concealed-carry permit pro- FFRF Legal Fellow Dante Harootuni- ute religious items or promote his person- ance, “glorify the Father, the Son and gram has been extended to include all an asked Arlington National Cemetery al religious beliefs to students. Holy Spirit” and that one fold “in the nonprofits rather than just churches in Chairman Lt. Gen. James Peake to respect Strickland sent a letter of response, eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the Butler County. and honor the wishes of our nation’s mi- assuring FFRF that the issue has been lower portion of the seal of King David A Hamilton citizen reported to nority religious and nonreligious military addressed. and King Solomon.” FFRF that the Butler County Sheriff’s personnel and veterans by removing the FFRF Legal Fellow Dante Harootunian Office was offering free concealed-car- Christian literature from displaying in the . . . wrote to Superintendent Craig Barringer, ry weapons training to churches. The ANC administrative building. FFRF scored a constitutional win asking the district to end promotion of classes were reportedly only intended Officials informed FFRF that the team against the Missouri attorney general af- religion at official school events. Barrin- to be open to church security teams in at Arlington National Cemetery has re- ter a school district ignored his advice ger responded to FFRF’s complaint with Butler County. moved the display case. Page 12 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020 Convention speech The challenge of leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses

This is an edited version of the speech Am- dom, which should have told me some- ber Scorah gave at FFRF’s national conven- thing, since most people who go to Chi- tion in Madison, Wis., on Oct. 19, 2019. na don’t feel more free. She was introduced by FFRF Programs Man- Because my preaching work was done ager Kristina Daleiden: underground in China, the structure Amber Scorah is the author of the of meetings and community I had had moving memoir Leaving the Witness, my whole life at home as a Witness was which details her experience growing gone. Our religion was illegal there, so up as Jehovah’s Witness, moving to Chi- there was no structure. na to become a missionary and coming Of course, my aim was to preach, and to question the beliefs that she had been I took that mission seriously. But that, taught and eventually leaving that reli- too, looked different. Back at home, gion. After suffering the tragic loss of rarely would a Witness ever have a friend her 4-month-old son, Amber became a who was not a Witness. The only inter- parental leave advocate, bringing this action was for the sake of conversion. issue to the forefront of the 2016 pres- Non-Witnesses were to be always kept at idential campaign. She also penned bay, as they were a worldly influence. an op-ed in The New York Times titled Yet here in China, we were told by the “Surviving the death of my son after the leaders of the organization that the way death of my faith.” “Oprah” magazine to go about our preaching work was to said that Leaving the Witness was one of spend a lot of time getting to know peo- the best books of summer and The New ple before we preached to them. This York Times called it one of 12 new books would allow us to vet them, to make sure to watch. Amber is a Canadian writer liv- they weren’t Communist Party mem- ing in Brooklyn. bers, or people who would turn us in to Please join me in welcoming Amber the authorities. Often that vetting pro- Scorah. cess took a long time, because you were trying to “be casual” and get information By Amber Scorah from people naturally, before bringing in the bible or our literature and possi- irst of all, it’s amazing to be here. I bly endangering ourselves. was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and A byproduct of this, of course, was Fwomen were never allowed to give that I began to make “worldly friends” talks. It’s my guess that everyone in this for the first time. I got to know people room either has known a Jehovah’s Wit- who weren’t Jehovah’s Witnesses on a ness or has had one approach them to pretty intimate level before I ever even preach to them. tried bringing up the bible. But so many people feel like they Preaching in a language like Man- don’t really understand what the Jeho- Photo by Ingrid Laas darin, too, was so different, it felt like vah’s Witnesses are about and why there At FFRF’s convention in Madison, Wis., on Oct. 19, 2019, Amber Scorah tells the story my mind was being excavated. As I sat isn’t more information from ex-mem- of why she left the Jehovah’s Witnesses. teaching my Chinese bible students bers out there. “the truth,” telling them to throw away Jehovah’s Witnesses fly under the to go to the police when their child has Path to freedom their thousands of years of cultural his- greater cultural radar, in many ways, be- been sexually abused by someone within The path to finding my freedom tory for my 100-year-old religion in this cause of the way its own culture is set up. the congregation. The idea behind this happened in one of the most restrictive new language, it was almost as if I could As a Jehovah’s Witness, you are raised is that the most important thing is that countries in the world: China. hear what I was saying for the first time. to believe that you must keep separate God’s chosen ones be protected. They When I was in my 20s, after spending I started to realize my beliefs sounded a from the world. don’t want God to look bad. years knocking on doors in my home bit crazy. This is why Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t Of course, you might think, if you city of Vancouver, Canada, to not much vote, don’t get involved in charity work, leave, then you’re no longer bound by in the way of results — you all know what Cracks in my faith are told not to go to college or pursue this rule, right? you do when a Jehovah’s Witness calls! Eventually, the mild disorientation any kind of career, don’t get too close But what happens when you leave the — I decided to learn Mandarin Chinese of being in this new culture and speak- to people or have relationships with Jehovah’s Witnesses, like I did, is that and travel to China to preach. China ing this language so different than my anyone who is a nonbeliever. Any per- you are shunned. This is quite a severe was the one place that had not received own opened up cracks in my faith, and son who is not a Witness is considered punishment for people who have been a Witness, and I wanted to give them a the physical distance from my commu- “worldly” and a bad association. The taught to build their entire lives around chance to convert before Armageddon nity gave me a mental break from the outside is Satan’s world. an organization, and who, as a result, came and God killed them for being constant meetings and indoctrination. Growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness, have very few ties anywhere else. nonbelievers. Slowly, a “worldly” friendship I began to I was taught I was different. And this This shunning is bad enough, but if Ironically, it was in China that, for engage in with a client at my workplace was reinforced by many of the arbitrary a person takes it one step further and the first time in my life, I had some free- ended up with me questioning every- things the Witnesses pull out of the bible speaks out about the organization, or and pronounce as necessary for salva- their doubts, or anything that they feel tion. No blood, which obviously meant is wrong within the organization, in any that if you were dying and needed a kind of a public way, that person is la- blood transfusion, you’d have to accept beled an apostate. death. No Christmas, no singing carols. This is a very scary brand to receive. We’d have to sit outside. When some- Apostasy, according to Jehovah’s Wit- one had a birthday in the classroom, nesses literature, is the one sin God will we weren’t allowed to eat the cake. We never forgive. “Apostates” like me would couldn’t date or marry a non-Jehovah’s be described in very terrifying terms. Witness. Our time was to be used for They were “mentally diseased,” “crimi- preaching, to save as many as we could nals,” “lower than a snake” with “charac- before Armageddon. teristics like the devil.” Even after I wrote my book and No dirty laundry didn’t believe in the religion anymore, You don’t see many books by people you feel the power of that communi- like me, who leave the religion, because ty lasts even after you’ve left. The last the leaders of the group strongly forbid thing I wanted to be was that horrible anyone from airing any of the organiza- apostate character we’ve been warned tion’s dirty laundry. about. I didn’t want to be seen that way, This applies to very minor issues. For even by people who no longer spoke example, we were told constantly that to me. I didn’t want to be “mentally even if a brother cheats us, we shouldn’t diseased”! Photo by Chris Line take him to court. And it extends to very Yet here I am, out here in Satan’s Amber Scorah signs copies of her book, Leaving the Witness, for FFRF members after serious issues, where parents are told not world! her speech. April 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 13 thing I had been raised to believe. A lot of people who have never been religious wonder why in the world any- one would stay in a group like this that is so obviously, to those on the outside, wrong and “culty.” Here’s the thing: No one who is in a cult ever thinks they are in a cult. You think you are living the best life, and in some ways it IS a great life. You have no angst, you don’t worry about climate change, you don’t have to have a retire- ment fund because Armageddon and God are going to solve all those prob- lems. Plus, you have many wonderful friends and family who believe in it with you. You have a warm community. You are constantly told about how aw- ful people’s lives are on the outside, and because you are only allowed to be close with other Witnesses, you have no way of verifying. Of course, the world can be a scary place, so it’s an easy message to sell. Sure, you see people who seem hap- py and fulfilled, you meet nice people at work and such, but you know that they are going to die at Armageddon, so real- ly, how great can that be? Photo by Chris Line Yes, it isn’t until you try to leave a cult Amber Scorah relates the difficulty of handling the death of her 4-month-old son after leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses. that you start to realize it’s a cult. When the people in your organization and family immediately shun you for ques- are, all of us, subject to indoctrination blindsided me. I was now faced with an eryone’s worst nightmare, I’m still alive, tioning even one of the beliefs handed of some form, whether we realize it or entirely foreign landscape: death with- which honestly feels like a feat some- down from the leaders, you know you not. Obviously, some belief systems are out hope of an afterlife. Grief without times. I have learned patience and en- are in some form of cult. more extreme than others, but we all religion. durance and how to tolerate devastating When I voiced a doubt or two and have blind spots. We are born into a fam- My father had died when I was a Wit- feelings, because that is what living with- that got back to the elders, well, that was ily that teaches us values and ideals from ness, when I was 18, and I was sad, but out your child requires. about when I started to get the inkling birth. All of us have embedded ideas I wasn’t that sad, because I was certain But since I do not believe that my son that the Jehovah’s Witness organization about how things must be and how we that one day I would see him again in is “out there” somewhere or will come bore the traits of a cult. must live (marry, have children, elect a paradise. Religion was born for times back to me, it has also meant that I have Later, after I left, I found stronger straight white man, whatever it is). This like this. My faith, I realize now, had kept him alive in the ways in the here proof: The first boyfriend I had after leav- is most obvious in the religious realm, acted as a buffer to many of these more and now. By talking about him to his sis- ing the religion found on YouTube nearly but it’s also the case in the political, so- devastating aspects of being human. ter, and by holding close the memories I every documentary ever made about cult cial, internet, scientific and any other And now, when I lost my son, without have of him every day. members and we watched them together. realm in which people identify with a that faith, I experienced this death as I also became an activist for a nation- I was surprised as I watched. Every cult way of thinking. nothingness. My child, so full of promise al parental-leave policy in his name. it seemed, from the most extreme (Jim This is why cults exist! They are just and health and energy, vanished. It was Through this work, I found that death Jones in Jamestown) to the less extreme a manifestation of the extreme end of beyond my ability to accept losing him. without hope didn’t have to be death ones (that didn’t mandate death), well, something that is in us all. We all need But it was even far- without faith. they were exactly my story. to check our thinking, to ensure we ar- ther beyond my How so? Ac- They are entirely different belief sys- en’t succumbing to our own cult-like abilities to return tivism is an act of tems, but have the same systems in place tendencies. to any kind of be- faith. A faith that to keep people in. My lines of reasoning, How do we do this? lief in life after when there are my thought patterns, my thought-block- Make friends with people who don’t death. This was the problems, we as ing, the us vs. them mentality, all the think like us. That may sound trite, but ultimate test for human beings can things we had been trained to do to stay in my story, the only reason I was able someone who had find ways to solve in the religion were the same things peo- to see my blind spots was because I de- once had belief. them. A faith that ple in all these cults had been trained veloped a close relationship with some- But let me tell my son’s life and to do. one “on the outside.” The differences you what I discov- death would show And while the Witnesses are not as between us were what made it possible ered about grief others the value of extreme as some cults, they do mandate for me to see that not everything I had without religion. It every child’s life. that people die rather than take life-sav- been taught to believe by my culture was has some surpris- A faith that others ing blood transfusions. So, while they absolute truth. Allowing myself to get ing byproducts. would join me in a aren’t drinking Kool-Aid, they are man- close enough to someone so different I now had no fight for what was dating death for no reason, which isn’t than me was what made me see that. It choice but to live right, and they did. that different. wasn’t always pleasant, but I’m so grate- with the reality In my old re- It takes a lot of deprogramming to ful I didn’t back away or dismiss him. of the loss, and Photo by Ingrid Laas ligion, we were realize the religion you were raised with I’ve also learned this: When we feel it made me deal Amber Scorah taught not to put as “truth” is simply a mythology that has very sure we are right, that’s always a with what was in our faith in man. been passed down from generation to sign to look again, look deeper, ques- front of me. What was in front of me But if humankind is all we have, per- generation. tion our strongest assumptions, never was utter devastation on every level. But haps this faith, this active belief that we be dogmatic about anything. Always be once you have been that close to death, can change the world, is not misplaced. No regrets willing to listen and readjust. Never let something else happens when you can’t That’s what I learned. I’m not willing to Even given all I lost — family, friends, your identity be too stuck to a group, a escape it. In the midst of this kind of give up hope yet. faith, support systems, purpose — I have belief. Step outside our comfort zone grief, where you have no escape, you are And the fact is, once we accept reality never once regretted waking up and and be willing to put ourselves in posi- forced to experience a deeper pain, but and truly live in it, with its full range of leaving. And I’ve never heard any other tions that make us feel off kilter, because you also become more clear-eyed about emotion, good and terrible, that’s where ex-Witnesses saying any different. Peo- that is when we get opened up, that is life. You find you see what is beautiful life lies. Not in some fictional paradise. ple have lost their own children to the when we learn. in life in the midst of all this suffering. The one thing that no one can take religion after waking up, have lost their And one of those things I experienced away from us is the beauty and love we livelihood, everything. Great tragedy was the great care and compassion that can find in this world if we look for it. But now that I shed a belief system, There is one postscript to my story. we as human beings possess. When I am in great pain, I remember it’s a lot easier for me to see culti-ness And that is that seven years after I left my When I was in such great pain, so that the depth of grief we experience is everywhere, not only in religion. We religion, I experienced a great tragedy. many people, strangers and friends a reflection of the depth of the love we My first child, my 4-month-old son, alike, got me through by showing love in are capable of. Karl, died. I raise this because many peo- so many ways. It was the strangest thing, I don’t have all the answers now, but I ple who know my religious background to experience such an awful thing, yet can appreciate the deep mystery of it all. To watch Amber Scorah’s have asked me if this terrible loss made at the same time, to be touched by such I feel the magic of life all around me, the convention speech, go to me want to go back to religion. I think beauty and love. great power of shared humanity. I feel ffrf.us/scorah it’s an interesting question. Now, time has gone by, and without gratitude. I don’t think anyone really can be the escape of belief, I have learned a And it’s been so lovely to be here with prepared for the loss of a child, but it lot. I have learned how to live with ev- you today. Thank you. Page 14 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020 Convention speech Evangelicals’ ‘religious freedom’ is neither

This is an edited version of the speech made This has made “religious freedom” by Andrew Bradley at FFRF’s national conven- all about making up for Jesus’s careless- tion in Madison, Wis., on Oct. 18, 2019. He, ness. His inconveniently liberal agenda along with Deven Green, created the comedy act has been swapped out for evangelicals’ of Mrs. Betty Bowers, America’s Best Christian, less-Jesusy approach. which is an award-winning satirical web se- If Jesus never had a problem with ries. The duo performed an act for the conven- homosexuals, but you do, saying your tion crowd, but then Bradley took the stage solo voluntary animus is actually compulsory to give this speech. faith is a shrewd way to curry legal defer- ence that would otherwise be curtly with- By Andrew Bradley held. Because it’s not prejudice if you call it religion. merica is lucky it was founded It’s God ignoring civil rights, not you. during the Enlightenment. Or, It’s God being an asshole for no reason, A rather, it was lucky that it was not you. “It’s nothing personal: God told the Enlightenment that pushed it to be me to hate you.” founded. The Enlightenment meant Now, let’s address the second problem that the United States was formed with this wildly improvised faith: How during a time of healthy skepticism for can it be claimed, much less proven, to religions. be “deeply held”? If you read the correspondence of If there is one thing that the ascension most of the Founding Fathers, it would of Donald Trump has taught us, it is this: be almost impossible for any of them to The tea party never really cared about be elected now, even as a Democrat. deficits. And evangelicals never really They would be destroyed in the prima- cared about “values.” ries by the super PACS: “Why does Ben Photo by Ingrid Laas When it comes to determining what Franklin hate Jesus so much? Why did Andrew Bradley speaks at FFRF’s national convention in Madison, Wis., on Oct. people really believe, actual actions speak Thomas Jefferson desecrate the Lord’s 18, 2019. louder than pious proclamations. Hardly word by calling it a steaming pile of fe- any evangelical “deeply holds” the faith of ces?” The Establishment Clause reflects this lull between are incompatible with what we see in the Muslim world.” traditional Christianity when it comes to what they do. So fits of religious radicalism in this country. Now, that doesn’t sound like a guy who’s serious how can they be allowed to only hold it deeply when it Can you imagine the Bill of Rights written by the Pu- about protecting everyone else’s freedom to practice comes time to use it against someone else? ritans? It would probably look a lot like one that would their religion. Using “deeply held” religious beliefs as carte blanche be written by today’s evangelicals. And would probably In fact, Perkins has also said the Constitution does to step on the constitutional toes of others is a danger- have come to be known as the Bill of Wrongs. And only not protect Islam. And, according to him, “religious ous precedent. apply to other people. freedom” is even more stingy, as it only protects “or- Do we provide exemptions from hate crime laws to Evangelicals don’t like — because of our pesky Con- thodox” versions of Christianity. You know, the type Nazis, the KKK or other toxic flavors of white suprema- stitution — that the United States isn’t the Official that, quite coincidentally, hates the gays just as much cy? Their “deeply held beliefs” about minorities, slavery Sponsor of Christianity. And they’re tirelessly showing as Perkins does. and mixed marriages have, after all, been supported, their resentment right now. It’s an ungrateful line in the sand. One of the Family with much success, in the past by the bible. American theocracy has a new gimmick it’s using to Research Council’s favorite tropes to support its made- Whenever Franklin Graham tweets that the bible is a try to work around the Constitution, and to shoehorn up version of “religious freedom” is to cite the statutory “book of timeless moral truths,” I always turn to Exodus a right-wing brand of Christianity version called the Religious Free- 21:20 for tips on beating humans I own. The helpful into the secular square. It’s called dom Restoration Act. Lord tells me I can beat them within an inch of their “religious freedom.” Forgive your- The RFRA, which was struck lives and I can’t be punished if they survive since they are self right now if you think religious Religious freedom’ is never down by the Supreme Court in my “property.” Ah, what a timeless moral truth. Glory! freedom is about being either reli- about wedding desserts. It’s 1997 as unconstitutional when I raise the Lord’s fondness for beating slaves to un- gious or free. It is not. about‘ just deserts: retribution applied to states, was enacted in derscore how dangerous it is to allow rules in the bible As is the case with most political against secularism. large measure to protect the re- to override secular laws about how we treat each oth- branding, the words were chosen ligious freedom of Native Ameri- er. Our secular laws change as humans become more for their ability to disarm rather — Andrew Bradley cans. The very people — pagans knowledgeable, more caring. The bible is frozen in a than inform. “Religious freedom” — the new “religious freedom” time long before either science or the Enlightenment. is code. It’s anti-constitutional the- excludes. When you peel back the pleasant appearance of ocracy in constitutional drag. Who Even beyond its objective, to the words “religious freedom,” you see that some- could possibly object to freedom? But a peek beneath have secular courts promote one faith, there are other, thing as fraudulent as it is unworkable is afoot. It was its benign surface reveals “religious freedom” is really fundamental problems with how “religious freedom” at- something the Founders tried to protect us from — about one thing: Evangelicals using our government to tempts to nullify laws that apply to all Americans. an American theocracy. promote their faith. But just an unapologetically selfish If evangelicals can void a law, ad hoc, by claiming it Family Research Council and its ilk, after decades of and vindictive version of their purported faith. violates their “deeply held faith,” how do courts define butting heads against the separation of church and state This very objective was regarded as so inimical to our that faith, much less determine whether it is deeply held? mandated by the Constitution, have come up with a Tro- secular republic that both the Founders and citizens And courts can’t just take someone’s word for it. jan horse. They call it “religious freedom.” thwarted it twice in the Constitution. That would be tantamount to the anarchy of giving ev- They know that if you can’t stop inconvenient civil Once, in the body of the Constitution, Article 6, Sec- eryone a wallet full of “Get Out of Laws Free” cards. rights laws, creating an excuse to ignore them is the tion 3, banning religious tests for holding office. And then Hardly in keeping with evangelicals’ oft-spoken fond- next best thing. once again, for good measure, in the First Amendment, ness for “law and order.” Cases are popping up around the country where barring government from promoting any religion. The Let’s address the first question: What is the “faith” be- businesses otherwise open to the public exercise their Founders haven’t been alone at recoiling from theocracy. ing used to avoid the law of the land? “religious freedom” to demean and refuse service to “Religious freedom” is not about indulging, much It may not be the one you think. The Christianity LGBTQ and other minorities. less protecting, non-Christians. It’s not even about pro- that evangelicals practice is as abrupt a departure from But “religious freedom” is never about wedding tecting Christians who are not right-wing evangelicals. Christianity as Christianity was from Judaism. It is so far desserts. It’s about just deserts: retribution against That’s because “religious freedom” is rooted in a lie. removed from the teachings of Jesus, it begs for a new secularism. Its blandly inclusive title, pretending to protect peo- name. Jerry Falwell Jr. makes me think of a few . . . But It’s about promoting one brand of religion by mak- ple of all faiths, is descriptive only of its marketing, not Christianity 2.0™ is the most polite. ing life difficult for those who do not promote it. It’s implementation. Jesus was beta-tested for centuries and, clearly, found about people preening in the piety of making others If you doubt this, listen to one of “religious freedom’s” buggy. Too many empathy commands, too few tax cuts comply with a “religion” they don’t even follow. It’s highest profile proponents, the anti-LGBTQ president for Herod. Too much rendering unto Caesar. And give about upending America’s hierarchical relationship be- of Family Research Council, the odious Tony Perkins, a what to the poor? Er, no. That’s not happening. tween settled law and ad hoc belief. It’s about providing man who has selflessly devoted his life to thinking about If imitation is the highest form of flattery, conserva- right-wing evangelicals with a pretty costume to cover men licking each other. tives have made their lifework not letting it go to Jesus’s for their grimy bigotry. [Video of Perkins plays:] “The key to the Muslim head. Because, to conservatives, Jesus’s “help the poor” Because “religious freedom” treats something community remains Jesus Christ. And that means that and “turn the other cheek” elective suggestions sound that is just a choice (religion) as more important we, as Americans, understand the unique nature of this alarmingly liberal, even suspiciously un-American. than immutable characteristics that are not choices country, its heritage and its government is founded upon Worse, Jesus neglected to mention evangelicals’ two (race and sexuality). Christian truth. And that’s how it works. And the ideas biggest obsessions: homosexuality and abortion. Some- When you really look at it, you realize that “religious of democracy and individual liberty and self-government thing had to go. (Spoiler: It was Jesus.) freedom” is neither. April 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 15 Convention speech White biblical imagery is still with us

This is an edited version of the speech given by Jeremiah Ca- mara at FFRF’s convention in Madison, Wis., on Oct. 19, 2019. He was introduced by FFRF’s Director of Operations Lisa Strand: It is my pleasure to introduce filmmaker Jeremiah Ca- mara. He directed and produced the documentary, “Holy Hierarchy: The Religious Roots of Racism in America.” Those who were here at our convention a few years ago had the pleasure of seeing his other movie, “Contradic- tion,” also about religion, and it’s on Amazon Prime. Jer- emiah is also an author, whose books are Holy Lockdown: Does the Church Limit Black Progress? and The New Doubting Thomas: The Bible, Black Folks and Blind Belief. He is the creator of the widely watched YouTube series, “Slave Ser- mons,” a mini-movie series addressing the harmful effects of religion. Please welcome Jeremiah Camara.

By Jeremiah Camara

’m honored to be here. Thanks to [FFRF Co-Presi- dents] Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker for invit- Iing me to this event, to an organization that’s so im- portant, and not only to this country, but to the world. We definitely need the Freedom From Religion Foundation. They say that America’s going to hell and going way- ward because of the rise of secularism. That is the dumb- est thing I’ve ever heard. It is really crazy. Do you realize Photo by Ingrid Laas that once upon a time there was something in this coun- Filmmaker Jeremiah Camara speaks about his latest film, “Holy Heirarchy: The Religious Roots of Racism in America” try called slavery — and religious belief was the driving at FFRF’s national convention in Madison, Wis., on Oct. 19, 2019. Watch the film on Amazon Prime. justification behind slavery? And now they’re saying that we’re going to hell because of secularism. country and the world. It does three things: It promotes cinnati, and I used to work at a place called Half Price My film, “Holy Hierarchy: The Religious Roots of Rac- Christianity, it promotes white supremacy, and it ensures Books. I was a buyer there. People would bring their old ism in America,” attempts to explain how the beliefs in and preserves racism. There’s a lot of talk about the sepa- books in and I would assess them. I was really the best as- a biased supreme being during Colonial America led to ration of church and state, but there’s also the separation sessor that they had and I was the only black. A lady came beliefs in supreme human beings. If you believe in a su- of church and the state of one’s mind. up with her books and she needed them assessed, and preme being, it’s a seamless transition to believe in su- Imagery is more or just as powerful than any speech said, “I don’t want a black person touching my books,” preme human beings. that any attorney general or any president or vice presi- even though she was giving them up anyway. I was like, There is a legal component behind racism that we tend dent can give in promoting Christianity. Iconography is “OK, no problem.” to forget, and it ultimately turned racism into an institu- one of the most powerful weapons in support of Christi- Honestly, I wasn’t offended. I was cool with it, but what tion. When you believe in a god, you bring your baggage anity. It’s the unnoticed elephant in the room. really pissed me off was my white co-worker who assessed into that belief, you bring your beliefs, your bigotry, your Before there was television, there was imagery. Before her books. That’s the problem. If I can’t do them, you, bias, your superstitions, your stereotypes and your igno- there were magazines, there was white as my co-worker, should say, “Look, rance into that belief. And one of the most fundamental biblical iconography. I remember when take your books somewhere else.” So, if beliefs in America since Colonial times and even today, I was about 6, my mother had a picture we’re not all offended and all appalled even if it’s on a subconscious level, is the belief that there of a white Jesus in the kitchen and it was To watch Jeremiah when we go to Walmart, when we go to is a god who created whites to be superior and blacks to sitting on the table and I noticed that Camara’s convention these places, I don’t care. I was at the be inferior. This was the prevailing precept. everywhere I went, the eyes followed speech, go to Miami airport and there’s white bibli- We moved from Virginia, but many of us still have a me. So, I knew that there was really ffrf.us/camara cal iconography all around. It’s all over, Virginia state of mind. Virginia is the boss of this country. something to this religion because I it’s everywhere. It’s ubiquitous. We all You can call it the District of Columbia, if you want. That’s never saw a picture do that, where the should be upset about that. Virginia. And I tell people, if you don’t understand ear- eyes actually followed you. Let’s not ignore imagery. Imagery is ly Virginia, it’ll be a challenge understanding racism in To people of color, especially blacks being the antith- deeper many times than the spoken word. If there’s no this country, because Virginia is the place where the party esis of white, seeing white biblical imagery causes immea- legal justification to end the onslaught of white biblical started. They perfected racism. surable psychological damage, which has helped to lead imagery based on the Constitution’s protection of free You can’t talk about racism without talking about to severe cases of lack of self-worth. And deep illness of speech, then the Constitution is flawed. You should not white supremacy. You can’t talk about white supremacy Stockholm syndrome, as we witnessed in the Botham be able to walk into a store and see white images of Moses without talking about Christianity. They’re tied. They’re Jean-Amber Guyger case. And the humongous statue of a and Abraham. To a person of color, it does immeasurable interwoven. And it’s the root of racism. You don’t enslave. white Jesus in the country of Nigeria. psychological damage. There’s no way we can put a mea- You don’t create systems of apartheid. You don’t create Since Colonial America, the imagery throughout the sure on the damage psychologically. systems of Jim Crow. You don’t implement systems of land continues to support the notion of white suprema- Black people don’t even embrace their own culture. redlining. The prison-industrial complex is for people cy. We see mythological white biblical imagery every day We have Stockholm syndrome to the highest degree in who you believe are equal to you. in the magazine and book sections of Walmart, Kroger, Africa. I don’t know how many have been to Africa, but I think one of the least appreciated but most powerful Walgreens, CVS and all throughout Hobby Lobby. We see it is amazing the reverence. They have a saying in Africa elements that keeps the wheels of Christianity spinning is the iconic biblical imagery in doctor’s offices. We see it that if you’re on your way to church and you see a white white biblical imagery and iconography throughout this in hospitals, airports, billboards. We’ve seen it in schools man, turn around, because you’ve already laid eyes on and, of course, in churches and God. movies. This is all about imagery. But what is racism? There’s You look at some of the big a lot of talk about it. We hear that word all the time, but blockbuster movies that we’ve racism is the legal backing of a group’s prejudices, ste- had, like “The Passion of the reotypes, bigotry, bias and ignorance. It’s when all that Christ,” that took in close to is backed legally it becomes racism. We’ve been mentally $400 million. Blacks go to these conditioned to perceive an all-knowing and all-powerful movies, too. creator as a white male. And no matter what our current I always tell people that Jesus beliefs are, our memory, an association of a white Jesus, is white, even though he never are permanently locked in our minds. I’ve been this way existed. Jesus is white and they since I was 22 years old, since I’ve been out of religion. ask, “Why do you think that Done with it. But that image when I was 6 years old is still he’s white?” Because he’s white there. It will always be there. in Walmart and Walmart is the I’ve got a little part in the film that addresses that imag- largest retailer in the world. My ery. Racism actually stems from one group believing to be phone is packed with imagery of more value and more worth than another group. And that I just collect everywhere it’s time to end all of that and I’m glad that I’m here. I I go. It’s all around. And that’s wish there were more blacks here. I wish there were more Photo by Ingrid Laas something that’s really not talk- Hispanics here. It’s a long process, but I think we’re head- Jeremiah Camara, center, poses with Greg Kramer and Granada Higgins ed about a lot. ed in the right direction. outside the main hall at FFRF’s convention. I was born and raised in Cin- Thanks for having me. I appreciate you guys. Page 16 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020

Clarence Darrow Award Democracy requires state-church separation

This is an edited version of the video the big cities, as Clarence Darrow was speech made by U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin that in Chicago, and the rural populist forc- was shown at FFRF’s national convention on es that were fighting against big busi- Oct. 18, 2019. ness exploitation. I don’t think that we needed that split. By U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin And I think that split has been a tough thing for us politically. That di- ello to all my friends out at the vide has lasted up until this day. We Freedom From Religion Founda- need to defend and uphold the sepa- Htion. I’m thrilled to be here with ration of church and state and all the you, even in absentia. Enlightenment values that Darrow was Freedom from religion means free- fighting for. dom of religion, and freedom of re- We should be respectful of other ligion means freedom from religion people’s practices of their philosophies because people aren’t going to be able and their creeds in their religions, and to exercise the religion of their choice we should try to join everybody together or the philosophy of their choice if you in working to defend our constitutional have theocrats imposing a particular re- democracy. A critical part of our consti- ligious creed on all of society. tutional democracy is the separation of Obviously, we’ve got some important church and state and no imposition of things going on in Washington, D.C., and religion through the schools. I’m delighted and honored and gratified The Supreme Court’s ultimate de- to receive the Clarence Darrow award. In this screenshot from a video, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin accepts the Clarence Darrow cision in Engel vs. Vitale in 1962 was a I’ve got this right by my desk, so Clar- Award from FFRF. Raskin was unable to be at FFRF’s 2019 national convention in great landmark precedent. Some of my ence Darrow can keep a close watch over person, so he sent a video to be played to the convention audience. To watch the colleagues today still walk around Con- me. I want to thank you for this award, video, go to ffrf.us/raskin. gress saying this was the moral downfall which means a whole lot to me. It’s im- of America, when the Supreme Court portant to me for a few reasons. justice system is infallible. to petition government for redress of banned prayer in the public schools. One is that Clarence Darrow was a Usually that’s not what we hear from grievances, freedom of assembly, free- But, as I like to say, the Supreme Court great lawyer who thought systematically Republicans about the government. dom of the press. All of these freedoms did not ban prayer in the public schools. and logically, and I think that that is the Usually they say government can’t do of the human mind go together. That As long as there are pop math quizzes, mindset we have to try to bring to public anything right. And here they are say- was a great breakthrough victory in our there will be prayer in the public schools. things. The second reason is because he ing government couldn’t do anything Constitution for progress of human All the Supreme Court found is that was a very passionate crusader against wrong. But, obviously, in this most ex- society and human understanding. the government cannot impose reli- capital punishment. treme of scenarios, the government It allowed us to say that government gious prayer on anyone. I remember when I was in law school could very easily do something wrong would be concerned with reason and Thank you for this great award. reading his famous closing argument in and we know has convicted hundreds we would try to govern based on reason Thank you for giving me a moment to the Leopold and of innocent peo- and based on a passionate commitment share some of my thoughts with you. Loeb case, and be- ple. And that’s one to the rights of everyone. And please send me your thoughts ing so moved by principal reason And that’s basically what our whole and ideas as we move forward in trying what it was that he A critical part of our that the death pen- history has told us. We have a trajecto- to rescue American constitutional had to say. I was constitutional democracy is alty doesn’t func- ry of freedom in our Constitution and democracy today. honored to have a the“ separation of church and tion for us. that’s going to be a central commitment chance in my life to state and no imposition of So, I was proud of what it means for us to defend Amer- campaign against to be involved in ican constitutionalism against attack. the death penalty religion through the schools. that work of abol- This is important to me. in my home state — U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin ishing capital pun- I thought Clarence Darrow obvi- of Maryland as a ishment in the ously had a brilliant and stunning per- state senator. I led state of Maryland. formance at the Scopes trial in 1925, the floor fight to I’m also proud to although I think it may have been un- abolish the death penalty, which we did receive this award because Clarence necessary to humiliate William Jennings in 2013. I invoked Clarence Darrow and Darrow was such a magnificent and el- Bryan in the way that he did. We can say tried to carry on in his spirit. oquent champion for the separation that there should be imposition of no We had a guy who was convicted of the of church and state. And here he drew religious creeds or orthodoxies, wheth- most brutal, grisly, gruesome, rape-mur- upon the deepest wellsprings of Ameri- er or not those religious creeds or or- der you ever could have imagined: Kirk can constitutional and political thought. thodoxies are true. By the way, Clarence Bloodsworth. But he swore that he didn’t Our Founders were enlightenment Darrow voted for Bryan and supported do it and he was on death row and we very liberals who rebelled against centuries him in the 1896 election. easily could have executed an innocent of religious conflict and religious war. But when Bryan died five days after man. He read about the advent of DNA The wars of religion between the Cath- the Scopes monkey trial was over, it led evidence and wrote to his lawyer, begged olics and Protestants in Europe were ev- to a kind of breach between the en- his lawyer, who is now the chief judge of ery bit as brutal and vicious as the wars lightened secular separation of church the District of Columbia Superior Court, between Sunni and Shia today in the and state forces that tended to be in U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin Judge Richard Morin. He begged him to Muslim world. let him get a DNA test. Our forefathers and foremothers They found that evidence, which ac- wanted to go in a different direction. tually was supposed to have been dis- They said, “We want a break from the NOTHING FAILS LIKE PRAYER posed of, but the judge in the case had religious wars, from the Inquisition, an assistant who never believed that from the holy crusades. We want a break Bloodsworth was guilty, and she’d saved from the witchcraft trials and the blas- CONTEST 2020 the physical evidence in her desk. They phemy laws, the apostasy laws and the found the evidence. heresy laws. We want to put government Our goal is to see secular citizens flood government meetings with They performed the DNA test and it on a secular and rational basis.” And secular invocations that demonstrate why government prayers are came back with more than 99.9 percent that’s why we got our First Amendment. unnecessary, ineffective, embarrassing, exclusionary, divisive or certainty that it could not have been Thank you, James Madison. just plain silly. Bloodsworth. And they actually found a We got a First Amendment, which positive DNA match with someone who gave everybody a right to freely exercise The individual who gives the best secular invocation will be invited was already in prison with Bloodsworth religion as they see fit — right of free- to open FFRF’s annual convention in 2020, receiving an expenses- a floor beneath him in Maryland. That dom of speech and also no establish- paid trip to San Antonio, Nov. 13-15, 2020, along with a plaque and guy confessed to the crime. ment of religion. an honorarium of $500. Deadline: August 1, 2020. I said on the floor to our friends I think that is what resonates with the across the aisle who were defending cap- name of your strong and growing orga- MORE INFO AT: ital punishment, that the death penalty nization. No establishment of religion, ffrf.org/nothing-fails-like-prayer is a great system for people who think free exercise of religion, freedom of that the government is perfect and the speech, freedom of thought, freedom April 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 17 Strong Backbone Award Taking on school’s violations paid off, eventually

Dustin received a $1,000 “Strong Back- merous letters of complaint, sometimes bone Award,” which is generously contrib- over the same violation. Some people uted by an octogenarian member of the told me I was being too difficult, but I Freedom From Religion Foundation (who felt the students’ rights were of top pri- prefers anonymity) to celebrate his birth- ority. It didn’t matter how annoying the day. He likes to bestow the scholarship, via school officials thought the complaints FFRF, upon a high school student or recent were. Following the Constitution is not high school grad who has demonstrated a annoying nor is it too difficult. “strong backbone” in defending the separa- Every day, I walked into a school tion of state and church and/or freethought. that I felt lacked any respect for me or my rights. By Dustin Daniels Each complaint took months ll of this started when I was a to resolve, and, 16-year-old sophomore who op- frustratingly, it A posed a Ten Commandments seemed each plaque hanging inside my Tennessee time one vio- high school. lation was re- After I lodged a complaint, contro- solved, another versy ensued, with hundreds of people would come up. inflamed about the complaint, which Finally, af- caused the Cumberland County School ter nearly two Board to ultimately vote to allow the years, there was decalogue to remain on the walls. Dustin Daniels success. The Despite this loss, there was little school district’s time to be upset because I knew more attorney agreed to conduct county- needed to be done, since the basketball wide training on religion in schools. We are still dealing with serious is- ment become too close made me real- team had a “character coach” who was Additionally, teachers who had repeat sues, such as the Ten Commandments ize the wall between church and state leading weekly devotionals, religious violations were warned of possible rep- plaques and school events in churches. must remain tall and impenetrable. It messages were displayed everywhere rimand, and one principal agreed to However, as the old saying goes, “The is up to everyone to protect that wall and Christian music was blasted during watch over a sixth-grade history teach- wheels of justice turn slowly,” but they and to never settle for less than what classes. All of it had to be resolved. er accused of promoting Jesus in the turn, nonetheless. we deserve. I decided to continue fighting and world religions curriculum. Multiple True religious freedom cannot exist Dustin graduated high school early and give activism one more chance . . . or religious displays have been removed when the government decides to be will attend Roane State Community Col- multiple chances. and the basketball team was required a church or a preacher. Seeing what lege. He hopes to go to law school after col- FFRF stepped in and had to write nu- to be inclusive. happens when religion and govern- lege graduation. Embrace honesty for a purpose-driven life

By James A. Haught whose questions exposed “the perplexity pursuits don’t address the ultimate ques- of mankind” — and by multitudes of oth- tions that cannot be answered and never illionaire evangelist and author er earnest seekers trying to discern what go away. Rick Warren is correct: Having a underlies our existence. Historian Gleb Tsipursky of Ohio State M purpose-driven life gives people The honesty worldview can give you a University says trusting one’s own sense of meaning and goals. But he’s absurd in sense that you are supporting factual real- integrity and belief in the scientific meth- claiming that purpose comes from gods ity. It makes you advocate science, democ- od imparts value. and devils, heavens and hells, miracles racy and human rights as the best tools to “We as secular people can use science and messiahs. improve humanity. It gives you a personal to fill that emptiness deep in the pit of I think the purpose that drives sci- James A. Haught identity — something worth fighting for. our stomach that comes from a lack of a ence-minded freethinkers can be Honesty makes us realize there’s no personal sense of meaning and purpose,” summed up in a single word: honesty. It’s doomed to die? What’s the meaning of trustworthy proof that our minds will he wrote. “We can use science to answer dishonest to claim to know supernatural everything? What truthful answer can an continue living after our bodies die. As the question: What is the meaning of life things that nobody can know. Honest honest person give?” far as we can tell, each person’s psyche for you?” people want evidence and don’t embrace He eyed me squarely and replied: “You is created by an individual brain — and He cited studies showing that people magical assertions without it. Simply to be can say: I don’t know.” dies when the brain does. Accepting the with strong convictions have better health honest about beliefs — that’s a powerful Bingo. That rang a clear bell in my coming oblivion requires courage, but it’s and more happiness. “Discover your own motive imparting purpose to skeptics. mind, and it never left me. It showed me the only honest stance. Wishing for im- sense of life purpose and meaning from Sixty years ago, when I was a gawky how to be honest in the face of bewilder- mortality is self-deception. a science-based, humanist-informed per- young news reporter, my mentor was a ment. An honest person admits inability When I foresee the abyss, the black- spective,” he urged. tough city editor who was a clone of H.L. to comprehend ultimate reality. ness of death ahead, it breeds existential A wag replied: “My purpose in life is Mencken. He sneered at hillbilly preach- Later, as I studied, I learned that this gloom — a sense that everything ultimate- to feed my cat.” Well, simply ignoring the ers in our Appalachian Bible Belt. As a same conclusion was reached by Ancient ly is meaningless — a bleak awareness that profound questions is a legitimate way to naive wisdom-seeker, I asked him: “You’re Greece’s great Epicurus — and by Omar our struggles soon will be forgotten and cope — but some of us can’t stop wonder- right that all this bible-thumping is silly — Khayyam in his profound Rubaiyat — and ignored, like those of past generations. ing. We know we will never find answers, but what’s the truth? Why is the universe by Jean-Paul Sartre and fellow modern I’m haunted by Macbeth’s rant: “All our yet we crave firm beliefs to keep us strug- here? Why does life exist? Why are we all existentialists — and by Zorba the Greek, yesterdays have lighted fools the way to gling onward. dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life’s The only approach that works for me Yip Harburg, but a walking shadow, a poor player that is to repudiate imaginary spirits and sup- from his book: Rhymes for the Irreverent struts and frets his hour upon the stage port humanistic reality as the basis of life and then is heard no more. It is a tale told and society. by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signify- Ever since ancient Greece, the world’s Satan To The Rescue ing nothing.” greatest minds have searched for the This small bit of mud, revolving in space, Pointless floundering, soon to van- purpose of it all — to no avail. But each Would be an abysmal and dismal old place, ish into the forgotten past. That’s a dis- secular humanist can acquire a person- But thanks to the genius who first thought of sin, mal summation, and it rings true. Yet we al purpose by embracing honesty and nonetheless can develop purpose-driven the scientific method. We can have pur- This here is a dear little sphere to be in. lives that hold the gloom in abeyance, pose-driven lives by opposing self-pro- Written by “Over the Rainbow” lyricist Yip Harburg. while we move onward. claimed holy men who write books like Illustrated by Seymour Chwast, published by FFRF. We gain purpose by raising children, The Purpose-Driven Life. working at a satisfying job, sharing our James A. Haught is editor emeritus of West life with a fond spouse or lover, relishing Virginia’s largest newspaper, The Charleston the serene joys of nature, etc. But those Gazette-Mail. Page 18 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020 LETTERBOX

Granddaughter immersed reign to the evangelicals to institute in ‘Freethought Radio’ Help get more freethought into libraries their agenda, which strongly supports prayer in school and forced recital of There’s no publication I anticipate the Pledge of Allegiance. seeing in my mailbox as much as Free- If Trump wins a second term, no re- thought Today, which is a true pleasure ligions will exist in the United States ex- to read. It’s hard not to devour the entire cept the evangelical church. The coun- issue in one sitting. try will dissolve into a dictatorship. I have a story that I thought you might These are pressing matters that are be interested in. taking my time and which have me During the daytime on Thursdays greatly concerned. These are truly des- and Fridays from early August through perate times for the United States. With mid-November of 2019, my wife and I the Trump administration, the separa- were watching our youngest granddaugh- tion of church and state has been and ter, from the time she was four months will be eroded to the point that “sepa- old to seven months old. ration” will no longer exist. Trump has On virtually every one of those taken the power from Congress and has Thursdays and Fridays, I would take packed the courts. Without a revolution, her for a stroller walk for nearly an I fear the separation of church and state hour, which just happened to be the Photo by Dan Hilbert will not be withheld. perfect amount of time for listening A copy of Cartoons for the Irreverent is available at the McMinnville Public Mark J. Taylor to the previous week’s “Freethought Library in Oregon. Michigan Radio” podcast! So, I’d put my phone in the back of In November, I ordered the book of Don Addis cartoons (Cartoons for the the stroller, turn the volume up as high Irreverent) from FFRF, with the express purpose of gifting it to the McMinnville Freethought Today helps as I could to drown out any traffic noise, Public Library. After several months, it finally appeared on the “new books” in these dark times and happily listen to the podcast as I rack. Maybe FFRF members could follow suit and get more freethought pushed the stroller along the sidewalks in material into their local libraries. Throughout the years, I figure I have gotten Thanks for all your great work. Read- our neighborhood. at least 13 freethought books added to my local library system. ing Freethought Today puts me in a Although at such a young age, it’s I am a longtime member of FFRF and have also succeeded in getting Free- good mood, especially in these dark highly unlikely my granddaughter was thought Today into four libraries. times. I’ve enclosed a check to become a able to grasp what was being said, I like to Dan Hilbert Lifetime Member. think that the enlightening freethought Oregon Janet Nye messages somehow found a way to enter Minnesota her neural pathways anyway, perhaps pre- disposing her to a life as a freethinker. Senators use religious Randy Hilfman Hooray for FFRF’s TV preserved — the cross.” Washington Unthinking Americans disrespect and ideology when voting ad during Dem debate disregard the biblical commandment by Bravo and thank you for running idolizing foreign crosses. Those who be- Our creepy creeping theocracy has Senate chaplain said an ad during the Democratic debate lieve biblical scripture is the hallowed now shifted into second gear. Have you Lord would guide them on Feb. 5! Good job! I support you all word of God, but pick what they prefer noticed? The corruption and chaos of the way! and reject the rest need to think again. the Dark Ages have been brought to the I was interested to hear the Senate Alan Iberg Glorifying sadistic symbols of maiming United States of America by the Repub- chaplain (a position which should not Oregon and murder is sordid and sacrilegious. lican Party and Dictator Trump. They exist) infer in one of his impeachment The American flag, American eagle, are debating who has the right prayers, invocations (a ritual that should not Liberty Bell, Statue of Liberty, Liber- who has real faith and who is a cult, exist) that the Lord, in its infinite wis- The Bladensburg cross ty torch, Christian fish, dove with olive and who is going to save this Christian dom, would guide the senators to make case conundrum branch or divine assurance rainbow nation from Democrats, socialists, liber- the right decision. Shows how much the are more sacred symbols for American als and secularists? Ultimately, from the Lord knows. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled Christians. devil! The myth and superstition is ev- With President Trump declaring in that an old and large concrete cross John Compere erywhere, just like in ancient times, and the State of the Union address that he is maintained with government funds on Texas we must call it out for what it is: a tool of going to put prayer back in the schools, government property in Bladensburg, corrupt politicians. looks like you folks at FFRF will have a Md., did not violate the First Amend- Trump said House Speaker Nan- busy year. ment requiring the separation of church Camara’s ‘Holy Hierarchy’ cy Pelosi can’t possibly be praying for Finally, thanks for giving me a chuck- and state because passage of time some- is powerful, enlightening him, because she is a “horrible person” le by publishing in the January/Febru- how diminished its Christian religion and one of those Democrats who are ary issue the photo of the Alabama high symbolism and rendered it historically I watched Jeremiah Camara’s movie, “vicious as hell” and “stone-cold crazy.” school football team baptizing folks in a secular. This specious solution ignored “Holy Hierarchy.” I did not realize how He openly questioned her faith and livestock watering tank. not only legal precedent but also several images of God, Jesus and even Mary whether “she prays at all.” He accused Phyllis Murphey historic facts. as white people had such an effect. As Democrats of conducting a “deranged California • The Second Commandment (Ex- a heathen (my term for myself), I had odus 20:4, 34:17; Deuteronomy 5:8, kept some religions images in my home. 27:15) prohibits making or worshiping They are all as white as am I. I will now Religion and morality graven images or idols in the form of remove such images from display in my A note to FFRF Members are not synonymous anything. home. I will not give them away as that Don’t miss a single issue of • Roman cross idolatry, violating the would continue the stereotyping. This is Freethought Today & Private Line! Many people believe that morality commandment, was created by early a very powerful and enlightening mov- and their religion are the same — and foreign priests to exploit vicarious guilt ie. I recommend that everyone should that the more pious they display them- among fearful foreign followers. The watch it. selves, the more they will appear as par- Roman Catholic Church combined, Joe Gillis agons of virtue. construed and confused command- Tennessee But we nonbelievers know better. ments to cover its blasphemous worship If the expiration date of your FFRF How often, after all, has religion served of Roman or Latin crosses. Copycat Editor’s note: See page 15 to read Ca- membership on your address label as a charlatan’s mightiest fortress? And American Protestants inexplicably ig- mara’s FFRF convention speech. Watch the says May 2020 or earlier . . . how many believers have sunk to the nore the prohibition by also idolizing film on Amazon Prime. Please renew now! lowest depths of immorality, camou- foreign crosses. R eershis: flaged by religion’s respectability? • Foreign execution crosses are neg- single husehl When most Americans finally learn ative and nefarious instruments of tor- Church-state separation gungh sustining that religion and morality are not synon- ture and death from an ancient barbaric may not exist for long Memberships are tax deductible! ymous — and that religion itself often empire. They are not American symbols, hinders morality, they’ll run like hell but foreign imports from the ancient In Lapeer, Mich., the police vehi- when they come across a politician who Middle East by way of pagan Rome. cles have “In God We Trust” on their flaunts his or her faith like a shameless American revolutionary, founder and license plates. In Marysville, Mich., the reethought oday is ulished ties a year

Photoshop # exhibitionist. second President John Adams opined, City Council is pressing for compulsory o White adison David Quintero “the most fatal example of the abuses of prayer back in the schools. At a nation- ffrf.org/donate California grief which the history of mankind has al level, President Trump is giving free April 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 19 crusade” against him. In fact, he and I believe that everything which begins his oligarch conspirators are carrying will have an end, out a Christian crusade to overturn the that there exist profound truths beyond Constitution in favor of the Old Testa- our comprehension ment. After all, some of Trump’s sup- and that humor affords our only sane porters and he himself claim he was retort. “chosen by God” or “heaven sent.” I believe that love cannot save us, Trump said Sen. Mitt Romney only yet is the one sure thing worth dying for. used “religion as a crutch” when he I believe heaven is a moment, decided to vote to convict him on the that only the living can suffer hell impeachment charge. And, of course, and that death is no more mysterious Romney is a Mormon, rather than a than the flipping of a light switch to Christian evangelical. How is it that Off. the Republican senators all voted as a Michael Brandt solid block to acquit Trump (with the Wisconsin exception of Romney)? Religious ide- ology, that’s why. Trump and the other oligarchs are Does law still apply if using code words like “liberty” and roles are reversed? “freedom” that to them mean individ- uals of privilege should not have to sac- What happens when the gay baker re- rifice anything for “social justice,” or fuses to serve evil-gelicals? to end discrimination or ensure civil Tim Scott rights or even clean air and water and South Carolina social services. Their religion is so self- ish that, if Jesus was real and returned to Earth, he would be horrified. Donation to ad campaign Ron Herman will help your vital work New Mexico Creeds throughout time belief system I have come to embrace. And while others of you might find it in- The transcriptions of the speeches are devoid of reason teresting or even helpful, no one will be given at FFRF’s annual conventions Buy Founding Myth to Throughout my upbringing, I was, required to memorize or recite it. continue to be a favorite section of donate to your library as a matter of routine, obliged to recite Freethought Today for this supporter. a “creed,” i.e., a definitive statement of An Atheist Creed I especially want to applaud you for In the December issue, there was Christian faith. To learn that more than I believe everyone should have a chance having invited Rachel Laser of Ameri- the article “Pastor burns copy of The one of these devices was in common to fly. cans United. She’s doing great work! Founding Myth.” use among the various congregations in I believe in chivalry and sportsmanship I have enclosed a check to be ap- This inspired me to purchase five our town was something I found at the and that the Golden Rule is the best idea plied to your advertising campaign. It copies of Andrew L. Seidel’s book, The time to be only mildly perplexing. Lit- anyone ever had. appears that, along with the prevailing Founding Myth, and donate them to my tle did I know that over the centuries, I believe undivided attention is the sense of anomie running amok, it’s local public library. I recommend that Christians have felt the need to develop greatest compliment one can bestow generating significant numbers of new every FFRF member purchase at least well over 100 different creeds, each one or receive. members. one copy of The Founding Myth and do- as devoid of reason as the others. I believe dog is humans’ best friend, that As always, I can depend on the nate it to their public library. It’s a great Only recently did it occur to me that elephants have a mind and that even superior sense of ethics which prevail way to promote freethought and pro- any one of us might put forth an equally a moth can sense kindness. at FFRF to continue your vital and vide some financial support to FFRF. valid, personal statement of faith. For ex- I believe intelligence or stupidity may be wonderful work. John Dunn ample, the following creed says all any- inherited Alan Maximuk California one would ever need to know about the but that ignorance is a choice. Iowa CRANKMAIL

Here is this issue’s installment of Crankmail, where that “separation of church and state” spill either. We sob’s — Robert Tess rights. One student in a school should not be al- we republish, unedited, some of the mail we get at both know that means that the state cant govern Go pack sand: I have been reading numerous lowed to choose what I watch!!! You are forcing what FFRF that doesn’t deserve Letterbox status. Not for the how the church operates and does not mean that articles where the FFRF has threatened nu-merous you believe on me. STOP — Linda Junck faint of heart. Christian values cant be expressed publicly. If some- sheriff’s around the country in regards to the “In God You bastards!: You demon possessed bastards Abortion: You should not mislead people about one is offended then guess what? WHO CARES! One We Trust” stickers on the sheriff department vehicles want to attack Christians and Veterans like me huh? what god says about abortion. Exodus 21 clearly says day you guys will bow before Christ, either as your and wearing their uniform while addressing church Well you sons-of-bitches, when The Rapture hap- life for life. A baby can survive if born as early as 21 Savior or your Judge. Rom 10:9 — Jayce Mersten congrega-tions they have been invited to speak at. pens and you get Left Behind, I can’t wait for World weeks. You better do a few more bible studies. — Hell: There are no atheists in hell,when they die From what I can gather, all of them have basical-ly War 3...you’re going to get your asses kicked by God Dennis Zacharias and their souls see HELL,They believe but it.s too late told your attorneys to pack sand and fuck off. I also Almighty Him-self when He pours out the 21 Judg- Bow to Christ: I just want to say that you guys — Roland Bouchard find it refreshing to see the courts-of-law throwing ments! Jesus Christ is going to make you all bow... can keep your liberal “freedom from religion” gar- u want a fight: Who in the hell are you to be tell- your lawsuits out with “No Merit” rulings. I interpret whether it is on His right side for worship, or on His bage in Wisconson. That junk isn’t welcome in WV. ing people what is right or wrong. I find that when that to also mean the FFRF can pack sand and get left for damnation! Fell free to get the hell out of There are many in this state that still hold to godly a person or group of people say that what I think,- fucked as well. I highly recommend the FFRF contin- my country that I served and buried over 25 of my principles and the truth of Scripture. It amazes me say,do,live is wrong then it’s time that I find that per- ue to file the frivolous lawsuits and am encouraging friends & com-rades! Maybe you bastards can get how organizations like this exist and take offense at son or group and knock it on it fucking ass,then keep the governments affected to file for all court costs, traded: send you to Syria, Iraq, Iran, etc., and bring these things and try to put a stop to it, and in turn knocking down till they learn to leave me alone. So time and a half for employees salaries wasted to re- the women, children, and persecuted Christians here disrespect and of-fend the Christians. Don’t give me if it’s a fight u want it’s a fight u get you hitler loving spond to your games, fuel to travel to and from court, to the USA! God damn you, God damn your false printer ink, paper, copier toner and any and all oth- teachings, and God bless the United States of Ameri- er taxpayer expenses for the waste of time you have ca!!! — William Pasternak created for nothing. Eventually, your supporters will God the creator: You do know it is scientif- View daily entries and quotes at ffrf.org/day begin to question the wisdom of wasting their mon- ically impossible for space time and matter to ey on lawsuits that continue to be without merit. Sin- arise from nothing, by nothing.( what the atheis- cerely, — Andy Pastorini tic world view suggests) Check out the first law of Concord: Why do you force atheist ideas on a thermodynamics, “Energy can neither be created Concord School district when most of the communi- nor destroyed in nature” You atheists have a prob- FREETHOUGHT OF THE DAY ty is Christian? Shall we start a “Freedom from athe- lem...If there is no God how did all this stuff get ists” group in order to pro-tect my and my children’s created??? — Michael Hartinger

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Cloris Leachman Visit smile.amazon.com Interview, Hu ngton Post (2012) and select the Freedom From Religion Foundation to donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to FFRF. Photo by Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com Free Fr eiin Fnatin Page 20 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020 BLACK COLLAR CRIME

to sexual assault. Batke was associated with Clo- Compiled by Bill Dunn verdale Christian Fellowship Church at the time of the 2007 assault of a minor. He was a church elder until 2005 and then served as a church director until Arrested / Charged 2007. Larry E. Deutsch, 54, O’Fallon, MO: Posses- Samuel Emerson, a pastor at the church, was sion of child pornography. Deutsch met his alleged found guilty of sexual assault in November. Source: teen victim through their Mormon Church ties. (A CBC, 2-18-20 church statement said Deutsch hasn’t led a con- Andrea Knecht (née Lightfoot), 34, Omaha, gregation since 2014.) After the girl moved with her NE: Pleaded no contest to 1st-degree sexual as- family to Arizona in 2017, he stayed in touch with sault. Knecht, a part-time coach at Marian Catholic her even though her parents got a restraining order High School in 2013, was charged with assaults on against him. a freshman basketball player when Knecht was 27 It’s alleged Deutsch coerced the girl into send- and the girl was 14 and 15. ing him nude images of herself in October 2019 Knecht later married and had a child. “Phone and then sending her nude images of himself. Court records were gathered which showed hundreds documents say he flew to Arizona in February, of calls between the victim and the defendant bought her a 2020 Nissan Rogue SUV and drove during that time period,” prosecutor Molly Keane with her to Missouri. She told police they had plans told the court. to get married in May 2021. The girl’s parents discovered the phone calls “Police have a compelling reason to believe and the school told Knecht to stop contacting her. there may be other victims,” a statement said. “The defendant then, according to reports, bought “Deutsch was known to have unsupervised contact the victim a burner phone to continue their contact,” with children as part of his leadership and service Keane said. She was eventually fired but the school duties at various churches and youth organizations never alerted police. The girl didn’t file a complaint based in St. Charles County and Troy.” Source: to police until 2019. KMOV, 2-21-20 According to its website, “Marian teaches the Josue Romero, 46, Wendover, UT: 3 counts of beliefs of the Roman Catholic faith in a caring and aggravated sexual abuse of a child. Romero, pastor loving community atmosphere” to girls preparing for at New Life Ministries Baptist Church, is charged Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, is accused Elmer R. Perez, 45, New Bedford, MA: Witness college. Source: World-Herald, 2-1-20 with inappropriate touching of a girl “about 20 times” of making voicemail threats starting last August to intimidation, rape, aggravated rape and 2 counts from 2016–18 when she was in 5th–7th grades. TV news reporter Charlie Specht for his stories on of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or Sentenced The girl, now 16, told police Romero touched abuse scandals in the Diocese of Buffalo and at the older. Perez, pastor of Iglesia de Jesucristo, al- her while they were “seated at a large table read- seminary. legedly met the married parishioner at a market last Kevin Lonergan, 31, Pottsville, PA: 1 to 2 years ing from the Bible with other children around, but “You’re still a bad Catholic and a horrible report- October and convinced her to go to the storefront in prison and sex offender registration for 15 years no one could see because of the table,” during a er,” a message on Specht’s phone said. “I hope to church, where the assaults took place. Prosecutor after pleading guilty to indecent assault. Lonergan, sleepover at the church and while they were out- God I don’t see you walking around.” Zac Mercer said 5 women have come forward with pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in side the church playing hide-and-seek. Source: Salt Hours after the diocese announced on Feb. 4 the assault allegations. One is pregnant. Source: Stan- Allentown, admitted rubbing his body against the Lake Tribune, 2-21-20 closure of the seminary, Specht gave a live report dard-Times, 2-3-20 17-year-old victim’s body in 2018 and sending her Former Polish Catholic priest Jacek Miedlar, and received a call: “You must be so happy the sem- David Desmond, Sioux Falls, SD: Grand theft 20 sexually explicit photos and a video. 31, was indicted on charges of hate speech and inary’s closing. You’re a bad person. I know where embezzlement. Desmond resigned last July as Lonergan had been transferred in 2016 from Holocaust denial. Miedlar’s religious order, the you live ... I’m gonna find you. I’m gonna kill you.” pastor at St. Mary Catholic Church after being con- another parish after a 15-year-old girl alleged he Congregation of the Mission, had banned him from Lubienecki also allegedly left menacing mes- fronted about financial irregularities and frequent assaulted her. He was temporarily removed from public speaking, leading him to quit the priesthood sages for former diocesan employee Siobhan absences. An audit revealed over $95,000 worth of ministry but later reinstated before his transfer. in late 2016. O’Connor and Fr. Ryszard Biernat. Source: WKBW, questionable disbursements over a 5-year period. “We are still transferring priests that molest chil- According to the prosecutor, Miedlar said this 2-12-20 Desmond’s whereabouts are unknown. Source: dren?” asked Judge Maria Dantos at sentencing. “If at a nationalist march in November 2017: “Dear Todd T. Hogue, 59, Curwensville, PA: 2 counts KELO, 2-3-20 he had been sanctioned and fired, this victim would ladies and gentlemen, that synagogues can stand of 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct. Hogue, pas- Rolando Fuentes, 53, Anaheim, CA: Lewd acts not be a victim.” here on our Polish soil in Wroclaw, and that [mayor] tor at Community Baptist Church since 2003, al- with a minor, rape, sexual battery, domestic battery Lonergan apologized. “I am guilty of violating Dutkiewicz and Jews can get drunk at them with Tal- legedly assaulted a 17-year-old girl at Lake Region and child annoyance. Fuentes, pastor at Centro your trust and stealing your dignity as a person,” mudic hatred, this is only the result of our tolerance.” Christian School in Baxter, MN, in 1987–88 when Familia Cristiano Peniel, has 3 alleged victims, in- he told the girl. “My actions were disgusting and Miedlar publicly set fire in 2018 to a portrait of he was 27 and was a youth pastor at First Baptist cluding 2 juveniles. The church, founded by Fuent- selfish.” deceased Prime Minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki, call- Church and girls basketball coach. es and his wife in 2008, mainly serves Guatemalan Dantos berated the priest’s many supporters ing him a “communist scab” who “never concealed Allegations include assault on several occa- immigrants. Source: KABC, 1-31-20 who came to court. “There is no churchgoing per- his Jewish-communist Bolshevik inclinations.” Al- sions before and after Frederick G. Smith, son who should be supporting your actions. Peri- though Mazowiecki was Catholic with no Jewish the girl’s 18th birthday, 50, Memphis, TN: Iden- od.” Source: Morning Call, 2-24-20 roots, his political opponents often accused him of including sexual inter- tity theft and 2 counts Orlando Martinez-Chavez, 48, Jersey City, NJ: Jewish descent to discourage people from voting for course. The investigation [Victims] thought he of theft of property over 8 years in prison. Martinez-Chavez, a father of 3 and him. Source: Jerusalem Post, 2-20-20 revealed other instances was masturbating, but it was $10,000. It’s alleged that pastor at Iglesia Pentecostal Lirio de los Valles, was Frederick J. Lutz, 76, Springfield, MO: Forcible of alleged behavior by Smith, pastor of New Life found guilty at trial of sexual assaults on a 10-year- sodomy, felony sex abuse and 2 counts of 2nd-de- Hogue, including snap- hard“ for them to tell because Holiness Church, went in old girl from the church. He later pleaded guilty to gree statutory sodomy while he was pastor at St. ping students’ bra straps their eyes were taped shut. March 2015 to the home assaults on 2 other underage victims. Source: Daily Joseph Catholic Parish in Advance in January and and other inappropriate of church member Clevie Voice, 2-22-20 February 2000. touching. Source: Brain- Williams and asked her Olivet University, a San Francisco-based evan- Lutz allegedly called the 17-year-old boy, who erd Dispatch, 2-11-20 to be on a church board gelical college, and 4 of its top executives with ties had been doing yard work, into the rectory where Jefferson Kwami- before obtaining person- to media companies pleaded guilty in New York to Lutz was drinking alcohol and watching porn. The na-Crystal, 65, Spartanburg, SC: 1st-degree sex- al information such as her Social Security and driv- falsifying business records and money laundering boy told police Lutz “blocked the door and would ual misconduct with an inmate. Kwamina-Crystal, a er’s license numbers. and were fined $1.25 million. The entities and lead- not let him out” until he performed and received oral chaplain at Leath Correctional Institution in Green- Williams said she soon began receiving credit ers also have ties to controversial Korean-American sex and promised to come back the next day with wood, allegedly coerced an inmate to perform oral card statements in her name showing charges of pastor David Jang, whose expansive global network marijuana. sex on him in his office between August and De- between $10,000 and $60,000. Carolyn Bussell, Wil- founded Olivet, the Christian Post, Christian Today Another boy filed a complaint with the diocese cember 2019. Source: WSPA, 2-11-20 liams’s daughter-in-law, said the money was used for and the International Business Times. in 2006 that Lutz molested him in 1972 when he Taisha D. Smith-DeJoseph, 43, Willingboro, all kinds of things. “They got dental work done to their The media companies and Olivet inflated their was 17 after a night of drinking. He alleged he woke NJ: 13 counts of computer criminal activity, tax teeth ... hair extensions, $6,500 worth of shoes.” financial standing to secure $35 million in loans to up to Lutz masturbating him and that the next day fraud, theft by deception and theft. It’s alleged she Smith’s wife was initially charged with misde- purchase high-end computer servers. They instead at Mass, Lutz handed him a bible and wished him stole $561,777 from 2015–19 while overseeing fi- meanors but she was not indicted due to insufficient obtained cheaper servers (or none at all) and used “good luck” in college. The diocese ignored the nances at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, filed a fraudu- evidence. Source: Fox Memphis, 1-31-20 the loans for their own operations as well as trans- complaint. Source: Riverfront Times, 2-19-20 lent income tax return in 2017 and did not file at all in Richard T. Brown, 78, Dittmer, MO: Aggravated ferring funds to each other, according to the Man- Christopher “Checkerz” Williams, 47, Ba- 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018. Source: Philly Inquirer, sexual assault of a child. Brown, a Catholic priest hattan DA’s office. ton Rouge, LA: Aggravated assault with a firearm, 2-11-20 living at a church treatment center for sex addicts, is Olivet offers 21 degree programs to a student aggravated criminal damage to property, illegal Ryan S. Walsh, 27, Gulf Breeze, FL: Transmit- charged with molesting a girl between the ages of 6 body of a few hundred mostly international students carrying and discharge of weapons and reckless ting obscene material to a minor, lewd and lascivi- and 14 in 1989–96 in Texas. on visas from Korea and China. It’s accredited operation. Williams, lead pastor at Renew Church, ous behavior involving a minor and use of a com- Brown told a detective the girl was “fascinated” through the Association for Biblical Higher Educa- was charged with firing a handgun at the driver of puter to solicit/seduce a child. Walsh, youth director by him, “sat in my lap” and “was aggressively all tion. Source: Christianity Today, 2-20-20 an 18-wheeler on I-10 after Williams’ vehicle struck at United Methodist Church, is accused of inappro- over me,” an arrest warrant said. Robert D. Barkman, 66, Atlanta, TX: 30 years the truck. He then fled the scene. Source: WBRZ, priate touching, messaging and sending photos to a Brown was forced out as pastor of Our Lady of in prison after pleading guilty to possession of child 2-18-20 13-year-old girl. Source: WALA, 2-10-20 the Lake in 1994 in Rockwall, TX, a year after an- pornography and 2 counts of promotion of child Guia Cabactulan, 59, Marissa Duenas, 41, and Antonio Carlisle, 45, Jacksonville, FL: Sexual other alleged victim told church leaders he abused pornography. An investigation started in June 2019 Amanda Estopare, 48, Los Angeles leaders of the battery and sexual misconduct. Carlisle, senior pas- her in 1981. He underwent therapy and continued to when images were discovered on his computer at Philippines-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church, tor at Greater Truevine Missionary Baptist Church serve in adult-only ministries. an unidentified church where he served as youth have been charged as part of an alleged scheme in Lake City and education supervisor at the Florida Brown allegedly admitted to Dallas detective leader and secretary. He’s also a retired middle to trick followers into becoming fundraisers and ar- State Prison in Raiford, allegedly penetrated the vic- David Clark in 2019 that he sexually abused as school teacher. range sham marriages to keep them in the U.S. tim anally with his penis without consent on Aug. 6. many as 50 children during his time at the Dallas di- “According to investigators, it appeared that Former followers told the FBI they worked long Source: Miami Herald, 2-7-20 ocese. “It should be noted,” Clark wrote in the affida- Barkman has been creating and holding child por- hours soliciting donations for the church and were David R. Darby, 41, Paris, TX: Aggravated sex- vit, “Brown has not been investigated or prosecuted nography since the early 2000s,” said a prosecution beaten and psychologically abused if they didn’t ual assault of a child. Darby, youth pastor at Free- for any of his acts of sexual abuse against children.” press release. Source: Texarkana Gazette, 2-10-20 make daily quotas. Some described having to live dom Church, is accused of an assault on Jan. 1, Source: Dallas Morning News, 1-30-20 Hugh Lang, 89, a retired Diocese of Pittsburgh in cars at truck stops. 2013. Source: KXII, 2-7-20 Catholic priest, was sentenced to 9 to 24 months Between 2014–19, $20 million was sent to the Jason Thomas, 40, Coppell, TX: Aggravated Pleaded / Convicted in jail on sexual assault convictions involving a boy Philippines. Investigators documented 82 sham sexual assault of a child. Thomas, associate min- who was 11 at the time and is now 30. marriages over a 20-year period. Source: AP, ister of worship at Valley Ranch Baptist Church, al- Robert D. Adkins, 75, Ona, W.VA: Pleaded He accused Lang of taking him to an isolated 2-14-20 legedly had sexual contact with a girl under 14 years guilty to mail fraud. In a plea bargain, Adkins, volun- basement room in Munhall, then forcing him to un- Stricjavvar F. Strickland, 37, Kalamazoo, MI: old. Source: CBS Dallas, 2-7-20 teer treasurer at Antioch Baptist Church, admitted dress and masturbate him as punishment for mak- Misdemeanor assault and battery. Strickland, senior Logan Wesley III, 56, Texarkana, AR: 18 felony writing over $487,000 worth of checks to personal ing a joke to other altar boys about Lang drinking pastor at Second Baptist Church, is charged with counts related to alleged sexual abuse of 3 under- creditors without the knowledge of church leaders the communion wine. Source: Post-Gazette, 2-6-20 striking a deacon at the church Dec. 15. Strickland age girls. Wesley, pastor of Trinity Temple Church from 2012–18. The fraud charge stems from mail- Thomas W. Steele, 63, Concord, NC: 73 to 100 claimed it was self-defense. Source: mlive.com, of God in Christ, allegedly started molesting one of ing a church check in December 2018 to a Texas months in prison and $123,367 restitution for em- 2-12-20 the girls when she was 12 and continued for sev- creditor to pay his monthly payment on a 2016 Ford bezzlement over $100,000 and 4 counts of exploita- Paul E. Lubienecki, 62, Hamburg, NY: 2 counts eral years on a regular basis. Source: Texarkana Escape. Source: WV MetroNews, 2-19-20 tion of an elder adult. Steele, pastor of New Life of cyberstalking. Lubienecki, an adjunct professor at Gazette, 2-6-20 Brian D. Batke, 73, Surrey, BC: Pleaded guilty Baptist Church, was convicted of stealing from an April 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 21

85-year-old widow after the death of her husband Former elder John Viney, who alleges he was Source: WKBW, 2-28-20 last year at his home in Baltimore and testified be- in 2015. She had given Steele power of attorney. abused between the ages 9 and 13 by a distant The Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, PA, filed fore a statewide grand jury in Harrisburg, PA. Source: WBTV, 2-3-20 family member who was an active Witness, said the for bankruptcy, 6 months after disclosing it paid over The Witnesses branch in Wallkill, NY, in a state- Lincoln Warrington, 49, Teaneck, NJ: A year church is “inadvertently” protecting abusers. “The $12 million to over 100 people sexually abused as ment to USA Today, said it “cares deeply about chil- and a day in prison for his part as treasurer in a way that Jehovah’s Witnesses handle matters with- children by its clerics. Twenty-three U.S. dioceses dren” and always tries to follow the law. scheme to steal more than $5.3 million from the Is- in the congregation, it’s a closed shop,” Viney said. and religious orders, including one in Guam, have In 2018, a Montana jury awarded $35 million to raelite Church of God in Jesus Christ from 2007–15. Source: BBC, 2-4-20 filed for bankruptcy. Alexis Nunez, who said she was sexually abused Co-conspirator and pastor Jermaine Grant, 44, Kevin Vann, bishop of the (Latin Rite) Catho- The diocese told the court it has more than 200 for years by a member of the Thompson Falls con- was sentenced to 18 months. Both pleaded guilty. lic Diocese of Orange and Edward Poettgen are creditors and estimated liabilities between $50 million gregation. Two others told elders in 2004 they were The Southern Poverty Law Center calls the Har- being sued by a 28-year-old man who alleges Po- and $100 million, with assets of less than $10 million. abused by the same man, but the elders never re- lem-based church a black nationalist hate group. ettgen fondled and penetrated him twice at St. Poly- The diocese estimates it faces about 200 additional ported it to authorities. Grant has claimed that a black Jesus will return carp School in Stanton, CA, when he was 6. child sexual abuse claims. Source: AP, 2-19-20 The church appealed the verdict and the Mon- to Earth to kill and enslave whites. Source: Daily The plaintiff said that after he reported the al- The Catholic Diocese of Richmond, VA, an- tana Supreme Court ruled in its favor, finding that Voice, 1-30-20 leged abuse in January 2019, Vann treated him like nounced creation of a compensation fund for vic- the lower court erred when it said Witnesses had a Michael Sperou, 69, Portland, OR: 160 months “an enemy of the church” instead of offering com- tims after identifying nearly 50 priests credibly ac- duty to report. Source: USA Today, 2-8-20 in prison and $70,000 in victim damages after being passion. Poettgen is now assigned to St. Boniface cused of sexual abuse of minors. Peter Green, 56, a leader of a New Mexico convicted of sexually assaulting a child under age Parish in Anaheim. Survivors of clergy sex abuse had until April 3 to paramilitary religious sect with anti-Semitic leanings 12 on separate occasions between 1991–96. Sper- “They served subpoenas on my mother, my submit a claim. The program will be administered who is facing multiple counts of child sex abuse ou, senior pastor of N. Clackamas Bible Community girlfriend and my employers, hoping to intimidate by BrownGreer, a Richmond-based settlement firm. charges, was released on house arrest despite pro- Church, was found guilty of abusing girls who lived me but I will not be intim- Source: WWBT, 2-17-20 tests from law enforcement. Green is a lieutenant within the community, which some have called a idated,” the plaintiff said. Disgraced Cardinal colonel in the Aggressive Christianity Missions cult. At the time it was called the Southeast Bible “I find strength in know- Theodore McCarrick Training Corps near Grants. Church. Source: KATU, 1-31-20 ing that my actions will Prosecutor: Father Feit secretly gave nearly $1 His mother-in-law, sect leader Deborah Green, Brian Stanley, 57, Coloma, MI: 60 days in jail, protect other children.” was sexually excited by the million to a controversial 71, was sentenced in 2018 to 72 years in prison for 5 years’ probation and 15 years’ sex offender reg- Source: KABC, 2-4-20 group of Catholic mis- kidnapping, criminal sexual penetration of a minor istration after pleading guilty to attempted unlawful The Diocese of Buf- sound“ of women walking in sionaries and supported and child abuse. Eleven children were rescued from imprisonment of a 17-year-old boy in 2013 when he falo, NY, and St. Timo- high heels. leniency for its founder the compound. was pastor at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church. thy’s Catholic Church Carlos Buela after the Cibola County Undersheriff Michael Munk said Stanley immobilized the boy in plastic bubble are defendants in a suit Vatican sanctioned Buela former members described leaders treating follow- wrap and covered his mouth and eyes with masking filed by a plaintiff who in 2010 for sexual wrong- ers like slaves and physically beating children. Two tape for over an hour before letting him go. Three alleged oral and anal rape by St. Timothy’s pastor doing with minors. From 2004–17, McCarrick sent other leaders are serving prison sentences. Source: other alleged victims have come forward, said pros- John L. Ducette starting in 1986 when he was 13. the Institute of the Incarnate Word in Argentina AP, 2-4-20 ecutor Alison Furtaw, including a boy who was 13, Ducette, who was also police chaplain for the town dozens of checks from a charitable account he con- but those cases are past the statute of limitations. of Tonawanda, died in 2016 at age 79. trolled at the Archdiocese of Washington, according Allegations “Although [Stanley] reports there was no sexual “Plaintiff estimates that Monsignor Ducette sex- to church ledgers. reason for doing this to the victims, they thought he ually assaulted and abused him over one hundred Buela was ultimately ordered to live in a monas- Abuse allegations by 2 women against Wes- was masturbating, but it was hard for them to tell (100) times over the course of an eighteen (18) tery in Spain in 2016. McCarrick, defrocked in 2019 ley Feltner, former lead pastor at Berean Baptist because their eyes were taped shut,” Furtaw told month period,” the suit alleges. “Monsignor Ducette for sexual abuse, recently moved from a Kansas fri- Church in Burnsville, MN, were deemed credible the court. Source: mlive.com, 1-30-20 wore his religious garb while sexually assaulting ary to an undisclosed location. Source: Washington after a church investigation. Feltner behaved in a and abusing Plaintiff.” Source: Buffalo News, 2-1-20 Post, 2-17-20 shameful way not “free from sinful habits” and de- Civil Lawsuits Filed Richard T. Brown, a recently arrested for- served “rebuke or censure” in the eyes of church mer Texas Catholic priest (see Arrested/Charged Legal Developments elders, according to a recent statement from the St. Michael’s Catholic Church and St. Fran- above), repeatedly raped an 8-year-old girl in the church to congregants. ces Xavier Cabrini Parish in Rochester, NY, are early 1980s after Sunday school at Holy Family of Thomas Ericksen, 72, a Catholic priest sen- JoAnna Hendrickson and Megan Frey, now in being sued for alleged 1969 sexual assaults of a Nazareth Parish in Irving, according to a suit filed tenced in 2019 to 30 years for sexual assaults on at their mid-30s, said Feltner, now 41, dated each of Florida plaintiff. The man alleges he was molested against the Diocese of Dallas. least 11 boys, could be released on parole less than them at the same time in 2002 when he was a youth by Fr. Benedict Ehman and another priest when The suit was filed on behalf of the alleged victim a year after being sentenced. According to a letter pastor and they were 18. he was 8 years old, sometimes singly and some- by her aunt. When they were alone, Brown allegedly from the state Department of Corrections to victims, Their accusations came to light last fall after times by both priests at the same time. Source: told the girl “God said it was OK.” Now 45, “Jane the Wisconsin Parole Commission will consider Er- Feltner applied for a position at a church in Clarks- WROC, 2-19-20 Doe” struggles with drug addiction and living an in- icksen’s request for parole in April. ville, TN. Hendrickson and Frey created a website The Catholic Archdiocese of Denver and Den- dependent life and doesn’t have a driver’s license, “I couldn’t believe it,” said victim Steve Weix. “A about their experiences and the church’s failure to ver priest Andrew Kemberling are defendants in a her aunt said. Source: WFAA, 1-30-20 lot of people just spent 10 years trying to get him take action. “We love Christ, we love the church, suit alleging St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Parish and convicted, and it finally happened in September. and the whole reason this is coming about is be- School at Kemberling’s direction used $2.2 million in Civil Lawsuits Settled Now they’re already looking at paroling him in April?” cause the church needs to be saved from people restricted funds to cover things the money was not The sentence was described in the letter as like this,” Frey said. appropriated for over a 5-year period. Ohio televangelist Ernest Angley and his Grace “indeterminate,” meaning the judge has no control The investigation also determined Feltner inten- The total includes $250,000 from a fund to help Cathedral megachurch in Cuyahoga Falls reached over how long Ericksen will actually serve. Because tionally misused his church credit card, which offi- a teacher at the school pay for the education of her a confidential settlement in a suit filed by Brock Mill- Ericksen committed the crimes before the state ad- cials said will be offset by reducing the amount they 4 children after their father died of cancer. Source: er of Myrtle Beach, SC. Miller, a former church em- opted “truth in sentencing” in 1999, his prison term agreed to pay him when he resigned. Source: Star CBS Denver, 2-18-20 ployee, alleged Angley abused and harassed him is up to the Parole Commission. Tribune, 2-5-20 The First Baptist Church of Hammond, IN, and for a decade starting in 2004, forced him to get a Generally, inmates with an indeterminate sen- Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Alter, son of the David Hyles are being sued by Joy Rider, who al- vasectomy, inspected his genitals and asked him tence must serve at 25% of it, which is 7½ years leader of the ultra-Orthodox Ger Hasidic sect in Is- leges Hyles raped her repeatedly as a teen in the sexual questions. for Ericksen. Source: Wausau Daily Herald, 2-20-20 rael, is accused of sexual assaults by male yeshiva late 1970s when he was a youth pastor. Had the case gone to trial, attorneys had agreed John B. Feit, 87, died in a Texas prison only students in Jerusalem dating back 2 decades. His She alleges officials of the church and the 98-year-old Angley wouldn’t be required to testi- 2 years into his life sentence for the 1960 murder father, Yaakov Aryeh Alter, 80, learned years later Hyles-Anderson College were complicit. David fy due to age-related maladies. Source: AP, 2-17-20 of 25-year-old Irene Garza, a school teacher and about the accusations and removed him from the Hyles is the son of the church’s charismatic lead- The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, former Miss South Texas. Feit was living in Arizo- yeshiva, but authorities weren’t contacted and com- er, the late Jack Hyles. Lawrence Lovell and the Claretian Missionaries na when he was finally arrested in 2016. He left the plainants have received no financial or emotional The suit asserts that after Rider’s father con- agreed to settle for $1.9 million a suit filed by Rich- Catholic priesthood in the early 1970s, married and support. fronted church officials, he was given a lucrative ard Barrios, 47, who alleged Lovell molested him at had 3 children. It’s also alleged the Hasidic community paid job at Hyles-Anderson “in exchange for his silence San Gabriel Mission Parish from 1982–84 when he Trial testimony showed Garza was killed on about $86,000 to hush up the scandal, after which and agreement not to take the allegations to law en- was 9 to 11 years old. Easter weekend after Feit heard her confession at the younger Alter was moved to another Hasid- forcement” and that David Hyles was moved to a Lovell was convicted in 1986 in Los Angeles of Sacred Heart Parish in McAllen when he was 27. An ic institution and the yeshiva was closed. Source: Texas church. Source: nwitimes, 2-18-20 abusing a 14-year-old boy and placed on 3 years’ autopsy revealed she had been raped while uncon- Haaretz, 12-22-19 The Catholic Diocese of Paterson, NJ, is be- probation. He later pleaded guilty after being trans- scious and was asphyxiated. ing sued over alleged abuse at the now-closed Don ferred to Arizona to child molestation and sexual Prosecutor Michael Garza alleged Feit was sex- Bosco Technical High School in Paterson by a for- conduct with a minor and received a 14-year sen- ually excited by the sound of women walking in high Removed / Resigned mer student, who asserts he was molested by Sean tence. He’s scheduled to be released March 7, heels and by the sight of them kneeling for prayer. The Southern Baptist Convention expelled Rooney, a priest and chemistry teacher, over 100 2021. Source: L.A. Times, 1-30-20 Evidence was also presented that the Catholic Ranchland Heights Baptist Church in Midland, times in the early 1970s. Rooney’s last known ad- Church conspired with law enforcement to prevent a TX, for knowingly hiring registered sex offender dress was in Tempe, AZ. Finances scandal and to shield Feit from being charged. The Phillip Rutledge as pastor in 2016. It’s the first The website bishop-accountability.org noted investigation died and the church transferred him. church to be disfellowshipped by the denomination Rooney was also accused in a 2013 suit of abuse The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, NY, facing Source: McAllen Monitor, 2-13-20 amid a heightened push to combat sexual abuse. of a 14-year-old seminary student at a retreat house 260 lawsuits involving clergy sexual abuse, filed for The Pennsylvania attorney general’s office is in- Rutledge was convicted of sexually assaulting in Massachusetts and at a seminary in New York. Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Filings estimate between vestigating whether Jehovah’s Witnesses repeat- two preteen girls in 2003. A deacon at the church Source: nj.com 2-17-20 $50 million and $100 million in liability. The diocese edly failed to report child sexual abuse allegations. told the local CBS affiliate in 2016 that “the vast The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Ange- already paid $17.5 million to 106 victims in 2018. Mark O’Donnell, a former Witness, was interviewed majority” of members knew about Rutledge’s sex les, former Archbishop Roger Mahony and for- offender status. Source: New York Times, 2-19-20 mer priest Michael Baker are being sued by a 32-year-old man who alleges Baker was returned to parish duties even after admitting to molesting Other him and other children. Ulysses Woodard, 44, co-pastor with his wife Baker has been accused of molesting at least of True Word of Deliverance Church of God in Prich- 23 men as young boys during his decades as a ard, AL, killed himself with a handgun after shooting priest. He was convicted in 2007 and sentenced to Alisha Woodard in the chest in the parking lot of 10 years. Source: KTLA, 2-12-20 Cornerstone Church in Mobile, where she had just Jerome Yeiser, a deacon at Abyssinian Baptist finished preaching. They were recently estranged. Church in Harlem, NY, is being sued for alleged- As police arrived, Woodard fled the scene in his ly absconding with over $200,000 from at least 5 vehicle but soon returned. As officers approached, church families during the last 6 years. He alleged- he shot himself. His wife’s injuries were serious but ly used the money to pay for a personal trip, his not life-threatening. Source: Christian Post, 2-28-20 daughter’s law school tuition and an IRS tax lien. Richard Logan, 53, Sugar Land, TX, a former Yeiser and his wife Avis have faced many pastor and founder of the faith-based nonprofit At- past charges of financial malfeasance, including tack Poverty, fatally shot himself after killing his wife $170,000 in civil judgments, $90,000 in unpaid tax and son in the family home, then tried to strangle his liens, a home foreclosure, 3 bankruptcy filings and daughter. Logan served as missions pastor at River prosecution on more than a dozen federal criminal Pointe Church for several years. Diana Logan, 48, charges. Source: amny.com, 2-12-20 was a small-group leader. Their son Aaron was 11. At least 20 former Jehovah’s Witnesses Logan then drove to San Marcos, where his members in the UK are suing the church over daughter Ambrielle is a senior at Texas State Uni- historical sexual abuse. The Witnesses have a versity and tried to strangle her before taking his policy of not punishing child sex abuse unless own life, police said. Source: Christian Post, 2-14-20 another person besides the accuser has wit- Email: [email protected] nessed it or an abuser confesses. Page 22 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020 IN MEMORIAM Early FFRF volunteer Liz Uhr ‘felt strongly about the mission’

FFRF Lifetime Member Elizabeth (Liz) They moved to Madison, Wis., where the Hawaii Dog Park, enjoyed hiking, Uhr died Jan. 9 in Minneapolis at the age both Liz and Len worked at the Univer- flowers and had many friends. In May of 90 after suffering a stroke on Jan. 3. sity of Wisconsin. Liz was an editor at the of 2019, she moved to Masonic Care Elizabeth Stern was born on Dec. 23, Institute for Research on Poverty and ac- Home in Bloomington, Minn., close to 1929, in Washington, D.C., to Malcka tive with FFRF, Women’s Medical Fund her son Steve. (Razavsky) and Boris Stern. She and her and Planned Parenthood. Liz wrote fic- “Liz was very dear to me,” wrote Ta- sister, Naomi Rovner, grew up in D.C. She tion, including the novel Partly Cloudy mara Uhr, Liz’s daughter-in-law. “I have attended Swarthmore College, earning a and Cooler, published by Harcourt, Brace been married to Frank for nearly 30 years B.A. in English literature in 1952. She and World. and Liz has been so wonderful to me. We married Leonard Uhr on July 1, 1949, After Len’s death in 2000, Liz moved spent many summers in Madison in the and they moved to Ann Arbor, Mich. to Hawaii to be near her son, Frank. early 1990s and I remembered she loved They had two boys, Frank and Steve. Liz enjoyed Hawaii and was active with volunteering at the Women’s Medical Fund and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. She took it very seriously and didn’t want to skip a shift. She felt strongly about the mission and the peo- ple she worked with. “She donated her body to University of Wisconsin Medical School, but when she moved to Hawaii, she did it for the medical school here,” Tamara continued. “Her instructions were no ceremony, no This photo from about 1966 shows Liz funeral, no obituary, and if cremation Uhr with her sons, Frank and Steve. remains get returned, she wanted them scattered in the Pacific Ocean.” “Liz was an avid gardener, and I and Liz’s friend Jan Blakeslee of Madison other area friends still have popping up said: “She was a woman of principle, in in early spring some of the miniature a writer, mother, devoted friend and irises she shared around, a fascinating dog-walking companion of many years. mix of brown, blue, yellow and orange,” She is missed.” Gaylor said. “She was an absolutely love- Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-presi- ly, gentle, supportive individual — but dent, said she, too, will miss her, but hap- fierce in her support for reproductive Liz Uhr is shown here with her son Frank and her three granddaughters. pily will be reminded of her every spring. rights and freedom from religion.” Diane Post was ‘my beautiful flower’ Bill Kocol was

FFRF Lifetime Member Stephen Post wrote Meaning of life the following (edited for length) about his wife, Diane realized that she was not simply an federal judge FFRF Lifetime Member Diane Lynn Helder observer of life, but was an integral part of Post, who died Nov. 20, 2019. (She was born numerous vast and complex networks, such March 11, 1948.) as the ecosystem, our nation, the economy, Diane didn’t like to talk much about her family. There was also accumulated sci- philosophy or religion, but she had a world- entific knowledge, art and literature. These stance that was the foundation of how she existed before her and were much greater viewed the world and approached her life. than her. They were critical to sustain and Diane rejected all supernatural claims, in- enrich her life. Plus, she had compassion cluding gods, pseudoscience and supersti- and altruism in her heart. She cared about tion. She identified as a Secular Humanist, people. She felt a sacred obligation to pitch and we went to a number of their meetings in and work to leave the world better than and events. she found it. The older she grew, the more Let me turn to Diane’s run under the she felt an obligation to posterity. She al- sun: ways researched political issues and voted, Love of nature signed petitions, contacted lawmakers, vol- • She totally loved this intricate and unteered at the polls and in the schools, interrelated web of life that over eons Diane Post and contributed to causes. has evolved “endless forms most beauti- Our marriage ful” (Darwin). me summarize the more interesting We found each other in our 40s and fell • Our five acres of woods and garden points. She got pretty familiar with rel- in love. We were together all the time, but is full of nature and was an immense joy ativity, quantum mechanics, materials I wish I had been wise enough to commit to her. If she had time and the weather science, molecular biology, evolution, sooner than I did. She was my companion, Bill Kocol was good, she would be out there with computer science and so forth. my best friend, my lover and my true love. a smile. Notable traits I’ll love her until I die. • She spent countless hours digging, • Diane was very intelligent. She had a Suppose you have a beautiful flower. The Honorable Judge William G. planting and nurturing her garden and Master’s degree in statistics and another You enjoy its beauty, perhaps especially Kocol, an FFRF member, died Feb. 20 native plants, feeding the birds. (In re- in data communications. She attained a because you know flowers don’t last long. at age 71 with his husband Timothy ally cold weather, she also fed the foxes high technical position at AT&T. She mas- Sure enough, the flower dies. You don’t Gajewski by his side at their home in and possums). tered my network modeling tool like a fish think, “Damn, I miss that flower.” You Los Angeles. Love of science in water. As we extended the tool for our think, “Wow, wasn’t that a beautiful flow- Bill was born Nov. 5, 1948. With a • The first night we met at a dance business, she and I always talked through er!” Diane was my beautiful flower. The law degree from University of Wiscon- she brought up topics such as the social the design of the complex algorithms and fact is that I do miss her, more deeply than sin, Bill was appointed a federal ad- structure of Bonobo chimpanzees, or data structures. I ever realized I could miss anyone. We’ve ministrative law judge in 1992. Within black holes in space. She has told me • Diane also had a certain kind of whim- got to appreciate each other while we’re the National Relations Labor Board, that when she saw that I was familiar sy and creativity that I found fun, but that here and enjoy their remembered beauty he defended the legal rights of union with and enjoyed those topics she real- also helped find out-of-the-box solutions, when they’re gone. labor and the protection of workers. ized we might be something special. such as design issues in our product. On reflection, I now see my loss and With over 40 years of distinguished • The first time I was over at Diane’s • Toughness and resilience. Diane grief are good things. The more you love, service to the federal government, he house, I saw that she had stacks of Scien- worked through marital problems, single the more you will grieve. It is just logic that retired in 2013. Bill and Tim were le- tific American and Discover magazines parenthood, breast cancer and develop- they have to go together. If I embrace the gally married in California in 2008. in her bathroom. Once married, we got mental issues with her children. love, I must also embrace the grief. Her His obituary in the Los Angeles up to six science magazines per month. • Diane was living the life she wanted love was worth it. I am happy that so much Times requested that donations in Diane read them all. with me. If she had wanted something of my time under the sun could be spent lieu of flowers should be directed to • I always have a nonfiction book go- different, she would have done it. She with Diane. The world is still wonderful FFRF. ing and Diane always enjoyed hearing was happy. and life goes on.

Bigger photo of Kocol above to fit April 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 23 Tamayo, Phelps-Roper, Singh join convention

The Freedom from Religion Foun- in dialogue with people across ideolog- dation has added more speakers — ical lines. In 2019, she wrote the book Megan Phelps-Roper, Shusant Singh Unfollow: A Memoir of Loving and Leav- Making worry-free convention arrangements and David Tamayo — to the illustrious ing the Westboro Baptist Church. lineup for the 2020 national conven- She will be receiving the $10,000 If you are concerned about how uncertainty over the coronavirus may tion in San Antonio from Nov. 13-15, Henry Zumach Freedom From Reli- affect plans for FFRF’s late November convention, worry no more! It’s full- along with a presentation from FFRF’s gious Fundamentalism Award. speed ahead at FFRF with convention planning at present. Freethinkers of the Year. Sushant Singh is an Indian actor and However, if it were to become incumbent upon FFRF to cancel the con- They will join legendary activist Glo- presenter known vention due to the coronavirus, your registration with FFRF would be fully ria Steinem and literary titans Marga- for his work pre- refunded. Hotel reservations at the convention hotel site can be cancelled ret Atwood and John Irving, along with dominantly in up to 72 hours before your first night’s reservation. many others, at the Hyatt Regency San Hindi cinema. He If you are traveling by air and like to book ahead, FFRF recommends Antonio on the famed Riverwalk. The made his film de- booking a refundable ticket and/or purchasing flight insurance. Most car- convention venue is limited to about but in 1998 with riers offer a refundable/rebookable ticket at a level beyond basic. Ask if 900 attendees, so please plan ahead. Ram Gopal Var- you are not sure. For more details and to register for the ma’s “Satya,” but convention, turn to the back page or rose to stardom go to ffrf.org/convention2020. with the 2000 film bates with preachers, science deniers, ored Irving with the Richard C. Hol- Sushant Singh Phelps-Roper was raised in the “Jungle,” and re- and other interesting personalities in brooke Distinguished Achievement Westboro Baptist ceived rave reviews for portraying slain Spanish). David is the chief informa- Award. He won the Oscar for Best Church, the Tope- bandit Durga Narayan Chaudhary. He tion officer for DCS Corporation, a Adapted Screenplay for “The Cider ka, Kan., church then went on to star in period dramas large aerospace engineering company House Rules” in 2000. He achieved in- known interna- such as “Ambedkar” and “The Legend in Washington, D.C. He holds a bache- ternational acclaim after the success of tionally for its dai- of Bhagat Singh,” and established him- lor’s degree in computer science from Garp. Many of Irving’s books, including ly public protests self in Bollywood. He has appeared in George Washington University, and a The Cider House Rules (1985), A Prayer against members a few television shows also, and hosted master’s in management in informa- for Owen Meany (1989) and A Widow for of the LGBTQ the immensely popular crime show tion technology from University of One Year (1998) have been bestsellers. community, Jews, “Savdhaan India” from 2012 to 2019. Virginia. Others confirmed to speak at the other Christians, He has also served as the Honorary Steinem and Atwood both will re- convention include: Megan Phelps- the military, and General Secretary of CINTAA (Cine & ceive FFRF’s “Forward” Award, which • Journalist and author Katherine Roper countless others. Television Artistes Association), Mum- is reserved for those who are moving Stewart. In addition to conducting the As a child, teenager and early 20-some- bai. He has appeared in almost 50 mov- society forward. The award includes a on-stage interview with Margaret At- thing, she participated in the picketing ies since 1998. statuette designed by world-renowned wood, Stewart will talk about her new almost daily and spearheaded the use Singh will be receiving the Avijit sculptor Zenos Frudakis. book, The Power Worshippers: Inside the of social media in the church. However, Roy Courage Award, which includes a Steinem will take part in a conver- Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism. dialogue with “enemies” online proved crystal plaque and $5,000. The award sation with FFRF Co-President Annie She is also the author of The Good News instrumental in her deradicalization, honors the life and work of the Ban- Laurie Gaylor on Friday, Nov. 13, at 3 Club: The Christian Right’s Stealth Assault and she left the church and her entire gladeshi-American atheist and author p.m., breaking for audience questions. on America’s Children. In 2014, she was way of life in November 2012. Since assassinated in Dhaka, Bangladesh in A private reception with Steinem after- named Person of the Year by Amer- then, she has become an advocate for 2015 by Islamist terrorists. It goes to an wards is sold out. icans United for her coverage of reli- people and ideas she was taught to de- individual working toward the spread Steinem, who’s been billed as “the gion, politics, policy and state/church spise — especially the value of empathy of rational and logical discourse, and world’s most famous feminist,” is a jour- conflicts. recognizes creative and heroic individ- nalist who co-founded Ms. Magazine in • Phil Zuckerman is the associate uals who have persisted, despite hur- 1972, helped found the Women’s Ac- dean and professor of sociology at dles, in their work to promote science, tion Alliance, the National Women’s Pitzer College, and the founding chair Important flight info logic and humane ideas. Political Caucus, the Women’s Media of the nation’s first Secular Studies Air travelers will need REAL Tamayo is cofounder and president Center, and was president of Voters Program at Pitzer College in Clare- ID-compliant licenses or other of Hispanic American Freethinkers, for Choice, a political action commit- mont, Calif. He is the author of sev- acceptable forms of ID, such as a which is the first tee, for 25 years. She is founding pres- eral books, including What It Means to valid passport, in order to fly be- and only national ident of the Ms. Foundation for Wom- be Moral (2019), Living the Secular Life ginning on Oct. 1. Latino nonprof- en, Take our Daughters to Work Day, (2014), Society Without God (2008) and Visit your state’s driver’s licens- it educational and many other initiatives. Her books Faith No More (2012), among others. ing agency website to find out organization of include the bestsellers Revolution from Zuckerman is also the editor of several exactly what documentation is re- its kind. He was Within: A Book of Self-Esteem, Outrageous volumes, including The Oxford Hand- quired to obtain a REAL ID. vice president of Acts and Everyday Rebellions, Moving Be- book of Secularism (2016) and The Social Note: FFRF always encourages the Reason Ral- yond Words, Marilyn: Norma Jean and My Theory of W.E.B. Du Bois (2004). members making flight arrange- ly 2016, former Life on the Road. • Black Skeptics Los Angeles found- ments to attend FFRF conventions host of the TV A life-long reproductive rights ac- er, novelist and activist Sikivu Hutchin- David Tamayo to either purchase refundable tick- Show “Road to tivist, Steinem has said: “Do not hang son, Ph.D, will be receiving FFRF’s ets, or purchase major flight insur- Reason – A Skeptic’s Guide to the 21st out any place where they won’t let Freethought Heroine Award. Hutchin- ance, for maximum protection. Century,” founding board director of you laugh, including churches and son is an educator, author, playwright Camp Quest – Chesapeake, and host of temples.” and director. Her books include Moral Contrapuntos podcast (featuring de- “An Evening with Margaret Atwood” Combat: Black Atheists, Gender Politics, will take place Friday night, to include and the Values Wars (2011), Godless Amer- a conversation with journalist Kather- icana: Race and Religious Rebels (2013) Include FFRF In ine Stewart, who will be speaking her- and the novel White Nights, Black Para- MOVING? self on Saturday. Atwood has agreed dise (2015) on the Peoples Temple and Your Estate Planning to sign books after her talk. The book the 1978 Jonestown massacre. She also signing will be followed by a private re- wrote, directed and produced a short Arrange a bequest in your will ception, which is also sold out. film of “White Nights, Black Paradise.” or trust, or make the Freedom Atwood is the author of more than • Brian Bolton, an FFRF Lifetime From Religion Foundation the 50 volumes of fiction, poetry, chil- Member, has recently endowed a pro- dren’s literature and nonfiction. Her fessorship at the University of Texas at beneficiary of an insurance Don’t miss your next issue of policy, bank account or IRA. best-known novels include The Hand- Austin that will focus on the growing Freethought Today maid’s Tale, The Edible Woman, The Rob- segment of the population that adheres IT’S EASY TO DO! ber Bride, The Blind Assassin, Oryx and to a secular worldview. The executive Please notify us of your Crake, which is being adapted into an wing of FFRF’s office, Freethought For related information address change promptly! HBO TV series by filmmaker Darren Hall, is named for Bolton, due to his (or to receive a bequest Aronofsky. A serialized adaptation of support of FFRF’s headquarters expan- brochure), please contact: email: [email protected] The Handmaid’s Tale has received 13 sion. FFRF will be publishing Bolton’s Annie Laurie Gaylor or phone: 1-800-335-4021 Emmy nominations and eight awards new work, tentatively titled Why the Bi- at (608) 256-8900 including for Best Drama. ble Is Not a Good Book, this year. Bolton [email protected] FFRF cannot be responsible for replacing back issues if we have not Irving, who will receive FFRF’s Em- is a retired academic psychologist with been notified prior to your move. peror Has No Clothes Award, has been a background in mathematics, statistics nominated for a National Book Club and psychometrics. He has edited and Freedom depends The U.S. Post Office does not Award three times, winning it in 1980 authored 10 books. on freethinkers forward third-class mail. for The World According to Garp. In 2018, For more, go to ffrf.org/ the Dayton Literary Peace Prize hon- convention2020. Page 24 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | April 2020

43rd CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM Or register online: ffrf.org/convention2020 REGISTRATION FEES Number Registering Cost

The Hyatt Regency atrium in San Antonio. Member ___$60 $_____ San Antonio, Nov. 13-15 Spouse or Companion (Non-member accompanying member) ___$65 $_____ Child (High school or under accompanying registrant) ___Free $_____

College Student with ID ___$10 $_____ Conventional wisdom ☐ I am interested in hotel, meal or travel scholarship Here’s what you need Non-member ___$115 $_____ to know about lodging, Room reservations Hyatt Regency San Antonio ☐ Or, I will join FFRF for $40 (and save $15) ___$100 $_____ schedule, meals, etc. 123 Losoya San Antonio, TX 78205 AUTHOR RECEPTIONS Join the Freedom From Religion 210-451-6200 Foundation in San Antonio for its 43rd Indicate you’re with the “Freedom Friday, November 13 annual convention from Nov. 13–15 at From Religion Foundation” bloc or the Hyatt Regency San Antonio. (For reserve online at ffrf.us/hotel. VIP Book Signing / Fundraiser with Gloria Steinem ___$500 $_____ information on the guest speakers, see 4:00–4:30 PM | Includes author book page 23.) $205 (single/double occupancy) You have my permission to list me as a reception sponsor. ☐ Yes ☐ No $215 (triple/quad occupancy) General schedule State and local taxes (currently VIP Dessert Reception / Fundraiser with Margaret Atwood ___$500 $_____ The official starting time of the con- 16.75 percent) and fees will apply. 9:15 PM | Includes author book vention, at the Hyatt Regency (123 Group rate includes standard You have my permission to list me as a reception sponsor. ☐ Yes ☐ No Losoya), is 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, internet. continuing through Saturday night. FFRF’s membership and State Represen- OPTIONAL MEALS / EVENTS tatives meetings will take place Sunday This reception is also for a limited Friday, November 13 morning, ending by noon. Registration number of attendees, so don’t wait to will open by 10:30 a.m. sign up! Attendees will receive Atwood’s Friday Dinner Buffet ___$60 $_____ An early-bird workshop by Andrew most recent book, The Testaments, signed Registrant 1 ☐ Regular ☐ Vegetarian ☐ Vegan ☐ Gluten Free L. Seidel, director of strategic response, by the author during the reception. A Registrant 2 ☐ Regular ☐ Vegetarian ☐ Vegan ☐ Gluten Free will take place at 11 a.m. and noon. major portion of the reception cost is a Registrant 3 ☐ Regular ☐ Vegetarian ☐ Vegan ☐ Gluten Free Plan to come early and/or stay late if tax-deductible, charitable contribution you want to sightsee in this exotic locale. to FFRF. Saturday, November 14 The hotel is less than five minutes from Non-Prayer Breakfast ___$50 $_____ the Alamo and many other attractions. Meals Registrant 1 ☐ Regular ☐ Vegetarian ☐ Vegan ☐ Gluten Free The convention schedule, as always, Friday Dinner Reception ($60) includes irreverent music, FFRF mer- Hearty reception with beef steamship Registrant 2 ☐ Regular ☐ Vegetarian ☐ Vegan ☐ Gluten Free chandise sales, complimentary snacks with horseradish cream, au jus and mini Registrant 3 ☐ Regular ☐ Vegetarian ☐ Vegan ☐ Gluten Free and beverages on Friday and Saturday rolls; pulled BBQ pork slider with pick- Saturday Dinner ___$90 $_____ afternoons and a Friday night dessert led onions on sesame roll; ranch spiced Registrant 1 ☐ Regular ☐ Vegetarian ☐ Vegan ☐ Gluten Free reception. chicken satay with tomato BBQ dip; cru- Registrant 2 Regular Vegetarian Vegan Gluten Free Return the handy registration form dité including carrots, cucumbers, jica- ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ on the right or sign up at ffrf.org/ ma and cauliflower with poblano hum- Registrant 3 ☐ Regular ☐ Vegetarian ☐ Vegan ☐ Gluten Free convention2020. mus and spinach dip; Southwest Caesar ⊲ Total $______salad (charred corn, black beans and Registration croutons with Ancho Caesar dressing); ☐ I am adding a donation to sponsor student convention scholarships. $______Registration for the convention is self-serve mac & cheese station (white Please tell us about any ADA accommodations you need in order to fully participate only $60 per FFRF member, $65 for a cheddar mac & cheese tossed with green in this convention: companion accompanying a member, chiles, mushroom and caramelized on- $115 for nonmembers (or you can save ions). Cash bar. Veggie/vegan options. money by becoming a member for $40). High school students or younger are Saturday Nonprayer Breakfast ($50) (Make checks payable to FFRF) Return with payment to: free and the college student rate is $10. Eggs, potato, bacon, and fruit cup ser- FFRF, Attn: Convention | P.O. Box 750 | Madison, WI 53701 Make your room reservations di- vice, with orange juice, coffee and tea. rectly (see info box on this page). This Vegetarian/vegan option available. convention is limited to 900 guests, so Name of Registrant 1 we encourage you to register early and Saturday Dinner ($90) book your hotel rooms as soon as possi- Caesar salad (Heart of Romaine, Name of Registrant 2 ble. Sorry, no refunds after the Oct. 31 aged Parmesan, smoked garlic ciabatta pre-registration deadline. croutons with creamy Caesar dressing); seared chicken breast with jalapeno-spri- Name of Registrant 3 Private receptions cot glaze, melted leek and bacon jam; On Friday afternoon from 4–4:45 mascarpone risotto, and mixed cauli- Address p.m., there is a private VIP Book Signing flower; chocolate cappuccino cake with /FFRF Fundraiser with Gloria Steinem. vanilla whipped cream; coffee and tea. Those who signed up for Steinem’s (Vegetarian/vegan option: Roasted City State / ZIP private reception will receive her most acorn squash stuffed with vegetable and recent book, The Truth Will Set You Free, herb quinoa, coriander spiced carrot Phone* Email* But First It Will Piss You Off! Thoughts on puree, aged saba.) Cash bar. Life, Love, and Rebellion, signed by the au- Immediately following the Saturday thor during the reception. dinner in the Regency Ballroom, the Credit Card Number Expiration Date / Security Code To cap off the Friday schedule, sign evening program will be presented. As up for the VIP Dessert Reception/ space allows, limited seating for non-din- Billing Name / Signature *Contact information for in-house use only FFRF Fundraiser with Margaret Atwood, ers will be provided. which takes place after her public con- Please note that meal costs reflect the Pre-registration deadline Saturday, October 31, 2020 (Unless event is sold out) versation with Katherine Stewart Friday cost to FFRF; we do not mark up these No refund after pre-registration deadline. night. ($500) prices..