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Vol. 28 No. 1 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. January/February 2011 FFRF blasts Army ‘spiritual fitness’ survey

In a Dec. 29 complaint to Secretary “I believe there is a purpose for my life.” of the Army John McHugh, the Free- “I often find comfort in my religion or dom From Religion Foundation said spiritual beliefs.” the U.S. Army has no business sub- “In difficult times, I pray or meditate.” jecting military troops to a mandatory “I attended religious services [how often “spiritual fitness” assessment. FFRF, the last month].” which has many members who are Barker and Gaylor called the nega- “foxhole atheists,” asked the Army to tive assessment for nonspiritual sol- immediately stop the evaluation that’s diers deeply offensive and inappro- part of a program called Comprehen- priate. “By definition, nontheists do sive Soldier Fitness. not believe in deities, spirits or the “It is ironic that while nonbelievers supernatural. The Army may not send are fighting to protect freedoms for all the morale-deflating message to non- Americans, their freedoms are being believers that they are lesser soldiers, trampled upon by this Army practice,” much less imply they are somehow wrote Foundation Co-Presidents Dan incomplete, purposeless or empty. Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor. As nontheists, we reject the idea that The letter noted that while about there is a purpose for life; we believe 15% of the U.S. population is not re- individuals make their own purpose in ligious, surveys have shown that close life.” to one-fourth of all military personnel Those who receive low “spiritual fit- identify as atheist, agnostic or have no ness” ratings are referred to a training religious preference. program in which they are told, ab- Nonbelieving soldiers who took the surdly, that “Prayer is for all individu- survey told FFRF that when they an- als.” They are encouraged to use “spiri- swered the spiritual questions on the tual support as your armor or battle In the belly of the beast survey negatively, they were referred to gear” and seek out chaplain guidance, FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor’s December visit to Tulsa, Okla., a “spiritual fitness training program.” and to consider “church” and “higher included a stop at Oral Roberts University. The six-story, 30-ton bronze Soldiers are evaluated by how they power.” sculpture named “The Healing Hands” was cast in 1980 in Juarez, Mexico, and rank statements on a spectrum from “We are shocked that the training then installed at the evangelist’s City of Faith Medical and Research Center (one “not like me at all” to “very much like module resurrects a bogus Christian hand represents prayer, the other medicine). When the hospital went broke in me.” The spiritual statements include: revisionist explanation for ceremonial 1989, the statue was moved to its current home at ORU. “I am a spiritual person.” flag folding, one which has been ex- ORU founder, faith healer and televangelist Oral Roberts was notorious “My life has a lasting meaning.” plicitly repudiated by the Department for his fundraising ploy when he announced in 1987 that God would “call me of Veteran Affairs,” home” unless he raised $8 million. (“God” finally called him home in 2009.) noted Barker. From left are Marilyn Clarke, Annie Laurie Gaylor, Ron McDaniel, FFRF cited Su- Bill Dusenberry and Tulsa chapter President Randy Bradley. Activist Dan preme Court case law Nerren took the photo. Dan designed the banner to protest city government mandating govern- observances of the National Day of Prayer. Annie Laurie met members of ment neutrality and FFRF’s new Tulsa chapter and also addressed a meeting of the Humanist protecting freedom of Association of Tulsa. She thanks all her Tulsa hosts. conscience. The spiri- tual fitness evaluation, FFRF noted, is also in violation of Army have also spoken out, but Griffith, 27, equal opportunity pro- co-founder of Military Atheists & Secu- visions. lar Humanists, has been very vocal. His Inside This Issue “Service members low spiritual fitness score indicated he have the constitu- faced “some significant challenges. . . . What’s new with FFRF tional right to decide You may click here at any time to con- Honorary Board? Page 5 whether to observe nect with a counselor who is ready to religious practices and assist you with a problem that requires what beliefs or nonbe- immediate attention. . . . Improving Dan Barker’s liefs to profess, accept your spiritual fitness should be an im- newest book or reject about life, portant goal.” meaning, spirits, etc. “I refuse to take this kind of insult Page 9 Neither CSF nor the any longer,” Griffith said on the Rock

Army may dictate what Beyond Belief website. “Not only am I Photo: Brent Nicastro is orthodox in matters an active duty U.S. Army soldier, I’m of conscience,” the let- also an atheist. I’m equally proud of ter concluded. both descriptions, and I’m honored After FFRF and oth- to be one of the thousands of foxhole Linda er groups complained, atheists who have fought or are cur- Greenhouse Sgt. Justin Griffith, rently fighting for our country and our looks at the who is stationed at Constitution.” Fort Bragg, N.C., went Rock Beyond Belief is planning a Supreme Court The Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness is a $125 public with his nega- Pages 10­–12 million “holistic fitness program” unveiled in 2009. tive evaluation. Others Continued on page 3 Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011 NON SEQUITUR © 2011Wiley Miller. Dist. By UNIVERSAL UCLICK. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. Meet a Member Peach of a freethinker

Name: Perry Mitchell. Where I live: Atlanta, near Emory University. Where and when I was born: Atlan- ta, 1943. Family: My wonderful, smart wife, Pam (an agnostic); grown daughter, Susan (an atheist, I’m proud to say); liberal 98-year-old mom; larger-than- life older sister (unfortunately an ap- atheist; see “These are not” below). Education: Duke University, B.A. in English, 1965; University of Iowa, M.A. in literature, 1967. Occupation: Retired from a 40-year career in advertising as a writer, cre- ative director and ad agency partner. I’m now a full-time househusband and volunteer. Military service: I was drafted dur- ing the Vietnam War and served over- seas in Panmunjom, Korea, in 1969-70. How I got where I am today: Good Perry Mitchell returned in 2008 to education, luck, reading constantly, Panmunjom on the border between working hard and smart, really think- South and North Korea, where he ing about what’s important in the served in the U.S. Army in the late world and in my life, not living above 1960s. The figure represents a friendly State / Church Quotes my means, trying to make the best of military policeman at the entrance every situation (no matter how bad), to a museum just outside the DMZ, being free from the irrationalities and which is now the most popular tourist In this country, anyone can pray any Making a visible statement, [House archaic superstitions of religion. destination in Korea. time they want. Deeply, fervently — Speaker] Boehner invited a slew of Where I’m headed: More volunteer- and silently. Having a representive of school choice backers to the State of ing and financial support for causes government invoking God is insensi- the Union address, packing the speak- I believe in, especially adult literacy, ton, volunteering, and FFRF’s smart, tive, intimidating and at odds with the er’s box with students, parents and public radio and FFRF. I’m looking for- positive and personal “Out of the Clos- Constitution. The council should keep teachers tied to Washington’s Catholic ward to Pam joining me in retirement et” billboard campaign! its prayers to itself. schools. On the guest list was Cardinal so we can spend even more time travel- These are not: Pretentious people, Editorial supporting judge’s ruling Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washing- ing, helping others and enjoying life. overly fancy restaurants, technology against sectarian prayer by Point Pleas- ton, along with advocates of the vouch- Person in history I admire and why: that quits working unexpectedly, snarl- ant Beach [N.J.] Borough Council er program and students who attend Bob Dylan, the greatest artist of the ing dogs, Rush Limbaugh, our idiotic members D.C.’s Catholic schools with the help 20th century, in my opinion. His com- wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, religions Asbury Park Press, 12-20-10 of scholarship money. plex but honestly expressed worldview, that put women down and apatheists Fox News, 1-26-11 as well as his ability to capture and (look it up on Wikipedia). I think he has put a face on the con- speak to deep emotions, have resonat- My doubts about religion started: temporary reality that many Americans ed with me for nearly 50 years. During the civil rights movement, do not have a religious affiliation. For A quotation I like: I have this framed when I was a teenager. At my family’s any cause to advance and for any voice in my home office and try to live by Methodist church in Atlanta, they put to be heard, someone needs to be the it: “Kindness is more important than ushers outside on the steps to stop Afri- face of that movement and give voice to A Note to wisdom, and the recognition of this is can-Americans from entering. I said to those concerns. In that sense, Michael Subscribers the beginning of wisdom.” (Theodore myself, “What kind of church that says Newdow has been very successful. Rubin, psychiatrist and writer, born in it follows Christ would do that? What Charles Haynes, director, Religious Your address label shows the expira- 1923). I got the quote from a great, kind of god would allow it?” My ra- Freedom Education Project tion date of your membership in FFRF, free Internet service, A Word A Day at tional thinking just took off from that Christian Century, 12-21-10 which includes your subscription to wordsmith.org/awad/index.html. point. Freethought Today and “Private Line.” If These are a few of my favorite Why I’m a freethinker: Because I In Connecticut, there’s a feeling that’s your label shows Jan/Feb or earlier, your things: Honesty, fairness, kindness, continue to “think freely,” no religion much too prevalent that if all religions sub­scription has ex­pired. Your prompt re­newal ($40-single mem­ber­ship; family, rock music and big band music, can begin to pass any kind of rationality are covered, then everyone’s covered. $50-household; $25-student) saves us my iPod during exercise walks, movies, test. I can’t believe in anything I know And that’s not true. time and post­age, and is tax-deductible. novels, traveling (just got back from is clearly untrue, i.e., virgin birth, ris- Dennis Paul Himes, Connecticut Valley (Sub­­­­scrip­­­tion-only is $20/ year.) Free­­­ the Amazon), yard work, dark choco- ing from the dead, an all-powerful god Atheists, protesting the City Council’s thought Today is published 10 times a late, 1950s cars, competitive badmin- who would let his world get as screwed Christian prayer by staying seated year, with combined issues in Jan/Feb up as ours often is. I can’t be honest Hartford Advocate, 12-15-10 and June/July. Send to FFRF, Box 750, with myself and live as anything but an Madison WI 53701. atheist. Ways I promote freethought: I Send Us Your proudly wear my “Friendly Neighbor- hood Atheist” and “Imagine No Re- Freethought Today Address Change ligion” T-shirts. I gladly explain my published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. beliefs and their political implications P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 (e.g., gay rights, freedom of choice, Promptly! (608)256-5800 • FAX (608)204-0422 stem cell research, aid-in-dying), to Don’t miss a single issue! If you anyone who wants to have that dis- [email protected] • ffrf.org move, notify us directly and cussion. I’m a local media contact for Editor: Bill Dunn promptly. The Post Office does FFRF. When the “famous quotes” bill- Executive Editor: Annie Laurie Gaylor not forward third-class mail. board campaign ran in Atlanta last Contributing Editor: Dan Barker FFRF cannot be responsible summer, I was interviewed for a news- Production Editor: Scott Colson paper article and appeared three times for replacing back issues if we Assistant Editor: Bonnie Gutsch on the local news. It was fun and help- have not been notified prior to ful, I hope. Contributors: Philip Appleman, Linda Greenhouse, James A. Haught, your move. Back issues, while Mike Konopacki, Brent Nicastro, Oliver Sacks, Julia Sweeney they last, may be ordered for $2 January/February 2011 each. The only freethought newspaper in the United States January/February 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3 Official White House photo by Pete Souza Pastor in chief addresses prayer breakfast

President Barack Obama, like many laypeople trying to heal the wounds of chapel at Camp David has provided presidents before him since 1953, de- hurting neighborhoods, that I came to consistent respite and fellowship. The livered an address at this year’s Nation- know Jesus Christ for myself, and em- director of our Faith-based and Neigh- al Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 3, attended brace him as my lord and savior,” he borhood Partnership’s office, Joshua by about 3,000 high-ranking political told the audience. The word “Jesus” DuBois — a young minister himself — and religious leaders. The president’s not surprisingly garnered applause. he starts my morning off with medita- speech included biblical passages and “Tom Coburn is here,” Obama said tions from scripture.” discussed his prayers and the path to of the Republican senator and former • “And through that office, we’re “finding his Christian faith.” Southern Baptist deacon from Okla- expanding the way faith groups can The National Prayer Breakfast is homa. “He is not only a dear friend partner with our government. We’re organized by The Fellowship Founda- but also a brother in Christ. We came helping them feed more kids who oth- tion, also known as “The Family,” a se- into the Senate at the same time. Even erwise would go hungry. We’re helping cretive fundamentalist Christian group though we are on opposite sides of a fatherhood groups get dads the sup- dragged into the spotlight by Jeff Shar- whole bunch of issues, part of what has port they need to be there for their chil- let in his books The Family: The Secret bound us together is a shared faith, a dren. We’re working with nonprofits Please contact the president via the Fundamentalism at the Heart of American recognition that we pray to and serve to improve the lives of people around White House comment line (202-456- Power and C Street: The Fundamentalist the same God.” the world. And we’re doing it in ways 1111) or Web contact form (whitehouse. Threat to American Democracy. Accord- Does the president not also feel that are aligned with our constitutional gov/contact/) or by mail (below) to ob- ing to the Baptist Joint Committee, bound to those who do not believe in principles. And in this work, we intend ject to his inappropriate participation the Family seeks “to use the halls of his god? to expand it in the days ahead, rooted in the National Prayer Breakfast. government to promote Christianity More from his speech: in the notions of partnership and jus- The Honorable Barack Obama around the world.” • “And let me tell you, these past two tice and the imperatives to help the The White House The New York Times points out that years, they have deepened my faith. poor.” 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW the Family has been accused of having The presidency has a funny way of • “As I travel across the country Washington, DC 20500 ties to Uganda legislation calling for making a person feel the need to pray. folks often ask me what is it that I pray — By Bonnie Gutsch and Bill Dunn the imprisonment and execution of Abe Lincoln said, as many of you know, for. And like most of you, my prayers homosexuals. ‘I have been driven to my knees many sometimes are general: Lord, give me The president said of the evangeli- times by the overwhelming conviction the strength to meet the challenges of cal Christian National Prayer Break- that I had no place else to go.’ ” my office. Sometimes they’re specific: fast: “It’s a tradition that I am proud • “Fortunately, I’m not alone in my Lord, give me patience as I watch Malia FFRF blasts to uphold, not only as a fellow believer prayers. Pastor friends like Joel Hunter go to her first dance (laughter), where but as an elected leader.” and T.D. Jakes come over to the Oval there will be boys. Lord, have that skirt Army ‘spiritual It was through Obama’s early “ex- Office every once in a while to pray get longer as she travels to that dance perience working with pastors and with me and pray for the nation. The (laughter).” fitness’ survey Continued from front page free festival on an undetermined date in March or April at Fort Bragg that will Welcome 43 new Lifers, 1 After-Lifer! feature secular musicians and speakers. It’s meant to counter the Rock the Fort Christian music festival the post hosted A whopping 43 individuals became Mutya Gener, Dale Higgs, Marcia His- bers several times over! in conjunction with the Billy Graham Lifetime Members since the last issue chier, Linda Hollingsworth, Chuck States represented: ministry last fall. (See the page 6 story of Freethought Today. FFRF is also de- Hutchings, Jake Jaramillo, Val John- Alaska, Arizona, California, Colo- on FFRF’s continuing complaint to lighted to announce one new “After- son, Eugene John Kettner, Fred Kusko, rado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Fort Bragg for its co-sponsorhsip of a Life” Member: James O. Stepp. Katharine Leavitt, Lydia Lukahnovich, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, pervasively sectarian and proselytizing New Lifetime Members, not includ- Christopher Madden (gift from Kirstin New Mexico, New York, New Jersey, event.) ing one individual who preferred not Madden), Mal Prinzing, Lachlan Pope, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washing- to be named, are: Zenaido Quintana, Douglas Reilly, ton and Wisconsin. Also represented Philip and Marjorie Appleman, Dr. Lowell Saferstein, Shaikh Sarmad, are the Philippines and Virgin Islands. Corrections W.D. Arnold, Frank Barker, Charles Dean and Dorea Schramm, Fred Sch- After-Life Memberships are $5,000, Bender, Tom Cara, Richard Dewey, Mi- reiber, Kelly Smith, William R. Stewart, for those who want their gift to “live Dan Barker’s arms were not “akim- chael Dillon, Jayne Edwards, Steve Ellis, Amy Tan, L. Kristofer Thomsen, Cath- after them.” Lifetime Memberships of bo” in Mexico City in a page 23 photo Winfred S. Emmons III, Charles Gadd, erine Trejbal, Mark Virdin, Barbara $1,000 per individual designated for in the December issue (nor was he do- G. Walker, Jessica Walker and Howard membership or renewal also ensure ing the limbo). Akimbo means hands Wilson. never another renewal notice, go into on hips. Generous Lifetime Member Harold a safe “rainy day” endowment, and are The December page 1 headline Saferstein, M.D., gifted Lifetime Mem- deductible for income-tax purposes, as “Reason (n.) to think coherently, logi- berships to Zenaido Quintana, Richard are all gifts and FFRF dues. cally” was not immaculately conceived. Include FFRF Dewey and Dr. Lowell Saferstein. Phil Thank you to FFRF’s 43 newest Life- The (n.) should have been (v.). In Your Estate and Margie Appleman, who recently time Members and its newest After-Life designated $1,000 each for Lifetime Member! Planning Membership, are now Lifetime Mem- Clarification The quote (“I’m not convinced that Arrange a bequest in your will faith can move mountains, but I’ve or trust, or make the Freedom seen what it can do to skyscrapers.”) in From Religion Found­ation the What Is a Freethinker? Andrew Cederdahl’s December “Meet beneficiary of an insurance free-think-er n. A person who forms opinions about a Member” should have been attrib- policy, bank account, or IRA. uted to William H. Gascoyne. religion on the basis of reason, independently of It was part of a 2004 letter to the edi- It’s easy to do. tradition, authority, or established belief. tor by Gascoyne, an ASIC (Application- For related information Specific Integrated Circuit) design (or to request a bequest engineer from San Jose, Calif. He ex- brochure), please phone plained the quote on his blog in 2009: reedom rom eligion oundation Annie Laurie Gaylor at F F R F “A few years ago, the San Jose Mer- (608) 256-8900. P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • ffrf.org cury News was running a ‘one-liners’ section as part of their editorial letters. FFRF What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? I had been saying since 9/11 that what P.O. Box 750 had brought down the towers was faith Madison WI 53701 Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and (given the motivation of the perpetra- agnostics), the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state tors), and it occurred to me to juxta- and church separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. pose that notion with the idea of faith moving mountains. I’m surprised that Freedom Depends The Foundation’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Please include your name and physical mailing address with all e-mail correspondence. no one seems to have beaten me to it.” His interesting piece titled “Sky- on Freethinkers Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action alerts” and “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. scrapers and Faith” is here: billgascoyne.wordpress.com/2009/07/11/ skyscrapers-and-faith-off-topic/ Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011 Heads Up A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman

Saturday / Sunday Serendipitous Sonnet

The TV is glowing with emerald elephants, Kooky young camels and cool kangaroos, But Saturday’s star is a snazzy red snake Who can rap and palaver and chatter and schmooze – And whenever the kiddies hear Peter the Python Give sermons on cussing and other taboos, Overheard They listen a minute (or maybe a half), Then they laugh and they giggle, and giggle and I’m saying God doesn’t trial of Muslim worship leader Moham- laugh. exist. I’m not saying faith med Hanif Khan for raping a 12-year- doesn’t exist. I know faith old in a mosque exists. I see it all the time. The [U.K.] Independent, 1-12-11 Mommy and Daddy, one gray Sunday morning, But believing in something Dressed up in gray jacket, gray dress, and gray socks, doesn’t make it true. Hop- Pastor Uses Illusions to Share Christ- And they went off to church, where a gray-bearded ing that something is true mas Message doesn’t make it true. The existence of Headline on story about Rev. Law- preacher God is not subjective. He either exists rence Khong and his daughter Priscil- Was huckstering Adam and Eve to his flock: or he doesn’t. It’s not a matter of opin- la’s magic show before 7,000 Baptists When he told them a snake said real words as it ion. You can have your own opinions. in Singapore But you can’t have your own facts. Christian Post, 12-21-10 wriggled, Writer-comedian Ricky Gervais, “Why It’s hard to believe it, but – nobody giggled! I’m an atheist” Perv Priest Slaps Probe Wall Street Journal, 12-19-10 Headline on story about Msgr. Charles Kavanagh being defrocked for sexually It’s a separation of church and state is- abusing a Catholic student in the 1970s © 2011 Philip Appleman sue. New York Post, 12-19-10 Freethought Today is honored to publish this new “sonnet.” Steve Silverberg, village trustee in Pier- mont, N.Y., on the board’s refusal to Intelligent design will probably not waive a $300 rental fee for St. John’s pass constitutional muster, but the Catholic Church to use a city building movement always adapts to the court Nyack-Piermont Patch, 1-17-11 cases and calls it something else. Philip Appleman is Distinguished­ Pro­fessor Emeri­tus at Michael Berkman, co-author of Evolu- In­dia­na Univer­ ­si­ty. His eight published volumes of poetry Report: Majority of money donated at tion, Creationism and the Battle to Control in­clude Darwin’s Ark (new 2009 edition) and Karma, church doesn’t make it to God America’s Classrooms, on the fifth an- Dharma, Pudding & Pie (2009). His nonfiction Satirical story headline niversary of the ruling in Kitzmiller v. work in­cludes the widely used Norton Critical Edition, The Onion, 1-13-11 Dover Darwin, and the Nor­ton Critical Edition of Malthus’ Philadelphia Inquirer, 12-20-10 Essay on Population­ . His poetry and fiction have won If you say pedophile priests and abuse many awards, including a fellowship in poetry from the are the work of the devil, you take re- Dover was a life-changing event in terms Na­tional Endow­ ­ment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award from the Poetry sponsibility off of the perpetrators and of allowing me to have a voice about Society of America, the Humanist Arts Award from the American Humanist those who protected them. judicial independence. The troubling Association and the Friend of Darwin Award from the National Center for Thomas Groome, Boston College theo- aspect is that I’ve recognized we have Science Education. His work has ap­peared in Har­per’s Magazine, The logian, on the pope blaming demonic a need to have better civics education. Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, The Paris Review, causes for the clergy sex abuse scandal U.S. District Judge John Jones III, who Partisan Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review. Baltimore Sun, 1-12-11 got death threats after ruling against He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both Lifetime teaching intelligent design in public Members (five times over) of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. There is no doubt in my mind that schools They recorded an excerpt of “Noah,” Philip’s comic masterpiece, for the [Pope John Paul II] was a disgraceful Philadelphia Inquirer, 12-20-10 Foundation’s newest musical CD, “Beware­ of Dogma,” featuring Dan manager of the Church with respect to Barker. That CD also includes Phil’s poem “Fleas,” set to the music of the greatest crisis it has faced in gen- His point of view is that his Inaugural “Trees.” New and Selected Poems is available for sale from FFRF for $23 erations. His relationship with and Day needs to respect the separation of ppd. The Norton Critical Edition, Darwin, is $22 ppd, Karma, Dharma, protection of the pedophile, incestu- church and state. Separation of church Pudding & Pie, $27 and Darwin’s Ark, $23 (ffrf.org/shop/). ous neo-fascist, Marcial Maciel, alone and state is an important constitutional makes beatification, to my mind, an ap- principle. palling swipe at the children John Paul Michael Trainor, spokesman for Rhode II abandoned to the wolves. Island Governor-elect Lincoln Chafee, Your Weekly Antidote to the religious right Columnist Andrew Sullivan who said he’d skip Episcopalian serv- The Atlantic, 1-20-11 ices Jan. 4 to be at home with his family Providence Journal, 12-20-10 TUNE IN TO [L]ess than one abuser out of six was inflicted the maximum penalty avail- The writ of the Found- FREETHOUGHT RADIO able to the bishop: definitive suspen- ing Fathers has upheld sion. And even fewer, 16%, were effec- the ability of Americans produced by the tively condemned by the judiciary. to worship and practice Freedom From Religion Summary by Le Soir newspaper of the religion as they choose, Foundation Hosted by Dan Barker and disposition of reported Catholic clergy including the right to be- Annie Laurie Gaylor sex abuse cases in Belgium lieve in no religion at all. Agence France-Presse, 1-12-11 However, these liberties are not self- Broadcasts and streams Saturdays at 11 a.m. Central, Progressive Talk The Mic 92.1 FM, Madison, Wis., and over several other stations. sustaining, and require a stalwart com- The boy described the defendant ask- mitment by each generation to pre- Listen: iTunes or podcasts archived at: ffrf.org/news/radio ing him before the alleged abuse, “Do serve and apply them. you want some?” and when he replied President Obama, proclaiming Jan. 14 Slightly irreverent views, in the negative, the defendant would as Religious Freedom Day news, music & interviews say “For God’s sake, just say yes.” whitehouse.gov, 1-14-11 Prosecutor Tariq Shakor Khan, at the January/February 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5 FFRF Honorary Board members eye 2011

FFRF’s Honorary Board is made up of Susan Jacoby: Photo: Brent Nicastro 14 distinguished achievers who have made Michael Newdow: known their dissent from religion. The My new book, Foundation asked board members to update Never Say Die: The What’s new with me? It’s nice that you ask Freethought Today on what they’re up to and Myth and Marketing Although I’m not certain I’m up to the task to make a prediction for 2011. (We correctly of the New Old Age, To fill in the blanks that exist in my life predicted that some would be too busy to be will be published by The songs that I’ve sung. The joy and the strife able to respond or to make a prediction.) Pantheon in Febru- ary. I would describe Start in the courts, where my hat had been tossed it as a reason-based My record was awesome: lost, lost and lost Daniel Dennett: and evidence-based But “Onward!” say I, as we fight for what’s pure look at old age, in (Oh, yeah. I forgot. I, in fact, lost one more.) Inside Jokes: Using contrast to the “age is just a number” Humor to Reverse En- propaganda that surrounds us all. If My daughter got older. She boogies and jives. gineer the Mind, will I’m going to be anywhere near Madi- And with her straight A’s, she now also drives appear from MIT son on my book tour, I’ll let you know. Because of a promise that worked well to bind her Press in March, au- I’m scared to predict what might To get those great grades: a Nissan Pathfinder thored by Matthew happen in 2011 — almost anything, Hurley, Reg Adams given that our government will be even A car upon which I would certainly pass and me. It grew out more polarized than in the last two (It goes twenty feet on a gallon of gas) of Matthew’s thesis years. This is going to be a bad year for But still there is ecstasy there in her voice under my direction. It has more than a anyone who believes in the separation And she earned the right to have made her own choice hundred good jokes in it (but we have of church and state, that I do predict. to dissect them to demonstrate our I traveled to Fiji the end of last year evolutionary/computational theory in Ron Reagan: And I’m glad to say there’s another trip near action). In three weeks or so (in my cruise MD role) I will be a visiting professor at Amer- The big news in I’ll be kind of close to the southernmost pole ican University of Beirut in March, Ron Reagan’s world April and May, teaching a seminar on was the January re- Antarctica is where I’ll be for ten days evolutionary theory, using Darwin’s lease of My Father Midnight sun, there where a penguin mom lays Dangerous Idea and more recent writ- at 100, his memoir One or two eggs in a rookery patch ings on evolution. about being the Cold as can be, and yet those eggs hatch I continue to spend summers at our son of the 40th farm in Blue Hill, Maine, but we’re not U.S. president, who Soon I’ll be back after leaving that scene farming seriously any more. I prefer to would have turned No doubt then pining for flora that’s green spend my time sailing Xanthippe, my 100 on Feb. 6 had he not died in 2004. Yet surely missing the icy cold reefs old Beneteau First-42 (in the ocean), Most of the news initially surround- As I return to the writing of briefs and Gibbifer, my new Hobie Wave cata- ing the book centered on the author maran (on Toddy Pond). writing that he deduces, given what Fighting for rights that are equal for all In 2011 I predict that I will finish is known now about Alzheimer’s, “It Patching the holes in Tom Jefferson’s wall a book about thinking tools, which is likely that the disease was present And a new battle, in a new cause should appear in 2012. when he was president.” Doing away with the custody laws On the Jan. 19 “Colbert Report,” Edward Sorel: the host asked Reagan, “How can you Maybe that, too, is a quest that I’ll lose live in the house of God and grow up Maybe some more judges will just refuse My illustrations to be an atheist?” To do their jobs as they swore that they would and pictorial essays Reagan answered, “It was probably Fearing the ground where the honest have stood appear in Vanity the incubus perched on the edge of Fair several times my cribs that breathed liberalism and Surely they know what is wrong and what’s right a year. The same atheism into me.” Surely to fairness they seek to bring light is true of The New Stephen Colbert also asked, “What And (so that duty they won’t opt to shirk) Yorker, for which are the things that I should forget I’ll now end this poem, and get back to work! I occasionally do about your father so that I can keep covers. I’m at work the image in my head the way I want?” In 2011, I predict that God will make, in that one year, the same on a graphic novel. Reagan answered, “Probably, raising number of appearances as he’s made over the past 13.8 billion years. In October 2011, the School of Visual taxes, amnesty for illegal immigrants Arts will mount a retrospective exhibit and, well, one of the most liberal abor- of my work. tion laws in California when he was about nonpsychotic hallucinations.” Sapolsky as a lecturer and writer, at Visitors to New York can see my mu- governor.” home and abroad. For example, on rals at The Waverly Inn and The Mon- Robert Sapolsky: Jan. 11 his talk to the University of key Bar. I am married, have four chil- Oliver Sacks, M.D.: Florida Honors Program was titled dren and six grandchildren. Robert Sapolsky, “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: Stress, I predict more and more churches Dr. Sacks’ 10th a Stanford Univer- Disease, and Coping” (also the title of will close due to lack of attendance, book, The Mind’s Eye sity professor and one of his books). and Time magazine will run a cover (Knopf, 2010), tells neuroendocrinolo- He continues his work as a research story about “The New Religious Re- the stories of peo- gist, once suggested associate at the Institute of Primate Re- vival.” ple who are able to that FFRF put up a search, National Museums of Kenya. navigate the world sign at its conven- His recent New York Times essay, “This Steven Pinker: and communicate tions to say, “Wel- Is Your Brain on Metaphors,” drew despite losing the come, hellbound atheists.” more than 200 comments from read- The Better Angels power of speech, The welcome mat is always out for ers online. of Our Nature: Why the capacity to rec- Violence Has Declined ognize faces, the sense of three-dimen- It Pays to Complain will be published sional space, the ability to read and the by Viking in Sep- loss of sight. Prayer at lunch a bunch of bunk tember. It contains He continues to write for The New Washington FFRF member Tom “I called the Seattle office, where an many reasons why Yorker and other publications, as you’ll Hayes relates his freethought accom- administrator heard me out and gave religion should play see on page 12 of this issue with his plishment: me the phone number of the San Fran- no part in the gov- fine piece on the late David Randolph. “In 2003, I moved to Tacoma from cisco administrator. These two gentle- erning of a state. I have been fortunate The documentary “The Music Nev- Des Moines, Iowa. I found that at the men got the department to issue a to accompany my wife, Rebecca New- er Stopped” at the 2011 Sundance Film senior center here, one had to listen to policy on prayer which prohibits staff berger Goldstein, on her book tours Festival was based on Sacks’ story “The a Christian prayer before lunch. Being or volunteers from leading prayer in for 36 Arguments for the Existence of God: Last Hippie,” which was one of seven aware that the meals are federally sub- western and northwestern states. A Work of Fiction, the great secularist told in his 1995 book An Anthropologist sidized, I called the Department of Ag- “I am an 84-year-old World War II novel of our time. on Mars. riculture to complain. They referred Navy vet and Cold War submariner. In 2011, I predict that most predic- The eminent neurologist recently me to the Department of Health and How about an attaboy?” tions about what will happen in 2011 told the magazine PopMatters that he’s Human Services’ Administration on [Editor’s note: Attaboy, Tom! Keep up the will be falsified. working on “my backstroke and a book Aging. good fight.] Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011 FFRF letters, alerts protest mixing state, church

Foundation schools delivered its request to Fitzgerald, Speaker Pro Tempore Bill Kramer and Tennessee ‘supers’ Chief Clerk Patrick Fuller, along with The Foundation sent educational extensive excerpts of the problematic letters in January to 132 Tennessee prayers and a chart documenting the school superintendents reminding sectarian and overwhelmingly Chris- was sponsored by the Billy Graham to an alternative nonreligious event.” them that official prayer at school- tian emphasis. All members of the As- Evangelical Association and Fort FFRF has filed an FOIA appeal sponsored events is illegal and urging sembly received a copy of the letter. Bragg’s Religious Support Office. for more records and clarification of districts to adhere to the law. Iowa Legislature: FFRF, on behalf “While we do not feel we received where all the money came from. FFRF receives numerous complaints of its Iowa membership, has also urged a complete response to our FOIA re- about prayer at athletic events in pub- the Iowa Legislature to drop prayer and quest, a number of documents reveal a Virginia district lic schools. At least 10 of these com- reject resolutions continuing prayer in high degree of impermissible Army aid bows to pressure plaints since October 2010 originated the 84th General Assembly and provid- to Rock the Fort,” said Annie Laurie in Tennessee. ing compensation to “chaplains” offici- Gaylor, FFRF co-president. The Giles County School Board in “It is illegal for a public school to or- ating over prayer. FFRF sent letters Jan. Disclosed Army expenditures Pearisburg, Va., voted 5-0 on Jan. 20 to ganize, sponsor or lead prayers at pub- 7 to the president of the Senate, Jack for Rock the Fort appeared to total reinstall the Ten Commandments next lic high school athletic events,” wrote Kibbie, to the speaker of the House of $52,475.80, but FFRF estimates the un- to the U.S. Constitution in displays in Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “It Representatives, Kraig Paulsen, as well disclosed personnel costs to be much the district’s six buildings. The admin- is no defense that attendance at ath- as to other state officials and to each higher. istration had removed the religious letic events is voluntary. Courts have Senate and House member. A “Memoranda of Instruction” doc- text from the 4-foot-tall displays in De- rejected arguments that voluntariness Local public boards: On the local ument shows that various departments cember on advice of legal counsel after can protect a religious activity at a level, FFRF sent a letter Jan. 13 to the at Fort Bragg were responsible for a getting an FFRF complaint on behalf school function from the requirements El Paso County Commission in Colora- majority of the tasks to organize and of a local resident. of the First Amendment. Public school do Springs, Colo., after Commissioner host “Rock the Fort.” The fort event ac- FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott children cannot be forced to choose Peggy Littleton called for more prayer tion officer alone was assigned 12 tasks, wrote a Dec. 8 letter to Superinten- between their First Amendment rights at her first meeting. while the Billy Graham Evangelical As- dent Terry Arbogast. Elliott cited Stone and their right to participate in public “I’d like to encourage my colleagues sociation was only responsible for four v. Graham (SCOTUS 1980). Arbogast school events.” to have, at a minimum, prayer together duties. replied Dec. 17 that the district would She urged superintendents to pro- every Tuesday and expand it to leaders, The “budget” document shows remove the Commandments and tect the freedom of conscience of all elected officials and citizens who would Army organizers apparently spent replace them with “another histori- district students, parents and visitors, like to express their blessing over the $6,450 of public money on food. Ho- cal document” during the Christmas by reviewing their current school prac- board,” Littleton said during the Jan. tel rooms for 39 “guests” cost taxpayers break. That didn’t sit well with district tices. 11 meeting, according to the Colorado $7,168, and “escort vans” for artists cost patrons, who convinced the board to [Thanks to legal intern Jane Kleven for Springs Gazette. $1,360. Apparently, one “worship ser- reverse the removal. her work on this project.] “Because Littleton’s appeal was not vice leader” was given a $1,500 hono- According to the Roanoke Times, a policy item, informal agreement by rarium. Fort Bragg spent over $12,000 Baptist Pastor Shahn Wilburn was at least three commissioners propelled on advertising. Thousands of dollars instrumental in getting the biblical FFRF letters protest it into motion,” the Gazette reported. were apparently spent on Christian T- displays mounted after the 1999 Col- legislative prayer “And because the commission chair shirts, a climbing rock wall, children’s umbine High School shootings in Col- has authority over agendas, it’s a done activities and Graham ministry DVDs. orado. Wisconsin State Assembly: The deal.” The Billy Graham Evangelical As- “It is so disheartening to see public Foundation has formally put leader- The commission’s action, approved sociation, with reported net assets in officials in Virginia — the state that ship in the Wisconsin State Assembly by new Chairwoman Amy Lathen, 2008 of $171.5 million, is clearly not produced Madison and Jefferson — on notice that its pervasively sectarian brought FFRF’s letter on behalf of an in need of taxpayer subsidy, charged directly flout the law and violate the prayers are in violation of the law. FFRF El Paso County resident. Co-President Gaylor. constitutionally required separation objected to the “histrionic displays of Dan Barker noted that government “It is a misuse of taxpayer money to between religion and government,” politicized religiosity” in the Assembly prayer is “unnecessary, inappropriate aid any Christian ministry,” said Gay- said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Chambers, and countless sermons to and divisive. Calling upon commission- lor. “But it shows grossly misplaced fis- Gaylor. “The preeminent purpose for state legislators to act to “glorify Jesus ers and citizens to rise and pray (even cal decision-making on the part of Fort posting the Ten Commandments on Christ.” silently) is coercive, embarrassing and Bragg to subsidize an event put on by schoolroom walls is plainly religious in Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor beyond the scope of secular county a multimillion dollar evangelical minis- nature.” charged in her Jan. 26 letter to As- government,” Barker said. “Commis- try. What a boondoggle!” Gaylor invited parents with children sembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald: “The sioners are free to pray privately or to A freethinking soldier is organiz- in Giles County Public Schools who Wisconsin State Assembly’s practice of worship on their own time in their own ing a “Rock Beyond Belief” festival, might consider serving as plaintiffs to opening its sessions with strongly sec- way. They do not need to worship on planned for April, to counter Rock the contact FFRF at 608-256-8900 or info@ tarian Christian prayers/sermons is an taxpayers’ time.” Fort and to test whether the Army will ffrf.org. Identities of plaintiffs can be egregious violation of the Establish- Prayer complaints were also sent in lend its support to a festival celebrating protected. ment Clause. These prayers/sermons January to Marshfield, Wis.; Clarksville, nonbelief. Speakers tentatively include “I commend Superintendent Ar- are delivered by the representatives or Tenn.; Live Oak, Fla.; Connersville, Richard Dawkins and FFRF Co-Presi- bogast for respecting the law and the by clergy hand-selected and endorsed Ind.; Broken Arrow, Okla.; Tulsa, Okla. dent Dan Barker, among others. rights of conscience of schoolchildren. by the representatives to advance their (second letter); and Yakima, Wash. In response to FFRF’s initial let- Shame on the Giles County School own particular Christian denomina- (second letter). ter, Fort Bragg Commanding Lt. Gen. Board for flouting clear Supreme Court tions.” Frank Helmick wrote that he is “willing precedent! A school board should not Attorney Sarah Braasch, who con- FFRF continues to to provide similar support to compa- be teaching disrespect for the Consti- ducted an extensive study of the rock Christian fort rable events sponsored by similar non- tution. Religious dogma and doctrine prayers for FFRF, found that 100% of Federal entities that address the needs do not belong on schoolhouse walls,” representative-led prayers for the 2009- FFRF sent a second letter Jan. 25 of the Soldiers on this Installation.” Gaylor said. 10 legislative session were Christian. protesting U.S. Army involvement in Gaylor’s Jan. 25 response: “Our pref- All but one invoked the Christian de- the evangelical “Rock the Fort” festi- erence is for Fort Bragg to refrain from Texas choir director ity, Jesus Christ, or some variant. The val to the commanding general at Fort hosting any religious (or nonreligious) yearns for Jesus vast majority of clergy invited to lead Bragg, N.C. The letter objects to “per- events of this nature, as beyond the prayers on behalf of representatives vasive abuses and inappropriate expen- constitutional limitations and purview FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott were also Christian and invoked Jesus. ditures” related to Rock the Fort, un- of the Army. However, given your ear- objected by letter Jan. 14 on behalf of a The prayers often cited biblical scrip- covered by a Freedom of Information lier response and the Army’s repeated Texas complainant to a choir director ture. Act request to the Army made by the sectarian advancement of evangelical leading students in prayer at Tascosa FFRF also objected to the Assembly’s Foundation, received on Jan. 11. Christianity, it would appear incum- High School in the Amarillo School unlawful prayers to previous Assembly The Foundation first objected last bent that Fort Bragg must now offer District. speakers in 2008 and 2009. FFRF hand- Sept. 21 to the Sept. 25 festival which the equivalent support and assistance “Our complainant informs us that January/February 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7

Mr. Talley is known to have in-class We pick ‘distant, The song, sometimes titled “Johnny religious displays on government prop- prayers. It is our information and un- Appleseed Grace,” is in the genre of erty. Suggest they move the displays to derstanding that each Friday, Mr. Tal- uncaring farce’ Christian prayer songs and is often private grounds,” the Foundation rec- ley’s students sing ‘The Lord Bless You USA Weekend magazine headlined sung as a table blessing. ommended. and Keep You.’ We are told that it is of- its Dec. 19 cover “How Americans “We ask that you commence an im- ten sung with students holding hands Imagine GOD.” The word “GOD,” mediate investigation into this allega- No honor among and heads bowed. We also understand against a yellow backdrop similar tion and take prompt action to halt these thieves that prior to competitions, Mr. Talley to rays of sun and topped with what prayers occurring at public schools in asks the students to bow their heads looked like a halo, was written with the your district,” wrote Rebecca Markert, Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott calls and then leads them in prayer.” words readers supposedly submitted FFRF senior staff attorney. “It is well this Canonsburg, Pa., situation “Chris- The director is also alleged to have about who or what they think god is. settled that a public school teacher tians on their worst behavior.” held a Sunday worship service at a Hol- The biggest words visible: love, creator, may not lead, direct or ask her students FFRF was contacted by a member iday Inn in Dallas for students who at- soul, universal. Can you say fluff piece to engage in prayer, even if it’s deliv- in Canonsburg and other Pennsylva- tended a choir competition last March. right before Christmas? ered in the form of a song.” nia members about a nativity display The article asked, will “Americans, that has been placed by the Knights of Alabama gov ‘friends’ in the face of unemployment, home Preserving nation’s Columbus in front of the Canonsburg Christians only foreclosures, two wars and an uncer- secular motto Borough building for years. It was tem- tain economic future, describe the Al- porarily removed from government The Foundation objected by letter mighty as a wrathful, cold critic of our The Congressional Prayer Caucus, property in early December after an- after newly sworn Alabama Gov. Rob- failings, or maybe a distant, uncaring headed by Rep. Randy Forbes, R.-Va., other resident, Meagan Hartley, com- ert Bentley told a Baptist congrega- force?” The article and the response chastised President Obama in Decem- plained. tion Jan. 17: “Anybody here today who from readers overwhelmingly gave ber for praising America’s original Hartley reported she received has not accepted Jesus Christ as their “god” credit for all life’s good things — motto, “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of threats for her complaint. On Dec. 13, savior, I’m telling you, you’re not my love, goodness, peace, “brotherhood.” Many, One) during a speech in Indo- the Canonsburg Borough Council vot- brother and you’re not my sister, and I Writer Cathy Lynn Grossman, a reli- nesia. In his letter, Forbes ignorantly ed 9-0 to again erect the nativity scene. want to be your brother.” gion reporter for USA Today, claimed wrote Obama that E Pluribus Unum On Dec. 16, FFRF requested the rules “These comments are divisive and that 5% of those who chimed in were (originally chosen by a committee of or procedures for citizens to place dis- exclude non-Christians and nonbeliev- nonbelievers. Aside from that brief Franklin, Adams and Jefferson) is not plays on public property under the ers from their own government and mention, nonbelievers (and Muslims) the national motto. Forbes insisted “In state’s Right-to-Know Law. Borough communities,” wrote Co-President An- were excluded from the story. Howev- God We Trust” is the motto. In fact, Manager Terry Hazlet responded say- nie Laurie Gaylor. “Governor Bentley er, 15% of Americans identify as non- both are national mottos, and E Pluri- ing that no policy existed but that the is the top executive of Alabama, not religious (ARIS 2008). bus Unum still appears on the Great borough was formulating a policy that the top preacher. He governs by the FFRF asked members to use their Seal of the United States and on U.S. would allow other displays. authority ­— not of Jesus — but of our nonbelieving voices to let Grossman currency. The godly motto was unfor- A local group put up a sign Dec. entirely secular and godless Constitu- and USA Weekend readers know they tunately adopted after a religious lob- 22 that included a large “A” and read, tion.” don’t believe in a god, and that readers bying campaign during the Red Scare “Canonsburg Atheists & Agnostics — Members were asked to contact are literally “imagining” a god, since in 1956. Have a safe and secular season.” Bentley, who later apologized after re- there is no evidence of one. FFRF sent a Dec. 7 Action Alert to Within 24 hours, the sign was stolen. ceiving a storm of negative publicity. Muslim prayer time encourage members to educate Forbes His “if-based” apology was classic: “If and the 41 congressional co-signers of Empire State owner anyone from other religions felt disen- protested in school the letter that showed a total disregard franchised by the language, I want to for the constitutional principle of state- wouldn’t knuckle under say I am sorry. I am sorry if I offended The Foundation sent a letter Jan. 3 church separation. Members were also anyone in any way.” following up on an earlier complaint encouraged to write or phone the Anthony Malkin, owner of the Em- If, on the other hand, you weren’t about Edison High School, Edison, White House to express thanks for rec- pire State Building, was named one of offended, he said nothing wrong. N.J., facilitating Friday prayer times in ognizing America’s secular heritage 2010’s “Knuckleheads of the Year” by the school gym for Muslim students. and to write letters to the editor of the New York Daily News on Jan. 1 for Solstice sign went up FFRF Senior Attorney Rebecca their local papers. refusing to light the building in blue Markert’s initial letter, last October, FFRF protests many, and white for Mother Teresa’s birth- in Mississippi noted the principal’s September day last August. Instead of caving to memo to all staff regarding Friday many religious displays major pressure from Catholic groups prayer called Jummah or Jumu’ah. (A and those unaware of the “unsaintly” new memo, with later calendar dates FFRF got 50 inquiries about reli- side of Mother Teresa, Malkin decided added, went out in November.) gious displays on public property dur- to light the building to commemorate Markert wrote, “Our complainant ing the last holiday season and sent 32 the 90th anniversary of ratification of informs us that some of the Muslim letters of complaint, several of which the 19th Amendment granting women students ‘have been granted permis- are still pending. Letters, sometimes suffrage. sion to perform their Friday prayers more than one, went to: An Action Alert asked for letters to during rotating periods, 10, 11, 12.’ We Venango, Pa.; Brookville, Ind. the Daily News editor to object to call- further understand that these students (multiple letters to Town Council and ing Malkin a “knucklehead” and to are excused from these periods for 15 County Commission); Gladwin Coun- support him for honoring feminists minutes in order to pray. It is also our ty, Mich.; Whitehall, Ohio; Waltham, instead of an anti-choice “saint” who information and understanding that Mass.; Hawkins County, Tenn.; Al- opposed birth control. these students are granted access to toona, Wis.; Paducah, Ky.; Cove Lake the high school auditorium for their State Park, Tenn.; Prineville, Ore.; Can- prayers.” onsburg, Pa.; Smithton, Ill.; Cincinna- ‘Happy Holidays’ makes The district responded negatively ti, Ohio; San Fernando, Calif.; Ellwood Florida senator grumpy Nov. 1 to FFRF’s request that the prac- City, Pa.; Frankenmuth, Mich.; Eureka tice stop. Springs, Ark.; Milwaukee County, Wis.; State Sen. Gary Siplin introduced a “Given the history of this practice, Addyston, Ohio; Wabash County, Ind.; resolution to recognize “Merry Christ- we believe the Friday prayer practice Port Edwards, Wis.; Burlington, Mass.; mas” as the state of Florida’s “official will continue during 2011,” Mark- Cheboygan County, Mich.; White- greeting” for Dec. 25. The resolution ert’s second letter said. “Edison High ville, Tenn.; Breckenridge, Colo.; City stated, in part, “WHEREAS, many FFRF requested and received a per- School violates the Establishment University of New York (Hunter Col- Christians and non-Christians through- mit to place a large Winter Solstice sign Clause each time Muslim students are lege); Wabash, Ind.; and Tempe, Ariz. out the United States and the rest of at the Mississippi Capitol in Jackson to released from their normal classroom (Hayden Butte Preserve). the world celebrate Christmas as a time counter a life-size nativity scene erect- obligations to pray in the school audi- FFRF asked for members’ help Dec. to cherish and serve others. . .” ed at the urging of Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant torium.” 21 after sending a letter to the mayor Siplin said, according to the St. Pe- and the 9/11 Remembrance Founda- of Marion, Ill., objecting to two large tersburg Times, “When I go through tion to “honor our troops.” FFRF protests nativity scenes, complete with loud re- the stores people say, ‘Happy Holi- Bryant told a reporter, “Recogniz- kindergarten blessing ligious music and other religious dis- days,’ but we all know why people ex- ing our troops at Christmas, praying plays, prominently displayed on city change gifts. We all know it’s going to for our troops, I think it’s a perfect fit.” FFRF sent a letter of complaint Dec. property. A manger scene was placed be Christmas, Jesus’ birth, on Saturday. Members were asked Dec. 21 to 6 to the Giles County Board of Educa- inside City Hall in picture windows fac- Why not say ‘Merry Christmas’ for that write Bryant to ask him to show respect tion in Pulaski, Tenn., about a constitu- ing the front of the building. day and not camouflage it?” for nonbelievers — including atheists tional violation at Pulaski Elementary, A couple had asked to put up a Wic- FFRF’s Jan. 6 Action Alert said, “If in foxholes — for those of minority where a local complainant’s kindergar- can display for the Dec. 21 celebration you are offended by this Christian-pro- faiths and for the secular U.S. Consti- ten student came home singing: of Yule, but the mayor turned it down. moting resolution, please send a brief, tution. “Oh, the Lord’s been good to me. “The mayor and local papers need to polite message to Senator Siplin ob- It was noted that FFRF would glad- And so I thank the Lord hear from voices of reason who be- jecting to adopting ‘Merry Christmas’ ly remove its sign if religious displays For giving me the things I need: lieve in upholding the constitutional as the official state greeting.” were kept out of the State Capitol. The sun, the rain and the appleseed; principle of separation of church and Sign up for FFRF e-releases and action Oh, the Lord’s been good to me.” state. Let them know you disagree with alerts at: ffrf.org/signup/news Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011

ert wrote a letter last Sept. 23 to object to the unconstitutional tradition. Fed- eral law “dictates government employ- It Pays To ees should refrain from actively par- ticipating in religious activities while acting within their governmental role Complain to avoid any perception of government endorsement of religion and/or exces- sive entanglement with religion.” String of FFRF An attorney for the district respond- ed Jan. 20: “We have taken steps to in- legal victories sure that administrators and coaches are aware of the current status of the law and strictly adhere to those param- Bell ringers moved eters in the future.” This is from the spring supplement of the Potomac Falls High School yearbook. from postal grounds FFRF stops Florida It’s been removed from the Sterling, Va., public school’s website, thanks to FFRF. An FFRF letter Dec. 23 swiftly re- school staff’s religion School in New Haven, Conn. The flier an e-mail signature that said, in part: solved a violation in which Salvation stated: “Take your place in history with “We are spiritual beings going through Army bell ringers were soliciting funds Faculty and staff at Clay County millions of other students on this Glob- a temporary human experience.” on U.S. Post Office property in Elgin, Schools in Green Cove Springs, Fla., al Day of Student Prayer. See You at the Camellia Osterink, legal counsel, Ill. The Foundation’s letter included were told to stop taking part in stu- Pole can provide a powerful connec- said that while the district disagreed photos of a bell ringer at the postal en- dent-initiated religious activities and tion between you and the other Chris- that the words were religious, it did trance. prohibited from promoting religion in tian students on your campus to pray agree that they were “not an appropri- Rebecca Markert, FFRF senior staff their official capacities after the district and reach out all year long. Be bold! ate use of district technology.” attorney, wrote: “The Post Office can- received a letter from FFRF on Oct. 26, Be unashamed! And stand in prayer not allow a Salvation Army bell ringer 2010. with other Christian Youth for your Separating church to solicit donations on postal property. A high school varsity soccer coach Generation to be changed.” and polling place [Postal regulations] state specifically regularly encouraged her players to at- Rebecca Markert, FFRF senior staff that ‘soliciting alms and contributions tend Fellowship of Christian Athletes attorney, wrote: “The school district FFRF member C. Ryan Shannon . . . or impeding access to or egress meetings, and her team participated should not approve fliers or posters for stood up for his right to be free from from Post Offices are prohibited.’ ” in an FCA-sponsored “team bonding distribution or display unless an appro- religious encroachment by contacting Elgin’s postmaster first phoned the retreat.” The coach ended one e-mail priate disclaimer is included to disas- his Oklahoma election board about Foundation to say she was not aware to her team: “Discover and grow strong sociate the school district from the re- a sticker on the door at the entrance of those postal regulations or that the in the word of God.” The previous year, ligious organization or event. Without to his polling place in an Episcopal Salvation Army was a religious organi- she led the soccer team in prayer be- such a disclaimer, students are apt to church. The sticker said “Please visit zation. The Salvation Army is not just a fore each game. believe that the school is endorsing the our church on Sunday!” religious organization; it is a Christian Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- prayer engaged in during the ‘See You The election board asked the denomination. The postmaster agreed ert pointed out in her six-page letter at the Pole’ event.” church to remove the sign after Shan- that religious affiliation is moot since that the coach’s constant encourage- Future fliers advertising religious non objected. “The church responded it was a violation of postal regulations. ment for student involvement in “ ‘stu- groups’ events at the school “should that it was ‘a permanent sign which is She followed up with a letter Jan. dent-led’ FCA is constitutionally prob- contain language to remove any per- there every day,’ — although it was a 14: “I have contacted the Salvation lematic. Prayer before athletic events ception of government endorsement,” sticker and not a sign — and said they Army and informed them that they in your district is illegal and inappro- she added. would reroute voters through a differ- would not be allowed to stand in front priate and must cease immediately.” The district responded Dec. 2: “New ent door during voting hours,” he said. of Postal Property while ringing their An attorney for the district agreed Haven Public Schools does not ap- A board employee checked the pro- bell. This will not be an issue in the fu- with Markert’s analysis and responded prove fliers or posters for display and/ posed alternate entry but determined ture in Elgin.” on Dec. 17 that the coach and princi- or distribution unless an appropriate it wasn’t handicapped accessible: “I pal were told that “there should be no disclaimer is included. Wilbur Cross understand from my staff that this sig- School will limit school employee participation in ac- has a newly appointed principal and nage you alerted us about is a perma- religious dance group tivities such as Fellowship of Christian I have met with the leadership team nent sign that appears to be taped to Athletes and ‘Meet Me At the Pole’ stressing the aforementioned concern. the door which stays there for all activi- FFRF objected in early January to or any other religious extracurricular We are mindful of the religion/state ties at the church, not just for voting.” Gaston County Schools, Gastonia, N.C., clubs, organizations or groups. concerns and have taken the necessary A “permanent” sign taped to the hosting religious-based assemblies. A “Additionally, there are to be no e- steps to avoid additional situations.” door? Dec. 7 assembly at Webb Street School, mails with personal testimony, no en- But, the employee told Shannon: a special-needs facility, featured Ele- couraging students to get involved with “The church administration has said ments of Dance, self-described as “a FCA, and no encouragement of any School drops shrine they would cover this sign for us on school of dance where students learn kind by the coach or any other school from field trip Election Day, and that if they should technical skill in ballet, modern, tap, employee to get involved in any reli- forget to do so, our inspector at the and hip-hop while worshipping the gious activity.” On Nov. 26, the Foundation alert- precinct will have in the supplies a Lord. ‘For Him we live and move and ed the superintendent of Alexander sheet of paper large enough to cover have our being. Acts 17:28.’ ” ‘Inspiration’ graduation Central School District, Alexander, the sign. We will do our best to see that On Jan. 18, a school district attorney out in West Virginia N.Y., about the unconstitutionality of a this is taken care of on Election Day. spoke with Rebecca Markert, FFRF se- scheduled 10th-grade field trip in April Hopefully, this solution will satisfy your nior staff attorney, and confirmed that A high school in Gilmer County, that included a stop at the National concern. Please let us know if we may Christian music had been played and W.V., finally confirmed that it held its Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in be of further assistance.” that the school had planned to bring graduation last May without an “in- Emmitsburg, Md. He’s very glad he raised the issue. the dance company back in the spring spiration” after receiving numerous “Including a stop at a Catholic “It has allowed me to feel empowered of 2011. letters from FFRF, starting in August shrine, whose mission is for ‘visitors against the overwhelming presence of FFRF was informed that the princi- 2009. The graduation ceremony in to [enrich] spiritually through their religion here.” pal has agreed that no future perfor- 2009 had included an “inspiration,” pilgrimage to the site where [Seton] Shannon adds, “I was surprised to mance may include religious content, which was actually a Christian invoca- taught, worked, prayed and died’ dur- see McAlester, Okla., mentioned in and that all assemblies must be secular tion, and FFRF had concerns that the ing a public school trip, appears to be Freethought Today. I was once a sub- in nature. 2010 graduation would again schedule an impermissible school endorsement stitute teacher in that school system, unconstitutional prayers. and furthering of Catholic doctrine,” where my niece still attends. I was sad- Prayer strikes out After four follow-up letters and calls wrote Rebecca Markert, FFRF senior dened to hear that W.O.W [Worship before Virginia games between the district superintendent staff attorney. “The Constitution’s pro- On Wednesdays] was proselytizing on and Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca hibition against school-sponsored re- campus and giving special privileges FFRF helped stop a 13-year state- Markert, the principal of the high ligious activities cannot be overcome to its members, yet very grateful that church violation in Sterling, Va., in- school finally responded Dec. 19: “I by claiming such activities are ‘volun- there was an FFRF member who stood volving Potomac Falls High School have attached a copy of the program tary,’” Markert noted. up to it. baseball coaches leading players in from Graduation Ceremonies held The superintendent responded Jan. “Thanks to her parents, my niece is pre-game prayer. May 28, 2010, which indicates that no 4 that the school “removed a stop at Se- being raised to experience life in all “Before each game, we go to left invocation, prayer, or inspiration was ton Shrine from the itinerary.” its wondrous aspects. We don’t want to field, take a knee, take our hats off, scheduled.” ‘Spiritual’ staff limit her experiences based on some and the team prays,” one player said in Disclaimers ordered archaic tribal texts that denigrate intel- a story headlined “Playing on a prayer” e-mail tag removed lect, women and her gay uncle. I some- in a school publication. “Coach says for religious fliers times feel like I am lost in the wilder- the same thing every time,” another The Beaverton, Ore., School District ness of crazy and inane believers, then player added. “It really helps us get FFRF protested fliers advertising a responded Dec. 10 to an FFRF com- I get Freethought Today and I feel a bit ready for the game.” religious “See You at the Pole” event plaint by Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott better.” Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- last Sept. 22 at Wilbur Cross High about a school staff member who used — By Bonnie Gutsch January/February 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9 Another good read from Dan Barker

to Pastor Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life, in which Warren claims that “Without God, life has no pur- pose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope.” In his opening essay, “Life Driven Purpose,” Barker debunks that preju- dicial and false statement, showing that it is in fact the other way around, that the point of biblical Christianity is to submit as a slave to a master who de- mands total obedience and worship. That is not purpose — it is a surrender FFRF Co-President Dan Barker did of purpose. the first signing and promotion for To prove empirically that Warren is his new book, The Good Atheist, Jan. wrong, Part 2 of The Good Atheist, “Pro- 9 in the Langston Room at Busboys files in Nonbelief,” presents short bios and Poets in Washington, D.C., with and quotes of more than 300 contem- the room packed with about 100 porary and historical atheists and ag- freethinkers. The name refers to nostics who indeed live(d) lives of im- Langston Hughes, who worked as a mense purpose: actors, artists, authors, busboy at the Wardman Park Hotel in composers, feminists, human rights the 1930s before gaining recognition activists, journalists, performers, play- as a poet. Hughes was a freethinker. wrights, philanthropists, philosophers, poets, political leaders, psychiatrists and psychologists, reformers, revolu- tionaries, scientists and songwriters. How does an atheist respond to “There is no purpose of life,” Barker the question, “What is the purpose of writes, “but that does not mean there is life?” no purpose in life.” Life does not need Dan Barker’s The Good Atheist (Ulyss- purpose — purpose needs life. “Pur- es Press, 2011) is not another book pose does not come from puffing up about how to be good without God. the glory of an imaginary praise-hungry Although most atheists are indeed slavemaster in a magical world,” Barker good people, the word “Good” in the continues, “but from solving problems title does not refer to moral good, as in to make a better world of this, the only “you are a good boy.” It refers to practi- world we have.” cal good, as in “you did a good job.” The Good Atheist is available at book- The main purpose of the book is pur- stores, online for $15 at ffrf.org/shop/ pose itself. books/ and by mail to FFRF, Attn: Sales The Good Atheist is Barker’s response Dept., Box 750, Madison, WI 53701.

“Readers familiar with Dan Barker’s eloquently persuasive books, Losing Faith in Faith and Godless, will recognize here that same powerful reasoning, as he distinguishes between religions pretensions and a sound personal philosophy. And readers will surely be grateful for his invaluable compendium of illustrious freethinkers in all the arts, sciences, and noble causes — a valuable Foreword for encyclopedia for anyone seeking the companionship of distinguished fellow humanists.” — Philip Appleman The Good Atheist

ly liberating. Years of religious instruc- can bring to affect himself or herself difficult, and I am often not always in By Julia Sweeney tion and indoctrination were hard to and the world. lock step with the thinking of others. undo. Life was easier with prescribed Our consciousness is like having But in general I do less harm, I am choices and a premade list of what was been given — by evolution — a kind more compassionate, I use actions in- right and wrong. On the other hand, of car. To me it’s like a Ferrari that can stead of intentions (or prayer), and I living without god — or some divinely run really fast and is very powerful. am generally tougher and more resil- inspired purpose — can be scary as However, the religious are taught that ient without god in my life. well. It’s hard to make complicated their mind is more like a train car that I still get sad, I still make mistakes, choices. And not all the choices we needs an engine to pull it along. With- I still brood, and I still get depressed I wish I had had this book to read make lead to the outcomes we wish for. out the engine at the front of the train, from time to time. But now I’m not when I was going through my struggles Sometimes what we wish for isn’t what the car is stranded, and off the tracks it grasping at supernatural concepts or with faith. Back then, I knew that the we want anyway! can’t go anywhere. fuzzily thought out New Agey woo- arguments for god were weak, but I When you’re religious, there’s al- But that’s not true. Our minds have woo. I rely on evidence, and I have an wasn’t sure where to begin making ways an answer that blunts the edge off tremendous power. We can behave understanding of what makes for good sense of life without god. It took years anything catastrophic. Or guides you with great insight and discipline and evidence. of reading and thinking to spin my way along, lulling you into a state of baby- compassion. Dan’s book elaborates all This book will be shocking and pow- out. I’m still spinning my way out, and ish calm, when things are going well. those myths that the church and the re- erful if you’re still making the transi- just reading this book helped me or- But real life isn’t like that. There are ligious keep on promoting, even when tion out of religious belief, and it will ganize my thoughts ­­— things I already real catastrophes. There are really un- they’ve been shown to be wrong over be a great reminder of why you have knew and understood seem clearer fortunate outcomes. There is also real and over again. The religious do this confidence in your worldview if you’re and more grounded. I appreciate that success and real serendipitous joyful because they need believers in order to already a nonbeliever. Dan has taken the time and done the accidents ­— coincidences and hard stay in power. Also, people gravitate to- I loved Dan’s first book, Losing Faith research to write this book. I bet you’re work that pay off more than we ever ward this ideology because, in the short in Faith. With this book, Dan goes fur- going to love reading it. expected. That’s life. run, faith is comforting and easier. But ther and deeper. He has matured in Letting go of faith and accepting I love when Dan writes, “Life doesn’t in the long run, it’s very costly. his thinking, just as I am trying to do that I’m a free agent able to make need purpose, purpose needs life.” I feel I am a much better citizen of the same. He’s made it all much easier choices, find purpose and take action That is so true. I understand this to be my community and world and family for me. based on my own personal desires, and the directed energy that a person — because I no longer believe in god. I So . . . enjoy. my own personal volition was ultimate- alive, cognizant and with purpose — make decisions on my own. It’s often Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011

Legal scholar addresses FFRF convention ‘Monumental questions’ for court

Journalist Linda Greenhouse spoke at in every state at the beginning of the the 33rd national FFRF convention Oct. 1960s. The church was very strategic Photography by Brent Nicastro 29, 2010, in Madison, Wis., and answered and spun off the National Right to Life many questions afterward from the audi- Committee as if it were an indepen- ence. dent organization, to start speaking in a secular voice to gain allies outside of its own faithful. It was very successful in doing that. The anti-abortion movement in its original form, before the evangelicals made common cause with the Catho- lics, was actually a Catholic movement. Moral Majority founder Jerry Falwell didn’t preach his first sermon against abortion until 1979. People think of the evangelicals as really having driven the anti-abortion movement. It’s really not true. The immediate years preced- ing Roe, when the winds of reform were blowing everywhere and every reli- gious denomination was called upon to issue some policy statement about abortion — the National Association Linda Greenhouse signs copies of her book, Becoming Justice Blackmun. of Evangelicals, the Southern Baptist Convention — these groups that we would think of now as on the right of would even have trouble designing a the Protestant spectrum, were not in Anyone who poster that would show how this is sup- fact categorically opposed to abortion. posed to work. It’s a case that’s really They were open to reform. It was only very cynical. By Linda Greenhouse cares about the the Catholic Church that was categori- The court has a very good website cally opposed to it. separation issue [supremecourt.gov] these days. You can The title of my talk, “Monumental follow cases easily and get transcripts Questions for the Supreme Court,” re- ought to miss within a few hours after the case is ar- flects a striking reality about our legal gued. A new practice this term is that landscape, which is that case after case, Justice Stevens every Friday, they put up the audio of year after year, Supreme Court term acutely. every case that was argued during that after Supreme Court term, courts are week. It’s a pleasure to be here. I’ve only asked to validate religious belief and been in Madison a couple of hours, observance by upholding the display will hear arguments in Arizona Christian Cross in the desert and I’ve had really interesting conver- of religious monuments on public land School Tuition Organization v. Winn. It’s sations already. I thought the lieuten- when such displays are challenged as the latest iteration in the endless effort You’d have been hard-pressed to ant governor [who had just spoken to violations of the Establishment Clause to channel public money to religious make up the facts in the Mojave cross the audience via video] was really cool. and of the Constitution’s protection schools. case called Salazar v. Buono. The court As Annie Laurie remarked, she and I for the separation of church and state. When I was a very young reporter, ended up by sort of upholding it only have known each other, without ever I know that FFRF has been at the before I started covering the court, I by finding that the display of a cross meeting face to face, for many years. I forefront of many of these battles. As covered the New York Legislature. My standing alone on Sunrise Rock did really am an admirer of the work of the a separationist myself, I commend you ambition was to be a political reporter. not amount to an endorsement of the Foundation. for this. This organization has created Those were the days in the 1970s when Christian religion. How could that be, When I was covering the court on a and obviously is continuing to create the appetite in New York to channel you might ask? You don’t have to be a daily basis, there was a constant drip, a very proud and important legacy, money to parochial schools was just member of FFRF to say, “What the — drip, drip of the effort to keep religion so I feel there’s not a lot I can teach endless, and bills kept passing. The run that by me again.” in the public square. The briefs that you about the subject. I’m not here Legislature would find new ways of do- I’m not actually sure that I can ex- [FFRF] lawyers filed and just your gen- as somebody who’s preaching to you, ing it, the Supreme Court would strike plain how the court reached that de- eral take, I always found refreshing and but teaching you. I see my role as kind it down, and they’d go back to the Leg- cision because the case produced six very enlightening. of synthesizing and pulling together islature and tweak it a little bit, and the separate opinions, none of them for a I have a new book out that is an ef- some threads that I’ve seen on the le- Supreme Court would strike it down. majority of the court. The complicat- fort to reconstruct the conversation gal landscape that might clarify some This constant dialectic wouldn’t be ing factor was that the few square feet about abortion that was going on in of this disputed terrain and put some happening today, because the Legisla- of ground on which the cross stood the United States for the decade be- of the current developments in per- ture would tweak it a little bit and the is no longer technically owned by fore the court ruled in Roe v. Wade. My spective. Supreme Court would say, “Oh, fine. the government. After Frank Buono co-author and colleague at Yale, Reva When I agree to speak about some Thank you.” This new case that’s going sued successfully for an Establishment Siegel, and I spent the better part of legal subject, I have to worry about be- to be argued on Wednesday is one of Clause violation, Congress intervened a year immersed in archives and legal ing overtaken by events because the those. and transferred the land to the VFW — papers of long-forgotten cases and law might change. But there’s little The government can’t directly ap- the idea being, “It’s not on government personal papers and so on — all kinds chance of being overtaken by events propriate money for religious schools, land. It’s on private land, so what’s the of interesting stuff just to try to look in the battle over keeping religious and since states and school districts re- problem?” back without the distorting lens of Roe monuments standing, because that’s ally aren’t too interested in going the Did this government action have the v. Wade and see what the world really just going to go on forever, it seems. In route of tuition vouchers, for all kinds necessary secular purpose? Is trying to looked like at the time the Supreme fact, the 8-foot-high cross on a hilltop of political and policy reasons, states get a case out of the hands of a federal Court ruled in Roe. One thing that in the Mojave Desert in southeastern are trying to do something else. Arizo- judge, which basically was the motiva- really comes through in our research California, the display of which didn’t na has set up an amazingly convoluted tion here, a secular purpose? The low- is the role of the Catholic Church in seem to bother the Supreme Court system that lets taxpayers shift a portion er courts didn’t think so and issued an maintaining opposition to abortion very much in a really preposterous de- of the tax payment — a direct credit injunction to block the transfer. Then, at the first glimmers of reform in the cision last year — that cross, although right off the top of the tax bill — to last spring, Justice Anthony Kennedy early 1960s. the court said that the government a nonprofit that then provides scholar- wrote for a plurality of the Supreme People talk about the backlash didn’t have to take it down, has already ships with that money for use at private Court that the cross wasn’t religious in against Roe v. Wade, and actually that’s disappeared. Somebody stole it, but schools. But most of the private schools the first place. a misunderstanding of history. It was the case goes on. are religious schools, so it’s basically a Kennedy said the cross, put up as a actually more of a “frontlash” — well These disputes play out constantly way of taking tax dollars and passing it World War I monument, was “intend- before the court ruled, the church in other contexts, not just about the right into the hands of these religious ed simply to honor our nation’s fallen was reacting the minute anybody men- display of monuments. Next Wednes- schools. It’s really a pretext concealed soldiers.” To remove it would “convey tioned reform of the criminal abortion day, in a case in which FFRF has filed in a subterfuge. Rube Goldberg, if he disrespect for those the cross was seen laws — abortion was a crime, of course, an excellent brief, the Supreme Court were an artist at the Supreme Court, as honoring.” January/February 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11

Prepare be taken seriously and that observers ­— that reasonable observer again, this yourselves for time actually reasonable — wouldn’t be naive enough to accept it. A reason- seeing lots of Ten able observer would know the history, Justice Souter said, and “would prob- Commandments ably suspect that the counties were simply reaching for any way to keep in public places. a religious document on the walls of courthouses that are constitutionally required to embody religious neutral- of the courthouse. The other was an ity.” 18-foot-tall menorah placed outside However, and this is a much bigger the City-County building next to a 45- “however” than I realized at the time, foot Christmas tree. The tree belonged Justice Souter also said that the court to the city, and the menorah belonged did not “have occasion here to hold to Chabad-Lubavitch, an Orthodox that a sacred text can never be inte- Jewish group, although it was erected, grated constitutionally into a govern- taken down and stored every year by mental display on the subject of law or Linda shares a smile with Marilee Harrison, Wisconsin FFRF Lifetime Member the city. American history.” Why he said that, and volunteer. The Supreme Court held that the I don’t know, but it was a 5-4 opinion, stand-alone crèche couldn’t stand. It and he might have needed to say it to Note the use of the word “seen.” A county commissioner, not a minister, effectively endorsed a patently Chris- hold on to a fifth vote. Seen by whom? If you or I saw a lone commented to the media, “The good tian message, the court said, which Religious groups and their govern- cross on top of a barren hillside on Lord died for me; I can stand for him. made it impermissible. But the meno- ment allies all over the country have what for acres or miles around was fed- I’m a Christian and I believe in this.” rah’s message was “not exclusively reli- taken this as a green light to go ahead. eral property (it’s a national preserve, The American Civil Liberties Union gious,” because the Hanukkah holiday They’ve been placing “Foundations” in fact), World War I and its fallen sol- and a local resident, also a Christian, itself has “both religious and secular displays, with the Ten Commandments, diers would not immediately leap to but a different kind of Christian, sued dimensions.” Really? of course, because that’s obviously the mind. Or if it did, might it not occur but lost in federal district court. A A Christmas tree, the court said, point, all over the place. The South to at least some of us that not all of the three-judge appeals court reversed the was not a religious symbol at all. The Carolina Legislature passed a law spe- fallen soldiers were necessarily Chris- decision, finding the display unconsti- court also concluded the display was a cifically to permit such displays to be tian? tutional because in context, given its secular civic acknowledgement of two erected “in a visible public location in No matter. “The goal of avoiding history, and how it came to be stand- religious traditions: “The combination the public buildings of this state” as government endorsement does not ing there on the courthouse lawn, a of the tree and the menorah commu- long as the Ten Commandments were require eradication of all religious reasonable observer would understand nicates not a simultaneous endorse- described in the exact words that the symbols in the public realm,” Justice it represented endorsement of religion ment of both the Christian and Jewish Kentucky courthouses used: as “the Kennedy tells us, which is obviously a by government. faiths, but instead a secular celebration moral background of the Declaration truism that can’t begin to answer the The county appealed to the full ap- of Christmas coupled with an acknowl- of Independence and the foundation questions posed by this case. peals court, which refused to rehear edgement of Hanukkah as a contem- of our legal tradition.” The court vacated the injunction the case on a 9-9 vote. Three of the poraneous alternative tradition.” Meanwhile, McCreary County has and sent the case back for consider- judges who wanted to review the case The decision struck me as quite odd been revived because the Supreme ation of whether some less “drastic” wrote a dissenting opinion. They said when I had to write about it 20 years Court decision wasn’t actually a final remedy such as a sign making clear that the court’s action reflected a “regretta- ago. Reading it again in preparing for judgment. The case went back in 2008 the government doesn’t own the cross ble misapprehension that recognition this talk, it seems odder still. Here was to the federal district court, which might satisfy a “reasonable observer” of the role of religion in this country’s a court that at the time contained not again ruled against the counties. This that no endorsement was involved. founding history, traditions, and laws, a single Jewish justice, but still had the past summer, a federal appeals court This incoherent decision was no is to be strictly excluded from the civic nerve to expound on the meaning of affirmed the district court judgment great surprise, because the oral argu- sphere.” Hanukkah and declare it to be a con- over a vigorous dissent by one judge, ment that preceded it had been truly temporaneous alternative to Christ- who criticized what he called “the Su- bizarre. In his colloquy with the plain- mas. The court was obviously strug- preme Court’s persistent hostility to tiff’s lawyer, Justice Antonin Scalia in- gling to extricate itself from a doctrinal religion,” while praising the “powerful sisted that the cross should be seen as box and in the process managed to ag- and logically compelling dissent” that honoring all of the dead and not just grandize, mischaracterize and insult Justice Scalia had filed in the original the Christian soldiers. He seemed un- Hanukkah all at once. case in 2005. able to understand why anyone would I spoke at a law school conference Two days ago, Liberty Counsel attor- find the solitary cross inappropriate last summer in Israel. I later was inter- ney Matt Staver, also the dean of Lib- for that purpose. “What would you viewed by an Israeli reporter who want- erty University School of Law, which is have them erect” he asked the lawyer, ed to know how U.S. courts have been Pat Robertson’s law school, announced “some conglomerate of a cross, a Star treating Jewish observances these days. the counties’ intention to file another of David and a Muslim half moon and When I told him that Hanukkah had Supreme Court appeal. [The petition, star?” officially been declared a contempo- McCreary County, KY v. American Civil The lawyer, who happened to be the raneous alternative to Christmas, the Liberties Union of Kentucky, No. 10-566, son and grandson of Jewish war veter- reporter was speechless. was filed on Oct. 27, 2010]. Staver ob- ans replied, “Well, Justice Scalia, the served that it is “pretty clear to every- cross is the most common symbol of Faux ‘Foundations’ one that the court has changed since the resting place of Christians. I have 2005,” as indeed it has. Justice Sandra been in Jewish cemeteries, and there Many of you probably remember Day O’Connor is now gone, and her is never a cross on the tombstone of a the 2005 case of McCreary County v. successor, Justice Samuel Alito, is not Jew.” ACLU of Kentucky, which challenged a likely to see the issue the same way. Justice Scalia: “I don’t think you can There are many other cases on reli- Ten Commandments display that had The greatest modern separationist, leap from that to the conclusion that gious displays, with each having a dif- been posted in its first iteration in 1999 Justice John Paul Stevens, is gone, too. the only war dead that the cross hon- ferent, interesting twist. There was a on courthouse walls in two Kentucky We don’t know where his successor, ors are the Christian war dead. I think case from Pennsylvania called Modrov- counties. Justice Elena Kagan, stands on church- that’s an outrageous conclusion.” ich v. Allegheny County, a lawsuit over a After the ACLU sued, the counties state issues. I assume she stands basi- Ten Commandments plaque affixed changed their displays. They added cally where he did. Commandments, holiday since 1918 to an exterior courthouse framed copies of other documents, in- But even if she would vote the same displays wall. Two atheists sued to have it re- cluding the Magna Carta and the lyric way, I doubt that she’ll bring, at least in moved and lost. of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The her early years on the court, the same Last year a federal appeals court Two judges, a majority of a panel of county executives then claimed in the clarifying passion that Justice Stevens ruled in a dispute over a Ten Com- the 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, litigation that their purpose all along brought to such issues as, for instance, mandments monument on the lawn of held that in the context of several oth- had not been religious — although the role of religion in the abortion de- an Oklahoma county courthouse. The er courthouse historical displays, a rea- it started out with just the Ten Com- bate. He was the only justice ever will- 8-foot-tall monument had been erect- sonable observer (always a reasonable mandments — but rather to celebrate ing to say out loud in published opin- ed by the Board of Commissioners at observer) would not view the plaque as the “Foundations of American Law and ions that the assertion that life begins the request of a constituent, a con- an official endorsement of religion Government.” Remember that phrase. at conception is a statement of reli- struction worker and part-time minis- Allegheny County has plenty of The Supreme Court in 2005 de- gious belief, one that the state ought ter who told the commissioners that, experience with such disputes. In a clared the displays unconstitutional. to be prevented by the Establishment “The Lord has burdened my heart” to landmark 1989 church-state case, the Justice David Souter wrote a major- Clause from using as the basis for pub- create and place the monument in that court evaluated two holiday displays ity opinion in which he said essen- lic policy. Anyone who cares about the spot. in downtown Pittsburgh. One was a tially that while he was born at night, separation issue ought to miss Justice It was dedicated in a public cer- crèche, donated by the Catholic Holy it wasn’t last night. He said that the emony with 17 churches represented. Name Society, on the grand staircase claim of secular civic purpose couldn’t Continued on next page Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011

Continued from previous page I think it’s highly likely that the a court whose justices, or at least some government will grant this case, al- justices, pray in their church. Stevens acutely. though they won’t necessarily agree Again, turning to USA Today, Hen- The new Ten Commandments peti- to decide all of those questions. But I ry Brinton, who is a well-known liberal tion raises four main questions on the think they’re going to take the case. Presbyterian minister in the Washing- issue for the Supreme Court, but the And some justices will press to change ton area, had a really interesting op-ed two most interesting are these: the law. Others will take the narrower earlier this month, noting that the Su- • “Whether the passage of nearly position on the first question, that the preme Court had permanently closed 10 years, a change in government de- facts have changed, but in any event, I its front doors to the public last spring. cision-makers, official renunciation of would say prepare yourselves for seeing Did you all hear about this? The big prior actions, and a display and reso- lots of Ten Commandments in public ceremonial brass doors on top of the lution setting forth legitimate secular places as you wander the countryside marble stairs were closed, supposedly purposes are constitutionally signifi- in the coming years. for security reasons, and people have cant facts sufficient enough to erase to enter underneath the stairs and go a so-called taint of religious purpose What the future holds through a little passageway. It’s really found in prior displays found on a sad. courthouse wall containing the Ten The saga that I’ve just narrated Noting that, Reverend Brinton de- Commandments.” raises the question of what exactly the clared, “We worship the God of Secu- They’re saying that enough time American public expects from the Su- Linda takes a legal question. rity. Security,” he went on, “is a false has passed — basically, that this is now preme Court on these issues. It’s clear God.” and that was then, and you should now that many Americans believe that the It’s hard to know in the abstract I know that many, most of you, all say it’s OK. That’s kind of a Kentucky justices ought to reflect and ratify their what statements like these mean. As I of you, in this room believe there are courthouse-specific question. Then own understanding of how the country learned from studying the history of many false gods, but you probably they ask a very significant further ques- ought to be working. the abortion debate for my new book, know better than I to expect the Su- tion: I read USA Today every day — I read Protestantism is an awfully big tent. preme Court to agree with you. • “Whether a new test for Establish- it faithfully, if I can use that word here In the 1960s and ’70s, it included the Thank you very much. ment Clause purposes should be set — because it provides such an interest- brave ministers of the Clergy Consulta- forth by this court when the govern- ing window on what people are think- tion Service on Abortion — which in Linda Greenhouse, who earned a mas- ment displays or recognizes historical ing. This letter to the editor appeared the years before Roe referred desperate ter’s degree from Yale Law School, covered the or otherwise passive expressions or dis- in USA Today earlier this month: “Our women for illegal, but safe, abortions U.S. Supreme Court for the New York Times plays of religion.” next justice should be moderate, prag- — and the members of the Religious between 1978 and 2008. She received the If the court agrees that there should matic, open-minded, Protestant, and a Right. The latter eventually made com- Pulitzer Prize in Journalism (Beat Report- be a new test — no longer the endorse- member of middle America. Last time mon cause with the Catholic Church to ing) in 1998 “for her consistently illuminat- ment test, no longer the so-called Lem- I checked we were still the majority, yet oppose legal abortion in the years after ing coverage” of the court. Her biography of on test — that would open the door to we do not have one justice.” Roe. Justice Harry Blackmun, Becoming Justice pretty much everything. The govern- Another letter, also this month, was I don’t know what to make of these Blackmun, was published in 2005. Her ment could just say, “We’re just pas- a little more pointed, noting the fact statements other than to interpret latest book is Before Roe v. Wade: Voices sively recognizing the historical. . .” — that there are three Jews and six Catho- them as a sign of general disquiet and That Shaped the Abortion Debate Before the fact that, whatever, you can write it lics on the court: “With the majority of alienation on the part of people who the Supreme Court’s Ruling (with Reva B. yourself. You can write the arguments the country being Protestant, the court have persuaded themselves that their Siegel). Before Roe, a 335-page hardback, is yourself. is ominously out of balance.” voices are more likely to be heard by available from ffrf.org/books/ for $29 ppd.

In memoriam: David Randolph Photo: Dan Barker The following tribute to David Randolph singers, players and their instruments appeared Dec. 21 in The Paris Review Daily and the main themes of the “Messiah.” and is reprinted with the author’s permis- His passion for every aspect of the sion. Randolph, a creative genius and music was evident. He often gave his- Foundation Lifetime Member, died May 12, torical glosses on a particular instru- 2010. ment or musical theme, and he never Randolph was honored at a 2009 lun- omitted to say that Handel drew much cheon hosted by FFRF Co-Presidents Dan of his most beloved “religious” music Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor in New from the bawdy Italian love songs of York City for his stellar contributions to the his time. There was no such thing as performance of music — secular and other- “religious” music, Randolph felt, any wise — and for his support of the Founda- more than there was “military” music tion. or “love” music; there was only music put to different uses, in different con- By Oliver Sacks texts. This was a point which he brought out with great eloquence in his beauti- ful book, This Is Music: A Guide to the Pleasure of Listening, and he would of- ten mention it before a performance Oliver Sacks (left) with David Randolph at Carnegie Hall in New York City in of his annual Christmas Oratorio or 2009. the great Passions he conducted at A s Christmas approaches, the Easter. He would mention it, too, when age with the openness and spontane- ity. churches and concert halls of New conducting his favorite Requiem Mass- ity of youth — combining, as creativity Performers and conductors come York are filled with various renderings es by Brahms, Verdi or Berlioz — all of must, both experience and innocence. and go, but the music is always there, of Handel’s “Messiah.” But one “Mes- whom, he would remind the audience, He died last May, leaving a void that no and it is certain that the St. Cecilia siah,” perhaps the most iconic of all, were atheists (as he himself was). one can fill. Chorus will bear the stamp of nearly a which filled the air last year and each The religious imagination, he felt, But his St. Cecilia Chorus (named half century with David Randolph for a year for the 45 years before it, has gone. was a most precious part of the hu- for the patron saint of music) fathered very long time. David Randolph conducted his St. man spirit, but he was convinced that by him for 45 years and, orphaned by Cecilia Chorus’ version of the “Mes- it did not require particular religious his death, will continue to perform un- Oliver Sacks, M.D., a member of FFRF’s siah” at Carnegie Hall every year since beliefs, or indeed any religious belief. der other conductors. They are dedi- Honorary Board, is a practicing physician 1965. His birthday was Dec. 21, and as (Jonathan Miller, in directing his won- cating their 2010-11 concert season to and the author of 10 books, including The he celebrated his 95th in 2009, he was derful “Matthew Passion” at the Brook- David Randolph, a season that opens Mind’s Eye, Musicophilia, The Man Who as full of physical and creative energy lyn Academy of Music, often makes the with Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” at Mistook His Wife for a Hat, An Anthro- as ever. He would bound to the podi- same point.) Carnegie Hall on Dec. 23. Some of us pologist on Mars and Awakenings (which um with the spring of someone a quar- Randolph was greatly gifted verbally who knew David well can hardly bear inspired the Oscar-nominated film). He ter his age, take a bow and then turn as well as musically, and he was a man the idea of a “Christmas Oratorio” or lives in New York City, where he is a profes- to the audience, speaking in his deep, of a most loving and generous nature, a “Messiah” without him, but he would sor of neurology and psychiatry at Columbia melodious baritone, to introduce the combining the gravitas and wisdom of never have allowed such sentimental- University Medical Center. January/February 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13 Florida mayor hostile to atheists

would be called if necessary to enforce cil members that the heathens skipped the demand. right past “under God” to “indivisible” Kieffer asked to see the policy, which and said it too loudly to suit the reli- It started Dec. 13 at a Cape Coral wasn’t available. He responded that he gionists. After a break in the meeting City Council meeting when Atheists of would refuse to comply and would ac- after the ejection, the council voted 6-2 Florida members were told to either cept the consequences. A few minutes to let Kieffer speak while wearing the cover up the message on their shirts or later, King said the shirts “should be same shirt. leave the room. The shirts depict a U.S. OK.” Kieffer and four other atheists “What happened this evening was flag over which the words “One nation then addressed the council. somewhat unexpected. I’m appalled. indivisible” and “Atheists of Florida” Sullivan introduced the shirt issue I’m shocked,” Kieffer told the council. are inscribed. Shirt backs say “Atheists during the discussion, reading from He noted his military service in Viet- of Florida.” the resolution that “during any meet- nam. “I did it for this country. I did it On Jan. 24, AoF President John ing of the City Council no person shall for the U.S. Constitution. You may not Kieffer, who’s also an FFRF member, display any banner, placard or sign that agree with my worldview, but we’re all was thrown out of the meeting by two is personal, obscene, or profane.” Sulli- Americans. We all have a right to our police officers for wearing the shirt van stated that he wanted to add “polit- worldview. I do appreciate the coun- and trying to speak during the public ical” and “personal attire” to the rule. cil’s vote to let me come back in.” comment part of the meeting. The resolution passed unchanged, One resident predicted the council It was more than the shirt, Mayor with Sullivan casting the lone dissent- members who voted to let Kieffer back John Sullivan told the Fort Myers News- ing vote. in won’t be reelected. Press. “They tried to impose their will “When city officials mentioned to us Sullivan has also publicly expressed FFRF member EllenBeth Wachs’ on the world. If they keep on pushing, that no political or religious message support for displaying the Ten Com- T-shirt design is based on one she I will push really hard to bring pastors was permitted on our shirts, my imme- mandments in City Hall, which led to a designed for an Independence Day back in here for the invocations.” diate thought was that this was absurd, Nov. 12 letter of complaint from FFRF billboard last year. Wachs is also The shirt flap started before the given their recent discussions about Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott on behalf legal affairs coordinator and a board Dec. 13 meeting. AoF members attend- putting up the Ten Commandments in of Cape Coral-area Foundation mem- member for Atheists of Florida and ed to give input on a proposed prayer City Hall,” said Matthew Smith, an AoF bers. Humanists of Florida. policy resolution. Councilman Marty and FFRF member. “Our laws were built on the Ten McClain told Kieffer that religious and As Kieffer started to speak from the Commandments. It’s getting back business telling citizens which god they political shirts were barred by coun- podium to the council Jan. 24, Sullivan to our core values,” Sullivan told the must have, how many gods they must cil policy and had to be removed or told him his attire was inappropriate, News-Press. have, or that they must have any god turned inside out. Kieffer responded and the police led him away. “What do Elliott cited case law prohibiting at all.” that his attire simply identified a Flor- you find objectionable?” Kieffer asked. governmental display of the Com- Sullivan got little support from the ida nonprofit corporation and that he “How dare you!” mandments and added, “The First council at a later meeting in November would not comply with the order. Earlier, when the meeting opened, Commandment alone makes it obvi- and appears to have stopped pushing During the mid-meeting break, the atheists stood with the rest of the ous why the Ten Commandments may to have the Commandments in council Sullivan and City Manager Gary King citizens to recite the Pledge of Alle- not be posted by government bodies. chambers. reiterated the order. King said police giance. It apparently irked some coun- The government of Cape Coral has no In Memoriam Mackenzie Stuart, 1989–2011

FFRF member Mackenzie Taylor lettered in track four years. She was a Stuart, 21, died Jan. 22, 2011, from in- 10-year member of 4-H and a four-year juries sustained in a car accident. member of South Dearborn High’s ac- Known to her friends and family as ademic team. Her favorite 4-H project Mac, Kenz, Kenzie or just Z, she was was Cats. She won Grand Champion born July 14, 1989, in Fargo, N.D., to Cat six straight years with five different Carolyn and Gregory Stuart. Home- family cats. schooled through eighth grade, she Mackenzie was very creative. One graduated in 2007 from South Dear- day she might be filming magic shows born High School, Aurora, Ind., where with her brother, Sean. Another day she received many academic and ath- she would be knitting, drawing, writing letic awards, including a Lilly Scholar- or sewing. She was an accomplished Mackenzie Stuart with her favorite cat, Gus. Mackenzie had just gotten her ship. She was a senior at Butler Uni- pianist and loved to sing in the Young braces off and was showing her new smile. versity and was a semester away from Voices chorus. She was adept at jug- graduating with majors in computer gling was just starting to learn the di- science and mathematics. At Butler abolo. Although a quiet and reserved sister Madison (Ben) Eisen, Chicopee, Dollars for Scholars. she was Math Club vice president, a person deep down, Mackenzie’s off- Mass.; her grandparents, Norm and The Stuart family are household Science Club member, played club soc- beat sense of humor kept her family Sue Stuart, Indianapolis: and many FFRF members. “Mackenzie was a sec- cer and volunteered at the Humane laughing. cousins, aunts and uncles. ond-generation atheist who was raised Society. Survivors include her parents, Greg- A memorial visitation was held Jan. steeped in science and books, which In Aurora she played youth soc- ory and Carolyn Mann Stuart of Au- 30 at the Aurora Lions Club. Memori- fill our house,” said her father. “We cer, ran cross-country and track and rora; a younger brother Sean; an older als may be made to South Dearborn had such high hopes for her future.”

Through it all though, well-meaning not be “the one thing that should be If you’re a Christian and if you’re saved They said what? people on both sides of the ideologi- talked about.” . . . it makes you and me brothers. . . cal and partisan divide are not talk- Response by Media Matters to Erick- So anybody here today who has not ac- ing about the one thing that should son cepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I’m I also read the bible for the first time. It be talked about: a saving faith in Jesus mediamatters.org, 1-11-11 telling you, you’re not my brother and was deep! I liked the parts where some Christ. you’re not my sister, and I want to be character was once this, but he ended Erick Erickson, conservative blogger It never surprises me when science your brother. up being that. Like he’d be dissing Je- and CNN commentator, on the Ari- catches up to the bible. Newly sworn Alabama Gov. Robert sus, and then he ends up being a saint. zona shooting that targeted U.S. Rep. Rev. Adam Stadtmiller, North Coast Bentley, remarks at a Baptist church That was cool. Gabrielle Giffords Calvary Chapel, Carlsbad, Calif., on after his inauguration Rapper Lil’ Wayne, on how he spent redstate.com, 1-11-11 a study claiming some people have a Birmingham News, 1-18-11 part of his time at Rikers Island jail on “believer’s gene” a weapons conviction For the record: Rep. Giffords is Jewish, Christian Post, 1-19-11 Rolling Stone, 1-21-11 so “a saving faith in Jesus Christ” might Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011

Black Collar Crime Blotter

restaurant to a 3-year-old girl and her mother. Compiled by Bill Dunn Source: Mt. Clemens Daily Tribune, 11-29-10 Yahudah Israel, 51, Demopolis, AL: 1st-de- Arrested / Charged gree rape and 2nd-degree rape. Israel, pastor of Rev. Otis Holland, Henderson, NV: Sexual an independent church, was indicted by a grand assault of a minor under 14 and lewdness with a jury in a case involving a female minor. Police child. Holland, pastor of United Faith, is accused Chief Tommie Reese said the investigation of molesting a girl over a period of 2 years. The lasted nearly a year. Bail was set at $500,000. small congregation meets in the lobby of Rob’s Source: Demopolis Times, 11-20-10 Tax Service in Henderson. The girl told police Holland had a “secret Pleaded / Convicted room” in his home with a video camera and that Brian Spillane, 67, Sydney, AUS: Convict- her mother dropped her off there for counsel- ed of 9 counts of indecent assault. Spillane, who ing. The girl said he threatened her with going left the Catholic priesthood in 2004, faces 135 to hell and breaking up the church if she told similar charges, set for 4 trials in 2011. Allega- anyone. The girl told police Holland “snowballs tions by 44 former pupils, male and female, at the parents to get to the kids.” Source: KNTV St. Stanislaus College, Bathurst, detail various News, 1-10-11 abusive sexual practices Spillane is accused of Rev. Felipe DeJesus Coronel, 55, San as far back as the 1970s. Others involve alleged Antonio, TX: Conspiracy to defraud the gov- incidents while Spillane was a traveling Vincen- ernment, manufacturing counterfeit permanent tian Order priest visiting remote areas. resident cards and making a false statement unteers and charitable donors about the sex keeper. It’s alleged he knowingly wrote checks Two sisters, ages 8 and 10 at the time, are to authorities. Coronel, pastor of Ministerios offender allegation. Source: KLTV News, 12- for $5,467 on a closed bank account. He’s also among his accusers. The older girl testified, “I Epicentro Donde Nace La Bendición in Austin 22-10 being sued by ex-employees who said their can still taste the scotch in my mouth and I can before moving to San Antonio, was indicted Jonathan Hinton, 37, Venice, FL: 4 counts paychecks bounced. Source: The Oklahoman, feel the stubble of him on my face.” for selling fake “green” cards and Social Secu- of child molestation on a warrant from Madison 12-16-10 Spillane was refused bail after the 9 con- rity cards. Luis Angel Tovar, 28, faces similar County, IN. He is contemporary worship direc- Rev. Robert Burnham, 36, Bentonville, AR: victions. As he was led away, he called out, charges. tor at Grace United Methodist Church in Venice. Sexual solicitation. Burnham, pastor at Faith Lu- “Please God, help me.” Source: Sydney Morn- Undercover agents placed orders through Hinton is alleged to have molested a girl over theran Church, was among 7 people arrested in ing Herald, 12-1-10 Tovar for the false documents and watched se- a period of 2 years, starting when she was 12, a prostitution sting at a hotel. while he was youth pastor at Trinity Wesleyan According to his wife’s Twitter account, they Sentenced cretly as he got them from Coronel, an affidavit Rev. Timothy Dillmuth, 34, Stowe, ME; Church in Tipton, IN. moved to Bentonville from Denver in November. said. Source: San Antonio Express-News, 1-6- Richard Eland, 62, Robert Gagnon, 70, both Rev. Jay Kowalski said Hinton had been A spokesman confirmed that the church has ac- 11 of Brownfield, ME: 30 days in jail, suspended, working at Grace Church for about a year and cepted Burnham’s resignation. Source: KSPR Rev. Donald Belcher, 82, Yaak, MT: In- fines of $2,000 each and probation. Dillmuth is had passed a background check. The church News, 12-10-10 dicted by a Maryland grand jury on child sexual pastor at Valley Christian Church, a storefront has a policy of never leaving a child alone with Sister Marie Thornton, 62, New Rochelle, abuse charges. Belcher was vicar of Church of church in Redstone where Eland and Gagnon a single adult, Kowalski said. Source: Sarasota NY: Embezzlement. Thornton, a Sisters of St. the Holy Cross in Street, MD, from 2001-07. The are elders. They were found guilty of a mis- Herald-Tribune, 12-21-10 Joseph nun and chief financial officer at Iona Episcopal Diocese of Maryland has started the demeanor charge of failing to report they sus- Paula Kay Sparks, 47, Lincoln, NE: Suspi- College, is charged with embezzling $850,000. process of barring him from exercising priestly pected a 12-year-old girl was sexually abused cion of theft. Sparks was director at Holy Family The Catholic college, 15 miles from Manhat- functions and determining whether pastoral by another church member. Catholic Child Care Center, where a shortfall of tan, has fired her, and her religious order has care is needed for alleged victims. Source: Bal- An investigator said Eland told him “God is a $24,411 was detected after she left the job. restricted her activities. timore Sun, 1-5-11 higher authority” than the police and they would Police Officer Katie Flood said Sparks alleg- Iona disclosed the theft to the IRS on its Robert Klatt, 32, San Jose, CA: Lewd and not hesitate to act similarly in the future. Source: edly erased financial records and did not depos- 2008 tax forms, which showed an employee lascivious conduct. Klatt, a volunteer youth min- WMWV News, 12-22-10 it payments from parents. A backup of financial stole about $80,000 a year over 10 years by us- ister at an unnamed San Jose church, was ar- Rev. Timothy Parker, 40, Westgate, IA: 20 records at an offsite location showed the miss- ing false vendor invoices, fraudulent checks and rested in Las Vegas, NV. The incidents with 2 years in prison after pleading guilty to 2 counts ing sum. Source: Journal Star, 12-21-10 credit card bills. The college did not reveal the teen boys allegedly occurred from January to of 3rd-degree sexual abuse. Parker, pastor at John W. Elder, 61, Bremen, PA: 9 counts of theft publicly or report the crime to law enforce- June 2009. Authorities are seeking information St. Peter Lutheran Church, admitted molesting theft, 12 counts of forgery and 3 counts of insur- ment. Source: AP, 12-10-10 from more possible victims. Source: Mercury a 12-year-old female relative at the church in ance fraud. Elder, treasurer of the Calvary Unit- Rev. Edward E. Davis, 74, Geneva, AL: News, 1-5-11 2009. Prosecutors said he fondled or performed ed Methodist Board of Trustees and a former 2nd-degree sodomy. David, a retired pastor, is Rev. Eric Dejaeger, 63, a Catholic priest oral sex on the girl on 3 occasions. Source: Wa- agent with Monumental Life Insurance, is ac- accused of assaulting a teen boy from Florida at wanted in Canada since 2002 on child sex terloo Daily Courier, 12-21-10 cused of collecting premiums from victims and Davis’ home and in another county. charges, was arrested in his native Belgium for Rev. Daniel Lynch, 62, Takoma Park, MD: diverting the money to his personal accounts. “He just basically baited, lured him in and overstaying his visitor’s visa. A Canadian citizen Pleaded guilty to creating a public disturbance Church leaders started investigating after find- befriended him,” said police Lt. Ricky Morgan. since 1994, Dejaeger served 18 months of a and was fined $90. Charges of illegal use of ing overdrawn accounts. Source: Lancaster “He met him in a church in Holmes County.” 5-year sentence in 1990 for assaulting Inuit chil- a facsimile firearm and 2nd-degree breach Eagle-Gazette, 12-21-10 Source: Dothan Eagle, 12-3-10 dren in what is now Nunavut Territory. of peace were dropped. A Catholic priest for Joshua Amoroso, 21, Colorado Springs, New allegations surfaced after he was re- 40 years, Lynch was staying at his sister’s in CO: Sexual assault on a child by a person in a leased, and he fled the country. Officials hope Bridgeport, CT. Police responding to a com- position of trust. Amoroso, youth pastor at Gate- to extradite him as soon as possible. Source: Rev. Davis ‘basically plaint of a man firing a gun at another man burst way Church, is alleged to have had sex with a BBC, 1-5-11 in and tackled Lynch. 14-year-old girl at least 15 times, the first time in Rev. Tommy Gene Daniels, 48, Rio Linda, baited, lured him in Lynch’s lawyer said it was all a practical joke his home while his wife was at work. CA: 6 felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts by Lynch on an old friend and that the gun was a The arrest affidavit said the girl told police with a child under 14 years old and sexual con- starter pistol used for races. Source: Connecti- and befriended him.’ they had sex several times in the home of Gate- duct with a child. Daniels, head pastor at First cut Post, 12-10-10 way Senior Pastor Derek Sissel while Amoroso Baptist Church who has been a foster parent Salvatore LoRusso, 68, Montauk, NY: 95 was house-sitting. Police went to Amoroso’s and day care provider, is accused in incidents ­—Alabama police Lt. Rick days in jail and 6 years’ probation on harass- home to verify her description of its blue walls alleged to have occurred between June 2004 ment and stalking convictions in 3 separate and blue bedding she’d earlier described to a and June 2007. Two alleged victims have come Morgan cases. LoRusso, founder of a religious group sexual assault counselor. Source: Colorado forward. called House of David, was sentenced in Hon- Rev. Ivory McDaniels, 68, Fordyce, AR: 4 Springs Gazette, 12-4-10 Daniels actively worked for the passage esdale, PA. counts of 2nd-degree sexual assault. McDan- Edwin Benjamin Rosette Sr., 57, Newport of Prop. 8 to ban gay couples from marrying. Some of the victims were former House of iels, pastor at Greenville First Baptist Church News, VA: Rape. Rosette, who listed his oc- Source: Sacramento Bee, 12-30-10 David members. for 16 years, is alleged to have had sexual con- cupation as ordained minister and rape crisis Rev. Sandy McGriff, 52, Grand Prairie, TX: From 2005-07, LoRusso and several ac- tact with 4 teen girls as a substitute high school counselor at Hampton Mental Health Associ- Burglary and resisting arrest. McGriff, pastor of complices sent thousands of malicious faxes to teacher. ates, is accused of sexually assaulting a girl, Church of the Living God (located in the back businesses and institutions frequented by his A police report said, “McDaniels grabbed now 19, starting when she was about 10 until of her husband’s furniture store) is accused of daughter, her family and other victims. Source: her by her arm, pulled her in his lap, touching she was 18. He faces a single rape count. stealing more than $10,000 worth of clothing, Wayne Independent, 12-10-10 her.” Another girl said, “McDaniels put his arms “Mr. Rosette had sex with her after she said, designer purses and electronics on Christmas Vaughn Reeves, 66, Sullivan, IN: 54 years around her legs and started rubbing her legs up ‘No I don’t want to,’ ” the criminal complaint said. Eve from the home of a church member, Serita in prison for 9 counts of securities fraud. Reeves, and down while he talked to her.” Police suspect he may have been producing Agnew. a former pastor, and his sons used a now- No assaults are as yet alleged at church, but child porn. The girl noticed a video camera with McGriff told police she was in the neighbor- defunct company, Alanar, to convince 11,000 a parent told a news crew, “They say everybody a red light on at times. They confiscated several hood to pick up a peach cobbler from a friend investors to buy bonds worth $120 million is innocent until proven guilty, but I wouldn’t video and still cameras, 60 CDs, 80 VHS tapes, when she saw 2 men leaving Agnew’s house. secured by mortgages on construction projects go back to that church. That’s my opinion. I 21 floppy disks, several laptops, hard drives, When she saw a broken window, she pulled at about 150 churches. They used sales pitches wouldn’t go back and I wouldn’t send my kids thumb drives and 7 cell phones. Source: Daily her black Jaguar in the driveway and climbed that included prayers and bible passages, then back.” Source: KATV News, 12-20-10 Press, 12-4-10 through the window. Police found items from the diverted money from new investors to pay Rev. David Pomales, 51, Bridgeport, CT: Rev. Alberto Maullon, 52, Nassau Bay, TX: house in the back seat of her car after a neigh- off previous investors, pocketing $6 million. 2nd-degree breach of peace. Pomales, pastor Public lewdness. Maullon, pastor of St. Paul the bor called to report a burglary. McGriff told po- Source: Indianapolis Star, 12-8-10 at La Primera Iglesias de Dios Church, his son Apostle Catholic Church, was granted a leave lice she was trying to protect Agnew’s property Tony Walsh, 57, Dublin, IRE: 16 years in and daughter and 3 other persons were all ar- of absence after his arrest in a sting at Big City in case the men returned. The neighbor told po- prison, with 4 suspended. The defrocked Catho- rested on the same charge for “heavy fighting” Adult Bookstore. A vice officer said Maullon lice a different story, and the arrest affidavit said lic priest was convicted of serially raping 3 boys outside the church on a Saturday night. Police “whipped his junk out” in a private viewing booth she was carrying fur coats out the back door more than 20 years ago, but other investiga- used pepper spray to break up the fight, which with the officer present. Source: KPRC News, when police arrived. tors compiling the Murphy Report concluded stemmed from a domestic dispute. Source: 12-3-10 Police said she appeared to have been he raped and molested hundreds of boys as a Connecticut Post, 12-20-10 Curtis Burkhardt, 43, Grand Blanc, MI: In- drinking. McGriff admitted having a criminal re- priest from 1978-96. Rev. Mark Griggs, 48, Olmsted Falls, OH: decent exposure by a sexually delinquent per- cord, including a prostitution conviction, but said Walsh often impersonated Elvis in a song- 112 counts of downloading, trading and pos- son. Burkhardt is a youth volunteer at First Bap- since 1988 she has “walked the straight and and-dance production popular with children sessing child pornography. Griggs, co-pastor of tist Church. He’s accused of exposing himself to narrow path.” Source: Dallas Morning News, called the “All Priests Show.” One victim, age St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, is among 27 an 11-year-old girl at a campground last August 12-28-10 7 at the time, testified Walsh tied him up with adults and 3 juveniles charged in a probe called while his own 5-year-old daughter sat on his Rev. Earl Post Jr., Canton, TX: Felony stalk- cords from his vestments before raping him on “Operation Lake Effect.” Prosecutors alleged lap. The girl told police he asked on the way to ing. Post, founder of Road to Hope Ministry, is the altar. He played an Elvis album to drown out he traded child porn images from his home and the campground about her 16-year-old sister’s accused of stalking a 17-year-old girl and is sus- the noise. He later said the boy would “burn in church computers. Source: WJT-TV, 12-16-10 sexuality and if she’d ever seen male genitalia. pected of allowing at least one registered sex hell for all eternity” if he told anyone. Baron Hopgood, 35, Oklahoma City, OK: 4 The sister then told police Burkhardt had offender to volunteer when children are present. While appealing a 1993 attempt to defrock counts of obtaining under false pretenses. The exposed himself about 2 years ago when she Police arrested him for stalking while a re- him, he sexually assaulted the 11-year-old founder of Baron Hopgood Ministries also had was babysitting at his home. He was convicted porter was at the ministry talking to Post, vol- grandson of the deceased in a pub restroom an outstanding warrant for defrauding an inn- in 2001 for exposing himself in a McDonald’s January/February 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15

after the funeral. The Vatican had overruled the said, “Sometimes, being a bishop feels like a verdict of the archdiocese’s canonical trial and The sisters promptly blessing. Sometimes, being a bishop feels like ordered him to be sent to a monastery. Not until a cursing. For me, being a bishop has always Creep of 16 years after the first complaint did the Vatican ended their felt like a burden.” He’d been bishop since 1998. agree to defrock him in 1996. Barbara Dorris, outreach coordinator for the The Month The Murphy Report documented how by relationships with Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 1985 at least 7 priests were aware of concerns called the diocese “one of the most secretive di- A defrocked Irish priest once called “the about Walsh’s behavior but nothing was done. oceses in the U.S. regarding child sex crimes.” Hannibal Lecter of the clerical world” by a The first complaint came from an 8-year-old Rev. Carrino once Source: AP, 12-15-10 plaintiff’s lawyer was arrested in Dublin for boy’s parents in 1978, 2 days after his appoint- Rev. William R. Gould, 71, Post Falls, possession of child pornography. Oliver ment to Ballyfermot parish. Irish civil and church they learned he was ID: Diocese of Boise Bishop Michael Driscoll O’Grady, 65, had images and videos on a authorities and the Vatican failed to pursue mul- stripped Gould of all ministerial duties due to al- USB key, external hard drive and a laptop, tiple abuse allegations, the report said. having affairs with legations he had sexually inappropriate conduct said Detective Johanna Doyle. “We are talk- On Jan. 2, Walsh was attacked with a sharp with a male under 18 in Idaho Falls 29 years ing about thousands upon thousands of im- weapon by a fellow inmate after Mass at Mid- both of them. ago. Gould was put on administrative leave in ages of child pornography — children from lands Prison, County Laois, and needed 12 2005 after an investigation substantiated claims the age of 2 and 3 up to teenage boys and stitches to close a head wound. Source: AP, 12- victims at a school for the deaf. The petition lists he engaged in sexual misconduct with an adult. girls.” He’d left the laptop on a plane. 17-10; Irish Independent, 1-4-11 $50 million in debts, not including payments re- Source: AP, 12-13-10 Bail was set at €500 for O’Grady, the Ramon Moreno, 20, Boca Raton, FL: 3 lated to upcoming lawsuits. Rev. Dennis Shaw, Auburn, NY: Removed subject of the 2006 documentary “Deliver us years in prison and 5 years’ probation after The archdiocese, with assets of $98.4 mil- as pastor at Holy Family Catholic Church by From Evil,” detailing the years (1971-93) he pleading guilty to 9 counts of possession of lion, is the 8th to seek bankruptcy since 2002. the Diocese of Rochester for allegedly sexu- served parishes in the Diocese of Stockton, child pornography. Moreno told police he was a Others are Davenport, Iowa; Fairbanks, Alaska; ally abusing a child in the late 1970s. Shaw, CA. The diocese and insurers have since youth leader at Frontline Christian Center, but a Portland, Ore.; San Diego; Spokane, Wash.; ordained in 1972, was placed on administrative paid $21 million to about 2 dozen male and pastor there said Moreno was merely a church Tucson, Ariz.; and Wilmington, Del. leave. No further details about the allegations female victims, most recently a $2 million member who often volunteered and was never Attorney Jeff Anderson said he thought the were given. Source: Auburn Citizen, 12-13-10 payment last June to a brother and sister in a leadership position. filing was an attempt to delay the plaintiffs’ de- Rev. Edmund Penisten, Sitka, AK: now in their 30s. “He was taking them out of The arrest report said Moreno had images position of former Bishop Richard Sklba. Church Penisten, pastor of St. Gregory Catholic Church the classroom at the school and sexually as- of children having sex with adults. Source: Sun officials elsewhere have filed on the eve of trials in Sitka, resigned and left Alaska for evalua- saulting them,” said the siblings’ lawyer An- Sentinel, 12-3-10 of major depositions to avoid making informa- tion at an undisclosed location after being sus- thony Demarco. tion public, he said. pended from the public ministry by Diocese of O’Grady admitted sleeping with 2 women Civil Lawsuits Filed Chapter 11 reorganization means normal ac- Juneau Bishop Edward Burns. The Diocese of New Ulm, MN, is being to get access to their children. He served tivities can be continued, said spokesman Jerry “A computer program that had been installed sued by a Nevada man who claims he was sex- 7 years in prison after pleading guilty to 4 Topczewski. “People should know this doesn’t on the computers at St. Gregory’s indicated ually abused as an 8-year-old by Rev. Francis counts of sexual abuse with children under mean we’re going out of business.” Source: AP, that some questionable material had been ac- Markey, a Catholic priest recently extradited age 14 and was deported to Ireland in 2001. 1-4-11 cessed,” said Rev. Pat Travers, diocesan vicar from Indiana to Ireland on charges he sexually In a 2005 civil suit deposition, he was general. A software program alerted the diocese abused a boy there in 1968. Legal Developments asked what his “type” was: “Generally, a boy that pornographic websites had been accessed. The suit alleges Markey abused the plaintiff A New York state appeals court dismissed a who was spontaneous, affectionate, playful, Source: KFSK News, 12-10-10 in 1982 at St. Andrew’s Parish in Granite Falls. suit against Rev. Lawrence Carrino and Grace generally around the age of 10, 11, and who Walter D. Salisbury, 79, Bar Harbor, ME: The suit also names treatment facilities in Ire- Gospel Church of Suffolk for breach of fiduciary seemed to maybe need somebody to care for Salisbury, a former Catholic Josephite priest, land and New Mexico as defendants and the duty and intentional infliction of emotional dis- him. I’m not saying that he necessarily had resigned from the Bar Harbor Housing Author- Irish Diocese of Clogher. Source: KSTP News, tress. Carrino was conducting love affairs with family problems but seemed to identify with ity board after being told his criminal past was 1-11-11 Valerie Spielman and Cindy Gallo, who are sis- me as somebody who he could trust, who he being investigated. He was convicted in 1979 The Diocese of Worcester, MA, and de- ters. Once they found out, they both ended the could come to, who was willing to take care in Texas for committing indecency with a child frocked priest Ronald Provost are defendants relationship. of him.” and in 1993 for committing an indecent act on in a suit filed by a Worcester County man in his The sisters did not prove Carrino had “con- “We don’t blame Oliver,” said attorney a minor in a church rectory in Washington, D.C. late 30s who alleges Provost sexually assaulted trol and dominance” over them, the court said. Patrick Wall. “He can’t control himself. [We Brian Tucker, a Baltimore lawyer represent- him during the priest’s tenure at Holy Angels “Although both sisters allege facts which they blame] the people who were supposed to su- ing the Josephite Society, said Salisbury has Church in Upton between 1979-82. contend made them uniquely vulnerable and pervise him.” been barred from representing himself as a Provost was convicted in 1993 of soliciting incapable of self-protection, that contention is He admitted to superiors in 1976 he was priest since 1993. Salisbury was listed as “Fa- a child to pose in a state of sexual nudity, said belied by the acknowledgement in the complaint a pedophile. ther W. Dayton Salisbury” on the Housing au- Carmen Durso, the Worcester County victim’s that they both promptly ended their relationships There was a public outcry last June when thority website. lawyer. with Carrino once they learned he was having it was revealed the diocese bought a $94,560 “I called the town and told them to take [“fa- During the 1993 investigation, Provost affairs with both of them.” Source: Courthouse annuity for O’Grady that started paying him ther”] off of there,” Tucker said before Salis- showed police at least 100 nude photos of boys, News, 12-9-10 $788 a month for 10 years when he turned bury’s resignation. “He is not to hold himself but the diocese didn’t try to determine victims’ 65. Bishop Stephen Blaire said he arranged Allegations out as a priest.” Source: Bangor Daily News, identities, Durso said. it while O’Grady was in prison to ensure he’d Rabbi Gershon Kranczer, 58, Brooklyn, 12-3-10 Durso said according to a study he con- NY: Kranczer, who resigned in September as leave the priesthood and not fight the poten- ducted, victims on average were 46 years old executive director and principal at Yeshiva Te- Other tially lengthy defrocking process. Source: before they reported abuse. “Males in particular hila L’Dovid, a school for boys with learning dis- George Neville Rucker, 90, Los Angeles, Lodi News-Sentinel, 12-13-10; Irish Central, suppress this because of all the shame that’s in- abilities in Midwood, is suspected of engaging in CA: The Survivor’s Network of those Abused by 12-14-10; Stockton Record, 12-16-10 volved with another male having sexual contact a long-term sexual relationship with at least one Priests objected to Rucker, a defrocked priest with them.” Source: Milford Daily News, 1-9-11 of his daughters. accused of sexually molesting 38 girls but never The Catholic Knights of Columbus organi- His son, Asher Kranczer, 21, and the rabbi prosecuted due to the statute of limitations, be- zation is being sued separately for $5 million by are believed to have fled to Israel. Another son, ing allowed on a 3-month, $12,000 cruise to Gazette, 12-22-10 2 men from Texas and Kansas who allege that Yechezkel Kranczer, 24, turned himself in and South America. The Catholic Diocese of Stockton, CA, Juan “Julian” Rivera, a former leader of the faces 70 counts of sexual abuse and 2 counts David Clohessy, SNAP executive direc- paid $300,000 on Sept. 22 to settle a sexual Columbian Squires in Brownsville, TX, sexu- of endangering the welfare of a child. Another tor, likened it to Voyages of Discovery saying, abuse claim against Rev. Leo Suarez. Half ally abused them in the 1970s and 1980s. The son, age 15, is charged with sexual abuse of his “Welcome aboard criminals. Just make sure that amount will come from insurance. Suarez Squires is a Knights-sponsored group for males 8-year-old sister. your coat tails are tucked in and say please and was defrocked in Jan. 2010 after admitting he’d ages 10-18. The suits were filed in New Haven, The rabbi and his wife have 14 children, thank you.” molested a minor 20 years ago at St. Anthony’s CT, the Knights’ national headquarters. ranging in age from 8 to 28, police said. The Rucker was charged with molesting 12 girls Parish in Hughson. Kansan Jim Dennany, 49, alleges Rivera children under 18 have been removed from in 2002 and was arrested by Alaska state troop- No lawsuit has been filed against the dio- sexually abused him in 1973-77, plying him the home. The allegations surfaced when a ers on a cruise ship bound for Russia. Charges cese or Suarez. A spokeswoman said the dio- with alcohol and pornography. Hector Stone, 20-year-old daughter working as a teacher’s were dropped in 2003 after a U.S. Supreme cese doesn’t know his whereabouts. Source: 42, Brownsville, made similar allegations, and aide told a staff member she had been raped Court struck down California’s attempt to pros- Sacramento Bee, 12-17-10 alleges Rivera told him if he said anything he’d by her father repeatedly for 15 years. The al- ecute older molestation cases. Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ cut off a body part and send it to Stone’s mother. leged female victims are now 20, 19, 17 and 8. Clohessy also criticized the Archdiocese of of Latter-day Saints in Boise, ID, won’t be “I was going to take this to my grave. Julian Source: Wall Street Journal, 12-4-10 Los Angeles for not keeping tabs on Rucker af- charged with failure to report child molestation Rivera sexually abused me for 6 years from the ter his defrocking. “Rucker really is one of the by a church member due to Idaho’s clergy privi- ages of 12 to 18 years old,” Stone said, with his Resigned / Removed very worst, and for church officials to claim that lege law. lawyer by his side. Rev. David Tolliver, Jefferson City, MO: they are monitoring them, watching them like a Stephen R. Young, 59, Eagle, a longtime Rivera also “shared” the boy with another Tolliver, executive director of the Missouri Bap- hawk, is ridiculous.” Boise policeman and school resource officer, adult leader of the Squires in another city, the tist Convention, resigned “due to immoral be- Rucker was officially accused of 38 moles- was sentenced to 25 years prison in Septem- lawsuit states. havior with a woman,” according to a statement tations occurring between 1947-80. He retired ber after pleading guilty to molesting a child Stone said he reported the abuse to the from the 600,000-member organization with in 1987. The archdiocese paid millions of dol- who was between 12 and 18 months old in Knights in 1986, who supposedly concealed about 2,000 Southern Baptist churches. lars starting in 2006 to settle civil suits against 2006. Other charges, which named 4 victims his claim and intimidated him into not making it “It is disheartening to learn of any fellow be- Rucker and other priests. Source: Miami New between the ages of 1 month and 21 months, public. The Knights claim no knowledge of the liever succumbing to sinful choices,” said Frank Times, 1-4-11 were dropped. Prosecutors said Young may allegations until December 2009. Page, president of the Southern Baptist Con- The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay, WI, have had as many as 20 victims. Rivera ended his affiliation with the Browns- vention’s executive committee. denies allegations by the Survivors Network He confessed to his wife in August 2009 and ville Knights in January 2010. Source: Washing- Tolliver was a pastor for 20 years before be- of Those Abused by Priests that the diocese is moved to an apartment. He confessed to his ton Post, 12-14-10; KGBT News, 12-15-10 coming a church executive. Source: St. Louis still covering up sexual abuse by priests. SNAP bishop in January 2010. That confession was Post-Dispatch, 1-10-11 asked for a court order to stop the diocese from part of the LDS disciplinary process which re- Civil Lawsuits Settled Rev. Marshall Brown, 57, Fairfax City, VA: destroying personnel records and asked federal sulted in his excommunication. But not till a fel- St. Dennis Catholic Parish, Galena, MD, Brown, associate rector at Truro Church, was prosecutors to investigate whether former Bish- low police officer who attended Young’s church reached a $1.7 million settlement with Joseph fired for accessing “websites that would be con- op David Zubik, now of Pittsburgh, and other of- heard of the punishment and spoke to him was Curry, 40, Smyrna, DE, who alleged that he was sidered pornography,” said Truro Executive Di- ficials obstructed investigations. Young arrested in March, 2 days after his abrupt molested starting in 1981 by the late Rev. Ed- rector Warren Thrasher. Truro is one of the larg- “It’s an intentional, deliberate act of destroy- retirement. ward Carley. The parish agreed to also issue est conservative U.S. Anglican churches. ing what’s in the file,” said Peter Isely, Midwest According to church attorney Randy Austin, a public apology and acknowledge that Carley Truro was one of 14 Virginia parishes to director of SNAP. “This is a potential record as soon as Young confessed to church officials, molested Curry while he was learning to be an break away from the Episcopal Church after the of crimes committed against us, and criminal they urged him and his wife to tell the authori- altar boy. The suit said the abuse continued until 2003 election of the denomination’s first openly evidence, and it’s evidence of potential fraud, ties. Making that recommendation was all clergy 1986. gay bishop. which is the concealment or transference of members could legally do until Young turned The parish is part of the Diocese of Wilm- Brown was treated in 2005 for an Internet clerics” guilty of sexual abuse. himself in, Austin said. Violating the clergy privi- ington, DE, which named Carley in 2005 as an addiction after he reported having a problem, Deacon Tim Reilly, diocesan director of ad- lege could have jeopardized the prosecution, he abuser of children. He died in 1998. Curry also said Bishop Martyn Minns, adding that back ministration, denied the allegations. He said said. sued the diocese, but that part of the suit was then he didn’t ask Brown about the details of the diocese’s new records management policy An underage girl in a similar case told the delayed when the diocese declared bankruptcy. his addiction. He said he was told by counsel- calls for destruction of personnel records only Idaho Statesman that before her molester Source: AP, 1-5-11 ors that “there was nothing illegal or involving in the cases of priests who have been dead for pleaded guilty in 2008 (the abuse was reported Finances children,” but beyond that, Minns said, “I didn’t a year or more, and in no case are the records in 1999), she was forced to meet with him and The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has filed ask too many questions.” Source: Washington destroyed if they concern pending court cases. a bishop. “At that point, I was really scared. My for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to past, current Post, 1-8-11 SNAP based its accusations on recent court family was about to be torn apart. They wanted and pending sexual abuse suits. The archdio- Bishop Ronald Gilmore, 68, decided it testimony given by Rev. James Doerfler. The me to forgive him. I was 14. I was put on the cese has paid $29 million to settle about 200 was time to get out of Dodge — the Diocese group quoted Doerfler as saying Zubik issued spot. What are you going to say?” Source: Ida- claims. Suits are pending that accuse 6 more of Dodge City, KS, that is. In his resignation orders in 2007 to destroy records pertaining to ho Statesman, 12-13-10 priests, including a case with about 200 alleged statement on the diocesan website, Gilmore pedophile priests. Source: Green Bay Press- [email protected] Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011

Sharing the Crank Mail

A sampling, printed as received, of FFRF’s THE FAGS> IF A FAG GETS WOUNDED hi recent fan mail: IN COMBAT,THEIR AIDS INFECTED BODY BUTT OUT!!! GO TO ANOTHER COUNTRY Oh NO! SHOULD BE LEFT WHERE THEY ARE IN- AND LIVE!!! GO BACK TO THE STATE OF You up-tight fools got your panties in a Praying for dan & Laurie JURED. — Stephanie Miller WISCONSIN AND LIVE THERE!!! WE DON’T bunch over prayers. Who’s to say that your Obviously you have been deceived by Sa- WANT YOU HERE!!! GO AWAY!!! IF I WANT views aren’t so called “myths”. Perhaps you tan himself. I pray daily that God will deliver 300 characters? TO STAND ON A STREET CORNDER AND liberal bitches should be the ones who should you from Satan’s snare and save you from your Why don’t you give me enough room to RECITE BIBLE VERSES I WILL AND YOU shut the fuck up and stop sticking your noses in sins! YOU CANNOT control my praying nor the voice my opinion, are you afraid of what I might CAN’T STOP ME. FREEDOM OF SPEACH!!!! other peoples business. Get your shit outve our 1000’s I will get praying for your salvation!!! say? 300 characters is like giving crabs to a YOU BUNCH BUBBLE HEADS. GROW UP!! business. — We Are Anonymous, We Do Not — Dave Qualls prostitute not enough punishment. See you on — Lynnett Lonaker Forgive facebook. — Jerry Jones Mississippi Dear Hitler, MAY GOD HAVE MURCY ON YOUR You are free to visit us here in Mississippi, To staff attorney I realize you’re trying to turn America into SOUL However, leave your liberal, anti-God ideas at If you and you organization feel threatened Nazi Germany. It’s a sad day when one cry baby You seam to be self center people, just like home. In case you didn’t know it, the name of by our praying in Yakima to the Creator of all complains that a nativity scene hurts his po wit- the sience comunity. You take the liberties that your outfit is a bastardization of the true consti- there is please use your God given right by this tle feelings...and asks hims big bwuver (you) to our four fathers fought for. Your promotting an- tutional statement of ‘freedom of religion’. Thank great country to be free to leave and go to a help him get the scene taken down. For every rchy against the very foundation that has pro- You, and BUTT OUT! — Lowell McAfee country that does not believe in God. Merry turd out there that complains about Christmas tected you’ll. I could go as far as to call all of you CHRIST-mas. — David Pankey being “religion shoved down” their throat, Im hipocrites and communist. In the BIBLE. Revu- GOD gonna act out tend fold the opposite way! Thank lation it speaks of people looking to themselves IF IT WERE NOT FOR JESUS CHRIST I will fight this group to the end! you for igniting this powder keg. You think your and growing more wicked as generation pass. THER WOULD BE NO CHRISTMAS, DUMB You know China is free from freedom of re- sorry ass group is vocal? Eh....you guys are Seeing communities as yourselves has shown ASS . I HAVE SEEN THE POWER OF ligion...MOVE THERE! I have God on my side! nothing but ants. Merry Christmas, mother fuck- TRUTH of profficies spoken in the BIBLE. You CHRIST FIRST HAND AND SOME DAY YOU One Nation Under God We Stand! God doesn’t ers! — Hue G. Rekshun are being fullfilled. A magin that, a book writen WILL TOO. I HOPE I AM THERE TO SEE IT. make you love and obay him its your free will. 3000 year ago. — curtis perry — ROBERT DE GREGORIO Alfa and Omaga always has been always will what is your problem be. — Grace Faith, Heaven, WI You have no business to try to get rid of the Giles County Schools Discrimination nativity scene in Wabash, IN. FFRF is going to You folks are allowing Satin to rule you!!! No one is making you believe in GOD-Dog Brookville, IN hell — Anonymous Shame on you, I hold your organization re- which ever way you want to say it. You might Leave the Nativity Scenes alone and mind sponsible! I am praying that you will be strong have sold your soul to the devil but its not to your own HELLbound business. People around “Freethinkers” enough to run Satin out of your life, because we late. Why was we put on earth...maybe to see here have FAITH. Something will only under- I will be praying for you sick sick people. will fight for Jesus in Giles County. You might who will stand by GOD. Please don’t think I try- stand after you face your maker. Your parents God loves you no matter what, and remem- win the battle, but I promise you, without Jesus ing to be mean. I’ll be praying for your group! have failed you and your supporters will burn in ber their are no “Freethinkers” as you call you WILL NOT win the war! Following Satin is — Joy Believe, 316, John Faith, WI hell with you. — John Doe them in Hell. They all believe in God now! such an easy out – following Jesus is the chal- — [email protected] lenge and thus makes us Christians stronger. FAGS Nativity — Toma Eaton WHEN YOU GO TO CHURCH TODAY< Here in Oregon we want you to stay f u PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THE MILITARY out of our bussniss. This aint your state. Screw you guys. You’re gonna burn. Matt. PEOPLE THAT HAAVE TO SERVE WITH — [email protected] 25:41 — Jesus Christ

They simply can’t stop sharing!

card made in China: “Heavenly Father GOD, I come before in submitting my life to you. I have made a complete mess of my life and only YOU can make it better. Please forgive me and come into my heart.” • A WallBuilders card (made in China) from R.W. with U.S. flags and Latin crosses and an In God We Trust bookmark with religious quotes from the nation’s founders. • A Holy Night card with a National Rifle Association imprint: “ATTN R. Dawkins. I pray you turn your back on Satan and return to the Light.” (Ever- ett, Wash.) • “Your members probably experi- ence difficulties in our society because of your views. Just letting you know that God loves you and so do we!” (Shel- don, Iowa)

New Hampshire state Rep. Jerry Bergevin, R-Manchester, who sent the card above, left and center, is primary sponsor of a bill that says “an unborn child The Foundation received its usual shall be included in the definition of ‘another’ for the purpose of first- and quota of religious Christmas cards in second-degree murder, manslaughter and negligent homicide.” At a 2009 December, the general tone of which health care town hall, the Concord Monitor reported, Bergevin wore a shirt Woe to the Women was more civil than the Crank Mail. A that said “The Democratic Party is a cult of evil.” He asked [now former] U.S. The Bible Tells Me So sampling: Rep. Carol Shea-Porter how she could be a Catholic and support “abortion By Annie Laurie Gaylor • An envelope from the Howards and euthanasia, which is in the Obama death care fascist program. Will you in Texas had “Happy Birthday Jesus” Delightfully please repent of this mortal sin before it condemns your immortal soul?” illustrated by stamped in red above and below our Alma Cuebas, it address and on the flap in back. contains a valuable • One addressed “To Dan” from compendium of Rogersville, Tenn., proclaimed “Eter- diately after class to the administration the Discalced Carmelite Community at more than 200 nity is too long to be wrong! Praying building to resign: “I’m sorry, gentle- the Basilica of the National Shrine of sexist verses. An for you buddy.” men, but I can no longer teach evolu- Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill. essential guide for the reader who is • The whole of the Rogersville Bap- tion. It can’t possibly be true.” (Notice (Discalced means “unshod or wearing too busy (or too tist Temple may have signed a card in that there are no gentlewomen accept- sandals.”) non-masochistic) to which was enclosed a Chick Publica- ing his resignation.) • “Thank you for your support — study the bible. tions anti-evolution tract. In it, a Chris- • From West Bend, Wis., came a Mary, Joseph and Son Jesus” (Seattle). Members — $16 tian student’s biblical truth wins out card to “Anne Gaylord,” noting she’ll • “A Christian and PROUD of it!” Non-members — $20 over his professor’s scientific “facts,” so be remembered in daily Masses for (Milwaukee) much so that the teacher goes imme- one full year by (this is a mouthful) • J.C., Beaumont, Texas, wrote on a Shop online at: ffrf.org/shop January/February 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17

We are pleased to present the second installment of “One Nation Under God: A Bible History,” written and illustrated by Mike Konopacki. It was part of the coursework for his master of fine arts degree in 2010 from the University of Romans 13:2 Wisconsin-Madison and was also presented at FFRF’s convention in October. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist Massachusetts Bay Colony shall receive to themselves damnation.

nspired by Columbus, Pope Alexander VI declared on May 4, 1493, that, “The Catholic faith and Catholic religion be everywhere increased and I spread”, and that “barbarous nations be overthrown and brought to the faith itself.” This doctrine of “Christian Discovery” was later adopted by Protestant colonizers.

The Pilgrims, a Separatist sect from the Church of England fled to Massachusetts Bay in 1620 aboard the Mayflower. The Mayflower Compact, considered the first document of self-government in North America, stated their purpose, “Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia.”

Later, another group of English religious dissidents, called Puritans, landed in Massachusetts Bay. They also wanted to bring Christianity to the heathens. The Great Seal of the Massachusetts Bay Company, which funded the Puritan venture, depicts an Indian with a scroll coming from his mouth that reads “Come Over and Help Us.” But the “heathens” in this territory were the Pequot people and they didn’t want help. The governor of the colony, John Winthrop, justified the taking of Pequot land by claiming it a legal “vacuum.” If the Indians resisted, the Puritans looked to Romans 13:2: “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

amnation took the form of the Pequot War. Employing tactics we would now call terrorism, the English settlers attacked non- D combatants and burned villages. Those that escaped the flames were slain. As Puritan theologian Cotton Mather said, “It was supposed that no less than 600 Pequot souls were brought down to Hell that day.”

Indian Removal Psalms 2:8 Ask of Me, and I will give You Photo: Brent Nicastro hite expansion into Indian land increased with the The nations for Your inheritance, birth of the United States. The Indian Intercourse And the ends of the earth for Your possession. W Act of 1790 was designed to acquire land through treaties. But white settlers often violated treaty boundaries. When the Indians resisted, U.S. military force was used to protect the settlers.

President Thomas Jefferson sought conciliation. He believed in peaceful coexistence and acculturation. Ironically, the non-religious president supported efforts to Christianize Indians in hopes that they would be assimilated into white culture and not displaced. Some tribes sought coexistence, but others chose armed resistance. Andrew Jackson chose a more ruthless policy than Jefferson. Jackson became famous for killing Indians in battle. Between 1814 and 1824, Jackson also played a major role in a series of treaties with the southern Indians that ceded millions of acres to land-hungry whites.

ackson was elected president in 1828. In 1830, Congress passed the JIndian Removal Act to relocate the remaining Indians to west of the Mississippi River. The Cherokee sued in the Supreme Court but lost. In 1891, former Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story explained why, “As infidels, heathens and savages, they (the Indians) were not allowed to possess the prerogatives belonging to absolute, sovereign and independent nations. The territory over which they wandered and which they used for their temporary fugitive purposes, was in respect to Christians deemed as if it were inhabited only by brute animals.”

Most of the southern Indians were forcibly removed by the time Jackson’s presidency ended in 1837. In 1838 the last group of Indians, 16,000 Cherokees, were forced to march to Oklahoma in the Trail of Tears. Four thousand died along the way. Land was now available for the planting of cotton and the spread of slavery. Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011 In the News Illinois gov signs developed over millions of years from less advanced life forms, while 16% be- civil union bill lieve humans developed over millions Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed a civil of years without God’s involvement. union bill for same-sex and opposite- The “secular evolution” view has ris- sex couples into law Jan. 31. It goes en from 9% in 1982 to 16% now. into effect June 1. Gallup surveyed U.S. adults Jan. 7-9 “It’s an important moment in the and found 29% said religion should land of Lincoln,” Quinn said. “We be- have more influence and 29% said it lieve in civil rights and we believe in should have less influence. Another civil unions.” 39% said organized religion’s influ- Five states and the District of Co- ence is just right. The question didn’t lumbia allow same-sex marriage. New specify what was meant by more or less Jersey grants civil unions similar to Il- influence. linois. Several other states, cities and counties grant domestic partnerships Creationist teacher sentenced to one year in prison be- denominations. with varying legal rights. gets Ohio heave-ho cause they could not pay the $33 fine. The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat- Half the population of 13 million live ter-day Saints is officially not happy: Faith-healing death The Mount Vernon [Ohio] City on less than a dollar a day. “The church has a long history in Swit- brings probation Schools Board of Education voted 4-1 The case highlighted concerns zerland dating back to 1850. We hope on Jan. 10 to fire John Freshwater, a over rights violations in Malawi based a solution can be found that allows mis- Herbert and Catherine Schaible, middle school teacher accused of in- on allegations of witchcraft. Belief in sionaries, regardless of their country of who belong to First Century Gospel appropriate religious activity in the witchcraft and traditional medicine origin, to continue to serve the Swiss Church in Philadelphia, were sen- classroom — including displaying post- runs deep in this former British colo- people.” tenced Feb. 2 to 10 years’ probation ers with the Ten Commandments and ny, largely dominated by Christians. after being convicted of involuntary bible verses, branding crosses on stu- Thindwa, an economist by profession, Ugandan gay activist manslaughter and child endanger- dents’ arms with an electrical device, said ASH has launched a nationwide beaten to death ment last year for the death of their espousing creationism and deploring campaign to fight for the rights of se- 2-year-old son, Kent. He died from homosexuality. nior citizens, especially women. One arrest has been made in the pneumonia after his parents prayed A local family sued Freshwater Jan. 26 beating death of David Kato, for him but never sought medical at- and the district in 2008 and received Bishop pulls Catholic 46, a Ugandan gay rights campaigner tention. substantial settlements. Sporadically off Phoenix hospital who had sued a newspaper which out- The couple also must seek routine for the next two years, administrative ed him as homosexual, BBC News re- and emergency care for their remain- hearings were held to determine if he Bishop Thomas Olmsted of the Dio- ported Jan. 27. ing seven children, ages 1 through 15. should be fired. R. Lee Shepherd, the cese of Phoenix announced Dec. 21 Uganda’s Rolling Stone newspaper “We are grieving and will always feel referee presiding over the hearings, that St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical published photos of several people it the loss of our son,” Herbert Schaible recommended there was just cause Center in Phoenix can no longer iden- said were gay, including Kato, with the told the judge, pleading for leniency so for termination. District costs, mostly tify itself as Catholic because it ended headline “Hang them.” he could continue to support the fam- for legal counsel, are estimated at a woman’s pregnancy in 2009 to save Though one suspect is under arrest, ily by teaching school at the church. $902,000. her life. another one, who police say lived with “With God’s help, this will never hap- Freshwater tried “to make eighth- Olmsted earlier excommunicated Kato, is still at large. pen again.” grade science what he thought it Sister Margaret McBride, a member of Homosexual acts are illegal in Ugan- should be — an examination of ac- the hospital’s ethics committee, for al- da, and Christian evangelicals there Is it something in cepted scientific curriculum with the lowing the therapeutic abortion. and in the U.S. have preached against the (holy) water? discerning eye of Christian doctrine,” In a statement, the hospital refused it as an abomination worthy of death. Shepherd said. “[He] used his class- to agree to Olmsted’s demand to never A commentary in the journal Sci- room as a means of sowing the seeds again perform an abortion. “Morally, ‘Obama Prayer’ gets ence on Jan. 28 by Michael Berkman of doubt and confusion in the minds ethically, and legally, we simply cannot officer suspended and Eric Plutzer of Pennsylvania State of impressionable students as they stand by and let someone die whose University had some discouraging searched for meaning in the subject of life we might be able to save.” A Manatee County corrections offi- news. science.” Freshwater could appeal the cer in Bradenton, Fla., was suspended The researchers surveyed 926 U.S. decision. Muslims sue Spanish in January without pay for 25.8 hours high school teachers about how they teacher for ham mention for a perceived threat against Presi- taught evolution and found that 13% Bible-chewing ‘devil dent Obama involving an intercessory of respondents advocated biblical cre- dog’ found dead A high school teacher in southern prayer and bible verse. Sgt. Matthew ationism or “intelligent design” cre- Spain has been sued for child abuse by Neu circled Psalm 109:8 (“Let his days ationism in biology class. Miriam Smith, 65, was charged Jan. a Muslim student’s parents who claim be few, and let another take his office”) Only 28% “unabashedly introduce 23 with felony animal cruelty in Co- the geography teacher “defamed Is- with a pink highlighter in a bible and evidence that evolution has occurred lumbia, S.C., for allegedly hanging her lam” by talking about Spanish ham. left it on another officer’s desk in Sep- and craft lesson plans so that evolu- nephew’s pit bull with an electric cord The incident occurred at the Insti- tember with a handwritten note that tion is a theme that unifies disparate and burning its body. Smith told police tuto Menéndez Tolosa in La Línea de said “Obama Prayer.” The female of- topics in biology,” according to the re- that the female dog named Diamond la Concepción. José Reyes Fernández fice reported it after she read the next port titled “Defeating Creationism in was a “devil dog” that had chewed up was lecturing about Spain’s different verse, “May his children be fatherless the Courtroom, But Not in the Class- her bible. She said she feared Dia- climates and said Andalusia has the and his wife a widow.” No threat was in- room.” Most biology teachers belong mond would hurt neighborhood chil- perfect temperature for curing Jamón tended, said Neu, admitting he didn’t to the “cautious 60%,” who are “nei- dren. Police said the year-old dog was Ibérico, a world-famous delicacy. like Obama and got the bible from a ther strong advocates for evolutionary kept outside on a chain and chewed a The Muslim student interrupted stack for use by inmates. biology nor explicit endorsers of non- bible that was on Smith’s porch. The Reyes and, according to local newspa- scientific alternatives,” the study said. dog’s remains were found under a pile per reports, complained that mention- Millions of Filipinos “I think the real amount of under- of dried lawn clippings, with a smell of ing pork was offensive to his religion. honor Black Nazarene teaching of evolution is likely even kerosene still in the air. The suit alleges “abuse with xeno- worse,” science literacy expert Jon Mill- phobic motivations.” A section of the More than 2 million Filipino Catho- er of Michigan State University told Humanist group frees Spanish penal code makes it a crime lics paraded in Manila on Jan. 9 to hon- USA Today. He published a 2007 re- accused Malawi ‘witches’ to “offend the feelings of the members or a centuries-old statue of Jesus called port in Science ranking the U.S. 34th of a religious confession.” Spain has the Black Nazarene. Nearly 600 were out of 35 developed nations (ahead A humanist group in Malawi paid about 1.5 million Muslims, compared treated for injuries in the crush trying of only Turkey) on public acceptance fines to secure the release of three el- to about 100,000 in 1990. to touch the icon, which is believed to of evolution. Nearly a third of U.S. derly women sent to prison after being have mystical powers. respondents said evolution was “abso- accused of witchcraft. Swiss will ban many The wooden statue is believed to lutely false” in that study. “Not many “We paid fines of $33 for each of foreign missionaries have been brought from Mexico to teachers have the backbone to stand the convicts. We are very very happy, Manila in 1606 by Spanish missionar- up to parents and school boards for although the fight is on to seek the re- Switzerland will ban from its nation ies. The ship that carried it caught fire, evolution,” Miller said. lease of 50 others,” George Thindwa, all missionaries from non-European but the statue survived and was named According to a Gallup Poll of 1,019 executive director of the Association Union countries starting in 2012. the Black Nazarene. U.S. adults surveyed in December, 40% of Secular Humanism, told Agence A recent decision by a Swiss court Clemente Ignacio, rector of the ba- of respondents believe God created France-Presse on Jan. 11. has established that missionary work silica in Quiapo, was overwhelmed by humans in their present form about The women, ages 80, 72 and 62, is “gainful employment” and thus sub- the turnout. “It means that the Catho- 10,000 years ago. Another 38% believe were convicted in December after ject to employment quotas. The law lic population is growing, and the peo- God guided a process by which humans neighbors turned them in. They were restricts missionaries from all religious ple’s faith is also growing.” January/February 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19 Photo: Brent Nicastro State/Church Bulletin

Appeals court nixes the motto and no one opposed it. “It’s Mount Soledad cross not a question of church versus state,” said resident Linda Dixon. “Our cur- The 43-foot-tall Latin cross on pub- rent educators should teach the true lic land on Mount Soledad in San history of what has made this country Diego is an unconstitutional “govern- great and not question the validity of ment endorsement of religion,” the everything good.” 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled In a letter to Mayor Berwin Hanna Jan. 4, the latest decision in a case that from FFRF trying to head off the reso- goes back to 1989. The unanimous lution, Co-President Annie Laurie Gay- three-judge appeals court sent the case lor, disagreed. “Elected officials should back to a district court to determine if not use their government position and the religious cross can by some stretch government buildings as a place for of the imagination somehow be modi- promoting their religious views,” wrote fied to “pass constitutional muster” as a Gaylor. war memorial. Since 2001, a California group The Mount Soledad Easter cross, called In God We Trust America Inc. erected in 1913, was first challenged has worked to put the statement in “ev- in 1989 by the late Philip Paulson, the ery city, county and state chamber in recipient in 2006 of FFRF’s first Atheist America.” in Foxhole Award. (He died at age 59 of liver cancer shortly after accepting Court: Commandments the honor). Federal courts ruled in his display ‘a sham’ favor in 1991 and 2005, but removal of the cross was thwarted by various mach- A three-judge panel of the 6th Cir- inations, including transfer of the land cuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Feb. 2 by Congress to the U.S. Department of upheld a district court decision that Defense in 2006. ruled a courtroom Ten Command- After Paulson’s illness was diag- ments display unconstitutionally en- nosed, Steve Trunk, another San Di- dorsed religion. Steve Trunk, FFRF Board Member, Lifetime Member and plaintiff in the ego-area vet and atheist, became party The case dates to 2000 when Judge Mount Soledad cross case, will receive the 2011 Atheist in Foxhole Award at the to the complicated lawsuit. Trunk, a James DeWeese of the Richland Coun- October convention in Hartford, Conn. (See more on page 24.) longtime Foundation Board Member, ty [Ohio] Court of Common Pleas had come up with the idea of an award hung a Ten Commandments in his for foxhole atheists. courtroom. The American Civil Liber- ecute Kahle. He has filed a lawsuit. comprised of justices who are not athe- In a 56-page opinion, Judge M. Mar- ties Union of Ohio sued and won. In Sen. Sam Slom, the chamber’s sole ists themselves. I think they would garet McKeown wrote that “having 2006, DeWeese hung another poster Republican, was the only one to speak rather avoid the political fallout than considered its history, its religious and with the Ten Commandments but enti- against the rule change in debate. do what they are paid to do and up- non-religious uses, its sectarian and tled “Philosophies of Law in Conflict.” Kahle’s group has also objected to hold the rights of this disenfranchised secular features, the history of war me- The ACLU filed a new suit in 2008. the consolidated city-county govern- minority; i.e., atheists.” morials and dominance of the Cross The appeals court rejected De- ment of Honolulu giving churches free The court gets about 8,000 petitions — we conclude that the Memorial, Weese’s argument that the poster con- garbage collection. a year and only hears about 80 cases. presently configured and as a whole, stitutes protected speech. “With 849 churches on Oahu, receiv- Four justices would have to agree to primarily conveys a message of gov- “DeWeese’s posters are situated in ing service twice per week, it is reason- hear Newdow’s appeal. ernment endorsement of religion that a courtroom, a public space, and were able to assume this giveaway is costing violates” the constitutional provision of placed on the wall by a sitting judge taxpayers at least $1 million annually Another battle over separation of church and state. charged with the decoration of that in revenue from lost fees,” said Kahle’s church and plate In recent years, small plaques have space while in office and presiding in Jan. 7 letter. “In addition, the cost of been placed on walls at the base of the the same courtroom. As such, we reject providing said services must also result The state of Vermont agreed in cross in remembrance of military veter- DeWeese’s contention that the display in substantial direct cost to taxpayers, January to issue a vanity plate that says ans. McKeown said that did not change constitutes private religious expression including but not necessarily limited JN36TN to Shawn Byrne of West Rut- the fact that the cross is primarily a protected by the Free Speech Clause, to, expenditures for trucks, equip- land. It refers to John 3:16 in the New Christian symbol. falling beyond the bounds of Establish- ment, maintenance, employee salaries Testament. Defendants in the case are the city ment Clause scrutiny,” wrote Judge Eric and benefits and disposal costs.” The Vermont DMV had refused to of San Diego, the U.S. government and Clay. “[T]he history of Defendant’s ac- The free service is illegal, Kahle said, issue it due to a policy barring religious Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. tions demonstrates that any purported because of a provision in the state Con- messages. The 2nd Circuit U.S. Court According to San Diego City Attor- secular purpose is a sham.” stitution that bans tax levies or spend- of Appeals overruled a district court ney Jan Goldsmith, the practical effect The court rejected what it called ing “except for a public purpose.” and said the ban was unconstitutional. of the appeals court decision is that the DeWeese’s attempt “to veil his religious Kahle, who will be named Freethink- Vermont Assistant Attorney General cross will have to be removed unless a purpose by casting his religious advo- er of the Year at FFRF’s 2011 conven- Bridget Asay said the state decided not full panel of appeals judges reverses cacy in philosophical terms.” tion, discussed his battle against legis- to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. the ruling or the Supreme Court ac- lative prayer Jan. 29 on Freethought cepts review and reverses it. 50th state first Radio: ffrf.org/news/radio/ UW Regents contest Trunk discussed the victory on the to stop prayer Catholic club ruling Jan. 8 Freethought Radio show: Newdow petitions for ffrf.org/news/radio/ The state Senate in Hawaii by unani- SCOTUS review The University of Wisconsin Sys- mous vote Jan. 20 agreed to stop open- tem Board of Regents asked the U.S. ing daily sessions with prayers, making California attorney Michael New- Supreme Court on Nov. 30 to review a In God We Trust, it the first state legislative body in the dow filed a petition Jan. 11 asking the 2010 federal appeals court ruling that then horse manure nation to halt the practice. U.S. Supreme Court to review an ap- required UW-Madison to fund reli- Senate rules previously said each peals court’s 2010 rejection of his chal- gious worship activities. The next order of business for the session “shall open with an invocation.” lenge to the placement of “In God We The 2-1 decision in Badger Catholic Norco, Calif., City Council after vot- Majority Leader Brickwood Galute- Trust” on U.S. currency as a violation Inc. v. Walsh by the 7th Circuit U.S. ing 4-0 to install “In God We Trust” in ria said new rules are flexible and allow of the separation of state and church. Court of Appeals said the university’s its chambers was to put off a vote on prayers at the Senate’s discretion, such “Devout atheists are forced to refusal to fully fund Badger Catholic, whether to hire Chevron to study turn- as on the opening day of each session, choose between not using what is of- a registered student group formerly ing the city’s huge supply of horse ma- according to the Honolulu Star-Adver- ten the only available legal tender called the Roman Catholic Founda- nure into energy. Lots of people ride tiser. House leaders are still drafting and committing what they consider tion, violated its rights to free speech. horses around Riverside County. rules and opened the new session with blasphemy,” Newdow argued in his Badger Catholic had requested “I believe it will snowball from here,” a moment of silence. petition. Newdow has separately chal- $253,000 in student fees. The univer- Councilman Harvey Sullivan said at As reported in Freethought Today lenged the phrase “So help me God” in sity funded most of that, but declined the Dec. 15 meeting. [He likely meant [Dec10], Mitch Kahle, president of Ha- the presidential oath and said he will to approve about $35,000 earmarked snowballing public trust in God, not in waii Citizens for the Separation of State also petition the court to remove “one for six religious worship activities. The efficient energy from horse manure, and Church and an FFRF member, was nation under God” from the Pledge of university maintains it may limit use of which, as manures go, is quite light and assaulted by security in the Senate last Allegiance. public funds for religious worship with- nowhere near as dense as cow pie.] April while standing to verbally object Newdow told McClatchy News that in the limited public forum it has cre- The Riverside Press-Enterprise re- to the prayer. In December, a judge the odds are stacked against him. “I ated for expressive student activities. ported that six people spoke in favor of chastised the state for trying to pros- think it is a sheer cliff with any court Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011

ciety. We closeted atheists can follow get perverse pleasure in reading the il- the headline news section and Action literate ravings of the bible-thumping Letterbox Alerts at ffrf.org. I link to news stories reactionaries. and leave comments for local online I would hope that my contribution readers. This is small but definitely not will help some young people struggling God doesn’t answer Panelist harassed useless. as I did, and perhaps spare them some Others see the billboards, read the of the anxieties and disappointments I any 9-1-1 calls for lack of belief comments, hear of the lawsuits and went through in my misspent youth. I enjoyed the “Out of the Closet” I work as a professional staff mem- letters of complaint and don’t feel as L. Kristofer Thomsen billboards. I have been an atheist all of ber at a public university in Missouri, alone. Many of them look up FFRF and Illinois my life, even as a child, and it was very where I was asked to sit on a panel that join. I was an atheist for a while before • • • comforting to see those billboards. So was part of a series titled “What does it I found FFRF, all thanks to a news ar- I joined FFRF and read Dan Barker’s mean to be ——— in America.” ticle. We closeted atheists can support I just read the Dec. 15 Freethought Godless. I am happy to see the great I sat first on the “Gay in America” FFRF, watch it grow and see its positive of the Day about the 219th anniversary things being done by the organization, panel. Everyone was polite and respect- impact on society. This will speed the of ratification of the Bill of Rights to and my support will continue. ful. I was then asked to sit on the “Re- time in which the majority don’t see us the Constitution, and a deep sense of I am a paramedic who is on the ligious/Spiritual in America” panel as Satan incarnate. delight rushed through my bones. I streets every day risking my life for as the only atheist they could find. I I welcome the day when I can sign couldn’t be prouder of this organiza- others, regardless of their race, creed, agreed, thinking the panel and audi- every e-mail with “may God B-less” or tion. color, sexual orientation or religious ence would be the same. Boy, was I I am able to go to my hometown with To win this battle against the Chris- beliefs. And I am an atheist. wrong. my atheist bumper stickers or I can tianization of our Constitution and I have compassion, don’t I? I have I was harassed not only by the audi- proudly put my face on a coming-out country, we need to win the hearts and morals, don’t I? My religious col- ence members, but the other panelists billboard. When I can sign my name to minds of the nation. I’ve always con- leagues are under the impression that as well. I made sure I was respectful a comment I’ve posted about the Sod- sidered FFRF to be great at the latter God has made me a paramedic. I, how- and did not point out the hypocrisy of dy-Daisy [football prayer] stories, that but not so good at the former. That is, ever, strongly disagree and tell them most of their statements, as the panel will be a proud day. until I read about the Out of the Closet that “God doesn’t answer 9-1-1 calls, was to provide information, not debate I thank you all. You give me hope billboard. I think this campaign is truly good people do.” That tends to make the issue. But the minute I opened my that my children and future grandchil- brilliant. Putting a face to the title of them freeze and think for a moment. mouth, I was berated for my lack of re- dren may be able to live in a world with “atheist” is winning over hearts every If such a statement can make a para- ligious belief. less religion. You make me proud. You day people drive past the billboards. medic think about who the real hero Two hours later, I was shaken and are very much like my own secret army FFRF is moving in the right direc- is, maybe it can make others do the disturbed by the lack of decency, com- that allows me to remain the good cop tion, and I’ve enclosed two checks to same. Please consider it for “Out of the mon sense and shame that was thrown until the coast is clear. You fight my help build momentum: $500 for Out Closet.” at me. At least the moderator tried to battles, you stand up for humanity, and of the Closet and $500 for the general Ruben F. Ortiz, MICP step in and help, but they ignored her. you liberate the mind. Legal Fund. Thank you for your dili- New Jersey I give everyone at FFRF my utmost I love you all. gence! thanks. I hope that someday I can find Ben Wilson Keith Dricken other freethinkers near me so I don’t Florida North Carolina Marquee feel quite so alone. • • • Dany Thompson Surely, hosts of Madness Missouri After at least 20 years of member- angels would approve ship, it’s time to become a Lifetime Can’t come out till Until a recent Friday night, my com- Member. Over the years, I have been mitment to becoming a Lifetime Mem- so pleased to belong to such a vital the coast is clear ber was only semi-serious. and active organization and look for- Reading Freethought Today, I felt I was a passenger in a car heading ward each month to the arrival of in good company as I read about my home about midnight when we were Freethought Today. fellow closeted atheists. Fearing soci- hit by a drunk driver. The rear half of I am especially proud of the rapid etal repercussions or the backlash to a our car was sheared off, and the other growth of our membership over the business, I certainly understand. I too vehicle hit about 15 inches from where past two or three years. I think that can cannot declare my independence from I sat. be attributed to the billboard and bus ignorance yet. I have peeked from the As much as I have appreciated the campaigns. Whoever thought those up closet doors and shared the good news friendly wishes I got while hospitalized deserves a “stroke of genius” award. I with family and a few friends, but have and afterward for relatively minor inju- look at the advertising as letting people Knox City, Texas not yet been able to expose myself fully. ries, there were many pronouncements know that someone is looking out for J.R. Staton, Oklahoma: “Ironically, It would put my business at great risk. that I’d been protected by angels or by our minority. It has been very comfort- I saw this shortly after listening to Daily I receive over 50 e-mails from God, which I deferentially acknowl- ing to me to know this. I only hope Freethought Radio’s podcast with customers and interested parties. edged and noted. It’s more about my that someday we will be large enough Daniel Dennett discussing atheist Many end with “God Bless You, you are gentle temperament than it is about to have a voting bloc that will have as pastors.” an angel” or the likes. This is quite a my convictions that I didn’t ask them much clout as the Religious Right. conundrum for me. I proudly display why the angels let the drunk driver hit Thanks for all your hard work and atheist and freethought stickers on my us in the first place. excellent management of our donated vehicles. I have a red ink stamp that I I realized that that Friday could have money. I look forward to many more slyly cover the “In God we trust” with been my last day, as any day can be, and years of membership. the ever popular “Atheist Money” text. that I hadn’t followed through on my Jayne M. Edwards My nonbelief is well known to my long-term goal to become a Lifetime Virgin Islands family. Recently, the bishop of the LDS Member and tell you all how much I • • • church where my parents faithfully appreciate your work. I truly appreci- surrender reason a couple of times a ate your courageous work on behalf of Enclosed is my $5,000 check to help week asked my father if he could send our freedoms. finance the much needed expansion the missionaries by my house. Dad told Please find enclosed my check for of Freethought Hall. The project is a him only if he wants to lose two mis- $1,000. It’s money very well spent. worthy purpose for my savings over sionaries to the other side. Bryan Dunn the years. Having my name as a major First de-ice your wings I long for the day when I can proud- Texas donor in Freethought Hall will be an “This is one of many reasons why ly display the “A” on my website or • • • honor indeed. religion is dangerous!” — Dr. Stephen open a dialogue when a customer says Frank Dowding B. Wilson, New York Jesus told them to contact me. If they I am authorizing payment for a Life Minnesota only knew. Membership. I feel like the stifling in- • • • There is much that we in the closet fluence of my childhood religious in- can do. We can support FFRF, donate doctrination was crippling. It caused I enjoyed signing up as a member to the Legal Fund or support a bill- me to be rigid, unforgiving and judg- and donating to the cause to help edu- board campaign. The beauty of all this mental of others. Even though I have cate the world. When I got Freethought effort is that more and more people long since left the dogma behind, it Today in the mail, I didn’t think I see these wonderful displays and come created a dreadful mindset that pre- would really read it, but I loved it! out. They may have never considered vented me from enjoying life as I Being in the digital age with pod- joining a group. Many young people should have. Well, that’s water over the casts and Google News, I really don’t today are freethinking atheists, raised damned dam, so to speak, and there read newspapers or magazines as I did in secular homes, and are closeted only isn’t much point in dwelling on it. in the past. But I really value your ar- because they never considered its im- I look forward to reading your pub- ticles and information. Keep up the Sold out of lamb? portance or beauty. lications. The essays are thoughtful great work. And so much tastier than a grilled These billboards and lawsuits are and intellectually invigorating, and Greg Benusa cheese virgin! crucial. They allow us to be a part of exposés of clerical misbehavior are California — Robert Navrotski, Pennsylvania the movement to a more secular so- both amusing and depressing. I even • • • January/February 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

only mention religion twice, and then Please accept my check for Lifetime only in exclusionary terms: ‘Congress Membership. I am totally convinced shall make no law respecting the estab- that all religions and all “believers” are lishment of religion,’ and that there insane, and therefore I will not argue shall be no test of religion to hold an with them. I admire your patience. I elected position?” know the money will be put to good He said somehing about how hard use. it was to be an atheist in Texas, and Karl E. Jonasson that there are so many highly educated California people here who are still so unbeliev- • • • ably stupid. He took 40% off my bill because I don’t have insurance and Thank you so much for what you called it an “Insider’s Discount.” do. I enjoy the newspaper so much. He then wished me (with the exam Recently, in particular, I have found room door open and him headed out the college essays to be fantastic. I am into the hallway) “A happy Roman hol- proud to become a Life Member. iday!” Then he stuck his head back in Winfred Emmons the room while pulling the door most- Texas ly closed and said, “None of this gets out!” while grinning widely. • • • It’s not the label The atheist does not have to “know Without a doubt, the best doctor’s everything” in order to know that the visit I’ve ever had. Here is my donation of $500 for the that’s important believers’ claims about gods are unsub- Michele Azzaro building expansion. I wish I could give In answer to “Agnostic wonders if stantiated. All the atheist has to know Texas more, but every little bit helps, as they there’s something” [Dec10], her ques- is that believers have never produced say. tions are those I asked myself awhile any credible, objective evidence to Pledge gets rewrite, If it weren’t for the work FFRF does, back. Whether you are an atheist or back their claims. religious fanatics would take over the not can depend on your definition of Lee Helms why don’t prayers? country. The nonreligious people god. Why should I define my beliefs by Michigan It’s now well over half a century would not have freedom at all. Keep the beliefs of others? Can I have a spiri- • • • since the phrase “under God” was in- up the good work. tual connection to the mystery of the serted into the Pledge of Allegiance. Charles Saxton cosmos without buying into the non- We do not need to search the uni- If we can’t undo that, for the sake of Arkansas sense of religion? verse to prove that there is no god in consistency, shouldn’t we amend the Yes, you can. I belong to FFRF be- particular or no supernatural in gen- Lord’s Prayer as well? Maybe to “Our Only you, not god, cause I see religion as destructive of eral, because there is precisely nothing Father, who art in heaven, and who connecting to the true nature of the to search for. Nothingness (e.g., god, hovereth closely over the United States prevents forest fires universe and humanity’s place in it. devil, supernatural) cannot exist, cause of America, and payeth special at- To me, science, reason and spirit are or explain anything, because there is tention to how He can best serve the all connected. There is something all nothing to exist, nothing to cause any- needs of the citizens of this Christian right, but that something is undefin- thing and nothing with which to ex- nation, hallowed be thy name.” able. Therefore, it’s best to concen- plain anything. While we’re rewriting, let’s go to trate on those things we can know exist Nothingness (e.g., god, devil, super- Matthew 6:6 and take out the part and to make this world a better place natural) cannot be identified, located, where Jesus suggests people pray in for all life. observed, measured or experienced private rather than in public. Evident- I loosely fit into the realm of the pan- and cannot be used to predict, control ly, His wisdom no longer applies. theist, or as Dawkins puts it, “a sexed- or explain anything. It is true (i.e., to- Chuck Berry up atheist.” Define yourself however tally accurate and totally reliable) that Pennsylvania you please, or don’t define yourself at there is no god in particular and no su- • • • all. In the cosmic scheme of things, it pernatural in general. really doesn’t matter. It is known with total accuracy and OK, that’s it, as far as I’m concerned Peter Hall total reliability that there is no god in — no more fiddling with the pledge. Oregon particular and no supernatural in gen- First the religionists added “under • • • eral. A gnostic atheist knows with total God.” After that it was “for the born accuracy and total reliability that there and unborn.” What’s next, “with liberty Evidence that there’s “way too much Since there is no evidence that there is no god in particular and no super- and justice and freedom from taxes for religion in public life,” says Eleanor is “something, somewhere, somehow” natural in general. all”? Pippitt, who sent in this Dart Flipcards [Dec10], we have no information re- Paul Keller I’ve been queasy about the pledge trading card. garding such a being’s nature. We have Wisconsin for a long time. What does it mean no way of knowing if this supposed be- when you pledge allegiance to a flag? To keep the religious tide from en- ing is even aware of us, let alone is in- ‘Best doctor’s visit I’ll pledge allegiance and be loyal to gulfing our country, I am pledging $10 terested in or capable of caring about the USA any day, any time, anywhere. a month to the FFRF Legal Fund. what we think our how we behave. I’ve ever had’ But how the hell can you be loyal to In a world of label choices — athe- On that basis, I deny its existence, as I wore my “Freethinker FFRF” to a a flag? ist, Bright, agnostic, humanist, skeptic, I also deny the existence of Bertrand doctor’s appointment. When my doc- I have no doubt that it will soon be- secularist — “freethinker” is the most Russell’s teapot.☺ tor leaned in to listen to my heart and come traditional to recite the pledge positive, descriptive and upbeat one. Deborah Warcken breathing, he asked what FFRF stood and, at the conclusion, say “amen.” I tell people that “I’ve become some- California for. I said, “It’s the Freedom From Re- Paul A. Alter thing of a freethinker in my retire- • • • ligion Foundation, which actively sup- Pennsylvania ment.” ports separation of church and state, Eleanor Pippitt Believers often argue that it is up to and — ” Interview strikes chord California the skeptic to disprove the claims that Before I could go further, he believers make about the existence of stopped me and asked what my “lean- with former Witness Gervais’ atheist remark gods, but that is illogical. In order to ings” were. I said, “Of course, I’m athe- I just listened to Freethought Ra- disprove any “X exists” type of claim ist. But even when I thought I was a be- dio’s interview with Sarah Braasch, on TV was golden (e.g., unicorns), one would have to liever, I didn’t want the government in and it made me go back and download I was channel-surfing when I caught scour the entire universe for absence my religion. And now, now I just want the 8/16/08 podcast featuring Sarah, the end of the Golden Globe awards of evidence of existence. Clearly, that religion to get the hell out of my gov- which really struck a chord with me. just as the credits were rolling. Ricky is beyond human capabilities. ernment!” I am a new FFRF member. I was also Gervais was the host. For those of you The believers’ “disprove it” argu- He grinned hugely and gestured raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. At one who don’t who he is, Gervais is a Brit- ment is a deliberate attempt to place at the rest of the office (and city) out- point I was appointed a “ministerial ish comedian, actor and writer who an unreasonable, impossible burden side the exam room and said, “I know! servant,” which is basically an elder in co-created “The Office.” He’s also an on the skeptic. Unfortunately for be- These people, there’s no talking to training. I was recently kicked out, at outspoken atheist. lievers, there is no such thing as a “bur- them. It’s pure, blind faith. And the age 32, as a heretic for admitting to At the very end of the telecast [seen den of disproof” to be foisted onto the way they twist the history of our nation! believing in evolution and doubting by about 17 million viewers], Gervais skeptic. The burden of proof belongs You know, the founders were mostly the existence of god. I am shunned by was thanking people, parodying the to the person who makes the positive Freemasons who believed — well, they family and former friends, but I think celebrities’ acceptance speeches. The claim that “X does exist,” and in order believed in something, but it wasn’t Jesus it was worth it. last thing he said was, “And thank you to make such a claim truthfully, the and God and everything those people Everything Sarah said was true, to god — for making me an atheist.” claimant must have, and present, cred- are saying about them now!” but there are many other reasons she Woo-hoo! Testify, brother Ricky! ible, objective evidence to back the I concurred and told him the term didn’t mention that make this religion Kristine Danowski claim. Absence of evidence may not he was looking for was “deist.” especially evil. For one, they isolate Pennsylvania be evidence of absence, but it certainly “If the founders wanted a Christian isn’t evidence of existence. government,” I said, “how come they Continued on next page Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011 Letterbox

Continued from previous page like you run these minorities out of you. One of the first things you must this God-given land, we can start work- do when you join is cut your ties with ing on the misguided factions of Christ non-Witnesses. Growing up, I was nev- like the Mormons, the Catholics and er allowed to be friends with anyone the Quakers. Keep up the fight! God who was not a Witness. Those on the bless America: One nation, under God, outside were constantly demonized and soon to be indivisible once we get as immoral and untrustworthy. They rid of everyone with different views. actively discourage higher education. Ray (not associated with the god Ra) They intensely pressure teens to evan- gelize full time. Those who are more • • • active expect financial support from those who do less. [Ray Lynch, Colorado, responded to a I really appreciate the light FFRF letter to the editor in which the writer, Colette shines on the dangers of this particular L., quoted scripture to implore America to Overheard religion, and I hope you continue to “get down on your knees and repent.”] do the same in the future. It’s daunting that religion must bully Atheists think for themselves and ex- president of LifeWay (“Biblical Solu- Jason Lien people to worship or obey as Colette L. amine all available evidence with a crit- tions for Life”) Washington felt compelled to do. Why stop there? ical eye. They tend to be unconcerned USA Today, 12-20-10 P.S.: I first heard of you via your bus Let’s quote some more scripture, like with what others think of their opin- sign campaign in Seattle. I hope to see Leviticus 20:13 and condemn our ho- ions, and honest with themselves when It’s time for Belmont University to more in the future. mosexual sons to death. Deuteronomy presented with empirical evidence change and to recognize that we have 21:18-21, Mark 7:9-13 and so on. contrary to what they might have once gay students, faculty and staff. Belmont Hate mail fails as Young people, don’t let the holy believed. They are also rightfully wary has to decide whether they want to be men and the Colettes bully you with of organized religion and the dangers a national recognized university — recruiting tool their fearmongering. They say you’ll of charismatic religious leaders. particularly with their School of Music On reading some of the vicious hate reap everlasting life if you follow some Unnamed “person of faith” respond- business — or they want to be a church. mail that you receive, I can’t help won- holy man’s edicts. Can you say Chris- ing to a challenge to say one nice thing Mike “The Candy Man” Curb, Nash- dering whether those people realize tian Taliban? You’re going to have a about atheism ville, Tenn., Curb Records president, what damage they are doing to their full life on this planet because you’re The Sceptical Scribe, 12-15-10 on the Christian school firing a gay own viewpoint, much more than to a good person who loves humankind women’s soccer coach yours, simply by displaying their own and yearns to make this world better You know, you get to that age, you The Tennessean, 12-8-10 vulgarity and ignorance. because you were here. That’s everlast- haven’t even kissed your first girl yet. Certainly, no thinking person would ing enough for me. And here you’ve got this guy kissing Dear Super Christians: I have nothing want to come anywhere near a belief If enough religious bullies are en- you. He did some harm. against your religion, but I would like system supported by people of that ilk. couraged in our society, can it be long John Purdy, St. Paul, Minn., one of 21 you to keep your beliefs to yourself If that’s Christianity, one would say, before their fanaticism is also encour- men accusing Raimond Rose of the De and off Facebook, which is a website then one would surely prefer to associ- aged? Had Colette studied history La Salle Christian Brothers of molest- of many different faiths. I’m going to ate with non-Christians! along with her bible, she would know ing them as far back as the 1960s start deleting people who post bible Barbara G. Walker, Lifetime Member that there was a time when people were Associated Press, 12-7-10 quotes constantly. Florida forced to pray and believe in religion. Post by Gordie Mann It was called the Dark Ages. The GPS tracking device fits inside the Facebook, 1-10-11 Two Rays to brighten Christmas decoration, features motion- Toast (with tea) activated tracking and sends text mes- I must admit that I read the religion everyone’s days sages and e-mail alerts if the figurine section partially for a laugh. Why else? [Ray Bradley, North Carolina, sent this for FFRF’s esprit moves. Baby Jesus has successfully been To keep an eye on things that I am tongue-in-cheek response following an FFRF Reason’s greetings from Canada! tracked to a thief’s apartment and then wary of: anti-intellectualism, pseudo- Action Alert involving Campbell County The favorite part of my day is my recovered. science, lying to children, extremism, Mayor William Baird of Jacksboro, Tenn. morning “devotionals,” when I read Story on BrickHouse Security’s free scriptural literalism, anti-blasphemy Baird had defended a nativity scene at a Freethought Today over tea and toast. GPS Jesus program laws and the like. If you don’t know state park with a “We’re a Christian com- Your brilliant legal victories, billboard Computerworld, 12-16-10 what you are up against, you can’t fight munity” comment.] campaigns, debates and burgeoning it as well as you could or should. I am Mayor Baird: I am very glad that membership letters are a life-saving Person A is driving along I-75 from a for a free and secular society where the there are still God-fearing Christians beacon of rationality. monster truck rally. Person B, a drunk individual is protected from not just like you willing to stand up against When people ask why I’m an atheist, driver, crosses the median at 65 mph the majority, but from the moral laws minorities who don’t know Campbell I say, “Why not?” Religion tells us the and slams into Person A’s car, killing of the religious. And so while I do read County is a Christian community. It’s world is a heinous place of evil, suffer- him and his pet llama instantly. Person the oddest articles for a cheap chuckle, time people realize this nation is ruled ing and filthy sinners, where the only B, while dinged up a bit, lives to be- I tend to read to gird myself to protect by the majority. If Muslims, Jews, athe- happiness is living in a fairy tale, and come an inmate’s boy toy, but will most individual liberty. ists or other minorities who don’t be- the only escape is death. likely be released on parole three years Alex Wilhelm, atheist blogger, answer- lieve in the Christ Jesus disagree, they Science shows us how amazing and later thanks to our great “justice” sys- ing why he reads the religion section should keep quiet or get out. They have unique a speck we are in the universe tem. Now which person was God with? Huffington Post, 1-11-11 no rights in this Christian nation to op- — the only world teeming with life that Logic would tell me “the drunk driver.” pose government-sponsored Christmas we know of. Science helps us to explore Naturally, people of faith have some Hardcore Christians tell me the bible displays. And if they want displays of its wonders, find answers to our ques- platitudes to dismiss my reasoning. calls homosexuality “an abomination.” their own, they can put them on their tions and solutions to our problems (if John Danz Jr., on crediting God instead What they fail to mention is that it’s own property, not on any public lands we’d only quit catering to religion). of luck or human ingenuity only one of several hundred abomina- paid for by Christian taxpayers. Judy Loewen The Student Operated Press, 12-15-10 tions, including wearing clothes made Eventually, when enough people Alberta, Canada of more than one material. Better send The locker room is a religion- and all those blends to Goodwill. When I politics-free zone, where everyone can point that out, they change gears and spend their free time in a neutral man- ask why I’m endorsing the gay agen- ner. da. Gays have an agenda? Ever watch Notice at Lady Fitness gym asking “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”? women not to pray on the premises, a You can’t get five gay guys to agree on ban objected to by Muslims but upheld drapes, much less an agenda! by Eva Biaudet, Finland’s minority om- Atheist comedian Frank King, answer- budsman ing why he reads the religion section Helsingin Sanomat, 12-20-10 Huffington Post, 1-11-11

Sure, people will say Jesus is the rea- A locked box containing an unusual son for the season, but Thor is the rea- combination of valuables was stolen son the fifth day of the week is named from a Flint home on Tuesday, accord- Thursday. That doesn’t mean I cel- ing to a police report. Inside the box ebrate Thor. The fact is, people don’t were four bottles of methadone and a open the Gospel and read why Jesus white leather family bible. came. News story on burglary Rev. Ed Stetzer, Baptist pastor and The Flint [Mich.] Journal, 1-26-11 January/February 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23

Go for it!

FFRF Lifetime Member Wayne Hensler of rural Waterloo, Wis., sponsored this billboard for six weeks on U.S. 151 near Columbus, Wis. The octogenarian Rally for agnostic dad’s custody rights placed a similar billboard last year in a different location as a freethought legacy to his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He hopes that Supporters braved the cold Dec. 16 in Anderson, Ind., to back Craig Scarberry, other FFRF members might be “inspired” to place similar messages in their an agnostic who lost custody of his three children due to a judge’s open areas on behalf of the Foundation. religious bias in Scarberry’s divorce case. Reba Boyd Wooden, FFRF member “It’s something that will make people think a little bit, and maybe help them and executive director of the Center for Inquiry Indiana, is second from left. make a little more joy in life,” remarked Hensler. Scarberry was a Jan. 8 guest on Freethought Radio: ffrf.org/news/radio/shows/ Huge news, but barely noticed

This was first published Nov. 9, 2010, of Americans, espe- lar. in The Charleston Gazette and is reprinted cially the young, who Little noticed, Arguably, it’s one of the biggest with permission. answer “none” when secularism keeps news stories during our lives, although asked their religion. most of us are too busy to notice. Du- By James A. Haught In 1990, this group climbing in the rant may have been correct when he had climbed to 8%, wrote that it is the basic event of mod- and by 2008 it had U.S. ern times. doubled to 15%, plus another 5% who answer “don’t know.” James Haught, editor of The Charles- This implies that around 45 million gay marriage, despite church outrage. ton Gazette, West Virginia’s largest news- U.S. adults today lack church affilia- Sociologists are fascinated by Amer- paper, can be reached at 304-348-5199 or tion. In Hawaii, more than half say they ica’s secular shift. Dr. Robert Putnam at [email protected]. This essay is Philosopher-historian Will Durant have no church connection. of Harvard, author of Bowling Alone, adapted from his ninth book, Fading Faith: called it “the basic event of modern • Mainline losses. America’s tra- found as many as 40% of young Ameri- The Rise of the Secular Age. times.” He didn’t mean the world wars, ditional Protestant churches — “tall cans answering “none” to faith surveys. or the end of colonialism, or the rise of steeple” denominations with seminary- “It’s a huge change, a stunning devel- electronics. He was talking about the trained clergy — once dominated opment,” he said. “That is the future decline of religion in Western democ- U.S. culture. They were the essence of America.” He joined Dr. David racies. of America. But their membership is Campbell of Notre Dame in writing a They Said What? The great mentor saw subsiding collapsing. Over the past half-century, new book, American Grace, that outlines faith as the most profound occurrence while the U.S. population doubled, the trend. Putnam’s Social Capital site of the past century — a shift of Western United Methodists fell from 11 million sums up: “Young Americans are drop- civilization, rather like former transi- to 7.9 million, Episcopalians dropped ping out of religion at an alarming rate No demons, nor angels nor DAs can tions away from the age of kings, the from 3.4 million to 2 million, the Pres- of five to six times the historic rate.” keep you separated from the love of era of slavery and such epochs. byterian Church USA sank from 4.1 Oddly, males outnumber females Jesus Christ. Since World War II, worship has million to 2.2 million, etc. The reli- among the churchless. “The ratio of Former U.S. House Majority Leader dwindled starkly in Europe, Canada, gious journal First Things — noting 60 males to 40 females is a remarkable Tom DeLay, paraphrasing Romans Australia, Japan and other advanced that mainline faiths dwindled from result,” the 2008 ARIS poll reported. 8 while the jury deliberated money- democracies. In those busy places, only 50% of the adult U.S. population to a “These gender patterns correspond laundering and conspiracy charges, on 5 or 10% of adults now attend church. mere 8% — lamented that “the Great with many earlier findings that show which he was convicted Secular society scurries along heed- Church of America has come to an women to be more religious than Houston Chronicle, 11-23-10 lessly. end.” A researcher at the Ashbrook men.” Pope Benedict XVI protested: “Eu- think tank dubbed it “Flatline Protes- Growing secularism has political We have been placed here for a reason rope has developed a culture that, in tantism.” implications. The Republican Party and a short season. Let us make the a manner unknown before now to hu- • Catholic losses. Although Hispan- may suffer as the white evangelical Re- most of it. manity, excludes God from the public ic immigration resupplies U.S. Catholi- ligious Right shrinks. In contrast, bur- Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, declar- conscience.” Columnist George Will cism with replacements, many former geoning “nones” tend to vote Demo- ing his Inauguration Day “a gift from called the Vatican “109 acres of faith in adherents have drifted from the giant cratic. Sociologist Ruy Teixeira says God” a European sea of unbelief.” church. The 2008 American Religious the steady rise of the unaffiliated, plus Wichita Eagle, 1-12-11 America seems an exception. This Identification Survey found that 20 swelling minorities, means that “by the country has 350,000 churches whose million Americans have quit Catholi- 2016 election (or 2020 at the outside) It’s a symbol of constitutional gov- members donate $100 billion per year. cism — thus one-tenth of U.S. adults the United States will have ceased to be ernment. It’s a symbol of Jesus Christ The United States teems with booming now are ex-Catholics. a white Christian nation. Looking even above all else. It’s a symbol of biblical megachurches, gigantic sales of “Rap- • Fading taboos. A half-century farther down the road, white Chris- government. ture” books, fundamentalist attacks on ago, church-backed laws had power in tians will be only around 35% of the Newly elected Arkansas GOP state evolution, hundred-million-dollar TV America. In the 1950s, it was a crime population by 2040, and conservative Rep. Loy Mauch, on the meaning of ministries, talking-in-tongues Pente- to look at the equivalent of a Playboy white Christians, who have been such the Confederate flag costals, the white evangelical Religious magazine or R-rated movie — or for a critical part of the Republican base, Arkansas Times, 11-11-10 Right attached to the Republican Par- stores to open on the Sabbath — or to will be only about a third of that — a ty, and the like. buy a cocktail or lottery ticket — or to minority within a minority.” I want to make private schools more ac- But quietly, under the radar, much sell birth-control devices in some states Gradually, decade by decade, re- cessible to Republican Christian fami- of America slowly is following the path — or to be homosexual — or to termi- ligion is moving from the advanced lies that cannot afford to pay high tu- previously taken by Europe. Little no- nate a pregnancy — or to read a sexy First World to the less-developed Third ition and for those who cannot home ticed, secularism keeps climbing in the novel — or for an unwed couple to World. Faith retains enormous power school their children. U.S. Here’s the evidence: share a bedroom. Now all those moral- in Muslim lands. Pentecostalism is Texas Gov. Rick Perry, speech to the • Rising “nones.” Various polls ity laws have fallen, one after another. booming in Africa and South America. Houston Chamber of Commerce find a strong increase in the number Currently, state after state is legalizing Yet the West steadily turns more secu- Burnt Orange Report, 1-27-11 Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin January/February 2011 34th FFRF convo, Hartford, Conn., Oct. 7-9 Coyne, activists, Twain tour on program Brent Nicastro The Foundation’s and Evolution at the prayers. (For more 34th annual conven- University of Chicago, details on the activ- tion is set for Hart- is author of the 2009 ists’ achievements, see ford, Conn., at the book, Why Evolution State/Church Bulletin Marriott Hartford is True. His plain-spo- starting on page 6.) Down­town on the ken column, “Science The convention will weekend of Oct. 7-9, and religion aren’t open formally on Fri- 2011. friends,” appeared in day night with speech- “We chose Hart- Steve Trunk Mitch Kahle USA Today in Octo- es and a celebratory Jerry Coyne ford for East Coast ber 2010, in which he des­­­­­­­­sert reception, convenience and so that members wrote: continue through $95 for non-member), send back the might have a chance to tour the fas- “Science and faith are fundamen- Saturday and conclude by noon Sun- handy registration form this on page cinating Victorian house that Mark tally incompatible, and for precisely day morning after membership and or go online to: Twain built, which is now a museum,” the same reason that irrationality and Board of Director meetings. To tour ffrf.org/outreach/convention said Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co- rationality are incompatible. They are the Twain house, plan your itinerary to The optional Saturday Non-Prayer president. different forms of inquiry, with only make time on Friday afternoon. Breakfast, $25 (including 21% gratu- The free Hartford Star Shuttle con- one, science, equipped to find real FFRF group rates at the Marriott ity and 6% tax), features scrambled nects the Connecticut Convention truth. And while they may have a dia- Hartford Downtown, 200 Columbus eggs, applewood bacon, roasted pota- Center (across the street from the ho- logue, it’s not a constructive one. Sci- Blvd., Hartford, Conn., are $159 plus toes, Parmesan-crusted tomato, juice tel) and riverfront with other down- ence helps religion only by disproving tax, single, double, triple or quadruple. and hot beverages. A vegetarian op- town hotels, restaurants, shops and at- its claims, while religion has nothing to Reserve your rooms directly by request- tion substitutes fruit for bacon. Chef’s tractions. add to science.” ing “Freedom From Religion Founda- choice vegan and gluten-free are also A major attraction not on the shut- Also receiving awards will be two tion” Group Block by calling toll-free available. tle route is the Mark Twain House and FFRF activists. Steve Trunk, an FFRF to 866-373-9806. Dinner, $45, is Andora chicken Museum. If enough convention-goers Board and Lifetime Member, will re- Rooms for FFRF conventions always served with greens and mozzarella, sign up (check registration form), ceive the Atheist in Foxhole Award as go fast, so plan ahead to avoid disap- rolls, coffee/tea, starch, and chocolate FFRF will reserve the Twain Home and plaintiff in a lawsuit in which the 9th pointment. Rooms are held until Sept. truffle cake. Museum for a staggered group tour on Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Janu- 6 unless filled before then. Head’s up: Vegetarian includes all of above, but the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 7, before ary declared the Mount Soledad cross There are no shuttles from the airport. the entrée is vegetable strudel (grilled the convention opens. (See sidebar.) in San Diego unconstitutional. Taxi rides from airport to hotel typical- vegetables in a puff pastry). Chef’s Other Hartford attractions are Mitch Kahle, founder of Hawaii Citi- ly run $36 to $44, so try to share. FFRF choice vegan and gluten-free options Katherine Hepburn’s gravesite, at Ce- zens for the Separation of State and decreased its convention registration are likewise available for dinner. dar Hill Cemetery, and the Harriet Church, will be named Freethinker rates accordingly. Parking is $19 dai- Beecher Stowe house. of the Year for persuading the Hawaii ly/$23 valet. Union Station is less than Reserve spot now for Professor Jerry Coyne will accept Senate in January to drop prayers to a mile from the hotel. Twain group tour FFRF’s Emperor Has No Clothes open legislative sessions. Kahle, a long- To register for the convention (only Award at the convention. Coyne, a pro- time FFRF supporter, was roughed $50 per member, $55 per spouse or Hartford, Conn., is home to the fessor in the Department of Ecology up by Senate security for protesting companion accompanying member, Mark Twain House and Museum. Samuel Langhorne Clemens commis- sioned architect Edward Tuckerman Return to: FFRF, Attn: Convention, P.O. Box 750, Madison, WI 53701 Potter to design the 11,500-square-foot Victorian home. It was completed in Freedom From Religion Foundation’s 1874, and the family lived there until 1891. It has 25 rooms on three floors. 34th Annual Convention The family contracted with Tiffany & Co. to decorate the walls and ceilings. It was ultra-modern for its day, was October 7–9, 2011 heated via ductwork, lighted with gas and had seven bathrooms with hot and Make checks cold running water and flush toilets. Marriott Hardford Downtown Clemens installed an early model of payable to “FFRF” Hartford, Connecticut the telephone in 1878. In 2003, the Mark Twain Museum Center opened with permanent and No. registering rotating exhibits, including a Ken _____ FFRF Member registration(s) @ $50 per person ...... $_____ Burns mini-documentary on Twain. _____ Non-member spouse or companion accompanying member @ $55...... $_____ The Murasaki Café offers Japanese cui- _____ Non-member registration(s) @ $95 ...... $_____ sine from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. (or join for $40, save $5!) If enough members reserve tickets, _____ Student registration(s) @ $25 (Ask about student group rate) ...... $_____ the Twain House and Museum will _____ Saturday Non-Prayer Breakfast @ $25* per person ...... $_____ close for FFRF-only guided tours Fri- Vegetarian option ___ no. of vegetarian Vegan option ___ no. of vegan day, Oct. 7 (11:30 a.m. to last guided _____ Saturday Night Dinner @ $45* per person ...... $_____ tour at 4:30 p.m.). Admission to the Vegetarian option ___ no. of vegetarian Vegan option ___ no. of vegan house is by guided tour only (approxi- Gluten-free dinners required on above selections mately 45 minutes) and is limited to 16 persons per tour. The self-guided tour * Meal prices include 21% gratuity and 6% sales tax of the museum usually takes viewers an Reserve ____ ticket(s) to tour Mark Twain home, afternoon of Fri., Oct. 7. hour to 90 minutes. (FFRF will bill you later. Tour will take place if enough members respond.) A group tour, including cost of the FFRF-hired shuttle, would be less than the usual fee of $16 per adult, $10 per Name(s) Please include names of all registrants for nametags child. The exact tour price will be an- nounced after the Twain House is re- served. The shuttle bus would depart Address from the hotel about every 15 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis. If interested, please check the box- City/State/Zip Please include phone/e-mail (in case we have a question about your registration) on the registration form to reserve tick- ets. FFRF will bill you separately for the tour once details are confirmed.