Subjugation of Student of color Join us at our 41st women entirely college essay convention in based on religion winners announced San Francisco PAGE 5 PAGES 12-16 PAGES 23-24

Vol. 35 No. 7 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. September 2018 Major victory for FFRF! Appeals court votes against prayer ‘Policy lacks a secular legislative purpose,’ 9th Circuit Court rules

FFRF, with 22 parents, students and employees of the Chino Valley (Calif.) School District, on July 25 won a major victory before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court FFRF sues of Appeals against prayer at public school board meetings. FFRF’s lawsuit challenged the practice over city’s of prayer at Chino Valley School Board’s meetings, which resembled church re- vivals more than public meetings. These reciting meetings opened with prayer and regu- larly included board members reading from the bible and proselytizing. of prayer “The board’s prayer policy and prac- tice violate the Establishment Clause,” a Photo by John Valenzuela of the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin A new lawsuit by the FFRF and two three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit ruled Supporters of prayer at school board meetings hold signs while they listen to public of its local members seeks to ensure unanimously. “We hold that the Chino comments during the Chino Valley Unified School District’s special meeting in 2015. that the city of Parkersburg, W.Va., Valley Board’s prayer policy lacks a sec- complies with the First Amendment ular legislative purpose and therefore . “These prayers typically take place be- by halting its unconstitutional city . . violates the Establishment Clause. Ac- fore groups of schoolchildren whose at- prayer practice. cordingly, we uphold the district court’s tendance is not truly voluntary and whose The federal lawsuit was filed July grant of summary judgment to the Foun- relationship to school district officials, 31 in the U.S. District Court for the dation on this claim,” ruled M. Margaret including the board, is not one of full Southern District of West Virginia, McKeown, Kim McLane Wardlaw, circuit parity,” the appeals court ruled. “Because Charleston Division. judges, and Wiley Y. Daniel, district judge prayer at the Chino Valley Board meet- The lawsuit challenges Parkersburg for Colorado, sitting by designation. ing falls outside the legislative-prayer tra- City Council’s adoption of the “Lord’s Then-School Board President James dition, we apply the three-pronged test Prayer” as the official Christian prayer, Na injected Christianity into many of first articulated in Lemon v. Kurtzman for which opens every City Council meet- his official statements to parents and stu- determining whether a governmental ing. The recited version is a biblical dents at meetings. For instance, at one policy or action is an impermissible es- Plaintiffs Michael Anderson and translation of Matthew 6:9-13 and meeting, Na “urged everyone who does tablishment of religion.” Larry Maldonado and attorney J.P. concludes with a Christian doxology. not know Jesus Christ to go and find The court differentiated school board Kaloyanides, along with FFRF and 20 Council members lead the prayer and Him,” after which another board mem- other plaintiffs, won at the 9th U.S. are joined by city residents at each ber closed with a reading of Psalm 143. See Victory on page 3 Circuit Court of Appeals. meeting in reciting it. FFRF charges that the prayers violate well-estab- lished law and exclude residents who Unabashed, indeed! are non-Christian. Religious Liberty Task Force Local plaintiffs include Daryl Co- branchi, who has frequently attended endangers wall of separation meetings and been directed to stand for the Lord’s Prayer, a practice, he Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ an- religious Americans as victims who are notes, which has made him conspicu- nouncement July 31 of a “Religious treated like second-class citizens: ous by his nonparticipation and which Liberty Task Force” to enforce his “Under this administration, the “assigns to second-class status anyone theocratic “religious liberty” agenda is federal government is not just re- who is not Christian.” Likewise, Eric cause for grave concern. acting — we are Engle, also a Parkersburg resident, The task force will be charged with actively seeking, follows city matters and has felt un- carrying out Sessions’ 20-page Princi- carefully, thought- comfortable and pressured to partic- ples of Religious Liberty memo, which fully and lawfully, ipate in the Christian prayer during FFRF sounded the alarm on when it to accommodate public meetings. was released last October. The memo people of faith. Re- At least one member of the City signaled an acceleration of the Trump ligious Americans Council has been openly hostile to Administration’s partnership with the are no longer an nonparticipants, the legal complaint Religious Right to redefine and weap- afterthought. charges. Councilman Eric Barber glared New Hampshire state Rep. Brandon onize the concept of “religious liberty” “We will take po- at attendees who sat during the prayer Phinney was a recent weekly winner to allow religiously motivated discrimi- Jeff Sessions tential burdens on at a meeting in September. At the end of FFRF’s Unabashed Atheist virtual nation and privilege Christianity. one’s conscience into consideration be- of that prayer, Barber positioned him- billboard contest. Phinney founded During his announcement, Sessions, fore we issue regulations or new policies. self near his microphone, pressed the the Libertarian Party’s Secular flanked by a Catholic archbishop and “And this Department of Justice is button, and shouted, “Amen.” Caucus, the first of its kind for any the Colorado baker who refused to bake going to court across America to defend political party. a cake for a gay couple in the Supreme See Prayer on page 9 Court’s Masterpiece Cake case, portrayed See Task Force on page 9 Page 2 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018 Signs from above Egger drives message home with billboards

Name: Jack G. Egger Where I live: Marietta, Ga. Born: North Tonawanda, N.Y., in 1940. Family: Wife with one stepchild and family, one younger brother with large family, and two sisters. Education: Associate of science degree. How I got where I am today: I left home after I graduated from Niag- ara Falls High School and went on the road with a rock & roll band and worked around the eastern U.S. for most of my 20s before settling in Atlan- ta. In my 30s, I went back to school and got my degree and went to work for the U.S. Postal Service as a maintenance mechanic for 26 years and worked part time as a musician on the weekends. I have been married twice and have Jack Egger been married 34 years to my second American Humanist Association, life- wife, who is a respiratory therapist. We time member of Atlanta Freethought have never spent more than we made Society and served on its board for a and invested our year, Secular Coali- extra money in MEET A MEMBER tion, Center for In- stocks and bonds. quiry and the Free- Person in history I admire and why: dom From Religion Foundation. Also, Albert Einstein, because he saw what I’m working on getting AHA and FFRF was real about our universe. E=MC2. chapters in this area. These are a few of my favorite I am sponsoring a billboard cam- things: Music, science, swimming, paign for FFRF this year in the Mariet- camping and Jet Skis. ta, Ga., area. A large billboard with the Throughout 2018, Marietta, Ga., resident Jack Egger has generously under- These are not: Myth religions. message, “Supernatural belief — the written monthly billboards for FFRF promoting freethought, science and the My favorite quotation: “Truth is the enemy of humanity” has recently gone separation of state and church. foundation of all knowledge and the ce- up in Marietta. Previous billboards that ment of all societies.” — John Dryden. we have placed this year in the vicinity between church-state.” really matter to improve our lives here My doubts about religion started: include one telling people to “Enjoy What’s your dream for freethought? and now. If this isn’t bad enough, our When I was a teenager, it started not to life — there is no afterlife,” another I would hope there are some billion- governments give these religions tax make sense to me. showing an astronaut in space with the aires out there who feel that believing exemptions, which violates the separa- What have you done for the free- slogan “In Science We Trust,” and one in the supernatural is a scourge on hu- tion of the church and state clause as thought movement? I am a member of proclaiming “The only wall we need is manity and would be willing to help stated in the Constitution. establish this institution I talk about in “What if all the true and good things my essay, “The Conflict Between Sci- of all the existing religions of today ence and Religion.” could be incorporated into one uni- In it, I write, “When religions that versal theology? This new theology will incorporate the supernatural are taken have its foundation based on science as the truth, this fuels climate change and humanism without any supernatu- deniers, create wars, and promotes hu- ralism and would be called ‘humantol- man rights violations. It’s also a major ogy’ (or any other appropriate name).” source of discrimination, creates most To read the full essay, go to jackegger- of the political divide in the world, and blog.wordpress.com. it takes away focus on the things that

FFRF welcomes new Life Members FFRF is excited to announce our Immortals category is a donation seven newest Lifetime and After-Life designation for those members who Members and two Immortals. have contacted FFRF to report they Published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. FFRF’s newest Lifetime Members have made provisions for FFRF in are Howard Bostock, Jeff Gipson, Da- their estate planning. P.O. Box 750 Madison WI 53701 vid Hamer, Vincent Landis, Dennis [email protected] FFRF.org McCurdy and Rob McMullen. States P 608.256.8900 F 608.204.0422 represented are Alabama, California, Lead Us Not Into Penn Station: Texas and Ohio. Individual Lifetime Provocative Pieces EDITOR PJ Slinger [email protected] Memberships are $1,000, designat- EDITOR EMERITUS Bill Dunn ed as membership or membership By Anne Gaylor EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Annie Laurie Gaylor renewal, and are deductible for in- A must-have for GRAPHIC DESIGNER Roger Daleiden come-tax purposes. any freethinker, this Our new After-Life Member is Em- gracefully readable COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Amit Pal ory E. Lynn. An After-Life Member- book contains Gaylor’s classic writings. CONTRIBUTORS ship is a $5,000 donation for those Philip Appleman, Francine Bellett, Jim Diedrich, Jack Egger, Paul Epland, who want their donation to “live on” Published by FFRF Herb Gartner, Chris Line, Bailey Nachreiner-Mackesey, Andrew Seidel, after them. Buy it from FFRF online Jake Swenson, Chris Todd, Barbara G. Walker Our two new Immortals are Sue shop.ff rf.org The only freethought newspaper in the United States Mandeville and Mike Koivula. The September 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 3 Looking to donate to FFRF? Here’s how! There are many ways you can donate FFRF has been a CFC charity since or services in exchange for the donation, bonus that Amazon will donate a portion to FFRF, including directly through our 2007. Freedom From Religion Founda- and they must retain a receipt from each of the purchase price to your favorite website (ffrf.org/donate). tion, Inc. appears in the listing of “Na- charity to which a donation is made. charitable organization. Visit the Ama- Ways to give include the Combined tional/International Independent Or- The IRA rollover became permanent zonSmile donation designation page and Federal Campaign for federal employ- ganizations” which is published in each in December 2015, which is very good select the Freedom From Religion Foun- ees, matching gifts, AmazonSmile, estate local campaign charity list. news for senior citizens. The donation dation to donate 0.5 percent of eligible planning, stock transfer and IRA charita- benefit had been allowed to expire in purchases to FFRF. ble rollover gifts, which apply to seniors Matching grants 2008 and then renewed, temporarily, by The AmazonSmile Foundation is a 70½ or older. Matching grant donations have be- Congress several times at the last minute, 501(c)(3) private foundation created come a significant boost to FFRF in creating uncertainty and confusion. by Amazon to administer the Amazon- Combined Federal Campaign recent years. Many companies offer to Because it is available to taxpayers Smile program. All donation amounts match (fully or a percentage) their em- whether or not they itemize their tax generated by the AmazonSmile pro- ployees’ donations to charitable organi- returns, the rollover helps older Amer- gram are remitted to the AmazonSmile zations. These matches multiply the im- icans, who are more likely not to file Foundation. In turn, the AmazonSmile pact of the initial donation to further the itemized returns. Foundation donates those amounts to goals of the Foundation. Membership FFRF will send a “non-tax” letter re- the charitable organizations selected by dues and donations are tax-deductible ceipt that documents your lovely chari- customers. Amazon pays all expenses contributions and may be submitted to table rollover gift! of the AmazonSmile Foundation; they matching gift programs upon organiza- are not deducted from the donation tion approval. Stock amounts generated by purchases on FFRF receives Charity Navigator’s If you are interested in donating stock AmazonSmile. highest 4-star rating. Donations to FFRF to FFRF, please call Director of Opera- If you are a federal employee, you are deductible for income-tax purposes. tions Lisa Strand or FFRF Co-President Estate planning may make donations to FFRF through Annie Laurie Gaylor at 1-800-335-4021. Leave a freethought legacy in your the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) IRA charitable rollover Or email FFRF ([email protected]) about your name that will significantly help carry until January 2019. Details can be found If you are age 70 1/2 or older, you stock gift and we will gratefully reply with forward the vital work of FFRF for gener- at opm.gov/combined-federal-campaign. If may now donate up to $100,000 to the information you need to make the ations to come. you wish to help FFRF through this cam- FFRF as a qualifying 501(c)(3) chari- transfer. Arrange a bequest in your will or trust, paign, the CFC code to designate your table organization directly from your or make the Freedom From Religion contribution is 32519. Individual Retirement Account (IRA). AmazonSmile Foundation the beneficiary of an insur- It is recommended that all CFC do- The distribution will not be treated as AmazonSmile is a simple and auto- ance policy, bank account or your IRA. nors check the box to include their name taxable income, provided the distribu- matic way for you to support your favor- It’s easy to do. and mailing address (in addition to your tion is made directly. ite charitable organization every time you For related information or to request e-mail) with the donation. Donors will To qualify, contributions must come shop, at no cost to you. When you shop a bequest brochure, please phone An- receive an acknowledgment from FFRF from a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, and at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact nie Laurie Gaylor or Lisa Strand at 608- when we receive pledge notification they must be made directly to FFRF. Addi- same prices, selection and shopping ex- 256-8900. (throughout the year). tionally, the donor may not receive goods perience as Amazon.com, with the added Victory Continued from page 1 prayer from other forms of governmen- government endorsements of religion encompass nonreligious belief systems period to further school-sponsored tal prayer — a major issue before the in violation of plaintiffs’ First Amend- and their diversity, is itself constitutional- prayer, and to prevent others from giving court: “Unlike a session of Congress or ment rights.” ly suspect,” it stated. “Atheists and agnos- the school’s imprimatur to prayer at that a state legislature or a meeting of a town The school board, pressured by a lo- tics comprise 4 percent and 5 percent of time,” the appeals court added. board, the Chino Valley Board meetings cal megachurch to which three board the California population, respectively. Bernal already ordered the school function as extensions of the educa- members belong, voted 3-2 to appeal the Neither the purpose of respecting reli- board to pay more than $200,000 for the tional experience of the district’s public decision. gious diversity nor the means of doing initial case; now costs and fees associat- schools. . . . Prayer at school board meet- The three-judge panel of the 9th Cir- so via prayer acknowledges or respects ed with the appeal will add significantly ings cannot be understood as part of the cuit was not impressed: “The prayers the beliefs of nonreligious citizens in the to that number. As if they didn’t get the historical tradition of legislative prayer frequently advanced religion in general district.” undeniable message, the board recently identified in Marsh and Town of Greece.” and Christianity in particular.” In another matter, the court ad- voted 3-2 to appeal their case to the Su- U.S. District Judge Jesus Bernal In an acknowledgment of the pres- dressed the practice by a rogue school preme Court, which is unlikely to take ruled in FFRF’s favor on Feb. 18, 2016, ence of nonbelievers in California, the board member, following FFRF’s district up the case. finding that “permitting religious court also emphasized how discriminato- court victory, of sneaking in opening FFRF and the plaintiffs are represent- prayer in board meetings, and the poli- ry the prayer practice was toward secular prayer during the public comment pe- ed by Attorney David J.P. Kaloyanides, cy and custom of reciting prayers, bible local residents. riod. “It is therefore appropriate for the FFRF Legal Director Rebecca Markert readings, and proselytizing at board “The purpose of respecting religious injunction to restrain board members and FFRF’s Director of Strategic Re- meetings, constitute unconstitutional diversity, to the extent that it does not from acting during the public-comment sponse Andrew Seidel. Pin ’em, Bucky! ‘IN REASON WE TRUST’ Freethought Today caption contest! Self inking stamp

NEW!

FFRF Life Member Gary King, who runs the Colorado Springs chapter, has created and donated enamel FFRF membership pins with a University Carefully crafted to stamp out of Wisconsin theme (they’re red) and ‘god’ on U.S. currency. Good wants them to go to any FFRF member for up to 2000 impressions. who’s a University of Wisconsin alumni.

$18 postpaid — Item#ST01 This month’s caption contest is a drawing by FFRF Life Member Scott Burdick So, if you’re a UW (any school) alumni of North Carolina. To enter, please write a humorous or witty caption for this and would like such a pin, contact us at [email protected]. This is a time-limited Call 608/256-8900 picture. Email your response to [email protected] by Sept. 19. The winner, chosen by FFRF staff, will receive an FFRF T-shirt! We will announce the opportunity, so get it by Nov. 1. (Actual Online ffrf.org/shop winner and top runners-up in the October issue. pin is 3/4 inch.) Thanks, Gary! Page 4 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018 HEADS UP FFRF hands out more A Poetry Column By Philip Appleman freethought badges PARABLE OF THE PERFIDIOUS PROVERBS In an ongoing program, FFRF is giv- scouting program than include girls. How better is it to get wisdom than gold. ing out atheist badges for those in (or Since leaving the church, I have formerly in) Boy Scouts or Girls Scouts. continued to help my communities Money buys prophets and teachers, poems and art, Scouts who wish to earn the badge through active volunteerism. I would So listen, if you’re so rich, why aren’t you smart? are asked to write an essay that address- be incredibly honored to become a es the Boy Scouts of America claim that freethought merit badge recipient. He that spareth his rod hateth his son. nonbelievers can’t be good citizens. To Tarrah Henrie (FFRF Member) That line gives you a perfect way of testing apply for a badge, submit a brief essay, . . . Your inner feelings about child molesting. which should include your full name, I was a Brownie and then a Girl age, mailing address, and contact in- Scout in the late 1950s to early 1960s. He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. formation to: [email protected]. I started school just after they insert- But here at the parish we don’t find it overly hard Here are excerpted essays from the ed “under God” in the Pledge of Alle- To accept his dirty cash or credit card. two newest badge earners. giance and we were still reading aloud . . . psalms at the start of each school day. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick. (I still know a couple by memory.) That’s just why the good Lord made it mandatory I had no idea until several years ago To eat your heart out down in Purgatory. that the Boy Scouts required fealty to an imaginary being (the Girls Scouts Wisdom is better than rubies. do not. Yay, girls!), or that they pro- Among the jeweled bishops and other boobies hibited gay scouts and leaders. I think It’s also a whole lot rarer than rubies. it’s rather remarkable/inscrutable that they’ve made progress on the gay issue He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool. but not on the God thing. Until they Trusting your heart may not be awfully bright, do, I’m hoping girls will continue to stick with the Girl Scouts instead of the But trusting Proverbs is an idiot’s delight. newly co-ed Scouts — and maybe one From Karma, Dharma, Pudding & Pie day boys will be able to join the distaff organization rather than give a God © Philip Appleman. nod. Of course, we all officially agree to Philip Appleman is a Dis­tinguished Pro­fessor things we don’t agree with, whether Emeri­tus at India­ ­na Uni­ver­si­ty. He is editor of it’s lip service to supernatural beings the Norton Critical Edition of Darwin. He and in order to be part of a group that ties his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are Tarrah Henri cool knots, or clicking on all those both “After-Life” Members of FFRF. I was raised in the LDS Church boxes we have to click to get credit Phil’s books: ffrf.org/shop. (Mormon Church). Both of my par- cards or access to the cloud. But that ents were Boy Scout leaders for my doesn’t make it right, just a necessary brother, so I went on the camp-outs, at- evil that would be better if it were tended the weekly activities, and did all unnecessary. of the activities and work for many of It’s been a long time since I’ve been the merit badges. My mom even asked any kind of scout, but for decades I’ve me to teach the knot-tying and swim- been working on earning my merit ming merit badges. badge as a freethinker, through sup- OVERHEARD I attended the award ceremonies port of FFRF and other kindred orga- and watched the boys get merit badges nizations (I write a weekly column for The bond between America’s Chris- feat their enemies and create a Christian for the same things that I had done. I the American Humanist Association), tian nationalists and the Russian govern- nation.” . . . Heaven help us. could not get any merit badges because and by trying to be a good person, as ment goes back a long way, long before Frank Bruni, in his column, “Mike I am female. As you can imagine, this well as one who is up front about her anyone conceived of the possibility of a Pence, Holy Terror.” was a painful experience. It pointed atheism. Trump administration. . . The Religious New York Times, 7-28-18 out to me the blatant sexism in the I don’t recall if I stayed in the Girl Right thinks that it’s using Mr. Putin to Mormon Church. That is one of the Scouts long enough to get any profi- advance its aims. But a far more plau- With its relative lack of diplomatic reasons that I left the church at age ciency badges, as they were called. So sible interpretation is that he is using protocols and press coverage, the prayer 17 and became an atheist-leaning this one from FFRF would be especially them — to infiltrate, divide and weaken breakfast setting is ideal for foreign fig- agnostic. As you may already be aware, meaningful to me. our country. ures who might not otherwise be able to the Mormon Church recently decided Joan Resiman-Brill (FFRF Life Katherine Stewart, in her column “What easily get face time with top American of- that it would rather get rid of its Member) Was Maria Butina Doing at the National ficials, because of unsavory reputations Prayer Breakfast?” or a lack of an official government perch. Women Without Superstition: New York Times, 7-18-18 Journalists Kenneth P. Vogel and Eliz- “No Gods — No Masters” What Is a Freethinker? abeth Dias in the article, “At Prayer Consider this Breakfast, guests seek access to a differ- freethinker n. Collected writings your semi-regular ent higher power.” of 50 women A person who forms opinions reminder that Jef- New York Times, 7-27-18 freethinkers of the 19th about religion on the basis of & 20th centuries (51 fress, Fox News’ reason, independently of tradition, go-to religious au- All bishops resign. photographs). authority, or established belief. thority, is among Banner unfurled during Mass at the Ca- Edited by Annie Laurie Gaylor the city’s most divi- thedral of Santiago in late July in front Published by FFRF sive voices. of Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati, who’s de- BuyBuy it it from from FFRF online online Robert Wilonsky, nied covering up accusations of abuse in shop.ffshop.ffrf.org rf.org Robert Jeffress being quoted in a Chile under congressional investigations RECRUIT A MEMBER Dallas News article into 104 potential victims of the church’s about how a Dallas billboard proclaiming “culture of abuse.” American Infidel: Sample copies for $2 “America is a Christian nation” by Rob- New York Times, 8/1/18 Robert G. Ingersoll Send $2 with the name and ert Jeffress was taken down after drawing criticism and being labeled divisive. Have you any idea of what Christianity address of each person you Dallas Morning News, 6-21-18 has tolerated in this country? Support- By Orvin Larsen wish to receive a sample copy ing Vladimir Putin’s puppet is a trifle Prof. Larsen writes of Freethought Today to: According to Michael D’Antonio’s compared to the enormous mechanism with aff ection and book [The Shadow President: The Truth of horror that religion in America has respect of this FFRF illustrious 19th About Mike Pence], Pence sees himself enthusiastically endorsed, not for a few century freethinker. P.O. Box 750 and fellow Christian warriors as a bless- years, but for centuries. Madison, WI 53701 ed but oppressed group, and his “hope Neil Steinberg, in his column, “Fred- Published by FFRF for the future resided in his faith that, erick Douglass reminds us: Christians Please send us only names as chosen people, conservative evan- supported far worse than Donald Buy it from FFRF online of likely supporters gelicals would eventually be served by a Trump.” shop.ff rf.org Freedom depends upon freethinkers leader whom God would enable to de- Chicago Sun-Times, 8-7-18 September 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 5 Subjugation of women entirely based on religion

By Barbara G. Walker South America, where desperate fami- ccording to Genesis 3:16, God ly planning often turned to infanticide, told Eve, “Thy husband shall rule he lectured against contraception, say- A over thee,” in revenge for her ing “any woman who uses a birth con- sin of apple-eating, and laid on her the trol device commits a sin worse than curse of painful childbearing, to be en- murder.” dured as frequently as possible. All three When chloroform and ether began Abrahamic religions made lavish use of to be used as anesthetics in the 19th this text, as we shall see. century, English and American clergy Tertullian insisted that every wom- loudly forbade their use in childbirth, an is another Eve, “the devil’s gateway,” because it was “a sinful denial” of the and women are responsible for bring- pleasure God took in hearing women’s ing death into the world. On account screams, pursuant to his curse. A New of woman’s sin, he said, “even the son England minister wrote that chloroform of God had to die.” Apparently, he re- for women is “a decoy of Satan.” How- garded woman as more powerful than ever, when Queen Victoria allowed her God, who should doctor to give her chloroform during have had the power the birth of her eighth child and hailed to eliminate death it as a great blessing, the clergymen were if he really wanted silenced. Queens, it seems, could over- to. And he certain- rule God. ly should have had “The Fall of Man,” by Dutch artist Hendrick Goltzius in 1616. the power to pro- ‘An incarnate demon’ tect his son, but in- was not deceived, but the woman be- ill, weakened or in a state of sin when At the beginning of the women’s stead, God actually ing deceived was the transgressor.” This she was conceived.” As for a wife, Aqui- emancipation movement, the Rev. Peter arranged for this seems to indicate that the original sin nas opined that she is “lower than a Easton described the emancipated wom- Barbara G. Walker cruel death. As a was gullibility. slave, wholly in subjection to her hus- an as “an incarnate demon, a creature of child in Sunday school, I marveled at In the Gospel According to the Egyp- band.” This opinion was echoed even to- unbounded lust and merciless cruelty.” this. What kind of a father would kill his tians, one of the apocrypha, Jesus said: day by Pat Robertson, who said, “I know An Episcopalian bishop wrote in son to induce himself to forgive people “I have come to destroy the works of the this is painful for the ladies to hear, but 1971: “The sexuality of Christ is no ac- that he knew in advance would be sin- female.” Clement of Alexandria quoted if you get married, you have accepted cident, nor is his masculinity incidental. ful, since he had made them that way? this and added: “Every woman should the leadership of a man. The husband is This is the divine choice.” And what’s so wrong about wanting to be filled with shame at the thought that the head of the wife, and that’s the way Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote: “The eat fruit from the Tree of Knowledge? she is a woman.” St. it is, period.” church has done more to degrade wom- Aren’t we supposed to seek knowledge? Odo of Cluny iden- A 15th-century en than all other adverse influences to- And what kind of a god would create a tified woman as “no Every woman should ecclesiastical pub- gether. Out of the doctrine of original hell in the first place? And this is a god more than a sack be filled with shame at the lication, The Rules sin grew the crimes and miseries of as- who has such a hugely hungry ego that of dung.” Bishop of Marriage, stated ceticism, celibacy and witchcraft, woman thought“ that she is a woman. he wants continual praise from absolute- John Aylmer con- that a husband has becoming the helpless victims of all the ly everybody for this kind of behavior? I tinued this theme —Clement of Alexandria every right to scold delusions in the brain of man. . . There tried to ask questions like these, but the in 1590: “Woman and bully his wife, is nothing more pathetic in all history Sunday school teacher simply told me is the dregs of the and if that didn’t than the hopeless resignation of women that to ask questions was a sin. devil’s dung hill.” John Scotus Erigena work, then he must “beat her soundly, to to the outrages she has been taught to explained that “When the heavens final- punish the body and correct the soul; so believe are ordained by God.” Genesis myth ly open in glory, woman will be no more, readily beat her, out of concern for her In many areas today dominated by St. Augustine based the entire doc- because God embodied the sinless part soul, so that the beating will redound to fundamentalist Islam, the enslavement trine of original sin on the Genesis myth, of humanity in man and the sinful part your credit.” of wives goes on under a virtually me- and went on to claim that evil is trans- in woman.” St. John Chrysostom com- In the old Russian Orthodox wedding dieval Allah. Women can’t leave home mitted into every child because of its manded every Christian father to instill ceremony, the bride had to kneel and without a male escort, have no right to birth passage through the female body, into his son “a resolute spirit against place her husband’s foot on her head, education, and may be executed for the which carries the taint of sin, even in womankind.” and accept a token stroke from a small “crime” of being raped, yet rape is all the womb. That is why they say baptism The Malleus Maleficarum, official jeweled whip. Wedding cakes sometimes too common in Islamic countries. High- of the child is necessary. The Catholic handbook of the Inquisition, stated that bore the toy figures of a man beating his ly patriarchal rules can be found even baptism ceremony still involves a verbal women should be thoroughly tortured, wife. All the way up to the 1950s, Amer- among Muslims who have emigrated to exorcism to cast out the demon within because “all wickedness is but little to the ican law upheld the so-called “doctrine Western countries. In Atlanta, a 25-year- the child. The church allowed baptism wickedness of a woman.” According to of immunity,” which forbade police to old Muslim woman was killed by her fa- of a male infant 40 days after birth, but Henry Charles Lea, author of the defini- invade a home to arrest a husband for ther for the “crime” of seeking a divorce a female infant could not be brought tive History of the Inquisition, over nine wife-beating, because (this is a literal from the husband who had been forced into a church until 80 days after birth. million women were slaughtered on quote!) “it might destroy the peace of on her without her consent. Any child that died before this time was false convictions of witchcraft in the five the home.” Only in 1962 did a judge Theologian Rosemary Radford Ru- forbidden burial in consecrated ground centuries during which the Inquisition rule that there was already a certain lack ether notes: “The task of suppressing and automatically relegated to eternal dominated Europe. In some towns, near- of peace in such a home. women into dependence on males is a torture in hell, until Renaissance times, ly all the women were killed, only one or never-ending struggle. It must be reit- when the church finally responded to two left alive. Lea also said that while he Bear the children erated generation after generation, by public outrage and invented “limbo,” was working from authentic documents Martin Luther regarded himself as repeating the myths of woman’s original where unbaptized infants could spend in the Vatican Library in the early 1900s, an unusually kind husband because sin to the young, both male and female, enough time to be purged of the sin monks were already beginning to destroy he didn’t beat his wife with a stick, but and by marginalizing women from pow- they inherited from their mothers. those documents in order to conceal the only punched her in the head “to keep er roles in society. Religion is relied on Over the centuries, male authorities church’s horrendous history. her from getting saucy.” His opinion of as both the foundation and the daily aid have repeated again and again their women was that their duty is simply to in this project.” conviction that, as St. Peter said, accord- ‘Lower than a slave’ serve the husband and bear the chil- Were it not for religion — specifically ing to the Gospel of Thomas, “Women St. Thomas Aquinas wrote: “Every dren. He said, “If women get tired and the male god that replaced the original are not worthy of life.” woman is birth-defective, an imperfect die of bearing, there is no harm in that; neolithic goddess — there would be no St. Paul said, in 1 Tim. 2:14: “Adam male, begotten because her father was let them die as long as they bear; they sexism. It is an invention of and a mech- were made for that.” anism of religion, and should also go the Woe to the Women: The Born Again Skeptic’s Of course, it has always been very way of unicorns, satyrs, dragons, witches, The Bible Tells Me So Guide to the Bible clear to patriarchal men that mother- archangels and demons alike. Men, as hood has a strongly immobilizing in- well as women, need to play their part in By Annie Laurie Gaylor By Ruth Hurmence Green fluence on women, making them un- this process. One of the first steps seems A concise, easy-to-read A Missouri grandmother willing or unable to break away from to be a realization that, in spite of all the book that will challenge debunks the bible as a financially supportive marriage, no virgins he seems to have impregnated your concept of the no one has debunked it matter how abusive it may be in other during Roman times, God does not nec- bible as “a good book.” since Thomas Paine. Illustrated. 264 pages. respects. Laws against abortion are a essarily have a penis. The true life source Published by FFRF direct result of ecclesiastical depriva- for all of us is Mother Earth. Published by FFRF tion of women’s rights, and the greed FFRF Life Member Barbara G. Walker BuyBuy it it from from FFRF online online BuyBuy it it from from FFRF online online of churches for more and more adher- is the author of Belief and Unbelief, Man shop.ffshop.ffrf.org rf.org shop.ffshop.ffrf.org rf.org ents. When Pope John II visited over- Made God, Feminist Fairy Tales and populated and impoverished areas in many other books. Page 6 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018 IN THE NEWS

White evangelicals: U.S. the Christian nationalist ideology — diversity a negative Burning for you rather than religious commitment or traditional values — is associated More than half — 52 percent — with the belief that troublemakers of white evangelical Protestants say a should be harshly punished. majority of the U.S. population being In his study, Joshua Davis of the nonwhite will be a negative develop- University of Oklahoma found that ment, according to the Public Religion people who believed that the feder- Research Institute and the Atlantic. al government should declare the According to the latest census pro- United States a Christian nation and jections, white Americans will be in advocate Christian values were more the minority by 2045, in part due to likely to support the death penalty, the aging white population. By that approve of harsher punishments for time, Latinos are expected to be criminals, and believe it was neces- about 25 percent of the population, sary to “crack down on troublemak- while black Americans will make up ers to save our moral standards.” just over 13 percent of the population. The Asian population will be nearly 8 percent. Multiracial people will make Roe v. Wade support up nearly 4 percent of the population. has never been higher Support for Roe v. Wade, the land- Pompeo to world: mark 1973 Supreme Court decision Defend religious freedom that decriminalized abortion access, has reached an all-time high in the On July 26, Secretary of State Mike latest poll from NBC News and the Pompeo sent out a declaration urging Wall Street Journal. governments around the world to pri- Seventy-one percent of U.S. voters, oritize religious freedom. including 52 percent of Republicans, The Potomac Declaration and an do not believe the ruling should be re- accompanying plan of action were re- versed. Only 23 percent of respondents leased at the inaugural Ministerial to say Roe v. Wade should be overturned. Advance Religious Freedom confer- Support for the ruling has risen six ence in Washington, D.C. percentage points since 2005 and 13 The declaration states that “reli- percentage points since 1989. gious freedom is a far-reaching, uni- The increased focus on abortion ac- versal and profound human right that cess follows President Donald Trump’s all peoples and nations of good will Lifetime Member Bill Schneider saw this hanging from a church in Montpelier, nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the must defend around the globe.” Vt. “It seems to indicate that God is a murderous arsonist, demonstrating this Supreme Court. Kavanaugh has a histo- Pomepo touted it as an effort to make with a depiction of a bird on fire about to crash to its death!” he writes. ry of controversial rulings and remarks good on President Trump’s promise to about reproductive rights, raising fears make religious freedom a “key priority” that Kavanaugh could join the other of his foreign policy. But critics have ex- four conservative justices to overturn pressed concern about whether his ad- visited the park. Children, members tient care, which can be unfortunate Roe v. Wade if confirmed. ministration has sought to help certain with lifetime passes or annual mem- for those who many need reproduc- religious groups over others. berships do not come up in the final tive care or contraceptives, or have ticket sales, the spokesman said. death with dignity directives. One- GOP school candidates: The park won more than $18 mil- sixth of hospital beds nationwide are Teaching creationism OK Nuns denounce their lion in tax incentives from the state, now in Catholic facilities. abuse by priests and after its first year, the state of Catholic hospitals are committed to Four out of the five Republican Kentucky sent Ark Encounter a rebate a set of religious guidelines, the Ethical candidates running for state super- About half a dozen sisters in a small check for $1.8 million. and Religious Directives, which include intendent of public instruction said religious congregation in Chile went a blanket ban on abortion and restric- they believe Arizona students should public on national television with tions on contraception, both of which be taught creationism and intelligent their stories of abuse by priests and Study: U.S. the most are opposed by the Catholic Church. design as part of science learning other nuns — and how their superiors religious wealthy country However, insurance can push pa- requirements. The candidates’ com- did nothing to stop it. tients into those institutions without ments came during a debate. The Associated Press has found that America is the most religious informing them about the limitations Jonathan Gelbart was the sole Re- cases of Catholic nuns being sexually wealthy country in the world, accord- on the services they can receive. publican candidate who opposed abused have emerged in Europe, Af- ing to a recent Pew survey. teaching students creationism and rica, South America and Asia, demon- Fifty-five percent of Americans report intelligent design. He is joined by strating that the problem is global and praying at least once daily, 6 percentage Atheist firefighter can Democrats Kathy Hoffman and David pervasive, thanks to the universal tradi- points higher than the international av- proceed with lawsuit Schapira. tion of sisters’ second-class status in the erage. America is an extreme statistical The four others — Bob Branch, Catholic Church and their ingrained outlier when it comes to countries with Jeffrey Queen, an atheist firefighter, Frank Riggs, Tracy Livingston and subservience to the men who run it. at least a $30,000 per person GDP. In filed a lawsuit against the city of Bowling incumbent Diane Douglas — each Some nuns are now finding their this category, the global average hovers Green (Ky.) for a long list of anti- said they believed students should be voices, buoyed by the #MeToo move- around 40 percent. In Canada, just 25 atheist comments he was subjected to taught those topics in some capacity. ment and the growing recognition percent of people pray daily. In Great while working for the fire department. The state will likely decide on new that adults can be victims of sexual Britain, it’s only 6 percent. After his complaints were ignored, science standards later this year. abuse when there is an imbalance of The United States was the only he took a leave of absence and then power in a relationship. country out of the 102 surveyed to resigned. The lawsuit followed. score higher-than-average on both re- The city tried to get the courts to ligiosity (based on daily prayer) and throw it out, claiming “that jokes, Correction Ark park visitors less national wealth (based on GDP per pranks, and teasing are all part of than projected capita). By contrast, countries that re- the fraternal environment at the Fire In the August issue, in the port daily prayer rate comparable to Department that Queen enjoyed and “They Said What?” section, a Ken Ham’s Ark Encounter park in the United States tend to be poorer, participated in,” according to Hemant description of Paige Patterson Kentucky sold about 860,000 tickets such as Bolivia (56 percent) and Ban- Mehta in his “Friendly Atheist” blog. incorrectly stated allegations between July 2017 and June 2018, ac- gladesh (57 percent). However, a judge ruled that the against him. He was removed as cording to open records obtained by case can move forward. president of the Southwestern FFRF’s chapter, FFRF Kentucky. That Baptist Theological Seminary is significantly less than the initial es- Catholic hospitals on Christian nationalism, because of sexist remarks he timates of 1.4 million to 2.4 million rise; services down authoritarianism linked allegedly made to women and yearly visitors. charges of downplaying the se- A spokesman for the park said the Because of mergers and consoli- New research has found a link be- riousness of rape and domestic foundation’s figures for ticket sales dations that have been reshaping the tween Christian nationalism and au- abuse. are accurate but noted that it doesn’t U.S. health care system, Catholic hos- thoritarian attitudes toward crime. represent how many people actually pitals are playing a bigger role in pa- The study provides evidence that September 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 7 Pennsylvania’s grand jury report Massive clergy pedophilia, cover-up exposed For 70 years, Catholic for concealing the truth,” the grand jury said. (See accompanying story on this Church has protected page.) more than 300 priests “They protected their institution at all costs,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Shocking, yet not wholly unexpected, Josh Shapiro said in the news conference revelations of massive clergy pedophilia announcing the release of the report. and its broad organized cover-up by the “As the grand jury found, the church Catholic Church over a period of 70 showed a complete disdain for victims.” years has been exposed in a 1,400-page He added that the cover-up “stretched in report by a grand jury in Pennsylvania. some cases all the way up to the Vatican.” The horrifying report, released Aug. “There are two words that can ex- 15, shows that at least 300 priests had press these horrible crimes: shame and sexually abused more than 1,000 victims, sorrow,” Vatican spokesman Greg Burke many of them numerous times, during said, in a statement. that period. Church leaders persuaded The Pennsylvania grand jury met for victims not to report the abuse and law two years, reviewed 500,000 documents enforcement not to investigate it, the re- from dioceses’ secret archives, and heard port states. testimony from dozens of victims and “Priests were raping little boys and the bishop of Erie. The report covers the girls, and the men of God who were re- dioceses of Allentown, Erie, Greensburg, sponsible for them not only did nothing; Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Scranton. they hid it all. For decades,” the report The report was finally released after states. “Monsignors, auxiliary bishops, what Shapiro called an “intense legal bishops, archbishops, cardinals have battle” that played out over the last sev- mostly been protected; many, including eral months as some people named in some named in this report, have been the report appealed to the Pennsylvania ‘Playbook’ for covering up abuse promoted.” Supreme Court to block its release. Six of the state’s eight Catholic dioces- “They wanted to cover up the cov- The following bullet points are actually engaged in sexual contact es were involved in the report. er-up,” Shapiro said. quoted directly from the grand with a child. “We believe that Pennsylvania’s jury’s description of the Catholic • Fourth, when a priest does have the real number two other dioces- Church’s methods for covering up to be removed, don’t say why. Tell of children whose Priests were raping little es, Philadelphia abuse and protecting priests. his parishioners that he is on “sick records were lost boys and girls, and the men of and Altoona-John- • First, make sure to use euphe- leave,” or suffering from “nervous or who were afraid God“ who were responsible for stown, have been misms rather than real words to de- exhaustion.” Or say nothing at all. ever to come for- the subjects of scribe the sexual assaults in diocese • Fifth, even if a priest is raping ward is in the thou- them not only did nothing; earlier grand jury documents. Never say “rape”; say children, keep providing him hous- sands,” the report they hid it all. reports, which also “inappropriate contact” or “bound- ing and living expenses, although says. — Grand jury report found damaging ary issues.” he may be using these resources to This comes on information about • Second, don’t conduct genuine facilitate more sexual assaults. the heels of the res- clergy and bishops investigations with properly trained • Sixth, if a predator’s conduct ignation of Cardinal Theodore E. McCa- in those dioceses. personnel. Instead, assign fellow becomes known to the commu- rrick, the former archbishop of Washing- “For many of us, those earlier stories clergy members to ask inadequate nity, don’t remove him from the ton, who is accused of sexually abusing happened someplace else, someplace questions and then make credibility priesthood to ensure that no more young priests and seminarians, as well as away. Now we know the truth: it hap- determinations about the colleagues children will be victimized. In- minors. pened everywhere,” it said in the report. with whom they live and work. stead, transfer him to a new loca- Unfortunately, the report is unlikely “But all of them were brushed aside, in • Third, for an appearance of in- tion where no one will know he is a to lead to new criminal charges or civil every part of the state, by church lead- tegrity, send priests for “evaluation” child abuser. lawsuits under the current law because ers who preferred to protect the abusers at church-run psychiatric treat- • Finally and above all, don’t tell the statute of limitations has expired. and their institution above all.” ment centers. Allow these experts the police. Child sexual abuse, even The grand jury and the state’s attorney The report described some of the al- to “diagnose” whether the priest short of actual penetration, is and has general strongly recommended that the leged abuse in disturbing detail: was a pedophile, based largely on for all relevant times been a crime. statute of limitations be extended in civil • In Erie, a 7-year-old boy was sexually the priest’s “self-reports,” and re- But don’t treat it that way; handle it and criminal cases. They recommend- abused by a priest who then told him he gardless of whether the priest had like a personnel matter, “in house.” ed opening a temporary “window” that should go to confession and confess his would permit older victims to file civil “sins” to that same priest. lawsuits against perpetrators, and the • Another boy was repeatedly raped bishop expressed his feelings in a letter: ference is that these young victims are church. The church, of course, has lob- from ages 13 to 15 by a priest who bore ‘This is a very difficult time in your life, taught by everyone in their orbit that bied against any change to the statute. down so hard on the boy’s back that it and I realize how upset you are. I too their tormentors are divine. They are (FFRF is asking Pennsylvania residents caused severe spine injuries. He became share your grief.’ But the letter was not the representatives of God on Earth. The to contact their lawmakers to change the addicted to painkillers and later died of for the girl. It was addressed to the rapist. abuse is so bad in the church because it rules for reporting clergy abuse.) an overdose. • In the Pittsburgh diocese, the priests is a church. The cover-up was so well organized • A priest raped a girl, got her preg- shared information on victims. The “It’s time to ask any observant Catho- that church officials had a “playbook nant, and arranged an abortion. The priests would give their altar boys gold lic you know: ‘Why haven’t you quit the crosses. These crosses were a visible sign Catholic Church?’” that these children had been victims of Anthea Butler, associate professor of sexual abuse and were a “signal to other religious studies and Africana studies at predators that the children had been de- the University of Pennsylvania, minced sensitized to sexual abuse and were opti- no words in her column posted on NBC- mal targets for further victimization.” News.com. “There are many gut-wrenching, She writes, “It is time to face the hor- heartbreaking details in the report, but rible truth: The Catholic Church is a the consistent theme underlying the pedophile ring . . . What the now-mul- analysis is authority. Unquestionable, tiple Pennsylvania grand jury reports unassailable authority,” writes Andrew show clearly is that the Roman Catholic Seidel, director of strategic response for Church has treated the protection of FFRF, in FFRF’s blog, Freethought Now, its pedophiles, rapists and sexual abus- about the report. “Divine authority. In ers as their highest priority. They have my opinion, that is the biggest contribu- been unwilling and unable to police tor to the depth, breadth and severity of clergy sexual abuse while determined this menace. to keep responsibility for doing so with- “If the Catholic Church were a chain in the Church — but they don’t want to of private schools or a secular, multina- be held accountable for mishandling tional corporation, it could never get it. Like a criminal syndicate, it is time away with raping children on an indus- for the Church to be broken apart and trial scale and covering it up. The dif- cleaned out.” — P.J. Slinger Page 8 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018 FFRF NEWS ‘Freethought Matters’ goes national

FFRF’s weekly TV show In September, look for these well- to be aired in 9 cities known guests in the above eight new markets: comedian and actress Julia beginning in September Sweeney; Harvard Professor Steven Pinker, FFRF’s honorary president — The Freedom From Religion Foun- whose latest book is Enlightenment Now: dation’s new weekly TV show, “Free- The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism thought Matters,” begins airing in and Progress; science communicator September in eight major cities, plus and journalist Cara Santa Maria — Madison, Wis., covering more than 22 who appears on Neil deGrasse Tyson’s percent of the United States TV mar- “StarTalk,” and biologist Jerry Coyne, ket. The show will begin airing Sunday, author of Why Evolution Is True. Sept. 2, for 26 weeks, including in four “Freethought Matters” is typically of the top 10 markets. co-hosted by Barker and Gaylor, with As an antidote to religion on the occasional guest-hosting by other airwaves and Sunday morning sermon- Julia Sweeney, left, chats with FFRF Co-Presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan staff. The show is produced by FFRF’s izing, the half-hour talk show will air Barker on the set of “Freethought Matters,” which will air in nine cities, including videographer Bruce Johnson, a veter- Sunday mornings in eight cities. New York City and Los Angeles, beginning in September. an of many years in public television. “You can turn on the TV and be Crew includes staff members Monica preached at 24/7, especially on Sun- ening and positive way, adds FFRF Sundays at 9 a.m. Schwartz, Kristina Daleiden, Lauryn day mornings. We not only want to co-president and co-host Dan Barker. • Phoenix, KASW-CW (Ch. 61), Sundays Seering and Chris Line, plus various provide sympathetic programming for In addition to airing in Madison, at 8:30 a.m. floor managers, with sound produc- the ‘unmassed masses,’ but offer an Wis., at 11 p.m. Sundays on WISC-TV • Portland, KRCW-CW (Ch. 32), tion provided by Audio for the Arts. alternative, so that religious program- 3 (the CBS affiliate), “Freethought Sundays at 9 a.m. Following a 13-show debut in Mad- ming does not win by default,” says An- Matters” will air in: • Sacramento, KQCA-MY (Ch. 58), ison on WISC-TV 3 this spring, “Free- nie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president • Chicago, WPWR-CW (Ch. 50), Sundays at 8:30 a.m. thought Matters” will begin airing an and co-host. Sundays at 9 a.m. • Seattle, KONG-IND (Ch. 16). Sundays all-new season of guests on Sunday, The intent is to introduce commu- • Los Angeles, KCOP-MY (Ch. 13), at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 2 at 11 p.m. nities to leading freethought authors, Sundays at 8:30 a.m. • Washington, DC, WDCW-CW (Ch. 50, Please tune in to “Freethought Mat- thinkers and activists in a non-threat- • New York City, WPIX-IND (Ch. 11), digital 15), Sundays at 8 a.m. ters” . . . because freethought matters. Housing allowance challenge FFRF backed by 22 tax law experts, CFI

FFRF’s challenge of a special tax ministers. break for clergy, now before the 7th U.S. The housing allowance statute results Circuit Court of Appeals, has unleashed in substantial entanglement between the a long list of legal adversaries, all loudly government and churches, such as requir- insisting that clergy deserve and must be ing the IRS and courts to determine which given a unique housing tax privilege. beliefs or purported beliefs should count Most of the numerous signers of nine as a religion for tax purposes, what con- briefs against FFRF’s lawsuit are Reli- stitutes a church or a minister, and min- gious Right legal groups and religious isterial functions, whether an ordained denominations. minister working for a secular nonprofit This group of indignant clergy tax counts as a minister if she gives one ser- break defenders has, however, mischar- mon a year, and similar quandaries. acterized the tax code and the nature of The brief persuasively clarifies the fi- the clergy housing allowance, according nancial and constitutional damage to cit- to 22 tax law professors. They and the This screen shot from the TurboTax website shows where clergy members can izens due to this unjustified tax handout. Center For Inquiry (CFI), a leading na- enter the allowance for their residence. The tax brief, written by Adam Cho- tional humanist group, have filed briefs dorow, associate dean of academic affairs in support of FFRF’s “David vs. Goliath” ‘between religion and religion, and be- FFRF went back to court, again winning at Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, challenge. tween religion and nonreligion,’” to a firm ruling in federal court last year. Arizona State University, is joined by tax The housing allowance was passed by quote the U.S. Supreme Court. Once again, the Treasury Department experts from a variety of public law schools Congress in 1954 with a stated intent by Both legal documents make strong and IRS have appealed the lower court and even religious schools of law, such as its sponsor to reward “ministers of the points for abolishing this tax allowance. ruling. Saint Mary’s College of Law and Loyola gospel” for fighting “godlessness.” “It defies reason to claim that requir- University of Chicago School of Law. Church employers may designate part ing ministers to obey the same rules as Singles out ministers of ministerial salaries as “housing allow- other employees could be seen as dis- The tax law professors note that Sec- ances,” which may then be subtracted criminatory,” states the CFI brief, add- tion 107(2) “indisputably singles out min- Include FFRF from the minister’s taxable income. The ing: “It is hard to see how the govern- isters for a tax benefit” that has nothing to In Your Estate Planning generous provision permits ministers to ment could send a clearer message of do with convenience of the employer. exempt rent, mortgage interest, utilities, endorsement than the grant of billions Ministers cannot be compared to sea- repairs and many other expenses for of dollars of tax benefits to ministers of men or lighthouse keepers or other em- their homes. the gospel alone. ployees who must live on-site to do their The tax professors contend that FFRF has designated a housing allow- jobs. “It is hard to imagine how living in Arrange a bequest in your will the housing allowance is a subsidy ance for its executive directors, Annie one’s own home can be for the employ- or trust, or make the Freedom for ministers, is not an appropriate Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker, arguing er’s convenience,” they write, particularly From Religion Foundation accommodation for religion, ignores they are similarly situated to clergy as when ministers may receive tax-free hous- the bene ciary of an insurance important differences in ministerial leaders of a nontheistic organization. ing in retirement. policy, bank account or IRA. income and entangles church and state. Contending the housing allowance is Further, the housing allowance is an It’s easy to do. The tax break “provides a significant both unconstitutional and discrimina- outright subsidy. Exempting something financial benefit available only to certain tory, FFRF went to court, winning a re- from taxation is no less a benefit than For related information (or to request a bequest brochure), employees based purely on their reli- sounding victory at the district court lev- sending a check, the experts remind the please contact Annie Laurie gious status,” states the Center for Inqui- el in 2013. appeals court. Even the government has Gaylor at (608) 256-8900, ry brief. “Religious organizations which The 7th Circuit threw out the case the conceded that targeted tax breaks — and info@ rf.org do not employ ‘ministers of the gospel,’ following year, contending Barker and the parsonage exemption in particular may not offer this benefit. Nonreligious Gaylor first needed to apply for a refund — are equivalent to direct government Freedom depends employers, even if identical in every oth- and be denied one before being able to spending. The tax brief points out that on freethinkers er way to a church, may not offer this sue. When the couple actually applied ministers with higher incomes receive a benefit. The law therefore discriminates and were refused the refund, they and greater tax subsidy than lower-income September 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 9 Texas governor appeals FFRF’s constitutional win Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has decided and Bill of Rights at the Texas Capitol wrongheaded and futile quest, it also to appeal the FFRF’s recent constitu- in response to a Christian nativity there. means a further waste of tax resourc- tional triumph. The whimsical exhibit, depicting the es that could be put to productive use In June, FFRF won in federal court Founding Fathers and the Statue of in the service of the good citizens of against Abbott, who had ordered Liberty honoring the “birth” of the Bill Texas. the removal of its winter solstice Bill of Rights (adopted Dec. 15, 1791), had “This is a settled area of law,” says of Rights “na- the requisite sponsorship from a Texas FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Grover. tivity from the legislator. Abbott, as chair of the Tex- “By appealing this decision, Gov. Ab- state Capitol as State Preservation Board, ordered bott is costing Texas taxpayers more in December FFRF’s display taken down only three money — in a case that will already 2015. U.S. Dis- days after it was erected, lambasting it as cost the state more than $200,000 — trict Judge Sam indecent, mocking and contributing to in an attempt to undermine one of Sparks, for the public immorality. the most foundational rights in our Western District The district court judge noted that Constitution. Whether they agree with of Texas, de- Abbott’s move was a textbook example FFRF’s message or not, all citizens who clared on June 19 of illegal viewpoint discrimination. “De- value the right to free speech should that Abbott vio- fendants violated FFRF’s First Amend- be outraged by the governor’s deci- lated FFRF’s free Sam Grover ment rights and engaged in viewpoint sion to appeal this ruling.” speech rights. discrimination as a matter of law when Back in October 2017, FFRF re- The Texas governor and the exec- the FFRF exhibit was removed from the ceived an initial ruling in its favor that utive director of the Texas State Pres- Texas Capitol building under the cir- Abbott and the State Preservation ervation Board have filed notice that cumstances of this case,” Sparks ruled. Board had violated its free speech Foundation v. Gov. Greg Abbott, Case No. they’re appealing the 5th U.S. Circuit FFRF is disappointed but not sur- rights. Two claims were subsequently A-16-CA-00233-SS. FFRF is represented Court of Appeals. prised at the governor’s decision to dismissed, clearing the path for FFRF’s by Attorney Richard L. Bolton with FFRF had placed a duly permitted prolong the case. victorious final judgment. FFRF attorneys Sam Grover and Patrick display celebrating the winter solstice Not only is this a constitutionally The case is Freedom From Religion Elliott serving as co-counsel.

Task force Continued from page 1 the rights of people of faith.” cluding their rights to equal justice After boasting that the Justice De- under the law, as long as those Chris- partment had filed a brief on behalf of tians are acting with “sincerely held Jack Phillips, the cake baker who de- religious beliefs.” nied equal accommodation under Col- FFRF warned the Senate about orado civil rights law to a gay couple, confirming Sessions as attorney gen- Sessions ironically added: “We are ag- eral, writing that he would tear down gressively and appropriately enforcing the wall of separation between state our civil rights laws, our hate crimes and church, which he called “a recent laws, and laws protecting churches and thing that is unhistorical and unconsti- faith groups.” tutional.” Sessions was open about his The “religious liberty” memo that belief that “free exercise also includes the new task force will be carrying out the freedom to act as one’s religion has the primary goal of exempting demands, even if such actions might Christians and other religionists from curtail the civil rights of others, or run the rules and regulations of civil soci- contrary to the law.” ety, especially including rules that pre- “The Department of Justice doesn’t vent discrimination against others. need a Religious Liberty Task Force, it Sessions also claimed during the needs a State-Church Separation Task announcement that he has “seen Force,” says FFRF’s Director of Strate- nuns ordered to buy contraceptives,” gic Response Andrew L. Seidel. “Until which is untrue. Sessions was refer- we get a president and attorney gen- ring to a ministry run by nuns, which eral who understand the Constitution argued that filling out a five-line opt- and are willing to defend it against out form in order to be exempted religious privilege, the Freedom From from the Obamacare contraceptive handpicked by the Federalist Society religious belief and opinions, they may Religion Foundation will continue to mandate was “a substantial burden to legislate religious dogma into our with practices,” the Supreme Court guard the wall of separation that is so on religious liberty.” laws and policies.” ruled 130 years ago. The Court asked: vital to our secular republic.” “The creation of this so-called Reli- During his announcement, Sessions “Suppose one believed that human FFRF urges lawmakers to stand up gious Liberty Task Force is an affront also said “free exercise means a right sacrifices were a necessary part of re- for the secular Constitution they have to the secular heritage of the Unit- to act — or to abstain from action.” In ligious worship; would it be seriously sworn to uphold by telling the Depart- ed States,” says FFRF Co-President fact, citizens may believe as they like, contended that the civil government ment of Justice, loudly and clearly, that Annie Laurie Gaylor. “It’s especially but the right to act on those beliefs is under which he lived could not inter- the DOJ should be protecting the reli- dangerous when combined with the by no means absolute. “Laws are made fere to prevent a sacrifice?” gious freedom of all Americans, rath- Trump administration’s relentless for the government of actions, and Sessions believes that Christians er than granting special privileges to packing of the judiciary with judges while they cannot interfere with mere can violate the rights of others, in- largely fundamentalist Christians.

NOTHING FAILS LIKE PRAYER Prayer Continued from page 1

CONTEST Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals nonreligion.” for the Fourth Circuit held that FFRF also is seeking a preliminary in- Our goal is to see secular citizens flood government meetings with sectarian legislator-led prayers were junction, which would prohibit the City secular invocations that demonstrate why government prayers unconstitutional in the case Lund v. Council from continuing to open its are unnecessary, ineff ective, embarrassing, exclusionary, divisive Rowan County, N.C. The Fourth Circuit meetings with Christian prayers led by or just plain silly. opinion said, “The principle at stake council members. The plaintiffs’ brief here may be a profound one, but it is also says, “Given the similarities between this The person who gives the best secular invocation will be invited simple. The Establishment Clause does case and Lund, Parkersburg’s Christian to open FFRF’s annual convention in 2019, receiving an all- not permit a seat of government to wrap invocation practice cannot stand. Plain- expenses-paid trip to Madison, Wis. Oct. 18-20, 2019, along with a itself in a single faith.” tiffs’ right to relief under Lund is so clear plaque and an honorarium of $500. The complaint on behalf of the plain- that defendant’s practice must be en- tiffs states, “The City Council’s recitation joined on a preliminary basis.” MORE INFO AT: of the Lord’s Prayer has the primary Marcus B. Schneider, Kristina Thom- ff rf.org/outreach/nothing-fails-like-prayer effect of both advancing religion and as Whiteaker, and FFRF Attorneys Pat- expressing defendant’s preference for rick C. Elliott and Christopher Line are Christianity above all other religions and co-counsel on the case. Page 10 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018 FFRF VICTORIES FFRF gets ‘spirituality’ off foster parent video FFRF has persuaded a Tennessee ligion and violating the Establishment state department to end its promotion Clause of the First Amendment,” wrote of belief in a god. FFRF’s Patrick O’Reiley Legal Fellow FFRF wrote to the state’s Department Christopher Line. of Children’s Services (DCS) warning it The required video conveyed a dis- against endorsing religion to those wish- criminatory preference by Department ing to become foster parents. of Children’s Services for foster parents A concerned Tennessee resident who with religious beliefs by implying that a had gone through such training report- belief in a higher power is required to be ed to FFRF that the department required a foster parent. This misguided assertion aspiring foster parents to watch a video is alienating to the nearly one-quarter of called “Characteristics of Resource Par- Americans who are not religious. ents” that included a segment called FFRF requested that the DCS discon- FFRF was able to convince the Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox, Ill., to “Spirituality.” The segment opened by tinue using the portion of its training stop performing at churches. explaining that “a belief in something video that endorses religion. The de- greater than you that you can go to for partment responded on July 23, inform- peace and comfort” is necessary to face ing FFRF that it had removed the video “the challenges of adding additional chil- segment on “spirituality” from its foster Illinois school chorus ends dren to your family.” The introduction parent training. was followed by clips of foster parents dis- FFRF applauds the decision. church performances cussing the importance of religion and “A reliance on God is certainly not reliance on God in foster care. a prerequisite to good parenting,” says FFRF has successfully harmonized an gramming is inappropriate and unconsti- “By requiring potential foster parents FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. Illinois public high school chorus with tutional. Jayne pointed out that the 7th to watch a video advocating for religious “The Tennessee Department of Chil- the Constitution. U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals — which belief, the Department of Children’s dren’s Services has done the right thing Earlier this year, FFRF was informed has jurisdiction over Illinois — struck Services is impermissibly endorsing re- by tossing the segment from its training.” that a public school madrigal chorus at down another school district’s use of a Lincoln-Way West High School in New church for school functions. Lenox, Ill., performed at a Catholic Other federal courts around the church in Manhattan in December. The country have also struck down similar Tennessee district stops concert was part of the church’s Sunday practices. morning worship services. Additionally, On July 12, Tingley responded, writ- assembly proselytizing the chorus performed at other churches ing to FFRF that “Lincoln-Way Com- in 2014 and 2015. Online videos of the munity High School District 210 mad- FFRF has convinced a Tennessee FFRF Legal Fellow Christopher Line 2014 presentation show that prominent rigal groups will no longer perform at school district to implement a corrective wrote to Oneida Special School District religious iconography was clearly visible, churches.” plan barring proselytizing assemblies (OSSD) Director of Schools Jeanny Hat- including a massive Latin cross just be- FFRF is tipping its hat to the district from taking place. field on June 7 to warn against the inclu- hind the chorus. In 2015, the chorus per- for agreeing to stay within the bounds of A concerned student of the Oneida sion of religious proselytizing in future formed as part of an event that a church our secular Constitution from now on. High School in Huntsville, Tenn., report- high school assemblies. described as “a service in song.” “Religion is inherently divisive and the ed to FFRF that the school had allowed In a letter received July 6, the legal FFRF Staff Attorney Ryan Jayne sent a district made the right decision to end its a local pastor to preach and evangelize counsel representing the school district letter to Lincoln Way Community High church performances to become more to students at a mandatory assembly this informed FFRF that Hatfield and Onei- School District 210 Superintendent R. inclusive of students of varying beliefs past fall. Students at the school are re- da High School Principal Kevin Byrd Scott Tingley informing the district that in its chorus program,” says FFRF Co- quired to attend monthly “character as- understand that the district may not en- the use of churches for public school pro- President Annie Laurie Gaylor. semblies,” which are typically secular in dorse religious practices and will comply nature. Last November, however, FFRF with state and federal laws going forward. was informed that a local pastor began “In an effort to preserve the integrity City ends Day of Prayer sponsorship an assembly that was supposed to be on of our ‘character’ program and ensure the secular topic of “friendship” by ask- that our students are protected from FFRF has persuaded the city of North religion over nonreligion, or Christi- ing students to repeat the phrase, “God religious proselytizing the OSSD will Miami Beach, Fla., to cease its sponsor- anity over all other faiths,” the mayor’s is good all the time, and all the time God require that an outline of the content ship of National Day of Prayer events. office stated. “Nonetheless, the city is is good.” He went on to instruct the stu- of all presentations be submitted to the FFRF’s Patrick O’Reiley Legal Fellow aware of the constitutional limitations dents to turn to the person seated next principal or his designee for review and Christopher Line sent a letter to the regarding its involvement in organized to him or her to inform each other that approval prior to the presentation,” mayor of North Miami Beach on June religious activities and the separation Jesus loves them. states the letter. 26, illuminating the unconstitutionality of church and state. Therefore, the City of the city’s sponsorship of National Day of North Beach Miami will refrain from Religious activity halted in Ohio courthouse of Prayer events. The city’s sponsorship further organization and promotion of included promotion of the event on the the National Day of Prayer events.” FFRF applauds a Knox County, Ohio, “thoughtful consideration.” city’s official social media pages and web- judge for halting religious activity in his “Please be advised that, in response site, which directed citizens to RSVP to courtroom after its unconstitutionality to your letter, the Court will discontinue the event through the city’s Division of was called to his attention. the practice of allowing the prayer group Public Affairs. FFRF received a report from a con- use of the Courthouse,” Wetzel wrote. In a July 31 letter, the North Miami cerned Mount Vernon citizen that FFRF commends Judge Wetzel. Beach Mayor’s Office confirmed it Judge Richard Wetzel regularly invit- “Religion has no place in the court would cease further city sponsorship ed a prayer group to use the court- system where justice should be blind to a of National Day of Prayer events: “The house for religious activities — even citizen’s religious or nonreligious views,” city’s intent was not to be divisive nor involving them in legal proceedings says FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. portray the belief that the city prefers that he felt “have a particular need for prayer.” “An opportunity to have the churches FFRF Memberships: directly engage in what the court is do- $40 single; $50 household; ing is very important to me,” Judge Wet- $100 gung-ho; $250 sustaining zel has been quoted saying. Memberships are tax deductible! FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a letter on July 25 to the judge, not- Freethought Today is ing why this practice is unconstitutional, published 10 times a year. and asking him to end the practice of providing the courtroom free of charge to host bible studies and prayer. In a July 30 letter, the judge thanked P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 FFRF for bringing its concerns to his at- Make your own nontheistic cyber billboard at ffrf.org/unabashed, and you ffrf.org/donate tention and said he had given the letter might win an “Unabashed Atheist” tee. September 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 11

By Paul Epland Ohio police won’t unaware of the rules for promoting South Carolina school endorse religious service this activity” and “now knows not to moves prayer breakfast No more ‘testimony’ at post on our district calendar.” FFRF has ensured the Columbus FFRF has stopped a South Car- Oklahoma football camp Division of Police (CDP) will no olina public school district from FFRF reminded an Oklahoma longer request department employees Louisiana sheriff removes hosting prayer services on school public school that proselytizing to attend religious worship services. A commandments display grounds. Clinton High School and student athletes is unconstitutional. concerned employee of the Ohio Clinton Middle School in the Lau- On July 2, FFRF Patrick O’Reiley Legal police department contacted FFRF rens County School District recent- Fellow Christopher Line wrote to Gore to report that Deputy Chief Michael ly hosted a week-long event titled, Public Schools Superintendent Lucky Woods emailed all CDP personnel “40th Annual Community Prayer McCrary to request that the district not requesting that CDP employees attend Breakfast.” The religious program- allow its football program members a religious worship service at St. Paul’s ming at these breakfasts, which took to be used as a captive audience for Church scheduled to take place on place before school, involved nu- evangelists. On June 5, Gore High School June 24. The email said, “As a sign merous outside adult speakers and football players had attended a camp of our appreciation please join our attendees. that included a religious “testimony” Central Ohio law enforcement family The Laurens County School Dis- by evangelist Tyson Simon, an area at the June 24, 10:30 Mass.” The email trict appears to have been directly representative for the Western Arkansas also requested a “strong showing of involved in putting on these reli- Fellowship of Christian Athletes. uniformed officers and a full collection gious events. On May 17, FFRF Se- According to the Resident Press, “Simon plate.” nior Council Patrick Elliott wrote to was the vehicle, and God was definitely FFRF Legal Fellow Christopher Superintendent David O’Shields to the focus, the message and the reason” Line wrote to Columbus City Attor- request that the district refrain from for the high school football team camp ney Zach Klein about the constitu- coordinating or permitting similar at Hackett High School in Arkansas. tional violation. On July 5, Jeff Fur- community-wide religious programs McCrary wrote to FFRF on July 7 bee, legal counsel for the CPD, called A resident of Washington Parish, during the school day. to confirm that he has “informed our FFRF to confirm that CDP chief sent La., contacted FFRF to report an un- On July 30, O’Shields responded coach that any time a situation arises out a clarifying email letting employ- constitutional Ten Commandments to FFRF saying, “It was decided to that may infringe upon any student’s ees know that the church service is a display in the Sheriff’s Office. The move the prayer breakfast off school rights, he has authority to remove our strictly off-duty event, and that atten- Sheriff’s Office reportedly displayed grounds to a local church in order students from the situation.” dance was not required. the commandments on two, hand to maintain separation of church carved wooden tablets in the wait- and state.” ing area. On Jan. 22, FFRF Senior Texas school stops Cross removed from Counsel Patrick C. Elliott wrote to religious art project sign in California a representative for the Washing- Alabama school ton Parish Sheriff’s Office, Rachel cancels prayer service FFRF has taken action to keep re- Catalanotto, pointing out that Ten ligion out of a California city’s pub- Commandments displays violate the FFRF has put a stop to a community lic park. A concerned resident of Establishment Clause, and that by prayer service planned on Randolph Avalon, Calif., notified FFRF that the placing the display in its office, the County, Ala., school system grounds. city had placed a sign on display in Washington Parish is unmistakably Woodland High School and Wood- Avalon Veterans Memorial Park that issuing an endorsement of religion. land Elementary School planned on features a Latin cross. On June 11, FFRF requested the Sheriff’s Office hosting a “community prayer ser- FFRF Associate Council Elizabeth remove the display. vice” on Aug. 5. A Facebook post by a Cavell wrote to Avalon City Attorney On July 23, after FFRF sent several counselor at Woodland High School Scott Campbell to ask the city to re- follow-up letters, Catalinotto called invited all “parents, students and move the cross. FFRF and said, “I’m sure your con- community members” to attend this FFRF has ensured that one Texas On July 6, Gregg Kettles, legal rep- cerned local complainant informed religious event. school district will no longer ask stu- resentative for Avalon, called to noti- you that the Ten Commandments On July 20, FFRF Legal Fellow dents to decorate their own school with fy FFRF that the city recognizes that have been removed.” Christopher Line wrote to crosses. A concerned district commu- they cannot maintain a cross on city Superintendent John Jacobs to nity member contacted FFRF to report property and will be removing the ensure that this prayer service is that students at West Oso High School Latin cross from the sign. On July Wisconsin school to stop privately organized, not endorsed appear to have been given an assign- 13, Kettles followed up by providing hosting Christian speaker by the school district, and that ment through their art class related to FFRF with a photograph of the sign the district was not providing any constructing and decorating a Christian after the cross had been removed. A concerned local resident con- preferential treatment to the event’s cross. FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Gro- tacted FFRF to report that Chequa- organizers. ver wrote to West Oso Superintendent Tennessee school ends megon High School, Wis., hosted On July 31, Donald Sweeney, attor- Conrado Garcia to notify the district of baccalaureate promotion motivational speaker Kristen An- ney for Randolph County Schools, this constitutional violation. derson during the school day on wrote to FFRF to announce that, On July 18, legal representative for FFRF has reminded a Tennessee March 12. FFRF Staff Attorney Ryan “The community prayer meeting . . the district, Tony Resendez, wrote to public school that promoting reli- Jayne wrote to Superintendent Mark . will not be held at the Woodland FFRF to confirm that “the district has re- gious services to students is unconsti- Weddig to report that Anderson’s Schools.” viewed and analyzed the matter and will tutional. A concerned area resident presentation on mental health cul- handle it,” including by “providing train- of Roane County, Tenn., notified minated in a religious message: that ing on this topic to all district adminis- FFRF that Roane County Schools ad- students suffering from depression Georgia removes cross trators to ensure that the laws regarding vertises and promotes baccalaureate should seek a “connection to God.” from county property religion and school are being followed.” services for all of its high schools. Weddig responded on July 19, On May 17, FFRF Legal Fellow Chris- writing that “Chequamegon School FFRF has ensured the removal of a topher Line wrote to Roane County District actively supports the Con- Latin cross display from the property FFRF’s classic Director of Schools Leah Rice Wat- stitution in regard to not endorsing of Catoosa County (Ga.) Fire Station kins to stop the district from spon- religious messages. Regarding the No. 3. According to a complaint, a ‘Freethinker’ mug soring or advertising baccalaureate future, I will instruct my leadership large cross was displayed on county Our classic ‘Freethinker’ mug has programs for its students. team to do whatever is prudent to property off of Highway US-41. The been re-created. White imprint on On July 18, Interim Director of avoid an occurrence such as the one cross was clearly visible from the classic blue, matte finish. 13 oz. Schools Gary Aytes wrote to FFRF you described and was reported in highway and included a Christian American-made mug. explaining that a new employee “was the newspaper.” message about being saved. On June NEW! 27, FFRF Legal Director Rebecca Markert wrote to the county, asking Freedom from Religion Foundation it to remove the cross immediately and to ensure no religious iconog- P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • FFRF.org raphy or messages are displayed on What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? public property. On Aug. 6, legal representative Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics), the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state and church for the county, C. Chad Young, wrote separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. FFRF has to FFRF to confirm that “Catoosa more than 32,000 members. FFRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofi t and donations are tax County is the owner of the tract of deductible for income tax purposes. land in question” and that “based — Item#MU01 $20 postpaid FFRF’s email address is info@ rf.org. Please include your name and physical upon these findings, the cross has mailing address with all email correspondence. been removed from the county’s Call 608/256-8900 FFRF members wishing to receive online news releases, “action alerts” and property.” Online ffrf.org/shop “Freethought of the Day” should contact info@ rf.org. Page 12 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018 FFRF awards $10,550 2018 Students of Color Essay Contest winners The Freedom From Religion Foun- Honorable mentions ($200 each) dation is proud to announce the 15 Joseph Florida, Southern University winners of the 2018 David Hudak Me- A&M College morial Students of Color Essay Compe- Anissa Foster, Stanford University tition for College Students. Kelvin Martinez Gomez, Rensselaer College students of color were Polytechnic Institute asked to write a personal persuasive Alexandra Harmon, Howard University essay about the “Challenges of being a Shejan Heaven, University of Georgia student of color who rejects religion.” Evan Malcolm, University of South Winners are listed below and include Florida the award amount and the college or Tatem Rios, Inver Hills Community university they will be attending. FFRF College has paid out a total of $10,550 in award Therrin Wilson, University of money for this contest this year. FFRF Tennessee thanks Dean and Dorea Schramm of Second place Alondra Vega Rivera, Escuela de Artes Florida for providing a $100 bonus to Michael Brown, Dartmouth College Plasticas y Diseno de Puerto Rico FFRF has offered essay competitions to students who are members of a secu- ($2,000) ($600) college students since 1979. This is FFRF’s lar student club or the Secular Student Third place Sixth place third annual student of color contest. Its Alliance. The total reflects those bo- Noemi Rosario, University at Albany Azarius Williams, Syracuse University other three essay contests are open to nuses. (SUNY) ($1,000) ($500) students of all backgrounds. Fourth place Seventh place The general college student essay win- First place Johann Rucker, University of Jesica Maldonado Matias, ners will be announced in the October MiKaelah Freeman, New York Nevada-Las Vegas ($750) San Francisco State University issue and the grad student essay winners University ($3,000) Fifth place ($400) will be announced in the November issue. FIRST PLACE African-Americans still plagued by Christianity

FFRF awarded MiKaelah $3,000. Alabama’s African-American population church” or “in need of Christ.” I have is still indoctrinated with the Christian had my African-American AP environ- By MiKaelah Freeman values that were forced on their shackled mental sciences teacher mark points ancestors. off of a class discussion because I point- labama is, and has traditionally The idea of the “black church” be- ed out that the bible cannot be used as been, the most religious state in ing the center of the African-American scientific evidence. Unfortunately, the AAmerica, with a whopping 82 per- community has unfortunately poisoned attitudes of the African-American stu- cent of people identifying as Christians, the ideologies of most African-Ameri- dents and teachers at my school are ex- according to the U.S. World News data- cans living in the “most religious state,” tremely common among African-Amer- base. Alabama is arguably the most racist which has given the southern Afri- icans throughout my state, the “most state, as well, despite having one of the can-American community a reputation religious state” in America. I, on the largest populations of African-Americans of being homophobic, transphobic other hand, cannot accept this same in the nation. That may seem contradic- and misogynistic. African-Americans attitude and I will not accept it, even if tory: How can the state be racist when it in Alabama use the bible as an outlet it gets me into a bit of trouble at times. has more African-Americans living in it for discrimination, prejudice and mis- So, while I might be criticized for my than most? Just as with the other states in MiKaelah Freeman treatment toward refusal to have my America’s southeast region, Alabama’s the non-racial intellect colonized high African-American population (27 encouraged the treatment of human marginalization by religion, I real- percent) can be attributed to slavery that beings as worthless objects. Slave mas- of others. While I might be criticized ize that I am more took place more than 250 years ago . . . ters also forced their African-American It’s the same for my refusal to have my free than others sur- slavery that was made possible through slaves to convert to the Christian faith, book that allowed intellect“ colonized by religion, rounding me could Christianity. the same faith that allowed them to be for our ancestors I realize that I am more free ever be. I hope that African-American slaves were physi- kept as property and treated so poorly to to be stolen from than others surrounding me one day, my com- cally oppressed by the use of whips and the point where dying seemed like the their homeland, could ever be. munity — southern shackles against them; however, it was only way to find peace. Alabama was not eaten, raped, African-Americans the bible that oppressed them men- only home to such travesty, it was also the displaced and — MiKaela Freeman — will no longer be tally. This was done first by renaming only slave state that African-Americans murdered. I had controlled by an an- slaves, forcing them to give up their Af- could not escape from. The most reli- called attention cient book and will rican names and identities and take on gious state in America was the only slave to this many times in my predominant- be instead influenced by collaborative Christian ones. Following the renaming state that had no Underground Railroad ly African-American school — an un- learners and freethinkers. process, African-American slaves were route, with the presence and power of derfunded, underperforming public MiKaelah, 18, from Birmingham, Ala., forced to listen to their oppressors jus- slave catchers being too overbearing for school, thanks to the institutionalized attends New York University. She plans to tify their actions as being God’s plan. any slave to consider an escape attempt. racism and classism that has plagued major in global studies to eventually pursue God permitted slavery, as various forms Slavery was eventually abolished, the African-American community since a career as an international human rights at- of slavery and servitude are mentioned thanks to the 13th Amendment and the the Reconstruction. I am struck down torney. She volunteers with the Suicide Preven- throughout the bible, and Christianity Emancipation Proclamation, yet, most of as someone who is “in need of the tion and Crisis lines.

SECOND PLACE Free of thought, but not free of color

FFRF awarded Michael $2,000. and decided to leave the church, and When our community experienced unexpectedly, a large part of my cul- racism, xenophobia or violence, the By Michael Brown tural identity. church was our refuge center. As the child of a single Latina As I rejected religion, I faced re- ’m an atheist. mother, I grew up depending on the jection in turn. My family, friends I’ve never been totally con- Catholic Church. When my mom was and community leaders saw my re- Ivinced by religion. At age 6, I want- paid so little that she could hardly jection of the church as a way for me ed to know where God had come keep the lights on, the church pro- to try and embody whiteness. They from. At 10, I wondered why we had vided free babysitting services so she were deeply hurt and saw my intel- to ask forgiveness for being born could work more. When my extend- lectual freedom as my way of say- “short of the glory of god.” At 16, I ed family was targeted with deporta- ing I was too good to be Mexican. rejected the cycle of fear, ignorance tions, it insured we had basic neces- I was not invited to participate in and shame that religion depends on sities and helped us pay for lawyers. quinceaneras and other communi- Michael Brown September 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 13

ty events. I was ostracized from my welcoming of people of color, it must commitments. I believe in the beauty culture for rejecting a colonial im- Religion was a way advocate to address the social issues of my language and culture. I have position on my ancestors, yet I also that allow religion to become the seen it in my mother’s hands, heard struggled to find a place in atheist to strip our indigenous cornerstone of minority identities. it in her voice and lived each day of communities, as well. identities“ away. Within our own communities, we my life. But I have neither seen nor The freethought movement often — Michael Brown have to educate ourselves about the heard from God, and until such a doesn’t understand the social condi- origins of our religious roots. Religion time that I do, I will not mask the very tions of why religion is so intertwined was a way to strip our indigenous real needs of my community with re- with identities of color, and this un- violence and racism our communi- identities away. Religion was a way to ligious teachings. I will live not for derstanding is critical to making the ties face is often senseless, unpredict- hold us down, and, even today, in the some future reward, or settle for the movement open to people of color. able and unrectified. face of gross injustice, we are often comfort the church may provide in In the wake of racism and tragedy, Church has historically been a told to hold our tongues because “it’s the wake of injustice, but rather I will communities of color cannot find so- place of refuge in the absence of all part of God’s plan.” There may proactively fight for the justice com- lace in the justice system. As I type equality, and the false assurance of be no God, but there is definitely munities of color deserve. this, Mexican toddlers are represent- God’s plan and an afterlife helps our humanity, and white people benefit Michael, 24, is from Boston and at- ing themselves in immigration court, communities mitigate the injustices from our pious complacency. tends Dartmouth College. He has donated and another unarmed black teen has we face. If the freethought communi- I am Mexican. I am an atheist. his time to scholar organizations and col- been killed while running away. The ty has any interest in being open and Those identities are not exclusive lege preparedness programs. THIRD PLACE

Some people give up Place your bets at the divine casino everything in the hope that FFRF awarded Noemi $1,000. not believing in God, she explained that they“ will be the one to score their memories would be erased so it big in the existential lottery. By Noemi Rosario wouldn’t matter. This is just one example of many where, when asked about the — Noemi Rosario y mother is a gambler. Most of the “sin” of atheism, not one person thought members of the Hispanic com- twice of their punishment. Mmunity are gamblers. As a child, It is difficult to deal with knowing you ought to understand the difference be- I watched them, one by one, file into a will never be seen on the same level as tween blind emotional reactions and a casino of divine winnings. In a casino, the rest of the people in your communi- logical solution. It is the only way that we thousands march in to try to win big in ty. Even in a supposedly progressive com- can fix this broken world we’ve built for an arbitrary game rigged beforehand by munity, the shift in opinion is felt deeply, ourselves. When taking all that into ac- the people that founded it. There are and it is hurtful. count, I feel that the odds are not in my big promises of a better life — everyone For me, I find religion too costly to favor to stay in the world of the religious, is happy, everyone is free. place my bets on the table. It is never and have chosen to embrace my atheism. Here on Earth, however, that is not a good idea to assume that you know We need to let other minorities the case. Religious people don’t gam- the outcome of something you know know that their doubts and criticisms ble with the real and tangible; no, they nothing about, and on a cosmic scale are natural and human. Other people gamble with their lives, their life choices, the odds are impossible to determine. shouldn’t feel ashamed and ostracized their autonomy, and yes, their freedom. Noemi Rosario In addition, with no clear factual evi- because they don’t want to get sucked Some people give up everything in the dence to back this assumption, you’d into this corrupt and all-consuming le- hope that they will be the one to score to participate in this gamble has its own end up looking like a gambling addict viathan. In the end, we just want a space big in the existential lottery. Belief in social consequences. People may not assuring his friends that “Lucky 23 is where we feel comforted and respected God is very much like that. outright disown you, but your former going to hit this time!” equally, free of judgement for our iden- I am acutely aware of how intense this preacher may choose to ignore your exis- People are caused to suffer unneces- tity. Most of all, we need to show oth- fervor is with minorities. Hispanics and tence, your community may whisper be- sarily for going against this system, and in er minorities that there are others like blacks are hit especially hard, and their hind closed doors, and you will be seen some parts of the world, they face death. them, those unwilling to sell their souls vulnerability is in clear view of the world. as an “other.” A classmate of mine exem- To rally under a belief system that only for the thrill of a divine casino. This makes it especially tough to watch plifies a mentality about atheists I fear encourages division and fanatical think- Noemi, 18, is from Maspeth, N.Y., and people’s sense of reality fade while their is present in the community as a whole. ing is counterproductive toward my goal attends the University at Albany (SUNY). She religious fanaticism grows. When asked if she would feel guilty in of trying to be a levelheaded thinker. We would like to study abroad at some point and For an atheist of color, choosing not heaven while some are in hell simply for are part of the modern world, where we eventually earn a master’s degree in education.

FOURTH PLACE

I saw how disingenuous Thank you, Tio Carlos religion inherently is, and FFRF awarded Johann $750. happened as we were hiking down the chose“ to opt out completely. mossed-over steps of an abandoned — Johann Rucker By Johann Rucker monastery. The air was still, the rain gently fell, and everything was OK. did not meet another Mexican Seeing my tio (uncle) as confident almost a decade. I want to remain in atheist until I was 20, and he hap- in his nonbelief as he seemed was so healthy contact with the rest of my I pened to be my Tio Carlos. reaffirming, but it was also disheart- immediate family, so I keep my non- I spent the majority of my child- ening to know that Mexican atheists belief to myself. I do not think they hood idolizing him, as he was a are seemingly few and far between. would go as far as disowning me, but bleeding-heart activist and a re- Any lapse in faith was always met by I do not want to be perceived as a nowned artist in the Bay Area. My eye rolls and punishment from my deviant and be ostracized. I realize effort was spent working toward the family, and I never once considered how foolish this secrecy is, but I also ideal he represented to me, and I it as a way of life. I was always assured realize how necessary it is. Whenever hoped to grow to be a man like he that I could live my life as best as I Johann Rucker the subject of religion rears its head was. I always assumed, considering he could, but it would all be in vain if — be it at dinner, a holiday, etc. — was raised by my maternal grandpar- I did not believe in God. Every bad father, someone who rejected these I know to keep my head down. It is ents, that he was a traditional Roman thing that happened to me was be- antiquated notions of machismo and a sad reality, but it is reality. I take Catholic, like most of the population cause I was not pious enough. I was Catholic guilt. Tio Carlos was a good solace in knowing that there are of Durango, Mexico, in the 1950s. never a good Catholic. man who believed in no supernatural other young people of color who re- When I finally found out he was an In hindsight, one of the most ar- being, while my father was a heathen ject religion, wherever they may be; ardent atheist — on a trip to Sausali- dent Catholics in my early life was who believed in God. My father was feeling connected to them through to during spring break — my entire my father, a lifetime abuser and all- a hypocrite and utilized Catholicism our shared nonbelief is enough to perception of him was inverted; the around awful individual who wore his as a means to guilt his children into keep me going whenever I’m feeling man that I thought I had known was Catholicism on his sleeve. It always submission. The manner in which he down. I wish I had known that sooner, suddenly a complete stranger. I had seemed so wrong to me, the idea weaponized faith without hesitation as I cannot imagine how many young never once told anyone about my that a man could be so evil but be turned me off completely, even at people struggle with their nonbelief nonbelief, but as soon as the confes- absolved simply by his religious be- an early age. I saw how disingenuous and have nowhere to turn. sion casually left my Tio Carlos’ lips, liefs. This is part of the reason why I religion inherently is, and chose to Johann, 22, is from Las Vegas and at- they stumbled out of mine. looked up to my Tio Carlos so much, opt out completely. I could be a good tends the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. I had said it — finally! I felt incom- as I had no positive male role models man without God. He is pursuing a degree in film studies parably free. Funnily enough, this in my life. He was the antithesis of my I have not spoken to my father in and cultural anthropology. Page 14 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018

FIFTH PLACE

Spanish-speaking heathen I came to understand religion as a coping FFRF awarded Alondra $600. out question. I sang the hymns, read the psalms, participated actively in my mechanism“ for many, a way By Alondra Vega Rivera church for the next few years, doing my to give meaning and purpose first communion at age 7. That’s also to their lives and establish n Hispanic and Latin American cul- when I started questioning whether the control over the unknown. tures, day-to-day life is permeated with church actually meant anything. Did Ireligion. For most Hispanics in partic- prayer have any effect? Did God truly — Alondra Vega Rivera ular, the Catholic Church is ever-pres- exist? I remember asking my grand- ent in their lives. Growing up Puerto Ri- mother, and her getting increasingly ag- can, I was baptized before I could walk itated until she told me I was too young crying during the car ride with my father or talk, and from then on my life was to be thinking that, and to stop asking and lying all the way, telling him I did be- constantly submersed in the Catholic questions. So I kept quiet — for years. Alondra Vega Rivera lieve — just differently. I don’t think he Church. I spent a great majority of the As time went on, I found myself stray- their lives and establish control over the believed me. My grandmother caught on first eight years of my life with my mater- ing further and further from religion. I unknown, despite having developed into and constantly told me I should believe nal grandparents. My grandfather got kept attending church, but while I had a system of hierarchy and oppression. in God, and blamed my generation for ordained as a deacon when I was 4, and been raised in it, the rites all seemed alien Of course, I could tell none of this to not doing so. my grandmother led a prayer group that to me. I felt distanced and cast aside, my family. There was a night when I had Being a non-religious Hispanic person met up every first Friday of the month. alienated by my lack of faith. During high a project coming up and still had more has meant being alienated not only from Coincidentally, I always had those days school, I found friends that felt similar- than half the work to do when my father my family, but from my culture. I have off from school, so I would spend it with ly, with similar experiences, having been decided he would take me to church. I been sent to camps and counselors to try them, the only child among a sea of old raised religious and yet being nonbeliev- told him I couldn’t go because I had and “correct” me, to get me to see God, ladies and some of their husbands, sit- ers themselves. It was there where I was to work, and he got angry and left. My and yet it doesn’t work. I understand why ting around one of their houses praying able to have the most in-depth discus- mother came by my room a few minutes people need religion, but I don’t want it. over a rosary for hours. sions about religion with my nonreligious later to ask if I believed in God, to which It’s just not right for me. I began catechism at the age of 5, and religious peers alike, from a position I replied “no.” She got extremely angry Alondra, 18, from Carolina, Puerto Rico, and weekends since then were spent of respect. There, I was able to formulate and began shouting at me, telling me I attends Ecuslea de Artes Plasticas y Diseno de at church. At the time, I didn’t under- my own views. I came to understand re- was bound for nothing but hell, and that Puerto Rico. She would like to get a degree in stand what I was doing, but it seemed to ligion as a coping mechanism for many, I was going to lose everything I had. It graphic design and become an illustrator for make my family proud, so I did it with- a way to give meaning and purpose to hurt, and I was still forced to go to church, movies, games books and other media. SIXTH PLACE

My journey to secularism The anti-liberating nature FFRF awarded Azarius $500. of a learned fear that God would hate of black religious institutions me if I transitioned to male. This led to has“ strengthened my position By Azarius Williams self-hatred and embarrassment, feelings as a secularist. I soon affixed toward my mother’s life- — Azarius Williams hen I was growing up, my moth- style. Soon, I formulated a plan to cease er would take my siblings and existing due to the severity of my internal Wme to a popular church called conflict. Fortunately, I chose to live as I in- to their religion upon discovering that Redeeming Word Christian Center In- tended, not to the approval of oppressive I am nonreligious. My religion, or lack ternational. We were the typical “Sunday interpretations of some outdated novel thereof, is a topic that I do not feel com- saints,” attending the bare minimum that remains unverifiable. Thus began fortable discussing due to the negative Sunday service to appease our Chris- my rejection of religion. response I have gotten from strangers tian-valued extended family. My mother The anti-liberating nature of black re- Azarius Williams and loved ones. I’ve quickly learned that felt this immense pressure to conform to ligious institutions has strengthened my discussions based on my rejection of reli- Christianity due to her black-sheep status position as a secularist. As I grew intellec- scorned if they question what is being gion are unwelcomed, but discussions of during her own upbringing. This status tually and consciously of my black identi- taught to them, which is oppressive and discovering Christ are encouraged. I have was bestowed upon her by her grand- ty, so did my skepticism. The same book detrimental. had more than my share of sit-downs with mother, who was her guardian as a child, that was used to justify the institution of Mental health is hardly regarded as devout individuals “concerned” about for being dark-skinned. The reasoning slavery in the United States is the same an issue that necessitates counseling my rejection of religion, often ending changed when my mother came out as book that much of the black community and treatment, but as an issue that can with prayers for my discovery of their de- a lesbian during her mid-20s. The ser- subscribes to. Slave capturers and plan- be remedied by strengthening one’s ity. An essential feat of black religion for mons always included heteronormative tation owners used religion to subjugate faith. Women are taught and expect- a lot of black people is the “hope” and speech, an insinuation that heterosex- slaves into believing that their slave status ed to conform to the patriarchy. The sense of community that it provides to uality was the only acceptable partner- was their divine duty. This problematic LGBTQIA community is vehemently people who have been disenfranchised ship. Church folk and family members indoctrination of religion into the black demonized. All of this has aided the for centuries. Perhaps the freethought would coat their homophobia with cher- community has been used as a founda- formulation and persistence of a social movement could utilize this knowledge ry-picked bible scriptures to “turn her tion of the immense black subscription hierarchy within the black community, as an opportunity to provide spaces and straight.” We stopped going to church. to religious institutions. Often, in my which is stalling our liberation. advocacy for black individuals. During my adolescence, I struggled experience, these churches promote The overwhelming presence of reli- Azarius 20, is from Port St. Lucie, Fla., with depression and suicidal thoughts. behaviors and ideologies that directly gion in the black community has made and attends Syracuse University, but will be This was linked to the emotionally abu- contrast with the liberation of marginal- me a minority within a minority. It is very studying in Hong Kong in the fall 2018 se- sive relationship I had with my father, ized groups. It encourages the communi- difficult to have conversations about reli- mester. He wants to study global markets and coupled with the grueling process of ty to rely on a deity for liberation from gion with most black people I know due would also like to found a nonprofit that fo- discovering my identity as a transgen- oppression rather than to object to the to their strong religious beliefs. Multiple cuses on the school-to-prison pipeline and der man. I repressed my identity out creators of the oppression. Children are people have attempted to convert me LGBTQ+ youth of color.

SEVENTH PLACE I said goodbye to the god that failed me

FFRF awarded Jesica $400. and the frankly discouraging sessions and they immediately began to bestow of Sunday school required for a first judgment and distaste for my alien- By Jesica Maldonado Matias communion. These activities deemed ation from their ideal white-picket- themselves vastly colorless and excru- fence beliefs. Soon, at the tender age grew up in a Hispanic household ciating for me to complete as I began of 12, I decided to finally remove any with austere traditions to be fol- to form ideas and beliefs for myself religious jewelry or decorations that I lowed, where religion has always and realized that there is no such stripped me of my true identify and been a high and mighty law to com- thing as God. molded me to their senseless beliefs. ply with and follow without fault. This As I began to grow up with the si- Although I experienced their scoffs included the tedious ritual of church lent idea that challenged my family’s of judgment frequently, the worst on Saturday mornings, two bewilder- religion, I began to exhibit it, espe- ensued from my distant family and ing prayers before bed every night, cially through TV shows and music, community in Mexico. My mom, who Jesica Maldonado Matias September 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 15

ultimately accepted my beliefs, would Catholic individuals, I learned that do not serve as reliable. It is ridicu- tell me about the inveterate and fool- one vacuous factor they share is their lous to simply accept a 2,700-year-old

ish gossip that my family spread. I was I felt free as I liberated rejection of scientific facts. I have al- book as a factual manual to live by. called many things, some of which myself from the suffocating ways been profoundly fascinated by For me, the biggest factor contrib- included satanist, witch, uneducat- “beliefs of Catholicism and science, especially biology and evolu- uting to my freedom from religion is ed, devil’s child, stupid and several decided that it is not my job tion. They simply label evolution and the truly delusional idea of a god who other equivalent terms. When I visit- to sculpt myself to anyone’s the big bang theory as shams. The cares, who fixes it when you pray to ed my family, they would look down standards but my own. nasty attitudes of many religious fol- him and who is good despite the cru- upon me as if I were — as sorrowful lowers have also been another reason el fact that the bible paints him mul- as it makes me to say it — scum. The — Jesica Maldonado Matias I chose to reject religion. Isn’t their tiple times as a non-intervening God pure disappointment on their faces religion based on freewill and accep- who sees everything before it hap- was louder than any silence I’d ever tance of those different from them? pens and allows it. If he didn’t stop heard. It would be reasonable to con- standards but my own. More importantly, if God created the the fall of humanity, he won’t be stop- clude that I would try to please them The one individual I could always whole universe, which is vast and be- ping tragedies anytime soon. I mean, to feel accepted again, but, instead, trust not to elude my personal be- yond comprehension, who are we to would you really want to believe in a I finally felt like an individual rather liefs has been my mom, who began say that we’re the only ones important God who doesn’t believe in you? than one defined by the wishes of my to question why I reject religion. First to him and not just an insignificant Jesica, 18, is from Palm Springs, Ca- family. I felt free as I liberated myself and foremost, I find the idea of an in- occurrence within the universe? The lif., and attends San Francisco State from the suffocating beliefs of Ca- visible, almighty man in the sky down- bible does not provide answers for University. Her goal is to earn a master’s tholicism and decided that it is not right ridiculous and not scientifically this, only assumptions gathered from degree in business administration and to my job to sculpt myself to anyone’s possible. Growing up surrounded by different beliefs and viewpoints that become a horror novel author. FFRF student essay honorable mentions FFRF selected eight essays from the plausible that religion is completely a hu- ist sounds like an oxymoron. Atheism is coming a dangerous woman. students of color college essay competi- man-made concept that is used as a tool almost never a choice for black kids, no Anissa, 18, is from Union City, Ca- tion that were worthy of honorable men- used to divide and control, not unite, matter how we feel. At least, that’s what lif., and attends Stanford University. She tion status. Each of the following students and is inherently against the progression we are led to believe. But, it shouldn’t plans to be the first in her family to gradu- received $200 (plus an additional $100 of humanity. matter what we are led to believe. We ate from college. She has been a volunteer for those who are a member of a secular Many struggles come from being a should be able to choose what to be- for Woof Animal Rescue and has helped student club). triple minority (black, atheist, gay), and lieve. There’s nothing freer than that. clean coastal beaches. To read each of the honorable mention essays most of them come to light when inter- Alexandra, 19, is from Salisbury, Md., in full, go to freethoughttoday.com. acting with people of my own race and and attends Howard University. She vol- False prophets Here are edited excerpts from each my family. It is automatically assumed unteers to help Hispanic students learn En- one (in no particular order). that I am Christian and straight when glish and also works 30 hours a week during By Therrin Wilson I walk into the room as a black male. school to pay for her rent and bills. A matter of Having to navigate social interactions as ’m one of the extremely rare Af- the opposite of those assumptions is an Dangerous rican-Americans who decided to exhausting and daunting task, but one I Ireject traditional belief, and this is perception am intimately familiar with. a substantial issue because the Afri- Evan, 21, is from Plantation, Fla., and woman can-American community integrates By Evan Malcolm attends the University of South Florida. He is Christianity into the black founda- a political activist, especially when it comes to By Anissa Foster tion and identity so much that any- y rejection of religion stems from mental health advocacy and LGBT rights. He thing different is growing up in the church, specif- plans to obtain a juris doctorate degree after awal El Saadawi planted these extremely taboo. Mically that of the Baptist denom- his undergraduate years and hopes to become wild seeds when I first tasted Therefore, being ination. During this time, around the a legislator or lobbyist. Nher tropical elixir on a lazy Sun- an African-Amer- age of 10 or 11, I began asking questions day, with Woman At Point Zero propped ican atheist yields about the bible and God to my grand- on my knees and the moonlight rest- to a unique and mother and the pastor at our church. A wolf in black ing on my face. She led me through powerful burden Questions and contradictions arose, Egypt’s prisons of pain and brothels of of adversity. The such as, “Why does beasts. I witnessed daughters become black communi- God let people suf- sheep’s clothing women: their ty has shown that fer if he is all-know- By Alexandra Harmon rape, their genital they’re more ac- ing?” and “Wouldn’t mutilation, their Therrin Wilson cepting of drug that just make him a oppression. The dealers, murder- cruel father who has lthough my mom is a Christian way women sell ers and criminals than they are of favorite children?” I and doesn’t believe in abortion, their bodies at a black, college-bound atheists. continued to ask A she thought about having one price or how they I have lost multiple friends, been questions like this with me. When I found this out, I was accept marriage physically abused and my commu- to the point where angry, but I remembered my older as an alternative nity disclaims me in all aspects. In I was called a hea- brother, who will be turning 38, was go- form of payment. essence, I have lost most of the love Evan MaIcolm then and nonbeliev- ing in and out of prison ever since he All women are that I needed at many points of my er and was accused was in high school. I would never want Anissa Foster prostitutes of one life due to my beliefs. of having a lack of faith. I decided to seek that for my kid. kind or another. The short answer as to why I reject the answers myself and see if the bible Maybe, aborting Their objectification is justified by both religion and a supreme deity is held any of them. me in my mom’s “religion.” that there is absolutely no reason or For many religions, there is the un- mind would’ve Faith is the acceptance of what we evidence whatsoever to believe in ei- yielding insistence that their deity and/ been her version imagine to be true, but that which ther. Of course, some would appeal or beliefs are the one true way to salva- of saving me from we can never prove. God is a perfect to universal origins or the beauty of tion/heaven/nirvana, which leads to some ill fate. But scapegoat, a perfect motivator. No life, but to those I would refer to the the theory that they are either all wrong she didn’t, because one can prove he doesn’t exist and words of Friedrich Nietzsche, “There or all right. Either way, someone in the she feared suffer- no one can question his intentions. is not enough love and goodness in group is wrong, which makes it more ing in hell if she These men whisper the word of God the world to permit giving any of it went through with into their female victim’s ears while away to imaginary beings.” Alexandra Harmon it. I’m grateful to they pillage and destroy their inno- So, yes, I am an African-American be alive, but I wish cence, their purity. They cut off their atheist and I am proud to identify as Losing Faith in Faith: that the threat of burning in hell wasn’t female pleasure and ostracize their such. Once I first became an atheist, From Preacher to Atheist the reason. I wonder if anything posi- joy. They use God to justify their own I felt very friendless and alone but tive, like love, can be built off of some- power, their own thrones. thanks to organizations such as FFRF, By Dan Barker thing negative? Nawal El Saadawi professed that Black Nonbelievers, the Secular Stu- I want to believe that somehow all of she is a dangerous woman because dent Alliance, American Humanist How Dan “threw out the bathwater and the evil and cruelty in the world made she is “speaking the truth. And the Association and many other organiza- discovered there is sense, to believe that everything hap- truth is savage and dangerous.” I tions, I know that I am not alone. no baby there.” pens for a reason and that the world have seen what it means to suffer Therrin, 21, is from Knoxville, Tenn., Published by FFRF isn’t chaos. I wish I felt that my mom and I have felt what it means to be and attends the University of Tennessee. He kept me solely because she loved me, female. We are not at liberty to play is a senior who is seeking a biochemistry de- not because of her fear of burning in dress-up anymore. As her characters gree and eventually wants to pursue a career Buy it from FFRF online hell. But I can’t and I won’t. raise their bloody fists in revolt, as in optometry. shop.ff rf.org Christianity is so intertwined with Saadawi raises her pen, I raise my blackness in America that a black athe- head because, like them, I am be- See Honorable mentions on page 16 Page 16 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018

Honorable mentions and logic will always prevail. A custody battle looms Shejan, 19, is from Atlanta and at- Continued from page 15 tends the University of Georgia. He enjoys playing the violin and tutoring children to become musicians. He also volunteers My experience as at a local library and a food bank. She- jan hopes to attend medical school after a skeptic of color graduation. By Joseph Florida Stand up for your rowing up as a black male who was incapable of swallowing beliefs, yourself G the religion pill in the heart By Tatem Rios of the Bible Belt oftentimes made things uncomfortable. When I look was not raised in a religious house- back at my youth, I was always an hold. I never attended church, atheist. I was just forced to remain I prayed or worshipped. My parents silent due to societal pressure. I be- never mentioned religion, nor did I lieve this is the reason many individ- Dave Bennett of California saw this marquee and commented, “So, God really know what religion was. I even- uals lie to themselves, but I realized wants us to all live in the church? Also, is ‘partime’ when you finally start to tually decided to take action to see the only thing worse than experienc- play decent golf?” what all the fuss was about. ing more discrimination would be to I ended up going to church mul- continue living a lie. tiple times to try I learned that religion, especially than presume to lam is seen to have all of the answers. and fit in. I did Christianity, was simply a tactic em- know an answer. Our existence, our purpose and ev- this because ev- ployed by imperialist colonizers and Being Hispanic erything that makes up our reality eryone made me tyrants. It was an excuse for absolut- and an atheist is is published in feel like an out- ist monarchs to honestly an awful the Quran and we cast. Well, I ab- rule with ruthless situation. I hate are not allowed to solutely hated it. indifference and to give credit to question it. None of it makes for European ex- stereotype, but Many do not sense! The stuff plorers to murder many Hispanics realize religion is they preach con- and enslave for- are very religious. so powerful to in- tradicts scientific Tatem Rios eign peoples. Kelvin Martinez This causes many dividuals because discoveries, yet It is ironic that Gomez freethinking His- naturally we fear people still continue to believe it. atheism is seen panics to be com- the unknown. I really don’t understand how peo- as a “white man’s pletely alienated While afraid and ple have become so brainwashed. Shejan Heaven movement” when from their community, despite their unsure, we seek They believe in this fantasy story so Joseph Florida no individuals familial bonds. I encourage all mi- solace by relying on a higher power they can give their lives meaning. I have been harmed more so by Chris- norities to question their own beliefs that promises us answers in exchange believe individuals themselves have tianity than minorities. and not be afraid of the actions of for following a life role. There are the power to choose the meaning of It is very ironic that Christiani- their community. The freethought many issues with this mindset; this their own lives. ty, which claims to be a religion of movement only needs to have wel- skews followers to relieve themselves Here is some advice to those who love, is often used as an implement coming arms to minority atheists. of their responsibilities because they are minorities within this minority, of suppression. The bible is just a de- Giving people a community they feel are centered around “God’s plan.” just like me. Don’t let others treat ceptive medium that has been used comfortable in goes a long way. Most What sets me aside from people tied you differently because of your be- throughout history to subjugate and importantly, talking to others about to religious ideologies is I do not seek liefs. If they don’t like it, they don’t deny human rights; as is the cur- how to walk within a religiously domi- comfort in the unknown nor do I have to be in your life. Yes, this world rent case with women’s reproductive nated world, how to be a good person fear it. Instead I want to explore and can be a cruel place and we have all rights being attacked and members without religion, and to have pride in research this empty space around us. experienced it, however, stand up for of the LGBTQ community not hav- freethought. The challenges I face from my yourself. There is a whole community ing been permitted to marry. I em- Kelvin, 18, is from Portland, Ore., family and community consist of of people just like you here to sup- braced truth by studying historical and attends Rensselaer Polytechnic Insti- fear rhetoric. The Muslim commu- port you. Always remember that you facts and reality. I implore anyone tute. He hopes to see the world and use it nity consistently tells me my views are not alone. We together have what living in silence, especially of a mi- to gain perspective on how others live. are haram (sinful) and I will burn in it takes to thrive and prosper in this nority background, to research for eternal suffering. I am told Islam is world. themselves. Do not be afraid to start Discovering the the only way to heaven and I need to Tatem, 18, is from Woodbury, Minn., down your own path towards reason. accept the faith into my life before I and attends Inver Hills Community Col- Joseph, 21, from Zachary, La., is at- get married and have children. lege. She was able to take college courses tending Southern University A&M Col- unknown Religion was created because we while in high school and will graduate lege. He enjoys history and studying lan- By Shejan Heaven fear death. The tips I have to offer from Inver Hills in the spring of 2019 guages and calls himself an enthusiastic for the freethought movement is to and then plans to attend the University volunteer. always encourage freethinkers to re- of Minnesota for her senior year, getting he biggest wall that stood be- search and question everything you a degree in chemical engineering and Have pride in tween my dreams as a doctor see. This world has more to offer chemistry. Twas my family’s Islamic faith. than what you are settled to believe. freethought Like most monotheistic religions, Is- Religion can be beautiful, but reason By Kelvin Martinez Gomez Marquee madness

ou could replace God with any- MOVING? one in Greek mythology, and it Don’t miss your copy of would make the same amount Y Moving? Don’t miss a single issue of Freethought Today of sense. If the beliefs of the Greeks were false, what made Christianity true? The answer — nothing. All I Notify Us of saw were appeals to emotion, circular Your Address Change logic, fallacies and bad arguments. Why should I believe? Why was some- Promptly! thing told to be a fundamental fact so hard to prove? EMAIL [email protected] Now, I am an unabashed athe- ist. I am not afraid to speak up or to debate. Being an atheist to me is Member Linda Josheff of Wisconsin The Post Office does not evidence that I can think critically, provided FFRF with these two forward third-class mail. photos featuring strange marquee that I was able to escape the grip of FFRF cannot be responsible for replacing indoctrination, that I can assess truth statements. The “Fall for Jesus” back issues if we have not been from fiction. It means I am intellec- sign was taken in Gettysburg, Pa., notified prior to your move. tually honest. When confronted with and the “Key to Heaven” sign was a question that I cannot answer, I am taken in Waunakee, Wis. unafraid to say “I don’t know” rather September 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 17 Taking a sharp left after leaving Religious Right

By Luke Douglas 2016. Organized hatred and bigotry were so deafening in our society that I remember a muggy southern Alabama couldn’t live with myself, knowing that I afternoon in Fair Hope at a small clam was actively a part of it. My own sampling Ichowder shop overlooking Mobile of comparative religions had left me cyn- Bay. I was at the peak of my law school ical that any of them had “the one true” career with Liberty Law, spending my answer, or even that such a search was summer in a prestigious clerkship with meaningful at all. My reading had taken the state Supreme Court, and sitting to me to Stephen Hawking and Richard my left was Chief Justice Roy Moore. His Dawkins, the final nails in the coffin of chief of staff was across the table, engag- my longtime struggle to hold onto faith. ing the judge with intriguing conversa- I finally snapped. tion about their place in the conservative I was in a Chick-fil-A in central Texas movement and my role as a future legal while I worked for a Republican state- advocate for God’s America. house campaign at the time. I remember Impressed by the gravity of my place vividly the instrumental-only Christian in the culture war, I turned to Moore music that the restaurant was playing, to ask him about so cleverly that a nonbeliever needn’t be a mutual acquain- offended by the cultural tropes of Chris- tance of ours. Doug Shutterstock tianity, but a believer would immediate- Philips was a pastor, ter a worldwide flood sometime around accomplish in this country because I ly know the songs. So the songs played, author and major 2300 B.C. helped them implement it. I have felt and my head filled in the words as they thought leader of We didn’t just tacitly acquiesce to the fire to take dominion over this wick- did, drudging up every memory I had of the homeschooling this reality in the absence of contrary ed world in the name of Christ, because fundamentalist sermons, pseudo-scien- movement, whose evidence; my family devoured cre- that fire burned in my heart as much as tific talking points, and the thousands of impassioned reli- ationism from conferences to books it has burned in anyone’s. King James Bible verses I had committed gious advocacy for to alternative guidebooks and tours But now, here I am. How does a per- to memory. Luke Douglas patriarchy and fami- of the national parks to interpret geo- son escape this black hole of cognitive I lost it. ly values had inspired my family and mo- logical and paleontological features in dissonance and self-reinforcement? I dropped my book, went into the tivated me, in part, to pursue law. light of Noah’s flood. How can you teach yourself to doubt, men’s room, sat on the toilet, and The immediate reason for my bring- It may be easy for an outsider to imag- to question and ultimately to look your bawled my eyes out for an hour and a ing him up was his unfortunate falling ine these ideas on some survivalist com- own identity in the face and say, “I was half. I was, as I finally admitted to myself, out with the evangelical movement af- pound in Wyoming or the trailer parks wrong”? an atheist, a humanist and a progressive ter a years-long sex scandal broke. It of Mississippi, but they weren’t. I grew You might think I saw right through in soon to be more ways than I was pre- revealed Philips’ affair with his family’s up in deep blue Oregon, less than an the propaganda, and I’d like to say that pared to understand. Everything that underage nanny and had disastrous im- hour’s drive from I did. But it wasn’t my old worldview had made clear to me plications for the thousands of families the Portland Inter- so simple. The about my place in the universe and the within his sphere of influence, specifical- national Airport. If The fire that I felt for the process of reorga- purpose of my life was gone. My family ly the cancellation of his ministry’s sig- the recent nation- nizing everything and friends would be devastated. triumph of the gospel burns nature annual event: the Witherspoon al election hasn’t you think you know And the fire that I felt for the triumph again,“ because I feel that fire for School of Law and Public Policy. tipped you off, and eliminating the of the gospel burns again, because I The Witherspoon School was an fundamentalists ar- human progress and dignity. many things you feel that fire for human progress and event hosted by Philips and keynoted by en’t only necessar- believe when you dignity. I channel it today into helping Moore. It sported the talents of a range ily out there in the discover they are people like me who are still finding their of attorneys and legal scholars geared hill country of eastern Kentucky or the false is a very long and gradual process. way out, and advancing the message of toward training a generation of young small towns of the Oklahoma panhan- It’s hard to pinpoint a moment when the curiosity and critical thinking that our men how to “stand in the gates” (borrow- dle. They’re sitting beside you at Chili’s. doubts began, but in many ways it began world so desperately needs. ing the Old Testament term) in positions They’re your co-workers and neighbors, in the very core of who I always was — a With all the skills and insights I of civic influence. The speakers taught and many of them live in a subculture questioner. gained as a professional conservative us that the history of American law was you might not even know how to see. activist, I now lend my time as a lifted from the Torah, that conservative Plugged into the right political ma- Questioning everything full-time progressive activist. From leaders of God-fearing states had the chine, the zeal of God’s commission to So, I visited churches of different that pathetic breaking point in a duty to interpose and nullify the uncon- take dominion over society has enabled Christian denominations in search of bathroom stall, I decided that my stitutional actions of federal judges and the hostile takeover of nearly every insti- some core version of Christianity from honor was not for sale, whatever the lawmakers, and that it was a sin for wom- tution of American democracy. With the which I could amputate all the baggage price may be. I know that for this en to seek public office. stakes so high, I showed an early knack I had grown to doubt, and eventually wave of totalitarian fundamentalism I told the chief justice that I was sor- for public speaking and writing, activism, explored the services of entirely other there is no compromise, and as such ry to see the end of this conference, in politics and the culture war. I fell in love religions. we have no recourse but to defend which he had had a vested interest and at with politics from the first time I volun- I dropped out of my part-time sem- our democracy against all the fear which he had spoken several years run- teered for a campaign. When I was 15, inary program to shift that academic and hatemongering of the dark ages. ning, and I mentioned that I had heard I went down to California to volunteer energy into philosophy. I explored the And if they insist on declaring war some talk of resurrecting it under new for the Proposition 8 campaign, which great thinkers of the world’s intellectual upon all humanity, then we will stand leadership after Philips had fallen into amended the state Constitution to de- history and quickly found myself discov- beside our fellow human beings sin. fine marriage as one man and one wom- ering real science. and cast at the feet of the tyrant the “I know,” said the chief justice. “It’s an. It passed. All this left me living a troubling dou- mandate of all nature: evolve or die. tragic when the devil can bring leader- When I was 16, I approached my ble life. On my own time, I soaked up FFRF Member Luke Douglas is a political ship into sin and bring godly organiza- pastor and told him I was interested in the challenge of self-teaching science, consultant, progressive activist and writer. tions and movements with them.” teaching and eventually preaching the philosophy and history in a way that Since leaving fundamentalism and a political word of God, so he coached me on how brought the world around me into focus. career in the Religious Right, he has been out- Saving us from Satan to study the bible in depth and preach it It came to a head in the summer of spoken about his journey to secular humanism. I was chosen by God. according to the strictures of its original Not in any vague or subjective way, meaning. When I was 17, I had made my though. The creator of the universe re- rounds in conservative circles and start- vealed his inerrant word in the bible, lay- ed getting invited to speak at rallies and ing out the literal historical and scientific conferences as a sort of rising star for the FFRF’s truth of the cosmos and then called me new Tea Party movement that was sweep- ‘Freethought — a foot soldier of the homeschooling ing the nation’s politics. movement — to conquer the social and At 18, I moved to northern Virginia Matters’ mug political institutions of America and save for my first full-time job at a consulting Western civilization from Satan and the firm, where I raised money for major Re- A meaningful message and the logo of FFRF’s new TV show. Ivory imprint left, virtually identical though they were. publican organizations and campaigns. on tapered burgundy, 9 oz. American The simplicity of the whole thing was At 19, I earned my bachelor’s degree made mug. airtight with its internal consistency to and went to a conservative Christian law the point that questioning any one part school on a full-ride scholarship and of it was nonsensical under the weight worked as a legal advocate for theocratic NEW! of the rest. The universe was 6,000 years values. $20 postpaid — Item#MU02 old. All living things existed within un- I’ve seen exactly what’s on the inside changing created “kinds,” and the histo- of the Religious Right because I was Call 608/256-8900 or order online ffrf.org/shop ry of the ancient world all took place af- there. I know exactly what they want to Page 18 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018

FFRF awards $10,000 in partnership with BSLA Four earn Catherine Fahringer scholarships

FFRF is pleased to announce that access. By Mike Grimes Honors College of Charleston where he is ma- it has awarded $10,000 in scholar- Through the Freedom and Citizen- joring in finance with a concentration in en- ship awards in memory of Catherine ship project, I hoped to make social trepreneurship and a minor in German. Fahringer to four students chosen by change. Through the project, we tried n 2011, my family experienced the the Black Skeptics of Los Angeles, an to encourage people to think from dif- sudden and tragic death of my father. By Desmyon Jones African-American atheist communi- ferent point of views, to think about why ITo say that the loss was heart-rending ty-based group. undocumented students must work so would be an understatement. It was my n the seventh grade, I realized that I The scholarship is part of the First in hard in order to enroll in college. father who taught me the principles of was different. The fear that my fami- the Family Humanist Scholarship pro- Xu, 20, graduated from Liberty High humanism. Ily would hate me encouraged me to gram, which focuses on undocumented, School Academy for Newcomers, in New York My father was on conceal this information. The guilt that foster care, homeless or LGBTQ youth City. She is attending the Borough of Man- his way home from I felt transformed me from a bubbly who will be the first in their families to hattan Community College with an emphasis work when he was child into a recluse who barely uttered go to college. in communication. struck by a commer- a word. One day, my mother decided According to BSLA founder Sikivu cial truck. Accord- she’d seen enough of this behavior and Hutchinson, “Secular African American By Shalvit Grimes ing to testimony, confronted me, youth disproportionately come from the truck driver had “Why do you look religious backgrounds and communities. he issue of access to education for fallen asleep at the sad every time I These youth are often marginalized girls of color is among the great- wheel. He woke up see you?” Usually, in K-12 and higher education due to est social justice issues of our time. and tried to brake I would just mum- T Mike Grimes their non-conformity. This scholarship As of 2017, research shows that 130 mil- but they did not op- ble “nothing” and program provides a platform for their lion school-aged girls of color world- erate effectively. We quickly scurry off voices and experiences.” wide do not attend school. To put that later learned that the brake failure was to my bedroom. Fahringer was a San Antonio femi- number in perspective, that is just shy of attributable to deferred maintenance on However, this time nist and freethinking activist who ran a the entire popula- the truck. I’d made the mis- long-lived FFRF chapter and served on tion of Russia. Can Despite the obvious fault of the truck- Desmyon Jones take of crying when FFRF’s executive board for many years. you imagine if all of ing company, it put my family through she asked the ques- She was especially interested in nurtur- the inhabitants of hell in the following months. The irony tion. I planned on repeating the phrase ing the next generation of freethinkers. Russia were denied of this was that the company’s website “nothing’s wrong” until she gave up and She died in 2008. a basic elementary proudly proclaimed that they were a left me alone, but, for some reason, my Here are excerpts from the winners’ education? I firm- “Christian company” with deep “family body decided to betray me and did the essays. ly believe that, as a values.” I learned quickly that their stated exact opposite of what I told it not to society, we are each family values did not extend to my family. do. With my head hanging low and my By Huanchun Xu responsible for My mother had to move quickly eyes blinded by wetness, I blurted out, “I Shalvit Grimes standing up for hu- from mourning the loss of her husband think I’m gay.” She accused me of being s an undocumented immigrant man rights and for to engaging in a brutal lawsuit with the possessed by the devil and left me with a who will be the first in my fam- creating social change. company, which refused to admit fault. lingering message: “The devil comes to A ily to go to college, I have met Humanism is the belief that all Our finances were already heavily de- steal, kill and destroy. He wants to tear more barriers than other college ap- people, regardless of race, gender, so- pendent on my father’s income, and you away from God.” plicants. I know how hard and stressful cioeconomic standing or geography, the added legal bills resulted in us los- Many LGBTQ+ youth suffer from the application process can be. I spent should be treated equally. Through my ing our home. In the aftermath of my emotional distress that comes from be- so much time won- research, I’ve learned that the inequali- father’s death, I was overwhelmed by ing gay while also being a member of a dering how I can ty in access to education for girls is often the generosity of family, friends and faith that teaches its followers that ho- pay for everything. rooted in social values that dictate that strangers who offered us shelter, meals, mosexuals deserve to spend eternity in Can I apply for any men are superior to women, religious comfort and understanding during our hell. Some people go as far as kicking financial aid orbeliefs about the proper role of a wom- period of homelessness. their own children out of their homes scholarships? These an, and poverty, which demands that The accident ignited a passion with- or making them feel so unloved that kinds of questions young girls stay home and take care of in me to care for the homeless and un- they resort to taking their life. In fact, always bothered their siblings. derfed and to practice the principles of suicide has become the second-leading me because it took I was first exposed to the global girls’ humanism in all my affairs, specifically cause of death among young people. so long to find an- education crisis in the seventh grade. “to lead a meaningful, ethical life ca- It sickens me to think that people who Huanchun Xu swers. I knew there At the suggestion of one of my teach- pable of adding to the greater good of cause LGBTQ+ youth to live their lives must be others in ers, my friends and I started a chapter humanity.” in fear and shame believe they deserve a the same situation, and I wondered how of Girl Up at my middle school. Girl I decided to dedicate my life to pay- reward when they die. I might be able to help them. Up is sponsored by the United Nations ing homage to my father’s legacy as a As a non-white, non-straight, nonreli- I participated in the Freedom and Cit- and encourages students to create local good humanist. I channel his spirit of gious female, I’ve gotten to experience izenship program, a summer-intensive clubs/chapters to raise awareness about giving and have made it a point to al- firsthand how frightening it can be to project in political philosophy at Colum- the issue, to advocate for the rights of ways look for new ways to give to those try being yourself in a society that ex- bia University. Through the year-long civ- girls globally, and to raise funds to send in need. I believe that the issue of home- pects you to be like everyone else. Get- ic action project, I wanted to do research girls to school. lessness could be eradicated if everyone ting rid of religion in favor of humanism to provide more information to undocu- Over the past six years I’ve served as took on a humanist belief. would ultimately lead to healthier fami- mented students, especially about schol- president of my local chapter of Girl Up My life before the loss of my father ly dynamics between LGBTQ+ youth arships and college financial aid. and have successfully sent 179 girls in is one that I often dream of having and their relatives. It will create a society Our group made two goals: to edu- the Republic of Congo to school. back. However, in the time after the in which people aren’t acting self-righ- cate others about undocumented im- In 2016, I was afforded the distinct accident, I have grown to be a giving teous to appease some imaginary man migrants and to inform undocumented opportunity to attend a conference and charitable person, I have seen in the sky, but doing their very best to let immigrants about the college applica- with global leaders sponsored by the humanity at its best and I’ve gained everyone know that they belong. tion process. We hoped more undoc- Let Girls Learn campaign, which is a greater appreciation for humanism Desmyon, 18, graduated from the Missis- umented students could achieve their an initiative championed by Michelle and the potential for positive social sippi School for Mathematics and Science in college dreams with our help. Obama to bring US resources to assist change that it offers. Columbus, Miss. She is attending the Univer- For my part, specifically, I told my in the fight to get girls of color educat- Mike, 19, graduated from The Potomac sity of Memphis with plans to major in civil high school guidance counselor what I ed. Being in a room with leaders from School in McLean, Va.. He is attending engineering. felt as an undocumented student when I around the world to discuss strategies applied to college. I explained our proj- to reverse gender inequities showed Yip Harburg, ect to her, and even though my coun- me that social change is possible. I from his book: selor was busy, I convinced her to help. observed that while the world leaders Rhymes for the Irreverent At first, she decided to give me about present clearly had different religious 15 minutes for an interview to share my and cultural world views, religion and experience. After the interview, she de- politics did not enter the conversa- Lead Kindly Light cided to help. Between the two of us, we tions. My intention is to one day be Where Bishop Patrick crossed the street divided work in order to gather more in- among those world leaders strategizing An “X” now marks the spot. formation in a short time. The process ways to reverse gender- and race-based The light of God was with him, was hard, tiring and complicated, but if inequalities. but the traffic light was not. people can understand the difficulties Shalvit, 18, graduated from St. John’s undocumented students face, then our High School in Washington, D.C. She is at- Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation hard work was worth it. The work we did tending St. John’s University, with plans to Buy it from FFRF online - shop.ffrf.org is now available online at freedomandciti- major in criminal justice with a minor in zenship.columbia.edu/immigration for free social justice. September 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 19 LETTERBOX Push to keep religion there; lost in the stars, that’s what you Many thanks to FFRF for ‘Harry Potter’ phrase are . . . left here on your own. You can out of politics, science only hope to live on this Earth, this here student activist scholarship on shirt an ironic twist In online political surveys, we are is it, no second birth, no starry crown.” prompted to check off what we think is Lane Browning I would like to thank the anony- I couldn’t help but laugh after most important for our representatives Oregon mous couple from the Northwest who reading the entry in the “Black Col- to work on. For the “Other” category, provided the money to make possible lar Crime” section (June/July issue) I have gotten into the habit of adding: the Thomas Jefferson Student Activist about Suzanne Owen, accused of se- “Get religion out of politics, education FFRF bumper sticker Award scholarship I received. Thanks ducing one of her students, because and science!” gets positive responses to everyone at the FFRF for believing of the T-shirt she is portrayed in. I don’t believe in miracles, but who in me enough to offer me the award. As any fan of the “Harry Potter” knows, if we all do that, it might eventu- I cannot express the amount of series knows, the phrase “I solemnly ally have an impact. appreciation and gratefulness I have swear that I am up to no good” comes Jorg Aadahl toward FFRF. Your organization pro- straight from the works of J.K. Rowl- California vides thousands of people a chance ing, whom evangelicals have castigat- to safely resolve and/or pursue chal- ed as promoting witchcraft, demonism lenges of state/church separation, and who knows what else. What is a Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ not allowing ordinary citizens the oppor- teacher at an evangelical school doing as atheistic as it seems tunity to be powerful influencers in wearing such a thing? their local, state and federal govern- The irony of the whole thing is that, I think the newspaper is the best part ments. Everyone deserves an equal in the end, Harry is portrayed as a of being an FFRF member. chance to express their faith or lack Christ-like figure, dying and returning I’d like to issue a counterpoint to thereof. Everyone deserves the right to life in order to save all that is good. Caren Campbell’s proposal (June/July to be free from intrusions that poison These people don’t seem to be able to 2018) that “Imagine” be our “anthem.” With much apprehension, I placed our governments and communities face up to their own contradictions. Lennon was not an atheist. The my new FFRF bumper sticker (“Reli- with bias and hate. The power of the Dean Christensen song was inspired by a poem from Yoko gion: The Original Fake News”) on my people rather than the forces of reli- California Ono’s s book Grapefruit, and he told car. To my surprise, it has gendered gion should inspire the government. Playboy magazine he wrote the song nothing but gratifying responses. I hope you know that you made a pro- as a prayer to god. The lyrics ask us to One day, I noticed, as I approached found impact on my life and will con- Seeing the world as more “imagine” there is no heaven, which as- my car in a parking lot, a white napkin tinue to do so. Thank you for all of than black and white sumes we all believe there is one. Two tucked under my wiper blade. It read, your help, support and kindness. years before he wrote the song, he said “Have a blessed day.” Daniel Roe Here’s an impious exhortation for “Whatever they celebrate, God and A week later, again in a parking lot, Tennessee your Letterbox, should you deem Christ, I don’t think it matters as long I was momentarily annoyed to see a car it worthy. It’s titled “Against Color as they’re aware of Him and His mes- stopped directly behind me, blocking Blindness.” sage.” (eeek!) He did take a lot of heat my exit. The driver lowered the window Longtime member now (The affront) for the “no possessions” part, given his and asked where I bought the sticker. I FFRF Lifetime Member Either/or, now or never! wealth. gave her a brief sales pitch on the mer- What’s it for if not forever? Other wrongly interpreted songs ad- its of FFRF. She said, before driving off, I have no idea how long I’ve been a Christ or else! Choose this day! opted as anthems include “Born in the “My husband has a sticker that reads, ‘I FFRF member! I suppose it has some- No to this, in hell you pay! USA,” “This Land is Your Land” and evolved, you didn’t.’” thing to do with my age — 82. I’ve (The rejoinder) “American Woman.” Another plus: Now I am very patient done a lot and seen a lot. The best When you must, by all means People are free to take from lyrics in Starbucks drive-throughs, knowing thing I did was having a career in the choose, whatever they choose, of course. We the person in the car behind me is get- Marines. Running a close second was But your reason do not lose. don’t need an anthem (we have lots of ting a thought-provoking message. joining FFRF. “Christ or else” an odious lie. terrific slogans!), but there are some I am now into my 90th year and I’m still a foxhole atheist defending Keep integrity ’til you die. fine songs about atheism/secularism would like to become a Life Member. our Constitution from enemies both Either/or is black and white, (Dan Barker knows this). Enclosed is my check. Does a Life Mem- foreign and domestic. Think in color without fright. I particularly like these lyrics from bership come with any guarantees? If I Enclosed please find my check for Complex the world appears to be. James Taylor’s “Up from your Life:” die, do I get a refund? Life Membership. Yes this truth will set you free. “So much for your moment of prayer; Howard K. Bostock Peter J. Viviano Tommy Moore God’s not at home, there is no there Texas New Mexico Florida CRANKMAIL

While FFRF gets plenty of fan mail, we also get of him explaining why you have spread such hate ing this country by trying to force your views on problem to you imbeciles? You sensitive little not plenty of religiously fanatic mail. So in every issue of God. — Shirley McKay others instead of just letting people believe what anywhere near as smart as you think you are mo- we publish some of the more interesting, shall we FFRF: Like all crazy terrified control freak Lib- they will. Bunch of self serving self important jerks. rons see the RELIGION angle and it’s Katy bar the say, criticisms. Printed as received. erals you would rather teach people WHAT to think I do not care that you are athiest. does not bother freaking door! Why can’t you just leave people Zealots!: I read an article today about you instead of HOW to think. It wont work. It didn’t me one bit what you believe or don’t believe. But alone? It’s not that hard. Especially when you re- zealots becoming involved in a high school de- work for Hitler or any of the other monster mania- what makes your views more correct than the oth- alize just how fundamentally wrong on a subject votional in Arkansas. I would think you had bet- cals. Get a job, you’ll be happier. — Luke Van Horne er guys? I only care that assholes like you create as you are. Please just read the damn Constitution, ter things to do with your tiny brains. Maybe you FU!: I DONT THINK YOU CORRUPT PUSSIES fear and division by taking from others based on will you? It’s pretty self explanatory. — Rob Collins could all take up a hobby like bungee jumping in HAVE THE BALLS TO GO AGAINST THE DEMOCRAT- your beliefs or theirs. — JB Taylor Assholes: You can go fuck yourself you atheist the Grand Canyon and stay out of other peoples IC AGENDA.. CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT ALL OF Hell is calling: Such an asshole group you piles of shit! Go jump off a bridge. Satan is waiting affairs that do not concern you. Obviously lef- YOU LEFT WING LIBERAL BITCHES ARE SING THE have, enjoy hell, and quit ruining our country. Sa- for your pathetic worthless soul to torture for eter- tards insanity influences your every action. Do SAME SONGS ALL THE TIME, LIKE A BROKEN RE- tan is the biggest loser, quit worshipping that pile nity. Before you are tormented for all of time stop the country a favor, close up your little shop of CORD.. SO IN CLOSING, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY, “ GO of crap. God is in control despite you idiots. Every fighting restaurants that give Sunday discounts to horrors, go start a commune in the desert far from FUCK YOURSELFS, AND ALL THE HOMO’S AND PE- school shooting, the blood is on your hands... people who aren’t inbred trash like you — Jason civilization so as not to pollute society with your DOPHILES THAT YOU LOVE SO MUCH, ALONG WITH — John Smith Contreras What about my rights?: ok, you have your Marxist thinking. Actually a commune in Russia ALL THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND MUSLIM LOV- Go away!: Drop dead you sick assholes and rights with the first amendment. but now you are should make you quite happy. — Mike Lencioni ING FAGGOTS THAT YOU ARE SO CLOSELY PLAYING may your filthy hoes suffer — Joe Turek infringing on my rights. Your located in WI. I don’t Ashamed: I am ashamed to say I was born in PUSSY WITH... UNTIL NEXT TIME... HAVE A NICE DAY FFRF: you are a good example of a very stupid come and protest you, don’t come down here and Wisconsin because of all the hate you create. I pray !!! — John Flores person i wonder about your parents sad !!!!! — stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. — David God will forgive you when you are standing in front You guys suck: Assholes like you are destroy- John Riley Williams You are bad!!!: Disband your terrible, horrible atheists: Police Officers lip-syncing to a song organization. You are bad bad people — Graham from God’s Not Dead? Oh, the absolute horror of Rogers Your weekly antidote to the Religious Right it all. I encourage all you atheists to rethink your beliefs. Does the theory of evolution really hold Burn in hell!: Freedom From Religion Foun- up? Not in a billion years....not in 100 billion years. dation---regarding your bitching about the 10% FREETHOUGHT RADIO Evolutionists have no explanation whatsoever for church discount that you had a fit over...go fuck the human eye. That is just one of thousands of ex- yourself you worthless atheist cocksuckers. I hope PODCASTS AND BROADCASTS amples. — Charley Larson you and your POS of shit organization burn in fuck- Terrible sign: Your public sign ON THE OUT- ing hell. — Ed Rylant FIND OUT MORE: rf.org/radio SIDE OF YOUR BUILDING stating “FFRF ....Proudly You can’t stop me: On a personal business Professional pains in the a$$ since 1978” is both decision, I have no problem with giving advice at — Hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor — offensive to me and my family and if not removed a discounted rate, or at no cost to Christians. In from the public’s view- having such offensive lan- fact I will take full advantage of the stupidity of Slightly irreverent views, news, music & interviews guage... your organization will be notified of the atheists to separate them from their money. This actions that will follow. — Kenneth Cannon is how the real world works. Your attorneys mean Go to hell: Why cannot you people just stick absolutely nothing to me. To stop my business your heads up your asses — Gary Jung activity you are going to have to kill me. Now, do Discount: A church bulletin discount, that’s a what you need to do. — Richard Brisson Page 20 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018 BLACK COLLAR CRIME

Compiled by Bill Dunn Krzysztof T. Bauta, Port Aransas, TX: 2nd-degree felony on her. The girl’s mother discovered the texts. Source: WKMB, theft. Bauta, removed in October 2017 as parish administrator 6-10-18 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, is suspected of stealing over Kent Covington, 63, Rutherfordton, NC: Conspiracy to com- $150,000 from the church, including depositing checks designat- mit wire fraud. Covington, pastor at Word of Faith Fellowship Arrested / Charged ed for Hurricane Harvey relief into personal accounts. Source: Church, is accused of filing more than $250,000 in phony unem- Norman Abernathy, 58, Conway, SC: 3 counts of assault KZTV, 6-28-18 ployment claims since 2008 for employees of companies owned and battery and 2 counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor. David R. Fisher, 63, Huntingdon County, PA: Endangering by Word of Faith members, including his own plastics manufac- Abernathy, youth pastor at Langston Baptist Church, allegedly the welfare of a child. It’s alleged that Fisher, pastor at an uniden- turing firm. fondled the private parts of 4 girls who were friends of his step- tified church, was told about the 2007 sexual abuse of a 14-year- Word of Faith member Diane McKinny, 65, is also accused daughter 4-5 years ago. At the time they were 15, 14 and 12. old girl several times but failed to contact authorities. Source: of filing fraudulent claims. Church members Brooke Coving- Source: WBTW, 7-19-18 Altoona Mirror, 6-28-18 ton, Sarah Covington Anderson, Adam C. Bartley, Robert L. Nison Y. Lemus-Alvarez, 37, Greeley, CO: Sexual assault on Randy A. Westmoreland, 52, Valparaiso, IN: 2 counts of Walker Jr. and Justin Brock Covington are scheduled to stand a child by a person in a position of trust and sexual assault on a failure to report. Westmoreland, pastor of the Church of Jesus trial on accusations they repeatedly beat a former congregant to child with a pattern of abuse. Lemus-Alvarez, the married congre- Christ, is accused of covering up alleged sexual abuse by his drive the “gay demon” out of him. Source: Charlotte Observer, gation leader of La Iglesia de Restauracion, is accused of seducing youth pastor son-in-law Jeffrey M. McGehee, 30, who is charged 6-8-18 a 16-year-old girl from the church in 2017. The girl alleges they with sexual misconduct with a minor, vicarious sexual gratifica- Matthew E. Mellerson, 29, Richmond, VA: 6 counts of carnal engaged in foreplay and other sexual activity in his car but didn’t tion, child solicitation and possession of child pornography. West- knowledge of an inmate and 2 counts of sexually abusing an in- have intercourse. Source: Greeley Tribune, 7-19-18 moreland allegedly tried to cover up the incidents and told victims mate. Mellerson, a sheriff’s deputy and chaplain at the Richmond Eric M. Zurheide, 31, Granite City, IL: Attempting to per- and church members to say nothing. Justice Center, is accused of assaults in September 2017 against suade or coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity. Zurheide, McGehee is accused of sending naked images of himself to male inmates. Source: WSET, 6-8-18 who worked as a youth pastor at Tri-City Assembly of God from a 15-year-old boy in 2017 and engaging in inappropriate physi- Douglas E. Harper, 39, Gandeeville, W.VA: Solicitation of a 2013-16 and is a foster parent, was arrested at a McDonald’s cal contact. Westmoreland is also charged with failure to report minor by use of electronic device. Harper, pastor at Living Water after meeting with an undercover detective he believed to be the alleged abuse of another 15-year-old boy by church member Val- Church, allegedly sent sexually explicit text messages to a boy, mother of a 14-year-old girl he wanted to have sex with. Police al- erie Clabaugh, 29. She’s charged with sexual misconduct with a 15, after they’d been on a church field trip.Source: WSAZ, 6-4-18 legedly found a sex toy, lubricant and condoms in his car. Source: minor. Source: nwitimes.com. 6-23-18 Douglas Parker, 57, Shawnee, OK: Felony child abuse. Post-Dispatch, 7-19-18 Leslie Kelly, 36, Chapmanville, W.VA: 3 counts each of at- Parker, pastor at Dale Baptist Church and the “newly retired” prin- Don L. Dickerson, 57, Yukon, OK: Rape by instrumenta- tempted murder and domestic battery and 2 counts of child cipal at Virginia Smith Elementary School, is accused in a March tion. Dickerson, chaplain at Kate Barnard Correctional Center, abuse creating risk of serious injury. The police report said Kelly 2 incident recorded on video involving a 6-year-old student who is accused of “intimate physical contact” with a female inmate tried to drown his wife and children, ages 6 and 3, while baptizing was brought to the principal’s office for misbehaving. between January and July. He has resigned. Source: The Okla- them in the bathtub at God’s command. Deputy Barry Mynes Jr. He allegedly wrapped his hands around the girl’s neck and homan, 7-17-18 said Kelly told him, “I held them under water because I want them tried to “place her against a door with the toes of her feet and Kenneth S. Marshall, 36, Mathews, VA: Aggravated sexual to go to heaven.” Source: WMAZ, 6-21-18 nose touching the door,” the affidavit said: “The student was only battery of a minor and forcible sodomy of a minor through the use Sean D. Sound, 45, West Jordan, UT: 5 counts of aggravated witnessed resisting the force applied by Mr. Parker and not at- of mental incapacity or physical helplessness. Marshall, a volun- child sexual abuse. Sound, a Mormon missionary, is accused of tempting to harm him or anyone else.” She sustained bruising on teer youth mentor at Cornerstone Fellowship Church, is accused assaulting an 8-year-old girl. He served a church branch for na- her nose. Source: The Oklahoman, 6-2-18 of molesting a 15-year-old boy. The alleged incidents didn’t occur tives of the Marshall Islands and hosted sleepovers at his home. David J. Keener, 36, Fresno, CA: 3 counts of rape. Keener, at the church. Source: 13 News Now, 7-17-18 Source: Salt Lake Tribune, 6-15-18 pastor at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, is charged in Ar- Kathryn M. Goff, 46, Beverly Hills, FL: Scheming to de- Michael M. Guidry, 75, Whiteville, LA: Molestation of a juve- kansas with sodomizing a relative starting in about 2000 when she fraud less than $20,000 and grand theft of between $10,000 and nile or a person with a physical or mental disability and contribut- was 9 and ending when she was 13 and both lived in Texarkana. $20,000. Goff, secretary of Beverly Hills Community Church, al- ing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Guidry, pastor at 2 Catholic The girl gave investigators a copy of a Facebook message parishes, is accused of assaulting a 16-year-old parishioner “sev- legedly wrote 38 checks to herself for $19,426.59 in 2017-18. string between another female relative and Keener. “I saw where eral years ago” after giving him alcohol. The boy is now an adult. Source: Citrus County Chronicle, 7-16-18 David confessed to the rapes and stated that he was sorry for Source: KLFY, 6-14-18 what he had done but was in a dark place at the time,” a detective Sean T. Jones, 42, Springfield, OR: Multiple counts of ag- Timothy Jeltema, 28, Tomball, TX: Online solicitation. Jelte- stated in the affidavit. Source: Texarkana Gazette, 6-1-18 gravated theft, forgery and computer crime. Jones, advancement ma, Champions Forest Baptist Church youth pastor, is accused director for O’Hara Catholic School in Eugene, is accused of of sending nude photos of himself to an 18-year-old girl from the embezzling $3,900 from the school and $50,800 from the Open Pleaded / Convicted church and asking for nude photos of her. Since his arrest, sev- Door Foundation, which provides school scholarships, during a eral other juvenile girls have come forward. Source: Woodlands Chauncey Walker, 48, Wichita, KS: Pleaded guilty to aggra- 3-year period. Source: KEZI, 7-16-18 Patch, 6-13-18 vated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated indecent so- Kevin A. Berry, 32, Sedgwick, KS: Aggravated indecent liber- Douglas Edwards, 59, Ketchikan, AL: 3 counts of sexual licitation of a child. Walker, a youth pastor, teacher and soccer ties with a child aged 14 or 15 on Sept. 17. Berry is lead pastor at abuse of a minor. Edwards, pastor at First Baptist Church and a coach at Word of Life Church, admitted assaults on a girl in 2012- First Christian Church. A church board statement said the board culinary arts teacher at Ketchikan High School, is charged with 13. “She was 15 when it started, and it progressed from there,” has accepted Berry’s request for administrative leave “to give him molesting a 14-year-old girl by groping her bare breasts inside Walker said on a recording made without his knowledge by a time to work through the charges he is facing.” Source: Wichita her shirt on 3 occasions, once at the church when she was play- relative of the girl. Eagle, 7-14-18 ing the piano. Source: KRBD, 6-12-18 A plea deal calls for a sentence of 95 months in prison. He Mark E. Aderholt, 46, Columbia, SC: Sexual assault against was initially charged with aggravated indecent liberties and 2 a child under 17 and 2 counts of indecency with a child. Aderholt counts of criminal sodomy. According to the girl, they had sex at is accused of assaulting a 16-year-old girl in 1997 in Arlington, Ground Zero, in the church’s youth building, in Walker’s car and TX, while he was a 25-year-old student at Southwestern Baptist home and in several hotels. Source: Wichita Eagle, 7-20-18 Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth. Though he didn’t contest the Vitaly Korchevsky, 53, Glen Mills, PA: Guilty by jury of wire findings of an internal investigation that he had likely assaulted fraud, computer intrusion, money laundering and securities fraud. the girl and resigned as a missionary, he went on to serve church- Korchevsky, pastor at Slavic Evangelical Baptist Church and a es in Texas and Arkansas and as associate executive director of former Morgan Stanley vice president, was convicted of pocket- the South Carolina Baptist Convention before resigning in June. ing at least $14 million from 2011-15 by trading securities on in- Source: Star-Telegram, 7-13-18 formation he gleaned from information stolen by Ukrainian hack- Oscar Munoz Toledo, 56, Rancagua, Chile: Abuse and ers before being publicly released. Source: Bloomberg, 7-6-18 statutory rape of at least 7 minors. Toledo, former chancellor of Deborah Marcellus, 63, Turtle Lake, WI: Pleaded guilty to Santiago’s archbishopric, is the first active priest in Chile to be wire fraud and filing a false income tax return, charges stemming arrested for sexual abuse since a report ordered by Pope Francis from her embezzlement of $818,000 from St. Joseph’s Catho- revealed a culture of abuse and cover-ups for decades. Source: lic Church in Rice Lake, where she was director of development AP, 7-13-18 from 2011-17. Source: Sawyer County Record, 7-3-18 Brian “Rick” Kenyon Jr., 31, Lakeland, FL: Video voyeurism. Luke W. Reese, 50, Indianapolis: Guilty by jury of criminal Kenyon, pastor of the Church of Christ in Deltona, is accused of confinement with bodily injury, domestic battery and battery re- taking an upskirt photo in April of a 41-year-old woman who was sulting in bodily injury. Reese, a Catholic priest allowed to be putting his youngest child in a car seat in Kenyon’s church office married due to a dispensation given former Anglican priests, at his request. allegedly slammed his wife into a wall at Holy Rosary Church, The woman told investigators that as she bent over to do so, then forced her to have sex at home after tearing up her “slutty” she felt skin against her leg and turned to see Kenyon directly clothes. Source: WXIN, 6-30-18 behind her pointing his cellphone under her. The church has fired John M. Scheline, 41, Richland, WA: Pleaded guilty to at- him. Source: News-Journal, 7-13-18 tempted rape of a child. Scheline, former executive director of James R. Messer, 46, Morristown, TN: Aggravated statutory Ignite Youth Mentoring and pastor at Faith Assembly, was caught rape and sexual battery by an authority figure. Messer, pastor at in a 2017 online sting in which agents posed as children as young Cross Way Worship Center, is charged with raping a 17-year-old as 11 or as parents offering their children for sex. girl in the men’s bathroom at the church. He allegedly told police Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who represents 17 alleged He answered an ad in July and discussed in detail what he the sex was consensual. Source: WVLT, 7-12-18 victims of sexual abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Roches- would do with the 13-year-old boy. He was arrested trying to Stephen Kilpatrick, 63, Forest, VA: 3 counts each of in- ter, NY, released the names of 8 priests accused of abuse leave the apartment complex after a detective answered the decent liberties of a child younger than 15 and using a com- between 1950-78. Standing on the steps of Sacred Heart Ca- door. Source: Tri-City Herald, 6-29-18 munications systems to facilitate offenses involving children. thedral in Rochester with members of the Road to Recov- Allen Lehmann, 80, Louisville, KY: Entered an Alford plea to Kilpatrick, an associate math professor at Jerry Falwell’s Liberty ery victims group, Garabedian called for release of all the 5 counts of sexual abuse and 3rd-degree rape and sodomy for University, often communicated with a person he believed to priests’ records. molesting 3 sisters under age 12 at his home from 1992-2001 be a 13-year-old female “while at work in his office,” a search when he was pastor at Trinity Chapel Assembly of God. The sis- warrant alleged. ters have filed a civil suit against Lehmann and several church Jeremy C. Whorley, 29, Lynchburg, who works for the uni- Miguel Luna, 68, El Paso, TX: Aggravated sexual assault of groups, alleging he was transferred when allegations surfaced. versity while enrolled in a master’s program, is charged with 10 a child. The alleged abuse spanned several years in the 1990s, Source: Courier-Journal, 6-21-18 counts of possessing child pornograpy. Source: WSET, 7-11-18 ending only after the girl moved away. Luna was removed from Raul Diaz Moreno, 54, Merced, CA: Guilty by jury of attempt- Jonathan Young, 34, Benson, NC: 6 counts of rape of a the Catholic ministry after an inquiry by the Diocesan Review ed murder, assault, aggravated sexual assault, sodomy by force, child, 3 counts of statutory rape and 2 counts each of sexual Board into other sexual misconduct allegations involving a girl in lewd acts and oral copulation with minors. Diaz Moreno, pastor offense and indecent liberties with a child. Young is a Sunday the 1980s. Source: El Paso Times, 6-11-18 of Victory Outreach Church, was accused of raping his 2 adopt- school teacher at Firstborn Baptist Church, where some of the Daniel J. Curran, 68, Newcastle, Ireland: Indecent assault of ed daughters, who are sisters, and then trying to kill them and incidents allegedly occurred between 2003-14. The youngest of 3 a male between August 1989 and August 1991. Curran, a former one sister’s boyfriend in 2016. The sisters were allegedly abused alleged victims, all girls, was 7. Source: WRAL, 7-3-18 Catholic priest, has been convicted 5 times since 1995 of molest- starting as early as kindergarten. Source: Sun-Star, 6-4-18 Marcin Garbacz, 39, Rapid City, SD: Theft. Garbacz, chap- ing children. Source: Belfast Telegraph, 6-11-18 lain at St. Thomas More High School, “was caught stealing mon- Cynthia L. Heaney, 51, Round Rock, TX: Theft. Heaney is Sentenced ey from the weekend collections” at St. Therese the Little Flower accused of stealing almost $4,000 in 2017 from an early child- Parish, said a statement from Bishop Robert Gruss. Garbacz, a hood school operated by Lifepointe Fellowship Church in Hutto, Harry Thomas, 75, Medford, NJ: 18 years in prison after a Polish immigrant ordained in Rapid City, is undergoing a psychi- where she handled financial matters. Source: American-States- judge denied his request to withdraw his guilty plea. Thomas, atric evaluation at a treatment center. Source: KOTA, 7-2-18 man, 6-11-18 pastor of Come Alive New Testament Church, was charged with Michael Wallace, 25, St. Louis: False impersonation of a po- Stephen M. Ward, 69, DeLand, FL: Using an electronic de- a 2005 sexual assault on a 9-year-old, sexual contact with 3 girls lice officer. Wallace, former pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, vice to seduce/solicit/lure a child. Ward, a physical education aged 7 to 9 in 2000 and 2010 and exposing himself and endan- is suspected of using flashing red and blue lights to clear traffic teacher and volleyball coach at Stetson Baptist Christian School, gering the welfare of a minor girl between 2008-2010. Prosecu- “so that he could get where he [was] going faster,” said police is charged with sending sexually suggestive text messages to tor Stephen Eife called Thomas “a devil in disguise.” Source: NY Sgt. David Horton. Source: KTVI, 6-28-18 a 14-year-old girl that mentioned specific acts he could perform Post, 7-29-18 September 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 21

Che Abdul Karim, 41, Kelantan state, Malay- a settlement with their sisters. They want to speak sia: 6 months in jail and fined $450 for marrying an publicly about Giella. Source: AP, 7-2-18 11-year-old girl in Thailand. Karim, an imam and Thomas Sullivan, a Massachusetts Catho- rubber scrap dealer, was sentenced by a Malay- lic priest who Jim Graham believes is his father, sian sharia court and the marriage was invalidat- stopped resting in peace in June as his corpse was ed. He already had 2 wives and 6 children. It’s sus- exhumed for DNA tests to take place. After years of pected the girl’s parents were motivated to marry trying, Graham, 72, finally got permission from the her off due to poverty. Source: Time, 7-10-18 Oblates of Mary Immaculate to dig up the grave. Sarah E. Mitchell, 25, and Travis L. Mitchell, Sullivan died of melanoma in 1993. 22, Oregon City, OR: 6 years and 8 months in pris- Dr. Ann Marie Mires said the remains were so on, with credit for 13 months already served, after well-preserved that she could recognize Sullivan pleading guilty to negligent homicide and criminal from photos she’d seen. The exhumation cost Gra- mistreatment. They failed to provide medical care ham about $10,000. Source: Boston Globe, 6-18- to their newborn twin daughter Ginnifer, who died 18 at her grandparents’ home last year of respira- tory distress. They belong to Followers of Christ Allegations Church. Sarah didn’t know she was bearing twins, having had no prenatal care. The other twin sur- Former members of Twelves Tribes, a New vived. They were born 2 months early. York religious group that’s been called a cult, al- Three hours after Ginnifer was born, Travis leged on CBS “Inside Edition” that the fundamen- Mitchell “laid on hands” while the family prayed talist group led by Gene Spriggs forces children as as she labored to breathe and changed colors. “I young as 9 to work in its factory packaging fancy knew she was dead when she didn’t cry out any- soaps and other goods sold by Amazon, Whole more,” her father said. The Mitchells had medical Foods, Target and Walmart. It paid fines in 2001 insurance through Travis’ job but chose not to use and 2006 for labor-law violations. it. Prosecutors contrasted that with the regular vet- Ex-member Sarah Williams, 34, “rejoined” the erinary visits the couple provided for their dog and group to record hidden-camera footage of children, cat. Source: The Oregonian, 7-9-18 ages 9 and 10, working on an assembly line. Foot- Philip Wilson, 67, Adelaide, Australia: 12 age from its nearby farm showed a 6-year-old boy months’ imprisonment with assessment for home detention after by Oorah Inc., where Sheinkopf was assistant head counselor. struggling with a heavy wheelbarrow. “It takes them being disci- 6 months. Wilson, the archbishop of Adelaide, was found guilty of About the camp, Oorah’s website says “the warmth of TheZone plined and spanked when they’re not obedient,” a man says on failure to report child sexual abuse. He’s the highest-ranking Cath- continues even after the summer ends. Campers enjoy meeting camera. Source: NY Post, 6-1-18 olic cleric in the world to be convicted of such an offense. with their friends and keeping up with their counselors and staff Wilson denied under oath that 2 altar boys told him they were members.” Removed / Resigned molested in 1971 and 1976 by James Fletcher, a pedophile priest Sokolovsky alleges she tried taking her to rabbinical court but Theodore McCarrick, 88, a Catholic cardinal and former who died in prison in 2006. As Wilson left court, a bystander yelled Sheinkopf didn’t show up, so she posted a video on YouTube. archbishop of Washington, was removed from the ministry and “Can I spit on him?” Source: news.com.au, 7-3-18 Sokolovsky says in the video that Sheinkopf forced her to engage allowed to resign by Pope Francis due to “credible” allegations Carlo A. Capella, 51, Vatican City: 5 years in prison and a in sexual activity, eventually “digitally penetrating Ms. Sokolovsky’s he molested an altar boy in New York in the early 1970s, starting $5,830 fine after pleading guilty before a Vatican court to distribu- vagina” in a manner “intended to cause her extra pain.” Source: when the boy was 11. Several men studying to be priests have tion and possession of child pornography while serving as a dip- The Forward, 6-6-18 also accused him of sexual misconduct. lomat for the Holy See in the U.S. and Canada. Further hearings The church paid settlements to 2 alleged victims in 2004 and will determine if he’ll be defrocked as a priest. Source: USA Today, Civil Lawsuits Settled 2007. McCarrick, the highest-ranking Catholic official to be re- 6-23-18 Delbarton School in Morristown, NJ — operated by the Order moved, retired in 2006. A Virginia man identified only by his first Jody Hilliard, 73, Duncan, OK: 25 years in prison with all but of St. Benedict of New Jersey and St. Mary’s Abbey — and the name James, who recently filed a police report, told a reporter 7 years suspended after pleading guilty to 5 counts of lewd or in- now-closed St. Elizabeth of Hungary School in Linden, entered McCarrick molested him for about 20 years. “I was the first guy decent acts with a child under 12 while serving as assistant pastor a confidential settlement with 5 men alleging sexual abuse as chil- he baptized. I was his little boy. I was his special kid. I was the at First Baptist Church. The 10-year-old victim alleged he touched dren in the 1970s and 1980s. Three of the cases and 5 of 6 pend- kid he always sought out.” Source: nj.com/AP, 7-20-18 her private parts and made her touch his. Source: KFOR, 6-21-18 ing cases involve Catholic priest Timothy Brennan, convicted in Dean Curry, 50, Tacoma, WA, pastor at Life Center Assem- Amanda M. Haumont, 36, Lincoln, NE: 2 years’ probation and 1987 of molesting a 15-year-old boy at Delbarton. bly of God, was dismissed after accusations were made publicly restitution after pleading no contest to theft by unlawful taking while After news of the settlement became public, about 30 people of misconduct with 4 women, which Curry denies, saying he’s working as director of Little Lambs Child Development Center at came forward to accuse 13 abbey monks and a retired lay facul- always been faithful to his wife. Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. She was accused of keep- ty member of abuse from 1968-99, according to a letter to alumni Complaints to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity ing at least 1 client’s cash payments for tuition and altering clock-in signed by abbey and Delbarton leaders. The accused were not Commission and the state Human Rights Commission came times so she was paid overtime for hours she never worked. The named in the letter, which stated that “no restrictions have been from church board member Julee Dilley, who with her husband theft was estimated at over $21,000. Source: AP, 6-20-18 placed on the victims’ ability to discuss their experiences.” left the church in 2016 over concerns about Curry’s conduct and Michael LaVenture, 47, Roberts, WI: 3 years’ probation and But Bill Wolfe, whose accusations resulted in Brennan’s con- the church’s response. Source: News-Tribune, 7-10-18 restitution after pleading no contest to 3 counts of theft from New viction, said the school locked him into a nondisclosure agreement John Finley, 62, resigned as pastor of Bartlett Hills Baptist Centerville United Methodist Church in Baldwin, where his wife for decades. He’s still not allowed to speak about the amount of a Church, Bartlett, TN, after admitting to inappropriate behavior was volunteer treasurer. He’ll also spend 1 month in jail with work 1988 settlement. “They fought me every step of the way. They at- with young females. The alleged incidents started 37 years release during each of the next 3 years. Kara Amundson-LaVen- tacked my family. They attacked my parents and they attacked me. ago at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, TX, where ture, 44, pleaded guilty earlier to stealing at least $203,000 over They sued my attorney for representing me,” Wolfe said. “So the Finley served as youth minister for five years. “I made some about 10 years and was sentenced to 2 years in prison. idea they’ve been open and honest and poor choices and was involved with “It was simple greed,” Circuit Judge Scott Needham said, compassionate, that’s not been my ex- two females in inappropriate behavior,” adding that their combined annual income exceeded $300,000. perience.” Source: New Jersey Advance Finley said. “There was no sex. Both Source: New Richmond News, 6-12-18 Media, 7-25-18 Fr. Giella kept a collection ladies were over 18.” William C. Turner III, 28, Toledo, OH: 60 days in jail and a The Church of Scientology and of girls’ underwear that he The women who sent a letter that $600 fine after pleading no contest to unlawful restraint and public former member and plaintiff Laura Ann spurred his resignation say that’s not indecency. DeCrescenzo settled a decade-old suit in labeled with their names. true, that they were 15 and 17 at the Turner, former assistant pastor at Bethel Baptist Church, ex- Los Angeles for undisclosed terms alleg- time and while it’s true he didn’t have posed himself several times in 2016-17 to a juvenile at the church. ing she was forced to work long hours as sex with them, he’d touched one’s Source: Record-Courier, 6-7-18 a preteen and was coerced into having breasts and put the other’s hand on his Mohammed Rabani, 61, Sneinton, UK; 5 years in prison after an abortion at 17. DeCrescenzo alleged naked erection. A third alleged victim being found guilty of 3 counts of indecent assault on a boy starting she was initially required to work daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. also came forward. “Sarah Beth,” a pseudonym, alleged her when he was 12 in 1990 and continuing for 2 years while Rabani for the church entity called Sea Org, which she didn’t leave until abuse occurred from 1981-83. was imam at an unidentified mosque. It wasn’t reported to police 2004 when she was 25. She further claimed she had an abortion Finley’s wife told a reporter, “I can tell you for certain it was until 2015. Source: Metro UK, 6-1-18 in 1996 to show her loyalty to Sea Org, supposedly composed of no more than kissing.” Referring to Sarah Beth, she added, Tadhg Ó Dálaigh, 74, Blackrock, Ireland: 12 months’ incarcer- the church’s most dedicated members. Source: Washington Post, “She should be over this. She cannot live her life trying to de- ation for indecent assault of a boy at a Catholic boarding school 7-23-18 stroy my husband.” Source: Star-Telegram, 7-9-18 4 decades ago. Ó Dálaigh, a member of the Missionaries of the The Order of St. Augustine paid a total of $1 million to 5 men James W. Clark, parochial vicar at 5 Pennsylvania parish- Sacred Heart religious order, had previous convictions in 1999 and and 3 women who alleged sexual abuse by Massachusetts Catho- es and chaplain at Uniontown Hospital, was removed by the 2014 for molesting 2 boys while teaching in the 1980s. Source: lic priests John Gallagher and Robert Turnbull in the 1970s and Catholic Diocese of Greensburg, which issued a statement: “An Irish Times, 6-13-18 early 1980s. Both priests are dead. The victims were from 9 to 12 allegation was received . . . against Father James W. Clark, Danielle K. Farley, 33, Willmar, MN: A year and a day in jail years old at the time. Source: Boston Globe, 7-17-18 which dates to events five decades ago, prior to his entrance suspended, 2 years’ probation and restitution of $16,759.42 to St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH, affiliated with the Episcopal into the seminary and ordination as a priest, while working as the United Church of Christ and its insurer after pleading guilty to Church, agreed to a confidential settlement with former student a janitor at the former St. James School in Apollo.” Source: Tri- theft while she was church secretary. The court also ordered her to William Foley, who alleged he was molested by teachers Robert bune-Review, 6-30-18 complete a problem gamblers assessment. Source: West Central Degouey and Steven Ball in the early 1970s. Foley’s abuse was Pope Francis accepted the resignations of Chilean bish- Tribune, 5-19-18 documented in a 2017 report compiled by attorneys hired by St. ops Alejandro Goic Karmelic, 78, and Horacio del Carmen Paul’s, which faces multiple lawsuits over sexual assault. Source: Valenzuela Abarca, 64. The pope earlier in June accepted res- Civil Lawsuits Filed NHPR, 6-23-18 ignations of 3 other bishops over allegations of a cover-up of The Anglican Church of Tasmania will pay $15.2 million to sexual abuse. Source: Reuters, 6-28-18 Melvin K. Johnson, 81, Lehi, UT, is being sued by his daugh- about 200 victims of child sexual abuse. The church plans to sell C. Frank Phillips, 68, Chicago, was removed as pastor of ter, Kristy Johnson, 55, who alleges he started molesting her when 108 properties in order to make the payments with the remainder St. John Cantius Catholic Parish due to allegations of improper she was 6 and he worked for Mormon educational institutions and funded by individual parishes. Source: BBC, 6-5-18 conduct with adult men, said a letter from Phillips’ religious or- taught religion at Brigham Young University. der. Source: AP, 6-25-18 A documentary film includes corroboration from her siblings, Legal Developments Brad Waller, Savannah, GA, was removed as senior pastor who also allege abuse. Melvin Johnson says on camera at his at Grace Church of the Islands. In a public statement, he said: home, “Years ago, I molested my daughters. All three of them. I Daniel McCormack, 49, a defrocked Chicago Catholic priest “I, Brad Waller, confess to the sin of abuse of authority in my knew it was wrong, but I did it. I was selfish.” who’s served all of his 2007 sentence for molesting 5 boys, will role as a pastor. I have been rubbing the feet of men and youth Church officials would counsel him or treat the case as an in- not be released because a judge agrees with prosecutors he is a in my care. There was a sexual element to this, however, phys- ternal discipline matter, it’s alleged, but abuse was never reported sexually violent person likely to reoffend. “I can’t disregard the fact ically it never went past foot-rubbing.” to police. Source: Salt Lake Tribune, 6-29-18 that he has never been of the belief that he has a problem,” said Waller worked at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church from 1995- Francis Nave, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Bath, Judge Dennis Porter. “The first [step] of treatment here is recogniz- 2006 in Lexington, KY. In a statement, pastor Robert Cunning- PA, the Diocese of Allentown and Bishop Alfred Schlert are ing there’s a problem that has to be treated.” ham said that after interviewing people in Lexington, “other acts defendants in a suit in which the alleged victim says Nave orches- He will be reevaluated annually. At least 25 boys and young of abuse have been uncovered as well,” noting that “evidence is trated sexually explicit video sessions from the rectory while the men have accused McCormack of abuse. Source: Chicago Tri- also beginning to emerge that conflicts with Brad’s statement that boy was in his Virginia home in 2011, when he was 16 and 17. It’s bune, 7-18-18 ‘it never went past foot-rubbing.’ ” Source: lex18.com, 6-25-18 alleged Nave had the boy masturbate on camera and engage in Augustine M. Giella, a Pennsylvania Catholic priest who died Jacques Lacroix, 89, retired from the Catholic ministry after other sexual conduct under the guise of counseling to deal with his in 1993 at age 72 while facing criminal charges, kept a collection a video showed him slapping a crying 2-year-old during the boy’s “issues.” Source: Morning Call, 6-26-18 of girls’ underwear that, according to investigators, he labeled with baptism at the Collegiate Church of Champeaux in France. The A New Jersey plaintiff alleges Gittie Sheinkopf, a counselor their names, along with photos of him in clerical garb with naked video showed him loudly telling the boy to calm down and be she met at an ultra-Orthodox summer camp in 2010, seduced her girls as young as 2 in sexual stances, including oral sex. Two sis- quiet before squeezing his face and slapping him on the cheek. that fall and started a year-long relationship that turned abusive. ters whose 2 other sisters were among his alleged victims are ask- The parents then grabbed the boy away from Lacroix. Source: Leah Sokolovsky’s suit says she was 15 and Sheinkopf was 20 ing a judge to invalidate confidentiality agreements other family Metro UK, 6-23-18 when the relationship started. They met at TheZone, a camp run members made with the Diocese of Harrisburg in a suit involving Email: [email protected] Page 22 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018

Francine Bellet Questions get the ball rolling Indio City Council By Jim Diedrich

Indio, Calif. or the past 10 years I’ve lived in a small town of about 5,000 peo- Good Evening, Honorable Mayor and Fple on Cape Ann in Massachu- members of the Indio City Council. setts called Manchester-by-the-Sea. My name is Francine Bellet, and I rep- The town was established in 1644 resent the over 400 members of the Free- and originally named Jeffery’s Creek. thinkers of the Coachella Valley and Des- Francine Bellet About a year ago, I wrote to ert Atheists Community, which include ests of all the citizens of Indio, non-the- FFRF requesting advice on how to many residents of Indio. ists and theists alike, for believers and approach government regarding I want to thank this body for honor- non-believers alike. sectarian invocations. Following ing, respecting, and upholding rights of Thank you, Honorable Mayor and your suggestion, I approached Mas- citizens under the United States Consti- members of the Indio City Council. sachusetts’ secretary of state, asking Jim Diedrich tution, its First Amendment in the US FFRF Member Bellett sent us this description why invocations are always secular. sonable person and he would think Bill of Rights and amendments to In- of herself: “Francine Bellet has run afoul of I was referred to our town clerk, about allowing a nonsectarian invo- ternational Religious Freedom Act, also those blurring the lines between church who advised me that she thought cation at some point. known as the Frank R. Wolf International and state, and government insertion of invocations were the purview of our Then, in early winter, he ap- Religious Freedom Act, enacted by the religion into public education, ever since town moderator. proached me to review a letter he US Congress and her kindergarten I then asked our town moderator was proposing to publish in our signed into law by SECULAR INVOCATION trip to visit Santa why, for over 370 years, our annual town newspaper, advising that the our President last Claus at a local de- town meeting upcoming town week. I want to thank this body for con- partment store resulted in her defying a has always be- IT PAYS TO COMPLAIN meeting would tinuing the exercise of these rights, which teacher who insisted it was OK to sit on the gun with an in- include a non- respect the non-entanglement of gov- lap and talk to a fat, bearded stranger in a vocation given by a clergy person. sectarian invocation. He also asked ernment and religion, the separation of red suit, despite her parents’ warning nev- The moderator’s initial reply was to if I would be interested in giving it. church and state, the recognition of not er to talk to a stranger that they had not challenge why I asked. When I re- For his letter to the town, I suggest- just freedom of religion, but also equal properly introduced her to. And she had plied that I was an atheist, or, if he ed he describe me as a secular hu- freedoms and equal protection under never even heard of Santa Claus before, preferred, a secular humanist, that manist, since I thought it might be the laws for non-theists and theists alike, let alone been introduced to him by her seemed to put him off a bit. But, less offensive term to some rather for believers and non-believers alike. parents. Since then, she has been motivat- to his credit, he said he’d get back than the word “atheist.” My being here tonight and address- ed by interest in First Amendment rights, with me to discuss the issue. I did give my invocation as ing you for these secular comments is an while a demonstrating student during the That conversation took place in planned and the response was example of the exercise of those same Sixties, to become a lawyer. After practic- early summer of 2017, and I final- mostly favorable — and certainly rights just mentioned [guaranteed by the ing for several years in Washington, D.C., ly did hear back in December of not hostile. To prepare, I read a US Constitution, First Amendment in as counsel to a joint congressional com- that year when he asked me to join ton of nonsectarian invocations the Bill of Rights, and the amendments mittee, and a couple of industry trade asso- him for a coffee. After speaking for from a wide variety of sources and to the International Religious Freedom ciations, she was recruited to the San Fran- more than an hour, our modera- used some of the material along Act], for which opportunity, I and many cisco Bay Area by a client company. She tor said he really had no idea what with my own thoughts. I can’t say other citizens thank you. remained there, winding up practicing in people who are atheists or secular my version was totally original, but May this body, the Indio City Coun- Silicon Valley and starting and directing humanists actually believe, or don’t I didn’t actively steal from others cil, continue to demonstrate respect, legal departments for high-technology believe. He told me after speaking (other than the words about Carl tolerance, inclusiveness, reason, and companies. She recently semi-retired to with me that he thought I was a rea- Sagan). kindness, while it works in the best inter- the southern California desert.” Jim Diedrich Dr. George Meyer was Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass. accomplished radiologist Annual town meeting FFRF Lifetime Member Dr. George Hospital in Fort Lauderdale where he April 2, 2018 John Meyer, 91, died July 4, in hospice worked for 30 years and was chairman Mr. Moderator, distinguished from reason and science, having the care at John Knox Village in Pompano of the radiology department for several Town Officials, my fellow citizens capacity to appreciate and thank Beach, Fla. years. Along with Dr. Robert Conti, he of Manchester-by-the-Sea. I’m hon- others is ingrained in the DNA of George was born in Bristol, Conn., founded and presided over Meyer and ored to have been asked to deliver the human psyche. on May 25, Conti, which later became Radiologists a nonsectarian invocation to begin Let us also give thanks to our 1927. He was of North Fort Lauderdale, a 13-man our town meeting. unpaid elected and/or appointed salutatorian of group providing expert care to the pa- Most invocations start by ask- town leaders, and to the many vol- his graduating tients of Holy Cross Hospital. ing to bow your heads. Instead, I unteers, who are the heart and soul class at Bristol Dr. Meyer was a diplomat of the would ask that you take a moment of our community. These people High School, American Board of Radiology and a to look around donate their where he was life member of the American College the room at SECULAR INVOCATION time and talents an outstand- of Radiology. In 1969, he initiated, or- all the men to help all. Let ing scholar, ganized and chaired the Stop Smok- and women here, in this moment, us recognize and laud the sacrifices athlete and ing! clinics in Broward County. who have come together to share made by our town employees, es- student lead- In the 1980s, he worked with Phy- in this extraordinary and unique pecially our first responders — our er. Near the sicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) New England experience, and to police, firefighters and emergency end of World to help spread awareness of the world- George Meyer dedicate ourselves to working to- medical technicians who risk their War II, George wide catastrophic dangers of nuclear ward the betterment of our town lives to safeguard all of us. volunteered to weapons. In 1985 International Phy- and its residents. Carl Sagan once wrote, “For small serve in the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps. sicians for the Prevention of Nucle- Tonight, in this place, there may creatures such as we, the vastness is In 1948 George graduated magna cum ar War (IPPNW) received the Nobel be moments of tension, of ideological bearable only through love.” I would laude and Phi Peace Prize, and division, of frustration. But, this also add the word “understanding,” as Beta Kappa from IN MEMORIAM PSR was the USA a place where by the very fact of well. In this room tonight, let us Tufts College. Af- affiliate of IP- being human we have much more in cherish our shared humanness, our ter he received his M.D. degree from PNW. That achievement was proba- common than we have differences. shared capacity for reason and cele- the University of Rochester School of bly his most cherished professional We share the same spectrum of brate our shared respect for all the Medicine and Dentistry in 1952, he accomplishment. potential for care, for compassion, people of our town, for our Consti- fulfilled a one-year internship at North Although raised in a fundamentalist for fear, for joy and for love. tution, and for our democracy. And Carolina Baptist Hospital, Bowman Lutheran household, his extensive Let us give thanks for all that we let us root our decision-making pro- Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Sa- scientific studies and readings have, all that we cherish, and all that cess in these values that are relevant lem, N.C., followed by five years of fam- directed him, in later life, to abandon we possess — especially for the ca- to all Americans, regardless of our ily medical practice in and near High the tenets and myths of organized pacity to care and love, to improve individual belief or nonbelief. Let Point, N.C. He then spent three years religions and to adopt rational secular our families, our community and us all commit to working together of further training as a resident physi- humanistic principles. He was a ourselves. Whatever one’s view- for a better Manchester-by-the-Sea. cian in radiology at the University of life member of the Freedom From point, either derived from faith or Thank you. Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital. In Religion Foundation and American 1961, he joined the staff of Holy Cross Humanist Association. September 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 23

FFRF Convention Nov. 2-4, 2018 And the award goes to . . . FFRF will be handing out 10 awards to an organization or individual who • Freethought Heroine Award rec- at this year’s convention in San Fran- is judged to have done the most to di- ognizes the special contributions of cisco the weekend of Nov. 2-4. Two of minish the influence of fundamental- women to freethought and the battle them are new this year, including the ist religion. Zumach, a Life Member to keep state and church separate. Clarence Darrow Award and the Avijit of FFRF, has endowed the award. The • Beverly and Richard Herman Stu- Roy Courage Award. awardee earns a $10,000 prize. dent Activist Award of $5,000 recogniz- • Emperor Has No Clothes Award is • Avijit Roy Courage Award is in es outstanding activism for freethought an honor celebrating “plain speaking” honor of the Bangladeshi-American or the separation of church and state by on the shortcomings of religion by atheist and author who was assassinat- students. public figures. ed in 2015 by Islamists. The awardee • Clarence Darrow Award is a minia- • Forward Award is a statuette creat- earns a $5,000 prize. ture replica of the 7-foot Darrow statue ed for FFRF by sculptor Zenos Frudakis • Honorable Culbert Olson Cour- sculpted for FFRF by Frudakis that now and is given to those freethinkers who age Award is a special honor to be giv- stands outside the Rhea County Court- have moved society forward. en to Debra Olson on behalf of her house in Dayton, Tenn. The statuette is • Henry Zumach Freedom From grandfather, the first out atheist gov- given to an activist in freethought, civil Religious Fundamentalism Award goes ernor of California. liberties or science.

John de Lancie Bailey Harris Ensaf Haidar Sarah Haider Jared Huffman John de Lancie, actor, di- Bailey Harris, 12, is co-au- Ensaf Haidar has been fight- Sarah Haider is a writer, U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, rector, producer and activist, thor with her father, Douglas. ing to free her husband, Raif speaker and activist who spent D-Calif., is one of the founders is best-known for portraying The first book of the Stardust Badawi, who has been impris- her early youth as a practic- of the new Congressional Free- “Q” in the TV series “Star series, My Name Is Stardust, was oned and flogged for founding ing Muslim. She left her faith thought Caucus, which will cen- Trek: The Next Generation.” released in 2017 and has sold an internet forum that “violates in her late teens, and later ter on fostering “science- and He has appeared in dozens of thousands of copies worldwide, Islamic values and propagates co-founded Ex-Muslims of reason-based solutions” and movies and television shows. enabling Bailey and Douglas to liberal thought.” In January North America (EXMNA), “defending the secular charac- John has performed with help spread their passion for 2015, Raif was flogged 50 times which advocates for the accep- ter of our government.” most of the major symphony science to families across the before hundreds of spectators, tance of religious dissent and “There currently is no forum orchestras in America, Can- globe. creating an international out- works to create local support focused on these important is- ada and Australia. He was The second book in the se- cry. Ensaf and their three chil- communities for those who sues, and with this Administra- co-owner, with Leonard Ni- ries, Stardust Explores the Solar dren escaped from Saudi Ara- have left Islam. Sarah directs tion and certain members of moy, of Alien Voices; a pro- System, which will be published bia and were granted asylum EXMNA’s Life Beyond Faith Congress constantly working to duction company devoted to this fall, explains how our solar in Canada. She is the president mini-documentaries and also erode the separation of church the dramatization of classic system came to be, starting with and co-founder of the Raif Bad- heads EXMNA’s Normalizing and state, this new caucus is sci-fi. John has also directed a the Big Bang. awi Foundation for Freedom. Dissent tour. She is a colum- both important and timely,” number of operas. Bailey will be receiving Ensaf will receive the Henry nist for Free Inquiry. Huffman said in a statement. He will be receiving the FFRF’s Beverly and Richard Zumach Freedom From Reli- Sarah will be receiving the Huffman will receive the Em- Clarence Darrow Award. Herman Student Activist Award. gious Fundamentalism Award. Freethought Heroine Award. peror Has No Clothes Award.

Debra Deanne Olson Cecile Richards Avijit Roy Courage Award Salman Rushdie Adam Savage

Debra Olson, along with Cecile Richards is a na- Roopbaan, founded in Salman Rushdie has written Adam Savage began his ca- Dr. Craig West Wilkinson, is tional leader for women’s 2014, is the first gay magazine several classic novels, influ- reer in the special effects in- author of a new book about rights and social and eco- published in Bangladesh. enced a generation of writ- dustry, working on such movies her atheist grandfather, The nomic justice, and the au- One of its founders was mur- ers and received the Queen’s as “Star Wars Episode I: The Honorable Culbert Levy Olson: thor of New York Times dered by Islamists. Accepting Knighthood for his “services Phantom Menace” and “Epi- Governor of California 1939- bestseller Make Trouble. She FFRF’s premiere Avijit Roy to literature.” sode II: Attack of the Clones,” 1943. She is a political, envi- is the former president of Courage Award in the maga- His novels include The Sa- “Galaxy Quest” and the “Ma- ronmental and peace activist Planned Parenthood Federa- zine’s honor will be a Roop- tanic Verses, The Moor’s Last Sigh, trix” sequels. In 2002, Adam and held volunteer positions tion of America and Planned bann co-founder whose life The Ground Beneath Her Feet and was chosen along with Jamie on both of Hillary Clinton’s Parenthood Action Fund. also was threatened, and who 2008’s The Enchantress of Flor- Hyneman to host MythBusters, presidential campaigns. She In 2011 and 2012, she was is now in the United States ence. His masterwork of magic which premiered on Discovery was an advisor and fund- named one of TIME Maga- applying for asylum. realism, Midnight’s Children, Channel in January 2003. Four- raising consultant for the zine’s 100 Most Influential On hand to announce won the presitigious Booker teen years, 1,015 myths, 2,950 Kucinich for President cam- People in the World. the new award will be Rafi- Prize, and later, the Best of the experiments, eight Emmy paign in 2003. She is the Richards will be receiving da Bonya Ahmed, widow of Booker. nominations and 83 miles of Founder of Peace Solutions. the Forward Award. After her Avijit Roy, who was critically Rushdie will be receiving duct tape later, the series end- Olson will be accepting the convention discussion, she wounded in the attack and the Emperor Has No Clothes ed in March 2016. special Honorable Culbert Ol- will hold a Q&A and a book has continued to help other Award. There will be a book He will be receiving the Em- son Courage Award. signing. threatened secular activists. signing after his speech. peror Has No Clothes Award. Page 24 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | September 2018 Don’t delay! Sign up for FFRF’s convention

Julia Sweeney Leighann Lord

Join the Freedom From Religion ting Go of God,” which was about her Foundation in San Francisco for its 41st journey from Roman Catholic schoolgirl annual convention from Nov. 2-4 at the to atheist. She has also been in several beautiful downtown Hyatt Regency. movies, including “Pulp Fiction.” She 2018 CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM The conference hotel features dra- has previously received FFRF’s Emperor Or register online:  rf.org/convention2018 matic architecture, panoramic views Has No Clothes Award. and a waterfront setting, directly across DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION & MEALS PACKAGE from the iconic Ferry Building. If you’ve Hotel reservations Get a $20 discount when you bundle two meals and registration. Includes got some free time during the conven- Reserve rooms now! We’ve had to Saturday breakfast and dinner. Number Registering Cost tion, you can explore the vibrant Em- ask for more rooms after our first block barcadero district, or head a bit further filled quickly, but those are almost Member ___$190 $____ to explore famous attractions like Chi- gone, too, with no guarantee there will Spouse or Companion ___$195 $____ natown and Fisherman’s Wharf, or ride be more. Rooms (at $230) are being (Non-member accompanying member) the ferry to Alcatraz. held for Friday and Saturday nights, The Hyatt features the world’s largest and a slightly more limited number for Non-member ___$240 $____ hotel lobby at 17 stories tall with 42,000 Thursday early-birds. Phone directly to Child / Student with ID (Meals Only) ___$130 $____ cubic feet of space. Each room features make your reservations: 1-888-421-1442 floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking and use the code “Freedom From Reli- Please indicate number of meals cityscapes or the San Francisco Bay and gion Foundation.” Or go online at ffrf. Saturday Non-Prayer Breakfast comes with complimentary Wi-Fi and org/convention2018 for full convention __# Regular __# Vegetarian __# Vegan __# Gluten Free enhanced video streaming capabilities information or reserve hotel rooms di- Saturday Banquet Dinner from mobile devices or tablets to the in- rectly at bit.ly/FFRF2018. room 47-inch HDTV. __# Regular __# Vegetarian __# Vegan __# Gluten Free Registration REGISTRATION – NO PACKAGE Speakers FFRF registration is only $60 per We’re gonna get serious about laugh- member, $65 per companion, $110 Member ___$60 $____ ing! Julia Sweeney and Leighann Lord for non-members, and students and will bring their respective comedy rou- children get in free. Take advantage of Spouse or Companion ___$65 $____ tines to the convention. Sweeney will do FFRF’s meal and registration package to (Non-member accompanying member) a version of her stand-up show, “Julia save $20. Friday night dinner and Satur- Non-member ___$110 $____ Sweeney: Older and Wider” on Friday day lunch are on your own. Or join for $40 and save $10 evening, and Lord will perform her “Real Women Doing It Standing Up” Menus Child / Student with ID ___Free $____ routine on Saturday night. The menus for the two Saturday Other speakers include Salman meals (with veggie, vegan and glu- SELECT MEALS À LA CARTE Rushdie, Cecile Richards, Adam Sav- ten-free options) are: Please indicate number of meals age, John de Lancie, Debra Deanne Breakfast — Chef’s bakery selection, Saturday Non-Prayer Breakfast ___$60 $____ Olson, Ensaf Haidar, Bailey Harris, Dan scrambled eggs, Hobb’s bacon, break- __# Regular __# Vegetarian __# Vegan __# Gluten Free Barker, FFRF attorneys, Sarah Haidar fast potatoes, juice and coffee. and Rep. Jared Huffman. (For informa- Dinner — Potage Parmentier (po- Saturday Banquet Dinner ___$90 $____ tion on who will be receiving FFRF’s nu- tato leek soup), crispy shallots, chive __# Regular __# Vegetarian __# Vegan __# Gluten Free merous awards at the convention, turn crème fraiche, Champagne brown but- to page 23.) ter chicken, tarragon mushroom fond, ⊲ Total $______Lord has been seen on Lifetime, Cipollini onion and Comte risotto, VH-1, Comedy Central, HBO and The steamed broccolini, French pear tart, ☐ I am enclosing a donation to sponsor student convention travel costs. $_____ View. She is a contributor to the Huff- frangipane, vanilla cream. (Make checks payable to FFRF) Return with payment to: ington Post and the author of Leighann FFRF, Attn: Convention | P.O. Box 750 | Madison, WI 53701 Lord’s Dict Jokes: Alternate Definitions General schedule for Words You’ve Probably Never Heard of Arrange your travel schedule for the But Will Definitely Never Forget (2014) convention’s expanded hours and to Names of all registrants (attach extra sheet as necessary) and Real Women Do It Standing Up: Sto- take in a little sightseeing as well. The ries From the Career of a Very Funny Lady official starting time is 1 p.m. Friday, Address (2016). Nov. 2, continuing through Saturday Leighann was New York City’s face night. FFRF’s membership and state of the “African-Americans for Human- representative meetings take place Sun- City State / ZIP ism” outreach campaign sponsored by day morning with a noon adjournment. the Center for Inquiry and its “Millions The convention will include irrever- Phone* Email* Living Happily Without Religion” cam- ent music, complimentary appetizers on paign. Leighann was featured in au- Friday afternoon and a complimentary Credit Card Number Expiration Date / Security Code thor Chris Johnson’s The Atheist Book: Friday night dessert reception. On Sat- A Better Life. urday is the annual “Non-Prayer Break- Sweeney is a “Saturday Night Live” fast,” which includes the “moment of Signature *Contact information for in-house use only. alum who created and portrayed the an- bedlam.” On Saturday night there will drogynous character “Pat,” which spun be the popular drawing for “clean” ☐ Please tell us about any concerns over accessibility or accommodations in off the feature film “It’s Pat.” She also cre- (pre-“In God We Trust”) currency. order to fully participate in this convention: ated and performed several award-win- Return the handy registration form ning one-woman shows, including “God on this page or sign up at: ffrf.org/ Said, Ha!”, “In the Family Way” and “Let- convention2018.