Vo1. 31 No. 6 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. August 2014 FFRF, IRS poised to settle church politicking suit The Freedom From Religion Foun- dation and the Internal Revenue Service are poised to resolve FFRF’s closely watched federal lawsuit chal- lenging the IRS’s non-enforcement of anti-electioneering restrictions by tax- exempt churches. The expected settle- ment would be a major coup for FFRF, a state/church watchdog and the na- tion’s largest freethought association, now topping 21,000 members. FFRF and the IRS filed an agree- FFRF annual staff pic ment July 17 to dismiss the lawsuit vol- The federal courthouse in Madison, Wis., is two blocks from FFRF headquarters. Front, left are Sam Erickson, graphic untarily, after communications from design intern; Dayna Long, administrative assisant; Lisa Strand, director of operations; Lauryn Seering, publicist; Liz the IRS that it no longer has a policy Cavell, attorney; Katie Daniel, bookkeeper; Chelsea Culver, student staffer; Dan Barker, co-president; Jackie Douglas, of non-enforcement against churches. director of membership; and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president. However, the agreement is being dis- Back, left are Rebecca Markert, senior attorney; Aaron Loudenslager, legal intern; Bill Dunn, Freethought Today puted by an obscure Milwaukee-area editor; Scott Colson, IT manager; Todd Peissig, board member and volunteer; Neal Fitzgerald, legal intern; Sam Grover, church, Holy Cross Anglican Church, attorney; Noah Bunnell, editorial intern; Patrick Elliott, attorney; and Andrew Seidel, attorney. (Photo: Andrew Seidel) which is intervening in the case and is represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. The settlement would allow FFRF to voluntarily dismiss its lawsuit “without Watchdog trio challenges Michigan prejudice,” meaning FFRF can renew it if the IRS reverts to its previous in- action. As of press time, District Judge mayor’s veto of atheist display Lynn Adelman of Milwaukee, hadn’t The Freedom from Religion Foun- ren cannot allow this.” Continued on page 3 dation, American Civil Liberties Union “Our Warren member simply wants and Americans United for Separation the same access to the atrium that of Church and State filed a joint fed- has been granted to others, includ- eral lawsuit July 23 on behalf of FFRF ing those who operate the prayer sta- Inside This Issue member Douglas Marshall, contesting tion,” said Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF the ban of a “reason station” in a city co-president. “Regardless of one’s view- Meet a hall atrium where the city has allowed point, there’s no legally justifiable rea- Patriotic a “prayer station.” son to deny Douglas Marshall his First Intern Since 2008, the city of Warren, Warren Mayor FFRF member Amendment rights.” Mich., has allowed Tabernacle Church, Fouts, who Doug Marshall Dan Korobkin, ACLU of Michigan Page 2 a Church of God congregation, to set compared deputy legal director, said, “Once the up the prayer station, in which volun- atheists to Fouts told The As- government opens public space for use Bobby ‘Sugar’ teers distribute religious pamphlets, Nazis and KKK sociated Press: “The by private groups, it cannot pick and Hinds living the pray with passersby and promote their members. city has certain values choose who can use the space based on sweet life religious beliefs. The lawsuit doesn’t that I don’t believe the content of their message or wheth- seek to remove the prayer station but are in general agreement with having er public officials agree with that mes- Pages 8–9 asks the court to order the city to treat an atheist station, nor in general agree- sage. The city cannot allow speech sup- believers and nonbelievers equally. ment with having a Nazi station or Ku portive of religion and reject speech When Marshall, a Warren resident, Klux Klan station.” He added that a supportive of atheism.” asked to set up a reason station in April reason station “will not contribute to “The city has an obligation to serve for two days a week, he was denied a community values or helping an indi- all members of the community equally, FFRF’s legal permit. According to the lawsuit, filed vidual out.” regardless of their faith or their lack of team has in U.S. District Court for the Eastern In his rejection letter, Mayor James faith,” added Alex Luchenitser, Ameri- many state/ District of Michigan, Marshall and oth- Fouts wrote: “To my way of thinking, cans United associate legal director. church er volunteers who operate the reason your group is strictly an anti-religion “The government can’t simply si- victories station would offer philosophical dis- group intending to deprive all orga- lence private speakers whenever it dis- cussions with people who express an nized religions of their constitutional likes their message,” said Daniel Mach, Pages 14–16 interest in secularism. freedoms or at least discourage the director of the ACLU Program on Upon receiving news of the lawsuit, practice of religion. The City of War- Continued on page 3 Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014

Meet an Intern

Name: Sam Erickson. That is how young I am, I suppose. Where and when I was born: Eagan, My legal interests are: I am still ex- Minn., Aug. 13, 1994. ploring all my career options, but if I Family: Mother, Pamela; father, decide on law school, I would use my Keith; brothers Tim, 23, Ben, 17, and law degree to fight for causes that I am Dan, 14. passionate about, such as the environ- Education: University of Wisconsin- ment, protection of civil liberties or Madison class of 2016, majoring in eco- the separation of church and state. nomics and political science. My legal heroes are: Thomas Jeffer- My religious upbringing was: Bap- son, Alexander Meiklejohn, Ruth Bad- tist. er Ginsburg, Clarence Darrow. How I came to work as an FFRF le- These three words sum me up: gal intern: I am the president of Athe- Workaholic, outgoing, optimistic. ists, Humanists and Agnostics (AHA!) Things I like: When I have the time, at UW-Madison. We are one of the larg- I love staying up way into the night est student atheist groups in the coun- doing one of my many hobbies. I will try and have hosted Dan Barker, Annie commonly be up until 3 in the morn- Laurie Gaylor and Andrew Seidel of ing engrossed in a book or a song that FFRF at various times. Through those I’m producing on my computer, or just connections, I was offered a summer messing around in graphic design soft- internship. ware. What I do here: I split time be- I also love staying in shape and ex- tween the legal department and doing ercising. You’ll see me playing pickup graphic design work. When not writing soccer at least once a week, in addition follow-up legal letters or dealing with to running, weight lifting and skiing in legal paperwork, I am designing the winter. Freethought of the Days seen on Face- Things I smite: Religion’s foothold book and Twitter [examples shown in our world and influence in Ameri- below], in addition to many other cool can culture and politics; religious re- design projects. pression of critical thinking, sexuality, In the future, I hope to get more and many other things; how religion heavily involved in legal projects while poisons the minds of the young; and continuing to help with design needs. how awkward family dinners are now Sam Erickson may occasionally wrap himself in the flag but never the cross. What I like best about it: Gives me that I’m the only “out” atheist in the a chance to help out a cause that I am family. extremely passionate about! My loftiest goal: To one day get inter- Something funny that’s happened viewed on Fox News and then proceed at work: When I first started working to offer an intellectual smackdown of with the office equipment, I had to whichever bigot is interviewing me be taught how to use a fax machine (I’m looking at you, Bill O’Reilly). because I had never used one before.

Samples of Sam’s handiwork for FFRF’s Facebook page.

Freethought Today Notify Us of A Note to Members published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. Your Address Your address label shows the expira- [email protected] • FFRF.org tion date of your membership in FFRF, P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 Change Promptly! which includes your subscription to (608)256-8900 • FAX (608)204-0422 Email: [email protected] Freethought Today and “Private Line.” Editor: Bill Dunn, [email protected] Don’t miss a single issue! If you If it says August 2014 or earlier please move, notify us directly and renew! Your prompt re­newal ($40-sin- Production Editor: Scott Colson promptly. The Post Office does gle member­ ­ship; $50-household; $100 Executive Editor: Annie Laurie Gaylor not forward third-class mail. gung-ho; $25-student) saves us time Assistant Editor: Lauryn Seering FFRF cannot be responsible for re- and post­age, and is tax-deductible. Contributors: Linda Allewalt, Philip Appleman, Dan Barker, Free­­­thought Today is published 10 times placing back issues if we have not Noah Bunnell, Dan Courtney, Patrick Elliott, Josh Flashman, been notified prior to your move. a year, with combined issues in Jan/Feb Brent Nicastro, Max Nielson, Ben Wilson Back issues, while they last, may and June/July. Send membership or re- be ordered for $2 each. newal to FFRF, Box 750, Madison WI August 2014 53701. The only freethought newspaper in the United States ffrf.org/donate August 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3

FFRF to distribute more atheist lit in Fla. district

Judge Kendall Sharp of the U.S. sus was not crucified or resurrected District Court for the Middle Dis- is age-inappropriate for the maturity trict of Florida dismissed FFRF’s levels of many of the students in high free speech case against the Orange school.” (An odd claim given that the County School District as moot, since district allowed the violence-filled the district has agreed to let FFRF bible.) distribute all of the literature it had FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Se- previously prohibited. idel, who worked closely on the case In 2013, FFRF and its local chap- with litigating attorney Steven Brady, ter, the Central Florida Freethought noted that the forum is now open to Community, sought to distribute lit- all comers. “Satanists can distribute erature in several public high schools their literature, Muslims can distrib- after the district allowed an evangeli- ute the Quran and atheists can dis- cal Christian group to distribute bi- tribute books that criticize religion.” FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott’s “testimonial.” bles. CFFC Leader David Williamson “This is a victory. The court has ac- added, “We intend to give out a lot knowledged that the school district more literature to educate students is allowing all the materials that were about atheism and the importance Come out of the initially prohibited,” said FFRF Co- of keeping religion out of public President Dan Barker. “We disagree schools. We are even designing new with how the court and the school materials specifically for students Closet, Freethinkers! district chose to handle this clear-cut and families in Orange County.” discrimination, so we’re planning to From the beginning, FFRF and Become part of FFRF’s newest “Out et” campaign. FFRF first launched bill- appeal on some issues, but overall, CFFC have maintained that Orange of the Closet, Freethinkers” campaign! boards featuring members and their fa- it’s a win.” County should close the distribution You’re cordially invited to record a vorite slogans. Due to the popularity of The now-permitted materials in- forum. “The irony is that kids can get brief (60 seconds or less) video of the campaign but financial limitations, clude a pamphlet that the district a bible anywhere. It’s the country’s yourself explaining why you’re a non- FFRF next devised an elegant app al- had previously prohibited, claiming most widely available book,” Seidel believer or giving your “freethought lowing freethinkers to create their it “argues that Jesus did not promote said. “But where could a Christian testimonial.” First upload your video at own “virtual billboard” at ffrf.org/out/, equality and social justice, was not kid get a copy of Sam Harris’s Letter YouTube, then submit it for approval which can be used on Facebook. Go to compassionate, was not reliable and to a Christian Nation so easily? As long so FFRF can post it at its website. The ffrf.org/out-video/ to view FFRF staff and was not a good example.” as the forum remains open, they can video project began two years ago, but volunteer videos and for full instruc- Other FFRF “nontracts” that dis- get one in Orange County Public has delayed for technical reasons. tions on how to participate. There’s cuss what the bible says about abor- Schools.” In early August, FFRF is launching power in numbers, and on YouTube! tion and which, according to the FFRF thanks David Williamson the third prong of its “Out of the Clos- district, “assert that God is hateful, for being a plaintiff and for his hard arrogant, sexist and cruel,” will now work. Other plaintiffs were FFRF Co- be allowed. As will Robert Price’s Je- Presidents Dan Barker and Annie sus Is Dead, which the district banned Laurie Gaylor, whose writings were FFRF, IRS to settle suit earlier because “[t]he claim that Je- among those that were censored.

Continued from front page ruled on the agreement. ocratic election process.” Becket Fund has asked the federal rogue political churches.” “We’re proud that FFRF’s litigation FFRF sued in November 2012 based court to dismiss the suit “with preju- Alliance Defending Freedom, which should ensure that the IRS will now re- on the agency’s reported moratorium dice,” so that FFRF could not renew its has proclaimed Oct. 5 as Pulpit Free- sume enforcing the law, and go after on enforcing the electioneering re- challenge if the IRS reverts to taking dom Sunday this year, filed a Freedom churches which abuse their tax-exempt strictions against churches and reli- no action on violative churches. of Information Act request after learn- privilege by attempting to illegally in- gious organizations. No 501(c)(3) On July 29, FFRF filed a response ing of the July 17 agreement, insinuat- fluence the outcome of elections,” entity, including churches, may retain making it clear it will only dismiss if ing that the IRS was withholding infor- said FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. tax exemption if it endorses political “our agreement has teeth,” said FFRF mation. “Otherwise, churches will become candidates. Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor, Contrary to the intervenor’s conten- unaccountable PACs, congregations Yet the IRS had no procedure in “to ensure that we can resume the tion, “there is nothing strange, collu- could turn into political wards, and place to initiate churches examina- suit if anti-electioneering provisions sive, or concealed here,” noted the IRS donations to the collection box could tions, after a Minnesota district court are not enforced in the future against in a July 22 motion filed with the court. be used for political purposes. FFRF’s invalidated the IRS’ prior procedure in litigation will help safeguard our dem- 2009. Church groups began to openly engage in politicking at annual orga- nized events such as “Pulpit Freedom Sunday.” An IRS official publicly re- Watchdog trio challenges Michigan ported in 2012 that the IRS had an on- going moratorium on making church mayor’s veto of atheist display Include FFRF tax examinations. On June 16, a year and a half after Continued from front page In Your Estate filing suit, FFRF received its first infor- Freedom of Religion and Belief. “No- Rebecca Markert and Patrick Elliott mation from the IRS indicating it no body should be excluded from their of FFRF and Michael Steinberg, Kary Planning longer has a policy of non-enforcement own city hall based on what they be- Moss and William Wertheimer of the against churches. FFRF’s counsel, Rich- lieve, or don’t believe.” ACLU of Michigan. Arrange a bequest in your will or ard L. Bolton, also discussed the policy In addition to Korobkin, Luchenit- To read the legal complaint and mo- trust, or make the Freedom From with the Department of Justice, and on ser and Mach, Marshall is represented tion for preliminary injunction: Religion Found­ation the benefi- June 27, FFRF was apprised that the by Ayesha Khan of Americans United, ffrf.org/legal/challenges/ongoing-lawsuits/ ciary of an insurance policy, bank IRS has a procedure in place for “sig- account, or IRA. It’s easy to do. nature authority” to initiate church tax For related information investigations or examinations. Freedom From Religion Foundation (or to request a bequest Complicating the practical effect P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • ffrf.org brochure), please phone for now of the settlement is the global Annie Laurie Gaylor at moratorium currently in place on IRS (608) 256-8900. investigations of any tax-exempt enti- What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? FFRF ties, church or otherwise, while Con- P.O. Box 750 gress conducts its probe on IRS tea Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics), Madison WI 53701 party policies. the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state and church separate The intervening church filed a mo- and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. tion insisting: “FFRF should not be in The Foundation’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Please include your name and Freedom Depends a position to drop this lawsuit and file physical mailing address with all e-mail correspondence. an identical lawsuit (and again put the Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action alerts” and on Freethinkers Church’s interests in jeopardy) a week, “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. a month, or a year in the future.” The Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014

Heads Up A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman

Trimeter-Tercet Pseudo-Sonnet

(For Margie on our 64th anniversary, Aug. 19)

Our love, just a spark at the start, Ignited a fire in our hearts, And we knew that we never would part. Overheard

We were tinder for that sudden blaze. In 2010, [Judge] We could tell it was something that stays: Crabb declared the This is a simple case of equal time. The National Day of Supreme Court says that invocations I could see it all there in your gaze. Prayer unconstitu- are constitutional if the policy doesn’t tional, provoking discriminate along sectarian bounds. national outrage. That includes invocations by represen- We knew we would have to be tough, The decision was tatives of atheism, humanism, Wicca or overturned by a fed- any other religious tradition. For this is a world that plays rough, eral appeals court. Randy Word, president of Metroplex And we’d not win the prize with a bluff. Asked in a joking way what her think- Atheists, on applying to give the open- ing was in issuing that ruling, Crabb ing City Council invocation in Rowlett, laughed softly and said, “I was thinking Texas So now after years of devotion that the government shouldn’t be in Lakeshore Times, 7-1-14 the business of sponsoring, promoting We’re swimming in tides of emotion, religion. Obviously, people disagreed.” When Gallup measured Bible reading Profile of U.S. District Judge Barbara in the 1980s, three in four Americans Our passion as deep as the ocean. Crabb, who ruled in favor of FFRF in claimed to read Scripture at least on its National Day of Prayer lawsuit occasion. Two decades later, that num- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7-22-14 ber had fallen by 20%. That’s like los- The love that began as a fire ing 700 Bible readers every day. Now floats in a sea of desire. Based on the evidence, this crime did Ruth Kramer, article, “Decline in Bible not occur as reported. literacy” Dayton, Ohio, Police Chief Richard Mission Network News, 7-2-14 © Philip Appleman. Biehl, on a bus driver’s story that Freethought Today is honored to publish this new poem his chest pocket bible miraculously Atheism Rules/Wins (With Facts) stopped two bullets, when in reality he Message chalked on the sidewalk at fired the shot himself with the book on John Knox Presbyterian Church, Keiz- Philip Appleman is a Dis­tinguished Professor­ Emeri­ the sidewalk er, Ore. tus at India­ ­na Uni­ver­si­ty. His published volumes of WDTM, 6-18-14 Salem Statesman Journal, 6-6-14 poetry in­clude Perfidious Proverbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look at the Bible (2012), Darwin’s Ark We have been starting our meetings Muslims in the United Arab Emirates (new 2009 edition) and Karma, Dharma, Pudding with a nonsectarian prayer since 2013. are among the most common sufferers & Pie (2009). His nonfiction work in­cludes the widely The Greece, N.Y., case is prompting us of degenerative knee problems in the used Norton Critical Edition, Darwin, and the Nor­ to change the method. world because of soaring obesity rates ton Critical Edition of Malthus’ Essay on Pop­ulation. Alex Saitta, chairman of the School and a kneeling-to-pray culture. His poetry and fiction have won many awards, including a fellowship in Board of Pickens County, S.C., on News story poetry from the Na­tional En­dow­ment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award switching to “Jesus prayers” Abu Dhabi National, 6-7-14 from the Poetry Society of America, the Humanist Arts Award from the Christian Post, 6-27-14 American Humanist Association and the Friend of Darwin Award from the Wearing pink or blue shoes, [the soc- National Center for Science Education. His work has ap­peared in Har­ The Supreme Court ruled today that cer players] might as well wear wom- per’s Magazine, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, some bosses can now withhold con- en’s panties or a bra. The Paris Review, Partisan Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review. traceptive care from their employees’ Russian Orthodox priest Alexander health coverage based on their own Shumsky, calling the World Cup a “ho- He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both “Afterlife” Members religious views that their employees mosexual abomination” of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Phil’s books: ffrf.org/shop. may not even share. President Obama Moscow Times, 6-7-14 believes that women should make per- sonal health care decisions for them- In the Hobby Lobby [and Conestoga YOUR WEEKLY ANTIDOTE TO THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT selves rather than their bosses deciding Wood] cases, five male justices of the for them. Supreme Court, who are all members TUNE IN TO White House Press Secretary Josh Ear- of the Catholic faith and who each FREETHOUGHT nest, on Obama’s reaction to the Hob- were appointed by a president who by Lobby decision hailed from the Republican Party, de- RADIO whitehouse.gov, 6-30-14 cided that a huge corporation, with thousands of employees and gargan- produced by the This is the heart of theocratic ideol- tuan revenues, was a “person” entitled Freedom From Religion ogy: It is a fascism with a religious face. to assert a religious objection to the Foundation Hosted by Dan Barker and Although Christians and Muslims have Affordable Care Act’s contraception Annie Laurie Gaylor had numerous conflicts over the cen- mandate because that corporation was turies that cost countless lives, the simi- “closely held” by family members. To Broadcasts and streams Saturdays at 11 a.m. Central, Progressive Talk The Mic larities between their two doctrines the average person, the result looks 92.1 FM, Madison, Wis., and over several other stations. when carried to extremes are down- stupid and smells worse. iTunes or podcasts archived at: ffrf.org/news/radio right eerie. Judge Richard G. Kopf, U.S. District Randy Renau, Corryton, Tenn., letter Court for the District of Nebraska, an Slightly irreverent views, to the editor, “Culture should not be appointee of President George H.W. news, music & interviews based on Bible” Bush Knoxville News, 7-1-14 herculesandtheumpire.com, 7-5-14 August 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5 Photo: Leslie Peterson

More than 200 people protested the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision at its store in Monona, Wis., including Katie Daniel, FFRF bookkeeper. The rally was coordinated by FFRF and the National Organization for Women – Wis. chapter.. Photo: Leslie Peterson FFRF protests Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby ruling

June 30 marked a turning point Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), a in the struggle to uphold the First statute. This statute was adopted by Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Congress and must be repealed by according to FFRF’s statement released Congress. Even Alito admits: “As we on the day the Supreme Court issued have seen, RFRA was designed to pro- its chilling abuse of “religious liberty.” vide very broad protection for religious In a 5-4 split, the court held that for- liberty. By enacting RFRA, Congress profit corporations can exercise their went far beyond what this Court has so-called religious conscience in order held is constitutionally required.” to restrict employees’ access to contra- The Freedom From Religion Foun- ceptives. The ruling in Sebelius v. Hobby dation’s amicus brief noted state- Lobby Stores held that the contraceptive church attorney Marci A. Hamilton Dayna Long, Wisconsin NOW president and FFRF administrative assistant, coverage granted by the Affordable (joined by groups advocating for the talked with Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne. Care Act creates a “significant burden” rights of victims of religious abuse), on a corporation’s free exercise of re- was the only brief before the Su- ligion. preme Court that argued that RFRA Once again an all-Catholic, all-male, is unconstitutional. FFRF’s important all-ultra-conservative majority of five brief points out that RFRA “accords has voted to eviscerate fundamental religious believers extreme religious rights. The law’s requirement that liberty rights that yield a political and employers who provide health care fiscal windfall in violation of the clear- coverage must offer preventive care, est commands of the Establishment including prescriptive contraceptives, Clause.” does not violate the rights of Hobby During oral arguments, counsel Lobby, even though it is run by a for the government, Solicitor General fundamentalist zealot. But the court’s Donald Verrilli, noted that a decision ruling giving corporate veto power over in favor of Hobby Lobby would be women workers’ private contraceptive “the first time under the Free Exercise choices, certainly violates the rights Clause or under RFRA in which [the of women. Supreme Court] or any court has held It was all over by page 2 of the Su- that an employer . . . may be granted an preme Court’s decision favoring the exemption that extinguishes statutorily fundamentalist Christian owner of guaranteed benefits of fundamental Hobby Lobby Stores and the Menno- importance.” Reproductive rights rally nite owner of Conestoga Wood Spe- The ruling ignored the rights and Ron Herman, past president of FFRF-Albuquerque, writes about the July rally cialties. Justice Samuel Alito, joined by needs of thousands of female Hobby at Hobby Lobby to protest the Supreme Court decision: “There were about 60 his Catholic brethren, wrote these jaw- Lobby employees, and millions of people there at one point. About 15 were supporting the court’s decision. There dropping words: women nationwide who work at for- were some heated words between the two sides, mostly on the abortion rights “[W]e must decide whether the profit corporations. Women workers issue. City police were present on bicycles, just in case. A couple I talked to who challenged HHS regulations substan- must not be at the mercy of employers supported Hobby Lobby were very poorly informed.” tially burden the exercise of religion, who happen to be religious fanatics and we hold that they do. The owners who want to intrude into private re- of the businesses have religious objec- productive decisions that are none of of sex, sexual orientation or race. But FFRF in working now for the most tions to abortion, and according to their business. Rather than protecting very obviously, the ruling creates mis- practical remedy for this pernicious their religious beliefs the four contra- women workers’ right to health care chievous precedent that will haunt the decision — the repeal by Congress of ceptive methods at issue are abortifa- and women’s freedom of conscience, next generation of litigation. RFRA. None of our civil and human cients. If the owners comply with the the Court has turned its back on them The high court has ruled that con- rights, established after decades and HHS mandate, they believe they will be in the name of “religious liberty.” traception — the right to plan families decades of struggle and education, will facilitating abortions.” This damaging decision opens the and avert unwanted pregnancies — is be safe from the reach of religious big- The fanatical businessmen who floodgates for corporations, interested not necessary for women’s health. One ots until RFRA is overturned. brought the litigation believe some only in increasing their bottom line, in four U.S. women died due to preg- forms of the birth control pill and IUD to claim religious objections to a vari- nancy or childbirth in the 19th centu- This statement was written by FFRF Co- are abortifacients, despite reality. The ety of generally applicable laws. The ry. It is a lie for the Supreme Court to President Annie Laurie Gaylor, Staff Attor- amicus brief of the College of Obstet- Court arbitrarily claims its decision aver that birth control is not preventive neys Andrew Seidel and Sam Grover. Turn rics and Gynecology and 21 other med- would not necessarily allow a corpora- medicine. The court is practicing reck- to page 12 to read FFRF’s ad against the ical professional groups thoroughly de- tion to claim a similar religious objec- less medicine without a license. Hobby Lobby ruling that ran in The New bunking this misrepresentation. tion to blood transfusions, vaccines, or We cannot let a male, Catholic, ul- York Times on July 3. The ruling was not based on the mental health services, or create a reli- tra-conservative majority on the court Constitution, but on the Religious gious right to discriminate on the basis turn the clock back a century. Join Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014

FFRF awards many spring student activists

North Carolina siblings win FFRF student activist awards

FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Christians. We wanted to start a club Gaylor introduced Kalei and Ben Wil- because I knew a couple people who son at the Freedom From Religion in weren’t “out” atheists but were not the Bible Belt conference in Raleigh, religious. So I started talking the club N.C., on May 2: up, talked to the Secular Student Alli- Josh dressed up for a school dance. Kalei is one of our younger student ance, got all the paperwork completed activist awardees, but we’ve actually had and went into the principal. She actu- honorees as young as 11. Kalei is 15. ally told me “no” — at first. She said it Cliff Richards Memorial Award She and her brother Ben were thwart- was because they didn’t want an athe- ed in trying to start a freethought club ist group in the schools. I came back at their high school in a smaller town to her with the law that said if she had Student stands up for right to sit in North Carolina. Kalei is receiving Christian groups, she’s going to let me the memorial that I started in honor have a secular group. of my father, who was the principal vol- She then postponed our meeting FFRF has awarded Josh a $1,000 Cliff posted a notice saying so. unteer for the Freedom From Religion for two weeks, I guess hoping I’d forget Richards Memorial Student Activist Award. Even after we were finally allowed to Foundation. He died three years ago. about it. Postponed it for two weeks — He was FFRF’s complainant in Orange sit during the pledge, I still faced many It’s called the Paul J. Gaylor Memorial not even researching about what the County, Fla. repercussions from the deans and Award of $1,000. He would have been club was about, which she promised principal. They were not happy that I very touched by her plight. she would do. made them change. But it was worth it Ben, who started this challenge at I came in again and was like, “Hey, I By Joshua Flashman because I knew I was helping other stu- the school, is 17. He’s going to say a need to get moving on this.” She goes, dents who would have been too scared few words. He tried to start a secular “Oh, I haven’t even looked it up.” I was to stand up for their rights and beliefs. club during the fall semester, then he like, “Well, let’s do that now.” And so My name is Joshua Flashman Next year at my new high school, I moved on to community school. He is we looked it up. She reads the defini- and I am 14 years old. This past year am creating a Secular Student Alliance the debut recipient of the Cliff Rich- tion of atheist from Wikipedia, I think, while in the eighth grade at South- club with a dedication and determina- ards Memorial Student Activist Award and goes, “I think this a satanist group.” west Middle School in Orlando, Fla., I tion to advance secular rights. I expect of $1,000. You’re going to be hearing I was — completely confused! “I fought for the right of our students to to run into some trouble and bullying, about this award because one of our think you’ve got the wrong definition sit during the Pledge of Allegiance. but I feel this is important and will con- members who got ill very abruptly with of atheism. Theists are known as believ- Our school had a policy of forc- tinue to press on. stage 4 cancer called me up and said he ers, and atheists are nonbelievers.” ing students to stand and recite the My main interests are in computers, wanted a bequest to go to the perpetu- So we went on about that. She pledge, regardless of a person’s beliefs. and I am also joining the high school ation of our student activist awards. ended up saying stuff like, “It’s like if When I tried explaining that I believed ROTC program in High School. I We have received a $140,000 in his you’re gay, you go to Asheville and not I was allowed to sit quietly during the hope to go to college (MIT would be name this spring for these awards. He stay here.” So confused. pledge, I got in trouble with the deans. my choice) to study computer pro- was very excited about the activism Then we took it to the Freedom I worked with FFRF to get this to be al- gramming so I can join the military as of younger people and freethinkers. From Religion Foundation. They lowed. The school now allows students an information warfare officer. He was from Wisconsin, ended up in helped us out a lot, but then I ended to sit quietly during the pledge and has Washington state, where he made use up getting out of school, going to Hay- of the death with dignity law. He would wood Community College, and then have been very, very impressed with Kalei took over. She ended up getting Ben Wilson. the harsh end of the deal because a lot of kids turned on us. Friends just said we’re not going to be your friends any- By Ben Wilson more. People destroyed her projects at schools with bibles. But, thank y’all. I love being up here, I love you y’all. This is awesome. Wow! Well, it started out at It’s nice to have a community now. Bet- Declare and share your nonbelief in FFRF’s online “Out of the Closet” campaign! my first year at the school, a big bible ter than Christians. ffrf.org/out belt school, bunch of country people, August 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7 Max Nielson, Allen P. Wilkinson Student Activist awardee ‘One of the most profoundly impactful moments of my life.’

Max Nielson spoke May 3 at the ment I never even knew existed has Freedom From Religion in the Bible probably been one of the most pro- Belt conference sponsored by FFRF in foundly impactful moments of my life. conjunction with its chapter, the Tri- I am very grateful for the opportunity. angle Freethought Society, in Raleigh, But my co-plaintiff, Dakota, is still in N.C. Max had previously received a stu- high school. Dakota and my other co- dent activist award at FFRF’s 2012 an- plaintiff, Jacob, having just graduated, nual convention in Portland, Ore. didn’t have all of those opportunities. That year he became lead plaintiff Something that stands out since I in FFRF’s federal lawsuit to stop gradu- last spoke was that Dakota was handed ation prayers in his school district. The a note by one of her friends, who said issue is largely resolved, but FFRF, Max — I can quote directly from it — he and two other plaintiffs (Dakota Mc- was discussing the issue of the lawsuit Millan and Jacob Zupon) are still chal- with his mother. He was basically given lenging prayer by their school board. the ultimatum of agreeing that there Max received a second honor in Ra- should be a graduation prayer or not leigh, the Allen P. Wilkinson Student living in the household. It was that Thomas Jefferson Activist Award of $1,000, generously stark. endowed by FFRF member Allen P. The way Dakota got this note was Wilkinson. He asked that it go to the that she was wondering why this friend Student Activists student who “best exemplifies qualities suddenly had stopped talking to her. It of FFRF and dares to speak up and en- is horrifying. It is a scary thing to have Jacob Zupon and Dakota McMillan (with Max Nielson, center) received FFRF gage in enlightening high school stu- happen to her. Thomas Jefferson Student Activist Awards of $2,000 this spring for serving, dents and others in the community.” I went through my deposition with with Max, as the all-essential plaintiffs in an FFRF lawsuit. The ongoing federal the attorneys. The first half of it was lawsuit challenges graduation prayers and school board prayers in their South very intense. They were asking all sorts By Max Nielson Carolina school district. The $1,000 awards were endowed by Len and Karen of questions about my history with the Eisenberg, FFRF members, with additional funding via the Cliff Richards Boy Scouts of America or any time I Memorial Student Activist Award, recognizing Jacob and Dakota’s special I was raised secular with the Unitar- would have encountered public prayer contributions. The students enabled the lawsuit to go forward after Max ian Universalist Church in Columbia, of any sort. graduated. S.C. So when I was confronted with It relaxed after Aaron, my fantastic the issue of school prayer at my high lawyer, cut in and informed them I am school, I didn’t really know what to do only suing for nominal damages. Even at first. I didn’t know that I could do the lawyers on the other side under- FFRF sponsors humanist anything until I found out that a simi- stand that the school prayer issue is lar issue had already been settled with pretty much settled. help from FFRF in my state through Since then, as mentioned, the case scholarship for South the complaint of Harrison Hopkins. has grown to encompass the school District 5, where I lived, had a policy board prayers, and at those events they on the books that a majority of gradu- oftentimes have pastors come in from L.A. atheist student ating seniors would vote on whether neighboring churches. And there are or not to have a prayer at graduation. events at the school board meetings It is kind of ridiculous. Rights are not where students are invited and actively Hawking and Neil deGrasse Tyson, just to be voted on. And every part of that attend. I think on that issue we will see to name a few.” graduation prayer ceremony process some change. The BSLA scholarships focus on was facilitated by school officials. It was As Annie Laurie mentioned, they outstanding South Los Angeles stu- a clear violation of church and state have changed the school policy from dents who are undocumented, in foster across the board. voting on graduation prayer to directly care, homeless, LGBT or atheist youth. Since I last spoke at the FFRF con- parroting the South Carolina Student- BSLA is the first atheist organization to vention about my case, I’ve gone on led Messages Act. Which I am OK with. specifically address college pipelining to found the Secular Student Alliance It basically says the school can appoint for youth of color. at the College of Charleston and in- a student speaker, and then they are “If current prison pipelining trends terned in D.C. with the Secular Coali- done. That is it. They do not have any FFRF is pleased to announce that persist the Education Trust estimates tion for America. I began work as their influence on what that speaker says. If it has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to that only one of every 20 African Amer- social media specialist, in which I have that speaker wants to pray, that is with- Kelvin Manjarrez, a graduate from Gar- ican kindergartners will graduate from helped launch Openly Secular, which in the purview of their free speech. I dena High School, Calif., who will be a four-year California university in the has been a lot of fun. This year I con- am much more comfortable with that attending El Camino College in con- next decade,” noted BSLA activist Siki- tinued to lead the Secular Student Alli- than a specifically sponsored gradua- junction with Black Skeptics Los Ange- vu Hutchinson. ance in Charleston. This summer I am tion prayer event. les’ 2014 First in the Family Humanist “We’re delighted to be partnering interning with the Center for Inquiry I am happy to see how far this has Scholarships. with BSLA on such a worthwhile and in Buffalo, N.Y. come, and I am very grateful for this Kelvin has been a volunteer for needed endeavor, and are impressed The opportunity FFRF has given me award and the opportunities FFRF has Reading Partners Los Angeles and a with Kelvin’s essay and aspirations,” to become involved with this move- given me. Thank you. translator in the 2014 primary election. said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie He identifies as an atheist and aspires Gaylor. to be an English professor. “I have al- FFRF first launched a student schol- ways been passionate about our edu- arship essay competition shortly after cational system. A wise man once said it began as a national group in 1978. that: ‘Humanity’s greatest fear is the FFRF now offers three contests: one unknown,’ “ Kelvin wrote in his essay. for college-bound high school seniors, “This accounts for contrived religions one for ongoing college students and a of all sorts, a simple explanation to the third for graduate students and/or stu- unexplained. dents age 25-30. Last year FFRF award- “Citizens who are better educated ed over $34,000 in essay scholarships to can better distinguish between right a diverse range of students. and wrong. This, in turn, generates FFRF also offers student and youth understanding and unity amongst dif- activist awards, several endowed by gen- ferent groups of people who would erous individual FFRF members. This have otherwise segregated, fought and year so far, FFRF has already awarded killed one another. It is of no coinci- $7,000 to secular student activists. dence that some of the brightest minds BSLA’s other scholars this year are: in history have been social activists as Jamion Allen, Hugo Cervantes, Eliza- well as advocates for a better peda- beth Hernandez and Tiare Hilland. gogical system: Malcolm X, Martin Lu- They received $500-1,000 scholarships ther King Jr., Albert Einstein, Stephen toward their college expenses. Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014 FFRF’er Bobby ‘Sugar’ Hinds living the sweet life

The following feature story on Bobby and went on to rub elbows with famous will be inducted into the National Fit- But Hinds was scheduled to fight “Sugar” Hinds, FFRF Lifetime Member, athletes and A-list celebrities? ness Hall of Fame in Glendale Heights, after the main attraction, and when was published May 3, 2014, and is re- Lucky? The young man who started Ill. He’ll join fitness athletes and pio- Robinson knocked out Fullmer in the printed with permission of the Milwaukee making jump ropes in his backyard on neers such as Charles Atlas, Jack LaL- fifth round, Hinds’ fight was shown live Journal Sentinel, which holds the copyright. Regent Street — and wound up sitting anne, Joe Weider, Vic Tanny, Joseph on TV to fill the allotted time. He won on Johnny Carson’s couch? Pilates and Arnold Schwarzenegger. by TKO over Gene White but was fired No, lucky doesn’t quite cut it, un- They all have great stories. the next day by his principal, who hap- By Gary D’Amato less you consider Hinds’ knack for be- None can top the story of Bobby pened to be watching the fights. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ing in the right place at the right time Hinds. A broken wrist ended Hinds’ box- merely a string of cosmic coincidences. ing career, so he became an insurance Then again, he could have been nap- • • • salesman. To stand out, he sported a ping during that layover at O’Hare in Hinds was born in Kenosha on beard and wore a jumpsuit to work. He MADISON — Bobby Hinds 1976 instead of jumping rope in the Sept. 22, 1931. He did not have an all- sold $1 million worth of policies in his doesn’t want to brag about the things concourse when Charles Kuralt walked American childhood, and by age 9, he first six months. He was glib and charis- he’s done, the people he’s met and the through. was running with older boys, robbing matic, and the selling part was easy for places he’s been, so he sums it all up That’s how Hinds wound up fea- people on the street and burglarizing him. But as good as he was at it, Hinds with, “I’ve been very lucky.” tured in a segment of CBS’ “On the homes. was restless and creative and eventually Lucky? The son of an alcoholic fa- Road with Charles Kuralt.” Caught and sentenced to reform discovered his true calling: perfecting ther and a mother stricken with polio A closer examination of Hinds’ life school, and being the youngest and the jump rope. who swiped bottles of milk and bananas reveals that luck played a very small smallest kid in the place, he had to In those days, jump ropes were so his destitute family could eat during role in his many successes. He got learn how to use his fists in order to made of leather or rope and came in the Great Depression — and went on where he is through determination, avoid a perpetually bloody nose. standard lengths. By stringing plastic to build a multimillion-dollar business? charisma, hard work and a talent for “In that environment,” Hinds says, beads over a rubber tube, Hinds cre- Lucky? The kid who was sentenced, self-promotion. “you had to learn how to defend your- ated a jump rope that was durable, bal- 17 days shy of his 10th birthday, to the In other words, he was plucky, not self.” anced, weighted and adjustable. Waukesha Industrial School for Boys lucky. Boxing wasn’t so much a “sweet sci- Did the world need a better jump for his part in a string of robberies — On Sunday, the 82-year-old Hinds ence” to Hinds as it was his ticket out rope? With anyone other than Hinds of a life of crime. At 13, he became as pitchman, probably not. the nation’s youngest Golden Gloves He made an appointment to show Meet a Muscular Member champion and caught the eye of John the “Bobby Hinds’ Lifeline” to J.C. Walsh, legendary coach of the power- Penney executives and flew to New Photo: Annie Laurie Gaylor house University of Wisconsin boxing York. It did not go well. teams. “All I had was a jump rope in a “I never would have gone to college poly bag with a header,” Hinds says. “I otherwise,” says Hinds, who accepted didn’t have a clue. I didn’t even have a Walsh’s scholarship offer and attended business card. The guy says, ‘What do UW with childhood pal Alan Ameche, you got?’ I said, ‘I’ve got a jump rope.’ his backfield mate at Kenosha High He said, ‘We already sell those.’ ” School. Hinds went through his pitch, ex- While Ameche won fame on the plaining why his jump rope was supe- gridiron and capped his college career rior to the ones J.C. Penney sold. The with the 1954 Heisman Trophy, Hinds buyer was not impressed. went 38-0 in dual meets as an under- “He said, ‘Son, come back when sized heavyweight. you’re famous,’ ” Hinds says with a After college, Hinds taught art class- laugh. es at Madison East High School and moonlighted as a professional boxer. • • • Offered $1,500 to fight on the under- Now he had a problem. He didn’t card of a Sugar Ray Robinson-Gene have enough money to fly home, so he Fullmer title bout at Chicago Stadium, walked to Central Park, opened a box he called in sick on the day of the fight full of Lifelines and started jumping and drove to Chicago. rope. Hinds finds business bliss at Sugarland

Bobby “Sugar” Hinds literally bought Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen’s black leather jacket off his back. Name: Bobby “Sugar” Hinds. A quotation I like: “It is the mark of Where I live: Downtown Madison, an educated mind to able to entertain Wis. a thought without accepting it.” — Ar- Where and when I was born: Keno- istotle sha, Wis., Sept. 22, 1931. These are a few of my favorite Testimonials from Sugarland visitors. Family: Two sons and two daughters things: Creating fitness equipment, and my wife of 59 years. reading biographies, exercising. While Bobby “Sugar” Hinds has Bobby bought the 70-acre farm be- Education: B.S. in criminology and These are not: Insincerity. moved to the sidelines with the sale tween Mazomanie and Arena, Wis., in art. My doubts about religion started: of LifelineUSA, he still serves on the 2003 and with the Vistes has turned it Occupation: Designer of fitness About age 13 when I began reading bi- board of Kiio Inc., a Lifeline physical into a wedding venue. “We’re booked equipment. ographies of Clarence Darrow, Thom- therapy spinoff formerly called Kayo up three years in advance,” he says. How I got where I am today: Dumb as Dewey and Gore Vidal. Technology. He’s also gotten into the The guest house with sleeping luck. Before I die: I’d like to see a secular wedding business with Sugarland, rooms is a fully restored 1850s Colo- Where I’m headed: I’ll tell you when humanist president. along with his wife Joy and Nancy and nial Revival farmhouse. A large, de- I get there. Ways I promote freethought: By sup- Dan Viste. The Vistes also operate an- cayed fountain was also rebuilt along Person in history I admire and why: porting secular causes financially, etc. other restored 19th century building, with a 126-foot-long dairy barn that’s Clarence Darrow because of his pas- [Bobby joined FFRF in 1984.] the Old Feed Mill restaurant, where a celebration of the carpenter’s art. A sion for truth. meals and receptions are available. majestic oak tree graces the grounds. August 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9

“God is not great,” the late Christopher Hitchen autographed this photo at FFRF’s 2007 national convention in Madison.

• • • fomercials with Tony Dorsett, Johnny Hinds, who is 82 going on 22, works Unitas and Herb Brooks. His like- out for an hour every day and still can ness appeared on 10 million boxes of do 20 perfect chin-ups. He carries 190 Wheaties. pounds on his 6-foot-1 frame, and Billy Joel uses Lifeline’s Portable when he makes a muscle, his biceps Gym. So do Bruce Springsteen, Woody bulges impressively. Harrelson, Sylvester Stallone, Tina But age catches up with everyone, Turner, Lionel Ritchie and Tom Jones. doesn’t it? Hinds has a pair of baseball cleats Hinds considers the question for given to him by the late Bobby Thom- several seconds. son, who wrote on a photo of the Polo Bobby Hinds strikes a pose at the Wisconsin Capitol. “I don’t know,” he says. Grounds, “You might be the world Soon a crowd gathered around to rate office to ask about the jump rope Last September he sold LifelineUSA jump rope champion but after hit- watch — Hinds once turned 63 revolu- promotion. to Chicago-based Pivotal 5, which spe- ting this one I think I could have out- tions in 10 seconds, which was acknowl- “We did an opening order for 85,000 cializes in hand-held fitness products. jumped you.” edged as the world record — and he jump ropes,” Hinds says. But Hinds remains on staff as a That would be, of course, the Shot sold a few jump ropes. He couldn’t keep up with the de- product designer and developer and Heard ’Round the World. Hinds also challenged the mem- mand. He employed the physically and is excited about several new ideas he’s On another wall, Hinds has on dis- bers of his “audience” to a two-minute mentally disabled and set up shop in working on. play the ax and crampons used by Jim jump-off: Anybody who could beat him his backyard. “I can’t keep up with him,” says Whittaker when the mountaineer be- would get a free Lifeline. At one point, his crew was assem- 29-year-old Mike Vig, the brand direc- came the first American to reach the A woman took him up on the chal- bling 7,000 Lifelines a day and he was tor for Lifeline. “He’s been an inspira- summit of Mount Everest. Whittaker lenge, and Hinds saw that she could making $1 per jump rope. You do the tion to everybody in our company.” also sent a letter, saying he couldn’t handle a jump rope. He let her beat math. Vig says Pivotal 5’s employees, many have done it without Hinds’ help. him and gave her a Lifeline. Hinds appeared on “The Tonight of whom have known Hinds for years, Next to the Whittaker display is a Just like that, he had an idea. Show With Johnny Carson” [McLean are excited about his induction into framed napkin on which LeRoy Nei- “How would you like to be on TV?” Stevenson was guest hosting], “The the Fitness Hall of Fame. man doodled while he and Hinds ate he asked her. Merv Griffin Show” and “The Mike “It’s a pretty big deal for everybody lunch. Nearby is a letter written by Nei- Hinds ran to a pay phone and cold- Douglas Show.” He was on the fore- in our company,” he says. man to Hugh Hefner: “Hef, if I can use called Todman & Associates, which front of the ’70s fitness revolution. Hinds gives a visitor a tour of his of- this Lifeline gym, you sure as hell can. produced television game shows. He Time magazine dubbed him “The fice, its walls lined with dozens of pho- Love, LeRoy.” talked his way into the office and right Jump Rope King.” tos of movie stars and celebrities who Hinds gets in a boxer’s crouch and onto “To Tell the Truth” with his new Lifeline — some plastic beads over have used his products and become his throws a punch at his visitor’s midsec- best friend, the woman he’d just met a rubber tube — made him a million- friends. tion, pulling his hand back at the last in Central Park. aire. He’s dined with Liam Neeson in millisecond. He laughs as the visitor They demonstrated the Lifeline and Since 1973, Madison-based Life- New York and worked out with Ber- doubles over, anticipating pain that host Garry Moore, suitably impressed, lineUSA has developed dozens of oth- nard Hopkins in Philadelphia. He doesn’t come. asked Hinds where viewers could buy er portable fitness and training prod- mailed a Lifeline Portable Gym to im- “I couldn’t have written this script,” the jump rope. ucts, many of them based on resistance prisoned mobster John Gotti; the gym he says of his life. Thinking on his feet, Hinds an- training with lightweight tubing. was returned — Gotti explained that If you didn’t know any better, you’d swered, of course, “J.C. Penney.” “You don’t need weights,” says it wasn’t allowed in prison — but the say he’s the luckiest man alive. The show was taped and when it Hinds, who holds many patents. two became pen pals. Hinds made in- aired a few weeks later, managers of “Weights are really kind of passé. We dozens of J.C. Penney stores around live in a mobile society. That was the the nation started calling the corpo- whole idea.”

Bobby Hinds “spars” with singer Billy Joel, who advises him to watch his right hand. Bobby Hinds and actor Mickey Rooney, who died last April. Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014

State/Church Bulletin Satanist suit based have read “Don’t believe in God? You on Hobby Lobby are not alone.” The New York-based Satanic Temple Fred Edwords, national director of announced July 28 a campaign against UnitedCoR, said, “We also still main- “informed consent” laws that require tain that the Port Authority didn’t cor- providers to furnish women certain in- rectly apply its new ad policy when they formation when they seek an abortion. allowed certain ads by religious groups Citing the Supreme Court’s Hobby to run but not ours. However, through Lobby decision, the group argues that the litigation process we believe we’ve women can claim a religious exemp- made our point and that the Port Au- tion from the informational require- thority will apply its new ad policy more ments. consistently in the future.” A press release said the court “has decided that religious beliefs are so sacrosanct that they can even trump 31-cross display gets scientific fact. This was made clear court setback when they allowed Hobby Lobby to claim certain contraceptives were abor- In Cabral v. City of Evansville, Indi- June 30 to review Mount Soledad Memo- memorial ceremonies are unconstitu- tifacients, when in fact they are not. Be- ana, the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Ap- rial Association v. Trunk, a decades-old tional. cause of the respect the Court has giv- peals on June 25 dismissed for lack of case in which FFRF member and fox- Hewett v. City of King was filed by en to religious beliefs, and the fact that standing an appeal of an Indiana fed- hole atheist Steve Trunk is a party. The Americans United for Separation of our beliefs are based on best available eral district court’s injunction barring high court said the case must first go Church and State on behalf of Steven knowledge, we expect that our belief the city of Evansville from permitting to the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Ap- Hewett, a decorated Afghanistan vet- in the illegitimacy of state mandated West Side Christian Church’s proposed peals. The veterans group wanted to eran and FFRF Life Member. The suit ‘informational’ material is enough to display of 6-foot-tall crosses on the Riv- let it “leapfrog” to the Supreme Court seeks removal of a Christian flag and a exempt us, and those who hold our be- erfront area. after a lower federal court ruled in De- statue with a soldier kneeling before a liefs, from having to receive them.” The district court ruled the 31 cross- cember that the 43-foot Christian cross cross and an end to city promotion of The temple’s website says it holds es would violate the Establishment erected on public land in San Diego in Christian prayers at official memorial “the basic premise that undue suffer- Clause, reported Religion Clause. The 1954 should come down. events. ing is bad, and that which reduces suf- city didn’t appeal but the church did as “The Court of Appeals has not yet In November 2010, the city, on ad- fering is good. We do not believe in an intervenor. reviewed on appeal,” Justice Samuel vice from the evangelical legal group symbolic ‘evil.’ We embrace blasphemy The 7th Circuit concluded that to Alito wrote. “Any review by this Court the Alliance Defending Freedom, cre- as a legitimate expression of personal have standing, West Side would need can await the decision of the Court of ated a “limited public forum” in which independence from counterproduc- to apply for and have a permit denied, Appeals.” a memorial flagpole was reserved for a tive traditional norms.” which hasn’t occurred. The opinion Sending the case back to a lower rotating group of pre-approved flags. • • • said, “We question whether a reason- court could mean the case will last at The city held a lottery and approved In Hasan v. Obama and Rabbani v. able observer would be put on notice least another two to three years, Reli- 52 applications. Obama, filed July 3 in D.C.’s federal that the ‘Cross the River’ display is gion News Service reported. The suit says the forum is a sham. district court, the British advocacy strictly private speech given the sheer The Christian flag flew for 47 out of 52 group Reprieve argued that the previ- magnitude of a display that takes up weeks in 2011-13. Beaty also rejected ous decision in Rasul v. Myers holding four blocks and has two signs alerting Obama signs bill the claim that the Supreme Court deci- that Guantanamo Bay detainees are citizens that it is a private display.” placing FDR prayer sion in Town of Greece v. Galloway autho- not persons protected by the Religious rized the city’s conduct. Freedom Restoration Act has effec- President Barack Obama signed a tively been overruled by the Supreme Board changes prayer bill June 30 to add President Franklin Court’s decision in the Hobby Lobby policy after Greece D. Roosevelt’s D-Day prayer (June 6, Ohio students get case: The Carroll County Board of Com- 1944) to the World War II Memorial in ‘released time’ credit “The Guantanamo Bay detainees, missioners in Maryland unanimously the nation’s capital. as flesh-and-blood human beings, are approved a process June 26 for open- The prayer encourages Americans An Ohio law goes into effect in Sep- surely ‘individuals,’ and thus they are ing meetings with Christian prayers to to “Let not the keenness of our spirit tember that allows up to two academic no less ‘person[s]’ than are the for- comply with the U.S. Supreme Court ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of credits for public high school students profit corporations in Hobby Lobby or decision in Town of Greece v. Galloway. temporary events, of temporal matters taking part in “released time” religious the resident noncitizens whom Hobby The 5-4 decision said that a governing of but fleeting moment, let not these programs off-campus. Lobby gives as an example of persons body using sectarian prayer must have deter us in our unconquerable pur- In a Cleveland Plain Dealer op-ed to whom the RFRA must apply.” a formalized process, according to the pose.” July 13, Gary Daniels, chief lobbyist Reprieve earlier filed emergency Carroll County Times, quoting County The bill requires private fundrais- for the American Civil Liberties Union motions on behalf of two prisoners Attorney Tim Burke. ing to have the prayer inscribed on the of Ohio, said the law unwisely added seeking the right to participate in com- Commissioners agreed to change monument. a “fourth ‘R’ [religion] to the “Three munal prayer during Ramadan. “We pray” in the formal process to “I R’s” — readin’, ’ritin’ and ’rithmetic.” • • • pray” at the end of the prayer led by par- “Ohio students can now learn di- A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 10,693 ticipating board members. Residents GOP not enamored of nosaurs died off millions of years ago, people conducted April 28 to June 20 Bruce Hake and Neil Ridgely sued the ‘liberal’ pope yet also lived only a few thousand years showed that most respondents oppose county earlier over the prayers, and ago, and potentially receive credit for letting employers, based on their reli- while the suit is still pending, the Greece The Hill reported July 29 that H. both lessons,” Daniels wrote. “For their gious views, exclude certain contracep- decision may have rendered it moot. Res. 440, a resolution congratulating part, Ohio lawmakers deserve an ‘F’ tives from workers’ insurance cover- • • • Pope Francis on his election last March for passing this poorly written, nonsen- age. Opening prayer is back to start and recognizing his inspirational state- sical mess of a law.” Results showed 53% disagreed that meetings in the town of Troutman, ments and actions, has fallen victim to employers should be able to limit cov- N.C., reported Time Warner Cable politics. erage, while 35% agreed and 12% were News. On July 10, the mayor and town The resolution is stalled in the Appeals court upholds unsure. alders were led in prayer by a local House Foreign Affairs Committee. Ground Zero cross pastor. The restoring of the tradition Only 19 of its 221 co-sponsors are Re- came after the May Supreme Court rul- publicans. Apparently, most in the In American Atheists Inc. v. Port Au- Suit settled over ing Town of Greece v. Galloway. GOP see the pope as too liberal. The thority of New York and New Jersey, the 2nd denial of bus ads The board agreed to let non-Chris- resolution was intended to reinforce Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on July tians, including atheists, deliver invoca- Speaker John Boehner’s invitation to 28 rejected a challenge to the display A federal lawsuit by the Washington, tions, during which the audience will the pope to address a joint session of in the National September 11 Museum D.C.-based United Coalition of Reason not be asked to stand. “They have to Congress when he visits the U.S. in of a 17-foot-high “Cross at Ground against the Port Authority of Allegheny remain seated except for the pastor, so September 2015. Zero” made up steel beams from the County in Pittsburgh was settled July 2, everyone is perceived to be equal, you World Trade Center debris after 9/11. with the agency agreeing to pay Unit- know. If we can get the prayer back, The court ruled “the stated purpose of edCoR $20,000 in damages and the that’s a fair trade off, I guess,” said Suit: ‘Sham’ forum displaying The Cross at Ground Zero Appignani Humanist Legal Center of Mayor Elbert Richardson. favored Christians is to tell the story of how some people the American Humanist Association used faith to cope with the tragedy is $40,000 in expenses. FFRF is a coali- A dispute over a Christian war me- genuine, and an objective observer tion ally. Certiorari denied in morial in King, N.C., should go to trial, would understand the purpose of the The suit was filed in November 2013 Soledad cross case U.S. District Judge James Beaty ruled display to be secular.” after the Port Authority refused to run July 8. He also ruled that several of $5,700 worth of bus ads which would The Supreme Court declined on the city’s practices regarding religious August 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11 Way of the Cross tax exemption wrong

FFRF Staff At- dent make clear that exempt property torney Patrick El- must not only be owned by a church or liott’s op-ed was nonprofit, it must be regularly used for published July 8 an exempt purpose. in the Wisconsin Adding religious markers to an un- State Journal developed lot cannot transform it into an exempt use. Like all other owners, The Roman the church is obligated to pay its fair Catholic Dio- share. cese of Madi- While the cathedral lot remains un- son, Wis., is try- developed, the church is spending on ing to stick Madison taxpayers with its a different construction project Down- hefty tax bill. Without much fanfare, town. In a moneymaking venture, the St. Raphael’s congregation, which is in Holy Redeemer School building is be- the diocese, sued the city of Madison ing renovated into student rental hous- on June 18 seeking a property tax re- ing. It too would be tax exempt. fund of $101,124. The controversial law that allows Madison residents should take no- this was amended last year to sunset tice. Property taxes operate much this fall, but grandfather in existing like a restaurant bill. When someone properties. Holy Redeemer would in the group shorts the bill, others at join the Pres House as the only such the table have to pick up the tab. All tax-exempt facilities in the state. Many Madison taxpayers will be paying more Latino parishioners opposed the Holy if various tax schemes being tested by Redeemer rental project, but the al- Linda Stephens (with NOW sign) at a rally she organized at the Federal the diocese prove successful. mighty dollar won out. Building in Rochester, N.Y., protesting a Catholic group which was protesting Two blocks from the State Capitol Yet another tax avoidance plan the Affordable Care Act’s birth control mandate. “The theme of both of between West Washington Avenue and comes from the diocese headquarters. our protest and theirs was ‘Support Religious Freedom,’” Linda said. “Of West Main Street sits prime real estate In June, diocese officials announced course, we each defined that term differently. I had signs printed up that read in the heart of Madison. The unused updated plans to redevelop the Bishop ‘Religious Dogma, Bad For Your Health.’ ” lot is assessed by the city at over $4 O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. million. It was once the site of St. Ra- The plans call for market-rate rental phael’s Cathedral, which was destroyed apartments and housing that would by fire in 2005, as well as a dilapidated occupy two-thirds of the building and Meet a Litigious Member school building that was purchased by would be targeted at those who are age the church in 2011 and torn down in 50 and older. Name: Linda Stephens. Hardy’s most famous poems is titled 2012. The Wisconsin State Journal report- Where I live: Greece, N.Y., a suburb “God’s Funeral.” In it, he describes a The site today is landscaped and ed that officials and the developer “as- of Rochester. procession carrying the corpse of the has a walking path with stone crosses sume” the property would qualify for a Where and when I was born: Battle “man-projected Figure . . . whom we spaced throughout, which the church tax exemption. Creek, Mich., Nov. 16, 1942. can no longer keep alive.” calls the Way of the Cross. The congre- Unused church property, student Family: Kathryn Gibson (mother, Before I die: My wish list includes a gation has expressed a desire to some rentals and market-rate apartments 91) and five younger siblings, one de- woman president in the White House, day build a cathedral on the site at a neither qualify for tax exemption un- ceased. passage of the Equal Rights Amend- cost of more than $50 million. der the law nor are worthy of tax ex- Education: B.A. in English (Western ment, early retirements by Justices Sca- The good news for taxpayers is that emptions. What public good are the Michigan University), M.A. in English lia, Thomas, Alito and Roberts and the property is presumed to be taxable un- subject properties fulfilling other than (SUNY-Brockport), master of library death of racism. (A few pipe dreams in less proven otherwise. In March, the appreciating in value or benefiting the science (SUNY-Geneseo), Ed.D. (Syra- there, I know.) city assessor and city attorney deter- church financially? cuse University). Ways I promote freethought: I was mined St. Raphael’s failed to file re- These properties use city services, Occupation: Retired librarian. the atheist plaintiff in the Town of Greece quired exemption paperwork on time. such as fire and police protection, and How I got where I am today: By v. Galloway Supreme Court decision. I Their refund claim for 2013 must fail would get a free ride at the expense reading, traveling, observing life and am an event organizer for the Atheist on that basis, but the church has also of all other Madison residents. While thinking. Community of Rochester (ACoR). I am sought an exemption for 2014. the church is accustomed to getting a These are a few of my favorite the vice president and web administra- Churches must not be allowed to free pass, the city and Madison taxpay- things: Poetry, flowers, indie films, trav- tor for the Rochester chapter of Ameri- hold large areas of valuable land for fu- ers must remain vigilant in preventing el, Bruce Springsteen. cans United for Separation of Church ture development without paying tax- abuse of exemptions, which are intend- These are not: Fox News, anti-abor- and State. I was vice chair of Monroe es. The Wisconsin tax exemption law ed to benefit the community at large. tion protesters, religious bigots. Citizens for Public Education and Reli- and Wisconsin Supreme Court prece- A quotation I like: “Come, come my gious Liberty before it disbanded. conservative friend, wipe the dew from Other activism: I am past president your spectacles and see that the world of the Greater Rochester chapter of is moving.” (Elizabeth Cady Stanton) the National Organization for Women. Proselytizing teacher My doubts about religion started: In Person in history I admire and why: my high school years, but they solidi- Elizabeth Cady Stanton, lead author of fied in 1962 when I was 19 and attend- the “Declaration of Sentiments,” which ed a symposium titled “Is there a God?” was presented at the Seneca Falls Con- ‘no longer employed’ at Albion College in Michigan. vention in 1848 in Seneca Falls, N.Y., Where I’m headed: To England in and which kicked off the first women’s Lewis Public Schools in Lewis, Kan- The complainant noted that bible the fall to visit “Hardy Country.” A writ- rights and women’s suffrage move- sas, will no longer allow staff to facilitate distribution by Gideons at the school er for The New Yorker called Thomas ments in the United States. distribution by the Gideons of religious has been going on for 30-some years. Hardy “God’s Undertaker,” and Hardy I also admire Elizabeth because she materials. A complainant contacted FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel made no bones about the fact that believed that “The heyday of woman’s FFRF after a fifth-grade teacher told sent a letter on May 21 to Superinten- he was a nonbeliever. In fact, one of life is the shady side of fifty.” students to cross the street unescorted dent Virgil Ritchie, pointing out why to receive a bible. The teacher lined forcing students to accept religious the students up, told them to cross the literature is predatory and illegal. On street to get the bibles, but did not ac- June 10, Ritchie responded that it had Recruit a Member company the children because she be- been decided that “Lewis Elementary lieved this made her actions legal. School will not allow The Gideon So- Sample Copies for $2 When the complainant’s child re- ciety to distribute materials during Send $2 with the name and address of each person you wish to receive a fused a bible because the student’s the school day or on school grounds. sample copy of Freethought Today to: FFRF, P.O. Box 750, Madison WI family was not religious, the teacher The teacher mentioned in your letter 53701 Freedom depends upon freethinkers (Please specify whether asked the student, “Do you always do is no longer employed by the school the individual is a freethinker.) what your parents tell you to do?” district.” Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014 FFRF’s New York Times ad creates stir

FFRF ran a full-page ad in the July 3 New York Times to protest the Su- preme Court’s Hobby Lobby ruling that is bringing in many new members (welcome, all) and is still creating a stir. Featuring a portrait of birth control pioneer Margaret Sanger, whose mot- to was “No Gods — No Masters,” the ad criticizes the “all-male, all-Roman Catholic majority” on the court for put- ting “religious wrongs over women’s rights.” That caught the attention of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who facetiously thanked FFRF for show- ing there is still anti-Catholic bigotry. Dolan claimed the ad was a “drippingly bigoted blast in the hospitable pages of The New York Times.” The near-apoplectic Bill Donohue, Catholic League president, of course claimed FFRF was bigoted for pointing out that six of the nine court members are Catholic, with five of them very committed and reactionary Catholics. FFRF’s 2012 full-page ad in the Times was titled “It’s time to consider quitting the Catholic Church.” (The paper made FFRF rephrase the origi- nal headline, which was the much punchier: “It’s time to quit the Catho- lic Church.”) Dolan is president of the U.S. Con- ference of Catholic Bishops, which the ad criticized for openly declaring war on the Affordable Care Act’s contra- ceptive mandate and for placing dog- ma above humanity. Online newscaster Cenk Uygur of “The Young Turks” featured an amus- ing analysis July 13 of the reaction to the latest ad, running clips of Fox News going after FFRF. Andrea Tantaros em- ceed a round table going after FFRF and the Times, showing a close-up of the “Dogma should not trump civil lib- erties” part of the ad. “The ad doesn’t go after Catholics. It says we don’t want the Catholics to force their religion on us,” Uygur pointed out. “If there’s so much bigotry against Catholics, how did so many of them wind up on the Supreme Court?” FFRF has taken the lead in calling for repeal of the 1993 Religious Free- dom Resoration Act, which was the ba- sis for the Hobby Lobby ruling. “None of our civil rights, established after decades and decades of struggle and education, will be safe until RFRA is overturned,” commented Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president. (See more about ruling on page 5.)

What Is a Freethinker? free-think-er n. A person who forms opinions about religion on the basis of reason, independently of tradition, authority, or This is a reduced version of FFRF’s New York Times ad. established belief. August 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13

Members’ atheist invocations draw crowds

Dan Courtney, an FFRF Life Mem- agreed to the central tenet that, “Gov- ber and engineer who’s active with ernments are instituted among Men, the Atheist Society of Rochester and deriving their just powers from the is past president of the Free Thinkers consent of the governed.” of Upstate New York, delivered the More than 238 years later, the cen- first atheist invocation at a town board tral premise still echoes, however meeting in Greece, N.Y., after the U.S. faintly, from the town hall to the white- Supreme Court decision in May that columned halls of Washington. Yet this said Greece’s practice of allowing sec- premise, this foundation necessary tarian prayer was OK as long as the for a free and flourishing society, is town didn’t discriminate. today, more than ever, under assault. FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie This central pillar of a free society; this FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor was on hand, along with representatives Gaylor came from Wisconsin to lend notion that is deeply heretical to au- of several other national secular groups, to witness the atheist invocation by moral support (and promptly sat down thoritarian culture, proclaims that it is Dan Courtney in Greece, N.Y. From left are Greg Lipper, Linda Stephens, Dan during the “under God” part of the from the people that moral authority Courtney, Susan Galloway, David Niose, Gaylor and Ron Lindsay. Pledge of Allegiance). The Rochester is derived. It is that within us, the citi- Democrat & Chronicle reported more zens, that knowledge and wisdom must the benefit and blessings of the coun- than 100 people and 14 news cameras emerge. cil.” were present. The preservation of this premise The word “blessings” drew my atten- Courtney said he was surprised by does not come from accepting the sta- tion because it is a word heard often all the media attention. “I would like it tus quo, but by asserting our rights and in our society in differing contexts. I to get to a point where this would not exercising our duties. That this prem- wondered what the term really means. be news at all, but at the same time, I ise still endures testifies to its truth, The origins of the word “bless” are appreciate the attention because this is and we can say with confidence that from Old English and its meaning is important in a society that to a large it is in seeking the counsel of our con- connected to a human action. It refers extent doesn’t respect nonbelief.” science that we find the beginning of to the action of sprinkling blood on a Many in the audience held support- wisdom. It is in the exercise of our duty pagan altar. I don’t think that is what ive signs such as “I Stand for Secular as citizens that we find the beginning the council had in mind. Values.” A protester held a “JESUS of knowledge. But what did they have in mind SAVES. Ye must be BORN AGAIN” sign We, as citizens, the beginning and when using that term? It appears from and said he felt “compelled” to come. the end, the alpha and the omega of reading the resolutions and how the in- He wouldn’t identify himself, the pa- our destiny, are not, as the great philos- vocation system is set up that they feel per reported. opher Immanuel Kant warned, mere the source of blessings comes exclu- Lisa Gleason of Greece wore a shirt means to the ends of another, but we sively from a divine entity. But is that that said “I’m an atheist because . . . I are ends in ourselves. true? And what do “blessings” have to have read it” on the front and “1 Cor- This basic premise, this profound do with the realm of government? Linda Allewalt gives her secular inthians 14:34 Women should remain idea, guides us such that we need not The founders of our country pro- invocation. Photo courtesy of The silent in the Churches” on the back. kneel to any king, and we need not vided us with a clue in this paragraph. Sentinel News “I think this will spur people across bow to any tyrant. “We, the people of the United States, the country to push harder,” she said. So I ask all officials present here, in order to form a more perfect union, sire to form communities and make as guarantors of our Founders’ revo- establish justice, insure domestic tran- them successful. The council’s bless- Dan Courtney, Greece, lutionary proclamation, to heed the quility, provide for the common de- ings come from working with fellow N.Y. City Council, 7-15-14 counsel of the governed, to seek the fense, promote the general welfare, council members in trying to fulfill wisdom of all citizens, and to honor and secure the blessings of liberty to our- their roles as representatives of all the Thank you, the enlightened wisdom and the pro- selves and our posterity, do ordain and es- people. They also come from the citi- members of the found courage of those 56 brave men. tablish this Constitution for the United zens who take the time to attend and Town Board. States of America.” offer their advice, their expertise, and Thank you, Super- Linda Allewalt, Secular The founders did not mention a di- even their criticism. These blessings do visor Rielich, for al- invocation, Shelbyville, Ky., vine source for their “blessings,” but a not need to be invoked. They are at lowing me to offer human one. . . we the people. We the your fingertips every day. the invocation. City Council, 7-17-14 people take the actions and make the So I would encourage the council Freethinkers, laws to secure our blessings for our- and all those who make the efforts to atheists, nonbeliev- Good evening. As this is a secular in- selves and for future generations. Fol- ensure the success of our community ers, whatever label vocation and not a prayer, there is no lowing these words are the contents of to consider these observable and mea- you wish, this group need to stand during my presentation. our Constitution . . . a vehicle to assist surable blessings ­­— to consider their comprises a significant part of our pop- Tonight I would like to have us think us in securing our blessings of liberty. true source, and to never forget to ulation. I am honored to be providing about “blessings.” The Constitution makes no mention of count them! an invocation on their behalf and on Last year the council passed a set a deity in creating this vehicle, and its I wish you a peaceful and productive behalf of all the citizens of the town of of resolutions outlining their new pro- authors chose not to invoke blessings meeting. Greece. gram for including invocations in city from a divine entity during their delib- Editor’s note: Linda adds that since she On July 4, 1776, the 56 men who council meetings. In the resolutions, erations. followed up her invocation with a statement pledged their lives to the document the council stated that the main pur- I would appeal to the council and during the public comments section of the that changed the course of history, pose of an opening invocation was “for those in attendance here to consider meeting advising the council to shut the dis- this: criminatory program down, “I think this is In government, blessings are the my first and last invocation!” actions we take and the decisions we make out of our common human de- Nothing fails like prayer!

The U.S. Supreme Court unwisely ernment prayers are unnecessary, in- “blessed” sectarian prayers at local gov- effective, embarrassing, exclusionary, ernment meeting in its Town of Greece divisive or just plain silly. v. Galloway decision. If the Supreme The “best” secular invocation will Court won’t uphold our godless and be invited to open FFRF’s annual con- entirely secular Constitution — adopt- vention, receiving an all-expenses-paid ed at a prayerless constitutional con- trip (this year at the Los Angeles Bilt- vention — it’s up to us. It’s up to you! more Oct. 24-26), a plaque and an We’d like to see secular citizens honorarium of $500. flood government meetings with secu- Learn more at: lar invocations that illustrate why gov- ffrf.org/outreach/nothing-fails-like-prayer Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014 FFRF victories: It pays to complain Bible ads take at Piedmont High School athletic events in West Piedmont, Ala. permanent vacation Previously, it was the practice for a An advertisement for vacation bible Christian prayer to be delivered over school in front of the Caraway Public the school’s public address system be- Library in Caraway, Ark., has been re- fore football games. A graduate and moved. The sign, an electronic, scroll- Piedmont athletics booster reached ing text marquee, promoted a bible out to FFRF, noting that he found the program for children at a local church. prayers “very offensive to those who do Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote not share in the belief of prayer,” and to Mayor Barry Riley on June 13, not- that a student should not be “subjected ing the Establishment Clause violation. to ridicule for not participating.” “The best policy would be for the city Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca to disallow such advertising,” Elliott Markert notified Superintendent Matt suggested. Akin of the unconstitutional action on Riley responded the same day: March 20. Akin responded July 2 after “The message on the sign has been re- two follow-up letters: “Beginning im- moved.” mediately, the Piedmont City School District will no longer allow student-led FFRF thwarts school prayer at athletic events.” abstinence assembly Navy agrees to allow Onaway Area Community Schools equal access in Onaway, Mich., will no longer invite speakers with a proselytizing agenda. Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) Matt Fradd, who describes himself on and associated clinics in Bremerton, his website as “a Catholic apologist and Wash., will no longer block minority speaker,” was invited to give a presenta- religious Web pages. Their Internet fil- tion April 29 to Onaway High School tering policy banned websites of non- students on the subject of abstinence. Midlothian Independent School District in Midlothian, Texas, will no monotheistic religions. According to Fradd’s website, his longer display this 2-by-3-foot plaque at Mt. Peak Elementary. On June 26, A concerned individual was dis- presentation “challenges audience Staff Attorney Sam Grover sent a letter to Superintendent Jerome Stewart, tressed to learn that the online Church members to open their minds and explaining that the plaque “offends the Constitution.” Legal counsel of Satan was “blocked for reasons of hearts and embrace the Church’s responded July 17, advising that “the plaque will be removed from the Mt. Peak Cult and Occult,” along with other teachings on human sexuality.” Stu- Elementary School as requested.” non-mainstream religions such as Sci- dents were reportedly told, “Romantic entology, Wicca and various pagan reli- love is impossible without chastity.” gions. He described the discriminatory Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- ceremony was to be hosted in Moody Swan song for practice as “an outrage,” noting that ert wrote Superintendent Rod Fuller- Church, wrote Barbara Byrd-Bennett, monotheistic websites, including the ton on May 20, citing constitutional chief executive officer of Chicago Pub- graduation prayer outrageously bigoted Westboro Baptist concerns over the religious content, lic Schools about the clear constitu- Graduation ceremonies in Forsyth Church’s site, were readily available. adding that regardless of the motive, tional violation. County School District in Cummings, Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote inviting such a speaker “gives the ap- The next day, school attorney James Ga., will no longer include religious the NHB on May 1, explaining that the pearance that Onaway Area Commu- Bebley replied that, “the school has ar- prayer. policy was discriminatory. On July 15, nity School District endorses the pro- ranged for the captioned ceremony to On May 24, Forsyth Central High Lt. Cmdr. David Peck reported that the gram’s message.” be moved to the banquet hall.” And “at School’s graduation reportedly includ- policy had been changed to allow sites Replying on June 18, Fullerton said our administrator training this sum- ed a student-delivered invocation and such as wicca.org and churchofsatan. the school “had no intention of violat- mer, we plan to address again the pro- benediction, both of which specifically org. ing any laws with this assembly” and hibition on the use of religious sites for mentioned God and Jesus. that it “will not be participating in this public school events.” Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote type of assembly in the future.” Superintendent L.C. Evans on May 30: Church graduation No more religious “School officials may not invite a stu- ceremonies moving Bible quote off dent to give any type of prayer, invoca- rituals at school tion or benediction at a public high Graduation ceremonies for Perry township website school-sponsored event.” Local School District, Massillon, Ohio, Rockwall Independent School Dis- District counsel replied July 13: will no longer be held at the Faith Fam- Inappropriate religious material trict in Rockwall, Texas, will no longer “The issues which you raise in your ily Church. From now on, nonreligious brought to FFRF’s attention by a con- permit prayer at any school-sponsored letter will not be a part of next year’s students wishing to participate in one cerned individual has been removed events. According to a local complain- graduation program at Forsyth Central of life’s most momentous occasions from the official website of the town- ant, Rockwall High School’s June 10 High School.” will not be excluded from doing so. ship of Watersmeet, Mich. graduation included a religious prayer Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- The bible quote, accredited to “Mr. led by a local police officer. The gradu- ert wrote to Superintendent Martin Jesus Christ,” which we will politely ation was one of two scheduled that Satisfied complainant: Bowe on Feb. 17, informing him that refrain from quoting again here, en- week. FFRF is ‘awesome’ “It is unconstitutional for a public high dorsed a belief in heaven, sin and Je- Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to school to force, compel, or coerce its sus. Superintendent Jeff Bailey on July 11. A concerned resident reported graduation students, their parents, Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- “Graduation should be an inclusive, church ads in front of Castle Rock teachers, and other members of their ert wrote Township Supervisor Mike unifying event designed to celebrate Middle School and Castle View High families or friends, to violate their Rogers on June 16 to relay the infor- the accomplishments and prospects of School. The signs advertised Sunday rights of conscience at a graduation mation that “Courts have continually the graduates. Including religious ref- morning worship at Eternal Rock Lu- ceremony.” held that townships may not display erences does exactly the opposite, iso- theran Church and Summit Church. Bowe’s May 15 reply said the district religious messages.” lating non-Christian and nonreligious The churches rent from the school has “agreed to find a different site for Rogers agreed moments after re- students, cheapening their participa- district, but have routinely left advertis- the 2015 graduating class.” ceiving the letter electronically to re- tion by sending the message that they ing banners up for months on school move the quote. are outsiders at their own graduation property. and in their own community.” Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote Bible distribution Later that day, counsel for Rock- a letter of complaint to the Douglas stopped in school School to review wall ISD replied that the district “has County School District on July 8. The policy on religion agreed to take [the] appropriate steps next day, the complainant confirmed A South Carolina school district has to ensure that religious rituals are not that FFRF’s letter had a positive effect. agreed to stop allowing the distribu- Due to FFRF’s intervention, Mani- part of graduation ceremonies or any “You guys are awesome — the signs are tion of bibles on school property due erre Elementary School in Chicago school-sponsored events in the future.” down now!” to a July 3 letter from Staff Attorney relocated its kindergarten graduation The Rockwall-Heath High School Patrick Elliott to Superintendent David from a church sanctuary to its banquet graduation, which took place after Havird, Anderson School District One hall. the FFRF complaint, did not include FFRF intervention saves in Anderson. On June 10, Staff Attorney Sam prayer. prayer addicts FFRF’s complainant reported that Grover, acting on reports from a con- a man told students they could take a cerned community member that the Prayer will no longer be sanctioned bible as a staffer stood by outside an el- August 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15

of personnel invited county employees According to reports by a concerned to attend the 22nd Annual Putnam individual, the varsity football team County Leadership Prayer Breakfast. had been supplied pregame meals by The email included a bible verse from Pray’s Mill Baptist Church. A pastor 2 Chronicles: “If my people who are was present at the meals and at most of called by my name will humble them- the practices and games. selves, and pray, and seek my face, and At the end of the mandatory meals, turn from their wicked ways, then I the pastor would deliver a “pseudo- will hear from heaven, and will forgive sermon” and ask those present to bow them, and heal their land.” their heads and pray. The complainant Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- said the prayer “makes several nonbe- ert sent three letters to the county, liever athletes uncomfortable as well, starting March 17. County counsel re- but because they’re students on the sponded July 10: “The individual who team, they can’t just ‘step out’ and not sent the email in question regarding participate or risk banishment.” the Prayer Breakfast event has been Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote advised not to send such notices by Superintendent Gordon Pritz on May County email in the future.” 27. District counsel replied June 17 that Pritz “has discussed with school administration and appropriate staff FFRF’s interns are an invaluable resource for busy staff. From left are Baccalaureate will members the legal issues that you Noah Bunnell, Aaron Loudenslager, Sam Erickson, Neal Fitzgerald and Maddy include disclaimer raised. . . . To the extent there existed Ziegler. Thank you all! any issue with a prayer or religious talk Columbian High School in Tiffin, being given to students on the team Ohio, will no longer be involved with a during a team event by local clergy, ementary school library, with bibles on reported the complainant. “The school baccalaureate service for seniors. The there will be no such activity during the table. is fairly diverse, so I’m sure I’m not the June 7 baccalaureate at Trinity United next football season.” Elliott’s letter addressed illegal only person that is uncomfortable with Church of Christ was coordinated with The district was successfully sued events that occurred in April, when the school trying to force everyone to school faculty, including the principal, by Doug Jager, son of a longtime FFRF the bibles were distributed to students pray.” his secretary and the choir director. member, over pregame invocations in at Powdersville Elementary School Staff Attorney Sam Grover sent a The religious service was listed on the late 1980s. Doug was a member of in Greenville, S.C. “It is unfortunate letter May 30 to Superintendent Dan- the school’s graduation checklist and the marching band. In Jager v. Douglas that some adults view public schools iel Tanoos of Vigo County School promoted on the school calendar. Ad- County District, the Supreme Court in as ripe territory for religious recruit- Corp., declaring that, “The district ditionally, the graduation FAQ on the 1989 let stand a ruling in Doug’s favor ment,” wrote Elliott, adding that courts should make certain that teachers in school’s website encouraged graduates by the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Ap- have held that “religious instruction is its schools are not unlawfully and inap- and their families to attend. peals. for parents to determine, not public propriately indoctrinating students in On June 12, Senior Staff Attorney school educators.” Elliott noted that religious matters by encouraging them Rebecca Markert wrote Superinten- the distribution also violated school to engage in prayer. Schoolchildren al- dent Vicki Wheatley of Tiffin City Jesus vanishes from policy. ready feel significant pressure to con- Schools. Due to the school’s “pro- department’s Facebook District counsel responded July 21 form from their peers. They must not motion of the worship service on its that “the district will ensure that bibles be subjected to similar pressure from school website, students will perceive The police department in Jackson- are not made available to elementary their teachers, especially on religious the baccalaureate service as school- ville, Ala., has removed and will no school-aged students during the school questions.” sponsored,” Markert wrote. longer display religious postings on its day on school premises.” After a July 8 follow-up inquiry, dis- Wheatley responded June 25 that official Facebook page. The posts in- trict counsel replied July 17 that each “future District publications regarding cluded an image with the words “Hap- building principal has been told that a baccalaureate service will include a py Birthday Jesus,” an image of a nativ- ‘Pervasive religious “teacher-led prayer with students pres- disclaimer indicating the event is not ity, a number of bible verses, a picture culture’ addressed ent will cease, as it is prohibited by school-sponsored, it is an optional promoting the “National Day of Prayer the Constitution and should not be al- event, and that the District does not for Law Enforcement,” a picture of a Lamar County School District staff lowed.” endorse any message espoused.” man carrying a “Police Officer’s Bible” in Purvis, Miss., will no longer be per- Wheatley said she has “reminded and a link to a Christian website with mitted to proselytize to students. A the appropriate District employees of police officers singing a Christian song. Sumrall Middle School student con- Georgia Air Force base the policies and limitations discussed Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- tacted FFRF in April about a teacher grounds job ad bias above, and [has] clarified the District’s ert contacted Jacksonville Chief of Po- who talked about “why our country expectations.” lice T.L. Thompson on Dec. 31. After needs God” and the “war on Christ- Moody Air Force Base near Valdo- two follow-up letters, Thompson finally mas.” Another teacher apparently held sta, Ga., has removed a requirement replied July 2: “That post and similar an Easter event and spoke about “the that only Catholics need apply for a Georgia district agrees ones were deleted from that account Rapture” and the anti-Christ. position as music director. to prayer curbs and no new posts of this nature have Staff Attorney Sam Grover noted FFRF was alerted to the July 15 job been posted.” the violations June 20 in a letter to in- ad, which requested a “Catholic Music Future graduations at Bremen City terim Superintendent Tess Smith, also Director to provide worship services at High School in Bremen, Ga., will not citing faculty participation in prayer at Moody AFB Chapel.” The posting spec- include prayer, at FFRF’s behest. A reli- FFRF halts public Sumrall Elementary School and a “per- ified that “the contractor shall main- gious photo of prayer has also been re- school prayers vasive culture of proselytization in the tain a lifestyle consistent with Catholic moved from the Bremen City Schools district.” principles” for the position, and said Facebook page. Ignacio School District in Ignacio, Smith responded July 8 and agreed the applicant would “not be required The school’s May 24 graduation in- Colo., will no longer feature prayers at to “meet with each of the staff mem- to perform duties that are incompat- cluded opening and closing prayers. certain ceremonies held throughout bers mentioned, including a follow-up ible with the Catholic faith.” Each lasted several minutes and ad- the academic year. meeting with the school principal.” Staff Attorney Sam Grover’s July dressed the Christian “Heavenly Fa- A complainant reported to FFRF Smith said she’s organizing an in-ser- 18 complaint letter noted that the re- ther, we thank you.” that schools included prayers before vice for principals to give them “the ligious test violates the equal employ- Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote graduation, Veterans Day, Thanksgiv- necessary guidance to train their staff ment provisions of the Civil Rights Act, the district June 6, noting other recent ing and Christmas ceremonies. It was in the future regarding constitutional which says military departments may violations in the district, including a also reported that two prayers are of- issues.” not discriminate on the basis of reli- photo on the district website of the fered at each of these events, one to gion. football team praying and an elemen- the Christian god and another to a Ute Within 15 minutes of receiving the tary school administrator leading kin- Native American god. FFRF ends prayer at complaint, an Air Force representative dergarteners in prayer. FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel school banquet called to apologize for impermissible The district responded June 17, say- sent a letter Oct. 18, explaining that language in “all of the solicitations” ing that “the phrase ‘invocation’ will the district has a legal duty to remain There will no longer be teacher-led and said the base intends to “modify not be used in next year’s graduation neutral toward religion. prayer or any prayer at the end-of-year the verbiage” in all of its job postings program.” Additionally, the “superin- After receiving a follow-up letter, banquet for Sarah Scott Middle School and remove the “Catholic lifestyle” tendent has removed that photo” in the district responded June 23: “We in Terre Haute, Ind. mention. question. have discontinued that practice.” A family member of a student con- The response sets a record for the tacted FFRF with information that, most concise letter of compliance an like ceremonies from previous years, Prayer breakfast Prayer off football FFRF attorney has ever received. a school-sponsored banquet May 27 promotion stopped team pregame menu — Compiled by publicist Lauryn celebrating the top 10 students in each Seering and intern Noah Bunnell grade featured teacher-led prayer. Putnam County in Carmel, N.Y., will Illegal pregame prayer at football “Everyone is expected to bow their no longer use county email to promote team meals has been halted at Alexan- heads while a teacher leads the prayer,” prayer breakfasts. Last fall, the director der High School in Douglasville, Ga. Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014 FFRF Legal Victories Cross removed from family was not religious, the teacher Wash. public park asked the student, “Do you always do FFRF has secured the removal of re- what your parents tell you to do?” ligious symbols from a public park in The complainant noted that bible Clark County, Wash. distribution by Gideons at the school In Whipple Creek Regional Park, has been going on for 30-some years. a Latin cross with a bible verse was in- FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel stalled at the top of Carousel Hill. The sent a letter on May 21 to Superinten- plaque read, “Trust in the Lord with all dent Virgil Ritchie, pointing out why your heart. Lean not on your under- forcing students to accept religious standing. In all your ways acknowledge literature is predatory and illegal. On Him. And He shall direct your paths. June 10, Ritchie responded that it had Proverbs 3:5-6.” been decided that “Lewis Elementary On June 26, Senior Staff Attor- School will not allow The Gideon So- ney Rebecca Markert alerted Clark ciety to distribute materials during County to the constitutional violation. the school day or on school grounds. The complainant wrote FFRF on July The teacher mentioned in your letter 2 to confirm that employees of Clark is no longer employed by the school County “have removed the cross from district.” Whipple Creek Park.” Wash. youth pastors Proselytizing teacher voted off the island whose mission is “[i]ntroducing ado- cruiters continuous, unmonitored ac- ‘no longer employed’ lescents to Jesus Christ and helping cess to school students for quite some After a series of complaints by par- them grow in their faith.” time. . . . The length of time over which Lewis Public Schools in Lewis, Kan., ents and students spanning over a The middle school previously re- this violation has been allowed to con- will no longer allow staff to facilitate decade, Bainbridge Island School Dis- ceived multiple complaints from both tinue is deplorable.” distribution by the Gideons of religious trict, Bainbridge Island, Wash., will no students and parents about the Young Assistant Superintendent Peter materials. A complainant contacted longer allow youth pastors access to Life pastors. In 2000, the school at- Bang-Knudsen replied June 23 that the FFRF after a fifth-grade teacher told impressionable students during school tempted to develop policies meant district has taken several steps, includ- students to cross the street unescorted hours. to curb aggressive proselytizing in ing hiring an independent investigator to receive a bible. The teacher lined Several concerned parents and schools, but youth pastors circumvent- whose findings were reported to the the students up, told them to cross the students reported to FFRF that three ed the measures. school board. FFRF was informed that street to get the bibles, but did not ac- youth pastors from local churches were Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent the three youth pastors were removed company the children because she be- regularly granted access to Woodward a strongly worded letter to the district from their volunteer duties, and sig- lieved this made her actions legal. Middle School students during lunch- Oct. 29, explaining why the multiple nificant revisions on volunteer policy When the complainant’s child re- time. The pastors were associated with violations are so egregious. “BDIS has were made to the volunteer handbook. fused a bible because the student’s Young Life, a Christian organization been complicit in granting religious re- Meet a Wisconsin Member

Name: Edwin H. Neumann. day mornings are all free now. Where I live: The La Crosse area in These are a few of my favorite southwestern Wisconsin. things: The new (and old) “Cosmos” Where and when I was born: Escana- series, reading and writing, hiking the ba, Mich., in 1963. bluffs with the kids, my chess club. Oh, Family: My wife Christine and three and the big bang theory (the show and brilliant kids, Alyssa (22), Sylvia (19) the actual theory). and Edwin Nicholas (17). These are not: Strident non-Bayes- Education: Bachelor’s in biology ians. Bayes’ theorem is a mathematical and chemistry from the University of equation that can be used to quantify Wisconsin-Oshkosh and an O.D. de- the probability of whether or not an gree from the Illinois College of Op- event occurred, a person existed or a tometry. I’m forever a student of an- particular belief is well-grounded. To cient history and the natural sciences. simplify, I guess you could character- Occupation: Optometrist by day, ize non-Bayesians as those who argue writer by moonlight. I won’t quit my fallaciously and do not base their con- day job — yet. clusions on rational thought. (Theists How I got where I am today: Stud- come to mind.) ied diligently, worked hard and tried My doubts about religion started: to never stop learning (especially from Early. My mom made it a point to have my mistakes). all her eight kids confirmed in the Lu- Where I’m headed: Hopefully to theran Church. Though my dad was Ed Neumann (right) and Richard Carrier at a freethought festival at the publish a novel I’ve written called agnostic and only showed up at church University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mythos Christos. It details a recent find during Christmas performances, he of a 1,600-year-old archaeological went along with her in this. “treasure hunt” set up by Hypatia of Between the ages of 10 and 16, how- local clergy to his house to debate with to the La Crosse Tribune. It’s one of Alexandria, where the treasure is the ever, I played a lot of chess with my them. the few newspapers in the country that truth about the mythic origins of Chris- grandpa, a hardcore atheist. He’d re- When I was 12, he bought me a gives nontheists space to publish their tianity. gale me with tales of his early years in copy of Thomas Paine’s The Age of Rea- heathen opinions. One timeline occurs in the past the Lutheran parochial school (early son and taught me, to my mom’s dis- I also helped support renowned (historical fiction) and one in modern 1900s). One story left a lasting impres- tress, to doubt all religious claims. At historian Richard Carrier’s recent en- times (adventure/suspense). I’m at- sion on me: my confirmation, I lied to the minister deavor, which culminated in his two tempting to publish via the traditional All the boys and some of the girls about believing in God and his savior groundbreaking books: Proving His- route, but it’s extremely difficult to in Herbert Neumann’s class were son. I’m not proud of that, but I felt I tory and On the Historicity of Jesus. Using break into that world as a debut novel- beaten on a regular basis and it was a had to appease my mother in her con- Bayesian methodology, these books ist. mark of toughness not to cry out dur- firmation quest. demonstrate the likelihood that Jesus Person in history I admire: Einstein, ing the licks. When a new girl joined Before I die: It might be a pipe never actually existed. Though certain- because his ideas were so fantastically the school, it became apparent she was dream, but I’d like to see our country ly scholarly, they’re accessible enough counterintuitive. Gravity warps space afflicted with a tremor that worsened go the way of many European nations, that even I can understand them. and bends light? Time dilation and in stressful situations. The “teacher” with a secular government and a non- I’m just proud to have played any the twin paradox? The energy tied up ordered her to be still, and when she theist majority. I also want to visit his- role in advancing that endeavor, and in matter is proportional to the speed shook all the more, he beat her repeat- torical sites in Italy and Greece. freethought itself, forward. I think my of light squared? These things blow my edly with a hickory stick. This scene Ways I promote freethought: I head grandpa would’ve been proud, too. mind. seared itself into my grandpa’s memo- a group of writers from the La Crosse I wish you’d have asked me: “Do A quotation I like: The old Roman ry and led him to abandon the church Area Freethought Society (lcafs.org) you have a literary agent for your own proverb, “Ubi dubium ibi libertas” (In and disparage religious indoctrina- who contribute a monthly column book?” Not yet. Do you know any good doubt there is freedom). Hey, my Sun- tion. In his retirement, he even invited called “A Freethinker’s Perspective” ones? August 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17

A group photo at the July 3-5 event in 2014 Lake Hypatia ‘Glorious Fourth’ front of Freethought Hall (auditorium Alabama Freethought Association at left).

Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor by the freethought “star” created in the 1990s to honor “all women freethinkers of the 20th century.” Others named include founder Anne Gaylor, Alabama feminists and freethought activists Patricia Alice Cleveland, chapter historian, Cleveland, Michele Wilson and poet, professor and longtime chapter Blanche Fearn. and FFRF volunteer.

In front of Fearn Park at Lake Hypatia is Michael Scott, director of FFRF’s new Metro Atlanta chapter, who spoke at the event. With him are his daughter, Madison, and Lia, his wife. Janet Heimlich, an award-winning The park is named for benefactor journalist, spoke about religious Blanche Fearn. maltreatment of children, based on her book Breaking Their Will. The youngest participant at the Glorious Fourth.

Two former ministers who lost faith in faith, then found secular success are Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel helped FFRF Co-President Dan Barker (left), Co-President Dan Barker “claim” author of Losing Faith in Faith and Lake Hypatia for freethought with his Godless, and Jerry DeWitt, author of signature gesture. Seidel spoke at the Hope After Faith. event about state/church complaints he’s handled from Alabama.

Go to flic.kr/ps/2DSJR6 to see more event photos.

From left are Anna Aldrich and Pat Cleveland. Pat is Veterans gathered July 4 in front of FFRF’s granite monument, dedicated “in Alabama Freethought president and Anna is treasurer of memory of ATHEISTS IN FOXHOLES and the countless FREETHINKERS FFRF’s longest-lived chapter, which puts on the annual who have served this country with honor and distinction.” It was created and “Glorious Fourth” event at Lake Hypatia. carved by Bill Teague, with words by Anne Nicol Gaylor. Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014

Black Collar Crime Blotter victims between the ages of 5 and 8 have also Compiled by Bill Dunn been filed, including an allegation from 1999 at the church. He pleaded guilty in 1988 to sexually Arrested / Charged assaulting a 15-year-old Maryland girl who was his physical therapy patient. The girl’s father Cesar Chin, Seminole County, FL: Failure wants Teets to get more than the 3 to 6 years to report suspected child abuse, abandonment the plea deal calls for. “I hope they send him to and neglect. Chin, pastor at Fellowship Church, one of Pennsylvania’s finest prisons, not a light- allegedly knew that Normail Reynoso was mo- weight prison, but somewhere where somebody lesting 3 female relatives, all under age 12, for who has a daughter or two can take care of Mr. years but kept quiet. He said he never reported Teets,” he said. Source: Tribune-Review, 6-8-14 it because he didn’t have proof, deputies said. Lonny L. Remmers, 56, Corona, CA: Plead- Source: WFTV, 7-18-14 ed guilty to inflicting corporal injury on a child Stefano M. Cavalletti, 45, Carciano di Stre- and assault with a deadly weapon. Remmers, sa, Italy: Possession of illegal drugs with intent pastor of Heart of Worship Community Church, to supply. Cavalletti, a Catholic pastor, had van- admitted to brutally disciplining a 13-year-old ished for 2 days, forcing the parish to get a sub- boy whose mother brought him to the church’s stitute to say Mass and officiate at 2 scheduled group home. Church members Darryl D. Jeter, weddings. 30, and Nicholas J. Craig, 24, also pleaded He was arrested in a Milan apartment while guilty to similar charges. flushing cocaine down the toilet and tearing up The boy was pepper-sprayed, pinched with his passport, purportedly to avoid identification. pliers, struck with a shovel, threatened with Source: The Independent, 7-18-14 death and forced to dig a mock grave. Source: Gerig M. Huggins, 50, Mt. Pleasant, SC: Ill AP, 6-7-14 treatment of a child. Huggins, a former Assem- Arthur “A.B.” Schirmer, 66, Waynesburg, blies of God pastor (now without a congrega- PA: Pleaded no contest to 3rd-degree murder tion), is accused by a man who alleges Huggins in the 1999 death of his first wife. Schirmer, a molested him starting when he was 14. He’s The nephew, Andrew Guffey, now 44, al- Sergio Librizzi, Trapani, Sicily: Sexual as- Methodist minister, is already serving a life sen- currently chaplain at the Medical University of leges the abuse continued till he was 17. He sault, embezzlement, extortion and attempted tence for killing his second wife in 2008. Source: SC. Source: Post & Courier, 7-16-14 said he blames Mike McLemore, Lakeside Bap- extortion. Librizzi, a parish priest and director of Lebanon Daily News, 6-30-14 Pedro L. Custodio, 44, Eustis, FL: Attempt- tist pastor from 1983-2007, for not stopping it. the Catholic charity Caritas in the Sicilian city of Hector C. Gonzalez, 46, Davis, CA: Plead- ed sexual battery and 2 counts of attempted “He’s a bigger creep to me than Mack,” Guffey Trapani, is accused of demanding sex from im- ed guilty to statutory rape. As part of a plea sexual battery. Custodio is accused of assault- said. “He was more worried about the church’s migrants seeking residency visas. agreement, if approved by the judge, Gonzalez ing 3 women at Our Father’s House of Refuge image than doing what’s right. He should not be Librizzi is accused of at least 10 episodes will serve 90 days in jail and 3 years’ probation Ministries Inc., a homeless shelter he founded in his position where he is.” of sexual violence since 2009. The alleged theft for having sex with a 16-year-old girl in the rec- in 2010. McLemore was president of the Alabama amount is estimated at $13,600. Source: Reli- tory of St. James’ Catholic Parish, where he was One victim alleged she was raped on her Baptist Convention from 2000-02 and has been gion News Service, 6-25-14 pastor. birthday, then stayed in a consensual relation- executive director of the Birmingham Baptist As- John Balyo, 35, Caledonia, MI: 1st-degree “Fr. Gonzalez’s behavior with the minor was ship for more than a year. Another alleged vic- sociation since 2007. criminal sexual conduct. Balyo, morning show a crime and a sin,” Kevin Eckery, a Diocese of tim said she felt pressured to have sex. “Pastor Davis’ wife Jimmie divorced him after be- host at WCSG [Christian] Radio, owned by Sacramento spokesman said, adding that the Pete would tell her she could always go find an- coming aware of accusations in 1997. She told Cornerstone University, is charged with paying diocese will ask the Holy See to defrock him. He other shelter in Orlando if she did not do what a newspaper she suspects he molested dozens a man to arrange sex with an 11-year-old boy was initially charged with 3 counts of unlawful he wanted to do,” a complaint said. Source: Or- of boys. Source: al.com, 7-1-14 in May. Police found a “bondage” kit with hand- sexual intercourse. Source: Sacramento Bee, lando Sentinel, 7-16-14 Matthew Williams, 28, Collierville, TN: 8 cuffs, chains, padlock, duct tape and rubber 6-28-14 Kwame Wura Bempah, Dome, Ghana: Visa counts of raping a child. Williams was piano and gloves in his storage unit, along with children’s Tadhg O’Dalaigh, 70, Dublin, Ireland: fraud. Bempah, head pastor of Christian Faith voice teacher at Hope Presbyterian Church’s socks, an affidavit said. Found guilty of indecent assault of a 16-year- Vineyard, allegedly defrauded 6 persons under Music Academy in Cordova and former assis- Balyo was arrested at a Christian music old boy in 1979 at a Catholic boarding school the pretext of getting jobs for them in the U.S. tant music director at Maples United Method- festival. Police later found articles about miss- in County Cork, where O’Dalaigh taught as a Two alleged accomplices were still at-large. ist Church in Olive Branch, MS. He was also a ing children and copies of children’s obituaries. member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. The alleged victims paid him $94,246, ac- case worker at the YMCA. He was fired as a Kent County sheriff’s reserve O’Dalaigh, now retired, denied masturbating cording to police, and were told to get ready Williams’ father Carl told a reporter it was volunteer after the arrest. Source: mlive.com, the victim while he was a patient in the school to leave Ghana on June 13. But when that day painful to turn his son in to police. The alleged 6-25-14 infirmary, but has admitted he molested 10 oth- came, Bempah failed to answer phone calls and abuse involved a family member. Source: Fox Roy N. Yoakem, 46, Bowling Green, KY: ers in a similar manner and pleaded guilty sev- went into hiding. Source: Ghana Web, 7-15-14 13, 7-1-14 Unlawful use of electronic means to induce a eral days before his trial to 5 counts of indecent Jose A. Siliezar-Sevilla, 48, Benson, NC: Glen McCoy, 30, Statesville, NC: Aggra- minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited assault on another boy. Source: Irish Times, Making false statements. Siliezar-Sevilla, the vated statutory rape and especially aggra- activities, 3rd-degree rape and 3rd-degree sod- 6-26-14 native Honduran pastor of Iglesia Internacional vated sexual exploitation of a minor. McCoy omy. He’s additionally charged in Tennessee El Verbo en Accion, is accused of lying on a was arrested in Tennessee, where he’d report- with aggravated statutory rape, statutory rape 2010 work visa application about a 1994 convic- edly moved after resigning as co-pastor at Life by an authority figure and sexual battery by an Sentenced tion for possession of a controlled substance in Center Church and as an elder at Miracle Tab- authority figure. Jason Roberson, 35, Boulder, CO: 2 years Los Angeles. ernacle of Deliverance Church. He also drove Yoakem, pastor at New Gospel Outreach in prison followed by 30 days in jail and 10 His family said bad legal advice led to the bus and worked as a teacher’s aide for a public Church, is accused of having sex with a boy, 14, years’ intensive sex-offender probation. Rober- omission. Source: WNCN/TWC News, 7-14-14 school district. whose mother found “intimate” text messages son, youth pastor at VineLife Church, was con- Duane E. Youngblood, 47, Homestead, PA: McCoy allegedly met the 17-year-old male on his phone. victed for a 7-year relationship he started with a Corrupting a minor. Youngblood, pastor of High- victim online. Detective Robert Carrigan III said “He’s a predator and he doesn’t need to be 15-year-old congregant. er Call World Outreach Church, is accused of in a warrant he found several photos of the teen on the street. I’m glad we got him,” said Allen Roberson pleaded guilty in April to sexually molesting a boy, now 21, for about 30 months, and McCoy having sex. Source: WBTV, 7-1-14 County Sheriff’s Detective Chad Keen. Yoakem exploiting and stalking Danielle DesGeorges, ending in 2011, during counseling at church. Kathryn Ronk, 29, Birmingham, MI: 8 counts is on the sex offender registry due to a 2003 now 24. The pastor was convicted in 2008 of molest- of 1st-degree criminal sexual conduct, pos- conviction for molesting an 8-year-old. Source: In a presentence report, a probation officer ing a 15-year-old boy during counseling in 2006. session of child sexually abusive material and Park City Daily News, 6-25-14 wrote that Roberson “continues to minimize his His 2006 book “Freedom From Homosexuality: furnishing alcohol to a minor. Ronk, a Spanish Michael W. Light, 34, Mt. Juliet, TN: 3 accountability.” No Longer Living The Lie,” detailed what he said teacher at Bishop Foley Catholic High School, counts of statutory rape and 8 counts of statu- “He had access to our daughter because was “the enemy’s plan against him.” Source: is charged with having sex with a 15-year-old tory sexual offense. Light was a youth pastor at he had established a circle of trust within our KDKA, 7-13-14 male student in the school and at his home. She Straightway Baptist Church in Elon, NC, when lives,” said Janet DesGeorges, her mother. “He Jay Strickland, 50, Morris, AL: 1st-degree is married with no children. Source: Detroit Free the alleged incidents with a female church mem- groomed, manipulated and abused our daugh- sodomy and 2 counts of sexual abuse. Strick- Press, 6-30-14 ber aged 13-15 occurred in 2005-07. ter.” land, an administrative pastor at Sharon Heights Max Davis, 68, Campbell, Australia: 3 He’s now a student pastor at Global Vision in Danielle DesGeorges also is suing Rob- Baptist Church and a nurse anesthetist at the counts of indecent treatment of a child under Mt. Juliet. Source: WGHP, 6-23-14 erson and VineLife Church in Boulder District University of Alabama-Birmingham, is charged 14. Bishop Davis, head of the Catholic Military John Oselsky, 50, Carmichael, CA: Solicit- Court. Church officials were issued summons- with molesting a male victim, now an adult, as a Ordinariate, is accused of molesting a 13-year- ing prostitution. Oselsky, senior pastor at Grace es for failing to report alleged sexual abuse of child in another state. old boy in 1969 when he taught at St. Benedict’s Family Baptist Church, was among 24 people a child: senior pastor Walt Roberson, who is During the investigation, police learned of College in New Norcia before he was ordained. arrested in a police sting. He denied the charge Jason Roberson’s father; executive pastor Rob- another alleged victim, a female who reported Source: The Telegraph, 6-30-14 and claimed that as a native Moldovan, he didn’t ert P. Young; pastor Luke M. Humbrecht; and being abused a child. Source: al.com, 7-8-14 Guillermo Gil Torres, San Luis Potosi, understand what the 2 women were even say- church elders Edward C. Bennell and Warren Wayne Makela, 27, Hobart, WI: 2nd-degree Mexico: Suspicion of sexually abusing a minor. ing. Source: KCRA, 6-12-14 L. Williams. sexual assault of a child, child enticement, use Gil Torres, pastor of Santa Rosa de Lima Catho- Ivo Poppe, 57, Menin, Belgium: Suspicion Humbrecht pleaded guilty and was given a of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, ex- lic Parish, was arrested based on a complaint of causing the deaths of at least 40 patients at 12-month deferred sentence. The others are set posing a child to harmful materials of harmful from a boy’s grandmother. The boy alleged the Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur, where he was a nurse to stand trial in November. Source: Daily Cam- descriptions or narrations and sexual assault by priest fondled him while showing him photos of and part-time Catholic pastoral assistant from era, 7-20-14 a school staff person or a person who works or his travels. 1980 to 2011. He was ordained as a deacon in Robert Lyzenga, 58, Lafayette, IN: 4 years volunteers with children. Makela was a youth di- The grandmother told police the boy had 2002. in prison followed by 3 years’ probation after rector, basketball coach and computer teacher become noticeably sad and nervous and asked Although euthanasia is legal in Belgium, au- pleading guilty to surreptitiously recording 5 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School in Green never to be taken to church. Source: AP, 6-29- thorities said they have seen no evidence that women and 5 girls as young as age 5 on cam- Bay. He was arrested after a 13-year-old stu- 14 patients gave Poppe their consent. They died eras disguised as air fresheners inside a wom- dent’s mother allegedly found sexual text mes- John Hays, 57, River Forest, IL: Aggravated from smothering with a pillow or insulin over- en’s restroom at Sunrise Christian Reformed sages on her son’s phone, a criminal complaint criminal sexual abuse. Hays, director of dose. Source: ucanews.com, 6-9-14 Church, where he was pastor in 2011-12. said. congregation life for First Presbyterian Church, Video of a 16-year-old girl had been edited Makela has a young child. Source: Press is accusing of molesting a boy from 2003 to include “slow-motion replays showing her ex- Gazette, 7-4-14 through 2009, starting when he was 8. Police Pleaded / Convicted posed pubic area,” a charging document said. Mack A. Davis, 73, Athens, AL: 1st-degree believe there may be another victim. Source: Ray S. Teets, 67, South Union, PA: Pleaded Source: Indianapolis Star, 7-19-14 sodomy, attempted sodomy, 2 counts of 1st-de- Chicago Tribune, 6-27-14 no contest to indecent assault, corruption of Jerrold W. Ketner, 80, Dodge City, KS: 3 gree sexual abuse and 10 counts of 2nd-degree Michael G. Sperou, 64, Clackamas, OR: 3 minors, unlawful contact with a minor and at- years’ probation and no contact with the victim sexual abuse of a minor between the ages of counts of 1st-degree unlawful sexual penetra- tempted indecent assault. Teets, pastor of Fall- and her husband on a conviction for sexual 12 and 16. All counts stem from alleged sexual tion. Sperou was senior pastor at Southeast en Timbers Community Chapel, is accused of battery. Ketner, pastor of New Hope Compas- contact between Davis and 2 boys in the late Bible Church (now North Clackamas Bible crimes against an 11-year-old girl who attended sion Ministries, was arrested after an employee 1970s and 1980s when he was minister of youth Community Church) when the incidents with his church. Security camera footage showed who is an undocumented immigrant alleged he and recreation and director of summer camp for minor females were alleged in 1997. Detectives him taking her into a woodshed. assaulted her for several months and threat- Lakeside Baptist Church in Birmingham. One al- think there may be more victims. Source: KATU, Charges involving 3 other alleged female ened to have her sent back to Mexico. Source: leged victim was his 9-year-old nephew. 6-27-14 August 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

when her husband, a rabbi, was away. was chaplain. He wasn’t arrested until 2004 and place in the mid-1980s. Jackson is no longer a ‘[Pastor Roberson] A resident said Leifer often took children never admitted guilt. minister and is thought to be living in Georgia. home for after-school tutoring and to study the Fr. Charles Ritter of the Toledo Diocese said Source: KMOX, 7-1-14 had access to our Torah. One girl told a psychologist she was too Robinson was eligible for a church funeral be- embarrassed to tell her parents she was mo- cause he was still ordained. “Whether in the Removed / Resigned daughter because lested, a newspaper reported. Source: The Age, eyes of God, Fr. Robinson was or was not guilty 6-28-14 of the crime, I do not know,” Ritter said. “I do Joseph Gallatin resigned as pastor of a The family of a girl allegedly molested at age know that he is the work of God’s hands, as are he had established a Catholic parish in Mendota, MN, after a review 10 in 2009 by a member of First Baptist Church we all. He was a sinner, as are we all.” Source: board recommended restricting his ministry for in Bemis, MS, is suing the church for letting AP/Toledo Blade, 7-3-14 inappropriate touching of a 17-year-old boy in circle of trust within Chad Luttrell serve as a vacation bible school An arbitrator ordered the Catholic Diocese 1998 on a mission trip to W. Virginia. volunteer. The suit says Lutrell, 35, had been of Kansas City-St. Joseph to pay $1.1 million Janet In an affidavit submitted in a lawsuit, Jennifer our lives.’ — seen in the church kissing girls ages 6 to 10 on for violating terms of a 2008 settlement of $10 Haselberger, former chancellor of the Archdio- the mouth. million to 47 clergy abuse victims. DesGeorges, victim’s cese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, said she He was convicted in 2010 of sexual battery The $1.1 million will go to 44 plaintiffs in a repeatedly raised concerns that Gallatin had ad- in the incident involving the 10-year-old. 2011 suit alleging that the diocese and Bishop mitted attraction to boys as young as 12. mother to pedophile priest The suit also claims former pastor Mark Mc- Robert Finn violated parts of the settlement by Her sworn statement alleges the arch- Swain knew Lutrell had been accused of previ- failing to institute reforms to keep children safe. diocese covered up warnings about about 40 Frank Klep ous sexual misconduct. He was charged in 2013 The order said the diocese has breached 5 set- priests over a 5-year period. Source: Charleston with stalking 3 adult church women, all Walmart tlement terms. Source: Kansas City Star, 7-1-14 Gazette, 7-16-14 KWCH, 7-16-14 employees. Source: Jackson Sun, 5-22-14 The Tennessee Supreme Court refused to An unidentified imam at an Ankara Archie L. Evans, Conway, SC: 84 months hear an appeal from former Catholic priest Wil- mosque was suspended by the Religious Af- in prison and restitution of $3.7 million to vic- liam Casey, sentenced to 35 years in 2011 for fairs Directorate for an alleged Ponzi scheme tims in his Ponzi scheme, many of whom were Civil Lawsuits Settled raping an altar boy. Warren Tucker said Casey through which he stole 7 million Turkish lira members of Tilly Swamp Baptist Church, where molested him for 5 years, starting in 1975 when Quebec Superior Court Judge Claude ($3.29 million). he was pastor. He pleaded guilty to mail fraud he was in 5th grade in Kingsport. Bouchard ordered the Redemptorist Order of The imam allegedly collected millions by and structuring financial transactions to evade Casey’s attorney argued that the victim wait- Catholic priests, the Seminaire St.-Alphonse promising to distribute a future “share of the reporting requirements. ed too long to report the crime. Source: Times- and Fr. Raymond-Marie Lavoie to pay at least profit” but never followed through, mosque Prosecutor Bill Day said Evans took a gun News, 6-26-14 $75,000 to each of 70 claimants who were vic- members said. Source: Hürriyet Daily News, into the courthouse but security confiscated it. A Missouri religious group whose member tims of sexual assault. 7-3-14 He may face charges for having a firearm in a died in a botched home birth in 2006 must pay Lavoie pleaded guilty in 2011 to molesting Howard Fitzgerald, pastor of 2 Iowa Catho- federal courthouse. Source: WBTW, 7-9-14 $108.6 million to her parents, a state appeals 13 children and is serving 5 years. At the civil lic parishes, can no longer function publicly as Jeremy Grinnell, 42, Rockford, MI: 5 years’ court ruled in upholding the trial court’s verdict. trial, 12 men testified about being molested reg- a priest and has been asked to stop wearing probation and 80 hours on a work crew after Misty Horner died 5 weeks after she went ularly as youths. clerical garb, a release from the Diocese of Des pleading guilty to surveilling unclothed persons. into labor. The fetus was stillborn, but she was Main plaintiff Frank Tremblay filed the suit in Moines said. Bishop Richard Pates has apolo- Grinnell, pastor at Bella Vista Church and a denied medical attention due to the faith healing 2010. It names 9 priests, 6 of whom are dead. gized to the victim, who asked to remain anony- Cornerstone University theology instructor, was practices of her husband, his brother who led Tremblay was awarded the maximum amount mous. caught two nights in a row on a ladder watch- the group and her sister-in-law. of $150,000. Source: Canadian Press, 7-10-14 Fitzgerald was put on indefinite leave after ing a couple have sex at a 37-year-old woman’s Instead of calling 9-1-1 during the difficult The Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis a decades-old allegation of child sexual abuse home. She’s his former church assistant. breech birth, Misty’s husband used a pair of announced settlement of a lawsuit brought by was deemed credible. Source: Des Moines Grinnell claimed he’d gone there on a “prayer unsterilized household scissors to do an episi- plaintiff Jane Doe 92, who claimed she was Register, 7-1-14 walk” to help stave off foreclosure on her home. otomy. He told an emergency crew that came 9 molested by Joseph Ross, a priest removed Michael Heras resigned as pastor of St. Pe- Kyle Baker, the fiancé, said after hearing Grin- hours later that his religious beliefs wouldn’t let from the ministry in 2002. In 1988 Ross pleaded ter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Parish in Cor- nell minimize his actions, he’d have liked him another man see his wife’s vagina. guilty to a misdemeanor stemming from inap- pus Christi, TX. Msgr. Heras was put on leave to get jail time. Source: Grand Rapids, Press, She eventually died of an infection. Accord- propriate touching of a boy. due to alleged inappropriate conduct decades 6-25-14 ing to trial testimony from the ex-wife of Misty’s The archdiocese said Ross is a known abus- ago. Source: KZTV, 6-29-14 Bishop Markel of the Moldovan Orthodox father-in-law, he was involved in 4 other fatal er but denies he ever molested Doe. Settle- Josef Wesolowski, 66, former Dominican Church was ordered to pay $710 to an LGBT home births. Source: Courthouse News, 6-18- ment terms weren’t disclosed. Source: Religion Republic apostolic nuncio, has been defrocked group, $850 in court costs and to publicly apolo- 14 Clause, 7-10-14 in the initial stage of a canonical trial. gize for anti-gay comments in 2012. Defrocked Minnesota Catholic priest Thom- The Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle has He also will be tried by a Vatican City criminal Markel called for barring LGBT community as Adamson testified in a deposition that he agreed to pay $12.1 million to 30 men who say tribunal. A 13-year-old shoeshine boy alleged members from working in schools, catering ser- abused at least 10 boys as he moved from par- they were sexually abused as students decades Wesolowski had him masturbate and recorded vices and medical institutions, claiming “92% ish to parish from the 1960s to 1980s. He said ago at schools in Kent and Seattle operated it. Source: Vatican Information Service, 6-27-14 of them are AIDS-HIV patients.” Source: Radio he admitted the abuse to the bishop of the Win- by the Christian Brothers. The order filed for The duties of George Seuferling, a Catholic Free Europe, 6-11-14 ona Diocese as early as 1964, but no action was bankruptcy in 2011. priest who retired in 2001, are now limited by the taken and he transferred to the Archdiocese of Plaintiffs’ attorney Mike Pfau said his clients Archdiocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph to per- St. Paul and Minneapolis in 1975. Civil Lawsuits Filed range in age from 42 to 68, with the abuse oc- forming weddings and funerals for family mem- Asked how many boys he molested after curring from the early 1950s to 1984. bers. The diocese said it received what it called 1975, Adamson responded, “I don’t know. I’d Dawn Corvino of Brick, NJ, and her 2 chil- Many say they were abused by teacher Ed- 2 credible allegations of inappropriate conduct have to study that out.” dren are suing the Catholic Diocese of Tren- ward Courtney, who had been removed from by Seuferling that didn’t involve minors. Source: He’s accused of abusing at least 37 children ton, the Church of the Visitation in Brick and 4 schools across the U.S. for molesting boys Kansas City Star, 6-24-14 in his 25 years in active ministry, which ended in Fr. Marukudiyil Velan, alleging that Velan, a before coming to O’Dea High School in 1974. The Archdiocese of Tijuana, Mexico, 1985. He was laicized in 2009. native of India, molested each of them in 2012 Teacher G.A. Kealy, commonly known as suspended 7 priests over allegations of sexual “Did you at that time . . . realize, look, I’m a and that his superiors failed to supervise him “Feely Kealy,” also had a long history of mo- abuse, including American Jeffrey Newell, a priest, I’m an adult, this is a kid, this is a crime?” adequately. lesting boys, the suit alleged. Source: Seattle defendant in a civil suit who served previously asked plaintiffs’ attorney Jeff Anderson. Velan also faces charges of criminal sexual Times, 6-24-14 in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. “Never,” answered Adamson. “I looked at it contact, sexual assault and endangering the “Fr. Newell should have never been given more as a sin than . . . a crime.” Source: Star welfare of a child, The children were 5 and 13 at a church job in Mexico,” the Survivors Network Tribune, 6-11-14 the time of the alleged incidents. Source: Asbury Legal Developments of those Abused by Priests said in a statement. Australia canceled the visa of British Catho- Park Press, 7-4-14 Source: Catholic News Service, 6-24-14 An unidentified plaintiff is suing several Chi- The 2012 sexual exploitation conviction of lic Bishop Richard Williamson, stopping him cago area Seventh-Day Adventist entities for Patrick Edouard, 44, Pella, IA, was affirmed by from a speaking appearance. Williamson is a allegedly failing to protect him in 2001 from a the Iowa Supreme Court, overturning the state Holocaust denier who once called Jews “en- Other pastor from Uruguay who molested minors. Court of Appeals, which had ordered a new trial. emies of Christ.” He was expelled in 2012 from The suit says the church transferred the pastor Edouard, pastor of Covenant Reformed the very conservative Society of Saint Pius X. Daniel Corogeanu, 33, a Romanian to the area in 2000 despite knowledge of previ- Church, was charged with pursuing intimate Source: JTA, 6-11-14 priest who was imprisoned in 2005 for killing ous complaints. relationships with several women who came The Order of St. Benedict finally dropped a 23-year-old nun in a botched exorcism, was Allegations include “inappropriate touching, to him for counseling and was sentenced to 5 its objection to Bill Wolfe telling how he was mo- chased out of his village and forced to live in a fondling of the genitals, oral sex and other in- years. He has been out on bond pending ap- lested in 1984 by Fr. Timothy Brennan at an remote forest hut. decent acts.” The church has 17 million mem- peals. Source: Des Moines Register, 7-18-14 all-boy school run by the order in Morristown, Corogeanu, aided by 4 other nuns, left Sr. bers in 204 countries, its website says. Source: James Dokos, a Glenview, IL, Greek Or- NJ. Wolfe, now 44, went to Brennan for coun- Irina Cornici bound, gagged and strapped to a Southtown Star, 7-2-14 thodox priest charged in Milwaukee with felony seling when he was 14. cross and without food or water for 5 days at an A 75-year-old Minnesotan is suing the Cath- theft for allegedly stealing over $100,000 from a Wolfe said Brennan started talking about isolated monastery. He served 7 years in prison. olic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapo- trust fund set up to benefit Annunciation Church, sex and over time gradually introduced him to He was chased off by villagers who’d come to lis, claiming a now-deceased priest, Alphonsus has twice failed to show up for court appear- pornography. “The natural, biological reaction the site of his proposed memorial to Cornici in Ferguson, molested him for about 3 years in ances. The first no-show was blamed on car would happen,” Wolfe said. “I did masturbate for Zapodeni. the 1950s as an altar boy at Guardian Angels trouble. him. It occurred to me that something was going Amid allegations the court wrongly down- Church in Hastings. Dokos’ lawyer said he couldn’t disclose Do- on under his robe, as well.” played the finding that the nun died from an Ferguson died in the 1970s. The parish was kos’ medical emergency but confirmed he was He never went back for counseling after that. adrenaline overdose given by paramedics, it eventually home to at least 5 other priests ac- admitted to the hospital. Court Commissioner Wolfe settled his civil suit in 1988 for 7 fig- also emerged that she was a diagnosed schizo- cused of sexual improprieties. Ferguson’s name Barry Phillips ordered Dokos to appear in 2 days ures and agreed to stay anonymous. Brennan phrenic whose “possessions” were due to a was not on the archdiocese’s 2013-14 list of unless he was still hospitalized. He did show up pleaded guilty to a criminal charge and received series of schizophrenic episodes. Source: Daily credibly accused clergy. and was released on personal recognizance probation. Wolfe sued in 2012 to get the confi- Mail, 7-16-14 “I told my wife, this guy is going to get away bond. Source: Chicago Tribune, 7-14-14 dentiality agreement removed. Source: PIX11, Email: [email protected] with it if I don’t come forward,” the plaintiff said. Robert Genevicz, 67, Stratford, CT, pastor 6-10-14 “I thought for sure that he would be on the list.” for the last 16 years at Stratford Baptist Church, Investigators determined that a June fire that Source: KARE, 7-2-14 said in a signed confession to police that he was gutted the waterfront mansion in Indian Head, A young woman in Bronx, NY, is suing the involved in a relationship for most of that time MD, of Robert “Dr. Shine” Freeman, former Catholic Archdiocese of New York for negli- with a woman with a long criminal record. pastor of Save the Seed Ministry, was arson. When a woman has a husband who acts gence for allegedly failing to supervise Jaime Genevicz, 67, was charged in March with The home was abandoned in 2012 after Free- in a certain way, it is easy for her to feel Duenas, a now-deceased priest who was ar- stealing $173,000 from a 71-year-old retired man pleaded guilty to obstructing bankruptcy angry and resentful towards him. But teacher and congregation member for whom he court proceedings and was sentenced to 27 rested in 2011 and pleaded guilty to molesting once she understands why he acts that her when she was 16. Duenas told authorities was estate conservator. months in prison. the victim was to blame because “she wore “[O]ne must ask how could a pastor be so Freeman, who called himself “God’s Top way — and that almost all men act that short skirts.” naïve and gullible to keep getting suckered into Gun of Deliverance,” used church funds to buy way – she no longer feels badly towards “While we cannot comment on the lawsuit it- her schemes?” Genevicz wrote. Source: CT the property for $1.75 million, along with a fleet him. Post, 7-13-14 of luxury cars valued at more than $1 million. He self, we do recognize the seriousness of Father Pastor Mark Gungor, Green Bay, Wis., Duenas’ wrongdoing,” said archdiocese spokes- Gerald Robinson, 76, a Catholic priest con- hid those assets when filing for bankruptcy in man Joseph Swilling. Source: NY Post, 6-29-14 victed of killing an Ohio nun in 1980, died of a 2005. Source: somdnews, 6-10-14 on his “Laugh Your Way to a Better Malka Leifer, former principal of an ultra- heart condition in prison hospice the day after Marriage” seminar he’ll present at the Orthodox Jewish school in Melbourne, Austra- a federal judge denied his motion for “compas- Allegations Cannes Film Festival lia, is being sued, as is the Adass Israel Girls’ sionate release” to die at his brother’s home in Toledo. Christian Post, 5-19-14 School, by 2 former students allegedly molest- The Presbyterian Church USA announced it Sr. Margaret Ann Pahl, 71, was strangled ed by Leifer, who fled to Israel in 2008. considers child sex abuse allegations made in and stabbed 31 times on Holy Saturday in the Parents alleged in 2008 that Leifer, a mother 2012 against former St. Louis pastor Michael chapel of the hospital where Robinson, then 41, of 8, had shared her bed with several students W. Jackson credible. The alleged abuse took Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014

Letterbox

Blame Hobby Lobby It’s not an afterthought. It’s at the top of the list. ruling on drugs? Our real “First Freedom” is freedom I wish we could state for a fact that from religion. We should recycle this the Hobby Lobby decision handed term, clarify its meaning and use it our- down June 30 by the Supreme Court selves. I think it’s the real “foundation” was the result of an alcohol-fueled of FFRF. “boys night out” weekend in Vegas. Chris Allen, After-Life Member But since we can’t, I’m going to blame Texas peyote. Not that the justices of the majority ingested it (although they surely did di- Hobby Lobby catalyst gest some outlandish arguments), but American Indians did, and do. Protect- for new Lifers ing Native American ritual venues and My wife and I had known for months practices was the moving force behind that we would become Lifetime Mem- Trunk stuck behind truck the Religious Freedom Restoration Act bers. We were waiting, though, for an California member Steve Trunk writes: “Most of the time this rig is parked on of 1993, which the actors in the Hobby important political event that we could an overpass serving as a mobile billboard for Jesus. This is the second time I’ve Lobby case relied on. connect with our membership. The encountered this jerk on the freeway; he always drives well below the speed When the act was amended the next recent Hobby Lobby case was custom- limit. I guess so everyone has time to get the ‘message.’ ” year, it specifically mentioned peyote, made as this catalyst. allowing its production, transportation We also wish to express our abid- and use in religious rites on “sacred” ing gratitude for the work that FFRF One reason I’m doing this is be- Crank mail reveals ground. does, year after year. The separation of cause I’m 92 already and very pleased Christian bigotry So the Hobby Lobby case was one church and state is such an important with most of my decisions to splurge on of the blowback effects of Congress task, and you have been a model of ef- a few extras. After reading the vile language wanting to make sure that Indians had fectiveness and perseverance. How much longer do I have? Hence, used in the crank mail, which includes plenty of peyote for their ceremonies. George Savage and Donna Silver I’m enjoying every day especially when threatening to shoot people who do That, however, is not nearly so ridic- Wisconsin I can “mess ’em up” some. not agree with them, I wonder how ulous as Justice Alito’s main building • • • P.S. Coulson they could consider themselves Chris- block for his decision: Hobby Lobby I’m so proud to be an FFRF mem- Texas tian. I find it amusing that they accuse (the Green family), a corporation as ber. Now I’m in the happy position of us of pushing an agenda on them when person, held a “sincere religious be- becoming a Life Member. My husband they are doing just that to us. Recent lief” that “life begins at conception.” and I attended the regional conven- Clergy ‘most criminal’ laws passed in the various states and This is shooting from the hip at its tion in Raleigh and noticed the selling Supreme Court decisions further the worst. “Life begins at conception” is of raffle tickets for “clean” money as of all careers? religious agenda. not even a religious belief, let alone a a fundraiser, so we have enclosed two I am always astonished at the Black They speak of their freedom of re- “sincere” (what would the alternatives “clean” bills for this purpose. Collar Crime blotter. I would imagine ligion and speech while denying those be?) religious belief. It’s a pseudo- We had a great time in Raleigh and that if you compiled statistics of the who disagree with them those same scientific opinion, the only basis for met so many wonderful and comedic crimes committed by any other profes- rights. Those who say they served in which is a literal reading of metaphori- people (we didn’t expect to laugh so sional category — say, dentists, bricklay- the military to preserve our freedoms cal language in the Hebrew texts of Jer- much). All the speakers were excel- ers, nurses, truck drivers, college profs should realize that it was for all our emiah and Psalms (not science books lent, entertaining and enlightening. — that clergy would emerge as the freedoms, including those who dis- last time I checked), amidst a backdrop It was so uplifting to be around such most “criminal” of all professions. I’m agree with you. I have the freedom to of politics and Catholic autocratic rule. amazing, brave people. I hope you not talking traffic violations or shoplift- choose any religion or no religion at all You know what? Things could get come back soon. We plan to attend ing: I’m talking jail-time crimes! as I do. way out of line if this keeps up. Imag- some national conventions in the com- See you at The Biltmore in Los An- The letters in crank mail do not sur- ine the possibilities. ing years. geles in October. prise me, as it is just what I expect from Jack W. Mathys Diane Oxley Alexander Wallace Christians, the most intolerant people Texas North Carolina California on Earth. • • • Rich Greene I have no great story of conversion North Carolina Religious freedom sure, or escape from mind-enslaving reli- Atheists place burden gion. There is no shackling from which but for whom? I wrenched myself loose and no great where it belongs Pope maligns lepers After the Supreme Court decision in discipline to put me on the correct I disagree very strongly with Bart Eh- the Hobby Lobby case, House Speaker path. rman’s statement [June/July14] that with interview comment John Boehner and the majority party My parents came to the U.S. at the “Agnosticism has to do with epistemol- In a recent interview, Pope Francis clearly revealed what they mean by reli- turn of the century (my father to avoid ogy — what you know. Atheism has to condemned child sex abuse as a “lep- gious freedom: the freedom to control conscription in the Austro-Hungarian do with belief — what you believe.” rosy” in the church. others, supported by imaginary divine military) with great antipathy toward The question of whether or not gods Pope, I’m glad you’re facing the pe- justification. clericalism. I was born 9-21-21 and was exist is not a question of what you know; dophile problem, but do you have to Jorg Aadahl free to fend on my own as far as reli- it’s a question of what can be proved by dump on leprosy (Hansen’s disease), California gion went, and so I did. the person who claims to know that which is already misunderstood and • • • Being moderately myopic, I read “gods” exist. There is no such thing as unfairly maligned enough? In a news report about the Hobby a lot and soon realized all the stories a burden of disproof (finding negative Joan Reisman-Brill Lobby case, an attorney said the deci- and fables of how it all began were just evidence) to be foisted onto the skep- New York sion was based on the Religious Free- that, whether they were American In- tic, and yet the agnostic accepts such dom Restoration Act and the court’s dian, Eskimo, Norse, Czech or Russian a burden when considering the claims understanding of our (constitutional) stories. that people have made about the ex- Secular table ‘grace’ “First Freedom.” Presumably, that re- After having been an FFRF member istence of gods (“Can I disprove his fers to freedom of religion, but as FFRF for many years, I thought it was time claim?”). has positive aspects points out, you can’t have that without for me to send in a donation for Life The atheist’s skepticism properly In recent issues there was a discus- freedom from religion, which is the Membership. Enclosed is my “grand.” I places the burden of proof (finding sion concerning how to react or re- real “First Freedom.” admire all the efforts this organization positive evidence) onto the person spond when you are a guest at some- The first two clauses of the First makes in rectifying the stupendous ig- who claims to know that gods exist one’s table, usually a friend or family Amendment are historically referred norance still abroad in this country. (“Can he prove his claim?”). member who is a believer, and you are to as the Establishment Clause and the Ludwig R. Koukal Anyone who expects the skeptic to asked to say “grace.” Here is a “secular Free Exercise Clause: “Congress shall Arizona disprove any wild claim that someone grace” I found a while back. I’ve used make no law respecting an establish- makes is being unreasonable. The per- it a few times. ment of religion, or prohibiting the son who makes a claim should be pre- It will usually provoke some re- free exercise thereof. . .” It is the for- Still ‘messing ’em up’ at pared to either present credible, objec- sponse from others at the table, often mer that gives us our constitutional tive evidence to back his claim or have neutral or positive like “that’s differ- right to a government free from reli- age 92 his claim dismissed without “disproof.” ent” or “that’s nice, where did you get gion. That right literally is the “First I so enjoyed your June/July issue, es- Lee Helms that?” and sometimes vaguely negative Freedom” given to us by the Bill of pecially the article “FFRF attorneys join Michigan such as “that’s not grace.” In any case, Rights. secular educational effort in D.C.” To it serves the purpose of expressing Our freedom from religion comes show some appreciation I’m sending a my sentiments of thankfulness for the first, not the free exercise of religion. donation. food and being together with people August 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

does it wear socks? Does it breathe During my last Lake Hypatia visit, Ed when it is inside of you? Is it wet with sat across from me at lunch on the pa- body fluids? Does it have a pulse? Can vilion, during which I gave him a photo two things occupy the same space? Do of his deceased wife, Helen, whom I’d X-rays show the cavity that it lives in? photographed earlier there. And a dozen other questions. It Ed was a native of Greenville, S.C., can’t be immortal unless it’s alive. So, as was I. He was born Nov. 26, 1940, is the soul real, or not? five days before my 10th birthday. His Much of religious superstition de- father was a Presbyterian minister. I pends on the idea that your soul will was baptized a Presbyterian in August go to the “hereafter,” wherever that is. 1942. The “miracle” would have been, If its eyes are invisible to caregivers as of course, if his father had baptized it leaves the dying body, how can it see me and Ed had been present. But he where it is going? If the deceased per- didn’t, thereby ending the chase for a son died of TB, does the soul have TB, “miracle.” or does dying cure the disease? If the Jack McKinney dead person used a cane, wore glasses Georgia and wore dentures, will his soul also have those things, or did dying make him young again? Subjected to I suggest that it is absolutely essen- Bad career advice tial that FFRF confront this supersti- creationism? Sue the Anthony Rosaci forwards this head-scratcher taken from inside a vehicle tion, which is a basic part of the broad- b*st*rds! passing through Ashford, Conn. er superstition of religion. Robert H. Anderson In a report in a recent issue of The that I (hopefully) have something (my — thank you one and all. California Economist on the California court rul- nonbelief) in common with. And on Joanie B. Nichols ing against teacher tenure, I was inter- occasion it opens up dinner table con- Washington ested in the observation that “The case versation about religion during which P.S. I have raised my three children Churches getting free highlights a new tactic of education it is always interesting to discover that to be freethinkers, and I am proud of reformers: framing their case as a de- some at the table are less religious than them. ride at tax time fense of children’s civil rights, not an I may have thought! Thanks for the work you are do- attack on teachers.” “As we partake of this food in each ing to keep church and state separate. I wonder to what degree lawsuits other’s company, what was once sepa- New Testament: A If there is a “gay agenda,” I’m sure I over the teaching of creationism have rate from all of us becomes a part of don’t know what it is outside of equal- used this tactic, as against the usual each of us. May we also remember what kinder, gentler God? ity for all. But the Religious Right defi- church/state argument. I have long we have in common and what brings Each year I attend an alumni lun- nitely has an agenda, and it seems to be felt that a case could be made that be- us all together. Let this sharing of cheon (St. Joseph High School, Detroit achieving the level of power to control ing taught bad science could hurt a food foster peace and understanding class of ’57). This school was run by the everyone. high school student’s college admis- among us. May it also remind us that Christian Brothers, who also had an- So, the battle to place church owned sion chances, and could allow them to as we reach out to others to brighten other school in Detroit — De La Salle. property on the tax rolls is a big one. sue for resulting economic damages in their lives, so are our lives brightened I was relating a story to an alum from Let church members support their terms of future earnings. in turn.” the latter school about Brother Francis own institutions and require them to For example, if a student had to Steve Brecker giving the religion lesson about God contribute to the use of public resourc- settle for Bob Jones University when Virginia being a “jealous God.” es. MIT rejected them for poor scientific I told this fellow that I was certain Given the history and knowledge of preparation. that jealousy wasn’t a very good trait. church leaders’ actions, I don’t want to Arkie Koehl Come on IRS, time to His response was, “Well, that’s in the pay for their ability to circumvent the Hawaii Old Testament, isn’t it?” He seemed laws of the state or morality. do your job! pleased with himself, that it’s OK if it’s The bishops in their castles and the I recently read about the Mormon in the Old Testament. I suppose he evangelists in their gated compounds New York legislators woman who was excommunicated be- figured God got nice in the New Testa- with landing strips and jet planes are cause she was pushing to get women ment after he sends his son to be bru- evidence of the excessive and over- disappoint diocese into official positions in the Mormon tally executed! reaching interpretation of tax exemp- There was a minor victory for us in church. It got me to thinking. John Oman tion for property used for charitable New York state. The Legislature did Years ago the Mormon church had Michigan functions. When was the last time Ken- not pass the Educational Investment to allow blacks into the priesthood to neth Copeland hosted a church picnic Tax Credit Bill. The Catholic Church keep its tax-free status. The IRS recog- at the parsonage? lobbied hard for this bill. The Buffalo nized that keeping blacks out of the Mountain of work faces Duane Haaland Diocese is in the process of closing 10 priesthood was discriminatory. Why Oregon schools and wanted taxpayers to subsi- isn’t the practice of keeping women all of us dize Catholic schools. out of the priesthood (think Mor- I saw [renowned Supreme Court George J. Saunders mons and Catholics, just to name two) analyst] Linda Greenhouse on TV Pope’s Mafia injunction New York also considered discriminatory? Why with Bill Moyers recently. The Roberts doesn’t the IRS threaten to take away (aka Catholic) Court is scary in its pro- toothless in Chicago their tax-free status? nouncements. How can it be constitu- The pope recently made a speech Sue Mandeville tional in our republic to impose Catho- mentioning possible excommunica- Oregon lic practices on us, practices which the tion for Mafia members. I wonder United Nations Committee on Human whether his comments will have an ef- Rights condemned last January? fect on the Catholic Church in Chica- Fun for the whole In the form of a tanka Women need access to abortion and go. For many, many decades, Chicago’s birth control for numerous reasons, most nationally notorious Mafia gang- family it can happen here — and Christian prayer should not be tol- sters have received funeral Masses and theocratic rule, that is; erated in public meetings. Catholic burials. where religion There’s a mountain of work to do. This practice has generated a great would take the place of reason, Good luck! deal of disgust among observers. But it poisoning the well of hope. Ellen Anderson has also generated a great deal of rev- Larry W. Bryant Illinois enue for Catholic clergy in Chicago. So Virginia I seriously doubt that the practice will end, despite what the pope says. Ridiculous soul concept Walt Latocha Mother proud of her needs challenge Illinois three freethinkers Freethinkers should be challenging Thank you all for the important the superstitious belief that there is In memoriam: work you do. It is very much appreci- some kind of living, thinking, immor- ated. The four conventions I have at- tal creature living in a hollow space in- McKinney, Kagin tended have given me a great deal of side of us. Believers do not say how the coincidences noted Todd Reinhardt writes from Illinois: joy and hope. Reading Freethought soul could be invisible when leaving “Hi Dan and friends. Loved Godless. Today is a highlight! the dying body, or whether it is a solid, I read with much sadness the report Gave it to my son and he walked away Annie Laurie and Dan and Anne liquid or gaseous creature. When did in the April issue that Edwin Kagin had from religion. Hope you appreciate Gaylor are real heroes to me. To the it enter the body? How tall is it, what died. I was acquainted with Ed through the cartoon. I made it to fit on amazing staff and army of volunteers does it weigh, does it eat and sleep, his visits to Atlanta and Lake Hypatia. Facebook walls.” Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014 Photo: David Pineda Mr. Paul Aints sponsorship

Humanism in Guatemala On July 12, FFRF Co-President Dan Barker addressed Minnesota Atheists and Humanists of Minnesota and met the pig that greeted the Aints’ game crowd. “Just 90 minutes after landing in Guatemala, I was on national television,” Before St. Paul was St. Paul (thanks to a Catholic missionary), it was named reports Dan Barker, FFRF co-president. “Canal Antigua is the station, and it Pig’s Eye Landing after a popular bootlegger/tavern owner nicknamed Pig’s was the 8:45 p.m. ‘news’ program, but it was like a talk show, lasting about 20 Eye due to his damaged eye. minutes. The two hosts are on the left in the photo. The man on the right is a theologian who talked gibberish about ‘We were created in the image of God.’ The hosts were very sympathetic, so it was a good interview.” (See more about the Guatemala event, next page.)

Tailgating with entertainer Bill Murray (his cardboard cutout anyway), half owner of the St. Paul Saints minor league baseball team, during “Aints Night” were these Minnesota Atheists members. Murray is also honorary AGHS President Carlos Mendoza was able to arrange a private tour of the team psychologist. It was the third annual event, in which the Saints rebrand Mayan ruins at Iximché, outside of Guatemala City. Dan Barker is standing themselves as the Mr. Paul Aints, this year co-sponsored by FFRF. It’s a secular (with permission of the local people) in front of the ancient Mayan altar, still effort to counter the ubiquitous Faith and Family Nights put on by Christian used by indigenous people today, with friendly guide Luciano. Luciano said fans. they have to be careful who might come to the site for worship, because “some might use it for witchcraft.”

Sharing the Crank Mail

Special treatment under the law for religious Hello: came across your website and fleetingly people was popular in this abbreviated edition read a few stuff. are you opposed to all religions of the crank mail, printed as received. eg islam hinduism or just the church? — Daisy Pillai, CARLETONVILLE Miserable with your own life: You should re- name your site “Demons of Satan and servers Religious Liberty: So you guys think religious of Jesus Christ haters”. Hell will be your eternal liberty trumps women’s rights. I believe contra- dwelling at the moment of your death! — Grady ception is immoral. That being said, if you guys Brown want your women contracepting why don’t you guys stand up like men and pay for it yourself. you: You guys must be bigger assholes than the — rjvrable assholes at the IRS, if you want to partner with the against churches in America to shut them Hobby Lobby: Your latest tirade of ant-Cathol- down. — doug akers, columbus, ohio icism bigotry has no place in America. My legal team is looking into having your tax-exempt sta- So you did not like the Hobby Lobby deci- tus revoked. — John Lushis, Jr, Bethlehem, PA sion: This white, Catholic male was thrilled. Now don’t you have the Little Sisters of the Poor Shame: Your anti-Catholic venom is beneath to pursue? — kenneth k contempt. Hitler would be proud. — William W. Whiting Court ruling: Too bad all nine judges are not Catholic, then the supreme court could be Freedom from Tyranny: Couldn’t your time be counted on to always rule in a most judicious better spent? But I guess I should not be sur- manner! — John Duffy prised at your self-centeredness since you have no concept of self-sacrifice. Note: it’s all about a Thou shall steal! Hobby Lobby: Nations build on lies, such as cross. I am sad you cannot grasp that. — Lynn Eric Jayne (left), Minnesota Atheists president, with an actor playing “Doubting communism and socialism and all the isms, Weathers, Ohio Thomas.” Throughout the July 11 game at Midway Stadium in St. Paul, Thomas have risen and fallen. See you either at the top made proclamations such as “I doubt you will take a good picture” just before with the truth, or the fallen with the likes of Stalin Stuff it: Stuff it Stuff it Stuff it Stuff it Stuff itStuff and Hitler. — M. Gazal it Stuff it Stuff it Stuff it Stuff it — Stuffit@Stuff. this photo was taken. He also loudly vocalized doubt about calls from the com umpires. The Aints/Saints beat the Kansas City T-Bones 3-2 in 11 innings. August 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23

Almost 400 people attended the launch event for the “Asociación Guatemalteca de Humanistas Seculares” at the Teatro Lux in Guatemala City on July 17. David Pineda (at podium), president of the group which became officially recognized in April, said he was surprised and encouraged by such a large turnout in their predominantly religious country. Board members are shown. FFRF’s Dan Barker was the keynoter, speaking in Spanish about his preacher-to-atheist story, and apologizing for his years of missionary work in Latin America. Dan also performed some music, including the debut of his new song “Es Sólo Natural.” The event was co-sponsored by FFRF, the Atheist Alliance International and the International Humanist and Ethical Union. Their website is humanistasguatemala.org/. Listen to Freethought Radio’s interview with Pineda at ffrf.libsyn.com/ (July 27, 2014 show).

Freethought Hall addition going up, thanks to donors

The listing below reports donations Jay Huemmer, Wisconsin, $100 to FFRF’s Building Expansion Fund Karon Park, Georgia, $100 from June 19 to July 27. It’s not cumu- Nora A. Williams, California, $100 lative except for the total. Donations Stefanie Moritz and Vince Jenkins, received before June 19 were listed in Wisconsin, $50 prior issues. Freethought Today will list Corey M. Dapore, Ohio, $50 subsequent donations in future issues. Anonymous, New York, $50 No donors are identified by name un- Anonymous, Norway, $25 less giving express permission. Alice M. Kachman, Michigan, $20 Check out the project and levels of Anonymous, Virginia, $10 support, including paving stones and Mr. Raphael Andrew Bannon-Guasp, vestibule tiles, at: ffrf.org/ffrf-building- Connecticut, $10 fund-contribution-page Subtotal: $16,850.09 John D. Long, Florida, $4,986.09 Anonymous, California, $3,000 Cumulative Total: $1,895,309.73 Jeffrey and Michelle LaVicka, West Goal: $2 million Virginia, $2,500 Alan Hann, Florida, $2,500 If you gave a gift designated to the build- Claudette StPierre, Colorado, $1,000 ing fund which does not appear to be re- Walter Bilofsky, California, $1,000 flected in this list or in prior issues, please Jack McKinney, Georgia, $500 contact us so we can check our records and Dana Wichmann, Minnesota, $300 publish your gift. Contact Katie Daniel at Oguz Poroy, Iowa, $249 (608)256-8900 from 9-5 CDT weekdays or Gary P. Greenhood, Georgia, $150 email [email protected]. Mr. Edward M. Fick Jr., Delaware, $150 FFRF welcomes 20 new Lifetime Members from 15 states Photo: Lauryn Seering er, Diane Oxley, Roger Paul (gift from Thomas Fischer), Harry Phillips, Di- anne Post, David Pullen, Donna Silver and George Savage, Harold Streeter and Dr. Diana White. States represented: Arkansas, Ari- Sarah Braasch, FFRF’s very first legal intern back in 2008, returned in late zona, California, Colorado, Florida, July to visit Freethought Hall on her way to start a doctoral program in the Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, philosophy of law at Yale University, just to time to see the construction project. North Carolina, New York, Oregon, Sarah has written several popular blogs and Freethought Today articles. Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. Thank you, Joyce Individual Lifetime Memberships New Life Member Joyce Steensrud are $1,000 designated as membership Overheard delivered her check to the FFRF office or membership renewal, mean never in person. another renewal notice, go into a rainy I will lose my job and maybe they will My birthday wish this year is bring back FFRF is delighted to announce 20 day reserved fund and are deductible arrest me and put me in jail or they will our girls now, and alive. new Lifetime Members: for income-tax purposes for the gener- throw me out of the country. Malala Yousafzai, 17, who survived be- Ron Arnon, David Bayley, Michael ous supporter! Anonymous Syrian atheist on sneaking ing shot in the head by Pakistani Tali- T. Cohen, Donald Ferguson, Jimmye Our warm thanks to Diana, Harold, food during the 30-day fast required by ban for campaigning for girls’ educa- France, Dr. Robert Hatlelid, Rachel George, Donna, David, Dianne, Harry, the Muslim holy month, “Atheists Fake tion, visiting Nigerian parents of 200 E. Heller (gift from Edmund Heller), Thomas, Diane, Cindy, Ludwig, Penny, Ramadan Hunger to Avoid Jail” girls abducted by the Islamist terror Jennifer Jacobus and Penny Corbitt, Jennfer, Edmund, Robert, Jimmye, vocativ.com, 7-8-14 group Boko Haram Dr. Ludwig Koukal, Dr. Narcinda Lern- Donald, Michael, David and Ron! Reuters, 7-14-14 Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2014 FFRF’s 37th national conference, Los Angeles, Oct. 24-26

‘One Life to Live’ fitting message for skeptics?

Johanson Carroll Galloway Hamilton Stevens Pinn Chemerinsky Clifton

$199 triple and $229 quad are being a Good Methodist Became a Better Atheist. The program begins formally at 7 held for FFRF through Sept. 23 (or as Two distinguished scientists will ac- p.m. Friday, including speakers, hon- Emmy Award-winning actor Scott long as availability lasts). cept FFRF’s Emperor Has No Clothes orees and a complimentary dessert re- Clifton will welcome attendees to Phone 1-800-245-8673 and identify Award, reserved for public figures who ception. Saturday starts with the non- FFRF’s 37th annual national conven- yourself as part of the Freedom From “tell it like it is” about religion: paleo- traditional Non-Prayer Breakfast. An tion in Los Angeles the weekend of Religion Foundation. You can reserve anthropologist Donald C. Johanson, all-day program concludes after the Oct. 24-26. Clifton, who turns 30 on online by going to ffrf.org/outreach/con- discoverer of “Lucy,” author of many evening keynote speech. Halloween, starred as Dillon Quarter- vention/. Click on the link under “37th books and director of the Institute of Convention highlights include the maine on ABC’s “General Hospital,” Annual National Convention – 2014” Human Origins at Arizona State Uni- drawing for “clean” (pre-“In God We Schuyler Joplin on ABC’s “One Life to to reach the Biltmore’s registration versity in Tempe; and physicist Sean Trust”) currency and irreverent en- Live” and currently plays Liam Cooper page. Carroll, senior research associate in tertainment at the piano by FFRF Co- on CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Other state/church honorees in- the Department of Physics at the Cali- President Dan (“The Singing Atheist”) He won Daytime Emmys in 2011 clude Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the fornia Institute of Technology. Carroll Barker. and 2013, is a longtime atheist and University of California-Irvine School is author of The Particle at the End of the The annual membership meeting host of the freethought YouTube chan- of Law and author of The Conservative Universe: How the Hunt for the Higgs Bo- and meeting of FFRF state representa- nel “Theoretical Bullshit.” Assault on the Constitution, accepting son Leads Us to the Edge of a New World. tives is Sunday morning, with the state His welcome will focus on what it’s a Champion of the First Amendment New York-based photographer rep meeting concluding by noon. like being an outspoken atheist in Award, and Marci Hamilton, Cardo- Christopher Johnson will give an uplift- Hollywood. He was a guest July 6 on zo School of Law, Yeshiva University, ing presentation based on his fascinat- FFRF registration Freethought Radio. Go to ffrf.libsyn. who’ll receive a Freethought Heroine ing new photo book A Better Life: 100 com/ to listen. Award. Atheists Speak Out on Joy & Meaning in a Registration is $65 for individual Also on the roster of convention Hamilton, a constitutional scholar, World Without God. FFRF member, $70 for nonmember/ speakers and honorees are Linda Ste- is the author of God and the Gavel: The Other speakers and honorees will spouse accompanying member, $110 phens, an atheist, longtime FFRF Perils of Extreme Religious Liberty, and be announced in future issues and on- for nonmember (or join for $40 and Member and new Lifetime Member, wrote FFRF’s amicus brief against the line at ffrf.org/convention/. save five bucks!). Student registration and Susan Galloway, who identifies as Hobby Lobby Supreme Court appeal. The conference begins Friday after- is only $10. a cultural Jew. They will both receive Anthony Pinn, the first African- noon with workshops featuring FFRF Freethinker of the Year awards. American to hold an endowed chair staff attorneys and an appetizer recep- Meals The conference takes place at the at Rice University, is professor of hu- tion from 3-5. Registration opens up at luxury Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand manities and religious studies. His lat- 2 p.m. and continues through the con- Two optional Saturday meals are of- Ave. Rates of $169 single or double, est book is Writing God’s Obituary: How vention. fered: The Non-Prayer Breakfast and the Saturday Banquet Dinner. The full breakfast ($30 including 23% service charge and 9% sales tax) is freshly Sign up today! squeezed orange juice, muffin and Danish basket, fresh-cracked country Return with payment to: FFRF, Attn: Convention, P.O. Box 750, Madison, WI 53701 scrambled eggs, thick-cut applewood bacon, herb-roasted red potatoes, Freedom From Religion Foundation’s freshly brewed regular and decaffein- ated coffee and Harney & Son teas. 37th Annual National Convention Vegetarian is all of the above, but to- mato slice is substituted for bacon. October 24–26, 2014 Dinner ($55 including 23% service charge and 9% sales tax) is a choice of Los Angeles, California chicken or halibut with potato, vegeta- Make checks payable to “FFRF” ble and dessert (or chef’s choice veg- etarian). Vegan and gluten-free meal Number registering options are available. _____ FFRF member registration(s) @ $65 per person ...... $______You may also register online: _____ Non-member spouse or companion accompanying member @ $70...... $______ffrf.org/outreach/convention/ _____ Non-member registration(s) @ $110...... $______2014-convention (Save $5 by becoming an FFRF Member) ‘Next phase of birth _____ Student registration(s) @ $10 ...... $______Saturday Non-Prayer Breakfast @ $30* per person ...... $______control war’ ____ Classic ____ Vegetarian ____ Vegan ____ Check if gluten-free Religion Clause, quoting Care 2, re- _____ Saturday Night Dinner @ $55* per person ...... $______ported July 17 on a suit filed in June called “the next phase of the birth ____ Chicken ____ Halibut ____ Vegetarian ____ Vegan ____ Check if gluten-free control war.” Florida nursing school * Meal prices include 23% gratuity & 9% sales tax Total: $______graduate Sara Hellwege claims she was denied an interview for a nurse-midwife position at a women’s health center that gets federal funds when she said she wouldn’t prescribe hormonal con- Name(s) Please include names of all registrants for nametags traceptives for religious reasons. In Hellwege v. Tampa Family Health Centers, the plaintiff claims her rights Address were violated under federal and state laws which provide that no person may City/State/ZIP Please include phone/email (in case we have a question about your registration) be required to provide services that vio- late their religious or moral beliefs.