Freethought

Complimentary Copy Today Join FFRF Now!

Vol. 28 No. 2 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. March 2011

FFRF keeps pressure on in Virginia Commandments fight continues volunteer some time, but they never pick up the plaintiffs’ tab.” FFRF located two school district families who agreed to be co-plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit, with Elliott and Rebecca Glenberg, ACLU of Virginia attorney, acting as co-counsel. The suit would be filed in U.S. District Court in Roanoke. Mat Staver of Liberty Coun- sel offered Giles County support. Ar- bogast warned the School Board that fighting a suit could cost the district $300,000. “Plaintiffs with children in the schools have come forward,” Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president, an- nounced to media in Virginia. “They’re our heroes.” Sarah McNair of Virginia, who began The board then held a special meet- objecting to religion at Giles County ing Feb. 22 and voted to remove the High School in 2004, is the 2011 Commandments in all buildings. The recipient of FFRF’s Thomas Jefferson same day, the U.S. Supreme Court de- Youth Activist Award. See page 3 story clined without comment to hear a Lib- for more on Sarah. erty Counsel appeal challenging a rul- ing that struck down the display of the Ten Commandments inside two Ken- tucky courthouses [see State/Church Bulletin on page 19]. he Freedom From Religion After the vote, Arbogast ambiguous- Judy Freeman (left) and Louise Stone are two of the freethinkers featured in T Eric Paul Erickson’s new book Atheist Bliss. See the story and photo spread Foundation is keeping the heat on ly wrote FFRF on Feb. 22 “no display Giles County Public Schools in Pearis- containing the Ten Commandments starting on page 12. (Photography by Eric Paul Erickson) burg, Va., to ensure that Ten Com- will be posted in our schools without mandments displays don’t reappear express approval of the Giles County in school buildings. More than a few School Board.” lines on religion in the school would unlawful government speech promot- Christians in the area are livid that Elliott responded that removing the bring welcome clarity to the current ing religion. they are being asked to abide by the displays was a wise decision. “Along dispute. It might even convince local law. Students have staged a walkout to with the ACLU of Virginia, we are officials to reconsider their decision to protest the Commandments being re- monitoring the situation to ensure that play favorites with religion and violate Inside This Issue moved. the School Board does not attempt to the Constitution.” FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott skirt the law and put the Ten Com- The board has a regular meeting set first complained about the violation mandments back into Giles County for March 15. FFRF and the ACLU are Ex-priest sheds Dec. 8 on behalf of a local resident who schools. Any such attempts to violate analyzing documents received after fil- Catholic guilt objected to a Commandments display the Constitution and Supreme Court ing an open records request related to Page 5 in the hallway of Macy McClaugherty precedent would constitute a losing the displays. Elementary and Middle School. Super- legal battle for the School Board. It is The Roanoke Times reported intendent Terry Arbogast replied Dec. evident that this issue has been divisive March 9 that “a small group of stu- 17 that the display, and similar ones in the community. This is precisely why dents” stayed out of high school classes in other district buildings, would be the First Amendment protects citizens March 7 to protest removal of the Com- removed during Christmas break and from government-sponsored religious mandments. Student Dustin Dowdy replaced with “another historical docu- messages.” said he spent about three hours out- Witnessing ment.” Then the School Board, over- The Roanoke Times strongly criti- side the school by himself on March 8, Egypt’s whelmed by public complaints led by cized state and local officials in a Feb. then went home because he got cold. revolution two clergy, voted 5-0 on Jan. 20 to flout 11 editorial. “In 2004, a student com- He said his participation in the protest Page 9 the Constitution and flaunt the Com- plained, but no one fixed the problem. drew a three-day, off-campus suspen- mandments. “Not only does the display violate sion. Photo: Brent Nicastro FFRF responded that unless the the First Amendment, but it also goes Television stations reported ten- district removed the clearly uncon- against the Virginia Board of Educa- sions running high in area schools, Cenk Uygur stitutional displays, a lawsuit would tion’s ‘Guidelines Concerning Reli- in part involving students who were be filed. Elliott called the vote “a dis- gious Activity in the Public Schools,’ ” labeled as “atheists” for opposing the declares war grace evidencing a total disregard for the paper said. Commandments displays. A Christian on ‘holy’ texts the Constitution and the rule of law.” The editorial concluded, “A clear club ordered T-shirts bearing the Com- Pages 14­–17 He warned the School Board, “Do not statement from the state board de- mandments. be duped by possible offers from Reli- nouncing Giles County’s decision for Gaylor noted the difference be- gious Right [legal] groups. They may noncompliance with the state guide- tween private speech by students and Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011 Meet a Member Ex-priest shed Catholic vestments, guilt

a private practice as a psychologist in 1976, from which I eventually retired. How I got where I am today: My mother not only gave me my vocation to the priesthood, she gave me a deep love of learning. The superstitions learned in early childhood came into conflict with my adult learnings. The common sense I had learned from my father (a farmer) drove me to follow my reasoning conscience and break the bonds of traditional superstition. Now I am more totally free to appreci- ate the wonders of the real planetary present. Where I’m headed: Like all of us, I am headed to oblivion soon. But at age 80, I still enjoy a great wife, good Fr. Stephen Uhl (back row, second from left), in Bradford, Ind., on the day he friends and neighbors and the inexo- celebrated his first Mass. He was a Catholic priest for 11 years, but first became rable march of scientific progress that a Benedictine monk during 12 years of seminary training. shows to all who are alert that facts are Steve Uhl says that as he’s aged, he’s more fun than fiction. And I trust that (of the “sinner”) and almost ignores Thank you, Steve, for your $25,000 noticed “more of the growing tyranny my little book, Out of God’s Closet, will responsible restitution to the injured; of the Christian majority in this great Out of Closet billboard campaign help readers enjoy freedom from out- politicians and ignorant voters who land of ours.” gift to FFRF! dated superstition without any imagi- stand in the way of letting the Fair Tax Name: Stephen F. Uhl. nary guilt. Act (HR 25 and SB 25) eliminate the Where I live: Oro Valley, Ariz., a Person in history I admire: Robert IRS and most all taxes; witnessing a north suburb of Tucson. Green Ingersoll for his eloquent and “smart” President Obama preaching a Where and when I was born: Rural courageous efforts in expounding religious sermon at a National Prayer southern Indiana, 1930. My parents freethought. Breakfast. had nine children. First came four A quotation I like: “The time to be My doubts about religion started: daughters. I was the second son and happy is now; the place to be happy is Serious doubts started one morning in was followed by three brothers. here; the way to be happy is to make the monastery chapel in 1964 when I Family: Diane, my wife. We were others so.” (Robert Green Ingersoll) was 34 and was meditating on the in- married on the Winter Solstice in 1968. One more, from the Roman phi- tellectual proofs of God’s existence. I Education (formal and informal): losopher Seneca, is precious: “Religion had a “lightning bolt” insight in which At 14, I entered the boarding seminary is regarded by the common people as I clearly saw how St. Thomas Aquinas’ at Saint Meinrad [Ind.] Archabbey, true, by the wise as false, and by the rul- supposedly strongest proof (his causal- a Swiss order of Benedictine monks, ers as useful.” ity proof) fell far short, because it was where I stayed six years. My major These are a few of my favorite based on an unwarranted assumption. seminary studies (also six years) were things: My relationship with Diane, Why I’m a freethinker: Because life at Marmion Abbey in Aurora, Ill. I Friday community happy hour, solv- for me and for fellow human neigh- was ordained in 1956 as a priest, after ing practical problems, fixing broken bors is richer (and continues to be- which I was sent to Catholic University things and enjoying the appreciation come more so) when based on reason The book started as an intimate in Washington, D.C., where I earned from those I helped, the science- than when guided by thoughtless su- letter to Stephen Uhl’s 31 nieces and an S.T.L. degree (Sacrae Theologiae Li- based frankness of PZ Myers, Richard perstition. nephews after he learned he had centia). After I left the priesthood in Dawkins’ articulate rants against the Ways I promote freethought: Peri- prostate cancer. “After starting the 1967, I earned a Ph.D. in psychology pope, and the joyful freedom of athe- odic lectures, magazine articles, web- family letter, I learned that evidently from Loyola University in Chicago. ism. site (outofgodscloset.com) and podcast my cancer was not an aggressive type, Occupation: I taught high school re- These are not: Jesus-loving Chris- (nogods.libsyn.com), gifts and sales of and that my death was not nearly ligion and mathematics and counseled tians who hate and terrorize athe- the paperback Out of God’s Closet and as imminent as I had thought,” Uhl at the Benedictine Marmion Military ists; a pope theoretically representing cash donations to outstanding atheist says. “With a great sigh of relief, I Academy for 10 years. On weekends, I over a billion people taking medieval, organizations. continued to write for my family. engaged in pastoral work at northern anti-scientific stances, especially on But now I had time to write a more Illinois parishes. birth control and stem cell research; To contact the author or order the book, complete letter. And since I was writing Freed from the priesthood, I taught the hypocrisy of “preying” clergy; the go to outofgodscloset.com/ or call such a long letter, why not direct it to public high school math and became a inhumane waste in our penal system 1-800-255-9929, ext. 25 (Publishers Ex- friends and neighbors also?” certified school psychologist. I opened that overstresses vengeful punishment press Press).

A Note to Freethought Today Send Us Your Subscribers Address Change published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. Your address label shows the expira- P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 Promptly! tion date of your membership in FFRF, (608)256-5800 • FAX (608)204-0422 which includes your subscription to [email protected] • ffrf.org Don’t miss a single issue! If you Freethought Today and “Private Line.” If your label shows March or earlier, Editor: Bill Dunn move, notify us directly and your sub­scription has ex­pired. Your Executive Editor: Annie Laurie Gaylor promptly. The Post Office does prompt re­newal ($40-single member­ ­ Contributing Editor: Dan Barker not forward third-class mail. ship; $50-household; $100 sustaining; Production Editor: Scott Colson FFRF cannot be responsible $25-student) saves us time and post­ Assistant Editor: Bonnie Gutsch for replacing back issues if we age, and is tax-deductible. (Sub­­­­scrip­­­ Contributors: Philip Appleman, John Compere, Jeremy H. Dickman, Eric have not been notified prior to tion-only is $20/ year.) Free­­­thought To- your move. Back issues, while day is published 10 times a year, with Paul Erickson, Mike Konopacki, Brent Nicastro, Holli Niesner, Cenk Uygur combined issues in Jan/Feb and June/ they last, may be ordered for $2 March 2011 July. Send to FFRF, Box 750, Madison The only freethought newspaper in the United States each. WI 53701. March 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3

Virginia woman honored for contesting school religion

The Freedom From Religion Foun- County Schools in December on be- dation’s “first commandment” is half of a local resident who objected to honor the constitutionally mandated the Ten Commandments hanging in a separation of state and church. To that middle school hallway, McNair contact- end, FFRF needs cooperation from ed FFRF to express her support. citizens like Sarah McNair, who is the FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie 2011 recipient of its Thomas Jefferson Gaylor. “It’s a pity that Giles County Youth Activist Award, which includes Schools and state education officials a $1,000 scholarship. The award hon- didn’t listen to Sarah when she com- ors students and youth who show spe- plained many years ago. It really takes cial courage or dedication in speaking guts and savvy for a young student to out to defend secularism or promote lodge a complaint about an Establish- freethought. ment Clause violation at her school. McNair, now a married 23-year-old “Sarah put her letter of protest into student who lives in northern Virginia, writing, did not back down when the began speaking out officially in 2004. school district didn’t listen, and at- She wrote letters of complaint to state tempted to remedy the violation by officials about the Ten Command- alerting state officials. We are really im- ments placed on the walls at Giles pressed with her activism.” County High School in Pearisburg, Va. Gaylor also praised McNair’s will- She received responses dismissing her ingness to speak publicly against the concerns that students’ rights were be- Commandments displays to local and ing violated. She kept copies of all the national media, including “Nick News” correspondence. on Nickelodeon, which has a large McNair, who was raised as a Unitar- youth audience. ian Universalist and moved to Giles Foundation Co-President Dan Bark- While in high school, Sarah McNair wrote to Virginia officials County as a 10th grader, remembers er acknowledged the West Coast cou- that violation of student rights was a “serious issue that cannot be her shock at hearing the morning an- ple who annually endow FFRF’s youth ignored.” They wrote back but dismissed her concerns. nouncement, “Have a nice day and activist award. God bless,” she told the Roanoke Times in January. “At the time. I didn’t want to be blessed by God. Why do they say that to everyone? What about the people who don’t want to start out Fiction picks solicited for reader their day with religion? “I really strongly wanted to make the school religiously neutral, so the guide on good freethought books school would speak out for all its stu- dents, not just religious students,” she said. After she objected to the princi- This is the time of year to curl • The complete title of the novel Gantry is obviously a freethought look pal, it stopped but only temporarily. up with a good freethought book. or short story, name of author, date of at religion which may not have an athe- “The state didn’t do their home- Freethought Today is seeking your publication (or reissue) and publisher, ist character, but clearly deserves men- work, and they passed it back to the nominations for recommendations of if possible. (If this is something out tion in this listing.) school board,” First Amendment works of fiction of special interest to of print, hard to find, online, etc., be • Optionally, you may want to briefly scholar Charles Haynes told the pa- atheists, agnostics and other freethink- sure to include adequate information quote a relevant line or passage, or in- per about McNair’s complaints. “What ers. This might involve a novel with a so readers can locate it. Sorry, please clude a one-paragraph review or sum- they should have done is looked more nonbelieving protagonist or one with do not send or nominate unpublished mary of freethought plot, character or closely at it and had a discussion with freethought themes or a secular point manuscripts.) overall significance. If you can include the school board to look more closely of view. • Include a one- or two-sentence the edition and page so we can verify at it.” Freethought Today previously synopsis of the “atheist” import, quotes, so much the better. After FFRF complained to Giles published a guide to “freethought at freethought epiphany or why this de- • This guide will be limited to fiction the flicks.” You can add your nomi- serves to be in Fiction for Freethink- only, so please nominate only novels or nation updates to this 2002 piece at: ers. Include enough information so short stories, not biographies, etc. ffrf.org/news/blog/freethought-at-the- that someone picking up the book will • Your name as the nominator will flicks/. know why you’ve nominated it. be included, unless you indicate you We would now like to invite you to (The reference might be as nominal prefer anonymity or there are multiple Include FFRF share your favorite freethinking fiction as your favorite private eye’s confession duplicate nominations. In Your Estate with other FFRF’ers. To ensure that of nonbelief. It might involve the en- Mail your nomination to Free­- your nomination is published, please tire plot such as The Handmaid’s Tale by thought Today, Attn: Fiction for Free- Planning include: Margaret Atwood. Sinclair Lewis’ Elmer thinkers, PO Box 750, Madison WI 53701, and include your full name, ad- Arrange a bequest in your will dress and phone number. or trust, or make the Freedom E-mail nominations to fttoday@ffrf. From Religion Found­ation the What Is a Freethinker? org with “Fiction for Freethinkers” in beneficiary of an insurance free-think-er n. A person who forms opinions about the subject heading. Include your full policy, bank account, or IRA. name and address. We may need to religion on the basis of reason, independently of follow up with a question about your It’s easy to do. tradition, authority, or established belief. nomination. For related information • Please send your nomination or (or to request a bequest nominations in as soon as possible. Re- brochure), please phone member to be succinct because space reedom rom eligion oundation Annie Laurie Gaylor at F F R F is limited. Thank you! (608) 256-8900. P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • ffrf.org

FFRF What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? P.O. Box 750 Madison WI 53701 Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and Correction agnostics), the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state and church separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. Liberty University’s School of Law was incorrectly referred to in our last Freedom Depends The Foundation’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Please include your name and physical mailing address with all e-mail correspondence. issue as tied to Rev. Pat Robertson. Lib- erty University was founded as Lynch- on Freethinkers Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action alerts” and “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. burg Baptist College in 1971 by Rev. Jerry Falwell. Robertson’s law school is part of Regent University. Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011 Heads Up A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman

Holey Moses

Cardinal O’Fiaich, primate of all Ireland, while visiting the healing shine of Lourdes, fell ill and died on the spot. — New York Times, 5/9/90

Priests, when they’re triste, pull on pants And trek to the shrines down in France. Overheard The dangers? They scorned them, But God coulda warned them, Jane tried to convert me Columnist Mark Morford, asking sin- They’re taking a helluva chance. [to religion] and I tried to ners “What are you guilty of today?” introduce her to Freud. San Francisco Chronicle, 2-9-11 Marilyn Monroe, on star- A nun down in old Madagascar ring with Jane Russell, who The app also tailors the Would answer, should anyone ask her died Feb. 28, in “Gentle- questions if you sign in as Why she went on and on men Prefer Blondes” in “religious.” For instance, Keeping books in her john: 1953 if you say you’re a female Reuters, 3-1-11 and try to select “priest” as “It’s because I’m a real multi-tasker.” your vocation, a dialogue Expressing support for designation of box appears that says “sex and voca- A priest who was all flabbergasted Feb. 12, 2011, as Darwin Day and rec- tion are incompatible.” So much for ognizing the importance of science in modernity. When the Cardinal had him dismasted the betterment of humanity. Columnist Maureen Dowd, on an Indi- For the boy-toys he’d led Part of Rep. Pete Stark’s U.S. House ana company’s “Confession: A Roman Into sin, only said, resolution in support of Darwin Day Catholic App” “Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.” govtrack.us, 2-9-11 New York Times, 2-9-11 I don’t think he gives a good reason At times it didn’t feel like there was a © 2011 Philip Appleman of why someone like Charles Darwin line between sexual abuse and corpo- Freethought Today is pleased to publish this new rhyme. needs to be celebrated and recognized ral punishment. Every Friday one of by the federal government. It’s a waste, the brothers would take a boy in front I think, of taxpayers’ time. [Congress of the class and, whichever way he hit should instead honor Booker T. Wash- you, he’d always put his hand on your ington or Thomas Edison,] who actu- testicles. We would laugh, but in fact Philip Appleman is Distinguished­ Pro­fessor Emeri­tus at ally invented things, not just threw out you were in a permanent state of fear. I In­dia­na Univer­ ­si­ty. His eight published volumes of poetry theories. would vomit in the morning before go- in­clude Darwin’s Ark (new 2009 edition) and Karma, Tom McClusky, Family Research Coun- ing out to school. They would hit you Dharma, Pudding & Pie (2009). His nonfiction cil [who appears to confuse Booker T. across the face if you got a sum wrong. work in­cludes the widely used Norton Critical Edition, Washington, an educator, with George I suppose they did teach me to read Darwin, and the Nor­ton Critical Edition of Malthus’ Washington Carver, the inventor] and write and that I should be grateful, Essay on Population­ . His poetry and fiction have won Contra Costa Times, 2-10-11 but I’m not. many awards, including a fellowship in poetry from the Irish novelist Colm Toibin, on attend- Na­tional Endow­ ­ment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award from the Poetry I’m sure there are people ing a Christian Brothers school Society of America, the Humanist Arts Award from the American Humanist out there who’d say I’m New York Times, 2-9-11 Association and the Friend of Darwin Award from the National Center for the devil’s advocate, but Science Education. His work has ap­peared in Har­per’s Magazine, The I’ll give the devil as much One of the saddest parts Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, The Paris Review, chance as any god that peo- of Obama’s speech was his Partisan Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review. ple choose to deal with. To reference to his mother, He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both Lifetime say some unknown god up who, in his words, “grew Members (five times over) of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. there in the stratosphere directs all of up with a certain skepti- They recorded an excerpt of “Noah,” Philip’s comic masterpiece, for the our lives and our development is naive. cism about organized reli- Foundation’s newest musical CD, “Beware­ of Dogma,” featuring Dan Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., on his resolu- gion.” Obama felt obliged Barker. That CD also includes Phil’s poem “Fleas,” set to the music of tion to honor Charles Darwin to justify his mother’s in- “Trees.” New and Selected Poems is available for sale from FFRF for $23 Contra Costa Times, 2-10-11 difference to religion by indicating ppd. The Norton Critical Edition, Darwin, is $22 ppd, Karma, Dharma, that she was “one of the most spiritual Pudding & Pie, $27 and Darwin’s Ark, $23 (ffrf.org/shop/). It literally leaves a bad taste because I people I ever knew. . . somebody who know the people who are putting this was instinctively guided by the Golden food in my mouth actively loathe me. Rule.” It is indeed a bad day for secu- I’m all for freedom of religion. It’s just larism when a president feels obliged that I know where I want my money to to tell his audience that even though Your Weekly Antidote to the religious right go, and where I don’t want my money his mother didn’t take him to church, to go. she was still a good person. Douglas Quint, New York City gay “Spirited Atheist” Susan Jacoby, on TUNE IN TO resident, on boycotting the Chick-fil-A the president’s speech at the National restaurant chain for its affiliation with Prayer Breakfast FREETHOUGHT RADIO anti-gay evangelical Christians The Washington Post, 2-10-11 New York Times, 1-29-11 produced by the If you’re from New York City and find Freedom From Religion Of course, sins only exist if you actu- yourself working for a company in Dal- Foundation Hosted by Dan Barker and ally believe in the dreadful concept, las, Texas, you are a gaijin. If you’re Annie Laurie Gaylor which means you also probably believe an atheist running for political office you are a flawed, miserable fleshball in Missouri, you’re a gaijin. If you’re a Broadcasts and streams Saturdays at 11 a.m. Central, Progressive Talk The Mic 92.1 FM, Madison, Wis., and over several other stations. who can do nothing but sin, and there- lesbian trying to work as a Girl Scout fore God — who is, sadly, way, way out leader anywhere in America, you are a iTunes or podcasts archived at: ffrf.org/news/radio there, completely separate from you — gaijin. is ever staring down with those giant, Robert McKinney, Winona, Mo., on liv- Slightly irreverent views, disapproving eyes. Good thing so many ing in the Ozarks after 24 years in Ja- news, music & interviews people believe such nonsense, or we’d pan (gaijin means non-Japanese) have nothing to work with, would we? Japan Times, 1-18-11 March 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5 Announcing FFRF’s 2011 three scholarship essay contests for students Tell us why you’re a freethinker

Topics, rules and deadlines have was an FFRF officer, soci- Also e-mail your essay no later than Graduate/Mature student Essay been announced for FFRF’s 2011 high ologist and active atheist midnight June 15 to [email protected] competition school, college and graduate/mature known by generations of with the word “Essay” and your name FFRF student essay scholarship competi- University of Wisconsin- in the subject heading. Example: Essay PO Box 750 tions. Madison students for (Your full name). Please include a copy Madison WI 53701 FFRF, an educational state-church fine-tuning their reason- of all information indicated in the re- Also e-mail your essay by midnight watchdog that has 16,000 members ing abilities. quirements. June 15 to [email protected] and use nationwide, has offered essay compe- The topic of this year’s college es- the word “Essay” and your name in the titions to college students since 1979. say competition: “Why I Am an Athe- Brian Bolton Graduate/ subject heading. Example: Essay (Your In 1994, FFRF added a separate con- ist/Agnostic/Unbeliever and Not a full name). Please include a copy of test for college-bound high school se- ____.” Fill in the blank with Catholic Mature Student Essay all information indicated in require- niors. The Foundation debuted its first or Muslim or born-again, etc. In hon- Competition ments. “graduate/mature students over age or of Bertrand Russell, who wrote the 25” competition in 2010, resulting in classic, “Why I Am Not a Christian,” The competition is Rules applying to all many excellent essays. write your own essay about why you are named for Brian Bolton, competitions Each competition awards a $2,000 a nonbeliever and not, for example, a an FFRF Lifetime Mem- cash scholarship for the first-place es- Mormon. ber who is a retired All essays should be typed, double- say, a $1,000 cash scholarship for sec- Submit a persuasive essay about why psychiatrist, humanist spaced, standard margins and stapled. ond place, $500 for third place and you reject religion and choose reason counselor and professor The word count must be included. Put $300 for a newly offered fourth place. over faith. Use a personal (first-per- emeritus at the Univer- your name and essay title on each page. Several $200 “honorable mentions” son) approach. Experiences with be- sity of Arkansas. Entrants choose their own title and in- are awarded at judges’ discretion. ing a “heretic” in a religion-drenched Graduate students, or currently en- clude a one-paragraph biography. The FFRF members are asked to publi- society may be included. Or you may rolled college students age 25 or older, bio should include name, age, birth cize the essay competitions to their lo- wish to employ your best arguments who are enrolled in a North Ameri- date, hometown, university or college, cal high schools, colleges and universi- against religious belief. can college or university through at year in school, major or intended ma- ties. (See ads, back wrap.) The competition is open to North least December 2011, are eligible. The jor, degree being earned and interests. American students or students current- topic: “Why Thomas Jefferson Got It Do not include a resumé. Provide both Herbert Bushong High ly enrolled in North American colleges Right!” The Jeffersonian “wall of sepa- summer and fall 2011 addresses (cam- or universities at least through Decem- ration between church and state” is pus and home), phone numbers and School Senior Essay ber 2011. Note: The college scholar- endangered. Write a persuasive essay e-mail addresses for notification. Competition ship is restricted to under age 25. If defending the constitutional principle Winners may be asked to send veri- you are 25 or older or a graduate stu- of separation between religion and fication of student enrollment. Essay This competition is dent, please enter FFRF’s competition government. You may wish to debunk must be submitted both by mail and named for Texas Foun- for grad/mature students (below). myths such as that the United States is e-mail by deadlines. Students will be dation member Herbert College-bound high school seniors en- a Christian nation or address ongoing disqualified if they do not follow in- Bushong, a nonagenar- ter FFRF’s high school competition. threats to the Establishment Clause. structions. ian with an interest in College students should submit You may wish to use examples of the By entering contest, students agree rewarding freethinking by students. an essay of 750 to 1,000 words. (Note harm created by religion in govern- to permit winning essays to be printed College-bound high school seniors other requirements at the end of this ment from a personal, legal, topical in full or in part in Freethought Today, are asked in their essays to “Describe article.) and/or historical perspective. FFRF’s newspaper, and later posted on- a Moment that Made You Proud to be Deadline: June 15, 2011. Winners The entrant should submit a 900 to line at FFRF’s website. Winners agree a Freethinker (Atheist/Agnostic/Non- will be announced by September. 1,200 word essay. (See other require- to provide a photograph suitable for believer).” The dictionary definition of Essays must be both mailed and e- ments below.) reproduction with their essay. Winners freethinker is “one who forms his or mailed. Mail postmarked by June 15 to: Deadline: July 15, 2011. Winners will will receive a school-year subscription her opinion about religion based on College Essay Contest be announced by September. to Freethought Today. All eligible non- reason rather than faith, tradition or FFRF Essays must be both mailed and e- winning students will be offered a sub- authority.” Maybe you had a moment, PO Box 750 mailed. Mail postmarked by July 15 to: scription or a freethought book. experience or “epiphany” that led to Madison WI 53701 Note: FFRF monitors for plagiarism. or affirmed your rejection of religion. Maybe you stood up for freethought or spoke out against the encroachment of religion at school social events, in government, in classroom instruction Overheard or in your family. Use that moment to illustrate why you are a freethinker. High school seniors in North Amer- ica who are college-bound in fall 2011 While Americans worry mands of an invisible but supremely up to the plate and help. I think if we are eligible. Include your high school’s about the Muslim Brother- powerful overlord. Think of Islam, as Americans or neighbors or friends name, city, state and date of gradua- hood taking over Egypt or whose very name means “submission.” took the time to get to know someone tion. Muslim terrorism here at Think of Christianity, which claims it and take on someone’s cause, well, Essays should be 500 to 750 words. home, we face a far greater is disobedience that brought original imagine if everybody did that? (Note other requirements at the end actual threat: Unhinged manipulative sin into the world, with all that entails Lee Castillo, 34, a Virginia IT systems of this article.) (greedy and power-besotted) religion in terms of suffering and injustice and engineer who saved his friend from Deadline: June 1, 2011. Winners will invading millions of lives and covering even earthquakes and tsunamis. Imag- losing his home in an unscrupulous be announced in August. up, even propagating, a multiplicity of ine! loan deal Essays must be both mailed and e- abuses. Religious freedom means free- Paula Kirby, writer and consultant to Huffington Post, 2-18-11 mailed. Mail no later than June 1 to: dom to worship in the church of your secular groups, “Religion: the ultimate High School Essay Contest choosing and to believe anything you tyranny” I’m very much in favor of learning what FFRF want or not to believe. But before a Washington Post, 2-15-11 the bible says. But the problem is that PO Box 750 child reaches 18, society should pro- I don’t believe that’s how they’re going Madison WI 53701 tect her or him from people hiding be- One wouldn’t say that one lacks a be- to teach it. They’re going to teach it as Also e-mail your essay no later than hind our overly religion-friendly laws. lief in fairies and leprechauns. I prefer truth and religion. midnight June 1, 2011, to highschooles- Our American idea of open-ended re- to describe myself more positively as a FFRF member Edwin Kagin, opposing [email protected] and use the word “Essay” ligious freedom is dumb. We need free- scientist who struggles to understand a Kentucky “teaching the bible as his- and your name in the subject head- dom from religion as much as we need the world as it is. tory” bill ing. Example: Essay (Your full name). freedom of religion. Richard Dawkins, calling the question Louisville Courier-Journal, 2-21-11 Please include a copy of all informa- Frank Schaeffer, author and former why doesn’t he believe in God “bad tion indicated in the requirements. evangelical phrasing” They refused to use the medical system Huffington Post, 2-14-11 Miami Herald, 2-17-11 to save their daughter, but they sure Michael Hakeem love to use the legal system. If you value freedom, you should flee I’m not a religious person, but I am Comment by “J3girls” on legal appeals Memorial College Essay from religion as the antelope flees the very fortunate to have a really good job, by a Wisconsin couple convicted of Competition lion. Religion is the very antithesis of and I think it’s my duty as a human be- reckless homicide in the faith-healing freedom, insisting on our complete ing, when another human being is go- death from diabetes of their daughter The late Professor Michael Hakeem subjugation to the unachievable de- ing through a hard time, I need to step Wausau Herald, 2-22-11 Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011 21 Philadelphia Marquee priests suspended Madness

The Catholic Archdiocese of Phila- Times reported. delphia announced March 8 that it has Cardinal Justin Rigali, in response suspended 21 priests from active min- to the grand jury report, initially said istry due to accusations they sexually there were no priests in active ministry abused or had otherwise inappropriate “who have an admitted or established contact with minors. allegation of sexual abuse of a minor The action follows a Feb. 10 grand against them.” jury report [see Black Collar Crime, “We may have to be asking, what did page 20] accusing the church of a the cardinal know and when did he widespread decades-long cover-up of know it?” said Leonard Norman Primi- predatory priests. The report said as ano, chairman of the religious studies many as 37 priests remain in the active department at Cabrini College in Rad- ministry despite credible accusations nor, Pa. against them. The grand jury concluded the arch- Making a SPLASH The archdiocese did not name diocese failed to clean house after a Jan Loeb Eisler, FFRF Lifetime the 21 men suspended, which drew 2005 grand jury found credible accusa- Member and founder of the St. ire from groups representing abuse tions of abuse by 63 priests. It suggest- Petersburg-Largo Area Secular victims. “Many parishioners are like- ed that potentially predatory priests Humanists (SPLASH), was honored ly to learn that their priest was ac- had access to thousands of children Dec. 11 with the first Florida cused when he fails to appear for Ash for years. Humanist Lifetime Achievement Wednesday services,” The New York Award by the Center for Inquiry Florida, which she also founded. Eisler, a retired trauma nurse, has also been an officer of the Bertrand Russell Society, which her late An inside job? husband, Lee Eisler, was a founder. Linda Allewalt, Kentucky, took these She’s also been an active member photos. On top is the first marquee of the NAACP, NOW, NARAL and she photographed. Several days later Planned Parenthood. Congratulations, she noticed the message had changed Jan, from all of us at FFRF! and took another photo. “I was lucky to catch it because the church had changed it back by the next day to the original message. I don’t know who did this or how they did it, since this location is right on Main Street and has lots of light around it at night. We obviously have someone in town who decided to make a statement against the church’s childish arrogance. Enjoy!”

Don’t drink the water “Witless?” in Cedar Falls, wonders Mark Welty, Iowa.

They Said What?

She immediately sought the assistance you start believing that some stuff in about sexuality that we can’t see what of the military chaplain. When Sgt. the bible’s not true, because then we should be obvious. Havrilla met with the military chaplain, might start believing that Jesus is not Karen Wingard, Catholic Community Blind alley, cul-de-sac? he told her that “It must have been true. of St. Francis Xavier, lobbying against Kurt Navratil, Virginia, has one word God’s will for her to be raped” and U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Price, question- a Maryland bill allowing same-sex mar- for this in Roanoke: “Priceless.” recommended that she attend church ing Ensign Michael Izbicki at a hearing riage more frequently. to decide whether to discharge Izbicki, Catholic Review, 2-22-11 From a lawsuit filed in Virginia by Sgt. a Naval Academy graduate, as a consci- Rebekah Havrilla and 16 other U.S. entious objector Religious sectarian law includes Sharia troops who allege the Pentagon failed New York Times, 2-23-11 Law, Canon Law, Halacha and Karma to protect them from sexual assault but does not include any law of the Raw Story, 2-18-11 His taking holy communion is objec- United States or the individual states tively sacrilegious. If he approaches for based on Anglo‑American legal tradi- The Q&A was the most fun, with a holy communion, he should be denied tion and principles on which the Unit- number of angry atheistic evolution- the august sacrament. ed States was founded. ists, who became so emotional it was Edward Peters, consultant to the Vati- From an Arizona House bill outlawing fun maintaining order. As I shared can’s Apostolic Signatura tribunal, courts from adopting Karma, etc. during the outbursts, it reminded me recommending communion denial to azleg.gov, 2-25-11 of my zookeeping days when I had to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for liv- go out into the wolves’ and hyenas’ en- ing part time with Sandra Lee, a Food If you are a pornstar, there is a bible Don’t like it, don’t look closure and chase them into the right Network celebrity for you. If you are a cowboy, there is “I thought you might like to see a den with a stick. New York Times, 2-22-11 a bible for you. If you are looking for photo of the license plate on my Creationist lecturer Sid Galloway, Face- style, then there is a bible purse hybrid motorbike. My next-door neighbor book post after he spoke at Louisiana Marriage is so foundational to society. for you. hates it, so I park the bike with the State University We don’t just lay eggs and abandon Story in DePaul University’s student plate facing her front door.” LSU Reveille, 2-20-11 them. Our children need to be raised newspaper, “When Jesus Christ the su- — Tom Ingram, California by a mother and father. We’ve become perhero, cowboys and the bible unite You realize that there’s a danger when so very confused in our understanding The DePaulia, 2-28-11 March 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7 In the News

Atheist educator out Supreme Court. after airing nonbelief Superintendent Tim Turecek of Canadian mayor fights the public Marathon [N.Y.] Central tribunal’s ruling Schools will resign June 30 after com- ing under fire for talking about his Mayor Jean Tremblay of Saguenay, a views as an atheist. Turecek, superin- city of 150,000 in Quebec, said in Feb- tendent for seven years, was speaking ruary he won’t heed the Quebec Hu- as a guest to a high school advanced man Rights Tribunal’s order to stop placement psychology class. reciting Christian prayer before coun- The School Board and Turecek is- cil meetings and to remove a crucifix sued a joint statement that said he was and a 2-foot-tall Sacred Heart of Jesus not asked to resign, but had “admit- statue from council chambers. tedly made some errors in judgment in The tribunal earlier awarded In other Vatican news unrelated to Religious consultants said to possess his presentation to that class, but in no $30,000 to Alain Simoneau, a local res- sex abuse by clergy, it was announced “prophetic gifts” were invited to the way did he seek to impose any personal ident, who had formally complained Feb. 4 that the pope won’t donate any business and one of them said the Lord beliefs on any of the students.” that the prayer violated his freedom of of his organs (although he supports had instructed him that Hecht was “un- “It’s sad that anybody should lose conscience. organ donation). The Vatican said clean, unrighteous and . . . struggling their position for that reason,” said Simoneau belongs to a secular Benedict’s body belongs to the whole with pornography issues,” according Marathon resident Steven Cole. “I just group called Mouvement laïque québécois. church. to the lawsuit. The consultant also said don’t believe it’s right.” “Ours is not a struggle against symbols, Twenty-two popes’ organs (liver, Hecht was “struggling with homosex- it’s a struggle to maintain the neutral- spleen and pancreas) are preserved as ual issues,” reported the San Antonio ity of public institutions,” said Luc Ala- relics in the church of Sts. Anastasio Express-News. SCOTUS: Hate speech rie, the group’s lawyer. and Vincent near Rome’s Trevi Foun- Hecht also alleged he was told to is free speech “When Obama was sworn in, there tain in Rome. fire two employees without cause after was a prayer that lasted almost 15 min- In relic-related news, Poland’s Mark Fessler said the Lord spoke to The U.S. Supreme Court by an utes. No one commented,” Tremblay TVN24 reported Pope John Paul II’s him. 8-1 vote March 2 said Westboro Bap- told the Globe and Mail. “We recite a former longtime secretary is giving a tist Church signs that say “God Hates 20-second prayer and everyone starts drop of the pope’s blood and a frag- Dead Soldiers” at military funerals are crying.” ment of his robe to Polish Formula Texas school fears not like yelling “Fire!” in a crowded One driver Robert Kubica. He suffered Tolerance Club theater. Creation Museum bars multiple fractures and partially severed Members of Rev. Fred Phelps’ fun- same-sex couple his right hand in a Feb. 6 race in Italy Flour Bluff High School in Corpus damentalist church in Topeka, Kan., when his Škoda race car slammed into Christi, Texas, banned all student clubs picketed the 2006 funeral in Maryland Joe Sonka and another man were a church wall in a race near Genoa. from meeting on campus rather than of Matthew Snyder, who was killed in denied entrance as a same-sex couple John Paul II, who died in 2005, will let a gay-straight group called the Tol- Iraq. A jury awarded Snyder’s father to the Feb. 11 “Date Night” at the Cre- be beatified (the step before saint- erance Club form at the public school. $11 million, which a judge reduced ation Museum in Petersburg, Ky. Nei- hood) May 1. Faithful attending the Paul Rodriguez, president of the to $5 million. A federal appeals court ther is gay but decided to show up as a beatification in Rome will be able to Gay-Straight Alliance at Texas A&M overturned the verdict, which the Su- couple after buying $72 tickets online pray before his closed coffin, which University-Corpus Christi, organized preme Court upheld, with only Justice as a way to highlight the museum’s dis- will be exhumed for the event. protests after the superintendent said Samuel Alito dissenting. criminatory practices. The Vatican warned the faithful the district had no plans to approve Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the The event included dinner, music “not to fall prey to fraudsters,” particu- the club proposed by senior Bianca opinion for the court: “What Westboro and a talk from museum founder Ken larly online, who are selling tickets be- “Nikki” Peet, 17. The district asked said, in the whole context of how and Ham about love and the biblical view cause no tickets are needed. all groups not tied to the curriculum, where it chose to say it, is entitled to of marriage. including the Fellowship of Christian ‘special protection’ under the First The state of Kentucky is poised to Pastor’s loved ones Athletes, to meet off campus until the Amendment, and that protection can- give Ham’s Ark Encounter biblical found in filth situation is resolved. not be overcome by a jury finding that theme park $37 million in tax incen- the picketing was outrageous.” tives. A TV preacher’s diabetic husband Oregon faith healers Pope decides Jews and 92-year-old mother were hospital- Hawaii governor signs ized after authorities found them lying may lose protections didn’t kill Jesus in filth in an apartment in the rear of civil unions bill All for Jesus Church of God in Bluff Oregon House Bill 2171, which In excerpts from Pope Benedict’s City, Tenn. ends legal protections for parents who Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie new book, Jesus of Nazareth: Part II, the The state Department of Human rely only on prayer for ill children, has signed a same-sex and opposite-sex civ- pope reenacts Jesus’ final hours and Services got an anonymous tip, the no organized opposition and will likely il unions bill into law Feb. 23, making analyzes Gospel accounts to conclude Bristol Herald Courier reported Feb. become law, proponents said in a Feb. Hawaii the seventh U.S. state to grant that Jews are innocent of deicide. 17. Pastor Brenda Viars, 58, told the 20 story in The Oregonian. essentially the same rights as marriage Benedict theorizes that the “Temple paper she “got behind on things. I am Rep. Carolyn Tomei, D-Milwaukie, to gay couples. Linda Lingle, former aristocracy” and supporters of the thief sorry that things got the way they are. I who introduced the bill, said, “Such Republican governor, vetoed a similar Barabbas were responsible. don’t want to bring a reproach on our gross and unnecessary neglect cannot bill in 2010. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2012. He deconstructs the biblical ac- Lord and Savior.” be allowed. I don’t think there’ll be Also in February, the Hawaii Senate count which has the crowd saying, “His Sullivan County Sheriff’s Detective anyone coming to testify against it.” unanimously approved Abercrombie’s blood be on us and on our children” George Ann Pascu had to put on a “This will level the playing field so appointment of openly gay Circuit — a phrase long cited by some as evi- mask and boots to go inside. Pascu said all parents will be operating under the Judge Sabrina McKenna to the state dence of Jews’ collective guilt. Viars’ mother and husband had been same rules,” said Clackamas County badly neglected, and that the husband District Attorney John Foote. “It’s go- was scheduled to have a foot amputat- ing to make it easier to hold parents ed. accountable who don’t protect their A grand jury will decide whether to children.” pursue neglect charges. Russian poll shows Jury finds firing disquieting findings tied to religion A January poll of 1,600 people in A Texas jury awarded a San Anto- various regions of Russia by the Rus- nio man $263,000 on Feb. 18. Steven sian Center of Public Opinion Re- Hecht filed a religious discrimination search shows 32% of respondents suit in 2008, alleging he was fired be- don’t believe the Sun is the center of cause he stopped going to Christian the universe. Family Church, where his employer Other findings: 55% believe radio- attended. Hecht was general manager activity is a human invention, and 29% for a private aviation firm owned by think humans and dinosaurs lived side Richard and Mark Fessler, father and by side. son. Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011

constitutional violation.” raised, and does not expect for you to FFRF received a reply Jan. 27 from receive any future complaints,” wrote It Pays to Complain Director of Schools Charlie Miskelly: Andrea Slater Gulley. “I have addressed the issues raised in This is the same school district that your letter with the appropriate per- agreed not to bring back the traveling sonnel at Adamsville Junior/Senior Liberty Bell and Ten Commandments High School and instructed such per- display that FFRF objected to in 2010. sonnel that school-sponsored prayer is prohibited at school events, including FFRF complaint ends athletic events and graduation ceremo- Michigan meal prayer nies.” Liver and onions and shepherd’s Choir leader’s prayer pie at the Cheboygan Center will no strikes sour note longer be served with an amplified Lord’s Prayer. The Michigan senior A Texas school district agreed with center, operated by the publicly fund- FFRF that a teacher’s prayers were out ed Cheboygan County Council on Ag- of bounds. ing, agreed to stop allowing prayer five Staff Attorney Patrick Photo: Brent Nicastro days a week before meals served to 110 Elliott objected by letter participants. Jan. 14 on behalf of a Rebecca Markert, FFRF senior staff Texas complainant to the attorney, objected in a Feb. 23 letter choir director leading about the constitutional violation. Ac- students in prayer at Tas- cording to a local complainant, a cen- cosa High School in the ter employee led the prayer over a mi- Amarillo School District. Patrick crophone. “Our complainant in- Elliott Markert pointed out that the cen- forms us that Mr. Talley ter’s “support of public prayer during is known to have in-class prayers. It is these meals ignored the rights of other our information and understanding seniors who may not wish to participate that each Friday, Mr. Talley’s students in the religious activities because they sing ‘The Lord Bless You and Keep disagree with a particular faith publicly You.’ We are told that it is often sung exercised, they prefer to be private in with students holding hands and heads their worship, or they do not believe at bowed. We also understand that prior all.” to competitions, Mr. Talley asks the The complainant informed FFRF students to bow their heads and then on March 3 that an attorney for the leads them in prayer.” center agreed that the practice was il- FFRF puts clamps to ministerial program Talley was also alleged to have held legal and prayers have been stopped. a Sunday worship service at a Holiday On Jan. 27, FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote Chancellor Curtis Inn in Dallas for students who attend- Three very capable and dedicated legal in- Ivery of the Wayne County Community College District, which has campuses ed a choir competition last March. terns helped FFRF staff attorneys forge success- in and around Detroit, to request an end to the publicly funded district’s An attorney for the district respond- ful conclusions to recent complaints. Jayme Ministerial Leadership Academy Studies Certificate program. Classes include ed Jan. 24 that Talley has been instruct- Lawson Durkee prepared the Wayne Coun- “Introduction to Christian Education,” which taught students “to become a ed that he may not pray with students ty Community College complaint. Stepha- strong Christian witness.” The “Personal Relationship and the Word” class is or encourage or discourage prayer. nie Schmitt prepared the Amarillo School described as helping students “develop stronger Bible based relationships with “Please know that AISD has thorough- District complaint, and the Owasso school God.” The district agreed (see response above) that the program violates the ly addressed the concerns that you complaint was prepared by Jane Kleven. U.S. and Michigan constitutions.

FFRF letter gets cross prayer, at school functions.” The parent complainant notified Army reneges on Fort Bragg pledge off school bus FFRF that in November, the prayer song FFRF objected on behalf of a parent practice had ended. FFRF followed up The Freedom From Religion Foun- Van Eck, Jr., Staff Judge Advocate, of a student of Owasso, Okla., Public with letters in December and February, dation has formally protested a March wrote FFRF on Feb. 17: Schools, to an 8-inch Latin cross prom- and finally received a response from 1 decision by Col. Stephen Sicinski, “With regards to support for future inently displayed on a public school the Principal, Russell Johnson III, in garrison commander at Fort Bragg, events comparable to the Rock the bus. A letter from Staff Attorney Pat- February, which was a letter he had N.C., to deny promised support for a Fort event, Fort Bragg continues to be rick Elliott on Feb. 25 noted that buses apparently sent to the district super- nonreligious event slated for April. willing to provide the same level of sup- are under the control of the public intendent in October. The forwarded FFRF had vigorously protested Fort port to comparable events proposed by schools and thus subject to the same letter notes that FFRF’s letter had been Bragg’s support of the “Rock the Fort” non-federal entities.” treatment under the Establishment shared with the school’s seven kinder- event last fall cosponsored by the base’s In early March, Sicinski wrote Clause as school classrooms. garten teachers. The teachers reviewed Religious Support Office and the Billy Griffith, a freethinking soldier at Fort Superintendent Clark Ogilvie re- and discussed relevant case law and Graham Evangelical Association. Bragg, that he could not have the re- plied Feb. 28 by e-mail: “The cross has board policies and were told to stop all When the Army refused to back quested venue of the parade field for been removed from the bus.” prayer immediately. “All teachers will down, FFRF pointed out that the base “Rock Beyond Belief.” Sicinski also said be reminded to immediately refrain had set a precedent which would now all advertising materials must include FFRF stops prayer in from any expression of religious view- require it to offer the same support of a disclaimer that there is “no endorse- kindergarten points and prayer in the classroom.” a nonreligious event. Enlisted soldier ment by Fort Bragg, the US Army, or Justin Griffith organized the “Rock Department of Defense,” although the FFRF halted a blatant constitutional FFRF halts violations Beyond Belief” event, set for April 2, Billy Graham Association was given no violation by a kindergarten teacher in Tennessee schools featuring speakers such as Richard such instructions. who led students in prayer every day at Dawkins and FFRF’s Dan Barker. The Sicinski also said Rock Beyond Be- Photo: Brent Nicastro Stocks Elementary School in Tarboro, FFRF stopped the event has now been canceled due to lief “will maintain responsibility for all N.C. The violation was discovered practice of broadcsasting lack of equal support by the military. expenses associated with performers when a local complainant’s 5-year- prayers over loudspeak- In his March 3 letter of objection to and presenters, transportation, audio- old came home from school singing ers during athletic events Lt. Col. Nelson Van Eck Jr. (Staff Judge visual support, and meals for associ- the following (to the tune of “Frere and hosting student-led Advocate), FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick ated performers and presenters.” Jacques”): prayers at graduation Elliott wrote: “This unequal treatment Yet FFRF’s Freedom of Information “God, our father, God, our father, ceremonies in the Mc- violates the Establishment Clause, Free Act request to Fort Bragg yielded re- Rebecca Once again, Once again, Nairy County School Dis- Speech Clause, Equal Protection un- sponses showing at least $52,475 was Markert We will ask a blessing, trict in Selmer, Tenn. der the Law and DoD regulations.” directly spent on the evangelical event We will ask a blessing, Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- FFRF previously received two writ- including for various meals, transpor- Amen, Amen.” ert complained initially in November ten assurances that such an event tation, performers and presenters, Rebecca Markert, FFRF senior staff and again in December in letters to would receive the same level of gener- apparently by the Religious Support attorney, wrote a letter of complaint to the director of schools. She noted that ous support from the Army base. Office of Fort Bragg. Personnel costs, the Edgecombe County Public Schools, the U.S. Supreme Court has struck Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, the com- such as entertainment by the Golden citing how the prayer broke the law of down prayer at public high school manding officer at the time, wrote Knights Parachute Team, security, etc., the land and the district’s own policy, graduations, and that “it is no defense FFRF on Sept. 22: “[I] am willing to were not disclosed. which states: “The school system and that graduations are events at which provide similar support to comparable FFRF has appealed its FOIA request its employees shall not conduct, spon- participation or attendance is volun- events sponsored by similar non-Feder- because Fort Bragg was partially unre- sor, or endorse any form of religious tary. Courts have summarily rejected al entities that address the needs of the sponsive and unclear in its FOIA re- indoctrination or exercise, including arguments that voluntariness excuses a Soldiers on this Installation.” sponse. March 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9 Member witnesses Egypt’s revolution

offer from a great school in (hold your laughter) Wasilla. That was before Sar- ah Palin became famous, but she was definitely around. I taught advanced math for three years, then signed up for an international schools job fair in San Francisco. In two days I had eight offers, including Colombia, Turkey, Kuwait and Egypt. I chose Cairo. I like living in places that put me outside my comfort zone and make me adapt to a new way of life. I’m fluent in Spanish and know enough conversa- tional and written Japanese and Arabic to get by. Teaching in Cairo Editor’s note: FFRF member Holli Niesner is in her second year teaching in I teach at a prestigious American Cairo, Egypt, where she lives with her cats K-12 international school in Cairo. Bella and Luciano. She filed this report in Most students are fantastic and very late February. motivated. Annual tuition is as high as $32,000. About half of the 1,400 stu- dents are U.S. citizens. By Holli Niesner We have many Egyptian students Holli Niesner at the Great Sphinx of Giza, which dates to circa 2550 B.C.E. who, due to the high cost, are from wealthy families. Hosni Mubarak’s have some latitude, but wear a shawl or a general handyman and doorman, grandson attended, or did before the wrap when going out. was struggling because banks were revolution. In the past, children of A blue-eyed blonde sticks out like a closed and markets were running low I grew up in Liberty City in the Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Anwar Sadat sore thumb. When I run errands, I try on supplies. I gave him two bags of buckle of the bible belt in northeast and other names you might recognize to take a male friend. Alone, I get fol- groceries from my refrigerator and Texas. I’m an only child who turned 31 also attended. lowed and prodded to start a conver- 200 LE (about $34, livre égyptienne, i.e., Feb. 19. My mom was raised Baptist and Our numbers are projected to drop sation, hissed at, etc. I’ve never been Egyptian pounds). When I had fattir (a my dad Lutheran. For a long time we next term, which means staff cuts. groped yet, but most expat women I local version of pizza) or other food were Christmas and Easter Christians About 60% of our high school stu- know have, usually in crowded situa- delivered, I bought extra for his family. at a “liberal” ELCA Lutheran church, dents have returned since the revolu- tions, which I avoid. Once when I was leaving for a fac- but my parents wanted to get more in- tion, but enrollment is projected to be ulty meeting after a night of really bad volved as I neared confirmation age, down about 500 for next year. I’m also Comes the revolution gunfire, I told him the teachers might and we did. I taught music at vacation providing online virtual schooling to have to leave, and he started to cry. The bible school during the summer. students who are out of the country. The first demonstrations were Jan. Egyptian people are wonderful and Lutherans are pretty rare in the Cairo, with about 17 million people, 25 (Mubarak resigned Feb. 11). I felt extremely hospitable overall. I’m very South, and no one at my school knew is very crowded. I live in an expatri- very unsafe only twice, on nights when lucky to have lived through this time in I even went to church because 99% of ate “bubble” of sorts, the suburb of gunfire went on all night and prisoners history and weathered the storm. them were Baptists, and they all attend- Ma’adi. Daily prayer calls blast from a from a nearby jail had escaped. My school pays for my apartment, ed church together. In high school mosque 50 feet away, especially on Fri- During that time, an Ethiopian cou- so the only fees I have here are basic when I told some friends I was Luther- days, when instead of the few minutes ple and their two young children who living expenses and utilities. My apart- an, they asked, “Is that a cult? Do you of call to prayer, we are treated to an live on the ground floor of our apart- ment is huge (three bedrooms, two believe in god?” I remember thinking, hour of yelling for the “service.” ment complex stayed with us for two baths) and it’s just me and the cats! “How can you be so ignorant of the It’s a bit scary. At least in America, if nights. Then it quieted down, with a As an expat, if you’re paid in U.S. history of your own Protestant church. I want to be yelled at about religion, I curfew still in effect. dollars, pound sterlings or euros, living You know, Martin Luther.” have to go inside a church. Here, you The government had shut down here is extremely cheap. The average My parents encouraged my ques- have no choice. A friend dubbed the Internet and cell phone service, but Egyptian lives on about 11 LE a day, or tions about religion. Our pastor was one at 4:30 a.m. the “call to pee” since my parents were able to call me on my less than $2. I’m able to save 50% of accepting of gay couples and helped it wakes him up, and as long as he’s landline. Our school was closed for a my paycheck. Some examples of aver- my dad change and become more tol- awake. . . week. The only TV channel I had on age prices I pay for things: erant. Traffic lanes are universally ignored. was CNN. I played hundreds of games • Use of a driver and cab to take me After graduating from high school, Drivers just move into wherever a space of FreeCell and Minesweeper on my anywhere in the city, run errands, etc., I enrolled at Texas Lutheran Univer- opens up. Crosswalks are nonexistent. computer with CNN on in the back- is $6 an hour. sity, a small college in Seguin near San Young and old literally have to run ground. • A 45-minute traditional, authen- Antonio. Most students were Luther- across five lanes of fast-moving traffic. On Feb. 23, police burned cars at tic Chinese foot massage (heavenly) is an, but there were Catholics and non- the Ministry of the Interior. A day later $13. believers and a gay and lesbian student No ‘nones’ allowed in New Ma’adi, a policeman shot a bus • A beer or drink at the expat pub group. driver dead during a traffic argument. is $1.50. I started to wonder if I was really a Religion is pervasive. To get a gov- People tried to set fire to the police sta- • Maid service, three days a week, Christian. I knew too many amazing ernment ID card, you must check one tion. They do not like the police but four hours a day, is $200 a month. My people who weren’t Christian to just of two choices: Coptic Christian or love the military. maid is Filipino and more expensive. say, “Yep — they’re all hellbound.” I Muslim. Early on, when things got bad and Egyptian maids tend to work much thought there was no way that a loving, I have many Christian and Muslim police were off the streets, people cheaper but also, in general, will take merciful god would allow that. friends. It seems, as everywhere, that pulled together and patrolled neigh- food from your fridge, clothes from After graduating, I attended church the more educated and wealthy a fam- borhoods themselves, setting up road- your closet and tend to not have the only as a paid choir member (I double ily is, the less religious and more toler- blocks at intersections to let in only same work ethic. majored in vocal performance and ant they are. I have observant Muslim people they knew belonged in the • A nice dinner for two at a gourmet math and sang opera professionally friends and others who do not fast or area. They were my protection. I felt restaurant, including appetizer, bottle before I started teaching math in San pray and drink alcohol whenever they safe knowing they were keeping loot- of wine, main course and dessert is $60. Antonio for a living). I went because like. But the tolerance extends only to ers and criminals out. My plan was to stay in Egypt until I was hired to sing and because I had believers. [In a later e-mail, Niesner links to a story 2013 or 2014. I want to take a year or friends also attending church there. Although Copts and Muslims often about the military beating peaceful protest- more off and become a nomad, back- Though my journey to atheism start- don’t get along, they are united in ers with clubs and electric prods and sexu- packing around the globe. Afterward, ed in college, about three years ago I their distaste for atheism, so I have to ally abusing women: “Egypt’s revolution I plan to return home to stay with picked up Dawkins’ The God Delusion, be extremely careful about revealing has entered a new phase as reform efforts are my parents and complete work on a Hitchens’ God Is Not Great and Dan my nonbelief. now aimed at reducing the military’s role in master’s degree in math education. Barker’s Godless. After reading them, As a foreigner and a woman, I wear political affairs. The violent suppression of Then I’ll attend another international I definitely decided that yes, I am an skirts that are knee-length or lower, protests reveals an Army determined to hold schools job fair and head somewhere atheist. avoid low-cut shirts and anything onto its influence in the volatile country.”] else for a new adventure on planet After a few years in San Antonio, I sleeveless. My first summer here I wore During this time, my boab, a man Earth! wanted an adventure and signed up for jeans but switched to mid-thigh-length who takes care of the apartment build- a job fair in Anchorage, Alaska. I got an shorts the second year. As expats we ing, washes everyone’s cars and acts as Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011

Imagine seeking modern sacrificial lambs Blood religion: A bloody shame

fore this loving god — Oh happy day! ground, in order for him to forgive us — decided Abraham had proved his ‘You’ll have to kill for being human and screwing up. faith and intervened to save Isaac. Any way you look at it, this is a Can you imagine what that did for another innocent, bloody religion. And I say it’s a bloody the boy’s trust in his father? Suppose peaceable animal shame. this were a modern story about some father in your community. The boy to appease me.’ John S. Compere, a Foundation member lives to tell the tale, which he does to since 2000, is a retired clinical psychologist the authorities. Wouldn’t you think and vice president of FFRF’s Sun Valley, this man was an utter lunatic if he ex- Roman Catholic tradition, the claim is Ariz., chapter. He was a fifth-generation plained that god had told him to do made that the wine of the Eucharist ac- Southern Baptist minister who resigned it? Of course you would, and you’d tually becomes Jesus’ blood. Most Prot- from his church at age 32, having rejected be right. And this lunatic father who estant groups reject this idea as being a the basic tenets of Christianity. He returned claimed he heard his god telling him bit much, but nonetheless blithely go to college to earn an M.A. and a Ph.D., to kill and burn his son would be treat- ahead with the idea that symbolically taught at Wake Forest University and had ed for the mental illness he was exhib- drinking Jesus’ blood is honoring him. a private practice. He lives in Arizona with iting. When we hear about a primitive his wife, Joyce, and enjoys cycling, tennis, By John S. Compere But times were different then, tribe vanquishing a foe and ritualis- racquetball, classical music, theater and weren’t they? Yeah, right. Try telling tically eating the still-beating heart good writing, especially on why humanism that to the boy whose father was ready ripped from the slain enemy’s breast is much to be preferred over supernatural- to kill and burn him in order to show and drinking the still-warm blood, we ism. An avowed feminist, he delights in his how much he loved god. are repulsed. As well we should be. four grown children and six granddaugh- Wouldn’t you think a humane god Why oh why, then, are we not able to ters. would have realized this wasn’t such look realistically at the equally repul- He’s the author of Towards the Light Blood is front and center in the a swell way to test someone’s faithful- sive notion that the god of this uni- (2010). This article is excerpted from one three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, ness, that it would scar the boy for life verse required that innocent, living chapter in a just-completed manuscript on Christianity and Islam. You can talk all and send a horrible message about beings had to be ritualistically killed, “Outgrowing Religion,” which he hopes to you want about the core of religion be- what it takes to please this almighty be- with their blood oozing out onto the have published soon. ing love and grace, but you can’t get ing? How in the name of all that is pre- there in these orthodox religions with- cious can anybody justify the idea that out wading through a ton of blood. the only way to be able to forgive some- The basic concept is simple, to wit: body who has done something bad is to Without the shedding of blood there is kill some innocent living being? They Said What? no remission of sins. That’s incredibly “Without the shedding of blood, simple. It’s also incredible, that is, un- there is no remission of sin.” What a believable for anyone with a modicum sick idea! I’m proud to say I’m a born-again believe that a creature crawled out of of logical sense who actually takes the Let me try again to put it in modern Christian. I hope you appreciate the the sea and became a human being time to analyze it. terms. Suppose you have a daughter fact that it is not freedom from reli- one day. Why is it incredible? who disobeys you. Let’s say she slips out gion, it is freedom from a state religion Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., answering Well, think about it. Pretend you’ve of the house to be with her boyfriend that we celebrate. The great creator, if he believes in evolution never heard it before. Here’s an all- and lies to you about it. You find out no matter who you worship, is the one “Real Time With Bill Maher,” 1-28-11 powerful god who creates a world and what happened and say to her, “Before from which our freedoms are derived, populates it with various forms of life. I can forgive you, you have to kill some- not the government. One of the most important things that He allows the crown of his creation — thing: your little pet Yorkie who sleeps Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, speech at we should always remember is the mot- human beings — to disobey in such a in your bed every night.” his Inauguration Day prayer breakfast to of our country, In God We Trust, way that he can’t just let it go. He has to So your daughter takes her beloved Wisconsin State Journal, 1-3-11 and we should stand on that founda- either punish them or figure out some pet, slits its throat with a butcher knife tion as our founders intended. Ladies sort of ritual they can perform so he while tears roll down her cheeks, lets it The idea that the Crusades and the and gentlemen, we as a nation must can forgive them. bleed to death while the little pet looks fight of Christendom against Islam is move toward God, not away from God. So he decides that the ritual will be up at her with incredulous eyes, and somehow an aggression on our part Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, this: Take an innocent animal (unable then you say, “OK, now I forgive you.” is absolutely anti-historical. . . . What in a speech at the Conservative Politi- to disobey the rules and thus displease Would you be a monster or what? I’m talking about is onward, American cal Action Conference (CPAC) this god, by the way, and which, inter- It’s incomprehensible, isn’t it? No- soldiers. What we’re talking about are Esquire, 2-14-11 estingly enough, is always a non-preda- body in his or her right mind would core American values. “All men are cre- tor in the animal kingdom) and slit its do such a thing. But that’s what we’re ated equal” — that’s a Christian value, A physical sign. It could have easily throat. Let its blood pour out on the told this brilliant, loving, all-powerful but it’s an American value. said, “You will now be attacked by Sa- ground while it dies. god decided was the way it should be. Former Sen. Rick Santorum, speaking tan. Entering this industry, you are now Then this all-powerful god can smile Throughout the entire Hebrew scrip- in Spartanburg, S.C. on the highway to darkness.” I think we and say, “OK, I forgive your screwing up tures, there is never any questioning of Politico.com, 2-22-11 are right now. No doubt. There’s no this time, but don’t let it happen again the barbarity of this scheme. doubt about it. or you’ll have to kill another innocent, And it gets worse, of course. When We don’t have the answer to every- Singer Billy Ray Cyrus, on seeing an peaceable animal to appease me.” Jesus is executed in a horrible way (ac- thing, but by God, we have the answer Atheists United Adopt-a-Highway sign Given that this god could have cording to accepted religious mythol- to a lot of stuff. on the way into Los Angeles made things any way he chose, does ogy), it’s interpreted that his death Justice Antonin Scalia, September 2010 GQ magazine, March 2011 it make any kind of sense whatsoever was the final and ultimate sacrifice, comment on constitutional originalism that bloody sacrifice would have been the quintessential spilling of blood at the University of California’s Hast- God makes everything happen. He put his brilliant solution to the problem of that would allow god to forgive all sins ings College of Law professor Jeffrey me in that situation with Death Row, human beings screwing up? thereafter by harking back to this par- Rosen, “If Scalia had His Way” and he took me out of it. How horrendous is the story of ticular gory spectacle. There are count- New York Times, 1-9-11 Rapper Snoop Dogg, aka Calvin Broad- Abraham being told to sacrifice his less references in church hymnody to us Jr., “smoking a blunt and discussing son Isaac? I dare you to really con- the power of the blood. We’re sup- One of the most important things that his comeback after leaving Death Row sider what a terrible message it gives. posed to immerse ourselves in it, wash we should always remember is the mot- Records” God supposedly told Abraham that he our clothes in it, glory in it and rejoice to of our country, In God We Trust, Wall Street Journal, 2-12-11 should take his son to a special moun- in it, ad nauseam. This is blood we’re and we should stand on that founda- tain and kill and burn him in order to talking about. Blood! tion as our founders intended. Ladies Saying we’re going to be under the wa- prove that he loved god. According to Somehow god decided that killing and gentlemen, we as a nation must ter, that I don’t believe. Because people the story in Genesis 22, the father even some innocent being, which is also move toward God, not away from God. belong to God, and God is not so silly had his trusting son carry the wood for supposed to be god’s creation, by the Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, to allow people to perish just like that. the fire and answered Isaac’s question way, is the best and only way to show in a speech at the Conservative Politi- Teburoro Tito, former president of about where the animal was that would devotion to an almighty being? cal Action Conference (CPAC) the Kiribati Islands (average elevation be killed and burned without telling The most sacred ritual of the Esquire, 2-14-11 6.5 feet), on flooding danger from cli- his son what he had in mind. Once church throughout the centuries has mate change there, he bound his son, laid him on been built around the notion of sym- I believe I came from God, not from a National Public Radio, 2-16-11 the wood and was ready to kill him be- bolically drinking Jesus’ blood. In the monkey, so the answer is no. . . . I don’t March 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11 Meet a Member Lover of lifelong learning

Name: Patricia “Pat” (Riley) Dun- (Arden Press, 1995). lap. Military service: My husband is a Where I live: Tall Timbers, Md., retired U.S. Navy captain. We’ve been near the mouth of the Potomac River. I married for 46 years. grew up in colonial Williamsburg, Va., How I got where I am today: My hus- near the Powder Magazine and the band’s job brought him to St. Mary’s shoemaker and silversmith shops. As a County, and I came with him as I always Navy wife, I’ve lived along most of the have. We built a nice, small home on nation’s coastal areas. the water and purchased a boat which Where and when I was born: Nor- we keep at a slip behind our house. folk, Va., 1943. Where I’m headed: We’re planning Family: Husband, Steve, 69; son, a camera safari in Africa for 2011, so Steve, 43, and daughter-in-law, Stepha- that’s where I’m headed geographi- nie; daughter, Tricia, 42; son, Matthew, cally. Intellectually, I intend to keep 39; four grandchildren, Annie, 20, Jo- teaching as long as I’m able to do so, seph, 13, Hank, 9, and Carter, 7. and I would like to find a way to estab- Education: B.A. in philosophy from lish an FFRF chapter or something like the College of William and Mary; M.A. it in southern Maryland (Charles, Cal- in American history from George Ma- vert and St. Mary’s counties). son University; D.A. in history and Person in history I admire: Thom- teaching history in higher education as Jefferson was a deist — which is as from George Mason University. close to atheist as one could be before After being asked to teach a course Charles Darwin and Edwin Hubble — Pat Dunlap unwinds from earthly cares on the water. in the history of science at the college a scholar, and a servant of the people level, I delved into the evolution of of the emerging American republic. The nearly complete lack of rational spirit world. science from ancient Babylon to the A quotation I like: “Skepticism is the thought in their concepts was nearly In other words, there’s no actual evi- present and found it fascinating. I’m highest duty, and blind faith the one as alarming as the insistence that the dence that any of this nonsense is true. particularly intrigued by biological unpardonable sin.” (Thomas Huxley) faithful discard reason in favor of faith I’m an atheist, and I’m far more com- evolution and cosmology. These are a few of my favorite and obedience. So, religion is mythol- fortable in the truth of that statement I’m also very politically involved as things: My husband, children and ogy and nothing more. That made me than I ever was as a Christian. the president of my county’s League grandchildren; college students who an agnostic, since it’s possible that my- Why I’m a freethinker: Because to of Women Voters. I also worked with ask questions and seek truth; travel, thology has a basis in fact. be anything else is to deny the realities the Virginia Obama for President cam- boating and understanding why things My explorations into cosmology of factual information backed by physi- paign. Virginia went blue for the first are the way they are. pushed me that extra mile. We’ve wid- cal evidence. time since 1964. My efforts on behalf These are not: Blind ignorance and ened our knowledge base about the Ways I promote freethought: I try to of the League and the Obama cam- refusal to explore recently introduced universe from our solar system to a get the FFRF newspaper into as many paign taught me a great deal about the ideas and concepts. knowledge base that includes a theory hands as possible. I’ve shared it with current state of politics in the U.S. My doubts about religion started: of origin called the Big Bang, thou- friends and relatives, deliberately left Finally, I travel whenever possible. Religion has raised questions for me sands of galaxies and increasingly rapid it in public places such as restaurants, I’ve been to most of Europe, Japan, since I was in seventh or eighth grade. I expansion of the universe. Hubble has airports and trains, and sent particular- Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New began to read books on classical Greek sent back billions of photographs, and ly pertinent articles to people online. I Zealand and most of North America. and Roman mythology and, at some nowhere is there any sign of heaven also forward the best of Annie Laurie’s Travel is the second-most enlighten- point, asked my mother why these an- (the biblical heaven is just beyond the “Freethought of the Day” to a reason- ing experience after formal educa- cient belief systems were called myths reaches of Earth), god, angels, cheru- ably wide audience. tion. Seeing ourselves from another’s when they weren’t any more silly than bim, or any of the other minions of the perspective is eye-opening, as is the Christianity. Why, I asked, is it less like- obvious contrast among nations and ly that many gods exist than that one cultures. does? Why can’t gods act much like Occupation: Retired program man- humans do instead of being some sorts ager, publication editor and marketing of spirits beyond our reach and under- director. I’ve taught college-level his- standing? I honestly don’t remember tory courses part time since 1987, and her response, but I continued to at- I continue to do so at various colleges, tend church and eventually reared my often online. I’m the author of Riding children to do the same. Astride: The Frontier in Women’s History In my 30s, I began to read mythol- ogy again, includ- ing the many great works of Jo- seph Campbell. The similarities between Judeo- Christian mythol- ogy and preceding religions (e.g., Zo- roastrianism and Mithraism) were startling. Believers of many of these ancient dogmas Hawkeye State motto: ‘Our liberties we based their faith on heroes born of prize and our rights we will maintain.’ virgins who over- FFRF Co-President Dan Barker spoke Feb. 10 on the fact that “America Doesn’t came death. They Have a Prayer” at the final event of Darwin Week at the University of Northern each had fascinat- Iowa in Cedar Falls. The event was sponsored by the UNI Freethinkers and ing creation myths Inquirers, which is associated with the Secular Student Alliance. A crowd of and hierarchies of 125 students, faculty and community members packed the room. From left, god and godlike front, are UNIFI President Trevor Boeckmann, Laura Castro, John Chesley, creatures. Dan Barker and Membership Director Alex Popinga. MIDDLE ROW, from left: That led me to Aaron Friel, Ben Musset, Activities Director Quinn Jones, Loren Thalacker, the works of people Kelsey Waugaman, Miranda Burroughs and Tony Mangello. BACK ROW: like Billy Graham, Finance Director Michael Dippold, Brett Wheeler, Adam Shannon, Vice Pat Robertson President Cory Derringer, Brian Hart and Joe Enabnit. and Jerry Falwell. Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011 Please don’t dismiss Atheist Bliss

statement to share with the world. will eventually be revealed as a myth, church, he’s generously donating a Erickson, who lives with his wife just like the myth of the invisible man portion of sales to FFRF. Shari in Los Angeles, is a University who sits up in the clouds and reads our Atheist Bliss (TOTC Press, 2010, 102 of Southern California graduate who minds.” pages), is available from templeofthecave. for a time worked in television, film Because Erickson strongly believes com and at ffrf.org/shop/books/ for $22 and theater before joining the Roswell in a strong wall between state and ppd. [N.M.] Daily Record and later the Chi- cago Tribune as a journalist. His 2005 freelance investigative piece “Over the Ocean, Under the Knife” detailed medical tourism in Thailand and Ma- laysia. He co-wrote The Civil War and Weird, Scary and Unusual for Publica- tions International’s Armchair Guide series. Now, his Temple of the Cave Photog- raphy, a multimedia studio company, crafts images for clients that include bands, theater companies and models. He also started The Marian Project, Eric Paul Erickson which helps women from troubled or abusive backgrounds express their nat- ural beauty before the camera to boost self esteem or just replace photos left Eric Paul Erickson dedicates Athe- behind when they were running for ist Bliss to mythologist Joseph Camp- their lives. The city of Los Angeles rec- bell for his oft-quoted advice to “follow ognized the project with an award in your bliss,” wherever it may lead. 2010. It led Erickson, an FFRF member, to The Marian Project “proudly stands envision and complete Atheist Bliss, “a as a secular organization working to photo exploration of atheists in Amer- better the lives of others,” Erickson ica.” It features 44 photographs — a says. mix of color and black and white — of He says he didn’t quite know what “ordinary” freethinkers posing with to expect when he started the atheist short statements of their choice. photo project. He did want to counter For example, Bob Kitson, a stand-up any perceptions that atheists are un- comic, chose “Fully Evolved Mammal” happy people. for his poster. George Carlin’s words “People for the most part were very are on the facing page: “Atheism is a open to it. Sometimes I had a problem non-prophet organization.” when people thought they were athe- Musician Cris Caplan posed with ists but were actually spiritualists or his guitar and a sign, “Music is my Reli- had a type of New Age — for lack of a gion!” His statement: “The absence of better term — beliefs. I had many re- religion in my life allowed me to better quests from New Age believers to par- understand my unique self and creativ- ticipate, but obviously that wouldn’t ity. That is why I am happy.” have worked.” “I found my subjects in various Erickson said he bonded with some ways,” says Erickson, “some through project participants more than others ads on Craigslist and other online and that he encountered all kinds of sources, some through working with freethought outlooks, from strident to freethinker groups and some through more accommodating. One thing he word of mouth. There was also a lot of discovered quickly: ‘You know, my friend so and so is an “Atheists have many shared experi- atheist. I should ask them if they would ences. Time and time again, I heard be interested.’ ” stories that reflected my own history. The ground rules were simple. Par- Relationships dashed to pieces over re- ticipants were asked to create signs on ligion. Parents turning their backs on poster board. The sign could either their own children. Discrimination at describe how they refer to themselves, work, even the loss of jobs. Public hu- quote a famous freethinker who reso- miliation. Hatred, even violence.” nated with them or put forth their own The logistics: Each atheist was asked to create three signs, one saying how they refer to themselves, another quoting a famous free- thinker who resonated with them, and a third with a short statement they wanted to share with the world. “Some of the shots are done as conceptual portraits,” Erickson says. “Other times it was sim- ply a snapshot, capturing a moment. I wanted to show the differences in people as well as in their own approach to life.” Along with giving a voice to nonbelievers, he hopes to spur discus- sion. His main goal is “to chip away at the igno- rance of how atheists live their lives. The idea that atheists can’t be happy March 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13 More Atheist Bliss

‘I ain’t ’fraid of no ghost.’— Pedrom Adeli

“Happiness isn’t about selectively denly I’m not good enough to date explaining away sadness and inequal- their child, even though they thought ity. It’s about addressing it head-on. I was a wonderful person beforehand.” Believing everything is part of ‘God’s — Valerie Macias, social activist Plan’ isn’t being happy, it’s being obliv- ious.” “My heart and mind tell me that I — Ian Gary, performer and writer will never understand a world allegedly governed by one god that allows for so “The most difficulties I’ve had are much wrong, cruelty and injustice.” when the parent of someone I’m dat- — Mark Bedrosian, aquatics industry con- ing finds out I’m an atheist. Then sud- sultant

‘God equals the square root of negative 1.’ — Alex Jacobson, scientist Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011

Emperor Has No Clothes Award 2010 They’re afraid of our truth

Photography by Brent Nicastro

Photo: Tom Stringfellow my father was a Muslim! I have the seed of Islam!” It doesn’t make We have high expectations for this acceptance speech. On his show just any sense, but it a few days ago, he spilled the beans: “There will be a declaration of war.” doesn’t have to — Egging on Bill O’Reilly, Cenk asked, it’s religion. “You want a culture war? Let’s have at Cenk Uygur it, Hoss!” sinner,” right? I don’t like the religion, made him vote on Prop. 8, dragged but I love a lot of religious people, like him out there and said, “You gotta vote my mom. By Cenk Uygur on this.” Then finally, one last guy. I knew He said, “I don’t want to get mar- this kid who was 20 years old, who was Scott Colson, FFRF webmaster, produc- ried.” She said, “I don’t care. You’re a Muslim in college. He was devout, tion editor and UW-Madison philoso- going to vote on this.” She’s largely a didn’t drink, fasted for the whole Ra- phy grad, introduced Cenk Uygur [Jenk Democrat, though she gets frustrated, madan. Reasonably smart kid, inquisi- YOOgur] to attendees at the 33rd national like a lot of us do. She had cancer sev- tive, looked into all the different reli- convention Oct. 30 in Madison, Wis.: Thank you so much, Freedom en years ago and she thinks that God gions. And I’m definitely not against From Religion Foundation, for this helped her to get through it. Now, that kid, because that kid was me. This next speaker is a mix of mys- award. I really appreciate it. I know I have nothing against Linda. I love We have to be open to other peo- tery, intrigue and excitement. MSNBC I probably got it for saying things on Linda. I might disagree with her, but ple changing. I changed. I think a lot financial host Dylan Ratigan once took national television, which aren’t often there’s nothing wrong with someone of people in this room have changed. to the streets of New York to ask a very said. But we’re the future. Television is like Linda thinking that God got her How many of you grew up in a reli- important question: What is a Cenk a part of it, but as Scott was telling you, through that cancer. As long as she gion? [Many hands raised.] That’s a Uygur? The answers varied from an ex- we’ve got a little bit of an audience on- fought the cancer with medicine, etc., lot of you! And you all changed. That’s otic locale to an (infamous?) mountain line. We’re actually the largest online that also helps, and she did. also part of my message tonight: That peak to a strange animal that scientists news show in the world, and what’s I know a woman in L.A. She’s from we can help others change, and that we have just discovered. neat about that is, now the host of the Guatemala and works really hard as should help others change, like I did But to understand just what a Cenk largest online news show in the world is a housekeeper. She takes two weeks and like a lot of you did. Uygur is, you have to know what a an agnostic. So we’re coming. off a year and goes back to her home I’m not against faith. There’s a good Young Turk is. A Young Turk has his- Part of my speech today is about country, and feeds the poor for two argument to be made by atheists who torically meant a modern, pluralist, that. It’s about a new generation and straight weeks. That’s her idea of a va- say, “No, there is no God. There is no secularist member of the newly formed affecting a new generation. And as I cation. Now, that’s what we used to call higher consciousness. There is no Fly- Ottoman political class at the turn of teased on the show, I will be declaring a Christian, and there are great, great ing Spaghetti Monster. There is no the 20th century. Their efforts at shed- a culture war. But before I do that, I Christians like that in the world. More Zeus. There is no Thor.” I understand ding empire and deposing of the sul- want to be really, really careful as to power to them. If that’s their interpre- that, but that’s not the point I’m mak- tan were ultimately successful, leading whom this war is with. I’m sure that a tation of Christianity, I couldn’t be hap- ing. If people want to have faith, and to a secular constitutional republic. great majority of you agree, but I want pier with that. My personal role model that helps them get through cancer, In the 21st century, we are at the to be absolutely clear. It’s not against is a reverend: Rev. Martin Luther King it helps them get through life, I don’t dawn of a second Young Turks revolu- the religious. Are there some religious Jr. Christians like that have helped the pretend to know. I really don’t. tion. This one started in 2002, on Sirius folks in the country I disagree with? Of world become a much better place. Sometimes, I can be very sure of my Satellite Radio, and then spread on- course. The list could take hours. But Let me just give you two last exam- opinions, as you’re about to see. But is line. The Los Angeles Times referred there are great, great religious people ples: my mom. She’s a Muslim. She’s a there a higher consciousness? I hope to “The Young Turks” as the pioneers in the country. I’m going to give you a person of faith. Does she get into the so! Are human beings the highest con- of Internet programming. So what is couple of examples. details of the dogma? No. But she has sciousness in the universe? God help it? Well, it’s the first ever daily online We were on the flight here, sitting an enduring faith, and I don’t want to us if we are. So I don’t know the an- program that now has over 300 mil- next to a little old lady named Linda take her faith away from her. I don’t swers. So I’m not saying if you believe lion YouTube views worldwide. Recent from California on the way to visit even want to challenge her faith. It’s certain things — whether it’s a higher guests included powerhouses Nancy her grandchildren in Colorado. She not about that. It’s about the specifics consciousness or a supreme being of Pelosi, Russ Feingold, Alan Greens- loves them to death, and she loves her of the religion and the dogma. So if some sort, if you just generally have pan, Jimmy Carter, Brian Williams, the daughter, whose children they are, and somebody ever says, “Hey, you’re de- faith — that I’m against you, or I don’t lovable Pat Buchanan and John Kerry. that’s why she goes to visit them often. claring a culture war and you’re against believe that, or that I’ve got a problem The show has won many awards, in- She loves her son, who’s gay, and she’s religion,” yes, but you know how the with that, or I’m going to declare war cluding 2009 Best Political Podcast. frustrated that he doesn’t vote. She Christians say “hate the sin, love the against you. I’m not saying any of that. Cenk takes his duties on the soap- I think it’s very important because box very seriously, especially for the we have to tell people, in order to help secular cause. “I’m agnostic now. I was them change, in order to effect that born Muslim. My whole family is Mus- change, “Hey, listen. At least from my lim. They didn’t knock down the tow- perspective, we’re not against your ers; they were scared in New Jersey.” god. We’re not against your beliefs, Later that day, with Ratigan, Cenk of- necessarily. We’re not against your fered his take on gay marriage: “What faith. We’re just telling you that the way have gay couples done to marriage that you are getting to that faith — this ave- Larry King or Liz Taylor haven’t done?” nue, this religion — is wrong. Now, you He then referred Ratigan to Leviticus, can have faith through other means, where mixing of fabrics and eating but these texts are demonstrably false. shellfish are considered an abomina- And we can show you how they’re false. tion. Cenk called for stonings at Red So just stay open-minded for a second. Lobster. I’m not telling you I know the answers. Cenk guest-hosted “The Ed Show” The only thing I’m telling you (and the for Ed Schultz on Aug. 20. Rev. Frank- point of this speech tonight), is that I lin Graham had just made some really do know what is not true. And what is idiotic comments about the “seed of not true is the bible, the Quran, the Islam” and whether President Obama Old Testament, the New Testament is really a Muslim. As Cenk put it, “You and, by the way, the texts of the Hindus don’t get infected when you are born,” and the Buddhists. I know. I studied and added, “Muahahaha! Don’t trust them. me. My father is now an agnostic. I’m Cenk accepts the Emperor Award from FFRF Co-Presidents Dan Barker and The reason I not only didn’t like an agnostic. But at the time I was born, Annie Laurie Gaylor. Buddhism but honestly hated it — March 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15 don’t tell Richard Gere — is that, and I know people will say these are broad Do you really generalizations, but generally speak- ing, Buddhism is about escape from believe Gandhi is this life. And I thought, I don’t want to roasting over an escape from this life! I like this life. I like watching the Steelers on Sunday, open fire right I like eating my subs, and at the time, I liked trying to hook up with girls — now? trying.

Who declared this war? ing a pitchfork into him. That’s one of the questions I’d like to ask American Bill O’Reilly and others on FOX fundamentalists: Do you really believe News and other conservatives are al- Gandhi is roasting over an open fire ways talking about a “culture war.” I al- right now? ways think, like, what culture war? Who on our side ever declared war? Who How do we fight this? on our side said that we were going to make sure that they couldn’t practice They have so much power, although their religion? Who on our side said, Cenk Uygur at the convention podium. they love to play the victim. You watch “Government has to be run by our be- O’Reilly on any night with his culture lief”? It’s always them saying, “No, you In another, a woman tried to open her He threw a road map out there. The war: “Ugh, these atheists are coming! have to run government by our beliefs, daughter’s skull. Always, it’s the weak evangelicals called it a satanic road What’s happening in Boulder, Colo., and we don’t give a damn what your and defenseless who are attacked. map — the reason being it might lead and Madison, Wis., and San Francis- beliefs are!” And then they pretend we But I think it’s possible that the to peace, which they desperately do not co?” started a war? Are you kidding me? most dangerous of all are American want. The religious are about 85% of the I want to tell you about their war on fundamentalist Christians. It’s because Twenty-four of the leading evan- population. How do we fight back, us. It’s all across the world. I’m talking the policies they push are more dan- gelicals in the country, led by Gary when in reality, there have been no about conservatives, fundamentalists, gerous. One particular policy that had Bauer, wrote a letter to President Bush, agnostic or atheist presidents? There of all the religions, of all the countries. a lot of fundamentalist Christian back- a born-again evangelical: “It would is only one member of Congress, Pete Those are the people we have to fight ing, including a fairly important guy be morally reprehensible to be even- Stark, who has the courage to say he back against with reason and logic and by the name of George W. Bush, was handed between Israel and the Pal- does not believe in religion. We are at a with a lot of effort. You may have heard the invasion of Iraq. There’s a story estinians.” Now, why don’t they want 534 to 1 disadvantage. But O’Reilly says of the recent case in Iran of the wom- in Jacques Chirac’s biography where evenhandedness? Why don’t they want we have all the power. an who was accused of adultery. At first Bush goes and talks to the French pres- peace in the Middle East? Because of All of you in your local communities they were going to give her 99 lashes, ident and says, “You know, Gog and their asinine beliefs in this ridiculous have had to deal with this. You know but then since she didn’t want to get Magog are supposed to come out of book written centuries ago by a bunch what we’re up against. I saw the stu- the 99 lashes, she got a lawyer. They Iraq.” And Chirac is like, “What? What of politicians. Jesus didn’t write the bi- dent from Indiana who spoke earlier drove her lawyer out of the country the hell are Gog and Magog?” He liter- ble — they wrote it 300 years later. And today. What a courageous kid. I’m an and then they decided, “OK, we’ve got ally has to turn to an aide and say, “Hey, what happens when politicians write emotional guy. I almost cried, man. to step this up a notch.” can you look that up for me? This guy’s something? I’ll tell you why: He stands up to his They decided to bury her up to her a lunatic!” The idea among some evangelicals school, when they said they were go- head and stone her until she dies. Now, That story is so incredible that I al- in this country is that Israel needs to ing to allow prayer at the graduation people are fighting that and there’s a most can’t quite believe it, but it’s con- be Greater Israel, and when that hap- ceremony. At the time, he’s a Christian lot of back-and-forth whether that’s go- firmed by French authorities that Bush pens, they will eventually tear down a and he stands up for the Constitution. ing to happen. So you’re going to throw said that. Gog and Magog: That’s why holy mosque in Jerusalem. When they When he goes to make the speech, heavy stones at a woman’s head who’s we invaded Iraq? Hundreds of thou- tear down the Muslim mosque, then people start coughing and in essence buried and can’t defend herself, and sands of civilians died. We found out we will have war. That war has a cute heckling him. To go up against all kill her, and we declared war on you? through WikiLeaks last week: “Oh, little nickname: It’s called Armaged- those students, all those peers, all the This war has been going on for a oops! We forgot to count another don. And they love that, because they community, all the administrators, and long, long time all over the world. In 15,000 civilians who were killed in that think right after that, Jesus comes. Je- have the courage to make that speech Afghanistan, religious fundamental- war.” Those are real people, aunts and sus can’t come until we have Armaged- anyway. ists throw acid in girls’ faces for going uncles and grandmothers that some- don, and everyone in the world, except But we have a very important thing to school. In Nigeria, Christian pas- body cared about, and kids that they for 144,000 people, die. Is there any- on our side. It’s called the truth. That’s tors say they are experts in exorcism. had hope in, and they all died because thing more dangerous on this planet? I why they’re so afraid of us. That’s why Some of them call themselves “witch an idiot thought Gog and Magog come don’t think there is. they don’t want to hear the argument. doctors.” It’s a little confusing because out of Iraq. What did George Bush do after he That’s why they scream “I’m offended! they’re also against witchcraft. In oth- received the letter from the evangeli- I’m offended! I’m offended!” That’s er countries like Ghana, women are It’s called Armageddon cals? He assured them in a conference why they’ve made up a whole fantasy largely attacked. Do you see a theme call, “Don’t worry, we’re just kidding. of rationalizations for things you chal- here? People who can’t defend them- Yes, the witch doctors and the Tal- Of course we won’t be evenhanded.” lenge them on, that they don’t have an selves have few rights and get attacked iban are incredibly dangerous and vi- So we don’t have peace in the Middle answer for. by tough guys. That’s what tough guys olent. But they don’t have the largest East partly because our evangelicals When I say “war,” I don’t mean it do: They bury women up to their neck army built by man. That’s why our fun- don’t want the peace. We invaded like they do. I mean with ideas and and throw stones at their faces. damentalists are scarier and more dan- Iraq partly because our evangelicals with logic and with reason, but force- In Nigeria, they poured acid into a gerous in a lot of ways. In 2003, Bush thought Gog and Magog come from fully. That doesn’t mean you scream kid’s eyes and nose. He suffered for a was doing the road map to peace in Is- Iraq. What’s scarier is, what can some- at people. It means you do what that month before he died. In another case, rael and Palestine. It’s his halfhearted one who’s even dumber than Bush do? student did, which is have the courage, they drove a nail through a kid’s head. effort, but at least he did something. Sarah Palin, maybe? and even if you whisper, to an audience Some of these religious leaders had or a friend or a family member, “Hey, a meeting with Sarah Palin before you know what, I don’t think it’s right.” she was picked as the vice presiden- When you do that, you have so many tial nominee. This is all in the record, weapons at your disposal. absolutely verifiable. They came away Open the bible to any page. Leviti- from the meeting thinking, “Perfect cus is, of course, famous: “A man shall — just like Bush. Tabula rasa, doesn’t not lie with a man.” Right above that have many opinions, easily filled. She verse is the one that I’ve alluded to on just wants to get ahead and she’ll play occasion on our show and on MSNBC, ball.” That is their war against us, and that you shall not eat shellfish. It is an I think it’s time to start fighting back. abomination against God. An abomi- I’m offended by their actions, but nation, just like lying with a man. So I’m not offended by their opinion. do you hate shrimp? Why does God They believe in a sky god who’s going hate shrimp? You eat shrimp. If you to suck them up into the sky with a eat shrimp, you are an abomination. vacuum cleaner. What’s there to get of- I want every one of you here, and ev- fended by? That’s funny! That’s hilari- erybody that watches this at home, it’s ous! Have at it, Hoss, I’d love to see it! easy, just ask somebody, “Why do you Most of us here believe in rational- think God hates shrimp?” ity. We believe in evidence. We believe Next you ask, “So which one is it? in science. By the way, Gandhi did not Because you have to pick. You can’t believe in Jesus Christ, so according to say that you are against gay rights, or Meeting the audience after his acceptance speech. Christianity, right now Satan is stick- Continued on next page Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011

Continued from previous page So many religious because if you learn something, then little issue with a flood at some point, gay marriage, or whatever it may be, you might realize that these books are historically speaking. because God is against it, and then say people have no ridiculous and completely and utterly Another aspect of the history of re- it’s OK to go to Red Lobster. You can’t untrue. ligion: These great archaeology profes- have it both ways. So which one is it? idea what’s in the As soon as I had read that, I closed sors from Israel went to study Moses. Just pick. You’re either in favor of gay the book. There’s a saying in Turkish: They were generally believers who rights because you realize Leviticus bible. “Close the book. Drink a cold glass of wanted to show some historical path doesn’t make any sense, or, that’s it, water. You’re done with it.” I drank a of Moses. They knew they weren’t go- stop eating shrimp.” They’re going to cold glass of water, and then a beer. ing to find that he had split the Red hate that. could be. A lot of Turks will get mad I said, “If that is god, well then, I’m Sea, but thought they would find some All of a sudden they’re gonna be about that: Some Turks are very Mus- against him, because I believe in hu- record of Moses in Egypt. They’re ear- like, “Eh, gay rights aren’t so bad.” One lim. But generally, Turkey is known as manity. I want us to work together. I nest professors and honestly went and day, I do really want to push for a Red a secular country. The founder of Tur- want us to communicate. I want us to tried to find that record. Lobster amendment. key, Kemal Atatürk, was very impressed learn. I want us to advance.” First, what they found is amazing by America’s founders and thought It’s not because I’m trying to show in that notes were incredibly detailed: Heapin’ helpin’ of it made a great deal of sense to make up God. It’s not like my agenda is “I’ll “Ahmed sells a loaf of bread to Mehm- hypocrisy Turkey a secular nation. show God!” We’re just trying to build a ed, and then Hussein sells it to Hus- Turks, honestly, they cheat. Not all tower. We want to work there or some- san, and then they traded it for this.” Gay rights is the civil rights issue Turks, but a lot. For example, they’ll thing, go to work, raise our kids. So I They’re like, “Whoa, this is great, be- of our generation. The issue is also drink all year. You’re not supposed said, “If God is that cruel and that petty cause we’ve got great records here!” a great example of religion’s hypoc- to drink in Islam, but they’ll drink all and that silly and that much against Not a trace of Moses. A complete and risy. “Oh, the bible says that marriage year. But when it gets to Ramadan, humanity, well then, we’ve got to fight utter fiction. should be between one man and one they won’t fast, but they won’t drink. him. We might lose. If they’re right, Some of you might know this, but re- woman — except for all the times it At night, at Ramadan, if they catch you we’re going to lose, but I’ll go down ligious folks don’t know it. They think doesn’t!” Solomon had 700 wives and drinking, they’re like, “What kind of fighting.” Part of the reason that I Moses was real. They don’t realize he’s 300 concubines, which we would call Muslim is this?” It doesn’t make any named my son Prometheus: Steal fire like Harry Potter. He’s Dumbledore mistresses or prostitutes. But he’s Solo- sense, but it doesn’t have to — it’s re- from the gods and give it to humans. or Gandalf. There’s no record of him mon, so that’s cool. ligion. I’m a fan of man. whatsoever, let alone a record of split- Abraham had sex with his wife, her So I take Introduction to Islam. I Isn’t it amusing how O’Reilly and ting the Red Sea, let alone a record of sister, his maid and his sister’s maid. have this great Irish teacher who is such the rest of them consider that such a frogs raining down. What happened? I thought it was one a sweetheart. He’s doing his best to be disparaging thing to say: “a secular hu- It’s very important to teach the his- man, one woman? How come Abra- unbiased and does a great job of pre- manist!” What are we supposed to be tory of the current religions. Two as- ham gets four chicks? You go through senting Islam in the best possible light. in favor of? I mean, we’re in favor of pects of this are Christianity and Islam. the bible and see dozens of examples For example, women had no rights humans! Does he want us to be in favor Christianity, as a lot of you know, 300 where it’s not one man and one wom- in that area before Islam; after Islam, of giraffes? Aliens? some odd years later they do a coun- an. They made it up. cil, and they get together and go, “All Here’s something else they made right, guys, what do we want to do to up — I could do a whole speech on subdue the masses and maintain our this — abortion. Nothing in the bible power? We’ve got a lot of these things says you can’t have an abortion. They floating around talking about a Jesus. want to be strict interpretationists of Some are from Nazareth. Some are the Constitution, but not of the bible. from somewhere else. Another one’s There is a verse in the bible that says, from Mars. We’ve got all these fun sto- “If you think your wife has cheated on ries, and John and Bob and whoever you, and she’s pregnant, then give her else wrote these stories. So let’s figure poison. Make sure an accredited witch out which ones to keep and which ones doctor or priest or rabbi does it. Then to burn.” if she has a miscarriage, she cheated They mix and match. That’s why if on you. If she keeps the baby, then it’s you read the New Testament, a lot of the yours.” Isn’t that an abortion? stories don’t match. I find that amaz- But they don’t care about the truth. ing, because even the powerful people In fact, as I told you before, they’re at that time who were going to use scared to death of the truth. What we this book for their own ends thought, have to do, politely but forcefully, is “You know what? Let’s not bother fact- keep telling them the truth. I don’t checking. John doesn’t agree with Mat- want to just pick on Christianity. If thew, but who cares? Just print it, print you’re discussing these issues with Mus- it! It’ll be fine! They’re not gonna read lims, it’s exceedingly easy. Of course, they had some rights — a tiny bit. So Steps to restore sanity it anyway — it’s in Latin.” men get to have four wives. I don’t I think, “Well, that’s an improvement, Once Christians find out, “Oh my think women get to have four hus- so Islam is good.” Because, you know, The first thing you’ve got to do is god, you’re telling me that a bunch bands. It’s funny how religious lead- you’re brainwashed, and it’s hard to tell everyone to read the bible and the of politicians picked these things? It ers like Muhammad and Joseph Smith get rid of that brainwashing. You try to Quran and every religious text, because wasn’t God, it was somebody who wrote always have a conversation with God justify everything. they don’t know. Study after study has it 300 years later and then somebody where God goes, “Ah, go ahead, screw I read the Quran and I started read- shown that so many religious people else edited and arranged it?” It makes ’em all!” ing the bible and I had the reverse of have no idea what’s in the bible. They them start asking questions. Pose those If you read the history of Mormon- a “come to Jesus” moment. I was read- think that the people who wrote the questions. Help them to pose those ism, one person who did not believe ing about the Tower of Babel. So hu- books in the bible were actually Jesus’ questions. in polygamy was Joseph Smith’s wife. mans get together. They decide they’re apostles. They’re not. They didn’t even For Islam, there are many stories I’m not kidding. Who did he first start gonna build a lovely tower. They all know them. They don’t know that the about Mecca and how that got to be the polygamy with? The maid. I see a work together, they build it, it’s nice. bible was written 70 years after Jesus the center of where Muslims pray to. theme here. With Muslims, this is very God gets angry. God says, “How dare Christ. It’s tough to tell what happened One that’s very interesting, and these uncomfortable, but Ayaan [Hirsi Ali] you? My ego is so large I can’t have 70 years ago today, and we’ve got TV are hard to confirm because a lot of talked about it last night, and it’s true: you little people challenging it.” So he and computers. They had nothing. scholars disagree, but one thing we Muhammad consummated a marriage knocks down the tower and makes ev- Ahmed told Mehmed who told Ishma- know is that there were multiple gods with a 9-year-old. So ask a Muslim, and eryone speak a different language, and el 70 years later, and that was the first at the time in the area. There was, for I do it on the show all the time, “Do that’s the origin of the idea of everyone of the books. example, Al-Uzzá and Al-Lat and a god you think that men should be allowed speaking different languages. Well, the We have to demand that they teach called Allah. “Al” is a common begin- to marry 9-year-olds and consummate story’s not true! religious history, the history of reli- ning in Arabic, so Al-Walid is a name the marriage? That’s what Muhammad So he spreads us across the world and gion. That seems ironic, but it’s really you’ll hear a lot. One of the gods was did. I’m not trying to offend you. I’m says, “That ought to show you to work important, and maybe they’ll acciden- Allah. not even telling you you’re wrong. I’m together.” I thought, “This is the most tally agree to it. There are two parts. Muhammad is on his conquering just asking you a question.” hideous thing I’ve ever read.” Now, One part is studying the religions be- tour, and he’s got Medina, he’s got a If they answer “no,” great. I then the tower didn’t do anything wrong. It fore Christianity, and then when they good army going. He gets to Mecca, suggest they read other verses in the didn’t do anything evil. It didn’t even see a prophet that dies and rises three which is very important as the trading Quran to see what else they might dis- have a golden calf. It was just people days later, they might be like, “Whoa! capital. It’s also got this little area that’s agree with. (If they say “yes,” call the working together and achieving some- Wait, I think I’ve seen that before!” a great tourist trap. It’s like the Disney authorities.) thing together, and God doesn’t want When they see it again, and again, World of its time. “Come see Al-Uzzá that. He doesn’t want us to work to- and again, in all of these myths, these and Al-Lat and Allah!” Introduction to Islam gether. He doesn’t even want us to talk fables, the things that we laugh at now, So they say, “Look, we can’t let this to one another. God forbid we should whereas we take our current religion thing go. But you’ve got a nice army In the beginning, I was Muslim. I learn something. By the way, the for- seriously. Noah’s Ark is in almost every over there and we’re a little scared, so took Intro to Islam. I should clarify: I bidden fruit in Eden that they ate religion that has ever existed, which let’s strike a deal. Why don’t you pick was a Turk. I was as Muslim as a Turk from was from the tree of knowledge, leads me to believe that they had a Continued on next page March 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17 Uygur’s Emperor Freethought feline Award speech

true. All we need is two generations. It is possible. We have to dare to believe. What you do is you convince the first generation, and you convince the sec- ond generation, and you’ll be shocked at how quickly it can happen. Look at what’s happening in Europe, and no- body even tried. In Europe, people just started go- ing, “Oh my god, maybe this isn’t true!” You know why? They went to church more. They went to church and were like, “That’s weird.” Then they stopped going to church. “When the new issue arrived, our cat Black Collar Crime makes Daisy a That is part of saying, hey, if they Daisy was the first to pounce on it,” crabby tabby, or was it the Crank Mail? want a culture war, let’s give it to them. reports Lisa Anne Auerbach from Let’s be strong and bold and smart California. enough to tell our children. And they freak out over this, but they brainwash Continued from previous page their kids all the time. That’s part and one? If you’re going to be monotheis- parcel: Nobody would believe this tic, just pick one.” stuff if you didn’t brainwash. Let’s tell Muhammad was like, “Should I go college kids. Let’s evangelize. They with Al-Lat or Al-Uzzá? I’ll go with Al- evangelize, why can’t we evangelize? lah.” Then Allah became god. Why can’t we strike back? But we do What I’m asking is, let’s look into it peacefully. We do it with ideas. They that. Is that the right story? Let’s get should have no problems with it, be- some archaeologists looking into it. cause they think their ideas are truer. Let’s get some historians looking into Let’s have an ideological battle and see it. If that is the right story, it’s fascinat- who comes out ahead. ing. It turns out, as we find out here We can all be part of this change in America, a lot is about trade. Islam in our communities and in our local in its beginning, of course, was about colleges. You just have to be strong appeasing trade in the businessmen enough, brave enough, smart enough, of their time and the corporations of to start asking these questions and de- their time. Very interesting to know. manding answers. Finally, how do we spread this? That’s We can be — I think somebody said Any time of day or night, it’s hard to beat the comfort of freethought. the message, very easy: Ask them about this before — the change we believe in. what’s in the text. Well, we have to be Thank you so much, everybody. I re- aggressive about it. Here is the hope ally appreciate it. that we have: It seems that if you’re go- ing to fight religion, everybody will tell Cenk Uygur was born in Istanbul in Freethought Funny you that it’s a losing fight. “No, people 1970 and came with his family to the U.S. believe in religion. They’re always go- when he was 8. He grew up in New Jersey ing to believe in religion.” and is a graduate of the University of Penn- ESKIMO: “If I did not know about God and sin, would I go to hell?” Go to a museum and look at all the sylvania and Columbia University School of PRIEST: “No, not if you did not know.” hundreds of old religions that existed. Law. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, ESKIMO: “Then why did you tell me?” They didn’t make it. Religions die all Wendy, and their son, Prometheus Maxi- — Annie Dillard the time. Why? Because they’re not mus, born in July 2010.

in his word (The Holy Bible if you do not know smith, [email protected], illinois what I am talking about) — Troy P [Note: This crank earlier called FFRF several times to harass two young staff members be- Sharing the Crank Mail FFFR Organization fore one told him to “stop being so aggressive.”] As one of those 200 or more who attended the [Giles County, Va.] school board meetings keep your noses in your own back yard and objected to the removal of the Ten Com- don’t you have any thing better to do than stick Below is a sampling of recent Crank Mail re- citizens, but it is certainly reason for us to pray mandments from our school walls, I have been your nose where it doesn’t belong.I was born ceived by FFRF, printed as received. all the harder for your poor lost souls. We pray watching closely how the devil has dealt with and raised a catholic. and there is only one god that with the Lord’s guidance, you will find a your organization. I hope the Lord will bless my no matter what you dumb asses think or say. glimpse into how positive life can be before the Giles County Removal of the heart with the grace to pray for you and your Keep your thoughts and bullshit in your own remainder of your lives and talents are wasted. Ten Commandments followers. Right now I am finding it hard. I think city not any place else. People like you give any — Jesus Christ Why dont you idiots find something better to most of the school board members are God religion believes a bad name. get your heads do with your time then cutting GOD out of the fearing-serving-obedient believers. They tried out of your asses and smell the coffee and see country. IN GOD WE TRUST!!!!!! GET OVER Giles County Constitution in Schools to honor the wishes of the majority and it is a the reality in this screwed up world. — joe blow, IT YOU FREAKS!!!!!!! — Susan Smith, Gospel Why is it such a big deal to your organization shame that 2 or 3 can impose their will on 200. Wisconsin Drive, Virginia that a small town in the middle of nowhere in I hope your organization is faced with a similar Virgina CHOSE to put up the 10 command- situation soon. — Betty S. Williams Dear Free thought haters, The 10 Commandments in ments? It’s not like there is a hall monitor in I find what you are doing (like in Marshfield Giles County Schools the schools saying HEY LOOK AT THESE, You idiots WI) limits freedom of speech and thought. I am BELIEVE THESE? It’s not an advertisement Why don’t you dumb asses mind your own busi- I am sick and tired of you idiots trying to block turned off by any group that seek these type of , it’s something that is CONSTITUTIONALLY ness. Always someone trying to change things my God, its you people that are bringing Gods power plays. This type of colonialism of com- CORRECT. How you can you say religion is un- that have been existing for years and years. I wrath down on this country you have lit a fire ing in a forcing your world-view and thought on constitutional when the constitution was written guess wanna be’s want attention. Oh I just no- under my ass to do everything i can to bring other as if it is the only one is quite self cen- with biblical principles? BUTT OUT! — Andrea ticed you all are located “UP NORTH”. That says you down. It time the rest of this country start tered and narrow to our pluralistic culture. It only St. Clair alot. Why don’t you Yankees keep your noses knocking heads seems to be the only way you shows me how week your world-view must be where they belong! If students don’t want to look idiots are gonna shut up. Oh yea cant wait to that you need to silence others in order to be at the 10 Commandments that are posted on IRONY see your face when you meet God will be there heard. — Brad Eidsen the wall--THEY DON’T HAVE TO!!!!!! Keep you I find it quite ironic that your show is broadcast and you will have condemed yourself with your stinking asses and big noses up north where on God’s holy Sabbath day. — Julie Vulich own words. Sick of your crap and not gonna prayer in Connersville, Indiana they belong!!!!!!!! — Madeline Hill, Virginia take it anymore Bikers against the ffrf — Jerry Our City Council received a letter stating that Giles County 10 Commandments Leary, Indiana we had to cease having a prayer in the meet- Giles County, Virginia Dear, freedom from religion....if this is your ings. Why don’t you keep your nose out of our I imagine you might find it a victory that your name. I believe that the 10 commandments enjoy your meaningless lives! business. This is Bible belt country and we want interference in a place you don’t live and know should stay in schools and these atheist or the without men who were willing to die for their to keep it that way. Your group is acting like a nothing about has resulted in the removal of seperations of church and state are ingornant. God, your pathetic little organization wouldn’t God by trying to dictate to us what to do. Most of God’s word from our schools, despite the ex- The Preachers, Christians, and all of us who be- even exist. maybe if you didn’t threaten to sue us here are God fearing people and don’t need pressed wishes of the local population. Your lieve the 10 Commandments should stay up are everyone who believes in God i wouldn’t be so some goofy group to tell us what to do. Law or looming eternal damnation is no comfort to our believing God will help us through and God says “aggressive”. LOL hugs and kisses! — dave no law. — linda frye Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011

We are pleased to present the third 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 Wisconsin-Madison and Luke 12:47 was also presented at FFRF’s convention in October. He that knoweth his master’s will, Frederick Douglass Photo: Brent Nicastro and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes. rederick Douglass was born a slave in 1818 on a plantation in Maryland. He was bought and sold many times and eventually F escaped to freedom in 1838. He became an abolitionist, a women’s suffragist, a writer, editor, orator and statesman.

In 1845 he wrote an autobiography entitled, Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave. He tells of how he was brutally tortured by a number of slave holders. One was a man named Thomas Auld. As Douglass described him, “The leading trait of his character was meanness; and if there were any other element in his nature, it was made subject to this. He was mean; and, like most other mean men, he lacked the ability to conceal his meanness.” Thomas Auld was not a religious man, however in August of 1832 he attended a Methodist camp-meeting and experienced religion. “I indulged a faint hope that his conversion would lead him to emancipate his slaves, and that, if he did not do this, it would, at any rate, make him more kind and humane. I was disappointed in both these respects.” In fact Auld became more brutal. “Prior to his conversion, he relied upon his own depravity to shield and sustain him in his savage barbarity; but after his conversion, he found religious sanction and support for his slave holding cruelty.”

ouglass believed religious slave holders were the worst. “I assert most unhesitatingly, that the religion of the South is a D mere covering for the most horrid crimes, — a justifier of the most appalling barbarity, — a sanctifier of the most hateful frauds, — and a dark shelter under which the darkest, foulest, grossest, and most infernal deeds of slave holders find the strongest protection. Were I to be again reduced to the chains of slavery, next to that enslavement, I should regard being the slave of a religious master the greatest calamity that could befall me.” To Douglass, the worst religionists were the Reformed Methodists. The Biblical Justification

Romans 3:25 for Lynching Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare His he Civil War and emancipation of the slaves didn’t end righteousness for the remission of sins that racism, discrimination, or the “Curse of Ham.” Denied slavery, are past, through the forbearance of God. T Southern whites created new methods to control blacks. Jim Crow laws were passed to enforce segregation and prevent black political participation. African Americans were imprisoned on trumped up charges to provide unpaid convict labor for coal mines, lumber mills and factories. Lynching was used to terrorize and punish blacks for the crime of being free.

The growth of lynching between 1870 and 1930 coincided with the rise of religious fervor in the South. In his paper The Southern Rite of Human Sacrifice, Donald G. Mathews of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill argues that lynching had a clear religious component. “The Christianity of the white South was a religion of sin, punishment and sacrifice. It was a religion of violence.” Blood sacrifice, Mathews writes, “is the connection between the purpose of white supremacists, the purity signified in segregation, the magnificence of God’s wrath, and the permission granted the culture through the wrath of ‘justified’ Christians to sacrifice black men on the cross of white solidarity.” In Paul’s Epistle to the Romans [3:25] Christ died for our sins. In the South, blacks were lynched.

athews criticized contemporary studies of lynching for ignoring the use of religion to justify the public hanging M and burning of blacks. “The silence about the meaning of religion in discussions of lynching is strange because of the common knowledge that crucifixion, an act of violence, is at the very core of the Christian paradigm that was so essential a part of Southern culture. African Americans understood this; they understood that Christ, too, had been lynched.” March 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

State/Church Bulletin

SCOTUS declines case lar prayer to before the meeting for- mally started. He was handcuffed and on Commandments charged with resisting an officer with- In McCreary County v. American Civil out force, disorderly conduct and pos- Liberties Union of Kentucky, the U.S. Su- session of drugs without a prescription preme Court declined without com- (he had one prescription anti-anxiety ment Feb. 22 to reconsider its land- pill in his pocket). Vice President El- mark 2005 ruling and earlier lower lenBeth Wachs was threatened with court rulings that barred posting of the arrest if she didn’t leave the school Ten Commandments in courthouses grounds, which she eventually did. in McCreary and Pulaski counties in Wachs told the Lake Wales News that Kentucky. The displays first went up in that neither she nor Kieffer stopped 1999. the pastor from presenting the invo- The case took a new tack in recent cation, and since it had been offered years after Commandments propo- before the official call to order, it was nents tried to make an end run around inaccurate to say they were disorderly. the Constitution by adding other his- “The whole point in doing this was torical elements to the displays, calling to show how unworkable [praying be- them the “Foundations of American fore the start of the meeting] was, she local governments. The order reversed a trend that in Law and Government.” Those docu- said. “This is civil disobedience.” The recent years let pharmacists refuse to ments used selective and often erro- board’s ire was “simply because we Judge dismisses MRFF fill prescriptions for the emergency neous statements attributed to the na- were doing it during their prayer. They suit against Air Force contraceptive Plan B, let doctors in tion’s founders to show that America got furious.” California reject a lesbian’s request for was founded as a Christian nation. In Lakeland on March 3, Wachs, U.S. District Judge Christine Arguel- infertility treatment and allowed an The court apparently agreed with who also serves as AoF’s legal affairs co- lo ruled Feb. 9 against the Military Re- ambulance driver in Chicago to turn former Justice David Souter’s 2005 ordinator, was charged by the state’s at- ligious Freedom Foundation’s request away a woman who needed transporta- contention that the documents’ secu- torney with misrepresenting herself as for an injunction to stop the National tion for an abortion. lar purpose “has to be genuine, not a qualified to practice law, a third-degree Prayer Luncheon on the campus of the “Without the rescission of this regu- sham.” felony. She hold a juris doctor degree U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado lation, we would see tremendous dis- Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel, the from Widener University but isn’t li- Springs, Colo. crimination against patients based on evangelical law firm which is fighting censed in Florida. Arguello said the plaintiffs — MRFF their behavior and based just on who FFRF’s effort to keep the Ten Com- Florida atheists, along with FFRF, and Air Force Academy professor Da- they are,” said Susan Berke Fogel of mandments out of Giles County, Va., have also criticized the Polk County vid Mullin — had no legal standing to the National Health Law Program. Public Schools, represented the appel- sheriff for taking down basketball challenge the event, despite the overtly The new rule does leave intact “con- lants in McCreary. hoops at county jails and giving them Christian keynote speaker, Marine science” protections for doctors and away to churches. The state’s attorney Corps Lt. Clebe McClary. McClary is a nurses who refuse to perform abor- High court declines to claims Wachs misrepresented herself favorite of evangelicals and is known to tions or sterilizations. hear Newdow case in letters contesting the action, which mix military values with his Christian she denies. beliefs. Judge: New Jersey The U.S. Supreme Court on March Wachs posted $1,000 bail and was borough must pay 7 declined without comment to rehear released. She told the Tampa Tribune Judge: Illinois funds Newdow v. Lefevre, a challenge to “In she’s retired as an attorney. “I honestly for cross OK A New Jersey Superior Court judge God We Trust” on the coins and cur- knew immediately that this was pure ordered Point Pleasant Beach to reim- rency by California physician Michael retaliatory conduct. This is simply to U.S. District Court Judge Michael burse the ACLU of New Jersey a total Newdow. The Obama administration stop us. McCuskey dismissed on Feb. 8 Chicago of $11,200 in legal fees incurred in its and the conservative Pacific Justice In- “This is Polk County,” she said. “This atheist Robert Sherman’s suit seeking two lawsuits to stop sectarian prayers stitute had opposed the lawsuit. is a Christian theocracy. They don’t return of a $20,000 state grant that will from being said at borough council Newdow told the San Francisco want the boat rocked, and we have go to restore the 11-story Bald Knob meetings. Chronicle that he was disappointed rocked the boat.” Cross at Alto Pass, Ill. The ACLU, which sought $38,000 in but would refile the suit in another Listen to her interview on McCuskey ruled the grant was legal fees, represented a Jewish resident who jurisdiction. “A nation that holds it- Freethought Radio, March 5 podcast: because it was awarded by the state’s ex- claimed the Lord’s Prayer at meetings self out as a beacon of religious liberty ffrf.org/news/radio/shows ecutive branch and wasn’t a designated violated her civil rights. After the bor- chooses an exclusionary term as its legislative “earmark.” The Friends of ough agreed to allow only nonsectar- national motto, and says one religious Honolulu council set the Cross group has raised more than ian prayers, one was given ending with view is better than another.” ‘Aloha’ guidelines $400,000 ($100,000 over the goal). “in Jesus’ name” so a second suit was Funding for UW Former Friends’ president Rev. Bill filed. The Honolulu City Council has a Vandergraph was charged in July with Colo. House moves Catholic group upheld new policy to govern meeting open- predatory criminal sexual assault of a ings, which it calls the “Message of child under the age of 13. He’s been prayer after gavel The U.S. Supreme Court declined Aloha.” ruled mentally unfit to stand trial. on March 7 to review a 7th Circuit U.S. The message can be a moment of The Colorado House voted 49-25 to Court of Appeals 2-1 decision from silence, thought for the day or nonsec- Virginia board backs say a prayer after sessions are gaveled last September in Badger Catholic Inc. v. tarian prayer. Prayers: bible as history to order, a change from the old rule. Walsh. • may invoke Divine guidance. Ref- That means lawmakers will be count- The appeals court overturned a erences to God should be general, The Chesterfield County [Va.] ed absent if they show up post-prayer. University of Wisconsin policy barring such as “God” or “Lord.” School Board voted 5-0 on Feb. 9 to ap- Some Democrats argued the change funding from student activity fees of a • may not proselytize, advance or prove a textbook for an as-yet unsched- could make some people uncomfort- religious student group formerly called disparage any faith or belief. uled elective course on the bible’s im- able by having to register their pres- the Roman Catholic Foundation. The • must not make specific reference pact on history. ence and then leave again if they pre- university must now fund Badger Cath- to deities, symbols or beliefs peculiar Board member U. Omarh Rajah fer not to pray. olic programs to the same extent that to the religion of the speaker. “Refer- called the bible “the greatest book of programs with a secular perspective ences to Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Al- all time. What a great time to rejoice,” Prayer won’t go away get money. lah, Buddha, Brahma or multiple Gods Rajah told the Richmond Times-Dis- in Rhode Island gym are not permitted.” patch. “To me, this is a hurdle we’ve Florida atheists see The Hawaii House of Representa- jumped across.” A School Board subcommittee vot- retaliation in arrests tives will continue to hold prayers be- The board approved the class in ed Feb. 22 to keep displaying a Chris- fore daily session, unlike the state Sen- 2009, but due to funding cuts, lack of tian prayer banner in Cranston [R.I.] Two Atheists of Florida officers who ate, which canceled them last month. student interest and qualified instruc- West High School’s gym despite ongo- are also FFRF members were arrested The House voted Feb. 9 to adopt tors, it hasn’t been offered and may ing complaints and an ALCU threat to in separate incidents that smack of re- new rules that call for prayers to be not be this fall either. sue. A similar banner hangs at Hugh B. taliation for their ongoing outspoken- held before the start of the official Bain Middle School. ness about prayer at public meetings. business of the lawmaking body. Obama order boosts Backers want the banner to stay up AoF President John Kieffer was ar- Prayers can continue to mention a patient protections despite a district policy says “the prop- rested Feb. 22 at a Polk County School deity or God, but they can’t be used to er setting for religious observance is Board meeting in Bartow because he disparage any religion. The Obama administration on Feb. the home and places of worship.” was talking during the opening invo- FFRF member Mitch Kahle has 18 rescinded most of a federal “con- cation. The school board, in response been instrumental in contesting injec- science clause” rule put in place by to an FFRF compaint, moved its regu- tion of religion into Hawaii’s state and President George W. Bush. Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011

Black Collar Crime Blotter

counts. Source: News Journal, 2-3-11 movement is an evil institution” out to defeat Compiled by Bill Dunn Dr. Michael Clare, 38, Bronx, NY: 1st-de- “the marriage-based society.” Source: Spring- gree rape. Clare, pastor at Harvest Worship field Republican, 1-14-11 Arrested / Charged Center and principal at Harvest Prep, allegedly Rev. Jason LaPierre, 35, Kingsbury, NY: Ronnie Powe Jr., 27, Chattanooga, TN: impregnated the girl, now 15, court documents Grand larceny and falsifying business records. Aggravated rape. Powe, youth pastor at United said. The girl told police he’d sexually preyed on LaPierre, pastor at River Church and a mar- Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, is accused her for years. ried father of 6, is accused of stealing about of performing oral sex on a 15-year-old boy On his MySpace page, the married pastor $400,000 from Hudson River Community Credit and masturbating in a car behind a vacant el- is described as “a paragon, a model of excel- Union in Corinth, where he was a human re- ementary school. Powe’s father is pastor at the lence and ideal example of living and preaching sources and marketing executive. church. the Gospel of Christ.” Source: N.Y. Daily News, He allegedly wrote credit union checks to After Powe told police he was counseling a 1-28-11 phony companies he’d set up and deposited troubled teen (neglecting to mention he’d met Rev. Samuel Peters, 41, Newbern, TN: them into accounts at other banks. Source: AP, him on a dating site), he was unable to ex- Theft over $1,000 by fraudulent conversion. 1-13-11 plain why his zipper was down, the report said. Peters, pastor at Holy Ghost Deliverance Cen- Rev. James Boudreau, 67, Guelph, ONT: Source: Times Free Press, 2-17-11 ter, is accused of withdrawing a total of $1,175 Sexual assault. Boudreau, who retired in 2009 Rev. Dirk Jackson, 32, Port Orchard, WA: on 3 occasions from the Newbern Lions Club from the Diocese of Hamilton, is alleged to have Arrested for investigation of 2 counts of 2nd- account while he was club president. Source: assaulted a 17-year-old boy while he was pas- degree child rape. Jackson was the alleged vic- Dyersburg State Gazette, 1-26-11 tor at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in tim’s teacher in 2002-03 at Manchester Chris- Rev. Jason Roberts, 36, Brooksville, FL: 1984. Source: Guelph Mercury, 1-13-11 tian Academy in Manchester. The alleged rapes Lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim over James M. Wilson, 44, Moberly, MO: Kid- involve at least one victim when she was 12 12 and less than 16 years old. Roberts, pastor napping. Wilson, former pastor and principal at or 13 years old, said a Kitsap County Sheriff’s at Christian Fellowship Church in Dade City, is Terrill Road Christian Academy, allegedly took spokesperson. Detectives suspect there may accused of fondling a girl in 2006 while she slept a 16-year-old student to a hotel. The indictment be more victims. Source: KOMO News, 2-16-11 the alleged theft of $1.4 million from his former in her bedroom. The girl told deputies Robert alleges his intent was to perform 2nd-degree Bishop Marc Neal, 48, Fairlawn, OH: Felo- parish. stopped and immediately apologized when she statutory sodomy or 2nd-degree statutory rape. nious assault, kidnapping and abduction. Neal, Police found hoards of cash and rare coins woke up. A report said Roberts admitted the act The victim may have been chosen because she pastor at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in his home that had been intended to go to to his wife and church members, all of whom had the mental capacity of a third grader at the in Akron, is accused of driving off in his black the church. He’s also accused of channeling authorities interviewed. Source: St. Petersburg time, court documents said. Source: Columbia 2007 Lexus with a repo man hanging on for church funds into personal savings and annu- Times, 1-26-11 Daily Tribune, 1-11-11 dear life on the $60,000 car’s hood. ity accounts. The priest was “famously frugal,” An unidentified Cypriot monk, 42, Kykko shocked parishioners said. Source: The Local, Monastery, and 2 other men were charged with Pleaded / Convicted Rev. Angel Morales, 32, Leominster, MA: 2-8-11 theft and desecrating the remains of a deceased Guilty of 2 counts of child rape aggravated by ‘I thought, man, Marcelino Tinajero, 33, Porter Ranch, CA: person after being found with human remains in age difference. A jury found the former pastor 30 felony counts related to his alleged sexual luggage at an Athens airport. They are accused of Casa de Restauracion Pentecostal Church is this what Jesus relationship with a teen girl he met at Shepherd of stealing the remains of a deceased nun after guilty of having sex with a 14-year-old parish- of the Hills Church, where he was a volunteer a memorial service marking the 4th anniversary ioner. youth counselor. Authorities suspect there may of her death. would do?’ The victim testified she and the married pas- be more victims. “Our compatriots claimed they dug up the re- tor had intercourse once at her home while her — Repo man Ken Falzini, “My first response was we need to get on our mains because they considered the deceased a parents were gone and twice at Motel 6 after knees,” said Prayer Director Jane Kasel, adding saint,” said police spokesman Michalis Katsou- after a pastor knocked she sneaked out of the house. He was acquit- that the church does background checks on all notos. Source: Cyprus Mail, 1-19-11 ted on one count. Source: Worcester Telegram Falzini onto the hood of a volunteers. Source: KABC News, 2-8-11 James Benjamin Harris, 33, Lawrenceville, & Gazette, 2-18-11 Paul K. Groover, 56, Darrell V. Moore, GA: Enticing a minor for indecent purposes, Rev. Alonzo McCowan, 50, Camarillo, CA: Lexus and drove off 45, Jacksonville, FL: The men are charged 2 counts of child molestation and 4 counts of Pleaded guilty to grand theft and money laun- with sexually assaulting children at Greater child molestation by electronic device. Harris, a dering. He is pastor at Solid Rock Christian Refuge Temple in cases that go back a decade. volunteer youth counselor and Sunday school Center and has a TV ministry that promoted an Groover, the son of Temple founder Bishop teacher at Brookwood Baptist Church, is ac- online “Monthly Money Member System.” Neal had met the repo man, Ken Falzini, in Gentle Groover Sr., is charged with 3 counts of cused of assaulting a 14-year-old boy who was Charges stemmed from real estate trans- the church parking lot during Sunday services. sexual battery. Moore, the elder Groover’s son- his student. Harris, married with 2 children, is a actions in 2004-06 and involved duping an Neal started the car, hit the gas and Falzini flew in-law, is charged with 4 counts of sexual bat- Coca-Cola Co. finance manager. 86-year-old man, including stealing his home up on the hood. “I thought, man, is this what Je- tery and 3 counts of lewd or lascivious conduct. Police said the boy’s mother found sexu- equity, and acquiring 2 other properties under sus would do?” Falzini said. Charging documents said Paul Groover mo- ally explicit text messages on a cell phone Har- false pretenses. Source: Ventura County Star, He told police Neal drove off and hit speeds lested a teen boy inside the church. Moore is ris bought him for Christmas, and that they’d 2-17-11 between 40 to 60 mph, making sharp moves accused of molesting 3 girls, including one who shared a motel bed at a church retreat in Ma- Rev. Gary Mercure, 62, Troy, NY: Guilty of trying to dislodge him. “He hit the windshield told police she was raped at knifepoint in the con in December. Source: Gwinnett Daily Post, indecent assault and battery on a child younger wipers to try to knock my hands off the hood,” church’s video room where Moore worked. 1-18-11 than 14 and 3 counts of forcible child rape. Mer- Falzini said. “He was laughing at me, telling me Police said Paul Groover exchanged naked Surinder Singh, 52, India: Sexual assault. cure, removed as a priest in 2008 by the Dio- he was going to take me on the interstate.” photo phone messages with the boy and would Singh, a married Sikh priest in Scotland on a cese of Albany, was convicted in Pittsfield, MA, Adam VanHo, Neal’s lawyer, said Falzini text him locations in the church to meet for sex. visa, is accused of touching a 12-year-old girl on of raping 2 altar boys on outings in the 1980s. was overzealous and that coming to the church Police monitored a phone call between Groover the hands, attempting to kiss her on the mouth, Five former New York altar boys, now in their was “absolutely disrespectful.” Source: Akron and the victim, now 21, in which Groover told kissing her face and placing food in her mouth 30s, testified Mercure assaulted them. Beacon Journal, 2-12-11 him he didn’t need therapy, just prayer and time at the Guru Nanak Temple in Glasgow. Source: After the verdict, a jury member who declined Revs. Edward Avery, 68, Charles Engel- to forget. Source: Florida Times-Union, 2-4-11 BBC News, 1-17-11 to give her name said, “Whatever the sentence hardt, 64, James Brennan, 47, Msgr. William Garrett Orr, 57, Pittsburgh, PA: 3rd-degree Alexander Bede Walsh, 57, Abbotts Brom- is, 100 times that wouldn’t even scratch the sur- Lynn, 60, and Catholic school teacher Bernard sexual offense and 2 counts of child abuse. Orr, ley, Staffordshire, UK: 13 counts of indecent face of what he deserves.” Source: Berkshire Shero, 48, Philadelphia, PA: Lynn, former sec- a defrocked Jesuit priest since 2008, is accused assault and 2 counts of serious sexual offense. Eagle, 2-10-11 retary for clergy for the archdiocese, faces 2 of molesting boys at a prep school in North Walsh, a former Catholic priest, is accused of Imam Mohammed Hanif, 42, Nottingham, counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He Bethesda, MD, where he taught from 1989 to the alleged offenses between 1982-94 involv- UK: A jury found Hanif, a Muslim worship leader was responsible for investigating reports that 2003. ing four males under age 16. Source: Coventry and educator, guilty of sexual activity with a priests had sexually abused children between An earlier Jesuit investigation in 2006 con- Telegraph, 1-25-11 child and 2 counts of rape. The jury couldn’t 1992 to 2004. cluded Orr had inappropriately touched a boy at Douglas Hicks-Bey, 48, Baltimore, MD: reach a decision on another rape count and 4 Shero allegedly molested a 10-year-old boy the school. The new allegation came to light in Rape, child abuse, assault and perverted prac- of attempted rape involving a 12-year-old male at St. Jerome Parish in 1998-99. Brennan alleg- December 2009 and stems from 1989. Source: tice. Hicks-Bey heads B-Moor Youth Services, victim and his cousin, 15. The alleged incidents edly molested a 14-year-old boy in 1996. Avery Washington Post, 2-3-11 a faith-based mentoring program allied with the took place over 6 months at a mosque in 2009. and Engelhardt allegedly molested the boy She- Very Rev. Charles Abdelahad, 55, Worces- National Youth Ministries Alliance. He’s accused The younger boy told authorities Khan had ro is accused of molesting. ter, MA: Rape, 4 counts of assault and battery of sexual incidents with a 15-year-old female cli- him lay out his red prayer mat at various places Avery, defrocked in 2006, faces charges of and 5 counts of assault and battery with a dan- ent of the agency at his home. Source: Balti- not covered by video cameras. After he was rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, gerous weapon. Abdelahad, longtime pastor at more Sun, 1-14-11 abused, he would pray, wash the areas where aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, re- Rev. Raleigh Trammell, 74, Dayton, OH: Khan assaulted him and return to class. Source: on a minor, 2 counts of endangering the welfare signed in November. Grand theft and 25 counts each of forgery and U.K. Press Association, 2-1-11 of a child and corruption of a minor. The complaint alleges he battered a tampering with government records. Trammell, Rev. Aaron Witcher, 38, Roy, UT: Pleaded Engelhardt and Shero face the same 43-year-old victim with his fists several times pastor of Central Missionary Baptist Church and guilty to 2 counts of rape in a plea bargain that charges. Brennan faces the same charges ex- at the church complex between 2007-09. He’s former national head of the Southern Christian dropped 6 other rape counts. Known as “Pas- cept for corruption of a minor and endangering also accused of hitting her with a religious icon, Leadership Conference, is accused through his tor Soulja” at his Crosswalk Christian Training the welfare of a child. scratching her with keys and forcing her against social service agencies of misspending thou- Center, Witcher admitted to having sex with a “The grand jury believes that many priests, a wall to sexually assault her. Source: Worces- sands of dollars of state, local and federal funds. 15-year-old girl in his congregation. A police of- dozens of them, have remained in active minis- ter Telegram & Gazette, 2-4-11 A suit against Trammell for alleged sexual ficer had found him in a parked car with the girl. try despite solid, credible allegations of abuse,” Rev. Daniel Belcher, 61, Spartanburg, SC: harassment of a female employee is pending. Source: Salt Lake Tribune, 1-27-11 said Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Wil- Obtaining goods by false token over $10,000. Source: Dayton Daily News, 1-14-11 Matthew Linngren, 38, Fridley, MN: Plead- liams. Source: NBC News, 2-10-11 Belcher is former pastor at Chesnee Wesleyan. Michael J. Frediani, 38, Springfield, MA: ed guilty to failing to appear for prison. Linngren, Rev. Royce Shorter, 54, Tacoma, WA: 3rd- He also worked at Shippers Supply, where the Failing to register as a sex offender. Frediani, a former Lutheran Church youth director, fled to degree rape and 3rd-degree child molestation. owner alleged Belcher wrote multiple checks aka Michael Free, is volunteer manager at Holy California last September, days before he was Shorter is pastor at Ecclesia Community Church on the firm’s account between 2003-10 totaling Grounds Coffee Shop, which is owned by Rev. to begin a 15-year sentence for distribution of and owner of ’N Time Music Productions in $170,000. He’s also accused of giving himself Scott Lively, a controversial anti-gay pastor. pornography. His criminal past includes a con- Renton, where he teaches music. Prosecutors several unauthorized raises totaling $30,000. Frediani was convicted in 1996 of sexually viction for sexual contact with a 10-year-old boy allege he had sex multiple times with a female The South Carolina Wesleyan Church said abusing an 11-year-old girl, with the offense de- while with the church. Court records described student from 2006-08, starting when she was Belcher has surrendered his ministerial creden- scribed as “deviate sexual intercourse.” Lively it as “a fleeting event” of “buttocks touching.” 15. tials. Source: Spartanburg Herald Journal, 2-3- said he was unaware of that conviction. Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune, 1-12-11 Shorter was convicted of 2nd-degree statu- 11 Frediani said he’s been “born again” and is tory rape in 1985 involving a 13-year-old girl Rev. Cornelius Breslin, 59, Wilmington, “a minister of Jesus.” Holy Grounds, which of- Sentenced who was a member of a choir he directed. In DE: 2 counts of felony theft over $100,000 and fers free coffee to students from a high school a Rev. Simeon Stefanidakis, 60, Cape Cod, 1993 he was acquitted of charges he molested 2 misdemeanor counts of falsifying business block away, is a safe place for students, he said. MA: 7 years in prison and 5 years of supervised a 15-year-old girl he met at church. Source: records. Breslin is on leave from the Catholic “I invite God to touch them and he does.” release after being found guilty of 4 counts of Renton Reporter, 2-10-11 parishes of St. Patrick and St. Mary of the Im- Lively spoke at a 2009 seminar on expos- transportation of child pornography and pos- An unidentified retired Catholic priest, 77, maculate Conception. He’s accused of writing ing the “homosexual agenda” in Uganda and session of child pornography. Stefanidakis, a Wuerzburg, GER: 50 counts of fraud related to checks to himself for $358,000 from parish ac- is heard in a YouTube video saying, “The gay minister, counselor and “medium” at First Spiri- March 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

tual Temple, Brookline, MA, went by the name “This reexamination will be undertaken to UnclePaul48 online. ‘I invite God to touch determine the suitability of these priests for He “meticulously organized his child por- active ministry,” said Rigali. Source: The Intel- Creep of nography files in numerous digital folders and them and he does.’ ligencer, 2-17-11 subfolders that he created and named,” said the Fr. Martin O’Loghlen, 74, San Dimas, CA, state’s sentencing submission. “Defendant’s ­— Michael Frediani, was removed as associate pastor at Holy Name The Month [10,000 images] of child pornography is also charged with failing to of Mary Catholic Church the day before a news- DRY RIDGE, Ky. — Rev. distinguished from that of many other offend- paper reported he admitted to having sex sev- Jerry L. Cannon, 62, pastor of God’s House ers in that he specifically collected images and register as a sex offender eral times with a woman, now of Phoenix, while Church, called himself Terry Lewis online. videos depicting the rape and molestation of she was a high school student in the 1960s. Unlike the Jerry Lewis “kids” helped by the infants and toddlers.” Source: Greenwich Time, while managing Holy Three decades later, O’Loghlen’s attempts comedian’s Muscular Dystrophy Association 2-10-11 Grounds Coffee Shop to ask for the woman’s forgiveness led to her telethon, Terry Lewis’ kids were naked. Revs. Kristopher Gorden, 44, Jeffery suing him and his religious order, the Congre- Cannon was arrested on federal charges, Sandgren, 50, Fargo, ND: $625 each in fines gation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and originating in Alabama, of soliciting and dis- and fees, 30 days in jail (suspended) and attend million in 2004 to settle abuse cases against Mary, which settled for $100,000. tributing child pornography. An FBI complaint alcohol education classes after pleading guilty Glendinning. Source: Canadian Press, 2-7-11 Spokesman Tod Tamberg said the archdio- said he used several Facebook accounts to driving under the influence of alcohol. The The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, DE, cese acted quickly after learning of O’Loghlen’s to post porn. Todd Cummins, head deacon, men, both pastors at Olivet Lutheran Church, which filed for bankruptcy in 2009, agreed to misconduct. “Within an hour and a half he was said the church has fired Cannon, who is were arrested Jan. 13 as Sandgren tried to help settle 142 claims of sexual abuse by priests for gone from the ministry and gone from the dio- married. His name on the church’s sign was Gorden get his car out of a snowy ditch he’d slid $77 million. The settlement covers the diocese, cese.” Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune, covered by duct tape. into. Both failed field sobriety test. Sandgren’s with a Catholic population of about 233,000, and 2-14-11 “Terry Lewis” offered to swap pictures of blood-alcohol level was 0.11. Source: Fargo Fo- its parishes but not religious orders. Source: Fr. Thomas Euteneuer was recalled by girls between 9 and 21 years old. “I like them rum, 2-3-11 Reuters, 2-3-11 the Diocese of Palm Beach, FL, and resigned to be 10-16 myself.” The account had over Wilfred E. Dennis, 75, Vale Park, AU: 9 A Texas man settled his sexual abuse suit the presidency of Human Life International, an 600 images, including prepubescent girls years in prison on 4 counts of unlawful sexual against the Archdiocese of Omaha, the Dio- anti-abortion group, after admitting “violating the with genitalia exposed and multiple videos intercourse and 3 counts of indecent assault. cese of Corpus Christi and the Society of boundaries of chastity with an adult female who of adults performing sex acts on young girls. Dennis, a former Anglican priest, was sen- Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, the re- was under my spiritual care.” Facebook investigators determined the ac- tenced on new charges after being sentenced to ligious order Fr. John Fiala belonged to. The HLI said in a statement that allegations of count was controlled by Cannon, whose pro- 20 months in 2010 for sexually abusing an altar suit alleges Fiala, 52, repeatedly molested him inappropriate conduct “occurred within the con- file said he lived in Mobile, Ala. boy in the 1970s. Source: Australian Broadcast- 3 years ago when he was 16. Terms weren’t dis- text of his exorcism ministry.” HLI’s board later The affidavit included a post in which ing Corp., 2-1-11 closed. The Archdiocese of San Antonio, Fiala’s learned of more allegations. Cannon was quoted as writing, “Well, I like Justin D. Krohn, 20, Fridley, MN: 30 days former employer, earlier agreed to pay the youth Euteneuer, a “trained” exorcist, was touted looking at young beautiful girls and I cannot in jail, 2 years’ probation and register as a sex $946,000. A civil trial is set for Aug. 15 in Bexar by HLI as being adept at tying abortion to “the seem to get it out of my system. I have tried offender after pleading no contest to showing a County where Fiala individually remains a de- demonic.” His “Evening With an Exorcist” talks to put it behind me but cannot seem to bury child harmful material, a felony. Felony charges fendant. were also canceled. it.” Source: Cincinnati Enquirer, 2-22-11 of use of a computer to facilitate a child sex Fiala is in jail on a charge of attempting to In 2007, he told Fox host Sean Hannity that crime and attempted sexual assault of a child pay a hit man to kill his accuser. Source: San he wouldn’t give him communion because Han- under age 16 were dropped. Krohn met the Antonio Express-News, 1-29-11 nity wouldn’t condemn birth control. Hannity re- 23, who shot himself Feb. 3 outside Blessed 15-year-old female victim when he was a coun- A Kansas City woman settled a suit for an sponded, “Are you perfect, Father? Have you Mother Catholic Church. Jarboe had posted a selor at a bible camp she attended. He worked undisclosed amount with defendants New Life not sinned?” Source: Sun-Sentinel, 2-6-11 farewell to friends on Facebook that said he was there for 4 years. Bible Church, Easton, MO; Michael J. Landy, Rev. Christopher Turczany resigned as abused by priests when younger. The post in- He was caught in an online sting in which 52, of St. Joseph; and OATS Inc., a Columbia pastor of St. Mel’s Catholic Church, Flushing, cluded 3 priests’ names but didn’t directly iden- he contacted an undercover agent posing as transportation service. NY. The parish has been roiled by the news that tify anyone as an abuser. the girl’s friend. Krohn’s parents had become The woman alleged that the church and Joseph Denice, 24, was working with children He praised and thanked one priest, but to Fr. suspicious. He was arrested in a McDonald’s OATS were negligent in failing to stop Landy’s at the church’s school despite a conviction last William Baer he wrote, “You get no thanks. You parking lot where he planned to meet the girl to sexual abuse that entailed “everything but inter- June on sex charges. are an evil man. Period.” To Fr. Freddie Byrd he have sex. Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, course” from 1995-99, starting when she was Denice was also charged in January on wrote, “I forgive you.” 1-19-11 13 and he was a church youth leader. It went counts of grand larceny, petit larceny and crimi- A funeral Mass was held at Blessed Mother. Shawn Baxley, 35, Albany, GA: 2 years in unreported until she disclosed it in 2009. Landy nal possession of a forged document, for alleg- Bishop William Medley convened the prison and 18 years’ probation for child molesta- pleaded guilty in 2009 to 2nd-degree statutory edly bilking St. Mel’s out of thousands of dollars 13-member Diocesan Review Board on Feb. 5, tion. Baxley, former bible studies and geometry sodomy and was sentenced to 7 years in prison, through a check fraud scheme, said the district the statement said. The board recommended teacher and track coach at Sherwood Christian with all but 120 days suspended, and 5 years’ attorney in Queens. Source: yournabe.com, hiring an outside investigator. Source: WFIE Academy, was convicted of molesting a female probation. 2-3-11 News, 2-7-11; AP, 2-12-11 relative, who was 13 at the time. He also has to The church claimed part of the blame should The Archdiocese of Detroit said it would Sister Mary Turcotte, 26, a member of surrender his teaching license. Source: Albany be laid on the girl’s parents for allowing Landy to investigate why Herbert Richey, defrocked as a splinter Christian sect called Apostles of In- Herald, 1-31-11 have access to her. Source: St. Joseph News- priest in 1997 due to allegations he sexually finite Love, admitted to Brooklyn, NY, detec- [First name unavailable] Kang, 65, Gyeong- Press, 1-24-11 molested boys, was employed as organist at St. tives she made up a sexual assault claim. gi Province, S. KOR: 9 years in prison for hav- Margaret of Scotland Parish in St. Clair Shores, Charges haven’t been filed. Turcotte, who is ing sex with an 11-year-old girl at his church Legal Developments MI. A parishioner confirmed Richey played the Fr. Antoine Videau, 64, Calacuccia, Cor- white, claimed she was attacked on the street and sexually molesting and threatening several church organ Jan. 23. sica, had his 2-year sentence reduced by an a 6-foot-4, 250-pound black man. She told po- other teen victims at his church in 2006. After news reports, archdiocese spokesman appeals court and was freed from prison after lice the man choked her, dragged her through “The defendant assaulted 5 teenagers by Ned McGrath said Richey “will no longer serve serving 8 months. The French priest was sen- the streets and left her unconscious in a snow- coercing them with his religious authority and as the organist or in any other capacity at the tenced last June for stealing 2 million euros bank with her underwear down and her torso satisfied his sexual desire while watching the parish.” over 20 years from the Catholic Church, which exposed. [photos] that he took. He left serious, untreat- Though Richey supposedly was barred from he spent in part on “cultural pilgrimages” to Las A suspect sketch was released along with able scars on the young victims,” the court rul- working in any parish or school in 2002, Bob Vegas and other places. a plea to the public. After more questioning, ing said. Source: Korea Times, 1-24-11 Saelens, St. Margaret’s Parish Council secre- Videau will have to repay 1.3 million euros in Turcotte admitted she made up the story to tary, said he knew nothing of his controversial damages to the Diocese of Ajaccio and 250,000 cover up her sexual tryst with a bodega worker. background. “This floors me. It’s a total, total Civil Lawsuits Filed euros to the family of Archbishop Luigi Antonio Source: N.Y. Daily News, 2-2-11 A lawsuit alleges accused Rev. Edward surprise.” Source: Detroit Free Press, 1-27-11 Arrighi of Casanova. Source: CNN, 1-27-11 Parents were denied a meeting with Bishop Fitz-Henry of the Catholic Diocese of Monterey, Rev. Gerald Hechenberger, pastor since The 5th District Illinois Appellate Court up- Robert Lynch of the Diocese of St. Peters- CA, sexually assaulted a 14-year-old boy 7 2006 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church held a 2008 civil award of $5 million against the burg, FL, to discuss what they considered inap- years ago while Fitz-Henry was pastor at Ma- in Smithton, IL, is on a temporary leave of ab- Catholic Diocese of Belleville to a former altar propriate behavior in the confessional by Rev. donna del Sasso Church in Salinas. Allegations sence that might become permanent, said a boy. Nearly half the 85-page decision detailed Joseph Waters. Last Christmas, Waters asked include sexual harassment, sexual misconduct letter to parishioners from Rev. John McEvilly, sexual abuse against boys and at least one girl, at least 8 children questions about purported and infliction of emotional distress. The alleged vicar general of the Belleville Diocese. Hech- allegedly committed by Rev. Raymond Kown- sins, questions that parents considered out of victim said the abuse took place while he was enberger removed himself to “address the very acki. The diocese removed Kownacki from the bounds such as what the children looked up on an altar boy and choir member and that Fitz- serious personal, pastoral and legal challenges ministry in 1995. He now lives in Dupo. Source: the Internet and whether they masturbated. Henry started talking about sex in the confes- that he is currently facing,” the letter said. Belleville News-Democrat, 1-14-11 On his blog, the bishop wrote, “The ‘seal sional. Checks of court records in six area coun- of confession’ is so sacred to the church that “He did know him as a parishioner, but he’s Allegations ties did not turn up his name. Source: Belleville priests and bishops have gone to prison to shocked by the allegations,” Fitz-Henry’s lawyer Attorney Jeffrey Anderson, who represents News-Democrat, 1-27-11 protect what was said during this sacrament.” Charlie Keely said. clients in 23 sexual abuse lawsuits against the Source: St. Petersburg Times, 1-28-11 The diocese in an earlier probe found that an Milwaukee Archdiocese, will seek depositions Other An arrest warrant against Rabbi Dov Lior, Fr. William Christensen, a Marianist priest incident 20 years ago which the church at the from Archbishop Timothy Dolan and other Kiryat Arba, ISR (a suburb of Hebron), brought who once taught at Chaminade University in St. time called a “boundary issue” was indeed sex- church officials in order to prove allegations a letter of protest from 70 rabbis. Lior is refus- Louis, MO, is accused of molesting boys con- ual in nature. Fitz-Henry has been suspended. that the archdiocese moved $130 million off its ing to cooperate in an investigation of a book nected to a charity where he worked in Bangla- Source: KSBW News, 2-17-11 books to avoid paying claims. titled Torat Hamelech, which discusses condi- desh. The Survivors Network of those Abused “John Doe 10,” 28, alleges in a suit filed Anderson alleges $75 million disappeared tions under which Jewish law sanctions killing by Priests picketed at Marianist headquarters to in Philadelphia he was abused as a Catholic from the church’s investments in 2005 and that gentiles. Lior endorsed the book. The letter said protest Vatican silence. school student in second or third grade and as $55 million more that had previously been un- the Torah is not subject to police investigations. “Not once have Catholic officials anywhere a high school freshman, when he sought coun- accounted for appeared in a cemetery trust in Source: Jerusalem Post, 2-8-11 in this country told people that he’s accused of seling about the first abuse. He names Rev. 2008, and that the archdiocese claimed that The Diocese of Owensboro, KY, released molesting 30 kids in Bangladesh, and that he’s Richard Cochrane and Martin Satchell, an money in that fund was protected by state law a statement on the suicide of David Jarboe Jr., been formally defrocked by the Vatican,” said ex-priest, as his abusers. Also named in the suit and could not be used for payouts. Source: New David Clohessy, SNAP executive director. are the archbishop of Philadelphia, Cardinal York Times, 2-13-11 Christensen is appealing his October 2010 Justin Rigali; Rigali’s predecessor, Cardinal Retired Dutch Cardinal Ad Simonis is ac- laicization. A Marianist statement said “until the Anthony Bevilacqua; Msgr. William Lynn, cused of covering up sexual abuse by a preda- appeal is settled, he remains a priest and a former secretary of the clergy; Karen Becker, tor priest and moving him to another parish, member of the Society of Mary.” director of child and youth protection; and Mag- where he abused again after he was not moni- Former Chaminade student Michael Powel gie Marshall, victim assistance coordinator. tored. sued Christensen in 2002 for allegedly molest- Institutions named are the archdiocese, Mal- Simonis said that at the time he believed ing him as a child. Powel, 42, died in 2007 of vern Preparatory School for Boys and the Or- that the priest, who has not been named, had a brain tumor before the suit was resolved. der of St. Augustine, which runs St. Aloysius changed his behavior. He called the priest’s re- Source: KMOX News, 1-13-11 Academy in Bryn Mawr. newed abuse “lamentable.” Officials said 6 of Brother Joe Bonet, 63, Valletta, MAL: A 2005 grand jury report on sexual abuse the priest’s victims reported incidents from 1987 Bonet, a Catholic priest facing criminal charges allegations had no apparent consequences. “I to 2008. Source: BBC News, 2-11-11 of molesting children, died of bone cancer short- was shocked when I learned last week that in ly after Maltese officials announced a church 2011, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has done Removed / Resigned Revs. Joseph DiGregorio, Joseph Gal- tribunal would consider canonical penalties virtually nothing,” said plaintiff’s lawyer Marci lagher and Stephen Perzan were placed on against him as well. Hamilton. Source: Reuters, 2-14-11 administrative leave by Cardinal Justin Rigali of Bonet was one of three clerics first accused Civil Lawsuits Settled the Archdiocese of Philadelphia after the priests 7 years ago of molesting children at St. Jo- The Catholic Diocese of London, ONT, will were named in a grand jury report which said seph’s Home decades ago. Pope Benedict met pay $1.5 million to 10 victims of sexual abuse by as many as 37 priests remain in active ministry the victims in April on a visit here. Source: Times the late Rev. Lawrence Paquette and ex-priest with credible allegations of child sexual abuse of Malta, 1-13-11 Barry Glendinning. The diocese paid $1.4 against them. [email protected] Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011

From Tuscany comes an Letterbox ‘atheist’ wine I always enjoy reading Freethought Today. I enjoy reading it even more Foundation fights a mandatory attendance requirement, with a nice glass of red wine in hand i.e., schools and government. It is for (helps to keep me relaxed when I read many-headed beast these reasons that I support FFRF and about some of the outrageous shenani- Living in a small town awash with the efforts to curb the encroachment gans of the Religious Right). religious fervor, I am reminded nearly of religion into areas which should and One wine that stands out as not only every day of the valuable contribution must remain secular. delicious but also rather appropriate FFRF is making to the preservation of Please continue your good work, for the occasion is a Tuscan wine made our secular society. Whether it’s the an- and may you do so in good health. by the highly respected producer Ci- ti-choice rhetoric that surrounds me, P.S. I would find great amusement acci Piccolomini d’ Aragona. Although the constant drumbeat against evolu- if a politico were to introduce a bill they make several different wines, tion, or the many signature lines on requiring the teaching of the Quran, the one I am referring to is Ateo Rosso public school e-mails containing vers- Rigveda or other nonbiblical religious Sant’Antimo or “Ateo.” In case your Ital- es or religious sayings, I know that it texts in a state such as Texas. Oh, the ian is rusty, that translates as “atheist.” would be much worse if there were not uproar! To find it I check around the In- groups like yours out there fighting. Dale Higgs ternet to see what’s available. If your Political religion, like the Hydra, Washington state allows shipment, that’s probably is a many-headed beast, and it seems the easiest way to go. One good site is like two heads grow back for every one Thanks for protecting wine-searcher.com/. I recently got some that’s lopped off. Still, the growing Ateo from Woodland Hills Wine Co. in number of “nones” and out-of-the-clos- our civil rights California for $20 a bottle. I can rec- et nonbelievers in the U.S. and world- I am so enjoying Freethought Today ommend them as an easy and reliable wide offers encouragement leading me and the FFRF-related news. Thank you merchant to deal with. to hope that our fight is not in vain. for your wonderful work keeping an er made such a claim about the Com- If you like good wine, I think you’ll Thanks so very much for everything eye on the creeping of religion into our mandments being the basis of modern be pleased. So I raise my glass of Ateo you do. I’m proud to be a part of it. government. How good I feel knowing law, I don’t know anyone who did, and to all of you at FFRF. Keep up the good Robin Buckallew that FFRF exists to stop the illegalities. I never came across this claim in any work! Nebraska The blatant disregard of our freedoms reputable Western Civ textbook. Steven Eakman by Christianity (the biggest offender in The ancient code always mentioned Washington Refusing to drown the USA) is beyond belief. in textbooks in the context of early Editor’s note: The company says that James Robertson sources of law is the Code of Hammu- while Ateo “first came into existence as a or torture children California rabi (18th century B.C.E.), a compila- provocation,” it’s now an estate classic aged I’m having a button made that tion of some 300 laws with the same in small French and American oak bar- states, “Better Than God.” Hopefully, Woden on Wednesday, crimes (theft, perjury and murder) riques. “With the 2007 vintage, we show- someone will ask what I mean. The an- proscribed by the Commandments, case a new blend, one that focuses only on swer will be, “Well, what do you mean Thor on Thursday plus much more. Unlike the latter, cabernet sauvignon and merlot.” by God?” And then I’ll say, “Well, I’m Freethought Today is a wonderfully this code still exists in the original as a better. For one thing, I don’t drown interesting publication, and I read 7-foot-tall column of basalt on display Freethinkers deserve children or torture my son.” (Exam- each issue with great pleasure. The let- in the Louvre in Paris. If these people ples are everywhere.) Maybe that ques- ters of other readers always intrigue really wanted to be true to history, they first-class berth tioner will think. me — both the astonishingly ugly could demand to display facsimiles of I’d like to comment on statements Carl Scheiman negative, and the happily enthusiastic the Code of Hammurabi in their court- like “They took prayer out of schools,” Maine positive! I was especially interested in houses. and “They are taking away Christmas.” the letter from the Baptist clergyman, What then is the source of modern Some people seem unable to see the Slow and steady Ed Stetzen, which said that “Jesus be- law? For most modern states, it derives difference between religious expres- ing the reason” for the holiday season from Roman law, especially from its sion by private individuals and groups wins the race meant no more than the fact that the sixth century codification known as the and direct support of particular reli- Enclosed please find a check for fifth day of the week is named for Thor, Corpus Juris Civilis. Because this massive gions by government. your legal fund. The contribution is in the mighty pagan god whom we cer- work emphasizes the supreme author- The First Amendment guarantees response to a complaint I made in No- tainly do not worship. ity of the state over the individual, the your freedom of religion. You can put vember about Horicon High School’s I’ve never known anyone else to Roman Catholic Church adapted it up religious displays on private prop- production of “Godspell.” The letter to voice that opinion — and for years I’ve to its own purposes around the 12th erty paid for by private funds and, as the school district by attorney Patrick been boring my friends by telling them century, and the French emperor did the saying goes, as long as there are Elliott was well-written. FFRF artfully that I don’t mind saying Merry Christ- likewise in his early 19th century Code algebra tests, there will be prayer in used the school’s own policies to make mas — a phrase associated with so Napoleon. Many modern countries use schools. the case. many happy festive times in my youth. some form of Roman law. The other The First Amendment, as consis- I attended the convention in Madi- It doesn’t mean I worship Christ — not source of modern law is English com- tently interpreted by the Supreme son last October with a friend who is any more than I worship Woden on mon law. Court, also says government cannot di- still mildly active in her church. She Wednesday or Thor on Thursday! Now here is your pop quiz. Which of rectly support any particular religion, has read all my copies of Freethought All these fantasy figures are part of the 50 U.S. states bases its laws on Ro- or religion over nonreligion. This re- Today and several books by Dan Bark- the ancient legacy of myths our race man law? Hint: It does so by way of the striction actually protects your right to er, Richard Dawkins, Ayaan Hirsi Ali has inherited. So, congratulations, Ed Code Napoleon. free religious expression. and others. On our drive home. I re- Stetzen. Thanks for agreeing with me! William Hairston When the government starts favor- ceived one of the best comments about Abigail Ann Martin Alabama ing one religion, control of that reli- the weekend and all she had learned Florida gion falls at least partially into govern- lately. Atheists are far from ment hands, and anyone whose beliefs She said she felt that she “had been Hang Hammurabi differ from what is officially promoted lied to all along.” This made me feel endangered species is no longer a first-class citizen. good to know that my challenges to in public halls I had my DNA tested by 23andMe, Steve Clamage friends and family, and your work, are One of the courses I taught in my a genetic testing service. They ask California making a difference, even if at a glacial 30-year career was the History of West- you to fill out questionnaires to help pace. ern Civilization. To keep my focus on in research. After you answer a ques- Accepting the credit Steve Biever intellectual honesty, one of the quotes tion, they send you the percentages of Wisconsin taped to my filing cabinet was one at- what the other participants answered. but not the blame tributed to writer-journalist Ernest I thought you might be interested in “In God We Trust” proudly pro- Dale ascends, but Hemingway: “The most essential gift the results I received on 1-29-11 to the claims the U.S. dollar. Indeed, but for a good writer is a built-in, shock- question, “How would you describe which God, and just what is He, She or not to heaven proof, shit detector.” The cynical claim your religious beliefs?”: It entrusted to do? Please accept my membership re- by those who would display the Ten Very religious (2%); religious When there is a drought, knees are newal and ascension to Life Member- Commandments in public buildings (11%); somewhat religious (13%); bent to pray for rain. But He, She or ship. that the Commandments are the basis spiritual but not associated with any It takes no blame for disasters such as Personally, I do not care if folks of modern law is a case in point. one religion (25%); agnostic (18%); Katrina. choose to believe in a god. That’s their Opposition to these displays is al- atheistic (22%); other (2%); not sure C.M. Halle business, and it’s fine by me. I become ways, and properly, based on First (1%); I’d rather not say (1%). South Africa concerned when some of those people Amendment grounds, but the “appeal I answered “atheistic” and was decide that I and others must hold to history” argument of the propo- shocked at the 22% it got. I’m not as their same beliefs. I am also concerned nents seems to go by default. But this rare as I thought. with the insistence of some on prosely- claim, this argument, is at best highly Jim Marsh tizing in venues which have essentially dubious and at worst debatable. I nev- Texas March 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23 In Memoriam Hannah Simons-Scalise, 1992–2011

three weeks as an outpatient for nearly a year. The family received a great deal of help from Community Cancer Ser- vices, which is an Isabella County group that helps patients with expenses, and the Corporate Angel Network, which is based out of White Plains, N.Y., and eases stress, physical discomfort and fi- nancial burdens of travel by arranging free flights to treatment centers, using the empty seats on corporate aircraft flying on routine business. The family was able to get matched up with Dow Chemical, which made This article originally appeared Feb. 2, regular business trips to Texas and 2011, and is reprinted with the kind per- Pennsylvania. Last summer, over a 40- mission of Jeremy H. Dickman, news editor day period, Simons-Scalise made eight of The Morning Sun, Mt. Pleasant, Mich. flights to Houston. “They were incred- Hannah’s parents are longtime FFRF mem- ible to work with,” Simons said of Cor- bers Lynn Simons and John Scalise. porate Angel Network, Dow Chemical and Community Cancer Services. By Jeremy H. Dickman Over the course of her five-year struggle, Simons-Scalise would have 900 doses of chemotherapy, including a stretch where she received 15 doses a month for a year. She also underwent underwent five thoracotomy lung sur- geries. For five years, Hannah Simons- “Sometimes I think about what she Scalise fought a courageous battle with did and how impressive she really was,” Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone her mother said. cancer. She had 10 tumors on her lungs and That battle ended Jan. 31 when was still undergoing chemotherapy Simons-Scalise, 19, died at her home when she died. “She was still battling while surrounded by family. right up until the end,” Simons said. A 2009 Mt. Pleasant High School Her daughter was a history buff, she graduate and a sophomore at Central said, and always had a fondness for ani- Michigan University, Simons-Scalise mals. She would donate her lemonade would not let cancer define her life. stand money to the Isabella County An- “She was a very impressive girl who imal Shelter. When she got older, she Hannah with Sophie. would not let cancer get in her way volunteered at the shelter and adopted of accomplishing her goals,” said her a dog, a 50-pound terrier mix named mother, Lynn Simons. Sophie. and was a co-captain as a senior. grade. “I will always remember her pos- First seen at Central Michigan Com- “Sophie and Hannah would snuggle “When she became too weak to run, itive attitude about life.” munity Hospital after recurring fevers up together in the recliner,” Simons she would ride her bike and the team For Tyree, who got to know her dur- and severe pain, where a chest X-ray said. “She was in seventh heaven when would run on the roads so she could ing the “Wizard of Oz” musical in sixth and CAT scan picked up the malignant they were together.” still be a part of the team,” Simons said. grade, their time running cross coun- tumors on her lungs, Simons-Scalise Simons-Scalise also had a part-time How determined to run was she? try together for six years will always be then had to be taken by ambulance job at Spinning Wheels roller rink and One time Simons-Scalise had to get memorable. “She could make anyone to the University of Michigan’s Mott keynoted West Intermediate’s “Miles her oncologist to sign a sports physi- laugh. She was very high-spirited and Children’s Hospital, and would later for Miracles” fundraiser. “She did what- cal so she could run, and she brought funny, and I will always remember her receive treatments at MD Anderson ever she could to show people you had the form into his office and simply determination.” Cancer Center in Houston and the to live your life to the fullest and not let said “just say yes,” Simons said of her McDevitt-Irwin, who attends University of Pennsylvania Cancer Cen- cancer define you,” her mother said. daughter. Queen’s University in Kingston, On- ter. Simons-Scalise was a four-year mem- Track coach Brian Sponseller said tario, said she talked every day with She underwent chemotherapy every ber of the MPHS cross country team she always had the drive to compete her best friend and that Simons-Scalise despite what she was going through. visited her in Canada last fall. In turn, “She was great to have on the team. she visited her best friend just before Photo: Annie Laurie Gaylor She kept all the traditions going with she died. the younger runners and always had a “This past weekend I came up to see smile on her face.” her and she was still herself and mak- Simons-Scalise insisted on finishing ing jokes,” McDevitt-Irwin said. “She each year of high school on time. was the most caring, funny and sweet- “She finished ninth, 10th, 11th and est person ever. She was so supportive 12th grades on time, although she had and caring and inspired so many peo- to finish some of it at home, she did ple.” it,” Simons said. “Each year with newer Survivors include her mother, Lynn reoccurrences of tumors, we were very Simons; her father, John Scalise; a impressed with her finishing school.” brother, Benjamin Scalise; her sisters, Her friends Jamie McDevitt-Irwin, Sarah and Abby Scalise; and many Staci Galgoci and Arlena Tyree all friends. agreed she had a great sense of humor. A private memorial is planned. Per McDevitt-Irwin, a friend since sixth her wishes, in lieu of flowers, dona- grade, said, “We were always doing fun- tions may be made to the Humane An- ny, silly things together. Our personali- imal Treatment Society, Box 732, Mt. ties just clicked.” Pleasant, MI 48804; Community Can- “She was an amazing, outgoing per- cer Services, Box 36, Mt. Pleasant, MI son who never was in a bad mood and 48804; or Corporate Angel Network, Hannah (center) pictured in 2001. Hannah quickly chose the “Godless” FFRF was always bubbly. She was the type of Westchester County Airport, One Loop T-shirt to wear at an FFRF appearance in her hometown. She is pictured with person who would always brighten up Road, White Plains, NY 10604. her sister Abby (left) and Sabrina Gaylor. a day,” said Galgoci, a friend since fifth Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2011

34th FFRF convention, Hartford, Conn., Oct. 7–9 Early birds can sign up now

The Foundation’s 34th annual con- tally incompatible, and for precisely ing “Freedom From Religion Founda- vention is set for Hartford, Conn., at the same reason that irrationality and tion” Group Block by calling toll-free the Marriott Hartford Downtown­ on rationality are incompatible. They are to 866-373-9806. the weekend of Oct. 7-9, 2011. different forms of inquiry, with only Rooms for FFRF conventions always “We chose Hartford for East Coast one, science, equipped to find real go fast, so plan ahead to avoid disap- convenience and so that members truth. And while they may have a dia- pointment. Rooms are held until Sept. might have a chance to tour the fas- logue, it’s not a constructive one. Sci- 6 unless filled before then. Head’s up: cinating Victorian house that Mark ence helps religion only by disproving There are no shuttles from the airport. Twain built, which is now a museum,” its claims, while religion has nothing to Taxi rides from airport to hotel typical- said Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co- add to science.” ly run $36 to $44, so try to share. FFRF president. Also receiving awards will be two decreased its convention registration The free Hartford Star Shuttle con- FFRF activists. Steve Trunk, an FFRF rates accordingly. Parking is $19 dai- nects the Connecticut Convention Board and Lifetime Member, will re- ly/$23 valet. Union Station is less than Center (across the street from the ho- ceive the Atheist in Foxhole Award as a mile from the hotel. tel) and riverfront with other down- plaintiff in a lawsuit in which the 9th To register for the convention (only town hotels, restaurants, shops and at- Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Janu- $50 per member, $55 per spouse or Jerry Coyne is an Emperor Has No tractions. ary declared the Mount Soledad cross companion accompanying member, Clothes Award recipient for 2011. A major attraction not on the shut- in San Diego unconstitutional. $95 for non-member), send back the tle route is the Mark Twain House and Mitch Kahle, founder of Hawaii Citi- handy registration form this on page If enough members reserve tickets, Museum. If enough convention-goers zens for the Separation of State and or go online to: the Twain House and Museum will sign up (check registration form), Church, will be named Freethinker of ffrf.org/outreach/convention close for FFRF-only guided tours Fri- FFRF will reserve the Twain Home and the Year for persuading the Hawaii Sen- day, Oct. 7 (11:30 a.m. to last guided Museum for a staggered group tour on ate in January to drop prayers to open Reserve spot now for tour at 4:30 p.m.). Admission to the the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 7, before legislative sessions. Kahle, a longtime Twain group tour house is by guided tour only (approxi- the convention opens. (See sidebar.) FFRF supporter, was roughed up by mately 45 minutes) and is limited to 16 Other Hartford attractions are Senate security for protesting prayers. Hartford, Conn., is home to the persons per tour. The self-guided tour Katherine Hepburn’s gravesite, at Ce- The convention will open formally Mark Twain House and Museum. of the museum usually takes viewers an dar Hill Cemetery, and the Harriet on Friday night with speeches and a Samuel Langhorne Clemens commis- hour to 90 minutes. Beecher Stowe house. celebratory des­­­­­­­­sert reception, contin- sioned architect Edward Tuckerman A group tour, including cost of the Professor Jerry Coyne will accept ue through Saturday and conclude by Potter to design the 11,500-square-foot FFRF-hired shuttle, would be less than FFRF’s Emperor Has No Clothes Award noon Sunday morning after member- Victorian home. It was completed in the usual fee of $16 per adult, $10 per at the convention. Coyne, a professor ship and Board of Director meetings. 1874, and the family lived there until child. The exact tour price will be an- in the Department of Ecology and Evo- To tour the Twain house, plan your 1891. It has 25 rooms on three floors. nounced after the Twain House is re- lution at the University of Chicago, is itinerary to make time on Friday after- In 2003, the Mark Twain Museum Cen- served. The shuttle bus would depart author of the 2009 book, Why Evolution noon. ter opened with permanent and rotat- from the hotel about every 15 minutes is True. His plain-spoken column, “Sci- FFRF group rates at the Marriott ing exhibits, including a Ken Burns on a first-come, first-served basis. ence and religion aren’t friends,” ap- Hartford Downtown, 200 Columbus mini-documentary on Twain. The If interested, please check the box- peared in USA Today in October 2010, Blvd., Hartford, Conn., are $159 plus Murasaki Café offers Japanese cuisine on the registration form to reserve tick- in which he wrote: tax, single, double, triple or quadruple. from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday ets. FFRF will bill you separately for the “Science and faith are fundamen- Reserve your rooms directly by request- through Saturday. tour once details are confirmed.

Return to: FFRF, Attn: Convention, P.O. Box 750, Madison, WI 53701 FFRF welcomes Freedom From Religion Foundation’s 10 Life Members, 34th Annual Convention 2 After-Lifers October 7–9, 2011 The Freedom From Religion Foun- Make checks dation, which is a 501(c)(3) educa- Marriott Hartford Downtown tional charity, is delighted to welcome payable to “FFRF” Hartford, Connecticut its 10 newest Lifetime Members. These kind members recently contributed $1,000 to FFRF specified as a member- No. registering ship or renewal for lifetime status. _____ FFRF Member registration(s) @ $50 per person ...... $_____ They are: Peter Dashevici, Masato _____ Non-member spouse or companion accompanying member @ $55...... $_____ Flowers, Wendell Funk, C. Leon Har- _____ Non-member registration(s) @ $95 ...... $_____ ris, Gary King, Margaret A. Lehto, Fred C. Smith, Marjorie Thompson, June (or join for $40, save $5!) Trudeau and John Wolff. _____ Student registration(s) @ $25 (Ask about student group rate) ...... $_____ Two individuals signed up as “After- _____ Saturday Non-Prayer Breakfast @ $25* per person ...... $_____ Lifers,” FFRF’s slightly tongue-in-cheek Vegetarian option ___ no. of vegetarian Vegan option ___ no. of vegan category for freethinkers who wish _____ Saturday Night Dinner @ $45* per person ...... $_____ their contribution to live after them. Vegetarian option ___ no. of vegetarian Vegan option ___ no. of vegan They are: Jon Darwin Soder and Ste- ven Bentley. Gluten-free dinners required on above selections Total: ______States represented are: Colorado, * Meal prices include 21% gratuity and 6% sales tax Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, New York, Reserve ____ ticket(s) to tour Mark Twain home, afternoon of Fri., Oct. 7. Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennes- (FFRF will bill you later. Tour will take place if enough members respond.) see, Texas and Wyoming. Additionally, one new Lifetime Member lives in Aus- tralia! Name(s) Please include names of all registrants for nametags Warmest appreciation to Steve, Jon, John, June, Marjorie, Fred, Margaret, Gary, C. Leon, Wendell, Masato and Address Peter! All dues and contributions to FFRF are deductible for income-tax pur- City/State/Zip Please include phone/e-mail (in case we have a question about your registration) poses. Lifetime Memberships go into a safe “rainy day” endowment, and mean never another renewal notice.