March 2016 FFRF, Abbott Go ‘Toe-To-Toe’ in New Lawsuit the Freedom from Religion Foundation Is Ready to Go “Toe-To-Toe” with Texas Gov

Vol. 33 No. 2 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. March 2016 FFRF, Abbott go ‘toe-to-toe’ in new lawsuit The Freedom From Religion Foundation is ready to go “toe-to-toe” with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. FFRF will soon be filing a federal lawsuit over Ab- bott’s removal of FFRF’s duly approved Bill of Rights display from the Texas State Capitol late last year. Abbott had previously said that Texas has the “muscle and firepower to go toe-to-toe” with groups such as FFRF, who try to “bully governmental bodies.” Despite allowing a Christian nativity scene in the Capitol, Abbott forced FFRF’s solstice display to be taken down only three days af- Andrew Seidel photo ter it had been erected on Dec. 18. Think spring! The whimsical ex- As winter gives way to spring, flowers help brighten the new lobby of the Freedom From Religion hibit, designed by artist Lauryn Seering photo Foundation office in Madison, Wis. Jake Fortin, commemo- FFRF’s Bill of Rights “na- rates the “birth” of the tivity” display. Bill of Rights, depicting the Founding Fathers and the Statue of Liberty crowded adoringly around a manger scene contain- Earn a freethought badge ing the constitutional document. FFRF and Staff Attorney Sam Grover, with the help The Freedom From Religion Foundation is un- that “Any boy may join.” After of Texas state Rep. Donna Howard and Austin FFRF veiling a badge to reward freethinking youths and to boys attend the recruitment and member Arturo de Lozanne, obtained a permit last challenge the Boy Scouts of America’s discrimination are excited to join, parents are summer for the December display. Also approved against the nonreligious. The badge, based on the belatedly informed they must sign was an explanatory Winter Solstice sign promoting Dawkins’ “A,” is cosponsored by the Richard Dawkins BSA’s Declaration of Religious state/church separation, which pointed out that the Foundation for Reason and Science. Sentiments. Bill of Rights was adopted on Dec. 15, 1791. BSA has come under fire by FFRF and many non- BSA formally discriminates Abbott, who chairs the Texas State Preservation religious parents for four decades for recruiting against nonreligious boys and their families, officially Board that approves Capitol displays, sent a letter through and meeting in public schools, advertising Continued on page 23 Dec. 21 to the co-defendant John Sneed, the board’s Continued on page 23 Inside This Issue 2015 member survey FFRF’s engaged membership Candidates respond The typical member of the Freedom FFRF has always billed itself as a raised in some form of Protestantism. to secular From Religion Foundation is a recently freethought umbrella, with no label re- More surprising, 29% were brought questions retired male who has at least one de- quired as a litmus test. However, when up Roman Catholic. Although about page 5 gree, who votes (usually as an indepen- asked which term best describes your a quarter of the U.S. population tra- dent), thought his own way out of a freethought views, almost 84% of FFRF ditionally has been Catholic, there’s religious background and overwhelm- members picked “atheist.” “Agnostic” been such a sharp drop-off that today ingly supports reproductive and wom- came in at 8% and another 8% prefer Catholics make up only one-fifth of the Religion deadly en’s rights. another term, such as reasonist, non- U.S. population. By the way, that puts for sick children FFRF sent out a membership survey believer or humanist. “Nones” (those 24% who indicate they page 10 in late May 2015 to its 21,000 mem- A vast majority of FFRF members are nonreligious) above Catholics! Pew bers (FFRF has since added an addi- grew up in a religious home (55%) or Research surveys also show more than tional 2,500 members). More than a where at least one parent was religious one in six Catholics today leaves the third (nearly 8,000) of you responded (31% “mixed”). A mere 14% came church, with nearly 13% of all Ameri- — which is statistically impressive. Of- from a freethought home. That nearly cans describing themselves as “former fered the choice to fill out the survey a third of you come from homes where Catholics.” The fight online or on paper, most chose to fill one parent was nonreligious shows the Almost 9% of you come from a Jew- to create a out and return the paper question- value of cognitive dissonance. Not sur- ish background, also disproportionate secular club naire. Our hardworking administra- prisingly, given the above results, 77% to the 1.8% in the general popula- page 14 tive staff, which entered thousands of of you term yourself a first-generation tion. About 13% of you chose “Other.” those surveys, just finished that project freethinker, 17% second generation. (This category was skewed by the fact at year’s end. Now we are sharing those Only 5% are third generation or more. that many of these answers simply not- statistically relevant results with you. A plurality (48%) of members were Continued on back page Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016

Meet a legal fellow

Name: Ryan David Jayne. and do any other lawyerly tasks that Where and when I was born: Wauke- come up. I specialize in faith-based sha, Wis., on Oct. 23, 1984. funding issues, and in 2015 I coordi- Education: I attended public school nated FFRF’s Winter Solstice displays. in Waukesha through high school, When I can find time, I bang a bit on studied philosophy at the University the Diane Uhl Concert Grand Steinway of Wisconsin-Milwaukee during my piano on the fourth floor. undergrad years, then attended law What I like best about it: I get partic- school at Lewis & Clark in Portland, ularly excited about stopping endorse- Ore. ments of religion in public schools Family: I’m married to my best because I think that can have tremen- friend Colleen, who is a high school dous long-term effects. It’s crucial that science teacher. We are expecting our our youth rise above the myths and first child, a daughter, in May. My older superstitions of their parents’ genera- brother Ben is an occupational thera- tion, and the first step in that endeavor pist in Los Angeles, and my younger is dispelling the illusion in students’ brother Collin is an attorney in Las Ve- minds that religiosity is ubiquitous in gas. My parents, Brian and Darci, are our society. happily retired and live in rural eastern What gets old about it: Sometimes Wisconsin. They spend most of their we have to comb through hundreds of time gardening, watching birds and pages of public records to determine making music. if the government is breaking the law, How I came to work at FFRF: My which can get pretty tiring. student group at Lewis & Clark invit- I spend a lot of time thinking about: Lauryn Seering photo ed Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel to Legal strategies to combat recalcitrant FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne is preparing to be a father for the first time. our law school to give a presentation government actors. in 2014. After that initial connection, I spend little if any time thinking real things to talk about. Things I like: Chess, music, cats and I did a one-semester externship in the about: Celebrity gossip. My doubts about religion started: As food. spring of 2015, and was offered a legal My religious upbringing was: soon as I started to hear details about Things I smite: Lazy thinking and fellowship when the externship ended. Non-existent. My parents are free- religion from my classmates, probably sloppy writing. What I do here: I write letters of thinkers who just never brought up around first grade. I assumed no one In my golden years: I hope to play in complaint, participate in litigation, religion because there were plenty of really believed any of it. chess tournaments all over the world. Overheard FFRF welcomes 2 ‘After-Lifers,’ 10 Religiosity in a candidate is too often 19th century, Robert Ingersoll, aka all tied together. Lifetime Members a substitute for actually laying out poli- “The Great Agnostic,” was the nation’s Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders cies voters are concerned about. most outspoken atheist and a leading Washington Post, 1-27-16 The Freedom From Religion Foun- Alec Loftus, PR consultant, op-ed, Republican, a combination unlikely dation is delighted to welcome two “Young voters with no religion grow in today. “God bless America” new “After-Life” Members: Thomas S. influence” Columnist George Will has become the stan- Platt and Halina P. Platt. The Capital Times, 12-29-15 NY Post, 1-3-16 dard ending of every FFRF also thanks its 10 newest Life- major political speech. time Members: Brad DuPree, James The week I left home, one of my he- If anyone is going to be the poster child Just once in my life, I (Jim) Fishkin (a gift from After-Life roes in the struggle for women’s repro- for anti-gay bigotry, [Alabama Chief would like the chance Member Paul Fishkin), David Gregory, ductive freedom died. Anne Gaylor, Justice Roy] Moore is determined it to vote for a presiden- Jason Kendrick, Lew Laird, Dr. Peter a great American visionary and freewill be him, not [Kim Davis]. And that tial candidate who G. Roode, Dr. Willys K. Silvers, Rhea thinker, quietly helped thousands of it will be Alabama, not Kentucky, that is ends his or her appeals with Thomas Talley, Walter van Woudenberg and women get safe abortions before Roe condemned by future generations. Paine’s observation that “the most for- James Owen Yerks. v. Wade became the law of the land. Editorial, “Roy Moore is delusional midable weapon against errors of every States represented are Arizona, Cal- What began as a living room telephone about Roy Moore” kind is Reason.” ifornia, Colorado, Connecticut, Flor- support, education, and referral ser- Birmingham News, 1-8-16 Op-ed by author and freethinker Susan ida, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, vice connecting women and abortion Jacoby Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. providers in New York and Mexico Accused of hating Muslims. No I JOIN The New York Times, 2-7-16 Individual Lifetime Memberships grew into America’s first private donor the many decent Muslims who hate mi- are $1,000 designated for membership fund dedicated to helping women pay sogyny, killing gays & apostates, ston- If we’re serious about freedom of reli- or membership renewal, mean never for abortions. Anne’s work in repro- ing, beheading, child marriage. gion . . . we have to understand an at- another renewal notice, and large- ductive freedom caused her to go on Richard Dawkins, responding to accu- tack on one faith is an attack on all our ly go into “rainy day” reserves. The to found the Freedom From Religion sations of Islamophobia because of his faiths,. And when any religious group tongue-in-cheek category of After-Life Foundation. continued criticism of Islam is targeted, we all have a responsibility Membership is $5,000 per individual, Ingrid Andersson, homebirth midwife Twitter.com, 1-14-16 to speak up. And we have to reject a and is for the kind donor who wishes and nurse, “Welcome to Sweden” politics that seeks to manipulate prej- a membership to “live after.” All dues The Progressive magazine, 12-4-2015 I am not actively involved with orga- udice or bias, and targets people be- and donations to FFRF are deductible nized religion. I think everyone because of religion. for income-tax purposes. Given the pandemic distaste for to- lieves in God in their own ways. To me, President Barack Obama, speaking at a We’re grateful to James, Walter, day’s politics, it is consoling to remem- it means that all of us are connected, Baltimore mosque Rhea, Willys, Peter, Lew, Jason, David, ber that things change. In the late all of life is connected, and that we are MSNBC, 2-4-16 Paul, Brad, Halina and Thomas!

Freethought Today A Note to Members Notify Us of Your published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. Your address label shows the expiration ADDRESS CHANGE [email protected] • FFRF.org date of your membership in FFRF, which P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 includes your subscription to Freethought Promptly! Today and “Private Line.” If it says March or (608)256-8900 • FAX (608)204-0422 EMAIL [email protected] Editor: PJ Slinger, [email protected] earlier please renew! Your prompt renewal ($40-single membership; $50-household; Production Editor: Jake Swenson Don’t miss a single issue! If you $100 gung-ho; $250-sustaining) saves us move, notify us directly and Executive Editor: Annie Laurie Gaylor time and postage, and is tax-deductible. promptly. The Post O ce does Contributors: Freethought Today is published 10 times not forward third-class mail. Philip Appleman, Dan Barker, Bill Dunn, Kevin M. Kruse, a year, with combined issues in January/ FFRF cannot be responsible for Ingrid Laas, Lee Salisbury, Justin Scott, Lauryn Seering, February and June/July. replacing back issues if we have Andrew Seidel, Thomas Sheedy, Rita Swan, Maddy Ziegler not been notiﬁ ed prior to your March 2016 Send membership or renewal to: move. Back issues, while they last, The only freethought newspaper in the United States FFRF • P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 rf.org/donate may be ordered for $2 each. March 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3 Making a Murderer: God of the bible

By PJ Slinger GOD: The Most Unpleasant Char- acter in All Fiction By Dan Barker Sterling Publishing, New York Think of any fiction book you’ve Hardback with dust jacket read, any fictional movie you’ve seen, February 2016 any tall tale you’ve heard. Now think about the worst character from any of show just how much of a miscreant the those. Christian God is. But that isn’t all. No matter who or what you think of, In Part II, “Dawkins Was Too Kind,” Dan Barker knows of one who is worse. Barker tells of other evil traits of God. God. Specifically, the God of the bible. “Richard’s 19 denunciations are cer- Barker, co-president of FFRF, has tainly more than enough to demon- taken a sentence from Richard Daw- strate the downright depravity of the kins’ book The God Delusion and, at Lord Jealous, but he overlooked a Dawkins’ request, expounded on it in few more,” Barker writes in the in- his new book, GOD: The Most Unpleas- troduction. “He forgot to mention ant Character in All Fiction. that the God of the Old Testament is The first sentence of Chapter 2 of also a pyromaniacal, angry, merciless, The God Delusion says that the God of curse-hurling, vaccicidal, aborticidal, the Old Testament is “arguably the cannibalistic slavemonger.” Andrew Seidel photo most unpleasant character in all fic- Dan Barker shows off a copy of his latest book, GOD: The Most Unpleasant Char- And for those who might try to tion.” Dawkins says this sentence has acter in All Fiction, and one of FFRF’s bus signs. make the case that God is real, and not been the most heavily criticized line a fictional character, then God would he has ever written. But Barker goes simply read the bible for yourself.” 19 of God’s character traits, which, “if easily become No. 1 villain on the list a step further and even removes the As Dawkins writes in the book’s they were all combined in a single fic- of all nonfiction figures, beating out “arguably.” foreword, “Even a cursory look at the tional villain, would strain the reader’s such monstrous people as Adolph Hit- Believers point to the bible as a bible should be enough to convince a credulity to the point of ridicule. ler, Attila the Hun, Pol Pot, Osama bin place to find love, compassion and un- reasonable person that it’s the very last “Certifiable psychopaths apart, no Laden, Vlad the Impaler and Joseph derstanding from God. But, as Barker document you should thrust in front of real human individual is quite so irre- Stalin. You’re better off sticking with shows, much of the bible shows a com- someone if you want to convince them deemably nasty as to combine all of the fiction. pletely different character. of the love of God.” following: ‘jealous and proud of it; a You may purchase signed copies of “God: “If you have never read the bible, In one of the reviews for the book, petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fic- you might like to know what is in it,” he author, noted cognitive scientist, and a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleans- tion” directly from FFRF for $23 postpaid. writes in the introduction. “If you are a FFRF Honorary President Steven Pink- er; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, Note: Dan is contributing his royalties for believer, you should be happy to see us er writes, “With a twinkle that belies infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pesti- every book sold by FFRF, so your order rais- promoting bible reading. As a former the canard that atheists are ‘strident’ lential, megalomaniacal, sadomasoch- es funds for a good cause — FFRF! If you clergyman, let me offer some counsel: and ‘militant,’ Dan Barker cheerfully istic, capriciously malevolent bully.’ ” want your autograph personalized, please Don’t take the word of your pastor, rab- refutes the common claim that moral- In Part I of the book, “Dawkins Was provide the name(s). You may order online bi, or priest. My hope is that you will do ity comes from the God of the bible.” Right,” Barker takes each of those 19 at ffrf.org/shop or send your order via check what Richard Dawkins has done and In The God Delusion, Dawkins lists traits and finds verses in the bible to to FFRF, PO Box 750, Madison, WI 53701. Jesus’ sacrifice . . . what sacrifice? By Lee Salisbury Son of man must suffer many things, tion of hell and permanent death. The and be rejected of the elders, and of morning after the crucifixion, the bi- the chief priests, and scribes and be ble says the grave was empty. What hap- killed, and after three days rise again” pened to “after three days rise again” Suppose there was a penniless, (Mark 8:31). Jesus foretold these events (Mark 8:31)? Jesus’ time being dead homeless man begging for money. on several occasions! was amazingly brief, maybe a couple Then a wealthy person, knowing the This Messianic prophesy — “For of hours. After some appearances with poor man’s condition, sold everything thou will not leave my soul to Sheol; his disciples, on the Day of Pentecost, he owned and gave it all to the beggar. Neither will thou suffer thy holy one to he ascended to heaven. As in the ear- Wouldn’t we all say, “Wow! What a see corruption” (Psalm 16:10) — clear- lier story, Jesus’ alleged sacrifice won sacrifice!”? Doesn’t such a sacrifice ly meant Jesus would not “see corrup- him the lottery exactly as planned and bring tears to our eyes? tion” (i. e., not die with the same con- was guaranteed well in advance by the However, what if the rich man made sequence as a normal human). omnipotent triune God, of which Jesus an arrangement before he sold all his Revelation 13:8 speaks of Jesus as was a divine member. assets? The rich man, being of consid- “the Lamb slain from the foundation There is no dispute that Jesus’ sac- erable influence, coerced his friend of the world.” According to the suppos- rificial crucifixion is the centerpiece who runs the lottery to rig it so that the Lee Salisbury edly inerrant word of God, Jesus’ death of Christian theology. That story is so rich man would win. And, indeed, the was planned by the Godhead’s Trinity sacred to believers, one dares not ques- rich man won the $500 million lottery. was brought before the Roman Prefect Committee “before the foundation of tion its validity. Unfortunately, those Now, knowing the behind-the-scenes Pontius Pilate, who held a phony trial the world.” so desperate for an imagined life after maneuvering, what do you think of the based on trumped-up charges. Jesus Such a deal! Who wouldn’t accept a death cannot reason sufficiently to ask rich man’s sacrifice? Do you really think was spat upon, whipped and beaten. few hours of pain and suffering in ex- the most fundamental question: Apart he would have sacrificed all his wealth A crown of thorns was impaled upon change for the promised resurrection from a couple of painful hours on Fri- without the foreknowledge that guar- his head. The ungrateful Jews yelled to rule and reign for eternity at God’s day, did Jesus really sacrifice anything? anteed his lottery winnings? Should “Crucify him, crucify him!” They bru- right hand? Jesus’ reward makes the Like Jesus’ failed second coming, he be venerated and admired for his tally nailed Jesus to a cross. As he hung rich man’s $500 million lottery win- Christianity’s theological centerpiece sacrifice so another could be rich? Was there, a spear was thrust into his ribs. nings look like chump change. is simply and demonstratively false. It his act really a genuine sacrifice, or was They gave Jesus vinegar and mocked If Jesus’ sacrifice as the Lamb of God might more accurately be called the it just a clever ploy to capture our ad- him. Finally, Jesus died. had been a genuine sacrifice, wouldn’t “sacrificial cruci-fiction.” As in every re- miration and praise while winning the Again, we’d be prone to say, “Wow! he have experienced permanent death ligion, Christianity’s savior-god and the greater prize of $500 million? What a sacrifice!” But was this real- like the sacrificial lambs that foreshad- promise of life after death is devoid of Have you ever heard of any other ly a genuine sacrifice, or was there owed him? Wouldn’t he have died and integrity. Its success depends solely on sacrifice story that parallels this quality some behind-the-scenes manipulation gone to hell for eternity, just like the human fear and gullibility that we hu- of sacrifice? Of course you have! whereby Jesus not only had foreknowl- sinners for whom he was the sacrifice? mans sadly possess in great abundance. We’ve all read or heard the story edge of his crucifixion and death, but Sacrifice? What sacrifice? Jesus did of Jesus of Nazareth and his death on was guaranteed a resurrection and as- not meet any requirements for a genu- For 20 years, FFRF member Lee Salis- the cross, sacrificing himself for all cension to heaven? Jesus must have ine substitutionary sacrifice. bury was a fervent Christian, spending four the sinners of the world. Jesus walked thought so, because he, along with Even assuming the bible is the in- years as a bible school teacher and 10 years throughout Judea doing good, healing numerous scriptures, foretold these errant word of God and the Jesus sto- as founding pastor of a non-denomination- the sick and casting out demons, and events well in advance. ry is historically factual, Jesus did not al church in St. Paul, Minn. After taking a so the jealous scribes and Pharisees For example, in the Gospel of Mark, sacrifice his life. Instead, Jesus selfishly sabbatical in 1986, Lee’s slow and painful connived a scheme against Jesus. He Jesus “began to teach them that the kept his life, side-stepping the corrup- deconversion process began. Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016

Heads Up Meet a member A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman WILL More or less sound of mind and memory, I venture this testament.

1 To the poets, in the perfect pitch of your dangerous music, I bequeath the fiber of quench and gravel, slush and splinter, ratchet, forage, and fizz. And though you will face the welter of blizzard, tussle, and brawl, the scud of umbrage, rankle, and jeer, I leave you the spell of periwinkle, condor, daffodil, velvet, trickle, rapture, and pine. Even in the wasteland of writer’s block Douglas Schiebel relaxes at Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park, Wash. and the quicksand of murderous deadlines, Name: Douglas Schiebel. had a brief lapse into wishful thinking you will find them sprouting up Where I live: Port Ludlow, Wash. in the context of the civil rights move- somewhere in the sunshine: impudent, racy, Family: Married 54 years to Carolyn. ment and the nuclear brinkmanship of We have two adult children and three the Cold War. I entertained the hope passionate, irresistible. grandkids. that belief in a loving god, whether Gather them in Education: Ph.D. from the Universi- valid or not, might persuade people ty of Michigan. to treat each other more kindly and to with pleasure. Occupation: Clinical psychologist. avoid incinerating the whole world in Military: Civilian guard, U.S. Army, a conflagration of mutual assured de- 2 Germany. struction. The shrill advent of the evan- To the lovers, in the blooming How I got where I am today: I was gelical Religious Right a few years later born in a rural hamlet in the foot- promptly extinguished this budding of each new moment, I hereby bequeath hills of the Bavarian Alps and grew fantasy in my mind. a lifetime of honor and cherish. up during the Nazi era in Germany. I Where I am headed: To oblivion entered grade school in the provincial upon my death. But I will savor my I endow you with a glimpse of forsythia, town of Sonthofen and went on to pass remaining time on Earth with all the the shimmer of silk on a chair back, the high school “Abitur” examination gusto and intellectual excitement I am the smell of bakeries at sunrise, in Oberstdorf, the southern terminus capable of. of the country’s railway system. Com- Person in history I admire: Martin the secrets of sparrows. muting there involved the train mak- Luther King Jr., for establishing nonvi- And because there will be detours and chuckholes, ing unscheduled stops in wooded areas olent resistance to evil as an effective to hide from strafing runs by maraud- tool for social change. fields of nettles, and weeks of freezing rain, ing Allied planes during the war. Quotation I like: Richard Dawkins I leave you my vested interest I went to work as a paramilitary civil- (paraphrased): We who are fated to in maple trees, jonquils, coral, and amber, ian guard for the U.S. Army after high die are the lucky ones, considering the school graduation, prior to immigrat- myriad of potential human beings who the flavor of raspberries, a taste of skin, ing to the United States. I have been were never born to see the world. and yells of joy in troubled skies— here since. These are a few of my favorite My religious indoctrination began things: Balmy summer days in the Pa- all of it for worse, with the Roman Catholic baptism cus- cific Northwest. Visiting national park for better. tomary in my native region, including lodges. Strolling on an ocean beach. a stint as an altar boy. I knew the Lat- Hot (and cold) running water. In witness whereof, this day in Mass with its repetitive “mea culpa, These are not: Empty ritual, espe- mea culpa, mea maxima culpa” by cially of a religious type. Belligerent I set my hand— heart. I grew tired of its drumbeat of nationalism. Moralism. and hope. guilt induction before too long, how- My doubts about religion started: ever, and decided to skip out on the When I heard about the medieval tor- mandatory periodic “cleansing” of my tures of the Inquisition and the burn- © Philip Appleman. soul in front of unctuous priests in the ing of live human beings at the stake From the book New and Selected Poems, 1956–1996. confessional booth. I was on my way “to save their souls.” to becoming a secular humanist. I de- Before I die: I would like to see the cided that morality is best viewed as a freethought movement continue to matter of avoiding harm to others (or decimate the religious mindset. Philip Appleman is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Indiana oneself), rather than obeisance to the Ways I promote freethought: I take Univer sity. His published volumes of poetry include Perfidious Prov- dictates of a possibly sadistic deity. my atheism out of the closet in front of erbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look at the Bible (2012), Dar- While remaining true to my human- family and friends. win’s Ark (new 2009 edition) and Karma, Dharma, Pudding & Pie istic convictions, I must allow that I (2009). His nonfiction work includes the widely used Norton Critical Edition, Darwin, and the Norton Critical Edition of Malthus’ Essay on Population. His newest book is The Labyrinth: God, Darwin and the Meaning of Life. His poetry and fiction have won many awards, RECRUIT A MEMBER including a fellowship in poetry from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award from the Poetry Society of America, sample copies for $2 the Humanist Arts Award from the American Humanist Association and the Friend of Send $2 with the name and address of each person you Darwin Award from the National Center for Science Education. His work has appeared in Harper’s Magazine, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, The Paris wish to receive a sample copy of Freethought Today to: Review, Partisan Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review. FFRF • P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 (Please specify whether the individual is a freethinker.) He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both “After-Life” Members of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Phil’s books: ffrf.org/shop. Freedom depends upon freethinkers March 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5 Candidates respond to secular questions

By PJ Slinger viewed more than 10 million times on dles to get right up in the front row at Rubio’s site. The extensive media cov- each event and have just been able to Justin Scott is making a name for erage Scott has received includes the raise my hand and ask whatever ques- himself among freethinkers and pres- Washington Post, Time, Fox News, tion I wanted.” idential candidates alike. ABC News, Associated Press. (View Scott, who is also a member of the Scott, an FFRF member from Man- Scott’s Q&As yourself at goo.gl/US0LcN. Iowa Coalition of Reason, is encour- chester, Iowa, has been able to ask Listen to Freethought Radio’s inter- aging other freethinkers around the almost every presidential candidate view with Scott at ffrf.org/radio.) country to follow his lead. about their thoughts on state/church “It’s a very exhilarating feeling to “I really feel it’s important that I do separation issues or on secular values. stand in front of someone that might my part to help change the perception Scott has used his camera phone to become the next president of the of what an atheist looks like,” he said. take videos of his questions and re- United States and, for a few minutes, “If an FFRF member wants to contact sponses from the candidates, who were have them focus entirely on a question me with advice on how to best go about campaigning in Iowa prior to the Iowa about secular values like the separation this, my email is iowaatheist247@gmail. caucus. of church and state,” Scott said. Justin Scott takes a photo with Donald com. I welcome any and all questions The only candidates who refused to He added that when he first intro- Trump during one of Trump’s visits to and would like to connect with as many answer Scott’s questions were Donald duces himself to the candidate, the Iowa prior to the caucus. FFRF members as I can! Together we Trump and Rand Paul. “At least The people in the crowd have a definite can make a difference and do our part Donald signed an autograph for me, reaction. able to ask candidates about secular to help normalize atheism and what it thanked me for coming, and told me “Usually it’s the gasps, blank stares, and state/church separation issues has is to be a non-believer in the USA.” to take care as he walked away from whispers that I get when I start off the been more than he could have hoped. Below are the responses (edited for me,” Scott said. question by stating, ‘Hi! I’m an atheist.’ “I’m not so much surprised by the print) by the presidential candidates Scott’s videos have been viewed mil- It’s as if I had just opened up with, ‘Hi! [candidates’] responses but surprised from questions by Scott. (FFRF is non- lions of times via various news outlets I’m an alien from another galaxy.’” by how easy it has been to get this type partisan and does not endorse or op- and presidential campaign websites. In Scott says that even though he is a of access to them as a voter,” he said. “I pose any candidate for office.) fact, his video of Marco Rubio has been self-described “political junkie,” being haven’t had to jump through any hur-

Chris Christie I believe that God is an important part of Marco Rubio Jeb Bush what this country is all about. But what I also know [is] that the great thing about America is This nation was founded on the principle everybody gets to believe what they want to be- Here’s the challenge. I’m a person of faith. that our rights come from our creator. If there’s lieve. As long as they’re not trying to impose it And I respect the fact that you’re not. And you no creator, then where did your rights come upon me, they can believe what they want to have protections under the law just as I do. Carly Fiorina from? And so that’s why it’s important for us to believe. And as long as they’re not committing And a big tolerant nation ought to be able understand that. We’re gonna protect the right violent acts to try and forward their point of view, to say, for example, let’s take the issue of gay You’re free to believe whatever you’d like in of Americans to continue to believe that. We’re go ahead and believe what you want to believe. marriage…if you walk into a bakery and you’re this country. So if you’re an atheist, good for you. also gonna have a country where no one is Teach within your family what you want to teach. gay, and you say “I want to buy that cake.’ A I happen to be a Christian. I happen to believe forced to violate their conscience. Which means person whose faith suggests that is a sin, by law that our Christian values help me as a leader no one’s going to force you to believe in God. has to sell that cake. But if you walked into that because they make me humble and empathetic But no one’s gonna force me to stop talking same store and said ‘I want you to participate in and optimistic. And I think all of those qualities about God. my marriage with my companion,’ you ought to are vital in leadership. I’m more interested in eternity, and the abil- have the right, based on religious conscience, No one is coercing you in any way. However, ity to live forever with my creator. That’s what to say no. There’s a difference. We need to sort many Christians are being coerced not to prac- I aspire to more than anything else. I believe this out. tice their religion. So religious liberty is under that God, our creator, became a man, and he You cannot discriminate housing, employ- assault in this country. When our federal gov- came down to Earth and lived among us, suf- ment, retail, you can’t discriminate. That’s how ernment is suing the Little Sisters of the Poor in fered like a man would. Emotions. Physical suf- our laws work and that’s the way it should work. the Supreme Court, denying them their ability to fering. Emotional suffering. Pain. Illness. Sick- But people of faith ought to be able to act on practice their religion, that’s a problem. ness. Sadness. And then he died. And he died their faith outside of their churches and outside to remove sins that we couldn’t remove up to of their homes. . . I worry more now, frankly, that point. They could only be covered but they about the loss of religious freedom than I do couldn’t be removed. And, as a result, I now about the other side of this. We should be re- have the free gift of the opportunity to live for- spectful of both. ever with my creator. And I believe that passion- Hillary Clinton ately, and it influences every aspect of my life.

I think we’ve gotta stick with our founding principles, separation between church and state. And remember: It was done in the beginning mostly to protect religion from the state. So we need to stick…we need to stick with what has worked.

Ben Carson John Kasich In life, there’s a window of opportunity. I First of all, everybody, including atheists, live happen to believe there is a higher power, and according to their faith. It’s just what they decide the reason I believe it is because, well, I kinda Bernie Sanders to put their faith in. And everybody’s [actions] are Ted Cruz felt it as a kid. And then when my parents were ruled by their faith. Now, in my case, you know, killed in 1987 by a drunk driver, I think the Lord Religious freedom in this country is part of I have strong faith in God and I live by godly We’re seeing our constitutional rights un- rescued me. But it only happened when some- our Constitution, and all of us agree with that. principles: loving your fellow man, caring about der assault every day, whether it’s free speech, body said ‘You’ve got a window of opportunity And you have many different religions, and peo- your neighbor, developing your God-given tal- which for atheists is particularly important. because of your pain. I would suggest you go ple have the right, in this country, to practice the ents to the utmost so that you become valuable Whether it’s religious liberty, which atheists through it and check it out because eternity lasts religion that they believe in. to the people around you… and that’s going to have a right as well to not believe. Whether it’s a long time.’ And so, for me, 1987 was — 13 and But we also have a separation between dictate how I treat everybody. Fortunately, our the Second Amendment or the privacy of the 16, that’s 29 years ago — and I’ve been working religion and state. We know how dangerous Constitution, which is the supreme law of our 10th Amendment. I’ve spent my whole life fight- at this every day. it is, historically, for governments to get deep- land, was designed by men of faith. And it has a ing to defend the Bill of Rights and Constitution, And I’m not a believer because I need a rab- ly involved with religion. Let’s not confuse and Judeo-Christian foundation. Therefore, there is and as president, every day I will defend the Bill bit’s foot or a lucky buckeye. I believe it because merge religion and state. That is not what our no conflict there. So it is not a problem. of Rights and Constitution for every American. I’ve actually looked at the evidence. Founding Fathers wanted, and they were right. Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016 Some unknown soldiers get crosses on graves

For more than two years, FFRF has ers since 1973, to ensure the gravesites been objecting to the use of religious at NMCP or elsewhere are appropri- iconography to mark the graves of the ately marked,” Wada wrote. unknown soldiers at the National Me- “It’s an interesting program and morial Cemetery of the Pacific, also we applaud the military’s attempt to called the Punchbowl. identify these heroes,” said FFRF Staff “Why are some Unknowns buried in Attorney Andrew Seidel, who’s been the Punchbowl marked with the Latin working the case for a long time. cross while others are not?” FFRF Staff While “The Department of the Army Attorney Andrew Seidel asked in the will not initiate any action to replace 12NewsNow.com original letter to the secretary of Vet- the headstones of Unknowns marked The Texas Supreme Court said that cheerleaders can continue with their lawsuit erans Affairs. with the Latin cross in the NMCP at over displaying banners such as this one at sporting events after the Kountze Twenty-eight months later, after this time,” this is progress of a kind. School District in Texas restricted their use. about a dozen correspondences be- Wada also claimed, “It is appar- tween FFRF and the military, Debra S. ent that, over time, the Latin cross Wada, assistant secretary of the Army, has developed a secular meaning as a Court: Suit over religious finally responded. The Department of commemorative symbol of sacrifice in the Army is trying to identify unknown wartime.” soldiers from WWII, and a project “Wada is absolutely wrong about the banners can move ahead is under way to disinter and identify secular meaning of a Christian cross,” The Texas Supreme Court ruled on can be against us? Romans 8:31.” those unknowns associated with the said Seidel, “and no court would agree Jan. 29 that cheerleaders may continue After the school temporarily re- USS Oklahoma and other unknowns. with her, but we are happy that some their suit against the Kountze Indepen- stricted the religious banners, the “In those cases where Unknowns are action is being take to identify and dent School District over their regular cheerleaders filed suit seeking a court identified, the DoD will work with the more appropriately memorialize those practice of displaying biblical banners order that they had a right under Texas DoVA, which has provided the govern- who sacrificed all.” at football games. law to promote religion on banners on ment-furnished headstones and mark- The court remanded the case back the football field. Then-Gov. Rick Per- to the court of appeals. Although the ry also championed the cheerleaders. evangelical Liberty Institute is touting The school district changed course im- the decision, the court did not address mediately and began allowing them to the underlying speech claim, merely be displayed. declaring that the cheerleader case was If a current student or teacher at the not moot. school sought to challenge the ban- The case began after FFRF filed a ners under the Establishment Clause, complaint with the school district in they, along with FFRF, could still file a 2012 over proselytizing banners held separate legal challenge, offered FFRF up by the cheerleaders as football play- Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. She ers ran through them to open games. called the biblical banners “so patently The banners had such messages as: inappropriate at a public school that “But thanks be to God which gives us should welcome and include everyone, Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. including nonreligious and non-Chris- 1 Cor 15:57,” and “If God is for us, who tian students and fans.” Life is for the living This 10-by-30-foot billboard was purchased by Wayne Hensler, a Wisconsin Af- ter-life FFRF member, as “a legacy for my grandchildren.” It was up at the end Obama invited to Reason Rally of the year in Janesville, Wis. Since 2010, Hensler has paid to have the message On the day President Obama spoke from the Office of the President would placed several times throughout Wisconsin. He’s expressed the hope that other at the National Prayer Breakfast, FFRF demonstrate that freethinkers, athe- FFRF members might be “inspired” to place similar messages in their areas on sent a letter to the president inviting ists, agnostics, secular humanists and behalf of FFRF. The colorful billboard has a stained-glass window theme, which is FFRF’s signature billboard look, first debuting in Wisconsin in late 2007 with him to attend and speak at the Rea- rationalists are accepted citizens.” the slogans “Imagine No Religion” and “Beware of Dogma.” son Rally on June 4 at the Lincoln “By showing up on June 4 . . . and Memorial. addressing nonbelieving Americans, “It is laudable for the President to you can send a signal that the mar- embrace citizens of all colors and reli- ginalization of a quarter of the U.S. gious viewpoints as being part of ‘one population is unacceptable,” the let- Abbott backs crosses on vehicles American family’ and to caution citi- ter continues. “Please use your ‘bully Texas Gov. Greg Abbott submitted a sonal vehicle, but over the department zens not to be ‘bystanders to bigotry,’ ” pulpit’ to help erase harmful attitudes legal memo to state Attorney General officially aligning itself and its officers wrote FFRF Co-Presidents Annie Lau- toward the nonreligious minority in Ken Paxton on Thursday erroneously with religion, in this case Christianity. rie Gaylor and Dan Barker in the letter the United States, as you have done for insisting that Christian crosses may be Such governmental speech and ac- to the president, sent out on Feb. 4. religious minorities. Please address the legally displayed on sheriffs’ vehicles. tion sends a chilling message that the “But there is one U.S. minority that has Reason Rally on June 4 or speak at our The governor is interfering in a con- department itself enforces Christian been consistently excluded from such auditorium in Freethought Hall (our troversy resulting from the Freedom doctrine, instead of civil law, and fur- notice: nonreligious Americans. We re- offices) any time. We look forward to From Religion Foundation’s official ther signals that Christian citizens are spectfully invite you, in your final year your reply.” complaint letter about this unconstitu- the insiders, while non-Christians and in office, to do something no Amer- See page 24 for more on the 2016 tional practice by the Brewster County nonbelievers are outsiders. ican president has ever done: reach Reason Rally. Sheriff’s Office, which recently added The absence of religious symbols out to secular America. Such attention Latin crosses to its patrol cars. from official sheriff vehicles would Government officials such as Ab- not, contrary to Abbott’s claim, express bott, and sheriffs like those in Brewster “hostility to religion.” Governmental County, took an oath of office to up- neutrality is the appropriate viewpoint. hold the Constitution. But, apparently, A sheriff should not care about the re- they need a reminder that it is an en- ligion of citizens or suspects, but about tirely secular document. The Constitu- enforcing the law evenhandedly and tion does not recognize a god, much protecting citizen rights. less the Christian one, and its only ref- Abbott attempts but fails to recon- erences to religion are exclusionary. cile the government displaying exclu- Abbott is governor of all Texas cit- sively Christian symbols on its property izens, not just Christians. So it’s dis- with the Constitution’s Establishment maying that his brief assumes Brewster Clause. Rather than addressing the County has a Christian “heritage.” Not considerable body of Supreme Court so. Individuals may be religious, but case law condemning religious en- counties have no religion. When pub- dorsement by the government, includ- lic officials use their official capacity to ing by the placement of crosses on promote their personal religion, they governmental property, Abbott mis- are violating the law. FFRF’s complaint characterizes the Supreme Court as was not over an individual sheriff who having an “expansive interpretation of had a personal cross around his neck, the Establishment Clause’s limited and or a sheriff placing a cross on a per- unambiguous test.” March 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7 Mayor cuts off invocation speaker in mid-sentence The mayor of Oak Ridge, Tenn., cut off Aleta Le- dendecker’s secular invocation in mid-sentence prior to the City Council meeting on Jan. 11. FFRF sent a letter to Mayor Warren Gooch and the City Council, protesting the constitutional violation. “The City Council must ensure that your invocation policy does not discriminate against atheists and freethinkers,” FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote. “Additionally, a public apology to Ms. Ledendecker for the City Council’s discriminatory treatment of Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office photo her is clearly warranted.” Tazewell County (Va.) Sheriff Brian Hieatt, second from left, stands with officers next to department vehi- Oak Ridge allows up to three minutes for opening cles adorned with “In God We Trust” stickers. prayers or invocations, but Ledendecker, an FFRF Life Member, was cut off in mid-sentence with more than 30 seconds left. A video recording shows the invocation beginning at 0:0:24, and Ledendecker is FFRF rips Virginia sheriff harshly cut off by the mayor at 0:02:48, two minutes and 24 seconds into her invocation. It is followed immediately by the Pledge of Allegiance. “To our knowledge, the City Council has never over religious statements cut off a religious invocation mid-sentence prior to the expiration of this allotted time,” Jayne wrote. FFRF is taking issue with Tazewell County (Va.) ly “imply a religious test for employment, which is “We are writing to request assurances that the City Sheriff Brian Hieatt, who recently decided to put unconstitutional.” Council will not discriminate against nonreligious “In God We Trust” bumper stickers on county vehi- Ziegler pointed out that court acceptance of “In invocations, or the citizens delivering them, in the cles, declaring, “We want the public to know that we God We Trust” has been based on courts ludicrous- future. We also request that the City Council permit have strong Christian men and women serving their ly claiming the phrase lacks “religious significance.” Ms. Ledendecker the opportunity to present another community.” The sheriff’s admission that his use of the motto is invocation — and allow her three full minutes — at “Our department feels very strongly about having meant to be a mark of the “strong Christian men her earliest convenience. The best solution, however, In God We Trust on our vehicles,” Hieatt said. “We and women” employed by the sheriff’s department is to discontinue invocations at future City Council know there is nothing we can do for our community undercuts any attempt to argue that the “In God We meetings altogether.” without the guidance of our Lord.” Trust” stickers are in any way “nonreligious.” “This is not only bad policy, but very bad man- FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler sent Hieatt “It’s hard to imagine that any non-Christian — ners,” said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. a letter on Jan. 27 in response to complaints from whether atheist, Jewish or Muslim — would feel “Such discrimination and censorship show the harm several Tazewell County citizens. “The United States welcome in this sheriff’s department, with Hieatt so of entangling religious rituals with government.” Supreme Court has held that public officials may openly favoring Christianity and misusing his author- See the complete transcript of Ledendecker’s in- not seek to advance or promote religion,” she wrote. ity to promote religion on the job,” said Dan Barker, vocation on Page 22. Ziegler said that Hieatt’s statements disturbing- FFRF co-president. Satanists get Phoenix to drop council prayer The Phoenix City Council voted 5-4 ten to prayers from all citizens, regard- prayer circle outside after the meeting, tanic Temple asks to lead or 2) censor on Feb. 3 to stop pre-meeting prayers less of their belief, the solution is to not tears in their eyes. the Satanic Temple, thereby opening and move to a moment of silence. The have prayers at all.” Seidel explained The Phoenix City Council’s choice themselves to legal liability. In this case, move comes after FFRF sent a Feb. 1 the law simply: “Government prayers to get rid of prayers appears to be an- the Phoenix City Council fortunately letter backing the Satanic Temple’s bid are an all or none proposition.” other example of “Lucien’s Law.” The decided to go with option #1. to give a prayer before the City Coun- Hundreds filled the seats for the law is named after the Satanic Temple Michelle Shortt, the Satanist who cil’s Feb. 17 meeting. Feb. 3 meeting. Several FFRF members founder Lucien Greaves but the phrase was scheduled to pray, delivered her In that letter, FFRF Staff Attorney testified. The meeting dragged on for was coined by FFRF member and Flori- invocation to the media. FFRF Co-Pres- Andrew Seidel, who’s been working hours with more than 50 citizens giv- da chapter President David Williamson. ident Annie Laurie Gaylor comment- on behalf of Phoenix members to stop ing public comment, some of them Lucien’s Law states that governments ed, “We’re delighted to see that reason prayers in their city since August 2012, shouting in defense of the “one true will either 1) discontinue starting offi- and the Constitution has prevailed in wrote, “If this council is unwilling to lis- God.” A few prayer supporters held a cial sessions with prayer when the Sa- Phoenix.” Reversing course, board to resume prayers After receiving a complaint letter from FFRF, the Okaloosa County School Board in Florida in May 2015 ended the practice of opening with a prayer and went to a moment of silence instead. However, on Jan. 11, the board opted to resume prayer before meetings, according to the Northwest Florida Daily News. “The resolution is put together by following court cases and research on other resolutions,” said board attorney Jeff McInnis. “It’s not a resolution that will advance a particular religion over another.” The Daily News writes, “Before coming to a conclusion, Dr. Lamar White and Melissa Thrush, the two opposing votes, again voiced their concerns for Where’s the ‘report abuse’ button? the resolution, insisting that a moment of silence was FFRF sent a letter reminding the police department in Sneads, Fla., that it needs to remain neutral toward the best course of action.” religion even on social media. FFRF received a local complaint that the official Sneads Police Department “For me, this vote is not about my personal needs,” Facebook page regularly promotes Christianity. Among other religious imagery, the department posted Thrush said. “This vote is about . . . an added burden pictures of Jesus praying, Jesus saving a drowning man with a bible quote, and Jesus looming over a sunset to the superintendent and school board staff and the with commentary by the police department telling viewers to pray. “As a government entity, the Sneads need to establish a budget to effectively address this Police Department cannot endorse Christianity or any other religious faith via social media,” wrote FFRF resolution. This resolution potentially exposes us to Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel. future lawsuits.” Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016

FFRF victory ‘God Bless America’ banner removed By PJ Slinger think straight,” Lane Brant told Okeson. “I just don’t get it. You have A large banner reading “God Bless freedom of speech.” America” has been taken down from “Of course we have no objection to the Pittsburg Post Office in Kansas, religious slogans and symbols on pri- eliciting outrage from many residents vate property,” responded Dan Barker, of the town who don’t understand the co-president of FFRF. “But we think difference between private and gov- Pittsburg residents would be surprised ernment displays of religion. to know that Irving Berlin, who wrote FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler the song ‘God Bless America’ for a originally wrote to the post office on character in a musical, was not himself June 3, 2015, about the unconstitu- religious.” tionality of the banner on government Even U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan- property. The Constitution prohibits sas, weighed in on the removal of the government sponsorship of religious banner, showing her ignorance of the messages, and “United States postal Constitution and the post office’s own regulations prohibit the display of re- regulations. Her statement reads, in ligious materials, other than stamp part, “I find it sad that our local post art, on postal property,” she noted. In office would be forced to bend to the addition, the regulations ban all signs whims of an outside organization, such other than official notices. as the Freedom from Religion Foun- But many residents and others, in- dation. Seeking the removal of this terviewed by several media outlets, patriotic banner is a classic solution made it clear they were upset with the in search of a problem and I urge the post office’s decision. United States Postal Service to rethink After the banner came down, a lo- their decision, as this banner means cal retailer began to distribute “God more than just words to our veterans Bless America” yard signs and banners, and community members.” and ended up handing out more than And Janet Butler, a Pittsburg resi- 1,000 signs and 400 banners. dent, told the Joplin Globe: “It’s ridic- “This is a subject that makes peo- ulous. If someone doesn’t like it, don’t ple angry,” resident Pittsburg resident look at it.” Sarah Gooding photo Cheryl Brooks told Sarah Okeson of But would Butler feel the same Postal employees removed the “God Bless America” banner on the side of the the Joplin Globe. “People have the if there were a sign on a govern- Pittsburg Post Office in Kansas recently. (This photograph is reprinted courtesy right to express how they feel.” ment building that said “Allah Bless of the Pittsburg Morning Sun, which made permission contingent on our quot- “I’m so mad about it I can’t even America”? ing its hashtag #GodBlessPittsburg.)

Good News Club gets ‘In God We Trust’ challenged bad news from FFRF For a second time, FFRF member Good News Club meetings will Michael Newdow is trying to get “In no longer take place during the God We Trust” off our U.S. currency. school day in the Lincoln County Newdow, an attorney and physician, School District in Newport, Ore., filed his latest complaint in Akron, after FFRF got involved in Decem- Ohio, on Jan. 4. In 2013, he, along ber 2015. with FFRF, sued the U.S. Treasury over The Good News Club, an evan- the printing of “In God We Trust” on gelical Christian children’s min- currency. That lawsuit was dismissed istry, was previously allowed to by New York Judge Harold Baer, who meet at several elementary schools ruled the argument was unfounded. during lunch. FFRF Legal Fellow This time, Newdow is planning to Madeline Ziegler informed the su- base his suit on the Religious Freedom Like this dollar bill shows, U.S. currency was free of the “In God We Trust” perintendent, “It is illegal for the Restoration Act (RFRA) rather than motto until the 1950s. district to allow the Good News on the First Amendment protection Club to meet at schools during the from the governmental establishment including 10 members of FFRF (Nancy God We Trust’ on our money,” New- school day.” of religion, as he did in the prior law- Dollard, Marni Huebner-Tiborsky, Hol- dow wrote last year on The Friendly Ziegler pointed to the McCol- suit. The RFRA is what Hobby Lobby ly Huber, Mitch Kahle, Bernie Klein, Atheist blog. “We did fine for the 75 lum Supreme Court case holding used in its successful arguments to get Tracey Martin, Michael Martinez, Sar- years before the phrase was ever used that bible classes in public school out of covering contraception for its ah Maxwell, Dennis Rosenblum, Sam at all, and continued to do fine for were unconstitutional, in which employees. Salerno). the subsequent 102 years before such the court said, “Here not only are But will Newdow’s case stand up in “There is obviously no compelling inscriptions were made mandatory on the state’s tax-supported public court? government interest in having ‘In every coin and currency bill. Similarly, school buildings used for the dis- “I think the case is incredibly power- the vast majority of nations manage to semination of religious doctrines. ful from every aspect,” Newdow wrote function without religious verbiage on The state also affords sectarian in an email response to FFRF. “All we their money.” groups an invaluable aid in that need is two Court of Appeals judges Newdow, in 2004, also sued to have it helps to provide pupils for their willing to uphold the Constitution. Un- “under God” removed from the Pledge religious classes though use of the der the Establishment Clause, we can- of Allegiance. That case made it to the state’s compulsory public school not lose. Supreme Court, although it ruled that machinery. This is not separation “Unfortunately, federal appellate he did not have standing to sue, so the of Church and State.” judges are often willing to ignore the court never tackled the topic itself. On Dec. 15, Superintendent Constitution and come up with cocka- Newdow’s current lawsuit, which is Steve Boynton told Ziegler the mamie excuses to avoid actually follow- 112 pages in length, makes the claim School Board had revised its rules ing the Establishment Clause and do- that the presence of the motto on coins on community use of school dis- ing what the Constitution requires,” he and dollars offers an unfair advantage trict facilities, and would restrict continued. “And, of course, they have to Christians, thus minimizing atheists. access to schools by non-school a lot of Supreme Court precedent be- “Imagine if Christians had to carry groups during school hours. hind them. So this time, we are push- on their body something they disagree FFRF’s parent complainant con- ing the RFRA angle. That’s a statute, with religiously, like ‘Jesus is a lie’ — firmed that Boynton presented not a constitutional command, and, how long do you think that would the changes at the January School to date, every Supreme case heard on stand?” Newdow recently told Think- Board meeting. that statute has come out in favor of Progress. “But atheists are so denigrat- the complainant(s).” Brent Nicastro photo ed in this society that people accept Newdow is joined by 41 plaintiffs, Michael Newdow this without a second thought.” March 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9

FFRF legal victories

FFRF halts prayers by tures with bible quotes lined class- ter receiving a letter from FFRF. The that a teacher invited the Gideons to rooms and hallways. “Courts have portrait showed members of the Con- distribute bibles and speak to students coach in Minnesota continually held that school districts tinental Congress with heads bowed about the book, FFRF Staff Attorney The Albany High School football may not display religious messages or in prayer during a September 1774 Rebecca Markert wrote to the Cannon team in Minnesota will no longer be iconography in public schools,” wrote session. County School District on June 8, 2015. subjected to prayers led by their coach- FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott on “This picture depicts an obscure “When a school distributes religious lit- es, following a complaint lodged by Jan. 13. historical event, which makes it seem erature to its students, or permits evan- FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott. The Mansfield School District’s at- likely that it was chosen for display be- gelists to distribute religious literature Elliott wrote to Albany Area Schools torney wrote back the next day, saying cause of its religious significance and to its students, it entangles itself with on Dec. 21, 2015. Citing a litany of simply, “The objects you identified not its historical significance,” wrote that religious message,” said Markert. cases, Elliott noted that the Supreme have been removed.” Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel. “This is FFRF followed up with the district Court had repeatedly “struck down especially true if one understands the in September, but did not receive a re- school-sponsored prayer because it Meals on Wheels tells actual history: that the preacher, Jacob sponse until Jan. 27, when the director constitutes a government advancement Duché, was a traitor to the revolution of schools e-mailed a reply saying, “The and endorsement of religion, which vi- proselytizer to stop who fled to England after slandering Gideon bible distribution complaint olates the Establishment Clause of the FFRF was able to stop an employee the Congress he led in prayer.” has been addressed. I am sure there First Amendment.” of Meals on Wheels from proselytizing, Seidel pointed out that the prayer will be no further concerns with this Superintendent Greg Johnson re- which then prompted a permanent was opposed by the first two chief jus- issue.” sponded promptly to notify FFRF he policy of non-proselytization for Cali- tices of the Supreme Court because, as was looking into the matter. On Jan. fornia’s Contra Costa County division John Adams said, “We were so divided Sheriff’s Office drops 11, Johnson thanked Elliot for the let- of the group. in religious sentiments.” By Adams’ ad- ter and assured FFRF that the school FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote mission, the prayer was approved for ‘death book’ sponsorship district had investigated and “taken to the organization’s CEO on Jan. 19 its political value, Seidel wrote. In addi- appropriate steps to ensure that any to report a Meals on Wheels employ- tion, Duché was opposed to American coach involvement with prayer activi- ee who “aggressively promotes religion independence, vilifying the Continen- ties will not occur.” while in [a] recipient’s home, despite tal Congress and calling soldiers cow- being repeatedly asked to stop because ards. “Is this really a man to be vener- Thou shalt not post the the recipient is not religious.” ated in a public school or ought he to Jayne pointed out that Meals on rank with the other traitor of that era, Ten Commandments Wheels receives federal funding, which Benedict Arnold?” Seidel asked. means it is subject to regulations pro- An Anadarko School District repre- hibiting “inherently religious activi- sentative informed FFRF on Jan. 12 that ties, such as . . . proselytization.” Jayne the district decided to remove the print. also pointed out that program recipi- ents “are in a vulnerable position and FFRF stops distribution should not be forced to endure reli- An illustration from the Christian fu- gious proselytizing in order to receive of bibles by Gideons neral book, “Lift Up Thine Eyes.” benefits.” Meals on Wheels CEO Elaine Clark called FFRF on Jan. 26 and said she The Lee County Sheriff’s Office in was supportive of FFRF’s concerns and Alabama will no longer be part of the that proselytizing is very much against sponsors page of a Christian memo- the group’s policy. Clark placed a disci- rial book titled “Lift Up Thine Eyes,” Officials in Itawamba County, Miss., plinary note in the employee’s file, and thanks to FFRF. removed a courthouse display of the pledged to fire her if she continued The book, which a funeral home Ten Commandments in response to a to proselytize. In addition, after notic- provides for the grieving, features recent letter from FFRF. ing that the handbook given to drivers colored illustrations of iconic bible “The Ten Commandments display doesn’t specifically address prosely- stories. “We write to ensure that the violates the Establishment Clause of tizing, Clark said she would update it Sheriff’s Office ceases its sponsorship the Constitution,” FFRF Staff Attorney right away. of this Christian book, which creates Patrick Elliott stated in the Jan. 27 let- the appearance that the office endors- ter. “The religious message of the Ten Bible readings, posters After FFRF complained, Wichita es Christianity over all minority faiths Commandments is obvious. By placing Public Schools is taking steps to ensure and over nonreligion,” said FFRF Staff this display directly inside the county’s removed from school no further inappropriate bible distri- Attorney Sam Grover in a letter to the governmental offices, the county is un- After FFRF stepped in, Alabama’s butions will happen on its grounds. Opelika, Ala., law enforcement agency. mistakably sending the message that it Blount County Schools has stopped On Nov. 1, 2015, several members of Sheriff Jay Jones phoned FFRF gives the display its stamp of approval.” having students read a bible verse over the Gideons, a Christian men’s group, on Jan. 26, informing Grover that Elliott added that the government’s the PA each morning. handed out bibles to East High School the wording in the book had been biblical display was striking a blow “A daily bible reading, even by a stu- students as they got off their buses. changed to reflect that the sponsor- against religious liberty, forcing tax- dent, violates the Constitution,” said “The district may not allow Gideons, ship was made by him personally, and payers of all faiths—and of no faith— FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel in or any other religious groups, to en- not by the department. to support a particular expression of his Jan. 7 letter to the school district’s ter school property to distribute reli- worship. attorney. gious literature,” wrote Staff Attorney FFRF ensures Michigan On Feb. 1, county supervisors In addition, religious messages were Andrew Seidel in a Dec. 3 letter. “In agreed to modify the presentation, ac- regularly posted on the school walls. In allowing Gideons to distribute bibles festival’s secularity cording to news reports. response, some freethinking students to students, the district is impermissi- In response to an FFRF complaint, FFRF appreciates the supervisors’ put up posters saying “God’s not real,” bly endorsing religion by placing its North Township, Mich., will be careful decision to get rid of the Ten Com- which were torn down and replaced ‘stamp of approval’ on the religious to avoid all religion in future events it mandments, but voiced concerns with further religious posters. “Given messages contained in the bible.” sponsors with religious entities. about the substitution. the law, and the acrimony caused by Seidel acknowledged that the dis- On Sept. 11, 2015, the Northfield “We’re pleased that the county’s this poster battle, the prudent course is trict may have had no prior knowledge Township Police Department sent an unconstitutional Ten Commandments to remove all religious and irreligious of the distribution because Gideons e-mail to local residents promoting a display will be removed from the court- posters from the school,” wrote Seidel. “operate by deliberately avoiding su- Kids’ Day event. A local church that house,” says FFRF Co-President Annie FFRF’s complainant reported on perintendents and school boards. co-sponsored the event wrote the con- Laurie Gaylor. “But it’s regrettable that Jan. 13 that the bible readings had They advise their members to seek tent of the e-mail, which included reli- the county supervisors sought out an- stopped and all religious posters were permission at the lowest level of au- gious sentiments like “Christ wishes to other religious statement to replace removed. In addition, after students thority.” In a response on Jan. 22, the save all of us.” the Ten Commandments. Elected offi- proposed a secular club, the school district’s attorney said that this was the “The Establishment Clause of the cials should not use their government took the drastic move of banning all case, and acknowledged that “neutral- First Amendment prohibits govern- position and government buildings as non-curricular clubs. In response, stu- ity commands that the Gideons not ment sponsorship of religious mes- a place for promoting their religious dents started a science club. be permitted to distribute bibles on sages,” wrote FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan views.” school property.” Jayne in the letter. “The government FFRF teaches school violates this principle of neutrality.” • • • • • • The township manager responded FFRF has gotten the Ten Command- a history lesson FFRF has ensured that Gideons will on Jan. 27, saying that he typically tells ments and other religious displays Sunset Elementary School in not be allowed to distribute bibles to the church that co-sponsored events removed from the walls of Mansfield Anadarko, Okla., has taken down a West Side Elementary School students must be free from religion, and would High School in Mansfield, Ark. framed picture titled “The First Prayer in Woodbury, Tenn. speak with the police chief to make In addition to the decalogue, pic- in Congress” from the school office af- In response to a parent’s complaint sure it would not happen again. Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016

FFRF 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award Religion deadly for sick children

This speech was delivered on Oct. 9, constantly trying to get reimbursement 2015, at FFRF’s 38th annual convention from third-party payers. at Monona Terrace Convention Center in The church also has other workers Madison, Wis., where Rita Swan was pre- called “nurses,” who are not licensed sented with FFRF’s Lifetime Achievement by the state, have no medical training Award. She and her husband Doug found- and do not work under supervision of ed Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty state-licensed personnel. These nurses (CHILD) in 1983. cannot take a pulse or use a thermom- eter. They will not do even simple non- By Rita Swan medical procedures to relieve suffering or discomfort, such as using heat or ice on a painful area. So with no discussion, the Washing- Thank you for inviting me to ton Legislature enacted this law saying speak to FFRF again. You’ve done so that a child sick with any disease what- much good. It’s heartwarming to see soever is not deprived of health care if how you’ve grown. a Christian Science practitioner is pray- My husband and I were devout, life- ing for him. Washington has declared long Christian Scientists until 1977, that prayers by one religion are medi- when we lost our only son Matthew to cally necessary health care for a child a treatable illness because we followed with type 1 diabetes, bacterial menin- the church’s beliefs against medical gitis or cancer. care. We left the church right after his death and have become national- Frustrated in Iowa ly prominent advocates for protect- Our most frustrating work was in ing children from abuse and neglect our home state of Iowa, where we lived related to religious beliefs and other for 29 years. We lived where the Mis- strongly held belief systems. souri River meets the Big Sioux River, Thirty-eight years and scores of na- where South Dakota, Nebraska and tional media appearances later, we re- Iowa come together. We got five reli- main the only people willing to speak gious exemptions repealed in South publicly about the loss of their child Dakota, but Iowa was just impossible. because of Christian Science beliefs. Although Iowa had a religious de- Before the Internet, it took us years fense to manslaughter and felony child to figure out that states had identical- endangerment, we could not persuade ly worded religious exemptions from the majority of legislators there was child neglect charges, which appeared anything wrong with that. to give parents the legal right to de- One year, I made nine trips to Des prive a child of medical care on reli- Moines to lobby for repeal. We were gious grounds. greatly handicapped by living 200 We learned that in 1975 the feder- miles away and being a one-car fami- al government had enacted a require- ly. On Sundays, I would ride to Des ment that if states wanted federal mon- Ingrid Laas photo Moines with a legislator, trudge up and Rita Swan holds her plaque after earning FFRF’s Lifetime Achievement Award ey for child protection programs, they down the hill to the Capitol in snow (for Valiant Work to Save Childen’s Lives). had to enact a religious exemption and bitter cold and on Thursday catch from child neglect statutes. an all-night bus back to Sioux City with We fought this federal policy with federal requirement that parents do could then work on other social justice a several-hour layover in Omaha. My over 50 letters to Congress and the ad- anything for children. Child abuse and causes. But as this frustrating and labo- husband would meet me at 6 a.m. with ministration. We went to Washington neglect laws are state laws, and the fed- rious work dragged on for decades, we a pillow and I would sleep in the car three times for meetings. The feds ad- eral government influences state laws reduced our expectations. the rest of the way home. mitted to us that the Christian Science only by the power of funding. But HHS For the last sev- It was hard for Church was the only party that asked has not raised any concerns about reli- eral years, we have legislators to under- for this remarkable policy. gious exemptions since the federal law placed the highest stand our position, In January 1983, the federal govern- was passed in 1994. priority on repealing The Christian and most prefer to ment rescinded the policy but didn’t religious defenses to Science Church avoid work if they require states to repeal their laws. By State by state negligent homicide can. Why did I want 1983, every state except Nebraska had So we have been left with the her- and manslaughter. was the only party to make criminals a religious exemption to neglect either culean task of repealing religious ex- Even that looks like that asked for this of parents who had in the civil or criminal code or both. emptions state by state. When we first it will take a great done what I did? The U.S. Department of Health and started, we thought we’d get all the many years. There remarkable policy. “Your son didn’t die Human Services (HHS) initially tried religious exemptions repealed and are eight states in Iowa, did he?” one to require states to reduce the scope of that have religious asked. One could re- the civil exemptions so that they didn’t defenses to negligent homicide or phrase that: “We don’t have bacteria in prevent investigation or court orders, manslaughter. Iowa, do we?” “Your experience is un- but even that was soon quashed by The state of Washington, reput- likely to happen in Iowa,” another said. Christian Science lobbyists. ed to be the most secular state in the While Iowa had several outbreaks The Louisiana Legislature passed nation, has this religious defense to of vaccine-preventable disease because a resolution condemning HHS and felony child endangerment and sec- of religious exemptions, we knew of claiming that faith healing was twice as ond-degree murder: “It is the intent of only two deaths in faith-healing sects. effective as medical care in healing dis- the Legislature that a person who, in Both were newborns. One died of a ce- eases of children. When HHS withheld good faith, is furnished Christian Sci- rebral hemorrhage, probably prevent- money to force change in California, ence treatment by a duly accredited able with a vitamin K shot, the other of the state sued rather than lifting a fin- Christian Science practitioner in lieu Rh factor incompatibility, preventable ger to change the laws. of medical care is not considered de- with the RhoGAM shot. The bereaved Congress passed a temporary mora- prived of medically necessary health grandparents were CHILD members torium that stopped HHS from requir- care or abandoned.” whom I persuaded to go public. ing any changes in neglect laws and Let me back up for a minute and Even they could not persuade then in 1994 passed this incredible Oregon faith-healing parents Timothy explain what Christian Science treat- enough legislators to get a bill passed. law: “There is no federal requirement and Rebecca Wyland were sentenced ment is. Founder Mary Baker Eddy en- The deaths of these infants shortly af- that a parent or guardian provide a in 2011 to 90 days in jail and three visioned her religion as a health care ter birth were not dramatic enough to child any medical service or treatment years’ probation for refusing to seek system. She called her faith healers motivate legislators. against the religious beliefs of the par- medical treatment for their daughter “practitioners,” their prayers “treat- It was very emotionally painful for ent or guardian.” Alayna’s hemangioma, a build-up of ments” and those they pray for their me to carry around the story of our Actually, that’s a masterpiece of po- extra blood vessels that started to “patients.” Practitioners send bills for son’s death and have legislators be in- litical doublespeak because there’s no push the eyeball out of its socket. these treatments, and the church is different, evasive and break promises. March 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11

Followers of Christ cal mass.” Seventy-eight dead children The power of the law to change re- were not a critical mass, but 82 were. ligiously motivated behavior is most Our bill sailed through almost dramatically illustrated by our work in unanimously, and there has not been Oregon. In Clackamas County, there’s a Followers of Christ child die of medi- a group called the Followers of Christ cal neglect since 2009, not even in one opposed to medical care. Year after of their unattended home deliveries. year, they buried children, but the Oregon is one of six states with no re- county coroner didn’t refer the deaths ligious exemption for care of children. to law enforcement and barely even ex- amined the children. Many Idaho deaths Later, a medical examiner system The most urgent need for legisla- was established. The medical examin- tive reform now is Idaho, which has er’s staff did forensic autopsies on chil- four or more Followers of Christ con- dren that would stand up in court. He gregations. State law allows parents to always took their findings to the district withhold lifesaving medical care from Ingrid Laas photo attorney, but the DA did nothing with children, so criminal charges are never Rita Swan shares a laugh and a happy greeting with Dick Hewetson of Califor- them, citing religious freedom and the filed. One coroner doesn’t even do au- nia following her speech. laws that Christian Scientists had lob- topsies on Followers’ children because bied to get passed. By 1997, the church Idaho law requires autopsies only when More than anything else, I regretted court. The law was upheld. had gotten religious defenses to homi- a crime is suspected. Some families putting the grandparents through the After losing in the courts, the reli- cide by abuse or neglect, manslaughter, have reportedly moved from Oregon ordeal of going public. It was very hard gious objectors went to the Legisla- criminal mistreatment of dependents, to Idaho since Oregon eliminated its on them. It wrecked their relationships ture. Our handful of Nebraska CHILD criminal nonsupport, neglect and fail- exemptions. with their children and grandchildren members and I made trips to Lincoln ure to provide necessities. In the Peaceful Valley Cemetery in the faith-healing sect. One son and to testify against bills creating a reli- In 1998, I spoke at a national con- owned by the Followers of Christ, 35% his wife hid their next pregnancy and gious exemption for metabolic screen- ference about Oregon laws. A new dis- of the graves are of minor children birth from them, preventing them ing. Nebraska has a one-chamber trict attorney came or stillbirths. State- from intervening to save the baby if Legislature in which bills can move up, saying she want- wide, only 3% of there had been a health emergency. pretty fast. Once an exemption bill had ed to do something Media went to the Idaho deaths are of passed committees and was scheduled about the faith-heal- minor children or Shining star Nebraska for a final vote on the floor, I called ing deaths in Clack- Followers of Christ stillbirths. But there was always Nebraska to lift Ernie Chambers. Fortunately, he still amas County. In a cemetery and found Though the my morale. Just across the Missouri Riv- had not been term-limited out of of- seven-month period, deaths go back as far er was the one state that had never had fice. Within a few hours, his staff called three Followers of 78 children buried as 1924, 149 of the a religious exemption from medical back and said not to worry — it had Christ children had there. The public 206 graves of minors care of sick and injured children. Ne- been taken care of. Ernie threatened a died of readily treat- occurred after Idaho braska’s only religious exemption rele- filibuster the next day and the bill was able illnesses: sepsis was outraged. enacted religious de- vant to children is from immunizations. withdrawn. from a strangulated fenses to criminal in- As many of you already know, the hernia, kidney infec- jury and manslaugh- reason Nebraska is the shining star on Criminal penalties needed tion and diabetes. The district attor- ter. This death sentence for so many this issue is Sen. Ernie Chambers. He We don’t regard our work to repeal ney concluded she could not file any was passed by the Legislature with no is a predictable, consistent, tenacious religious exemptions as intrinsically charges, but she did alert the press. discussion. opponent of religious exemptions. He punitive. To us it’s a simple matter that Media went to the Followers of We are working hard for repeal in filibusters for hours and threatens fil- parents have a duty to provide a child Christ cemetery and found 78 children Idaho but to date haven’t gotten even ibusters. During the eight years when with the necessities of life, and the only buried there. The public was outraged. a committee hearing. the federal government coerced states way society can establish a duty in law One of our Oregon CHILD members through the power of funding to enact is to provide a penalty for not perform- asked his legislator to sponsor a repeal Tax write-offs a religious exemption to child neglect, ing a duty. bill. The legislator introduced a bill Turning to another subject, we want Ernie managed to stall the Legislature That’s true for everything from run- in 1999 to repeal all nine religious ex- to thank the Freedom from Religion and administration until the feds aban- ning a red light to murder. Few of us emptions pertaining to medical care of Foundation for co-signing our peti- doned their policy. would put money in the parking meter sick and injured children. tion to the Internal Revenue Service Ernie has brought the administra- if there weren’t a penalty. The ultimate The Christian Science Church asking that they stop recognizing bills tion in a conservative state along with purpose of the criminal code is deter- fought us tooth and nail for seven for rituals and prayer as a deductible him. The Health Department strong- rence. It is our hope that clear laws months. Some 75 amendments were medical expense. Since 1943, the IRS ly supports requiring preventive and which apply to everybody will change proposed. We finally got a bill passed has allowed bills that Christian Science diagnostic measures for all newborns behavior. that repealed five of the nine. practitioners submit for their prayers without exception. Thanks to Ernie, Though it would seem like madness We hoped that would be enough to be deducted from income taxes as a Nebraska is one of only four states to to you, many parents in the faith-heal- to change the Followers’ behavior, medical expense. require metabolic testing of all new- ing sects do not comprehend the risk and for several years it seemed that it The amount of money at issue is not borns and the only state to have an they’re taking with their child’s life had. But in 2008, the deaths started up as significant as the fact that the pol- enforcement mechanism. The other when there’s a state law allowing them again. icy has been used to bolster lobbying three — Montana, West Virginia and to withhold medical care. They per- We decided to try to get the re- for religious exemptions from child South Dakota — have laws requiring ceive exclusive reliance on religious rit- maining four exemptions repealed. neglect laws. Two states even have laws the test for all newborns but no penalty ual to be not only legal but safe when The legislator again agreed to sponsor explicitly allowing those whose prayers for breaking the law. the state endorses their behavior. the bill. Because it had been such an are deductible medical expenses to de- Religious objectors have sued Ne- The Christian Science Church in exhausting fight in 1999, we decided prive their children of medical care. braska in state and federal courts. One particular has told its members that to move to Salem to help him. When We hope to hear something from the family had religious beliefs against legislators give them religious exemp- the church found that we were living IRS about this early next year. withdrawing any blood from the body. tions because legislators agree that in Salem, they gave up and said they Finally, we would be grateful if you Church of Scientology parents be- Christian Science heals disease just as would not oppose our bill because the would write or call your U.S. House lieved in what they called “silent birth.” well as medical science does. deaths in Oregon had reached “a criti- and Senate members to state your The baby should not be exposed to any opposition to bills that give religious discomfort, noise, language or other objectors an exemption from purchas- strong sensory data for at least 10 days ing health insurance. The House bill, because it will get recorded in what H.R.2061, recently passed the House Scientologists call the reptilian brain. by voice vote. A companion bill, S.352, The individual will have strong fear sponsored by Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., and tension when he encounters those is in the Senate Finance Committee. words or other triggers throughout The Congressional Budget Office the rest of his life. Scientology found- estimates these bills will cost the gov- er L. Ron Hubbard claimed that silent ernment $1.24 billion over 10 years. birth is necessary to save the “sanity” of The more people exempt from insur- mother and baby. ance pools, the more premiums will go Scientology parents were willing to up for the rest of us. We believe that have the blood drawn for metabolic at least some of those children in Ida- testing after the baby was 10 days old. ho would have gotten medical care if Every other state would have thought their parents had been required to buy that was fine, but not Nebraska. The health insurance for them. optimal time to do the test is before the Go to childrenshealthcare.org and to baby is 48 hours old. That was Nebras- Ingrid Laas photo idahochildren.org for more information. ka’s law, and the state attorney general At FFRF’s national convention, Rita Swan shares her somber tales of children did not hesitate to defend it in federal being denied life-saving medical care because of religious exemptions. Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016

FFRF 2015 annual convention speech Corporate interests fueled rise of Christian nationalism

This speech, edited for print, was deliv- ing public opinion” than any other ered Oct. 10, 2015, at FFRF’s 38th annual segment of society. They were much convention at Monona Terrace Convention more popular than business leaders, to Center in Madison, Wis. be sure, and as men of God, they could advance corporate criticism of the New By Kevin M. Kruse Deal without the suspicion that they were motivated by self-interest. But it was one thing to want to enlist the clergy and another to actually do it. The concept of “one nation un- As early as 1940, NAM had worked to der God” is one most Americans take educate ministers about “the spiritual for granted. But the story of how the concept that underlies our American phrase was coined and how it came way of life.” But its efforts once again to occupy such a central role in the came off as little more than self-serving national imagination has never really propaganda. been explored in full. In 1945, a consultant explained Its rough origins are clear, with the why the effort to recruit clergymen words rooted in the almost sacred text as defenders of free enterprise had of the Gettysburg Address. When he failed. He had interviewed dozens of delivered that famous speech, Pres- priests, ministers and rabbis, but ulti- ident Abraham Lincoln inserted a mately found them, almost to a man, spontaneous but still solemn prayer repulsed by the organization’s efforts that “this nation, under God, shall at outreach. have a new birth of freedom.” After Lincoln, however, that phrase largely ‘Apostle to millionaires’ disappeared from political discourse Accordingly, the industrialists de- for decades. cided that they needed a go-between, In the traditional telling, it sudden- a single sympathetic minister whom ly reappeared in the 1950s, plucked they could use to reach his fellow cler- out of obscurity and inserted into the gymen, win them over to the cause of Pledge of Allegiance in a sudden burst free enterprise and convince them to of religious revival. According to the join him in its defense. They found standard story, as America fell under him in Rev. James W. Fifield Jr. the thrall of the anti-communist panic Fifield had been ministering to the of the McCarthy era, the nation’s lead- needs of the rich and powerful since ers sought to emphasize America’s re- 1935, when he became pastor of the ligious traits as a means of distinguish- posh First Congregational Church in ing it from the “godless communists” Los Angeles. Located on a palm-shad- of the Soviet Union. In this telling, the ed drive in the heart of the residential religious nationalism of the era was lit- section, the church had an imposing tle more than a bit of Cold War propa- physical structure, including a massive ganda that could be cast aside as inter- cathedral of concrete with a 176-foot- national relations evolved. tall Gothic tower, wedding chapel, My current work, however, argues Ingrid Laas photo gymnasium, three auditoriums and 56 that the postwar religious revival in Kevin Kruse tells the crowd at FFRF’s national convention how corporations classrooms. general — and mobilization of the helped make America a Christian-dominated country. The church included so many of phrase “under God” in particular — the city’s leading businessmen that were rooted not in the foreign policy with promises of “serving the purpos- and enterprise.” It benefited from the one observer said “its roster reads like of the 1950s but rather in the domestic es of business salvation.” The powerful financial backing of major corporate the Wall Street Journal.” Fifield warmly politics of the 1930s and 1940s. During industrial association now dedicated it- figures, particularly from the upper embraced his new flock, becoming, in that earlier era, corporate titans en- self to spreading the gospel of free en- ranks of companies like DuPont and the words of one admiring profile, the listed conservative religious leaders to terprise. As late as 1934, NAM devoted General Motors. But the prominent “Apostle to Millionaires.” To be sure, create this new era of religious nation- a paltry $36,000 to its public relations role of such men in the group essen- he was the perfect match for the mil- alism. Together, they advanced an ide- efforts. tially crippled its effectiveness, as the lionaires in his pews. In the apt words ology of “freedom under God” that was Three years later, it spent nearly Liberty League, much like NAM, was of one observer, Fifield was “one of the meant as a contrast, and a challenge, $800,000 — a sum that represented easily dismissed as an organization most theologically liberal and at the to the state power that its architects more than half of its total funds that of tycoons looking out for their own same time politically conservative min- feared most. The government they year. NAM used that money to sell free interests. isters” of his era. feared was not the Soviet regime in enterprise through a wide array of Theologically liberal, he had no pa- Moscow but the New Deal administra- films, radio programs, paid advertise- Enlisting the clergy tience for fundamentalists. Reading tion in Washington. ments, direct mail, a speakers’ bureau Realizing that they could never ef- the bible, he reasoned, should be “like and a press service that provided pre- fectively make the case for free enter- eating fish — we take the bones out Big business backers made editorials and news stories for prise on their own, these businessmen to enjoy the meat. All parts are not of From the earliest days of the New 7,500 newspapers. made the shrewd de- equal value.” Accord- Deal, corporate America mounted a But in the end, NAM’s self-promo- cision to outsource ingly, he dismissed major campaign to restore the image tion efforts were seen as precisely that. the job. But they The government Christ’s teachings on of big business and to roll back what As a chronicler of NAM noted, its argu- chose a rather un- wealth and poverty they called the “creeping socialism” ments were so clearly self-serving that likely group to serve they feared was not to embrace more re- of the welfare state. Corporate lead- “it was easy for critics to dismiss the en- as their new champi- the Soviet regime in cent theories about ers resolved to change that situation tire effort as mere propaganda.” ons: the clergy. the compatibility through a massive campaign of what While traditional business lobbies While it was an Moscow but the New of Christianity and they called “public relations” but what like NAM were unable to sell free en- unorthodox deci- capitalism. critics characterized as “propaganda.” terprise effectively, neither were the sion, the reason was Deal administration “The blessings They did this by transforming older in- new advocacy organizations that were simple. As the oil ty- in Washington. of capitalism come stitutions they ran for the new task and created specifically for that purpose. coon J. Howard Pew from God,” he ar- by creating wholly new organizations The most prominent of these new noted in a private gued. “A system that for the purpose. groups, the American Liberty League, letter to a fellow CEO, corporate lead- provides so much for the common In 1934, for instance, a new genera- was created in 1934 to “teach the neces- ers needed to enlist clergymen in their good and happiness must flourish un- tion of conservative industrialists took sity of respect for the rights of persons cause “because recent polls indicated der the favor of the Almighty.” over the leadership of the National and property” and “the duty of govern- that of all the groups in America, the While Fifield took a loose approach Association of Manufacturers (NAM) ment to protect individual initiative ministers had more to do with mold- to the bible, he was a strict construc- March 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13 tionist with the Constitution. He be- Roscoe Pound of Harvard and conser- lieved that the New Deal expansion vatives from the entertainment world of the federal government was wholly like Bing Crosby, Cecil B. DeMille, Walt unconstitutional. As it fought the “re- Disney and Ronald Reagan. stricting trends” of “pagan statism,” The dominant presence on the the church would find natural allies in committee, however, came from the corporate America because “business, corporate world. J. Howard Pew, whose like the church, is naturally interested family had donated a tenth of the com- in the preservation of basic freedom mittee’s $100,000 operating budget, in this nation. Goodness and Christian served as a founding member. He was ideals run proportionately high among joined by Conrad Hilton of Hilton businessmen,” Fifield said. To lead this Hotels, B. E. Hutchinson of Chrysler, crusade of churches and corporations James L. Kraft of Kraft Foods, Hugh- in defense of freedom, Fifield created ston McBain of Marshall Field Depart- an organization he called Spiritual Mo- ment Stores, Eddie Rickenbacker of bilization. Its credo: “Man, being cre- Eastern Airlines and Charles E. Wilson ated free as a child of God, has certain of General Motors. inalienable rights and responsibilities; Business interest in the endeavor the state must not be permitted to was so strong that the committee had usurp them; it is the duty of the church to expand its ranks to make room for to help protect them.” the others clamoring for a spot, includ- Spiritual Mobilization was founded ing notables like Harvey Firestone, E. in 1935, but its influence remained F. Hutton, Fred Maytag, Henry Luce fairly small until it attracted the notice Ingrid Laas photo and J.C. Penney. of the nation’s leading businessmen. By Kevin Kruse signs a copy of his book, One Nation Under God: How Corporate the mid-1940s, its board resembled, in America Invented Christian America, for Michigan FFRF State Representative and Reframing the preamble the words of an observer, “a who’s who Lifetime Member Joe Harris. As the Fourth of July drew near, of the conservative establishment.” the committee focused its attention Not surprisingly, top corporations rate financiers shows quite clearly that ‘Freedom under God’ on encouraging Americans to mark donated generously, as did many ex- the main threat to the American way of the holiday with public readings of ecutives from their personal accounts. life, as they saw it, came from Washing- Spiritual Mobilization’s leaders the preamble to the Declaration of They also pressured friends, compet- ton, not Moscow. struck upon their greatest idea yet Independence. itors and employees to do the same. In 1949 they launched a radio pro- in the spring of 1951. To mark that The decision to focus solely on the Spiritual Mobilization had a budget in gram called “The Freedom Story.” summer’s 175th anniversary of the preamble was in some ways a natural 1947 of $270,000. Adjusted for infla- The free, 15-minute program was fair- signing of the Declaration of Indepen- one, as its passages were certainly the tion, that would be about $3 million ly simple — a dramatic presentation dence, they proposed a massive series most famous and the most lyrical in the today. followed by a brief commentary by Fi- of events for the Fourth of July week, document. But doing so also allowed A decade earlier, organizations field. Importantly, the broadcasts were using the theme of “Freedom under organizers to reframe the Declaration that these industrialists formed and marketed to stations as a way to fulfill God.” According to Fifield’s longtime as a purely libertarian manifesto, ded- financed to challenge the New Deal their public service requirements in a ally William C. Mullendore, president icated to the removal of an oppressive had been easily dismissed. But now way that would attract listeners. This of the Southern California Edison Co., government. Those who read the en- the tables were being turned. Spiritual decision allowed the organization to the idea originated from the belief that tire document would have discovered, Mobilization argued, quite explicitly, secure free airtime, but it also dictated the “root cause of the disintegration to the consternation of the committee, that the New Deal had broken most, if changes in its content. of freedom here, and of big govern- that the founders followed the high- not all, of the Ten Commandments. It In the original scripts, Fifield made ment, is the disintegration of the na- flown prose of the preamble with a asserted that the Roosevelt administra- blunt attacks on the policies of the tion’s spiritual foun- long list of grievanc- tion had made a “false idol” of the fed- Truman administration, but his legal dations, as found es about the absence eral government, leading Americans to counsel warned that getting involved in the Declaration Fifield managed to of government and worship it rather than the Almighty. in partisan politics would disqualify the of Independence. the rule of law. Above all, Spiritual Mobilization program as a public service feature. We want to revive reduce Christian In the end, the insisted that the welfare state was not Instead of directly attacking the Dem- that basic American libertarianism to Declaration was not a means to implement Christ’s teach- ocrats, the lawyer said, they should credo, which is the a rejection of gov- ings about caring for the poor and the use “a horrible example from current spiritual basis of our a short, catchy ernment power in needy, but rather was a perversion of experience in the socialist and com- Constitution.” phrase: ‘freedom general, but rather his teachings. In a forceful rejection of munist countries of Europe and Asia” Spiritual Mobili- a condemnation of the public service themes of the “so- and then later “make it plain enough zation announced in under God.’ the ways in which cial Gospel,” it argued that the central to your radio audience that we are June the formation the British crown tenet of Christianity remained the sal- heading for the same kind of situation of the Committee had deprived the vation of the individual. And for any here.” to Proclaim Liberty to coordinate the colonists of the government they so political and economic system to fit Within a year, Fifield’s weekly pro- events. The committee’s name, they ex- desperately needed. In order to re- with Christ’s teachings, it would have grams about the danger of “creeping plained to a crowd of reporters, came frame the Declaration as something to be rooted in a similarly individual- socialism” were being aired on over from the 10th verse of the 25th chap- rather different, the committee had to istic ethos. Nothing better exemplified 500 stations. At the same time, Spiritu- ter of the Book of Leviticus, in which edit out much of the document they such values, they insisted, than the cap- al Mobilization launched a new month- God instructed Moses that the Israel- claimed to champion. italist system of free enterprise. ly magazine titled Faith and Freedom. ites should celebrate the anniversary of Indeed, the committee offered its The magazine printed and promoted their arrival in the Promised Land and own interpretation, which was spelled Gospel of capitalism the work of an expanding network of “proclaim liberty throughout all the out clearly by its corporate sponsors Thus, throughout the 1940s and libertarian and conservative authors. land and to the inhabitants thereof.” in full-page newspaper ads. The San early 1950s, Fifield and like-minded re- This piece of scripture, organizers not- Diego Gas & Electric Co., for instance, ligious leaders advanced a new blend ed, was inscribed on the crown of the encouraged customers to reread the of faith and free enterprise that one Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. preamble, which it presented with observer aptly anointed “Christian lib- The committee’s main thrust was to its editorial commentary running ertarianism.” A critic noted that Fifield advance conservatism. The committee alongside: and his allies “do as much proselytiz- members whose presence was most • “. . . all men are created equal . . .” ing for Adam Smith and the National emphasized were prominent oppo- That means you are as important in the Association of Manufacturers as they nents of Democratic administrations: eyes of God as any man brought into do for Christianity,” but these figures former President Herbert Hoover, this world. You are made in his image would have welcomed the gibe as a who had been driven from the White and likeness. There is no “superior” fair description of their work, even a House by Roosevelt two decades earli- man anywhere. compliment. They believed, rather er, and Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who • “. . . they are endowed by their Cre- sincerely, that spreading the gospel of had been removed from his military ator with certain unalienable rights. . .” one required spreading the gospel of command by Truman only two months Here is your birthright — the freedom the other. before. to live, work, worship, and vote as you Fifield soon reduced Christian lib- They were joined by military lead- choose. These are rights no govern- ertarianism to a short, catchy phrase: ers Gen. Mark Clark and Lt. Gen. A.C. ment on earth may take from you. “freedom under God.” Scholars would Wedemeyer, the heads of veterans • “. . . that to secure these rights, later assume that the phrase was groups such as the American Legion governments are instituted among coined to contrast the democratic and and conservative media stars like news- men. . .” Here is the reason for and the religious foundations of the United paper columnist George Sokolsky, ra- purpose of government. Government States and the godless communism of dio broadcaster Fulton Lewis Jr. and is but a servant — not a master — not a the Soviet Union. But the private cor- Human Events founder Felix Morley. giver of anything. respondence between Spiritual Mobili- Ingrid Laas photo Also joining were conservative voices zation’s religious leaders and its corpo- Kevin Kruse in law like Clarence Manion and Dean Continued on page 15 Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016

2015 Richard and Beverly Hermsen Student Activist honoree The fight to create a secular club

Thomas Sheedy’s speech, edited for space, we filled out the application sheet, we was delivered on Oct. 10, 2015, at FFRF’s lost it. The school then decided not to 38th annual convention in Madison, Wis. hand out new applications. Why? They He was introduced by FFRF Legal Fellow said it was because the school year is Maddy Ziegler: ending. These excuses from faculty I’m here to introduce student activ- and school officials did not end there, ist Thomas Sheedy. He is 17 years old unfortunately. and a senior at the Ward Melville High At the start of my junior year, I faced School in East Setauket, New York. a rude awakening. Before the first pe- He’s the very recent founder of the riod bell even rang on the first day of school’s Secular Student Alliance, the school, Mr. Sterne came up to me and vice president of the Gay Straight Al- said that he was transferred to another liance and the event organizer for the building in the district. That meant I Long Island Atheists. had to find another faculty member to Thomas reached out to FFRF this be the adviser for the club, so I made summer asking for help to start his Sec- one of the same mistakes I did in June ular Student Alliance after being given — I gave in. I succumbed to the forces the run-around by his school for over a working behind my back and behind year. I wrote to the school district tell- the backs of my supporters. ing them that denying the club’s for- About a week later, Raney told me mation was against the law. I worked that Students United in Faith was de- with its attorney to ensure the club was nied for a second time, but it’s not finally approved. All the while, Thomas what you think. The school admin- was very diligent about phoning me for istration, as well as a few members of updates and making sure that I was on the School Board, agreed with Raney’s top of things. It was that diligence that views. However, to not seem controver- led to his ultimately winning the al- sial in front of a few suspected skeptics, most two-year battle to found the Ward the district told Raney that he did not Melville High School Secular Student have the required 20 student signa- Alliance. tures for the club to be official. But he So it is my pleasure, on behalf of knew that the Equal Access Act of 1984 generous FFRF members Richard and did not respect local club minimums, Beverly Hermsen, to announce Thom- so he contacted the Liberty Institute, as Sheedy as the winner of a student and they began to plot again. activist award of $5,000. On Oct. 3, 2014, I overheard Raney telling a student that he had to leave By Thomas Sheedy the meeting early for an interview with Fox News. I politely jumped into the conversation and asked if his state- Ingrid Laas photo ment was true. He flat out denied it. hile I am excited to be Thomas Sheedy tells the national convention audience of his struggles to begin a Three days later I received links to an W chapter of the Secular Student Alliance at his high school in East Setauket, N.Y. around famous heroes such as Dan article saying, “School bans Christian Barker and Taslima Nasrin, I wish we club again” by Todd Starnes. Raney got could live in a country where the fight sure of sanity. tute sent a letter to the district admin- the attention that he wanted and, even for secularity on the domestic front So what did I do that was so special? istration demanding that the club be though the laws are in his favor, he was nonexistent. Because in my vision I decided to start a Secular Student Al- allowed. Raney also got in touch with wanted to push his agenda. He got his of America, there would be fair treat- liance at Ward Melville High School in the media and received extensive news club approved again by means of force. ment of all, regardless of belief, and we East Setauket, New York. coverage. The administration did not There was barely any proper education would quote the sensible statement by During the summer preceding my understand that under the Equal Ac- to the local populace on the situation. President Kennedy where he said, “I first day of high school, I educated my- cess Act, Raney could have his club. The schools, which were mainly on believe in an America where the sepa- self on the emergence of nonbelief. John Raney and the Liberty Institute Raney’s side, were blinded again and ration of church and state is absolute.” On my first day of high school, I was knew of the school’s lack of knowledge fooled once more, first by their lack of When I decided to abandon my eager to make friends with those who on that issue, and took the Christian knowledge and then by their unwilling- Roman Catholic faith in the spring of had a similar disclosure on religion. By persecution battle to my school’s door- ness to take action. 2013, I began to research and observe my sophomore year, I wanted to start step. Christians will not find a speck of A day after Fox published the ar- the array of view- an after-school club dust on our nation’s soil where they are ticle, Raney came up to me and said, points in the secular for atheists and ag- persecuted as a group. They face no “Yeah, I lied, I did have an interview movement and just Christians will not nostics. At that time, opposition to their rights in the South. with Fox News.” what we are fighting I did not know of On the coasts, they are only met with Ladies and gentlemen, why would against. find a speck of dust anyone who might officials who did not know that there John Raney, the conservative Chris- What I saw was on our nation’s be interested in were laws made in the latter half of the tian, lie to Thomas Sheedy, the liberal appalling. I wit- joining. I held on to 20th century, thus creating loopholes firebrand atheist? Well, because he is nessed a rejection of soil where they my hopes because I against Jefferson’s wall of separation. afraid that I will stop his agenda. He reason in our polit- are persecuted knew that the facts As a result of Raney’s threats, he would get his club, but he would not ical system because outweighed my lack got his club. However, in the after- get as much media recognition and politicians want to as a group. They of patience — a math of his victory, I saw his club doing would not be able to move his agen- win votes instead third of millennials more harm than good. When I went da further to the right. By November of revealing facts. I face no opposition consider themselves to one of his meetings, I was met with 2014, Raney’s agenda has influenced saw a promotion of to their rights. to be nonreligious. evangelical rhetoric and a feeling of much of the religious freedom debate ignorance cultivat- Then I came discomfort. across the religious and political com- ed by a history of across a struggle that munities on Long Island. childhood indoctrination and delib- caught my eye: A junior named John A club for secularists erate brain-washing where kids look to Raney wanted to start a Christian club In 2014, a teacher named Ira Sterne, Adviser search continues fairy tales for answers. Most of all I wit- called Students United in Faith. Like who was the adviser to our school’s After September 2014, I made it my nessed the scorning of sons and daugh- any students who want to start a new model Congress, explained that if the top priority to find a suitable teacher to ters and the separation of loved ones, club, Raney sent in an application to Christians can have their club, students be our adviser for my club. From Oc- because those sons and daughters did the vice principal. After his application who conduct their lives in a secular tober to March, I asked many teachers not believe in God. was ignored for two months, his moth- manner can have their club. I told Mr. from various departments, and they all This appalling shock happened to a er contacted the school district and Sterne about my idea from September turned me down. At this point, I want- 15-year-old kid in a suburban town on found that his club was denied because and we got to work. We envisioned a ed to see if the school would be willing Long Island. As a young atheist, I had it was apparently religious in nature. forum where students could talk about to help me out. I submitted a club ap- a thirst to be with like minds, to com- Once he heard the bad news, he religion in an open setting without any plication and I got called down to the municate with those who respected my contacted a group called the Liberty backlash or bigotry. vice principal’s office in March, where viewpoints and to work with those who Institute, which is basically the Chris- In June, I took this idea to the vice I was told that the district sent out an wanted to educate others on the plea- tian version of FFRF. The Liberty Insti- principal’s secretary and, the day after email to all teachers and faculty in the March 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15 district asking for volunteers. No one volunteered. a letter to the Three Village Central School District When it was announced in the spring of my ju- demanding that training on the Equal Access Act is nior year that new applications for the next school encouraged and that this mess — these games that year were being distributed, I quickly filled one out were started by Raney and the school board — had and found an adviser who had some spare time and gone on long enough. The law firm representing the submitted the application. Fifty-one students said district stated that the issue would be discussed at the that they were interested. We had a teacher who was legal emergency meeting on Aug. 11. willing to be our adviser and we labeled our goals. A few days after the meeting, FFRF received a re- We wanted to create a safe haven for nonreligious ply stating that while the club was never denied, the students. We wanted to get kids involved with the sec- superintendent was in favor of recommending ap- ular movement. We wanted an open forum for en- proval of the club. On Sept. 8 I was notified that the lightening discussion. We wanted to protect the sep- Ward Melville Student Secular Alliance had finally aration of church and state. We wanted to become been approved. The following day, I threw out my an engaging partner in the Three Village community original speech and I thanked the superintendent through charitable work and public service. for making the right decision for approving the club, not only because the law required her to do so, but Club rejected because it was the right thing to do. When I submitted that application I had no doubt As of two days ago, we have had three official that the school would not give me any problems meetings and we intend to make our group not just since we met their guidelines. On July 12, 2015, I a club, but an institution as well. After working hard was notified that the Ward Melville Secular Student for over a year and a half, after seeing local Long Is- Alliance was not included on the new list of clubs for landers taken advantage of, was it all worth it? the school year. I think so. I managed to get through the hard- Remember how I said that the school’s adminis- ships and problems in the struggle, but this fight is tration was more in line with Raney’s ideas? There Ingrid Laas photo not over yet. were kids at Ward Melville who were struggling with Thomas Sheedy We have to protect secularism in every state. coming out as atheists to their parents. There were What’s happened in Rhode Island and Long Island students and teachers who were sick of the religious What I saw as a beginner in the movement was is just the beginning. Every state in the country is un- right’s agenda to turn Long Island into a battle- now coming back to me and I did not want to let der threat from the losing majority, even in places ground, and there were students who wanted an ex- these people down, but I could not do it alone. I con- that are quiet and Catholic. Thank you. cuse to be anywhere but home so they could be with tacted the Freedom From Religion Foundation and Listen to an interview of Thomas Sheedy on FFRF’s Free- those who cared about their well being. I explained my situation. Soon enough, FFRF sent thought Radio, ffrf.org/news/radio (Jan. 2, 2016, podcast).

nies, while Bing Crosby and Gloria Kevin Kruse speech Swanson each offered short messages Continued from page 13 of their own. The preamble to the Dec- The ad urged readers to make their laration of Independence was read by own Declaration of Independence in Lionel Barrymore. 1951: “Declare that government is re- The keynote came from Gen. Mat- sponsible TO you — rather than FOR thew Ridgway, who interrupted his you. Declare that freedom is more im- duties leading American forces in Ko- portant to you than ‘security’ or ‘sur- rea to offer a live address from Tokyo. vival.’ Declare that the rights God gave In keeping with the “Freedom under you may not be taken away by any gov- God” theme, Ridgway insisted that the ernment on any pretense.” founders had been motivated in large part by their religious faith: “Theirs Clergy join attacks was a deep and abiding faith in God, The committee involved the clergy a faith which is still the great reservoir in a variety of ways, most importantly of strength of the American people in with a national sermon contest. The this day of great responsibility for their roughly 17,000 pastors who belonged future and the future of the world.” to Spiritual Mobilization were encouraged to compete for cash and other Let Freedom ring! rewards by writing an original sermon Three days later, the festivities con- on the theme of “Freedom under God” cluded with local celebrations on the and then preaching it to their own Fourth of July. The committee coordi- congregations on “Independence Sun- nated the ringing of church bells across day,” July 1, 1951. Thousands did. the nation, timed to start precisely at “The effort to establish socialism in noon and last for 10 full minutes. As our country has probably progressed the bells chimed, residents were en- further than most of us fully realize,” couraged “to open their doors, sound asserted a Lutheran minister in Kansas. horns and blow whistles and ring bells, “It would be well to remember that ev- as individual salutes to Freedom.” Af- ery act or law passed by the government ter 10 minutes of ringing, groups gath- which promises to ‘give’ us something ered in churches and homes to read Ingrid Laas photo is a step in the direction of socialism.” the preamble together. Kevin Kruse speaks during FFRF’s national convention in Madison, Wis., in First place went to Kenneth Sollitt, That night, 50,000 people attended October 2015. pastor of First Baptist Church in Men- a rally at the Los Angeles Coliseum. It dota, Ill. Appropriately, his sermon featured eight circus acts, a jet plane to keep the spirit of its central message guments of the New Deal, precisely as was titled “Freedom Under God: We demonstration and a fireworks display alive in American life. its architects had originally intended. Can Go on Making that a local Ameri- The entire nation, they hoped, It successfully recast capitalism in a fa- a God of Govern- can Legion chapter would soon think of itself as “under vorable light, while encouraging Amer- ment, or We Can The committee promised would be God.” And indeed, the nation soon icans to question the validity and the Return Again to the largest in the did. value of the welfare state. the Government of involved the clergy nation. Fifield gave President Dwight Eisenhower did More fundamentally, this move- God.” in a variety of ways, the invocation, and even more to cement the phrase in the ment of “under God consciousness” The individual actor Gregory Peck national consciousness. Shortly after succeeded in convincing a wide range sermons were then most importantly delivered a dramat- taking office in 1953, he presided over of Americans that the country was, at linked and ampli- with a national ic reading of the the very first Presidential Prayer Break- heart, an officially Christian nation. fied by a program preamble. fast, an event whose official theme was The prayers of corporate America had broadcast that same sermon contest. In the end, the “Government under God.” been answered, but in ways that went evening on the CBS Committee to Pro- The next year, Congress followed beyond their wildest imaginations. national radio net- claim Liberty be- his lead by formally adding the phrase work. The national advertising agen- lieved, rightfully, that its work had “under God” to the previously secular Kevin M. Kruse is a professor of history cy of J. Walter Thompson handled made a lasting impression on the na- Pledge of Allegiance. Two years later, at Princeton University whose newest book promotion for the program, which tion. “The very words ‘Freedom under Congress made a similar phrase — “In is One Nation Under God: How Corporate lived up to organizers’ expectations. God’ have added to the vocabulary of God We Trust” — the country’s first of- America Invented Christian America. He’s A longtime friend of Fifield’s, Cecil B. freedom a new term,” the organizers ficial motto. also the author of White Flight: Atlanta DeMille, met with him to plan the pro- concluded. Citing an outpouring of As a political culture of public re- and the Making of Modern Conservatism duction and stock it with an impressive support for the festivities, the com- ligion moved to center stage during (2005) and three collections on modern U.S. array of Hollywood stars. Jimmy Stew- mittee resolved to make it an annual the Eisenhower era, the new religious history. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in art served as on-air master of ceremo- tradition and, more importantly, work nationalism eroded the underlying ar- history at Cornell University. Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016

More than $30,000 in scholarships FFRF offers four student essay contests

Thousands of scholarship programs reward students for blind faith and orthodoxy, but hardly any reward students for using reason. Therefore, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to announce its 2016 high STUDENT school, college and graduate/mature student essay scholarship competitions, which offer more than $30,000 ESSAY in total cash prizes. FFRF offered its first student competition in 1979, added a separate contest for college-bound high school seniors CONTESTS in 1994, and then in 2010 launched a contest for graduate/“older” students (ages 25-30). This year, FFRF will be sponsoring two parallel contests for college students — one to engage freethinking students of color, the other with a general topic open to all. Awards are: $3,000 first place, $2,000 religious boys and their families from believer (freethinker, atheist, agnostic, atheist known by generations of University second place, $1,000 third place, $750 membership. The organization recent- skeptic) and your experiences as a of Wisconsin-Madison students for fine-tun- fourth place, $500 fifth place and $400 ly lifted its homophobic membership young nonbeliever. Please write about ing their reasoning abilities. for sixth place. Several $200 “honor- ban, but continues to “maintain that what was the most compelling or instru- able mentions” may be awarded at no member can grow into the best mental catalyst for you in becoming an Brian Bolton judges’ discretion. kind of citizen without recognizing his atheist, or what confirmed your nonbe- A bonus of $100 from FFRF mem- obligation to God.” Explain why believ- lief, such as a philosophical argument, Graduate/“Older” bers Dean and Dorea Schramm will ing in a god is not synonymous with be- book or experience. Include some in- Student Essay be given to any winner who is also a ing moral, and why you as a nonbeliev- tellectual reasons for your rejection of student member of FFRF, a secular er consider yourself a good person and religion, and the best arguments you Competition student club (or who joins Secular Stu- citizen. You may wish to cite the exam- would enlist to win over or respond to “Why God and Politics/Government dent Alliance online, which is free). ples of nonbelievers who have contrib- those who frown on atheism. Are a Dangerous Mix — Especially in Please publicize FFRF’s important uted to society. Include at least a short “Why I am a freethinker of color” an Election Year.” outreach to the next generation at your paragraph explaining why you are a Write a personal (first-person) per- Write a persuasive essay about the local high schools, colleges and univer- nonbeliever. (If you were a member of suasive essay about why you are a non- dangers of religion and politics/gov- sities, and to the students in your life. the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, you may believer (freethinker, atheist, agnos- ernment mixing in this election year. See handy ads in the back wrap or visit: wish recount your experiences.) tic, skeptic), and your experiences as Analyze current examples of religious ffrf.org/outreach/student-essay-contests/. a young nonbeliever of color. Please pandering, church politicking or polit- Word length: 350-500 words. include some intellectual reasons for ical religious litmus tests that concern William J. Schulz Eligibility: North American high your rejection of religion, and the best you and threaten the Establishment school senior who graduates in spring arguments you would enlist to win Clause. You may wish to use examples High School Senior 2016, going on to college in fall 2016. over or respond to those who frown of the harm created by religion in pol- Essay Competition Deadline: Postmarked no later than on atheism. You may wish to include itics and government from a legal, top- June 1, 2016. Winners announced by advice on how the secular movement ical or historic perspective, or discuss Choose one of the two topics below: August. can become a more welcoming and in- how it makes you feel excluded as a “The challenges of growing Submission rules: Essays must be clusive place for young freethinkers of young secular voter. up a freethinker” both mailed and emailed. Email your color. Word length: 600 to 800 words. Write a personal (first-person) essay essay to [email protected] with Word length: 550 to 700 words Eligibility: Currently enrolled grad- about challenges or problems you have subject heading “Essay [Your Full Eligibility: Ongoing undergraduate uate student including up to age 30, faced as a young freethinker. Did you Name].” Follow other requirements college student through age 24, includ- or undergrads ages 25-30, attending a grow up in a home with devout par- listed below: “Rules applying to all ing, but not limited to, college seniors North American college or university, ents? Were you forced to attend a pri- submissions.” graduating in spring/summer 2016, including, but not limited to, some- vate religious school or church? Were This competition is endowed by a bequest attending a North American college one graduating or earning degree in you ever bullied or put down for your from William J. Schultz, a member of FFRF or university. Note: If you have grad- spring/summer 2016. freethinking? Did you have to hide who died at 57 and cared deeply about uated from high school but have not Deadline: Postmarked no later than your true thoughts from others for FFRF’s purposes. He was a farm boy who yet started college, you must enter the July 15, 2016. Winners announced by fear of repercussions? Explain how you became a chemical engineer and built pa- high school senior contest. October. overcame the prejudices of others, and per-producing mills around the world. Deadline: Postmarked no later than Submission rules: Essays must be why you are free from religion, includ- June 15, 2016. Winners announced by both mailed and emailed. Email your ing at least a sentence or two about why Michael Hakeem September. essay to [email protected] with subject you reject religion. Submission rules: Essays must be heading “Essay [Your Full Name].” Fol- “Why Boy Scouts of America should Memorial College both mailed and emailed. Email your low other requirements listed below: welcome atheists and nonbelievers” Essay Competition essay to [email protected] with subject “Rules applying to all submissions.” Write a persuasive open letter to heading “Essay [Your Full Name].” Fol- The competition is endowed by Brian Boy Scouts of America from a person- Choose one of the two topics below: low other requirements listed below: Bolton, an FFRF Lifetime Member who is a al (first person) point of view about “Why I am a freethinker” “Rules applying to all submissions.” retired psychologist, humanist minister and why the Boy Scouts should revoke its Write a personal (first-person) per- The late Michael Hakeem, a sociology university professor emeritus at the Univer- bigoted policy officially barring non- suasive essay about why you are a non- professor, was an FFRF officer and active sity of Arkansas. Rules applying to all competitions Submit essay both by mail and email by post- you belong to (including a student membership in FFRF’s website. Winners agree to promptly provide mark deadline. No faxes. Essay must be typed, dou- FFRF) or Secular Student Alliance (free at www.sec- a photograph suitable for reproduction with their ble-spaced, standard margins and stapled. Include ularstudents.org/studentmember and mention it in your essay and will not receive their prize until they do word count. Place name and essay title on each bio). Provide both summer and fall 2016 address- so. Winners will receive a school-year membership page. Choose own title. Attach a one-paragraph bi- es (campus and home), phone numbers and email to FFRF, which includes a school-year subscription ography on separate page at end of essay including addresses for notification. Winners may be asked to to Freethought Today. All eligible entrants will be name, age and birth date, hometown, university or send verification of student enrollment. offered a school-year membership or a freethought college, year in school, major or intended major, de- Students will be disqualified if they do not follow book or product. gree being earned and interests. (High school stu- instructions. FFRF monitors for plagiarism. You may Email essay as indicated above; also mail by re- dents should include high school’s name, city, state not re-enter the same contest for your student group quired deadline to: and date of graduation as well as intended college.) if FFRF has previously awarded you for an essay. FFRF Do not include a résumé. By entering, students agree to permit winning es- ______(fill in) Essay Contest For a chance at an additional $100 bonus, indi- says to be printed in full or in part in Freethought PO Box 750 cate the name of the secular school or college club Today, FFRF’s newspaper, and posted online at Madison WI 53701 March 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17

In the news Archbishop seeks euthanasia opt-out The new head of Belgium’s Roman Catholic Church demanded that faith- run hospitals and nursing homes have the right to refuse euthanasia to patients, the Washington Post reports. A 2002 law decriminalized euthanasia for terminally ill adults and it has the support of a large majority of public opinion and politicians. But Jozef De Kesel, archbishop of Mechel- en-Brussels, said “I think that we have the right, on an institutional level, to NON SEQUITUR © 2016 Wiley Ink, Inc.. Dist. By UNIVERSAL UCLICK. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. decide not to do it. I am thinking, for example, of our hospitals.” Planned Parenthood De Kesel’s reputation as a moder- So despite promoting Christianity, in parts of Pakistan. It’s estimated that ate made him a popular choice when gets vindicated the judge decided that the park is a 20 percent of girls in the country are the pope appointed him to succeed A grand jury in Harris County, Tex- tourist attraction and therefore eligi- married before they turn 18. his arch-conservative predecessor in as, indicted two members of a group ble for state funds and the fact that it is December. that made falsified and highly-edited religious in nature has no bearing on Israeli ethicist’s “We were happy when he arrived, videos purportedly showing Planned the case. he seemed like an open man and I had Parenthood employees selling fetal As for an appeal from the state, that home vandalized great hopes for him,” Jacqueline Her- tissue. is unlikely. When the lawsuit began, Yaakov Malkin, 89, a prominent Is- remans, head of the Association for Devon Anderson, a Republican who Kentucky’s governor was Democrat raeli ethicist and atheist philosopher, the Right to Die with Dignity, told the was asked by the lieutenant governor, Steve Beshear. Now it’s Republican had his Jerusalem home vandalized Washington Post. “I didn’t expect com- a strident opponent of Planned Par- Matt Bevin. Jan. 20 in a hate crime apparently car- ments like this.” enthood, to open the criminal investi- ried out by unknown Jewish extremists, gation, said that the grand jurors had Clergy abuse protesters reported the Times of Israel. Pentagon blog cleared Planned Parenthood of any Graffiti with a Star of David and ref- misconduct, according to The New call it quits erences to biblical passages were paint- promotes Christianity York Times. After 14 years, a group of demon- ed on the fence around the home. An A U.S. Army officer has been criti- David Daleiden, the director of the strators has given up protesting the envelope with a threatening note and cized for promoting Christianity as a way Center for Medical Progress, which Catholic Church’s response to the cler- a knife containing another biblical ref- of getting healthy, Military.com reports. released the videos, and Sandra Mer- gy sexual abuse crisis, according to a erence were also found at the scene, Col. Thomas Hundley writes a fitness ritt were indicted on felony charges of report in the Boston Globe. police said. blog on Health.mil called Motivation- tampering with governmental records. “I’ve decided that, after 14 years, Malkin directs Tmura, the Interna- al Monday Message. Health.mil is the According to The New York Times, the church is not going to change,” tional Institute for Humanistic Secular official website of the Defense Health “Neither the videos nor the many in- Kenneth Scott told the Globe. Judaism. He’s also chief editor of Free Agency. vestigations that followed have found The protesters began their demon- Judaism, a journal for cultural Juda- According to the military.com article, any evidence that Planned Parenthood strations in January 2002 at the Ca- ism, which he founded in 1995. “Increased prayer was the first of five employees offered to sell fetal tissue thedral of the Holy Cross in Boston recommendations Hundley suggested for a profit. Texas is the 12th state in after The Boston Globe Spotlight Court to take on for improvement in 2016 in a blog entry which investigations stemming from Team published its story detailing that also referenced a Bible story about the videos have found no wrongdoing the church’s attempt to cover up the First Amendment Jesus feeding thousands of people with by Planned Parenthood.” abuse of children by priests. At first, 40 The Supreme Court will hear an- two fish and five loaves of bread.” or 50 protesters gathered outside the other legal battle over the separation A complaint was filed by Mikey Wein- Ark park eligible cathedral, demanding the resignation of church and state, and will decide stein, president of the Military Religious of Cardinal Bernard F. Law. However, if Missouri improperly excluded a Freedom Foundation, after hearing for tax incentives after 14 years, the group called it quits church playground from a state pro- from service members critical of Hund- A federal judge ruled that Kentucky after being “convinced the church will gram that provided safer play surfaces, ley’s inclusion of religion in an official officials violated Noah’s Ark Theme never take the steps necessary to pro- the Washington Post reports. website. Park’s owners’ First Amendment protect children from abuse,” the Globe Trinity Lutheran Church in Colum- tections by blocking it from the sales reports. bia applied to be part of a state grant School district pushes tax tourism incentive that could be program that replaces pea rock with re- worth up to $18 million. Pakistan child marriage cycled tires for playgrounds. Although ‘purity,’ ‘worship’ U.S. District Judge Gregory Van the church’s application ranked high A parent of a student in the Mesa Tatenhove ruled the state’s Tourism ban bill fails in the grant program, it was turned Valley School District 51 in Colorado Cabinet cannot exclude the park from Pakistani lawmakers withdrew a bill down. has complained that the district used the tax incentive based on its “religious meant to stop the practice of child A letter from the Missouri DNR said its email to advertise a Christian event purpose and message.” marriage after the Council of Islamic including the church would violate a which uses bible lessons to encourage According to the judge’s decision, Ideology declared the legislation un-Is- section of the state constitution that girls as young as 11 to stay “pure” while “Tourists will pay money in order to lamic, the Washington Post reports. says “no money shall ever be taken looking for a husband, according to a gain entrance into the theme park, The bill, which proposed raising the from the public treasury, directly or in- report in Raw Story. people will buy food and drinks there, marriage age for females from 16 to directly, in aid of any church, sect or The event is called “Wake Up Sleep- and while many may come hoping to 18, also called for tougher penalties for denomination of religion.” ing Beauty: Worship At His Feet.” The learn something about the bible, the those who arrange marriages involving A judge agreed with the state, and flier shows a bible verse from Luke 7:38, park will likely attract people of all dif- children. Child marriages, particularly the entire U.S. Court of Appeals for and the program, which is put on by ferent viewpoints.” involving female brides, are common the 8th Circuit split on the question. Wake Up Ministries, promises that girls will want to change their Facebook sta- Young Icelanders tus to “The One Who Worships At His Feet.” A video also encourages fathers not believers to “protect her purity.” A new poll shows that 0.0% of Ice- “The idea of a woman or girl cry- landers under the age of 25 believe ing at a man’s feet, then using her hair that God created the world, according to wash his feet, then kissing his feet, to an article in Iceland Magazine. The seems pretty demeaning to me,” one poll also showed that less than half parent told Raw Story. of Icelanders claim they are religious Unfortunately, the district dismissed and more than 40% of young Iceland- a complaint from the parent. ers identify as atheist. Of Icelanders “We do not find that the flyer pro- younger than 25, 93.9% believe the motes a religious organization or de- world was created in the big bang, means a person or group on the basis 6.1% either had no opinion or thought of gender,” District 51 Communica- Sign up on Sunday mornings it had come into existence through tions Specialist Jeannie Smith told the This marquee is from “a rural church northern California,” wrote FFRF some other means and 0.0% believed parent in an email. member Larry Roszkowiak, who didn’t want to name the church because “I see it had been created by God. religion as a disease and I try not to ridicule the sufferers.” Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016

Letterbox

Jesus’ lineage can I’m glad I’m 74 years old and won’t get confusing have to deal with it. Hopefully. I have seven grandkids and a first great-grand- Continuing George Saunders’ “diz- child coming in June. What an awful zying” thought (Dec. 2015), how about world to live in. I don’t want to be here this? Jesus is known as son of God, and to see the inevitable slaughter. Mary as mother of God. Would it not Patsy Baird make Mary as grandmother of Jesus? Nevada G.M. Chandu New York We should just disregard the pledge Congrats to FFRF on In his good article about the Pledge high charity rating of Allegiance [Jan/Feb 2016], C. Boyd Congratulations on FFRF’s four- Pfeiffer stops short of considering the star rating from Charity Navigator, the value of it. highest rating it assigns. In contrast, Once the pledge caught on, it was “Bull” Donohue’s Catholic League plain enough that someone had to receives the lowest rating of one star. recite it. Following the vile method of Dennis Middlebrooks religions, the primary target was chil- New York dren. They were required to recite it on any convenient occasion, well before they could spell or understand List names of the word “indivisible,” or the fact that notable atheists Recently, I called about a teach- state/Constitution issues. Well done. there was no such thing as “liberty and In “Meet a Florida Member: Mi- er who was bashing Muslims and the I’m proud to be part of this ongoing justice for all.” chael Kaye” (Dec. 2015), he states, “Be- LGBT community in her class. I called effort to right many wrongs. The pledge was a poor idea, and we fore I die, I would like atheists to be at you, and you called back and left a Jack M. Red should not wonder that there has been the top of the list of the most-liked and message that included your cell phone North Carolina much wrangling over it. Many people admired group of people in the Unit- number. If that’s not above and be- Editor’s note: You can view Ron’s speech have felt they should not be asked to ed States.” yond, I don’t know what is. via video at ffrf.org/outreach/awards/spe- say a pledge of loyalty to the country From my perspective, there are a I’m so grateful to you, Patrick, for cial-awards they were born in. Pledges of loyalty significant number of nontheists at the what you did for us personally and for are characteristic of countries that are top of the list. Bill Gates, Warren Buf- what you do for this country on a daily not free. fett, Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, Ayn basis. I was thinking about you and my Reagan’s convention I always wondered why the pledge Rand, Katharine Hepburn and Thom- lack of ever being able to repay you. speech superb starts with, “I pledge allegiance to the as Edison immediately come to mind. “Thank you” sounds so cheap and lack- Ron Reagan’s presentation pub- flag . . .” Then I learned the whole af- Unfortunately, news writers who ing. It’s all I have though, so thank you. lished in your latest newspaper [Jan./ fair began with a for-profit scheme to write about a famous individual will Children of all faiths and lack of faiths Feb. 2016] expressed my sentiments sell flags to public schools. It worked usually not mention that the person is deserve to have a religion-free public far better than I could. Indeed, it was very well. a nonbeliever; consequently, the pub- school education. Without FFRF, and superb! I especially enjoyed his citing I do not agree this unnecessary lic is not aware of that fact. those who work with you, it would be his presbyterian upbringing (or, at pledge has served us well at all. Instead I think FFRF should devote a full impossible. least the attempt at such) as “Christian- of disputing its language, we should page to listing the names of notable/ Debra Morales ity light” because I was educated at the mark it “Return to Sender.” famous atheists, starting with those Oklahoma Fieldstone Ethical Culture School and Robert McCurdy who are dead and up to the present. consider Ethical Culture to be “Free- Pennsylvania John Dunn Relieved to know dom From Religion Foundation light.” California Being neither a Ronald or Nancy It’s silly to pledge to Editor’s note: Please see Freethought of I wasn’t alone Reagan fan, I am delighted, as a genet- the Day on FFRF’s website for a listing of I remember the first time I came icist, at who they produced as a conse- inanimate object prominent nonbelievers. ffrf.org/news/day across FFRF. I was at the Mayo Clinic quence of the reshuffling of the avail- To pledge allegiance to a flag is like Medical Review Course reading a news- able gene pool! pledging love and fidelity to your wed- paper and I read about FFRF being Willy Silvers ding ring instead of your spouse. Publish all top essays involved in a suit or complaint. I took Professor Emeritus, Genetics Heidi Johnson without ranking down the address and ever since have Perelman School of Medicine Maryland We were very pleased to see your ex- enjoyed Freethought Today. I was so Pennsylvania cellent ad in The New York Times, and relieved to know I wasn’t alone. Electronic rosary: we immediately sent our membership I was raised in the fundamentalist FFRF’s actions fees and a donation. Freethought To- evangelical mythologies, but in time Forward to the past day is informative and interesting, and science and reason prevailed. I was in are worthwhile we particularly enjoyed reading the general practice for 44 years in South I am a former Presbyterian minis- fine college essays in the December is- Dakota. It’s possible this infidel may ter who left the church in 1968. I am sue. I have one suggestion, as an educa- have done some good! a member of the Clergy Project. Now, tor of many years: Instead of ranking Dr. Leonard Linde at 80 years of age, I want to use some the essays 1, 2, 3, etc., why not simply South Dakota of my resources to support worthwhile publish your top 10 as winning essays programs and yours is one of them. and divide the prize money equally? I fully support your efforts to keep All the essays were excellent! Diversity Student essays offer religion out of the secular society and adds to the richness of thought, and I ammunition off public property. We also need to do think that the more we can accept the Just got my Freethought Today pa- more to stop the government from giv- value of different opinions without try- per and, as always, enjoying reading it ing grants to faith-based organizations ing to rank them, the better. cover to cover. that merely use the money to supple- Francesca Benson I read with particular interest the ment their religious programs. New Jersey student essays and the fascinating Frederick G. Wyngarden subject they were given. These young Iowa Thanks to FFRF’s people hit the nail on the head about religion and terrorism. I mention this Religion will tear Patrick Elliott often to my churched friends who de- Patrick Elliott, I want to say thank cry my viewpoint, but obviously they country apart you in person some day so you can see have their heads in the sand, as usual. Our Constitution is being raped Electronic rosary in my face the gratitude I feel for you. I was particularly pleased to see bible unmercifully. I called you about five years ago and verses quoted that prove the evil and I said 30 years ago that slavery put Welcome to the 21st century! you called me back within hours. You, two-faced nature of religion. Now I our country in a hateful civil war and The Roman Catholic headquar- at no charge, helped me stop a church have ammunition! the next civil war on our soil will be ters (the Vatican) must be desper- service happening in our local middle I enjoyed Ron Reagan’s speech too. over religion. ate to keep and/or attract customers school. I’m not sure if you remember Very well done but I’m sorry I missed Those of us that are “out of the clos- (congregants). how eloquently and fervently you took it “live.” et” are in for a terrifying ride. Perhaps Science to the rescue! up the cause, but you got it stopped I always enjoy reading about the burning at the stake will become fash- Peter J. Viviano quickly and tactfully. victories FFRF makes in the church/ ionable again. New Mexico March 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

Letterbox It pays to complain Ingersoll statue Heaven sounds worth saving pretty hellish I became a serious atheist when I realized that if I did go to heaven, I would spend eternity with popes, priests, ministers and pedophiles and other such Christians and Muslims. That thought gives me the heebie jeebies! Joe Flax California SSA members, from left, Micah Terrebonne, Tiffany Barnhardt, Sarah Barrios, Evidence for and Tyler Bivens helped end prayers at Nicholls State University commence- religion lacking ment programs. There’s a principle in science called FFRF member Dr. David Schultz re- to see that at the commencement exer- the “Sagan rule,” named after the fa- ports that the Secular Student Alliance cises last fall there was only a moment mous astronomer Carl Sagan, who said at Nicholls State University in Thi- of silence. No prayer. On returning “Extraordinary claims require extraor- bodaux, La., recently got the university to campus in January, Sarah had a let- dinary evidence.” to eliminate prayer from commence- ter from the president’s chief of staff The problem with applying this sen- ment ceremonies. thanking her for her suggestion and sible doctrine to religion is that if you Schultz is on the board of directors stating that they planned to remove ask religionists for evidence of their of the New Orleans Secular Humanist prayer from the commencement claims, almost always they will point Association and faculty advisor and exercises. you to the bible or some other “holy” sponsor of the SSA at Nicholls State. “The response of the university was Robert Ingersoll statue text, simply refusing to admit the doc- Here is the story in his words: a surprise to everyone. We’re in a very ument is full of contradictions and “The SSA recently had a surprising religious area. A large number of our Robert G. Ingersoll’s writings elo- absurdities. win. Nicholls State University, like all students come from sectarian high quently expose the fallacies of religious I get the irony of the “Jesus is watch- other state universities in Louisiana, schools. We have a St. Thomas Aquinas beliefs and are especially amazing for ing you” billboard in New Mexico, a has had prayers at its commencement Center and Baptist Campus Ministry the time that he wrote them. We need few yards from a sign advertising “adult exercises — an invocation and a bene- on the university’s property. to preserve for future generations the videos” [Jan/Feb 2016]. diction. The prayers were regular giv- “I’ve griped to sympathetic facul- Peoria, Ill., monument to him and his A more subtle irony can be observed en by a Catholic priest or a Protestant ty members about the religiosity that work. by noting the Jesus sign was paid for by (usually Baptist) minister. has been a part of the campus culture Alan Woodmansee the Roman Catholic Churches of San “Last fall, the president of the SSA since its beginnings and the common Rhode Island Juan County. If Jesus was watching an (Sarah Barrios) sent a letter to the response has been something like ‘You (FFRF is teaming with the city of Peo- endless supply of Catholic priests sexu- president of Nicholls State asking him have to realize where we are.’ ria, Ill., to help repair the statue of the 19th ally abusing children, why didn’t he do to consider broadening the diversity of “We’re excited that the SSA, only in century’s best-known and illustrious free- anything about it? sectarian prayers given or to eliminate its third semester at Nicholls State Uni- thought advocate. To donate, designate the David M. Shea prayer entirely out of respect for those versity, has already attracted attention “Ingersoll Peoria statue repair” dropdown Maryland of other faiths and those of no faith. and made an impact on the academic link at ffrf.org/get-involved/donate.) “We were surprised and very pleased culture at the university.” Sharing the crank mail

Another sample of the not-so-friendly mail you could never believe in anything bigger than we get each month, with comments printed as yourselves. You will not remove Jesus from our received. lives. You will never succeed in this rediculous mission to turn this country’s founding principles Wilmore and the Cross: Are you afraid that from morality and religion to secular athieism the cross will bring the Lord down to confront where everyone is selfish and nihilistic.— Mark you personally? Are you afraid it has some mag- Bobbi ic powders? Everyone has the right to believe I will pray for you: The rapid increase in vi- what they want in this life. If you don’t like the olence in our society is, in no small part, due to cross on the water tower then don’t look at it. your efforts to deny our Lord. One day you will If you don’t like the women that wear scarves see. — Stephen Melsom on their head then don’t look at them. Having Question: What gives you the belief that Jesus is kinda like having insurance, there will you have the right to force your ideas on indi- be a time in your life you will be glad you have viduals or athletes? You are part of the problem it. — Jane Stopher, Kentucky with the USA and world today. I feel sorry for Bill of Rights: Why is your organization you — Steve Sanders, South Carolina causing the courts to make a unconstitutional Clemson: Y’all are nothing but a bunch of rule. Don’t understand this. Example, why can’t worthless pieces of shit. Y’all want freedom from kids volunteer have a Christmas play at school religion until it comes to what y’all want to put on with a nativity scene at the end of the annual people. You’re fucking ignorant. Clemson and Concord High School Holiday Spectacula? — Dabo don’t push religion on anyone. All you want Kyle Schori, Indiana is money. You stupid son of a bitches. You’re Clemson Football: why don’t you step out money hungry is all it is. I will be filing a lawsuit of college sports and mind your business. Leave against you. See you in court. — Justin Raines the actions of Dabo Swinney to the university Dabo Sweeney: People have the right to tune and the Clemson Family. When either of the two out things they do not want to listen to. If the feel he is out of line, it will be handled properly. Clemson Team is 98% Christian, and I under- In other words we DON’T need your help. When stand it is, then the 2% has no right in a De- we do, we will ask for it. — Andrew Williams BUKE YOUR PRACTICES IN JESUS NAME money! BTW I emailed every single station na- mocracy to stop hearing what Dabo says. Back HELL BOUND: I am a God fearing con- AND YOU ARE GOING DOWN JESUS IS tionwide including the major ones like MSNBC, off and leave the Clemson family alone. You are cerned citizen and I would just like to know why IN CONTROL OF AMERICA AMEN — Carol FOXNEWS, and CNN to not give you air time. based in Madison, Wisconsin and not the Deep you would not want people to know about our Smith, Wyoming They all agree with me on this. Your agenda South. Religion is a powerful entity in this part Lord and Savior. As must crime and terrible ?: I juss want to put my pearsonal belief in sucks and you won’t win this time! We will keep of the world. Pushing your agenda down the things going on in this world today Jesus is our on your thoughts....for your group to be free I God in America and you can’t do a thing about throats of the vast majority is just plain wrong. only hope. — Shannon Harrington, Alabama pearsonally think when you try to force a coach it. Welcome to the NEW AMERICA!!! You lost! You are no better than Joe McCarthy was in Sick lives: How worthless and sick your or any organization not to have their own reli- — Casey Forsyth his witch hunt. — Mike and Dianne Evans, Al- lives must be. I will pray for you. — Joe Reyn- gion your not free from religion at all in my opin- Freedom of Religion: You say GOD and any abama olds ion being an athiest has became ots own reli- reference to Him offends you. Well, your stand no bibles in hotels: Only fools and idiots against Him and His teachings greatly offends Stupid banning of the bible: YOU ARE gion that is pushing its own religion and beliefs would prevent Bibles in rooms in hotels. It is be- me. I have the choice of believing in the Lord my SICK MINDED FOOLS, JESUS IS COMING on those who have faith and know that there is cause of the Bible that you can run a hotel. Je- God and savior and in prayers.esprecially in the BACK SOON AND YOU ARE GOING TO BE a God who has to come to save everyone — sus Christ lives in the Bible. You have freedom military. — William Crawford, California LEFT BEHIND, YOU ARE ALL OF YOUR Jennifer Mitchell because of Him. WAKE UP before it is too late. You will not win: I have no problem if you STAFF, WHY IN THE WORLD OR NOT IN THE This goes to your president and all your — Colleen Ulrich, Australia want to be an athiest and want to educate peo- WORLD PROBABLY HELL WOULD WE NEED powerful attorneys: I emailed all president’s of College and religion: Leave Clemson ple on their rights. But I know your true purpose. A STUPID ORGANIZATION CALLED FREE- every single University and college nationwide, alone. What is the matter with you? These are You want to destroy anything related to Jesus or DOM FROM RELIGION, NO RELIGION NEV- and I emailed every school district nationwide, not government institutions as you think. We God and you can’t stand the idea that religious ER SAVED ANYONE ONLY JESUS CHRIST every city government, to ignore all your threats as,parents pay huge sums to send our kids people exist. I promise you, you will never get BUT, WHEN YOU BAN RELIGION AND THE of lawsuits and ignore the lawsuit due to the fact there, so if we want prayer at football games , rid of God and those of us who are Christians. BIBLE YOU ARE TAKING AWAY ALL OF OUR of the 1st amendment rights, and you’re trying etc we get it. As long as your devil worshiping Don’t forget that we have the right to believe, RELIGIOUS RIGHTS TO DO WHAT AMERICA to force your whacked up agenda on the Amer- kids are not forced to pray, then shut the hell and it amazes me to this day how people like NEEDS RIGHT NOW WHICH IS JESUS I RE- ican people. You just want media attention and up. — Dr. Andrew Johnson Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016 Black Collar Crime Blotter Union, 12-24-15 Compiled by Bill Dunn Jeffrey Peterson, 28, Akron, OH: 3rd-degree sexual battery. Peterson, information technology coordinator at Our Lady of the Elms Arrested / Charged School, is accused of an incident last July in- Shabir Ahmed, Khanqah, Pakistan: Incit- volving a student at the all-girls Catholic school, ing violence. Ahmed, imam at a mosque south- where he has been fired. Source: cleveland. west of Lahore, allegedly accused 15-year-old com, 12-22-15 Anwar Ali of blasphemy, after which the boy Andrew M. Leone, 49, Palm Bay, FL: 30 went home and cut off his hand, then returned counts of possession of material depicting child to the mosque and presented it on a plate to sexual conduct, promotion of material depicting Ahmed. child sexual conduct and using a computer to Ahmed had asked for people who didn’t love seduce, solicit or lure a child. Leone was part Muhammad to raise their hands. Ali misheard of the security team at Calvary Chapel and a and raised his hand to show his love for the ministry assistant for the Youth Outreach Un- prophet. The imam reportedly pointed at Ali and leashed program. called him a “blasphemer who was liable to be A family member called the church about im- killed.” Worshipers joined in to condemn him. ages of a teen girl and boy on compact discs The boy’s father defended the imam. “We are she allegedly found in Leone’s backpack. The lucky that we have this son who loves Prophet church notified police. Source: Florida Today, Muhammad that much. We will be rewarded by 12-1-15 God for this in the eternal world.” Source: NY Times, 1-19-16 Pleaded / Convicted LaSonia Tucker, 41, Jonesboro, AR: Ag- gravated assault. The police report states that Mostafa Elazabawy, 61, Manhattan, NY: Tucker was conducting the family’s Sunday bi- Elazabawy, imam at Masjid Manhattan, pleaded ble study at home with her 3 children when her guilty to petit larceny and agreed to pay $13,000 18-year-old daughter became uncooperative at Calvary Fellowship in Downingtown before Peña-Abru’s lawyer told the court his client restitution and a $5,000 fine. The charge and “mumbled” while reading the verses. resigning in November after admitting impreg- was only at Watson’s apartment to have a tarot stemmed from his work as a paid tax preparer “This action made [Tucker] angry so she nating a teen who was living with him and his card reading. Source: Gloucester Times, 1-5-16 for Queen of Sheba Ethiopian restaurant. grabbed an extension cord and began whipping wife Libby. Daniel Iampaglia, 72, Manhattan, NY: 9 Elazabawy made headlines when he said [her daughter] with the cord across the left arm,” Malone met the girl when she was about 12 counts of petit larceny. Iampaglia, pastor of the National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum’s the report said. Then she allegedly took a 4-inch and belonged to a church in Mesa, AZ, where Evangelical Rock Church, is charged with steal- “The Rise of Al Qaeda” video narrated by Brian steak knife, “moved forward and the knife acci- he was a pastor. He contacted the girl when she ing church money between Oct. 28 and Nov. 21, Williams offended Muslims. dentally struck the top of [her daughter’s] right was 17 in June 2014 and invited her to live with 2015. Based on videos recorded by members “I’m not a bad person,” he said in court. “One hand.” Extensive bleeding resulted. Source: him in Minnesota, police said. He reportedly suspicious that the pastor was stealing from of- day I’m going to meet the Lord and he’s gonna Democrat-Gazette, 1-18-16 flew to Ecuador “to reflect on the situation” and ferings, he’s accused of taking only $238, but an clear everything up.” Source: NY Daily News, Jeffrey Allred, 42, Sallisaw, OK: Embez- was taken into custody by customs agents af- affidavit in a civil case alleges he misappropriat- 1-6-16 zlement. Allred, pastor of The Journey since ter returning to the U.S. Source: The Inquirer, ed over $8,000. Paul Clarke, 71, Manchester, England: 2005, allegedly used a church credit for his 1-11-16 “They don’t pay me enough,” Iampaglia told Pleaded guilty to 5 counts of possessing an in- personal use. About $50,000 is involved. The Ronald Stribble, 66, Lindale, TX: Soliciting a police officer after his arrest, a prosecutor al- decent image of a child. Clarke, pastor at St. church board has filed a civil suit alleging “de- prostitution. Stribble resigned as senior adult leged in court. Anthony’s Catholic Church, was arrested when ceit, false representation, nondisclosure and minister at First Baptist Church after posting Church sources told a reporter Iampaglia is a 2014 search of the residential presbytery al- concealment, breach of fiduciary duty, con- bond, said Tom Buck, senior pastor. The arrest paid $600 a week plus free lodging and utilities legedly turned up 3,100 images of children. version and all other related claims.” Source: report said Stribble arranged online to meet a in a 3-bedroom apartment in the Rock Church Source: BBC, 1-5-16 KFSM, 1-13-16 female at a Tyler hotel, where he was confront- townhouse on E. 62nd St. “He has no shame,” Stephen Pohl, 57, Louisville, KY: Plead- Christopher D. Beam, 33, Shubuta, MS: 5 ed by plainclothes officers. said church member Sue Cruz, 54. “A decent ed guilty to accessing child pornography. Pohl, counts each of lustful touching of a child and en- “Our focus, as a church, from this point for- person would step down.” Source: WLNY, 1-1-16 former pastor at St. Margaret Mary Catholic ticing a child under 18 years of age with an elec- ward will be to love, pray for and help Ronnie Callan D. Rice, 26, Anson, TX: 2nd-degree Church, admitted accessing images of under- tronic device for sexual purposes. Beam, pastor and his family as they walk through this time, indecency with a child. Anson was fired as Beth- age boys at the church rectory and office be- of Evergreen Baptist Church, was also a sub- and seek God to bring healing both to them and el Assembly youth pastor after being charged tween January and August 2015. A plea agree- stitute teacher and school bus driver. Source: our church,” Buck said in a statement. Source: with having a relationship with a girl under age ment calls for him to serve 33 months in federal WDAM, 1-13-16 Morning Telegraph, 1-8-16 17 who was in his youth group. He was arrested prison and register as a sex offender. James Lilly, 24, Bluefield, W.VA: Incest, David L. Von Bergen, 59, Alton, IL: 3 in his vehicle while parked with the girl behind a “I’m presently working with a psychologist,” 2nd-degree sexual assault and 31 counts of counts of unauthorized video recording and building in Abilene. Rice’s wife is worship pastor Pohl told U.S. District Judge David Hale. “It has sexual abuse. Lilly, who worked in youth minis- obstruction of justice. Von Bergen, an elder at at Bethel. Source: KTXS, 12-30-15 assisted me in understanding what is happen- try at Episcopal churches, is accused of molest- Zion Lutheran Church, is charged with hiding Almir Daci, aka Ebu Belkisa, an imam from ing here.” ing a juvenile female starting in 2009 when she several cameras inside the church, including in eastern Albania, is charged with advocating The case started when a 10-year-old boy told was 9 or 10. Source: Daily Telegraph a changing area in the sacristy. Kale Hanson, terrorism and recruiting persons to conduct ter- his mother that “Father Steve” had him pose at Donnie Ray Schultz, 45, Del City, OK: 19 36, Bethalto, Zion’s assistant pastor, is charged rorist acts. Daci, believed to be in Syria, will be an after-school club with his hands on his knees counts of 2nd-degree rape, 31 counts of forc- with obstruction of justice. tried in absentia. and legs spread apart. Detectives found about ible oral sodomy, manufacturing child pornogra- The cameras were found during Christmas A YouTube video released last June showed 150 more photos Pohl took of St. Margaret Mary phy, possession of obscene material involving Eve services. Police allege Hanson agreed to Daci and a Kosovo militant threatening peo- School students. Their underwear was visible in the participation of a minor under the age of 18 destroy their memory cards and let Von Bergen ple who don’t support ISIS, prosecutors said. some. Parents have started a petition asking and engaging in a pattern of criminal offenses leave with the cameras. At least 1 minor was Source: Balkan Insight, 12-3-15 the school and U.S. Attorney’s Office to release in 2 or more counties. It’s alleged Schultz met recorded in the changing area, said Tom Gib- the photos. Source: Courier-Journal, 1-4-16 a 14-year-old girl through the bible class he bons, Madison County state’s attorney. Source: Ronald L. Wilcox, 60, Fruitland, MD: taught at Calvary Christian Church and started News-Democrat, 1-7-16 Pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault. He a sexual relationship. She’s now 16. Gerald Searle, 51, Liberty Center, OH: Re- ‘He has no shame. A admitted molesting a teen girl in 1996-98 at the Schultz allegedly had sex with the girl at ceipt of material involving the sexual exploita- decent person would church office and at her home while he was a “homes where the defendant would do home re- tion of a child. Searle, who resigned last April for deacon in training and youth ministry assistant pair,” at the church, in a storage unit and at their “personal reasons” as pastor at Shiloh Christian step down.’ at Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church in Piscat- respective homes. He was convicted of rape in Union Church in Delta, is accused of possess- away, NJ. Source: nj.com, 12-22-15 1995 and was on the sex offender registry until ing child pornography between 2013-15. He – Sue Cruz, on Daniel Iampaglia, her 2013. was also a substitute bus driver for the public pastor charged with larceny Sentenced Calvary Christian spokesman Jason Sharp school district. Source: NBC Toledo, 1-6-16 said Schultz was a member for about 19 years Anthony McClain, 54, Suffolk, VA: 15 Demarcus Smith, 32, Memphis, TN: 85 and that church officials knew about his convic- counts of aggravated sexual battery, 5 counts months in prison after pleading guilty to receipt tion but discounted its relevance because the of indecent liberties with a child and 6 counts Earnest Blount, 55, Hattiesburg, MS: Sex- of child pornography. Smith, pastor at Oak Hill state had removed him from the sex offender of incest. McClain operated a ministry called ual battery. Blount, pastor of Sweet Pilgrim Mis- Missionary Baptist Church, was convicted of list. Source: newsok.com, 1-11-16 Something God Made Ministries Community sionary Baptist Church for 22 years, is alleged having a teen boy send him sexually explic- Samuel Borntreger, 39, Summer Shade, Center Inc. Charges stem from alleged inci- to have engaged in oral sex in his office with a it photos of himself through a Facebook app. KY: 1st-degree murder. Borntreger, who had dents in 2015. 15-year-old boy. The church has accepted his Source: Commercial Appeal, 1-15-16 recently become a minister, called authorities to In August he allegedly told a detective “it resignation. Source: WDAM, 12-30-15 David Wax, 53, and Judith Wax, 51, Lake- say he’d poisoned his wife, Anna Yoder Born- was consensual and she initiated it.” Avraham Yosef, Holon, Israel: 2 counts of wood, NJ: 7 years in prison and 2 years’ proba- treger, 26, in 2006 when they lived with their “I believe my husband is innocent, and I’m breach of trust. Yosef, Holon’s chief rabbi, is action, respectively, for their part in the so-called 4 children in an Amish community in Harrison standing by him 100%,” Deborah McClain told a cused of using his position to force businesses “Prodfather” plot to force Jewish men to give County, MO. reporter over the phone from N. Carolina, where to work with the kashrut (kosher) supervision their wives religious divorces called “gets.” Borntreger was a well-known cabinet mak- the family has relocated to. Source: WAVY, 1-6-16 agencies owned by his family. Source: Haaretz, The husband and wife testified againstMen - er, said Harrison County Sheriff Josh Eckerson. Robert Lubrano, 63, Farmingdale, NY: 12-27-15 del Epstein, 70, the rabbi sentenced earlier to “We were aware [Anna] passed and supposedly Criminal possession of a controlled substance. Benjamin Oteka, Gulu, Uganda: Embez- 10 years. Victims described being thrown into she had a liver disease of some sort. We didn’t Lubrano, an unassigned Catholic priest, was zlement. Oteka, pastor of Faith Cathedral Cen- vans, beaten and shocked with electric cattle have any idea what was going on until . . . he arrested in a motel parking lot for possessing ter, is charged with stealing $104,000 from Fa- prods until they relented. confessed.” of 800 mg of crack cocaine and drug parapher- vor of God Ministries, where he was director in The Waxes admitted replacing a blood- The probable cause statement said he told nalia. A spokesman for the Diocese of Rockville 2013. soaked carpet in their home to hide the crime. deputies he put antifreeze in his wife’s drinks Centre said he’s been on leave for 5 years. Janan Loum, chairperson of the National The family of the victim’s wife allegedly paid Da- and twice inserted battery acid into her rectum. “I have been smoking crack cocaine ever Fellowship of Born-again Churches, defend- vid Wax about $100,000. Source: Asbury Park Eckerson got a search warrant to exhume the since my sister was murdered,” a complaint al- ed Oteka, claiming the recent breakup of his Press, 1-13-16 body. “He became a minister and decided it was leged he told police. His sister was decapitated marriage to Carol Ward, the American founder Tony Walsh, 61, Dublin, Ireland: 2 years time to air his dirty laundry, I guess,” Eckerson in her apartment by her mentally ill son in Octo- of the ministry, is why Ward accused Oteka of in prison with 1 year suspended for the sexu- said. ber 2014. The son died after jumping in front of stealing money. Source: Daily Monitor, 12-28-15 al assault of a girl between the ages of 7 and Borntreger had remarried and fathered 4 a train. His brother died of a heroin overdose in Adam Egan, 35, Bethlehem, NY: Unlaw- 10 in 1973-76. Walsh, a Catholic seminarian at more children. Source: AP/Daily News, 1-11-16 1997. Source: NY Daily News, 1-6-16 ful surveillance and tampering with evidence. the time, is already in prison for a 2010 convic- Jacob Malone, 33, Exton, PA: Rape and Richard Watson, 51, Salem, MA: Heroin Egan, pastor of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, tion for molesting 3 boys. He was known as the institutional sexual assault, endangering the trafficking. Watson, a Wiccan priest, is accused allegedly recorded a woman getting dressed in “Singing Priest” as part of a traveling group of welfare of a child, corruption of a minor and of having than 2 ounces of heroin in his apart- a Salvation Army room in Colonie. Police said performing clerics before he was defrocked. furnishing liquor to a child. Malone was pastor ment when it was searched in August. He al- he fled the building and tried to delete the video The court heard that the girl was assaulted of leadership development and volunteerism legedly let Javier Peña-Abreu, 22, Dorchester, after the woman saw a camera on top of a cur- in a parish hall run by the Sisters of Charity, store the drug there to be picked up by buyers. tain and phoned them for help. Source: Times where Walsh helped with maintenance work. March 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

Source: Irish Independent, 1-13-16 sister were allowed to see their parents only 15 Ryan A. Winner, 34, Olney, TX: 60 years in minutes a month and were “paraded” before prison after pleading guilty to 2 counts of sexual potential donors. “They gave us good clothes exploitation of children. A still image of the pre- whenever visitors came. They made us stand in buscent male victim engaged in sexual conduct line and recite bible passages. Faltering meant with a man appears to have been taken at the a beating with sticks and belts later.” Source: unidentified church where Winner worked as a Hindustan Times, 1-8-16 youth minister. Manuel Gallo Espinoza, 52, a New Jersey The investigation started after U.S. Home- Catholic priest who fled from Plainfield to his land Security received a tip from Australian au- native Ecuador in 2003 after being accused of thorities about online child pornography being rape by an altar boy, is the subject of an arrest traded. Source: Olney Enterprise, 1-7-16 warrant. Gallo Espinoza admitted to a reporter Aryeh L. “Larry” Dudovitz, 48, Chicago: in August that he engaged in a sex with Max 8 years in prison for the aggravated sexual as- Rojas Ramirez, now 28, who has gone public sault of a 15-year-old boy in 2006. Dudovitz, a with his allegation. Joan Robinson Gross, Union Chabad-Lubavitch rabbi and father of 9, is “a County presiding municipal court judge, found sexual predator of the worst kind,” prosecutor probable cause to issue the warrant. Tracy Senica told the court. Asked by the reporter if he realized that After drinking traditional vodka shots with having sex with a 15-year-old when he was 40 the boy and his family at their home to celebrate could be a crime, Gallo Espinoza responded by Sukkot, Dudovitz told the victim he was leaving, email, “I just came fr [sic] my country and really but the boy later woke up to Dudovitz perform- in Ecuador a person at 15 years old is not con- ing a sex act on him. Source: Sun-Times, 1-6-16 sider [sic] so innocent.” Brent Bartel, 42, Richland Hills, TX: Guilty Ramirez alleges the priest held him down by jury of aggravated assault with a deadly and raped him in a bedroom at the rectory on weapon and injury to a child. Bartel’s wife Lin- Easter weekend in 2003. Source: nj.com, 1-7-15 dy testified she awoke in 2012 to screams and women, have joined an Illinois suit alleging showed him celebrating his birthday in Johan- Marc Gafni, 55, (born Mordechai Winiarz), found him holding their 6-year-old son down as leaders of the bible-based Institute in Basic nesburg. He first fled to the Netherlands after a former rabbi accused of sexual misconduct he carved a pentagram on the boy’s back with Life Principles covered up decades of inappro- several females, including a 15-year-old girl, with girls and women in the U.S. and Israel but a box cutter. priate sexual conduct. The women were partici- alleged he had molested them. never charged despite admitting to some of it, “I asked him ‘Why?’ He said, ‘According to pants, interns or employees at the conservative Berland’s son described his father’s new has started an “evolutionary spirituality” move- the bible, women are sinful and only the blood ministry. The suit seeks to stop IBLP’s alleged status as a “victory over the Israeli legal authori- ment in California called the Center for Integral of innocent will do.’ ” plans to liquidate its assets and relocate from ties.” Source: Jerusalem Post, 1-10-16 Wisdom. It’s attracted a number of wealthy Lindy Bartel testified that the day before, Oak Brook to Texas. Israel’s Supreme Court upheld a 1-year pris- celebrities and the attention of Jewish leaders her husband watched Mel Gibson’s movie “The Defendants are the institute, its board and on sentence for Yoshiyahu Pinto, a rabbi who concerned about Gafni’s past. Passion of the Christ” repeatedly. “I asked him, founder/pastor Bill Gothard, 81, accused of pleaded guilty to bribing a police official prob- The New York Times recently reported that ‘How many times have you watched that?’ He molesting a 15-year-old girl in 2012 but never ing personal use of charitable donations. Pinto Gafni’s growing prominence is cause for alarm said 10 times.” Source: Star-Telegram, 1-5-16 charged. asked the court to void the prison sentence due in the Jewish community, given the accusations James Carragher, 75, Prenton, England: Followers include Michelle and Jim Bob to poor health and his cooperation with prose- of “sexually exploiting a high school freshman 9 years in prison. Carragher, former head of St. Duggar of the now-canceled reality TV show cutors. and who then moved to Israel to start a mysti- William’s, a Catholic home for boys operated by “19 Kids and Counting.” The institute also oper- In April 2014, prosecutors charged former cal community, only to lose it after having affairs the De La Salle Order, was found guilty in De- ated the facility where the Duggars’ eldest son, U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, R-NY, with illegally with multiple followers.” cember of 24 counts of indecent and sexual as- Josh, went as a teen after admitting he sexually receiving several hundred thousand dollars in Gafni told the Times that “old claims against sault related to his years at the home with mul- abused his younger sisters. Source: Chicago contributions from Pinto followers. Source: JTA, him were all exaggerated, the result of profes- tiple victims. He has already served 21 years Tribune, 1-7-16 1-7-16 sional resentment, and that he had been the after first being sentenced in 1993. Six men have sued the Catholic Diocese victim of pseudo-feminist witch hunts. Co-defendant Anthony McCallen, 69, the of Portland, ME, alleging it covering up abuse Allegations “Mr. Gafni, who has been divorced three school’s chaplain, was sentenced to 15 years by its priest James Vallely from 1958 to 1977 times, said that any mistakes might have oc- for a series of historical sex offenses. when they were ages 8 to 15. Vallely died in Michael “Mitch” Walters, 60, S. Orange, curred because he was in denial about his poly- David Greenwood, who represents 109 al- 1997. NJ, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Sorrows amorous nature,” the Times reported. Source: leged victims of assault at St. William’s, said a “I have no evidence indicating that Bishop Catholic Church, left the ministry by mutual Haaretz, 12-27-15 civil case filed in 2004 has still not reached a [Daniel] Feeney warned the public to protect agreement with the Archdiocese of Newark. conclusion. Source: bt.com, 1-4-16 their children against Father Vallely,” said Mitch- He’s accused of molesting a minor boy and Removed / Resigned Ian Pheasey, 54, Warwick, England: 5 ell Garabedian, the men’s attorney. “Father Val- minor girl in the early 1980s while pastor of St. years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual lelly was shuttled from parish to parish to parish, Cassian Church in Montclair. Howard White, Bedford, PA, was put on assaults on 3 girls in the 1990s. Pheasey and as were so many other abusers.” Source: AP, Accuser David Ohlmuller, Lake Bluff, IL, leave as substitute pastor at St. James Episco- the girls, ages 6, 7 and 14, were Jehovah’s Wit- 1-5-16 alleges Walters fondled him in a confession- pal Church after a lawyer representing sexual nesses. Testimony alleged Pheasey, who vol- The Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City al at least 10 times, starting when he was 12. abuse plaintiffs alleged White molested them at unteered as a Kingdom Hall librarian, choked and John Wisner, associate pastor of St. Ag- He’s represented by Boston attorney Mitchell St. George’s School in Middletown, RI, in the the girls to get sexual satisfaction and that the nes Parish in Roeland Park, MO, in the mid- Garabedian, as is a woman who alleges Wal- 1970s and 1980s. church covered it up for 25 years. Jehovah’s 1980s, are being sued by a man who alleges ters molested her in her home and on a trip to The school in December said an investiga- Witnesses believe sex assaults need to be ob- the priest molested him when he was between Pennsylvania when she was 13 and 14. Source: tion found that 26 students accused 6 employ- served by at least 2 people to be credible. 15 and 17 years old. nj.com, 1-16-16 ees of sexual abuse and apologized for not re- An issue of Watchtower magazine urged Wisner was removed from active ministry Grace Episcopal Church, Traverse City, porting allegations to police. readers to be “shrewd” about sex abuse and in 2012 after other child sexual abuse allega- MI, sent a letter to parishioners revealing that According to a 1974 letter from then-head- stated, “Even if a report is true, it does not nec- tions surfaced, said an archdiocese statement. 3 church members “were sexually harassed by master Anthony Zane to White, the school gave essarily mean that it should be spread. There Source: KCTV, 12-18-15 the Rev. Bry Dennison during his tenure as him money after his departure and paid his may be times when it would be neither right Zion Lutheran Church, Hopkins, MN, is interim priest in 2008-09.” Church spokesper- moving expenses. nor loving to distribute true accounts to others.” being sued by “Jane Doe 115,” alleging she was son John Strickler said that to his knowledge, “Under the circumstances, I think the school Source: Daily Star, 1-3-16 molested in 1974-77 by now-deceased youth harassment included violating personal space, is being generous, and if you find yourself hard- Faisal bin Nayem and Rezwanul Azad minister John Huchthausen starting when she unwelcome embraces, “brush-bys and things of pressed in the future I suggest that you consider Rana, Dhaka, Bangladesh, were sentenced to was 11. that nature.” selling your Porsche,” said the letter, released death for the 2013 machete murder of Ahmed After an investigation, Dennison was re- by attorney Carmen Durso. White has not been Haider, a secular activist who was publicly criti- moved from ministry until July 2015. He’s been charged with a crime. Source: Morning Call, cal of Islam. Both were university students and restored as a “priest in good standing” but is still 1-7-16 members of the banned Ansar Bangla militant ‘[Masteller] is not barred from pastoral duties. Strickler said the Steven Harris, East Falls, PA, pastor of St. group. church has offered to help pay for victim coun- Bridget Catholic Church, was placed on admin- Jasim Uddin Rahmani, the spiritual head entitled to a volume seling. Source: WPBN/WGTU, 1-11-16 istrative leave for the second time in 5 years. of Ansar Bangla, was sentenced to 5 years for Alleged pedophile priest Ronald Pickering A statement by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia abetting murder, while 5 others received jail discount for his crimes.’ got $188,000 from the Catholic Archdiocese said it “was made aware of possible concerns terms of varying lengths for their involvement. of Melbourne after he fled Australia. Pickering regarding his suitability for ministry at this time” Source: Wall Street Journal, 12-31-15 – Pennsylvania Superior Court denial of “retired” in 1993 from his Melbourne parish to while stating the removal “does not involve ac- Jean B. Uwinkindi, 64, Kigali, Rwanda: Jonathan Masteller’s claim his sentence England in the wake of at least 19 allegations of cusations of any criminal activity.” Life in prison. Uwinkindi, former pastor of a child sexual abuse. He died there in 2009. He was put on leave in 2011 in the wake of Pentecostal church in the capital, was convict- was excessive. Records show annual payments to Pickering a grand jury report on clergy abuse, then rein- ed by Rwanda’s highest court of genocide and were delivered by intermediaries even as the stated in 2012. Harris, ordained in 1980, was crimes against humanity tied to the 1994 deaths archdiocese was compensating his victims. The assigned to St. Bridget’s in June 2015. Source: of 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and Hutus. He was Doe is represented by Hamilton James, archdiocese paid each of 16 victims an average Montgomery News, 1-7-15 arrested in 2010 in Uganda. Source: Reuters, a newly formed national attorney team, which of $37,000. Source: The Age, 1-10-16 Paul Rowan, 47, Warrington, England, 12-31-15 includes FFRF member Marci Hamilton. Hamil- At least 231 boys in the Regensburger a Catholic priest who was director of theology ton, professor at Cardoza School of Law in New Domspatzen choir in Germany were histori- and religious studies at St. Mary’s University Civil Lawsuits Filed York and an authority on sex abuse litigation, cal abuse victims, according to Ulrich Weber, a in Twickenham, was fired due to allegations of said women in general are reluctant to report lawyer commissioned by the Catholic diocese an affair 2 years ago with undergraduate Char- Trinity Fellowship Church, Amarillo, TX, abuse by clergy, coaches, teachers, family to investigate allegations. The choir, attached to maine Garton, a mother of 2. Rowan is appeal- is being sued for $50 million over allegations members and family friends. Source: Star Tri- a boarding school, was run by Pope Benedict’s ing the decision. Source: Daily Mail, 1-3-16 that Randy S. Castillo, 28, a children’s ministry bune, 12-15-15 older brother, Georg Ratzinger, from 1964 to Vsevolod Chaplin, 47, a Russian Orthodox volunteer, molested a girl while he worked at the 1994, when most of abuse is alleged. Claims in- archpriest, was fired as the Moscow Patriarch- church from 2012-14. He was charged in March Legal Developments cluded rape, sexual assault, beatings and food ate chairman of the Synodal Department for the 2015 with 2 counts each of aggravated assault deprivation, said Weber. Cooperation of Church and Society. Chaplin of a child and sexual assault of a child. Jonathan D. Masteller, 25, Kinzers, PA, Composer and former pupil Franz Witten- had urged women to dress more modestly so According to the church, Castillo worked sentenced last year to 25 to 80 years for mo- brink alleged in 2010 there was a “system of they wouldn’t provoke rape and offended Mus- with 4-year-olds at the church and also at a lesting a 12-year-old boy, had his excessive sadistic punishments connected to sexual plea- lims by calling Russia’s military campaign in summer camp for 1st- through 4th-graders in sentence appeal denied by the state Superior sure.” Source: The Guardian, 1-8-16 Syria a “holy war.” Source: NPR, 12-26-15 2014. Source: KSNV, 1-14-16 Court. Masteller, youth programs director at Police in India raided 2 shelters run by the “Jane Doe 115” is suing the Catholic Dio- Gap Community Church, was charged after a Emmanuel Seva Group, a nongovernmental Other cese of St. Cloud, MN, the Order of St. Ben- pastor doing maintenance on a church comput- organization in Greater Noida and Meerut, after The Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle made edict and Church of St. Joseph, alleging she er found photos of Masteller and a boy engaged allegations children were abused for failing to public a list of 77 clergy or religious order mem- was molested by Othmar Hohmann, a monk in sex acts. memorize bible passages. “We are investigat- bers accused of sexual abusing minors. who was pastor of St. Joseph in the early Masteller, the opinion stated, “is not entitled ing whether the organization had permission to Those on the list served or lived in west- 1960s. The woman alleges multiple assaults to a volume discount for his crimes.” Source: run a shelter home. Three persons, including ern Washington between 1923 and 2008, the starting when she was 11 by Hohmann, who re- Lancaster Online, 1-14-16 the caretaker of a shelter home, have been de- archdiocese said in a statement, and were the tired to the abbey in 1975 and died in 1980. He Eliezer Berland, 78, an Israeli rabbi want- tained and are being questioned,” said Ashwani subject of “allegations that are either admitted, was moved between parishes 12 times before ed on charges of child molestation, may now Kumar, Bisrakh police spokesman. established or determined to be credible.” 1961-66, the period covered in the suit. Source: have some sort of diplomatic status that would A 9-year-old boy, who was among 30 chil- At least 40 persons were listed as deceased St. Cloud Times, 1-13-16 protect him from prosecution, according to the dren from poor families removed from the and 14 with “unknown” status. Most of the rest More plaintiffs, bringing the number to 10 South African Jewish Report. Recent photos shelters, said he and his younger brother and were laicized. Source: KUOW, 1-15-16 Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016

In memoriam

mehln, Germany to Max and Ida Koe- him to a basement full of tick-tock- “Media Musings” for a Milwaukee alter- hler, Manfred spent most of his life in ing, musical and moving Black Forest native paper called the Shepherd’s Ex- Wisconsin, including the last 27 years clocks and the moniker ‘Mr. Cuckoo.’ press. He also hosted Wisconsin Public in Slinger. “Everyone will miss his strong pres- Radio’s “Media Talk” show for 13 years. He grew up in Milwaukee and ence, his love of sports (golf and bas- Dave was a liberal, a civil rights ac- attended the University of Wiscon- ketball especially), his thoughtful com- tivist, and a free speech absolutist, and sin-Milwaukee and also served in the ments and his keen sense of humor.” served on the state boards of the ACLU U.S. Army. Memorial donations may be made in Connecticut and Wisconsin. He retired from Sigma-Aldrich at to FFRF, P.O. Box 750, Madison, WI A member of the National Associ- 55, which meant he could spend more 53701 (http://ffrf.org/donate). ation of Educational Broadcasters, he retirement time with an active role in advocated protecting Public Broad- his grandchildren’s upbringing. He David I. Berkman casting’s independence from political babysat them while the parents worked, 1934–2015 threats. He loved reading, politics and Manfred ‘Dick’ helped with school work and attended FFRF member David Berkman, argument. Koehler 1933–2015 their sports games. He also attended 81, died on Dec. 31, 2015. He was He is survived by his wife, Margarita many concerts and programs. a college professor, teaching mass Dusek; children, Linda Turner of New FFRF member Manfred G. “Dick” Manfred’s wife Helga died in 2013. communications at the University of York City, Elena Sullivan of San Diego, Koehler, 82, died at home in Slinger, According to his obituary, “His Wisconsin-Milwaukee, among other Calif., and Neil Berkman of Berkeley, Wis., on Dec. 23, 2015. Born in Grossk- post-retirement interest in clocks led universities. He wrote a column called Calif., and grandchildren. Secular invocations

Aleta Ledendecker ago our Constitution established a implications that extend beyond our Iowa, Peter volunteers for Big Brothers Big principle of inclusion as a shining ex- immediate surroundings. Sisters of the Big Bend, is treasurer of the Oak Ridge (Tenn.) ample for the rest of the world, which Thoughts matter. We all have our Secular Student Alliance at FSU, and serves City Council has contributed to the astonishing convictions, some of which are iden- as a board member for the Center for In- success of our nation. When we forget tical, others which conflict and con- quiry’s Tallahassee community. His essay, Jan. 11, 2016 or ignore it, we turn our backs on the tradict. That secularism, atheism and “Religions are responsible for their unclear wisdom of the founding fathers and even non-Christian belief systems are teachings” earned him a fifth-place award tarnish their legacy, weakening our so- overwhelmingly underrepresented in in FFRF’s 2015 Brian Bolton graduate col- ciety in the process. Leon County should worry all of us. lege essay contest. It is incumbent upon this council to That today this history changes is cause make the best decisions for the com- for optimism. munity — the entire community. In Actions matter. Rather than bow, this regard, I ask that you use reason, fall prostrate, or look inward to con- wisdom and empathy in your delibera- nect ourselves to the heavens, let us tions today, taking into account the im- focus on the one tangible reality we all plications your decisions will have now know and share: each other. Whether and into the future. we agree with one another or not, it is As this new year begins, remember through cooperation and sacrifice that that in honor of separation of church this county churns, burns and thrives. and state, no deities need to, nor Ask yourselves: Why are you here, and should be invoked at the openings of how do you care to express this motive? Aleta Ledendecker your meetings. Doing so gives the ap- Through what you say? How you think? pearance if not actual governmental What you do? Today I open our Coun- Here is the full transcript of Aleta’s in- preference to one group of citizens ty Commission meeting suggesting we vocation. The mayor of Oak Ridge cut her over others. The council is a civil body reassess what unity is so that our com- off in mid-sentence when she still had more not a religious one, so should recog- munity can truly grow strong together. than 30 seconds to go. (See page 7 for the nize that secular authority in govern- E pluribus unum. For it is out of many full story.) ment is not only sufficient, but prefer- that a unified voice comes into being. able. James Madison, founding father Peter D.A. Wood is a PhD candidate at Flor- Good evening, council of Oak and 4th President said it well: ida State University. Raised in Davenport, Peter D. A. Wood Ridge. “And I have no doubt that every As I solemnize these proceedings, I new example will succeed, as every want to acknowledge the service of the past one has done, in showing that re- council members and share apprecia- ligion & government will both exist in tion for their willingness to be a part greater purity, the less they are mixed of the governmental process. We owe together.” NOTHING FAILS LIKE PRAYER a debt of gratitude to those who take Mayor and council members I ap- on the burden of public office. Thank preciate the opportunity to offer an you for your service to the citizens of inspiring start to your meeting. Oak Ridge. Now let this honored council pro- Now, let us not bow our heads, but ceed with its business, remembering The U.S. Supreme Court unwisely “blessed” sectarian hold them high with eyes open so that also to honor all of its constituents, prayers at local government meetings in its Town of Greece we may keep them focused on the is- while upholding the principle of sepa- v. Galloway decision. If the Supreme Court won’t uphold our sues facing Oak Ridge in order that ration of church and state. Thank you. godless and entirelyCon secular Constitution — adopted at a they may be considered with reason and compassion. Aleta is an FFRF Life member and sec- prayerless constitutional convention — it’s up to us. When this body comes together to retary of the Rationalists of East Tennessee. It’s up to you! govern, they do so with the consent of the citizens of Oak Ridge. Oak Ridge Peter D. A. Wood We’d like to see secular citizens flood government meetings is a very diverse community with many different views and opinions. I urge the Leon County (Fla.) with secular invocations that illustrate why government members of the City Council to face Commission prayers are unnecessary, ine ective, embarrassing, the future and their civic duties with exclusionary, divisive or just plain silly. full recognition of their responsibili- April 28, 2015 ties to all the citizens of Oak Ridge. I The “best” secular invocation will be invited to open FFRF’s urge you to maintain our trust that you Words matter. As we gather here to- annual convention, receiving an all-expenses-paid trip will recognize and serve equally the day, like many Tuesdays, we stand ready (next year in Pittsburgh on the weekend of Oct. 7–9, 2016), a growing diversity of your constituents and eager to unite and conduct busi- with favoritism toward none. Realize ness as usual. Most meetings use this plaque and an honorarium of $500. that this growing diversity encompass- time to begin procedure with prayer. es not only many religions, but a grow- To some, prayer is a staple of public LEARN MORE AT: ing contingent of those who have no works. To others, it is a deviation from rf.org/outreach/nothing-fails-like-prayer religious affiliation, the “nones.” what our government is constructed This community is made stronger by to do. Whatever side you may fall on, the diversity within it. Over 200 years what we say and how we say it can have March 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23

Texas lawsuit a history of defending religious dis- They said what? plays in this state,” Abbott added. He Continued from front page warned that FFRF should be aware that executive director, advising him to Texas “has the muscle and firepower to The majority of cases of domestic vi- I mean, it’s beyond remove the FFRF display. Abbott lam- go toe-to-toe with these organizations olence happen because the woman’s ridiculous that you basted FFRF’s exhibit as indecent and that come from out of state trying to partner does not accept them, or re- take the most ab- mocking, implied it would promote bully governmental bodies into tearing jects them for not accepting their de- normal situation public immorality, had no education- down things like nativity scenes.” mands. Or often the macho reaction and then you make al purpose and compared it to “Piss In October 2012, Abbott again at- comes about because she asked for a everyone else con- Christ,” a controversial 1987 photo- tacked FFRF during a press confer- separation. form to it. That graph by Andres Serrano showing a ence: “We will not allow atheist groups Braulio Rodriguez, archbishop of To- doesn’t make any plastic crucifix submerged in a jar of from outside of the state of Texas to ledo, Spain sense whatsoever. urine. come into the state, to use menacing Metro UK, 12-27-15 That’s one of the very reasons that I State Rep. Charlie Geren, a Preser- and misleading intimidation tactics have been an outspoken opponent of vation Board member, advised Sneed to try to bully schools to bow down at The purpose of our things like gay marriage. . . . Everybody about FFRF’s display, saying “that, if I the altar of secular beliefs.” During the life is to cooperate is equal, everybody has equal rights, but were him, I’d take it down.” same conference, Abbott said: “We are with God’s plan. nobody gets extra rights. And when we FFRF’s federal lawsuit, to be filed not going to either tolerate or accept Our goal is eter- start trying to impose the extra rights in February in the these atheist groups nity, the ability to based on a few people who perhaps are Western District of trying to prevent live alongside our abnormal, where does that lead? Texas, Austin divi- ‘Gov. Abbott has that freedom of ex- Creator and for all Presidential candidate Ben Carson sion, charges that pression here in the time, to accept the Right Wing Watch, 1-11-15 Abbott and the oth- consistently advocated state of Texas.” free gift of salvation er defendants violat- for displays of religion As governor, Ab- offered to us by Je- Christians have been lied to and have ed the free speech, bott has recently sus Christ. believed the lies, have been drinking equal protection and in the public sphere, attacked FFRF for Presidential candidate Marco Rubio in the Kool-Aid for too long with things due process rights of asking the Brewster a televised campaign ad like so-called separation of church and FFRF and its mem- while actively opposing County’s Sheriff’s The New York Times, 1-6-16 state, which of course is neither in the ber, de Lozanne. any expression of Office to remove Constitution nor in the Declaration. The defendants’ crosses from patrol I want to remind you that some of Minister Rafael Cruz, father of Sen. action shows “unam- nonreligious principles.’ vehicles, and has the most important elections are the Ted Cruz, R-Texas biguous viewpoint complained that the local elections. We need God-fearing Breitbart News Daily, 1-21-16 discrimination” and city of Orange, Tex- city councilmen and county commis- was also motivated by “animus” toward as, removed a nativity scene from city sioners. We need Christians to run for To pass laws that do not uphold God’s FFRF and its nontheistic message, FFRF hall at FFRF’s behest. school boards. moral law degrades us as a nation, it contends. Such action violates the First “Gov. Abbott has consistently ad- Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, degrades our liberties and it degrades Amendment’s Establishment Clause vocated for displays of religion in the speaking at a prayer rally the greatness of a nation and that’s by favoring the “stand-alone Christian public sphere, while actively opposing Tallahassee Democrat, 1-12-16 what God understood from Old Testa- nativity scene” and disfavoring FFRF’s any expression of nonreligious princi- ment times: The greatness of a nation “nontheisic content.” ples,” FFRF notes. I don’t know how the council can make is built up by His law. FFRF’s legal complaint details a “his- FFRF will be seeking a judgment decisions without prayer. I don’t know Former U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann tory of hostility directed against FFRF” that each defendant violated the Estab- how you can do your job without prayer. David Barton’s show “Foundations of Free- by Abbott when he was attorney gener- lishment Clause and clauses protecting Rev. Bruce Shafer, pastor of Grace Life dom,” 1-25-16 al. In December 2011, Abbott, on Fox free speech, equal protection and due Church in Monroeville, Pa., just before News, actually warned FFRF to stay out process rights of the plaintiffs. FFRF the City Council unanimously voted to I am convinced God is not done with of Texas altogether, stating: “Our mes- will be asking for damages and reason- start its meetings with a moment of si- America. We are going to, together, sage to the atheists is: Don’t mess with able costs and attorneys’ fees. lence, ending 50 years of beginning the with God’s blessings and grace, pull Texas or our nativity scenes or the Ten The lawsuit was filed on behalf of meetings with the Lord’s Prayer. America back from the abyss. Commandments.” FFRF by Richard L. Bolton, with FFRF Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 1-15-16 Presidential candidate Ted Cruz “I want the Freedom From Religion Staff Attorneys Sam Grover and Patrick Christian Broadcast network, 1-25-16 Foundation to know that our office has Elliott as co-counsel.

Freethought badge oted policy. This is their chance to be rewarded for critical thinking and to Continued from front page earn a keepsake at the same time. We excluding atheists, agnostics and non- hope someday very soon that BSA itself believers. Currently, BSA maintains will change its policy and adopt its own “that no member can grow into the official merit badge rewarding critical best kind of citizen without recogniz- thinking.” ing his obligation to God.” FFRF’s requirements give Scouts or FFRF maintains that no one can other young freethinkers the chance grow into the best kind of citizen who to select various activities, such as in- discriminates against the nonreligious, terviewing a military veteran about and that it’s what you do — not what being “an atheist in a foxhole” or non- you believe — that makes you a good religious acquaintances about their person. nonbelief. Social disapproval prompted BSA Scouts are asked to engage in secu- to largely drop a similar ban on mem- lar or freethought activism, such as at- bership against gay Scouts. But BSA tending a secular convention, starting persists in stigmatizing those who use or participating in a secular student reason and critical thought to evaluate club, writing a letter to the editor on a religious claims. secular topic, “sitting down” for the re- FFRF, at the urging of its member ligious Pledge of Allegiance, or speak- Richard Kirschman, has produced a ing up if they hear atheism being de- badge similar to BSA’s merit badges, rided or erroneous claims such as that which are typically sewn on uniforms “America is a Christian nation.” Stu- or sashes. dents are invited to watch a movie with Scouts who wish to earn this badge a freethought theme, such as Monty are asked to help disprove BSA’s mis- Python’s “Life of Brian,” or to learn guided claim that nonbelievers cannot teacher or other adult in their lives to has regularly expelled open nonbe- to perform John Lennon’s “Imagine.” be good citizens. The requirements, attest that Scouts have fulfilled them. lievers. While BSA officials dictate the They are asked to research the lives of paralleling typical merit badge require- At Dawkins’ suggestion, the Scout is discriminatory policy, Scouting troops historic freethinkers and the history ments, ask Scouts to learn about secu- also required to send FFRF a short es- vary widely in their enforcement of the of how religion has seeped into U.S. larism and the rich history of dissent say that addresses BSA’s claim that non- ban, so it’s believed many Scouts are symbols. from religion. believers can’t be good citizens. Unlike nonreligious. The full requirements for the con- Because this unauthorized “badge” BSA badge providers, FFRF will not “But if any young boy — or girl tests can be found at FFRF’s website: is intended to protest BSA policy, it’s charge Scouts money for the badge. — fulfills the requirements, we’d be ffrf.org/freethought-badge. expected that Scouts won’t be able to FFRF intends the badge to reward delighted to reward them with this Please help publicize this opportu- work with a typical merit badge coun- Boy Scouts who have persevered in an badge,” said FFRF Co-President An- nity to young freethinkers in your life selor to demonstrate completion of re- organization that basically has institut- nie Laurie Gaylor. “Many nonreligious and community. quirements. So FFRF will ask a parent, ed a “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy about students who might otherwise wish to FFRF thanks Richard Kirschman for guardian, sibling over the age of 18, atheist and agnostic participants, but join BSA never join, knowing of its big- subsidizing the cost of the badges. Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin March 2016 Reason Rally 2016: A bloc party that counts

After a successful (but chilly and damp!) Reason tion or retribution!” proclaims the ReasonRally.org Rally in 2012, the event will be heading back to Wash- web site. ington D.C., this year. Speakers will include Richard Dawkins, Johnny The latest polls show that the percentage of peo- Depp, Kelly Carlin, Paul Provenza, James Randi, Ju- ple who don’t care about a candidate’s religion is lia Sweeny, Cara Santa Maria, Lawrence Krauss and increasing and that “Nones” outnumber the U.S.’s Eugenie Scott, and a host of activists, musicians and largest religious denomination (Catholics) by several performers. percentage votes. Nones are also a growing segment Major sponsors include the Freedom From Re- of the under-45 population — who are key voters! ligion Foundation, American Atheists, American That growth is a great accomplishment for those who Humanist Association, Center for Inquiry, Richard support separation of church and state, critical think- Dawkins Foundation, Secular Coalition of America ing and just plain good sense. and Stiefel Freethought Foundation. FFRF and other We’ll all have the opportunity to celebrate that sponsors will be visible with booths on Saturday and victory — and build our power as a voting bloc — by have a brief opportunity at the mic. Some pre-rally evening entertainment events are be- attending the nonpartisan Reason Rally 2016 at the The Reason Rally itself is a day-long event, but ing planned, as well as a Sunday post-rally event. Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on June 4. there will be a variety of other events over several It’s a Voting Bloc Party for those who believe that You’ll hear great speakers and entertainers, and get days from Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 4. public policy should be made based on scientific ev- the chance to lobby members of Congress. The coalition of groups putting on the Reason Rally idence, not religious beliefs. Join us, and bring your “In this historic place, we proclaim our dream of a has reserved room blocs at centrally located hotels. friends! future where people are free to express rational and Thursday and Friday will include Lobby Days, in For more information, go to ReasonRally.org. Free- reasonable views without the fear of reprisal, retalia- conjunction with the Secular Coalition of America. thought Today will carry updates. FFRF’s engaged Why did you membership Continued from front page leave religion? ed specific Protestant denominations, such as Baptist). Here’s a small sampling of the more FFRF members are an educated than 1,000 comments from members bunch, with 96% having at least some who responded to the survey question, college (14% some college, but no de- “If you left religion, what was the pri- gree; 7% associate degree), 33% with mary catalyst?” a bachelor’s degree, and nearly 40% Father’s death due to reliance on with at least one advanced degree Christian Science healing. (24% one master’s, 4% multiple mas- Abused by religion. ter’s, 4% law degree, 10% Ph.D. and A person I looked up to shared his nearly 4% medical degree). atheism, introduced me to Bertrand Asked to choose between six prima- Russell’s Why I’m Not a Christian and I ry catalysts for leaving religion, 33% was already thinking religion does not of you chose “Religion doesn’t make Lauryn Seering photo make sense. sense,” 16% science, 14% religious The marquee on the side of FFRF’s Freethought Hall in Madison, Wis., changes I decided those impure thoughts hypocrisy/bigotry, 6% reading skepti- daily to share of wisdom from and for freethinkers. and acts were not mortal sins, but cal authors and 4% reading the bible normal. itself. Nearly 16% added additional checked by 79% of FFRF members, all. Nearly 33% of FFRF members vol- The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine. comments, such as, ”All of the above.” closely followed by death with dignity unteer on a regular basis. I became an earth science teach- (See sidebar for a sampling of these and environmental issues (75% each), Thirteen percent of you have at- er and the facts do not coincide with comments.) the aforementioned women’s rights, tended an FFRF convention in the past faith. The average age of a member of marriage equality (72%), racial equal- decade. We asked which area would My own introspection, reasoning FFRF is 62.7. The vast majority (over ity (64%), LGBTQ rights 63% and most attract you the most: The West and rationalism. 90%) are at least 40 or older. Almost 64%??, peace/antiwar 50%. Coast (22%) and the Midwest (21.6%) When I was 11 years old I deter- 12% are between the ages of 40–49, “It’s fascinating to me that the most received the most votes. mined that it did nothing to make peo- 19% 50–59, 28% 60–69, 23% 70–79. popular cause is reproductive rights, Thank you to the whopping 73% ple nicer. Only 12% of you have children under since that was the impetus for found- who have recommended FFRF to a I believe organized religion is at the the age of 18 living in your household. ing FFRF in the first place. It was fight- friend or colleague! We were pleased root of human suffering, bigotry and The survey showed 57% of FFRF mem- ing religious dogma in our civil law that 71% found it easy to join, donate destruction. bers are retired. The older age bracket over the question of contraception and or purchase books or merchandise I was 8 years old, getting ready to has been consistent with FFRF surveys abortion that happened to open my online. do my holy (holey) confirmation when for almost 40 years. After nonbelievers mother’s and my eyes to the harm of Over 43% of you have been mem- something in me clicked, clear as a get through college, establish careers religious sway over legislation. Appar- bers for 2–5 years and 20% for 6–10 bell, and it said, “This is B.S.” I left and and families, they ently that epiphany years. Almost 23% who responded had never looked back. then tend to join is a common one,” been a member for a year or less. No god could be that cruel, espe- FFRF. ‘I’m proud to commented Gaylor. More than 4,900 of you chose to tell cially to children. “We concentrate A full 96% identi- us in your own words why you joined Always had my doubts, but when my on providing ser- report that 96% of fy as white or Cauca- FFRF, and we really enjoyed reading son came out as atheist and didn’t get vices to younger our members are sian. “We’ve started those comments, with answers such as: struck by lightning, I figured he was on freethinkers, par- funding an annual “You do important work,” “Strength to something. ticularly students, registered voters.’ needs-based schol- in numbers,” “I strongly believe in the Anne Gaylor in 1985. who don’t yet have arship for freethink- separation of church and state and Tooth Fairy = Santa = Easter Bunny the disposable in- ing students of color, want to support an organization that = Jesus. come to join FFRF,” said Dan Barker, and we include a prompt aimed at stu- fights for the cause.” More than 1,700 I realized we were no different than FFRF co-president. FFRF runs three dents of color in one of our essay com- made suggestions for projects for FFRF the cavemen worshipping lightning be- essay competitions, offers student and petitions, but we will take this result as to undertake, from very general to very cause they didn’t understand it. youth activist awards, and works closely a cue to work harder at expanding out- specific. FFRF and its legal department Falling in love with an atheist and with students and their parents to cor- reach,” noted Barker. are studying these responses closely, really thinking about religion for the rect state/church violations in public Sixty percent of you are married, and appreciate the suggestions. first time. schools. 12.5% divorced, 8% cohabiting, 6% “I’m proud to report that 96% of Reading Dan Barker’s Losing Faith in Although 73% of you are male, widowed, and almost 12% single, nev- our members are registered voters,” Faith. you’re actively feminist: An overwhelm- er married. About 10% identify as said Gaylor. “All the more reason for Civil rights in Atlanta in 1960; my ing 73% strongly support women’s LGBTQ. Almost 11% of FFRF members public candidates to wake up to the Methodist church wanted to keep rights. We asked you, “In addition to are vegetarian or vegan (compared to changing demographics and court blacks from entering the sanctuary – it FFRF and other secular causes, which about 3% of the general population). the secular vote.” FFRF members are made no sense that a religion would do other types of causes do you support Proving there are atheists and agnos- mostly an independent crowd, with that. (check all that apply)?” This question tics in foxholes, 26% of FFRF members 21% calling themselves Independent, Primarily the understanding that was aimed at discovering which oth- have served in the military (typically 36% “Progressive/Liberal,” 28.7% Christianity is but one of many histori- er causes members actively support, 24% in the military are nonbelievers). Democratic, 3.5% Libertarian, 2.5% cal religions that use mythology to un- such as via membership, donations About 19% of FFRF members are em- Green, 3.7% “other” and 1% Republi- derstand the world. or volunteer activities. Receiving the ployed in or retired from the teaching can. Comments included the candid: Belief in god fails all tests of science, most “votes” was reproductive rights, profession, and 57% are retired over- “I vote for the least repulsive moron.” logic and reason.