Complimentary Copy Join FFRF Now!

Vo1. 30 No. 5 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. August 2013

Last Call to Seidel Photo: Andrew FFRF Convention

Dan Savage

Juan Mendez Hemant Mehta, math teacher, freethought activist and author of The Friendly Atheist blog, visited FFRF in July and treated the staff and summer interns to pizza. From left (back) are Andrew Seidel, Lisa Strand, Dan Barker, Josh Turn to back page for details. Glasgow, Ryan Dwyer, Katie Daniel, Dayna Long, (front) Scott Colson, Rebecca Markert, Hemant Mehta, Liz Cavell, Lauryn Seering, Sarah Eucalano, Annie Laurie Gaylor and Aaron Loudenslager. Not pictured: Bill Dunn, Patrick Elliott. FFRF, ACLU prevail, to settle with Ohio school Portrait of Jesus won’t resurrect in Jackson schools The Freedom From Religion Foun- lawsuit against the public school dis- district, which had previously removed dation, the American Civil Liberties trict in Jackson, Ohio, for displaying the portrait, has agreed to permanent Inside This Issue Union of Ohio and individual plain- a large portrait of Jesus above the en- removal. tiffs in mid-July agreed to settle their trance to Jackson Middle School. The Details of the global settlement of the issues will be released once they are approved by U.S. District Judge Al- genon Marbley and by a probate court. Two of the plaintiffs are minors. The parties must file their settlement agree- ment with the district court within 90 days. Defendants are the Jackson City Meet our interns Page 2 School District and Board of Educa- tion and Superintendent Phil Howard. Announcing FFRF and the Ohio ACLU first sued ‘Memorable on behalf of students and parents Moments in over a display in a middle school. The Monotheism’ district then moved the portrait to a by Edward prominent hallway at the high school. Sorel Although the district then removed Page 7 the portrait, it was mysteriously ex- humed for use at a Prayer at the Pole event on the National Day of Prayer. It also made a guest appearance in front of a prayer rally at City Hall. FFRF and the ACLU filed the fed- eral suit Feb. 6 in U.S. District Court Empowering Women through for the Southern District of Ohio, after Secularism Page 8 FFRF sent an initial letter of complaint Announcing Jan. 2 to Howard, who stated “it would winning high take a court order to remove the pic- school essayists And on the third day . . . ture.” This newspaper rack in Jackson, Ohio, was empty? Pages 11–15 Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013

Meet the Legal Interns Photo: Andrew Seidel Photo: Andrew Photo: Andrew Seidel Photo: Andrew

Ryan Dwyer perches ’twixt two FFRF Emperor Has No Clothes awards. No fan of Justice Antonin Scalia

Name: Ryan Dwyer. at FFRF, because they are working for Where and when I was born: Den- the rights of countless people. ver, Sept. 22, 1987. I also have great respect for attor- Family: Father (Dan), mother (Nan- neys at the American Civil Liberties cy), sister (Meghan). Union and Southern Poverty Law Cen- Education: Regis Jesuit High School, ter. Finally, I respect (most) public de- Aurora, Colo., graduated 2006; Uni- fenders for their commitment to due versity of Colorado-Boulder, 2006-08; process and their willingness to repre- Metropolitan State University of Den- sent people whom society would prefer ver, 2011 B.A. in history, minor in phi- not to think about. losophy; University of Wisconsin Law These three words sum me up: Ide- School, J.D. expected in May 2015. alistic, dedicated, compassionate. My religious upbringing was: Catho- Things I like: My interests vary, Aaron Loudenslager strikes a Fearn-like pose. The late Blanche Fearn, for lic. I spent 14 years in Catholic school, from things many 25-year-old males whom the reception room in Freethought Hall is named, was a major FFRF and my family is still very religious. enjoy to things someone 50 years my benefactor, officer and longtime supporter. Around seventh grade, I began to deal senior would enjoy. I love books more with a nagging suspicion that there than anything, and my collection is al- might be no God. A few years later, I ways expanding. I’ll read philosophy, Tackling new kind of foe shed religion altogether. history, science, politics, fiction or bi- How I came to work as an FFRF ographies. If I’m reading magazines, Name: Aaron J. Loudenslager. work: When I couldn’t figure out how legal intern: Through UW’s public in- they’re usually issues of Scientific Where and when I was born: Colum- to get the copier/printer to work after terest on-campus interview program. American, National Geographic, The bus, Wis., Nov. 6, 1989. it had a paper jam (all I had to do was I interviewed and fortunately received New Yorker, Harper’s, The Nation or Family: Father, Kimball Loud- move one part of the copier). an offer. The Economist. enslager, 59; mother, Marchelle Miller, My legal interests are: Constitutional What I do here: Respond to state/ I also spend too much time watch- 48; brother, Benjamin Loudenslager, law (Establishment Clause and Fourth church complaints by drafting and ing various sporting events, and I occa- 25; sister, Ashley Loudenslager, 21. Amendment jurisprudence) and law sending letters. I occasionally corre- sionally play Xbox for hours on end. I Education: Northern Michigan Uni- and economics, among many things. spond with complainants. I also per- have an unhealthy love of public radio versity, B.S. in economics and political My legal heroes are: I have many, but form research on various state/church and podcasts. Musically, I’m all over science, emphasis in prelaw; University some are Ralph Nader, Louis Brandeis, issues. the place, but the current rotation in- of Wisconsin Law School. Russ Feingold, Robert La Follette Sr., What I like best about it: I love cludes Fitz and the Tantrums, STS9, My religious upbringing was: Lu- William Brennan and Thurgood Mar- working with a small group of dedi- Phish, Dave Matthews Band, a few sym- theran. shall. cated staff and interns who believe in phonies by the Chicago Symphony Or- How I came to work as an FFRF le- These three words sum me up: Te- the work they do. I also love hearing chestra and Miles Davis. gal intern: I applied for the internship nacious, dedicated, amiable. from complainants whom we help. It’s Things I smite: Website/blog com- through the Wisconsin public interest Things I like: Sitcoms, “The Wire,” a great feeling to know we make a dif- ment sections, people who insist cre- interview program. the Green Bay Packers. ference for our members and others. ationism/intelligent design belong What I do here: I research various Things I smite: Humid weather, in- My legal interests are: Constitution- in schools because they’re legitimate Establishment Clause legal issues for tolerance. al law generally, legislation and policy scientific theories, people who send us staff attorneys and write internal legal My loftiest goal is: To become a con- and criminal defense. crank mail, Antonin Scalia. memoranda. I also draft letters of com- stitutional law professor. My legal heroes are: Any lawyer My loftiest goal: A tie between get- plaint to government agencies. Fun fact: I was all-conference hon- who uses their degree to bring about ting a Ph.D. in philosophy and run- What I like best about it: Seeing my orable mention as a football offensive change. The world isn’t waiting for ning for Congress. One seems more actions at FFRF effect positive change lineman (left tackle) in my senior year more attorneys to do corporate merg- likely to happen than the other. Close in the world. of high school. ers or real estate law. If I must be spe- runner-up: writing a novel. Something funny that’s happened at cific, I admire the four staff attorneys

Freethought Today A Note to Notify Us of published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. Members [email protected] • FFRF.org Your Address P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 Your address label shows the expira- tion date of your membership in FFRF, Change Promptly! (608)256-8900 • FAX (608)204-0422 Email: [email protected] which includes your subscription to Editor: Bill Dunn, [email protected] Don’t miss a single issue! If you Freethought Today and “Private Line.” move, notify us directly and Production Editor: Scott Colson If it says August 2013 or earlier please Executive Editor: Annie Laurie Gaylor renew! Your prompt re­newal ($40-single promptly. The Post Office does mem­ber­ship; $50-household; $100 sus- not forward third-class mail. Contributing Editor: Dan Barker taining; $25-student) saves us time and FFRF cannot be responsible for re- Contributors: Philip Appleman, Patrick Elliott, Sarah Eucalano, post­age, and is tax-deductible. Free­­­ placing back issues if we have not Sarah Jones, Daniel Koster, Andrew Seidel been notified prior to your move. thought Today is published 10 times a August 2013 year, with combined issues in Jan/Feb Back issues, while they last, may The only freethought newspaper in the United States and June/July. Send to FFRF, Box 750, be ordered for $2 each. Madison WI 53701, ffrf.org/donate August 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3

Fabio qualifies as brush with fame? Photo: Andrew Seidel Photo: Andrew

Summer interns (left) Josh Glasgow, Ryan Dwyer, Sarah Eucalano and Aaron Loudenslager pose with Hemant Mehta (center) outside Freethought Hall.

derstand why I find religious movies so mentaries, the bands American Hi-Fi funny, but I’ve seen 62 of them to date. and They Might Be Giants, puns, bad Check out “Suing the Devil” or “C Me movies, the fact that people dress up Dance” and you will understand. in tuxedos to be in the audience of My legal interests are: Limited. I’m “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” in law school only to fight religion, and Things I smite: Ryan Gosling, pick- I am working on a constitutional law les, “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel, the certificate program. That said, religion film cliché “There’s a storm coming,” is entwined with so many types of law Michael Moore-style documentaries, — education, civil rights, employment, ants, “standing” arguments for law- real estate, tax, etc. — that it’s almost a suits, people who use the word “gen- guarantee I will encounter a religious der” when they mean “sex.” Josh Glasgow with 500 copies of a memo he helped draft which FFRF sent to all issue at some point in my career, re- My loftiest goal: I’m just dying to see Pennsylvania school districts informing them that the Establishment Clause bars gardless of where I end up practicing. the folks at OneNewsNow [Christian teaching creationism in public schools. My legal heroes are: Marci Hamil- news outlet] react indignantly to some- ton, professor at Cardozo School of thing I’ve written for FFRF. I swear I’ll Law in New York City. She wrote God print it out and have it framed. Name: Joshua Glasgow. alized that I needed put my words into vs. the Gavel and Justice Denied, both of My closest brush with fame was: In Where and when I was born: Fayette- action. which detail the legal protections re- our first month in Iowa, my wife and ville, Ark., March 1986. I started law school at Drake with the ligious groups demand even as they I were at the State Fair and learned Family: Wife (Holly), mom sole purpose of working with a group are sexually abusing children, stealing that President Obama would be mak- (Danette), dad (Bill), brother (Mat- such as FFRF, and so it was one of the land (see the Religious Land Use and ing a surprise visit there. While we were thew), sister (Aubrey). first places I applied for a summer in- Institutionalized Persons Act), and just waiting in the area, a woman came up Education: Undergrad at University ternship. I think that resolve must have generally using state-based Religious and asked if we would be interested of Arkansas-Fayetteville; law school at been apparent because I was quickly Freedom Restoration Acts as licenses in meeting the president. We and a Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. offered a summer position here. It’s to be awful. Reading her books was a few others were taken behind the po- My religious upbringing was: Nonex- been a dream come true. large part of what encouraged me to lice tape in front of a huge crowd of istent. My parents didn’t go to church What I do here: Write lots of letters go to law school. onlookers, where we were able to talk or talk about religion. They didn’t ex- of complaint, mostly to school super- These three words sum me up: Ob- and shake hands with the president. press any opposition to it either. Re- intendents. It’s sickening how much sessive, analytical, wry. The whole experience was surreal and ligion was just not a part of life at all religious people are trying to erode Things I like: Holly (my better half), only happened because we happened when I was a child. the separation of church and state in Nicolas Cage (I’ve seen all his mov- to be in the right place at the right How I came to work as an FFRF public schools. I do a lot of research, ies), “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” time. (I saw Fabio once in an Arkansas legal intern: I wanted to get a gradu- both legal and factual. rap, cream soda, gazebos, Mario Kart Walmart, but we didn’t speak.) ate degree after my wife finished her What I like best about it: Getting re- video games, laser light shows, docu- master’s in Slavic linguistic anthropol- sponses from complainants after we’ve ogy at the University of Kansas, but I sent a letter to their school district, city wasn’t sure in what field. For a while council, mayor, etc. Even if the govern- Every time that someone tries to people. She is stepping back from a re- I was seriously considering graphic de- ment agency doesn’t respond to us, convince me that God exists or that gime she thinks is corrupt. She thinks sign. I often spoke with my wife and or even if they refuse to adhere to Su- Christianity is the right path forward, no religion should tear apart a family friends about how harmful religion is, preme Court jurisprudence, the com- it seems that they fall into that same or abuse someone under the umbrella and through those conversations, I re- plainants are uniformly thrilled that stereotypical pattern where they think of “religion.” we’ve acted on their behalf, regardless if they throw a magical bible verse at Unnamed source confirming actress of the outcome. Seeing their excite- me, that is going to do the trick, or Leah Remini has quit the Church of ment intensifies my own. that clearly I haven’t read the bible — Scientology Include FFRF Something funny that’s happened at which I have — or if they hand me a New York Post, 7-11-13 work: During a work lunch, FFRF law- [pastor and Christian apologist] Lee In Your Estate yers were talking about a school district Strobel book, that’s going to do the Why Bible Prophecy Makes No Men- that tried to play the Christian movie trick. We’ve heard all of it before. tion of America Planning “Facing the Giants” for students. The “Friendly Atheist” Hemant Mehta Headline that made us chortle at FFRF, shock on their faces when I exclaimed, The Raw Story, 7-8-13 above a story about Greg Laurie, pas- Arrange a bequest in your will or “That’s one of my favorite movies!” is tor of Harvest Church in Riverside, trust, or make the Freedom From unforgettable. It all began when Leah questioned Calif. Religion Found­ation the benefi- I’m not sure they completely un- the validity of excommunication of Christian Post, 7-15-13 ciary of an insurance policy, bank account, or IRA. It’s easy to do. For related information Freedom From Religion Foundation (or to request a bequest What Is a brochure), please phone P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • ffrf.org Annie Laurie Gaylor at Freethinker? (608) 256-8900. What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? free-think-er FFRF n. A person P.O. Box 750 Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics), who forms Madison WI 53701 the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state and church separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. opinions The Foundation’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Please include your name and about religion on the basis Freedom Depends physical mailing address with all e-mail correspondence. of reason, independently Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action alerts” and of tradition, authority, or on Freethinkers “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. established belief. Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013 Heads Up A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman Anniversary

Maybe it wasn’t strange to find drums and cymbals where there might have been violins, maybe we couldn’t have known; besides, would it have mattered? See what the years have left behind: a thick scar in the palm of my hand, a ragged one running along the arm. And you: I know your scars at midnight by touch. Overheard

Everything we’ve learned, we’ve picked up I have no belief in (or de- Editorial, “The Contraception Battle” by ear, a pidgin language sire for) any post-mortem New York Times, 7-2-13 existence, other than in of the heart, just the memories of friends In her opening remarks, Julia Loner- enough to get by on: and the hope that some gan, counsel assisting the commission, we know the value of cacophony, how to measure of my books may still said the inquiry will hear evidence that with a broken yardstick, “speak” to people after my death. a boy abused by [Fr. Dennis] McAlin- what to do with bruised fruit. Oliver Sacks, M.D., FFRF Honorary den between the ages of 5 and 9 told Director, “The Joy of Old Age (No his parish priest about it during his Reading torn maps, we always Kidding),” op-ed about turning 80 on first confession. “This boy was given make it home, riding July 9 penance apparently for his sin in being on empty. New York Times, 7-9-13 abused by that priest,” she said. News story on a New South Wales in- And whatever this is we’ve built together, Where 99.3% of women report hav- quiry into child sexual abuse by Catho- ing been sexually harassed and rape lic clergy we remember sighting it skew, making it plumb is epidemic — Egypt — it’s natural to Australian Broadcasting Corp., 7-1-13 eventually, and here it stands, inquire: What’s the predominant reli- stone over rock. In the walls gion? “Rape culture” has no relation- I believe what they wanted to do is there are secret passages ship to any “religious culture” — how make an example of me and say, “See, leading to music nobody else can hear, can this be? Religion has no effect on this is what is going to happen to you if behavior at all? you come after the Catholic Church.” earthlight nobody else can see. And somewhere Writer Carol Joyce Oates, “Joyce Carol Monica Barrett, 52, a paralegal who Oates Tweets on Egypt, Rape and Reli- sued the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in a room that’s not yet finished gion Spark Furor” for her alleged rape in church at age there are volumes in our own hand, telling Wall Street Journal, 7-5-13 8 by Fr. William Effinger and then was troubled tales, promises kept, and countersued for the church’s $14,000 I don’t have a sense that there are sa- legal costs promises cred institutions. To me, all religions Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7-5-13 still to keep. and all churches are created by human © Philip Appleman 1996 beings. If you thought that women Southern Baptists have little by little New and Selected Poems, 1956—1996 were being mistreated 50 miles from abandoned public schools and civic where you are, you might want to go organizations. They are too sanctimo- help them. But if you were told it was nious to participate in Easter egg hunts Philip Appleman is Distinguished­ Pro­fessor Emeri­tus at In­ a religious commune or something, and trick-or-treating. Santa and the dia­na Uni­ver­si­ty. His published volumes of poetry in­clude you’d think, “Uh-oh, that’s their reli- Easter bunny are simply the devil in Perfidious Proverbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look at gion, maybe I shouldn’t help them.” disguise, and cable television and the the Bible (2012), Darwin’s Ark (new 2009 edition) and It’s like religion is under a dome. It Internet are his playground. The Boy Karma, Dharma, Pudding & Pie (2009). His nonfiction gives an imprimatur to behavior that Scouts are his evil minions. work in­cludes the widely used Norton Critical Edition, shouldn’t be tolerated. Newspaper columnist Angela Thom- Darwin, and the Nor­ton Critical Edition of Malthus’ Es- Carol Joyce Oates, on the “furor” her as, whose Baptist pastor husband was say on Pop­ulation. His poetry and fiction have won many tweets caused asked to resign because of her com- awards, including a fellowship in poetry from the Na­tional New York Times, 7-15-13 ments in Madisonville, Ky. En­dow­ment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award from the Poetry Society of Kentucky Forward, 7-1-13 America, the Humanist Arts Award from the American Humanist Association I did have one person who asked me if and the Friend of Darwin Award from the National Center for Science Educa- I was an atheist, and when I told him I I agreed with what she said, and I don’t tion. His work has ap­peared in Har­per’s Magazine, The Nation, The New was an atheist, he actually told me that censor what my wife does. Republic, The New York Times, The Paris Review, Partisan Review, Poetry, he wouldn’t have any animal sacrific- Pastor Bill Thomas, whose 10-year an- and The Yale Review.. ing on his land and hung up on me. niversary celebration scheduled for Lindsay Burns, on the trouble she had July 7 at the church was canceled finding a site for a secular Camp Quest Kentucky Forward, 7-1-13 YOUR WEEKLY ANTIDOTE TO THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT in Kansas City KCUR, 7-21-13 We did it, and we did it right, and we TUNE IN TO did it without those [religious] things. Contrary to the majority opinion, a It’s kind of like a win. It was still lovely, FREETHOUGHT RADIO corporation like Hobby Lobby is plain- and it was still special. ly not a “person” covered by the [1993 Atheist Alisha Hunt, 32, Columbus, produced by the federal Religious Freedom] Restora- Ohio, on her secular marriage ceremo- Freedom From Religion tion Act. In any case, the contraceptive ny to atheist Jake Winslow, 33, a for- Foundation Hosted by Dan Barker and rule still leaves the company’s owners mer Mormon Annie Laurie Gaylor free to rail about the different forms Columbus Dispatch, 7-6-13 Broadcasts and streams Saturdays at 11 a.m. Central, Progressive Talk The Mic of birth control to which they object 92.1 FM, Madison, Wis., and over several other stations. and to try to convince employees not A lot of people insert God whenever iTunes or podcasts archived at: ffrf.org/news/radio to use them. As the Justice Department they don’t understand something. Any- cogently argued, the burden imposed time there’s a gap in scientific knowl- Slightly irreverent views, on any religion is trivial in allowing edge, people insert God. I’m not going employees to make their own indepen- to do that. news, music & interviews dent decisions to obtain free contra- Red McCall, an electrical engineer and ceptives. president of Oklahoma Atheists August 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5

Legal victory President: Creationism doesn’t cut it at Ball State

Ball State University’s president is- sure that course content is aligned with ence do not qualify as science. The list sued a statement July 31 agreeing with Evolutionary curriculum and the best standards of includes societies such as the National the Freedom From Religion Founda- biologist Jerry the discipline.” Academy of Sciences, the American As- tion about the inappropriateness of The prominent evolutionary biolo- sociation for the Advancement of Sci- teaching intelligent design in public Coyne first alerted gist Jerry Coyne first alerted FFRF to ence, theAmerican Astronomical Soci- universities. Hedin’s actions, after a non-Christian ety, and the American Physical Society. Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel first FFRF to Hedin’s student reported the proselytizing na- “Discussions of intelligent design alerted officials at the Muncie, Ind., ture of Hedin’s class to Coyne. and creation science can have their school about biology Eric Hedin’s actions. Gora further stated, “The gravity place at Ball State in humanities or so- “teaching” style in a May 15 letter. He- of this issue and the level of concern cial science courses. However, even in din is an assistant professor in the phys- among scientists are demonstrated by such contexts, faculty must avoid en- ics and astronomy department. “There Hedin’s course, “The Boundaries of more than 80 national and state scien- dorsing one point of view over others. is a serious difference between teach- Science,” Seidel said. FFRF has been tific societies’ independent statements The American Academy of Religion ing religion and preaching religion,” told that Ball State is working “to en- that intelligent design and creation sci- draws this distinction most clearly.” Seidel wrote. In her statement addressed to facul- ty and staff, Ball State President Jo-Ann Survey: Tiny percentage of Gora concurred with the principles FFRF enumerated in its letters. The university appointed a review commit- tee of four professors to review the al- inmates identify as atheists legations. Gora wrote that neither creationism Still convinced atheists are bound to five U.S. adults identifies as “nonreli- nor any of its derivatives belong in a be bad people? gious,” but doesn’t necessary use the science classroom. She reiterated that The Federal Bureau of Prisons re- term “atheist.”) intelligent design is a religious theory leased an April 2013 survey of 218,167 That goes a long way to debunk and has been rejected by reputable sci- prisoners that reports 0.02% of prison- the myth that a person can’t be good entists. ers call themselves atheists. You read without a god. “Atheists have their own Gora stated that academic freedom, that right. Not 2%, or even 0.2 percent, moral compass that doesn’t involve a while important, is not an issue in this but 0.02% of American prisoners are holy book,” Mehta wrote. case. “Teaching intelligent design as a atheists. Another reason for the low repre- scientific theory is not a matter of aca- Hemant Mehta first reported the sta- sentation of atheists in prison is athe- demic freedom — it is an issue of aca- tistic on his popular blog, The Friendly ists tend to be well-educated and have demic integrity. [Academic freedom] Atheist. Mehta wanted to corroborate above-average socioeconomic status. cannot be used as a shield to teach the- the oft-quoted but dated, statistic that Inmates in general tend to be less- ories that have been rejected by the dis- 0.7% of prisoners are atheists. educated and poorer than the average cipline under which a science course is His open records request to the Fed- American. This points out a flaw in taught.” eral Bureau of Prisons proves that an American society, not in atheists’ mo- FFRF had raised concerns about even smaller percentage of American rality. academic integrity and a possible state- prisoners, 0.02%, identify as atheists. Holy books may condemn and vilify church violation when the same univer- Because 2.4% of the general popula- atheists as terrible people, but this sta- sity department that hired Hedin also tion of Americans are atheists, accord- tistic just adds to the long list of their hired another prominent creationist. ing to a 2012 Pew study, atheists make inaccuracies: 99.98% of people going The only outstanding issue is pre- up a disproportionately small percent- to prison are not atheists. cisely how Gora’s principles will alter age of prisoners. (Pew shows one in — Andrew Seidel Florida high school grad honored as student activist

Daniel Koster is the recipient of the Thom- this was amusing, but then it occurred tian group got permission from the get equal treatment for everyone. as W. Jendrock Student Activist Award of to me that these kids might actually board to distribute bibles in our high Since coming out about my atheism, $1,000. It’s endowed for 2013 by FFRF’s hurt me. schools, the club monitored the distri- my relations with parts of my family very kind member Thomas Jendrock. This was our club’s first public event, bution to ensure they were following have become strained. I am extremely and I began to consider that everything the rules (they weren’t). lucky to have supportive parents, but we did might be marked by disapproval Then, working closely with FFRF even my mother fears (probably cor- and threats of violence. I worried that and Central Florida Freethought Com- rectly) that what I do will cause some I might be accosted after school or fol- munity, we planned our own distribu- of the family to stop loving us. Though lowed home. As much as secularism tion of atheist materials. Our goal was plenty of my religious friends still sup- meant to me, I was not signing up to be to show the board that if they let in port me, plenty more have cut me off martyred for the cause. Christian groups, they had to give the completely. I started Wekiva Atheist and Secu- same opportunity to everyone, even This was never my intention, but lar Alliance in January 2012 to gain atheists. I know that these are the kinds of acceptance for nonreligious students. This process involved attending sacrifices every meaningful activist in My excitement that the administra- school board meetings, participating in history has had to make. Despite what tion had not blocked us, however, was conference calls, consulting attorneys, I’ve lost, what I’ve gained has been short-lived. We put up friendly posters interviewing for the news and writing spectacular. I have met the most won- (with permission from the school) that articles — things that can be hard to derful people both in the local and reminded students with doubts about balance with homework but are always national freethought movement and religion that they were not alone. more fun. But it wasn’t all fun. worked with them toward a goal we all By the end of the day, all had been believe in. I truly believe our work has torn down. We later learned many were Delayed and censored had a real impact on how people at this removed not just by students but also school think. by a teacher. We know of no disciplin- The school board kept postpon- Far from being a martyr for the ary action taken again the teacher. ing our distribution date. Once it was cause, I have been able to live for it. I Not to be deterred, we put up an- approved, they censored much of urge all those who believe in equality By Daniel Koster other round of posters, which disap- our freethought literature. At Wekiva and secularism to join me. peared even more quickly than the High, administrators tried to apply first. As frustrating as this was, I knew it rules to students that only applied to Daniel Koster, 18, Orlando, Fla., will be only proved how important our efforts outside volunteers, even though they attending New College of Florida in Saraso- On Hug an Atheist Day, some- were. There was real prejudice in the paid no attention to whether the Chris- ta to major in an undetermined as yet area one who I thought wanted a hug school. tian groups were following the rules. of science. In high school he founded Wekiva picked me up and tried to throw me in This year we had the chance to send Freethought activists can expect every Atheist and Secular Alliance and was active a garbage can. A crowd of jeering stu- a message not only to schoolmates but step of the process to be more difficult in other local freethought groups. dents encouraged him. For a moment also to the school board. When a Chris- than it is for anyone else. Our goal is to Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013 2013 William J. Schultz High School Essay Contest FFRF awards $14,100 in scholarships to graduates

The Freedom From Religion Foun- this year’s contest. FFRF would also Fourth place (tie, $500 each): Colin Lindsey Foster, Georgia State Univer- dation has awarded $14,100 to 20 col- like to extend a special thanks to Dorea A. Muller, Columbia University; Sara sity; lege-bound high school seniors in this and Dean Schramm in Florida for pro- Sheppard, Lone Star College; Taysie Marianne Fuentes, University of year’s essay competition. Seniors were viding each student with a $50 bonus. Savage, Oregon State University. Massachusetts; Meshulum Ort, Rut- asked to write about the “The challeng- First place ($3,000): Emily Ste- Fifth place (tie, $350 each): Kerry gers University; Nathan Hume Stevens, es of being a young freethinker” in 500 phens, Georgetown University. Foerst, University of North Carolina; University of Oregon; Sarah Sprenger, to 700 words. There are 10 winners in Second place (tie, $2,000 each): Kamila Buscavage, Virginia Polytech- Michigan State University; Zofia the top five, with ties for second, third Alexis Thomas, Ohio State University; nic. Warpeha, The New School, New York and fifth place, and a three-way tie for Emma Conover-Crockett, Kenyon Col- Honorable mention ($250 each): City. fourth place. There are also 10 honor- lege. Aaron McLaughlin, University of Iowa; The 2013 college essay and gradu- able mentions. Third place (tie, $1,000 each): Alex Ayla Yener, McGill University; Darby ate/mature student essay winners will FFRF member William J. Schultz left Kendig, University of California; Anna Oldham, Swarthmore College; Ga- be announced in upcoming issues. a major bequest to generously endow Cain, Colorado College. briella Johnson, Stanford University; Read winning essays, pages 11–15. Life Members promote freethought poetry, boost scholarships

Dean and Dorea Schramm, Life- says of the book: “. . . clever rhymes, Rules are at deanschramm.com/. time FFRF Members, have taken their witty takes and double-takes, seriously SSA groups which encourage their personal activism to a new level. For broad knowledge of the Bible and oth- members to submit secular poetry or several years, they generously have pro- er nonsense books, and endless quot- vote on contest entries have the oppor- vided a $50 bonus for every FFRF stu- able lines . . . Thanks for slipping this tunity to earn cash for pizza. It’s a way dent scholarship winner, a cool $1,000 bit of joy into my life!” to help SSA attract members, promote for high school scholarship recipients The book is now available on Ama- freethinking with poetry and get sup- this year alone, not to mention pend- zon in print and digital format or at port for meeting expenses. ing gifts to recipients in the two other deanschramm.com/. FFRF appreciates the Schramms’ scholarship categories. The Schramms’ new project, which support for up-and-coming secular ac- Dean also offers each winner a free benefits Student Secular Alliance tivists! copy of his book, “Rhymes for Reason.” groups on campuses around the coun- — Lisa Strand Phil Appleman, FFRF’s poet laureate, try, is a Freethought Poetry Contest. Judge’s ruling a slippery slope FFRF to appeal Montana Jesus shrine ruling

A shrine to Jesus is not religious? A Jesus has stood unchallenged for al- ski slope is like a museum? most 60 years. . . . The statue’s 60-year Those are the conclusions of U.S. life free of formal complaints also tips District Judge Dana L. Christensen the scales in this case.” of Montana, who, on June 24, ruled The longer the violation, the worse against the Freedom From Religion it becomes, FFRF avers. “Tradition” Foundation’s federal challenge of a can be no panacea to a misuse of gov- Jesus shrine on Big Mountain in the ernment authority to promote Christi- Flathead National Forest. The U.S. anity or Catholicism. Forest Service has given the Knights The judge’s lamest argument re- of Columbus, a Roman Catholic mens’ peats Martin’s contention that the organization, a no-cost lease to erect shrine isn’t really that religious be- a devotional shrine to Jesus on public cause skiers sometimes treat it “irrever- land since the mid-1950s. ently” (i.e., “high five” it). The govern- FFRF has announced it will appeal ment is no more supposed to further the decision to the Ninth U.S. Circuit an irreverent message than a reverent Court of Appeals. one under the Lemon test. Nor could After the Forest Service made a any irreverence toward the statue miti- short-lived decision not to renew the gate the reverence and favoritism the “lease,” the Jesus statue was promptly federal government shows the Catholic dubbed a “veterans memorial.” The of a religious purpose?” asks FFRF Co- the court, after previously ruling a Ten Knights of Columbus and its scheme to judge set aside the government’s ex- President Annie Laurie Gaylor. Commandments display inside a coun- proselytize on federal land. perts and contemporaneous news re- “Unquestionably,” wrote the judge, ty courthouse unconstitutional, bi- “When I look at that Jesus statue, I ports for the dubious “recollections” “Big Mountain Jesus is a religious sym- zarrely decided a large Ten Command- see the continuing efforts of this ag- of one witness, Bill Martin, who once bol commonly associated with one ments monument in front of the Texas gressive, missionizing, male-only Cath- managed Big Mountain. form of religion. But not every reli- Capitol was OK. The court claimed the olic club to deny U.S. women the right Wrote Christensen: “The Knights gious symbol runs afoul of the Estab- other monuments at the statehouse to abortion and contraception in the of Columbus is a Catholic religious lishment Clause of the United States turned the grounds into a “museum.” name of Jesus. We also see a disturb- organization, and it appears from the Constitution. Big Mountain Jesus is The Supreme Court made a major ing irreverence — toward our secular record that some degree of divine in- one of the only vestiges that remains goof in also claiming that there had Constitution,” Gaylor added. The stat- spiration determined the final location of the early days of skiing at Big Moun- been no previous challenges to the Tex- ue is similar to hundreds displayed on of the statue. As L.J. Reed stated . . . tain, and to many serves as a historical as statehouse bible marker. FFRF and Knights of Columbus property around ‘Our Lord himself selected this site.’ ” reminder of those bygone days.” many others had in fact complained the nation. The Knights of Columbus filed an “If those days are bygone, it’s high for years about the Eagles monument FFRF warmly thanks its Montana application to “lease” a parcel on Big time to say ‘bye bye’ to the unconstitu- in front of the Texas Capitol. FFRF FFRF members who gave FFRF stand- Mountain “for the purpose of Erecting tional appropriation of public land for took great pains to correct that legal ing to pursue the challenge: Pamela a Shrine overlooking the Big Mountain a Roman Catholic shrine,” added Dan record in filings in its Montana case. Morris, William Cox and Doug Bon- Ski run” and to “erect a Statue of our Barker, FFRF co-president. Christensen not only ignored correc- ham. The case was handled by litiga- Lord Jesus Christ.” The judge relied on the Supreme tion of the record, but wrote: tion attorney Richard L. Bolton. “Could there be a plainer example Court’s Van Orden decision, in which “[M]ost importantly, Big Mountain August 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7 Memorable Moments in Monotheism: October 6, 1536 by Edward Sorel

Freethought Today is proud to present the first installment of illustrator Edward Sorel’s “Memorable Moments in Monotheism.” Mr. Sorel, an FFRF member since 1986, is one of American’s foremost political satirists and is a regular contributor to The New Yorker. Besides his 41 covers for the latter, his art has appeared on the covers of The Atlantic, Harpers, Fortune, Forbes, The Nation, Esquire, American Heritage and The New York Times Magazine. “Unauthorized Portraits” (Knopf 1997) is the most recent of several collections of his work. Mr. Sorel, who spoke at FFRF’s 20th national convention in Tampa Bay, Fla., is also an FFRF Honorary Director. His website is edwardsorel.com/.

William Tyndale translates the Bible into English so that the common man can read the words of God. Both the Anglican and Catholic Church frown on this endeavor, but Tyndale publishes. Found guilty of heresy, he is burned at the stake, the world’s first victim of self-publishing. Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013

Does the pope rule Ireland, and Wisconsin, and Texas, and . . .?

By Annie Laurie Gaylor into a wanted pregnancy that went The Wisconsin Capitol was filled of Sarah Slamen, passed its own ver- Co-President wrong. She was allowed to die, grue- with priests, nuns and bussed-in paro- sion of Wisconsin’s law that would shut Freedom From Religion Foundation somely, of septicemia after her uterus chial school students every time a bill down nearly every clinic in Texas. ruptured at a Galway hospital. was heard to liberalize our state’s abor- It’s chilling to see the anti-choice Annually, 4,000 to 5,000 Irish wom- tion or contraceptive prohibitions. camp now turn its sights on contracep- en have to fly to England for abortion Visiting Ireland was like stepping tion. More than 50 lawsuits have been I had a bad case of déjà vu on July care, if they have the funds and con- back in time — in good ways in terms filed by the Catholic Church and fun- 8, my first day back at work after a nections. of the agrarian landscape and culture damentalist groups (including Hobby week in the Republic of Ireland, when While we were away, Wisconsin Gov. — but also back to the bad old days Lobby) challenging the Affordable I learned that abortion clinics in our Scott Walker signed an anti-choice bill when abortion was illegal. Now the Care Act’s contraceptive mandate. state had been shut down as of that requiring physicians to have admitting clock is being turned back in the Unit- The alarming ramping up of the re- morning. We’d spent a lot of time privileges at a hospital within 30 miles ed States. Wisconsin is one of several ligious war on reproductive rights is a learning about Ireland’s draconian of a clinic to perform abortions. This states that have rapidly passed such leg- wake-up call for secularists. abortion ban at a gathering, Empower- effectively shut down two of Wiscon- islation. Find Empowering Women Through ing Women Through Secularism, put sin’s four abortion clinics, until a re- Assaults at the state level on abor- Secularism speeches and panels at athe- on by Atheist Ireland in Dublin on the straining order was issued July 9. tion rights continue, with a record ist.ie/. last weekend of June. I had geared my opening remarks 43 restrictions adopted from January While we were in Ireland, its parlia- at the conference to the circumstances through June alone, according to the Send a tax-deductible contribution to the ment passed the first of two motions to in Wisconsin in the early 1970s, some- Guttmacher Institute. The U.S. House Women’s Medical Fund, the oldest abor- (finally) permit abortions in Ireland what analogous to Ireland’s ban, that of Representatives passed a ban on tion rights charity in the nation (which has if the pregnant woman’s life is endan- indirectly led to the founding of FFRF. abortion after 20 weeks (the few abor- helped more than 20,000 Wisconsin-area gered. As founder of the Wisconsin Commit- tions at this point are limited to ex- women without means pay for legal abor- As we flew home, 35,000 anti-abor- tee to Legalize Abortion, my mother treme cases). tions) to Women’s Medical Fund, PO Box tionists marched in Dublin against the (with me accompanying her around Legal challenges are ongoing of 248, Madison WI 53701. The fund was co- reform. The bill is the weakest possible the state as a junior and senior high bans at six and 12 weeks in North Da- founded and is still administered by Anne response to the shocking and brutal school student) saw firsthand why re- kota and Arkansas, respectively. Texas, Nicol Gaylor, now 86, principal founder of death late last October of Savita Halap- ligious dogma must never be inscribed despite Rep. Wendy Davis’ heroic fili- FFRF and FFRF president emerita. panavar, a dentist from India 17 weeks in our civil laws. buster and the impassioned testimony FFRF on the Road in Ireland

From left, Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president, with Taslima Nasrin, at the Empowering Women Through Secularism conference in late June in Dublin, Republic of Ireland. Taslima, a Bangladeshi physician turned author, feminist, Ann Brusseel (right), a Flemish member of parliament in Belgium, attended the atheist and activist, now lives in India after her country’s “holy men” issued a conference with her mother and spoke about European state/church issues. fatwa against her.

Annie Laurie at the Ballinspittle shrine in County Cork, which once attracted 20,000 faithful after reports in 1985 that someone had seen the Virgin Mary Jane Donnelly (center), education policy officer for Atheist Ireland, is fighting “move.” Thanks to Cork host Charlie Roche for driving Annie Laurie, Dan for secular schools in a country where parochial schools are fully tax-supported. Barker and their daughter Sabrina to see several sites after the conference. Her daughters, Alison (left) and Rachel, attended the conference with her. They appropriately visited the grotto after a stop at Blarney Castle. Rachel is a member of Galway Pro-Choice. August 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9

Ask a Skeptic

I’m teaching a class in ethics and could only bend so far without break- recently showed students a debate be- ing. tween William Lane Craig and Shelly We both ultimately agreed that Kagan on the topic “Is God Necessary things had changed so much between for Morality?” After class, a nontradi- us that the original commitment was tional student, a woman of about 30, no longer applicable. She could not came to talk to me. She was raised be “unequally yoked with an unbeliev- Christian and for most of her life as- er,” and I agreed. She saw her life as a sumed what she’d been taught was “helpmeet to a man of God.” She later true. Now she’s seeing inconsistencies married a Baptist minister, and they in her faith and has begun to really seem happy now. think about things. She has, in short, But I know of other situations where become an atheist. their love and respect for each other Her conundrum is she’s married to is truly mutual, and they prefer to stay a hardcore Pentecostal. She’s afraid if together even with such radical differ- she “comes out” to him, their marriage ences of belief. I don’t know if there is will fall apart. She worries about the a way to predict which families that can consequences for their son. I told her I happen to, but it does happen. couldn’t keep such a secret from an in- If your student is uncertain and timate partner, but that she would have values keeping the family together at to decide for herself. Help? — BVD all costs, she may decide to keep her head down or keep the volume to a Dan Barker, FFRF co-president: minimum if she can live with that. If My advice is “be yourself.” There is she can’t live with that, she will have to no magic bullet, no “one size fits all” carefully weigh the cost of integrity in tactic or strategy. Every family has its regard to the relationship and family. own dynamic, with an infinite number If she does admire and respect her of variations of personalities and histo- husband, she will let him know that ries. Every person has to pick their own she assumes he is big enough to let path, timing and intensity of commu- her be who she is, that the relationship Were you there? nication. will be stronger with honesty and integ- Actual fourth-grade science quiz from Blue Ridge Christian But if you can’t “be yourself,” then rity. That is what he should want as an Academy in Landrum, S.C. what is the friendship and and rela- equal loving partner. tionship all about? Who are the “we” if If she feels he doesn’t want that, she one of them can’t be an “I?” may know they are in serious trouble. who we were, and what we wanted. Only she can even guess what her A loving marriage and family thrive If she’s afraid of her husband, in any The four kids had some problems husband’s reaction would be, and she on openness and honesty. If those are way, then that is serious trouble. with our divorce, but that happens in could be wrong in either direction. I lacking, then the family is in trouble. It My suggestion is to give honesty a all divorces. At least it wasn’t over in- would suggest that she prepare to tell happened with me. I came out openly test and see what happens. For me, it fidelity or spousal abuse or alcoholism him, but first do a bit of preparation if as an atheist to my Christian wife of 13 turned out to be the perfect test. We or anything like that. Today, the kids she might find herself instantly reject- years. She tried to understand, made didn’t necessarily like the results of the are just fine. Most kids are resilient, ed and banished. some attempts at bending but said she test, but it was a good test. It clarified and they can grow and adjust. She should figure out what friends Philosophically, she can tell her hus- or relatives would support her (emo- band that they both ultimately want tionally and perhaps financially) if she They Said What? the same thing: love, understanding, has to suddenly transition to a new morality, family, openness and integ- home and life. I’m hoping there’s no I did not believe that as a member of Saves” on the stereo and a Gideons bi- rity, but that she doesn’t think those fear of physical violence, but that’s also that body that I should allow someone ble in my pocket. Yes sir, I’m politically things are necessarily found in the bi- something to be considered and pre- to make comments such as he was pre- incorrect and happy as a June bug. ble or Christianity. She thinks there’s a pared for, perhaps by having a friendly paring to make that ultimately were Fox News correspondent Todd better way to get to those shared values. witness in the next room or a public just open rebellion against what the Starnes’ Facebook post Those shared human values ought setting for the big reveal. word of God has said, what God has Washington Times, 7-1-13 to be the glue that bring people to- She should think hard about con- said, and just open rebellion against gether. tinuing to spend her life living a lie. God’s law. Take revenge! Avenge the secularists Why should her husband control the Pennsylvania state Rep. Daryl Metcal- who have brought this disaster upon Joan Reisman-Brill, “The Ethical Di- family’s beliefs? If he loves her, won’t fe, on why he stopped openly gay Dem- us. Avenge the evil associated with this lemma” columnist: he want to try to understand and ac- ocratic Rep. Brian Sims from mak- folly. Return them to the bosom of re- Ultimately, the woman will have to commodate her? If not, wouldn’t it be ing floor remarks about the Supreme ligion, talk incessantly. Restore them decide for herself. If she decides to better for her to move on ASAP, even if Court’s gay marriage ruling. and their children to the faith. Do this keep her secret, she will suffer from it means sharing custody of their child? Cranberrypatch.com, 6-28-13 wisely, with sensitivity and determina- being false to everyone, including the Won’t it be just as harmful for the child tion. most important people in her life. In to be raised as a hardcore Pentecostal Also, boys are sometimes reluctant Shmuel Eliyahu, chief rabbi of Safed, the interest of hoping to save her mar- as to have him deal with the parents’ readers. We are a pretty testosterone- Israel, on how to deal with anger stem- riage and protect her child (and per- conflicting worldviews? driven publishing company, so these ming from the 2005 dismantling of haps additional children that come I would lean toward giving her hus- comics and graphic novels are pretty Jewish West Bank settlements along), she will be repressing her true band the benefit of the doubt that he adept at catching their attention and haaretz.com, 7-5-13 self and essentially lying to everyone. might be capable of living with her drawing them into the story. This is not healthy for her, her views, while being prepared to live Art Ayris, Kingstone Comics CEO, on We’ll break myths that children have, marriage, her family or society. It also without him. the company’s 12-volume, 2,000-page like “I’m too young to make a differ- means she will have to participate in She has to bear in mind that she’s comic book version of the bible ence” or “I’m too messed up already indoctrinating her child with the same doing nothing wrong and has nothing The Guardian, 6-28-13 for God to use me.” We bust the myths crap she can no longer accept. Taking to feel guilty about. She’s just looking using scripture and bible stories. this path to save the marriage and fam- at the world honestly. Unfortunately, P. Diddy, Jay-Z, they’re not the only Rachel Adair, Vertical Life Church ily may still lead to its demise, since she we can’t be sure even those we love and ones who should be driving Ferraris preschool director, Dallas, Ga., on va- will be bottling up bad feelings that are who love us will do the same. and living in large houses. cation bible school for ages 3 through bound to manifest in some destructive Bishop Ron Gibson, Life Church of fifth grade held in Abney Elementary way. Bill Dunn, Freethought Today editor: God in Christ, one of six megachurch [Public] School If she decides to tell her husband, I went through this 16 years ago pastors featured in “Preachers of Dallas-Hiram Patch, 7-9-13 there can be a range of possible reac- when our unbaptized children were L.A.,” a new Oxygen network reality tions: At one extreme, he could throw 12 and 9, although our differences series You have to kill them with a cross be- her out and try to bar her from contact weren’t about religion. If only adults Christian Post, 6-30-13 fore they get into the church — that’s with their child. At the other extreme, could be as resilient as adults claim the point. he would understand and accept, and children are! I’m about as politically incorrect as you Boris Yakemenko, on a video game even come around to share her views. Dan nailed it with “If she’s afraid can get. I’m wearing an NRA ball cap, unveiled at a Russian Orthodox youth Most likely would be a combination of her husband, in any way, then that eating a Chick-fil-A sandwich, reading festival in Moscow where players score somewhere in between — perhaps dis- is serious trouble.” No person, male a Paula Deen cookbook and sipping points by “killing” Pussy Rioters trying may at first, followed by some level of or female, should fear their partner. a 20-ounce sweet tea while sitting in to enter a cathedral understanding over time. Or an initial It’s also pretty easy to smell when they my Cracker Barrel rocking chair with Reuters, 7-11-13 effort to accept that fails, in which case don’t respect you, even though you the Gather Vocal Band singing “Jesus the marriage might also fail. may want to deny it. Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013 New donors to Freethought Hall building expansion

Groundbreaking for FFRF’s ma- Anonymous, OH, $15.00 jor expansion of its office building Anonymous, AZ, $20.00 in downtown Madison, Wis., begins Arlen and Marlene Zinn, FL, $20.00 in late August. The 4-story addition Alice M Kachman, MI, $20.00 is scheduled for completion by late Anonymous, NY, $20.00 spring 2014. The library and cupola Ken Stiegler, SC, $20.00 will be added to FFRF’s original build- Jonathan H Phillips, WI, $20.00 ing in the summer of 2014. Richard and Nancy Corbeille, AL, FFRF warmly thanks its most major $25.00 benefactors to date: Roseanne Allen, CA, $25.00 Stephen and Diane Uhl: $255,500 Rob Payne, FL, $25.00 Named for them will be: Rob Kraft, MO, $25.00 • Diane Uhl Legal Wing Anonymous, NJ, $25.00 • Stephen “Out of God’s Closet” Uhl Simon Gillham, WI, $25.00 Recording Studio • Diane Uhl Medium Grand Piano Cumulative Total: $920,567.29 Joel B. Landon & Wanda Y. Beers: $100,000 GOAL: $1.5 million • Library named for them Very Kind Florida Donor: $96,862.37 Updates: • Auditorium named for donor Gifts received June 21-July Hazel Herr and Phillip McKnight, CA, Madison Arnold, NY, was listed as $50.00 Anonymous, NY, in the June/July is- Special recognition categories: 29, 2013 Meta Calder, FL, $50.00 sue, but has since granted his permis- • The names of the most gener- Anonymous, MI, $50.00 sion to list his $1,000 contribution. ous donors will be etched tastefully in Richard Mole, MS, $50.00 Joseph & Norma Cunningham, IL, 5-inch lettering on a beautiful silver $251–$1,000 James Amspacher, VA, $50.00 were incorrectly listed as Anonymous, full wall in the lobby. Anonymous, CA, $500.00 Anonymous, WA, $50.00 IL, in the June/July issue, but had • The name of anyone donating Jeff Baysinger, CO, $500.00 Anonymous, WA, $50.00 granted permission to acknowledge $5,000 or more will appear on a plaque Craig Thomson, PA, $500.00 Stefanie Moritz and Vince Jenkins, WI, their $5,000 contribution. in new Freethought Hall lobby. Charles Keeling, NC, $1,000.00 $50.00 Frank Dowding, MN, was listed as • Naming Rights (still some spaces Robert McElwain, VT, $1,000.00 $5–$25 Anonymous, MN, in the May issue, but unnamed) $50,000 to $100,000+ de- Curtis Waddell, WI, $1,000.00 Walter Brewster, OH, $5.00 has since granted his permission to ac- pending on space. Contact FFRF Co- $101-$250 Glenn Rodrigues, TX, $5.00 knowledge his $5,000 contribution. President Annie Laurie Gaylor at 608- RoseAnn Keating, CA $130.00 John Fostvedt, WI, $5.00 Thank you, everyone! 256-8900 about naming rights. Anonymous, MI, $150.00 Anonymous, PA, $10.00 Bill J Schaefer, TX, $200.00 Also available: Tiles and Paving Guy Milford, WI, $200.00 Stones: $2,500 — Name on attractive Anonymous, GA, $250.00 tile in entry vestibule; $2,000 — Name Anonymous, NY, $250.00 or message on 12x12 paving stone Maxine Triff, WI, $250.00 FFRF welcomes (limit 81 characters including spaces $51–$100 and punctuation); $1,000 — Name or Anonymous, CA, $60.00 message on 6x12 paving stone (limit Rhea Talley, AZ, $100.00 60 characters including spaces and Anonymous, CA, $100.00 27 new Lifetime punctuation). Donors should please Steve and Ginger Durgin, CA, $100.00 indicate they want to purchase a tile or Ed McConnell, CA, $100.00 paving stone and indicate the name or WK Slater, CA, $100.00 message with their donation. Gary Klotz, FL, $100.00 Members Anonymous, GA, $100.00 Donate to FFRF’s building fund us- Daniel Crandall, ID, $100.00 ing the brochure mailed to you in the Anonymous, IL, $100.00 The Freedom From Religion Foun- California, Colorado, Delaware, Flor- spring, or online (which contains de- James Wright, IL, $100.00 dation is delighted to welcome 27 new ida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, tails, sketches, etc.) at: Jeffrey Kramer and Janet Kuhn, IL, Lifetime Members. They are: Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New ffrf.org/ffrf-building-fund-contribution- $100.00 Dan and Liana Thompson, Thomas Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, page Katherine and Michael Schlem, KS, Delaney, Sanford Gage, Donald Gibbs, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington. $100.00 Patricia Hall, Peggy Johnson, Richard Lifetime Memberships are $1,000 The listing below reports donations Michael & Christopher Schlem, KS, Kirschman, Marc Vertin, Linda Shoe- designated either for individual mem- to FFRF’s Building Expansion Fund re- $100.00 maker, Robert Simons, Dr. Mark E Mc- bership or membership renewal, en- ceived by FFRF from June 21 to July 29, Anonymous, MA, $100.00 Govern, Dr. Trey Reed, Brant Abraha- sure never another renewal notice and 2013. It is not cumulative except for Anonymous, MO, $100.00 mson (gift from Frederick C. Smith), are designated for rainy day savings. the total. Freethought Today will list Anonymous, NC, $100.00 Douglas Walty, Glenn Hindbaugh, Lifetime dues are deductible for in- subsequent donations in future issues. Kenneth Haslam and Ann Huessener, Dana Wichmann (as well as a Life- come-tax purposes, as are all dues and NC, $100.00 time Membership in memory of his donations to FFRF. If you gave a gift designated to the Lew McNeill, NC, $100.00 mother, Myra A. Meyer), Dr. Edward Warm thanks to Mac, John, Dianne, building fund by or before July 29 Paul, Irene, Donn, & Ben Marcussen, G. Janosik, Jon Newquist, Gary L. York, Peter, Roger, Dennis, Gary, Jon, Ed- which does not appear to be reflected NE, $100.00 Dennis Connolly, Roger Muzii, Peter ward, Myra, Dana, Glenn, Douglas, in this list or previous listings (dona- Patricia Barr, NJ, $100.00 Norton, Allison Dodds (gift from Life- Frederick, Trey, Mark, Robert, Linda, tions received prior to April 30 were Anonymous, NY, $100.00 time Member Dianne Centa), John W. Marc, Richard, Peggy, Patricia, Don- published in the May issue and those Anonymous, NY, $100.00 Olsen and Mac Russell. ald, Sanford, Thomas, Liana and Dan! received between May 1 to June 20 in Anonymous, Ontario, Canada, $100.00 States represented are Alabama, the June/July issue), please contact Anonymous, TX, $100.00 FFRF so that we can check our records Anonymous, WA, $100.00 and acknowledge your kind gift! Anonymous, WI, $100.00 Contact FFRF Bookkeeper Katie Anonymous, WI, $100.00 Recruit a Member: Sample Copies for $2 Daniel at 608-256-8900 9-5 CDT week- Liz and Bob Srinivasan, WI, $100.00 Send $2 with the name and address of each person you wish to receive a sample days or email: [email protected]. To protect Monica Macaulay and Joseph Salmons, copy of Freethought Today to: your privacy, no donors will be identi- WI, $100.00 fied by name without express permis- $26–$50 FFRF, P.O. Box 750, Madison WI 53701 sion from the donor. (Be sure to check Gary Knapp, NJ, $30.00 Freedom depends upon freethinkers the box giving FFRF permission.) Robin Buckallew, NE, $40.00 (Please specify whether the individual is a freethinker.) Anonymous, CA, $45.00 Diane and Mark Manzano, CA, $50.00 August 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11

William J. Schulz Prize: first-place high school essay Moral standards needn’t stem from religion

By Emily Stephens got a brain for.” I followed Chomsky’s advice, ab- An obligation Emily was awarded $3,000 by FFRF for sorbed religious thought and then her essay plus a $50 bonus from Dean and melded the knowledge into a workable based out of Dorea Schramm. prototype of a moral philosophy. This religious duty is a challenging undertaking for any in- dividual, but particularly for a 17-year- is inherently old student in a small city surrounded I attend a public school, but reli- by large, uniformly religious interests. suspect and less gion is everywhere. The Fellowship of My speech and debate background Christian Athletes has a dominant pres- gave me a foundation in philosophy meaningful than ence, a page in the yearbook is devoted that most high school students lack, to summer youth group trips, teachers so my moral standards are a fusion of one derived from a run a faculty bible study, and Prayer at classical and contemporary philoso- the Pole draws large crowds. My school phy. Once one has rejected the Chris- secular origin. has woven a blanket of Christianity tian moral system, it is quite liberating tightly around itself — sparks of skepti- to develop one’s own, but the process I faced: sharing my religious views in cism are quickly smothered. is fluid, slow-going and ultimately the a way that was not pushy yet still raised And yet, for some, skepticism per- largest challenge any nonbeliever fac- awareness of the path open to others sists. es. who may have been feeling similarly I can’t remember a time when I ever It is imperative that one does not smothered. Ultimately, I think I solved truly believed in God, yet I dutifully simply reject a certain mold of think- this problem by creating the video, attended Mass until middle school. It ing. This step alone, while necessary, then consistently bringing a secular they were not found in religion. wasn’t until my sophomore year that I is more indicative of, so to speak, “a- perspective to class discussions and To me, quite the opposite is true. An began to embrace what I theretofore thinking,” just as an action that is nei- school events. obligation based out of religious duty had hidden from, embrace the word I ther moral nor immoral is amoral, a- This year, I co-founded the Fly Free is inherently suspect and less meaning- didn’t think I could say without receiv- thinkers look only to reject what they Anti-Slavery Movement at my high ful than one derived from a secular ing dirty looks and hearing snide com- do not like. They do not value the ex- school, a branch of a larger organiza- origin. Freethinkers craft their beliefs ments whispered from behind hands ploratory process required to find out tion based out of [the Christian] Whit- from everything around them. in the halls of my school: atheist. what they truly do believe. worth University that works to stop hu- I do not seek enlightenment from I read Richard Dawkins and Carl In my sophomore year, two friends man trafficking. At an early leadership one narrow corner of a windowpane. Sagan, two incredibly influential au- and I made a documentary on the ef- meeting, we were asked why we chose Rather, I throw open the shutters and thors, for their eloquent defense of sci- fects of a heavily Christian community to start our group. Every other student let the light of reason and knowledge ence and critique of dogmatic religion. on those who choose to leave that reli- answered in terms of religion — why flood the room and warm my skin. Then I began to think. gion. Curiously, I spoke little, despite their Christian faith obligated them to Linguist and philosopher Noam the fact that the project was partially this community service. Emily Stephens, 17, Colbert, Wash., will Chomsky wrote, on a topic wholly un- based on my own experiences. But My answer was different: “I feel an attend Georgetown University’s School of related but nonetheless relevant to a when another student in the video obligation,” I told them, “but not from Foreign Service to major in international discussion of religion, “Verify what I commented that “Emily and I are religion. I honestly believe our univer- relations. She was an eight-time state debate present . . . see what looks correct, what pretty much the only nonbelievers in sal humanity dictates our service to competitor, competed twice in the National looks wrong, look at other material the school,” some of my class watching each other.” The blank stares I saw were History Bowl and Bee and was her class which wasn’t discussed, figure out what gave an audible gasp. disheartening. It seemed as though, to valedictorian. the truth really is. That’s what you’ve This was the second challenge that them, moral obligations did not exist if Second-place (tie) high school essay Senior project revealed religious ignorance

By Alexis Thomas I finished eighth grade, I was finally vive natural selection?” and wore them given a choice between a public or a My survey showed to school. Catholic high school. It was the easiest If anyone didn’t know about my Alexis was awarded $2,050 by FFRF for decision I have ever made. the ignorance of senior project and its outcome, they her essay. But when I came to Teays Valley my classmates who knew about it after we made the shirts. High School, things weren’t how I Many students and even a staff mem- imagined they would be. Teays Valley were religious. ber asked me if they could buy one. is located in the appropriately named Through my project, many students at When I town of Ashville [pop. 4,120] in south- my school realized that they were not first entered the ern Ohio, where everyone seemingly is had approval when I changed my topic the only atheists in the hallway, and for public school either a farmer or a drug addict. to the similarities, differences and re- the first time I wasn’t, either. system the sum- I immediately had problems with ligious conflicts of Christianity, Islam Through my experiences, I realized mer before my the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Judaism. that when being a young freethinker, first year of student club that prayed in the lobby My thesis was that members of these the challenge is not dealing with the high school, I every morning before school and then religions cannot get along because constant harassment we receive from thought I would partied, drank and did drugs after they do not understand their own re- the ignorance of others and the over- be escaping the school. I couldn’t stand the hypocrisy ligions, let alone the religions they are whelming feeling that we are the only ignorance, hypocrisy and harassment and ignorance anymore. trying to exterminate. To prove my the- ones who have decided to put reason that I dealt with during my nine years Getting into arguments with my sis, I devoted my practicum to creating above what we were told to believe. of torture at Our Lady of Perpetual conservative government teacher a survey for the entire senior class, ask- The real challenge lies in letting Help Catholic School. about religion’s role in the classroom ing them what religion they followed other freethinkers know that they are My Catholic father had decided it wasn’t enough for me anymore. I had and testing their knowledge of Christi- not alone. Making religious-minded was a good idea to enroll me in a Cath- to do something bigger, and I finally anity, Judaism and Islam. people think twice about themselves olic school at the age of 5 so I could got the opportunity this year. Every se- My survey showed the ignorance of and their religion in the process is an continue to stare wide-eyed at parents nior must work on a research project my classmates who were religious and added bonus. and teachers reveling in the “wonder based on any topic approved by the left many people shocked when I un- of God” while being spoon-fed stories teacher, divided into an eight-page re- veiled the results at my presentation. Alexis Thomas, 18, Orient, Ohio, will of a great and powerful man in the search paper, 15 hours of practicum For example, only 45% of the Chris- attend Ohio State University with an in- sky that even Dr. Seuss would consider and a 50-minute presentation. I quick- tians in my senior class knew that Jesus tended major in integrated language arts odd. ly decided to devote my senior project was the major prophet of Christianity. or English education. Alexis achieved four- Needless to say, I grew up and out of to proving the ignorance of religious My project got a lot of people talk- year honor roll in high school with a 4.23 the religion, becoming the only athe- followers. ing, and I didn’t let the issue end GPA and was secretary of the National ist to walk my school’s halls, hated by Several of my proposed topics were there. A small group of friends and I Honor Society. teachers and students alike because I shot down by my teacher for any silly had T-shirts professionally made that no longer believed in fairy tales. After reason she could think of, but finally I said “Religion is evolving, will you sur- Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013

Second-place (tie) high school essay The godless are not goodless

By Emma Conover-Crockett Rather than ship a deity. I believe in the true possibility to live Emma was awarded $2,050 by FFRF for focusing on an a just life independent of religious wor- her essay. ship. When I look around the world afterlife, a truly and see people who are devoting their good person tries lives to social justice and change, they rarely do so in the name of religion. When my Shi’a Muslim host to create the best Nicholas Kristof, intrepid reporter and mother realized that I indeed fit the crusader for human rights, articulates term “infidel,” she told me “It’s hor- life while still alive. his views of a tangible and possible rible to be a kafra.” I was an exchange world peace and understanding with- student in Muscat, Oman, for a year, out emphasizing a need for religion. with the singular goal of engaging in ploring reason and religion in the con- Kristof inspires me to focus living cross-cultural communication between text of each other. Amidst my transfer justly for the right reasons, not to please Americans and Muslims. from a fairly secular family to an ex- a deity but to create interpersonal and My host had opened her home to tremely religious one, I solidified my intercultural bonds, to work so that no As my year studying abroad closed, me but had expected a pious Christian belief that there was no God. human goes without basic needs and the exchange program was searching girl. Before departing, I had decided Being a freethinker has, for me, to care for the Earth upon which we for new host families, and the director to keep my atheism to myself, because meant encountering a constant stream live. Rather than focusing on an after- asked my host mother to host a stu- I recognized how many fundamental- of appeals from religious society. Ev- life, a truly good person tries to create dent, a Christian girl, for three weeks ists strongly oppose it. But over time, erywhere I go, I find religion. Oman’s the best life while still alive. Because over Ramadan. “No,” she said. “We my host family grew to recognize that national religion is Islam. In the U.S., I don’t believe in a god, this is all the would only want a student like Emma. I did not accompany the other Ameri- billboards have Jesus plastered on more apparent to me. Someone good like her.” can students to church, I did not pray them, Even our Pledge of Allegiance But many people in my life cannot I still smile at that milestone in my or wear religious symbols. They began explicitly refers to a deity. understand this. Although their reli- humanism and life, that through my to question their assumption that I was With religion permeating world cul- gions preach love, they plainly tell me actions I was able to truly spread the religious. ture, it can be ostracizing to fall on the I’ll go to hell. They fear their God’s idea that the godless are not goodless. Living in a significantly Muslim outside, requiring me to explain over wrath rather than embracing tangible culture was painful and confusing at and over why I am a humanist. I am human love. Emma Conover-Crockette, 18, Beloit, times but helped me to grow and ap- constantly asked to justify myself, and When I meet this sort of person, I Wis., will be attending Kenyon College in preciate my own identity. That year, I then shot down for supposedly being try to avoid argument. Instead, I allow Gambier, Ohio, to major in political science explored my own atheism in the midst less wholesome or virtuous than reli- my actions to speak for themselves. By and international relations with a minor in of an overwhelmingly religious culture gious people. living as justly as I can, I try to persuade Arabic. Emma participated in the Kennedy- and found spirituality independent of But to me it boils down to the ba- people that, in the words of humanist Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad belief in a deity. sic idea that people are fundamentally leader Greg Epstein, it is possible to be program in Oman and blogged about her I tossed and turned many nights, ex- good, regardless of whether they wor- good without God. experiences. Third-place (tie) high school essay Refusing to take a knee to football prayers Gina Harrison Photography By Alex Kendig I always resented

Alex was awarded $1,050 by FFRF for the fact that my his essay. team would look upon me as an Certain areas outsider before we of society have been ambushed by reli- went into battle gion and appear to be past the point of together. no return. One of the foremost areas in which this has happened in sports, a linebacker, it took knowledge of especially American football. Tim the game and quick reaction times to Tebow publicly broadcasts the heavy tackle opposing runners at the line of influence of Christianity on football, scrimmage, not prayers to God asking but it has existed and continues to exist that I play well. Alex Kendig tackled the issue of his teammates’ prayers without his theatrical sideline prayers. Throughout my high school foot- head-on. Last fall was my senior season and ball years, it always astounded me that they were upset at my not joining team ences. also my last time ever playing orga- pregame prayers were the norm in a prayer? How could they trust me? Eventually, my teammates came to nized football. My team and I per- locker room two minutes before the Pregame prayers have been one respect my lack of belief. I have learned formed well, finishing eighth in the start of a game. I see them as an obvi- of the most difficult things to face as a lot about other people from being in state of Michigan. I was awarded the ous declaration of bigotry. I was always a young atheist, and I always resented the spiritual minority, but I have also Southeastern Conference Sportsman- even more surprised to see the glaring the fact that my team would look upon learned a great deal about myself: I ship Award and an All-League Honor- faces of those who looked back at me me as an outsider before we went into have the ability to think freely and act able Mention certificate. as I stood aside from the remainder of battle together. according to rational beliefs based on The Fellowship of Christian Athletes my team while they knelt and prayed. As hard as it was to play together in logic and reason, rather than conform- may want people to believe that our I never joined them because I do the face of such enormous cognitive ing to the beliefs of the masses. success came from the fact that 95% not believe in the prayers they were separation, I would not let it affect the The fact that I am a freethinker of my football team was composed of reciting and found praying to be a way I handled myself during the game. pushes me to succeed so I can prove white Christian athletes who pointed narrow-minded approach to promot- I perceived the situation not as an ex- that I have the capability to make my up at the sky after every touchdown ing team unity before a game. How cuse to play poorly but as a test of my own decisions and live a fulfilling life and tackle, but I would not agree with is a group of young boys supposed to character to overcome adversity and without belief in a “greater” being. them. feel like a team, a band of brothers, if prove to my teammates that I could I never participated in the team’s they are segregated into Christian and succeed without religion. I showed Alex Kendig, 17, Saline, Mo., will be at- pregame prayers or received help from non-Christian players two minutes be- respect for my teammates and their tending the University of California at Los an invisible hand, and I still achieved fore the start of a game? How could I beliefs, and I proved that I had their Angeles to major in business economics and goals and exceeded expectations. As trust my teammates to have my back if backs on the field despite our differ- minor in music industry. August 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13

Third-place (tie) high school essay Atheistic adventures in Bush’s backyard

By Anna Cain I needed an injection of courageous who run Midland. freethought. Thus began the most ad- When I turned These Texan aris- Anna was awarded $1,050 by FFRF for venturous summer of my life. tocrats are a bit her essay. We devised an ingenious method of to atheism, no like God. To a smuggling books: Harry Potter parties. young freethinker, Though this may sound ridiculous, the lightning bolt they appear both long robes and elaborate costumes al- dropped from the omniscient and My hometown of Midland, Tex- lowed us to conceal books from any omnipotent. The as, is crafted in the image of its patron watchful adult eyes. And so, under my sky to smite me. consequences for saint and favorite son: George W. Bush. Gryffindor robe, I smuggled Dawkins, speaking against His boyhood home is now a museum Harris, Hitchens, Dennett, Barker them seem dire. with a veritable shrine of a gift shop. and Sagan past my parents. Within a In Texan subtext, return to family But when I turned to atheism, no In true Bush fashion, our city of month, I was out of the closet as an values is code for stoning homosexuals lightning bolt dropped from the sky 111,000 people boasts 304 churches atheist. and turning feminists into housewives. to smite me. Similarly, when I wrote and four bookstores. Even the atheists When my fears of hell vanished, Accepting Judeo-Christian morals is the Conaway article, many people sup- here have three biblical names, Anna a profound disgust for Midland re- code for creating a theocracy. Mr. Con- ported me. Faith Cain, for example. As a free- mained. My private school praises away had turned his political lecture God is a myth. So is the notion that thinker in this Baptist paradise, my fall Christian virtues like tolerance and ac- into a Christian soapbox. I was angry. these conservative barons, who make from faith was destined to be exciting. ceptance but forces all students to at- So as a teen columnist for Midland’s their fortunes draining oil from an I began doubting God when I was tend a daily 30-minute chapel service newspaper, I wrote a scathing denun- Earth they insist is only 10,000 years in fourth grade. At the time, my fam- on penalty of detention. This town of ciation of his speech. old, can rule by fear. ily belonged to a charismatic Baptist Christian charity uses the threat of os- Within a day, the entire school had The Texas aristocracy may seem all- church that ministers to those “strug- tracism to keep freethinkers silent and read and rejected my article. I even powerful, but a freethinker who has gling with homosexuality” and threat- invisible. heard credible rumors that fellow stu- the courage to stand up and speak ens damnation for every offense from So we began resisting. I distributed dents circulated a petition to have me out cannot be silenced by fairy tales or premarital sex to interpreting the bible freethought books to a fellow doubter. expelled. Additionally, a few Christian those who cling to them. metaphorically. A number of us regularly sat together classmates wrote a letter to the editor Understandably, I was terrified. I in chapel to display solidarity by not defending Conaway. Anna Cain, 18, Midland, Texas, is had never met a person who was not taking the Eucharist. And then, we When the letter ran, one of the au- enrolled at Colorado College in Colorado religious, and I only knew a handful scored one public victory. thors posted a picture of it on Facebook Springs, Colo. She’s interested in pursu- who were not Baptist. So for six years, Early in my senior year, a congress- so I could see the dozens of likes and ing a double major in English and a for- I lived with the knowledge that those man named Mike Conaway visited our favorable comments. The firestorm eign language. In high school she tutored doubts would condemn me to eternal government class. After a rather for- extended past the walls of my school. sophomores, wrote an anecdotal history of torment in hell. gettable conservative lecture, Conaway Almost weekly, a stranger pulled me her school, wrote a biweekly column for the The summer after 10th grade, I met closed with a prayer and a declaration aside at a restaurant or grocery store Midland Reporter-Telegram and volun- two atheists. At that point, I did not be- that America would be saved when to comment on my infamous polemic. teered as a “teen attorney” in Midland Teen lieve in God but had been silent about we return to family values and Judeo- Up until the Conaway incident, Court, defending teens charged with minor it for years. My friends understood that Christian morals. I had feared the rich conservatives offenses.

Fourth-place (tie) high school essay Outrage over preaching teacher conquered shyness

Did I want to speak up for atheism the help of the online community while suffering judgment or keep qui- This was group I call family. That night I posted et and move on with my life? My brain my situation in the Houston Atheists was conflicted while my voice ruptured economics class, Facebook group. My thoughts were re- through resistance. All of a sudden I affirmed — action had to take place. heard, “How can you compare athe- not Sunday school. I was directed to the Freedom From ism to smoking? Do you not think that Religion Foundation, where I was crosses the line of what to say in a pub- able to get help from Staff Attorney lic school classroom?” it was human nature to have a spiritual Stephanie Schmitt. After various email Someone had finally stood up — and religious component, therefore exchanges, Stephanie wrote a wonder- then the realization hit me, that some- making atheists seem unnatural. He ful letter to the superintendent of my one was me. went so far as to compare atheism to school district. Growing up, I always hid behind my smoking, saying how the body original- A few friends in the same class were parents when meeting someone new. I ly rejects smoking is just like how “the angry with me, saying I destroyed my was the shy little girl who had the face mind rejects the concept of atheism.” teacher’s freedom of religion. But in of fright during elementary school This was the breaking point for me. reality, his actions were unconstitu- plays and never wanted the leading At that moment my voice felt so power- tional. This was economics class, not role. I was the student who never spoke ful and unstoppable, even though part Sunday school. up if I felt like something was incorrect of my brain was demanding to silence From this experience, I learned that By Sara Elizabeth Sheppard because I feared being an outcast. I the neuron’s signals going toward my even though I grew up with a shy per- never saw myself as an activist because larynx. After I questioned the appropri- sonality, I can still have a passionate I felt as though my quiet voice would ateness of making such statements in a and assertive voice that fights for what Sarah was awarded $550 by FFRF for drown in the sea of loud and outgoing public school classroom, he shrugged is constitutional. her essay. people. it off with no reasonable reply. One day in the summer of 2012, But he didn’t stop. On the black- Sara Elizabeth Sheppard, 19, was born that was tested in my economics class. board the next week, he drew arrows in Houston and grew up in Katy, Texas. We were all excited about the teacher pointing up like a mountain while de- She plans to attend Lone Star College in Price, policy, producers, profit, pro- and he was excited to see us. As the se- scribing the positive effect prayer has Cypress and eventually transfer to a uni- ductive resources and property rights mester went by, I realized that his pas- on the state of mind. I knew something versity. Sara interned as a pharmacy techni- are topics of economics, not prayer. Sit- sion for passing on his knowledge was had to be done, but I had no idea cian and will be certified this summer and ting quietly at my desk, listening to any- not focused on economics but on reli- where to start, having “come out” only will major in pre-pharmacy. She received a thing but economics, I questioned my gion, prayer and spirituality. the preceding November. Mu Alpha Theta honor cord in high school future role in the atheist movement. Instead of teaching economics, he I felt like I was alone against his because of her excellence in mathematics. My heart was pounding and I felt my told us that certain historical people strong personality, that everyone else hands starting to sweat. To speak up or were among the greatest because of agreed with him. Even though I felt not to speak up, that was the question. their spiritual enlightenment. He said alone in the classroom, I knew I had Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013

Fourth-place (tie) high school essay Graduation this year is about . . . graduation

By Taysie Savage I informed the religious belief systems as being somehow evil. I have Taysie was awarded $550 by FFRF for school that it’s a never said I am not a spiritual her essay. person, just one who chooses violation of civil not to buy into the conformist ideology that seems so preva- rights to use a lent in the world today. I sat on the hard prayer at a public I once attended a church bleacher two years service and went to an orien- ago with my head tation to be a camp counselor, bowed, squirming school event. but I couldn’t be true to my inside. This was own beliefs and continue to supposed to be a high school and 13 are seniors who take part in those events. I felt high school gradua- will be graduating in a few short weeks. embarrassed, not for myself, tion ceremony, not I’m anxious about what my future will but for those in attendance a church service. hold, excited about taking on more who seemed to truly believe My uneasiness was like a physical thing, adult responsibilities, and relieved to what was being espoused. I but I didn’t feel it would be polite to have made it this far. But I’m also anx- felt like I was disrespectful to get up and leave in the middle. ious about the graduation ceremony myself, and that no one else So, like some others around me, I itself because of how my community is, ever seemed interested in or sat in uncomfortable but respectful si- what attitudes are sometimes held by respectful of my beliefs. lence, hoping the prayer wouldn’t last students and teachers and what hap- This year I was the gradu- too long. pened at that graduation ceremony ate. We chose a former teach- Seniors are responsible each year two years ago. er for our guest speaker. The for choosing the guest speaker for the All my school years, I have struggled school was informed that it’s graduation ceremony. That year, a lo- with trying to explain my feeling that a violation of civil rights to cal pastor was chosen. His three chil- there is no God and that the bible is use a prayer at a public school dren all graduated from the school I nothing more than an interesting event. I’m not sure if anyone attend, where he coached football for book full of stories that some feel are will notice or miss a prayer, many years and his wife drove a school moral guidelines. I feel the concept but I feel relieved to know I Taysie Savage is the only female ever to have bus. They are well-known and liked, of God is a mythology that attempts to won’t have to squirm again played on the football team at her high school. but I and many others were not pre- explain things humans have difficulty on my own graduation day. pared for the type of speech he was understanding. I won’t feel forced to listen to what in a graduation ceremony free from delivering. I prefer to research things that I I don’t believe is true. I know I can at- proselytization and which focuses on It started and ended with a request find puzzling, finding my own answers tend a church of my choosing to hear student achievement, wisdom for the to bow our heads in prayer. He prayed and blundering down the path I find, such a message, on my own time, if I future and best wishes as we begin our to Jesus and to God to prepare students taking responsibility when things go desire. I know I’m not the only one adult lives. and bless them, to keep them safe and wrong, or right. with this feeling. I’m just the only one pure in the outside world. To say my There have been many times when who informed the school, using infor- Taysie Savage, 17, Indiola, Ore., will family was uncomfortable was to put it my outlook caused hard feelings and mation I researched and presented to attend Oregon State University to major in mildly. Discomfort and disbelief stirred defensive attitudes among fellow stu- the administration. forestry management. She served as student within me. dents, who mistake my questioning This was my parting gift to future council president in her senior year and was There are about 60 students in my nature and rejection of conventional graduates — to be able to participate inducted into the National Honor Society. Fourth-place (tie) high school essay Religious divide crossed by burning bridges

sor. The day of the proposal went well. all in my power to give a voice to the I presented my club to a committee of I had poured my freethinkers at Walton who feel alien- five students and the assistant principal heart into what I ated for espousing differing views. The and explained the club’s purpose: to assistant principal’s intolerance was bring together freethinking students believed in only the catalyst for me to become a change who are surrounded by a predomi- agent. nantly religious society, with the goal to see it quelled I contacted a staff attorney from of showing the Walton community that the Freedom from Religion Founda- freethinkers (atheists, agnostics, Uni- without any serious tion. He helped me draft a letter to the tarians, etc.) can lead morally sound county superintendent. A week later, lives and be genuinely good people consideration. the assistant principal called me back without reporting to a higher power. into her office and told me the club The committee rejected my club. At was now approved. She said I had over- that point I was faced with a difficult some research. stepped my bounds by involving the su- By Colin Muller decision. I could either give up and I came across the Equal Access Act perintendent and that I had “burned accept the discriminatory rejection or of 1984, which states that it’s unlawful bridges.” Colin was awarded $550 by FFRF for his stand up for what I believed in. for any public secondary school to dis- I guess I did, but I did so for what I essay. I read over the rejection letter sev- criminate on the basis of religious, po- deem a noble cause. I was faced with eral times. I felt conflicted. One part of litical, philosophical or other content. a situation in which my constitutional the letter stood out to me: “We cannot My suspicions were confirmed. I had to rights were being violated, and instead accept a club that holds or espouses stand up for the club. of allowing the school administration The assistant principal’s parting any particular religious, political, or The next day I informed the assis- to abuse its power and trample free- words to me after my two-week fight philosophical belief.” tant principal that the rejection violat- dom of expression, I compromised my for justice were these: “You’ve burned Did this not contradict all that I had ed the Equal Access Act, blatantly con- previously spotless relationship with bridges in this process, both with me ever learned from First Amendment tradicting it word for word. I told her the administration in order to stand and with the principal.” Her words still bumper stickers, annual Constitution that the decision was not only unjust up for my rights. resonate in my ears as I recall how Wal- Day lessons or “School House Rock” but seemingly illegal. She would not ton High School’s “Freethinkers for Ac- songs? What about the long-standing hear me out and justified the rejection Colin Muller, 18, Evanston, Ill., is ceptance Cooperation and Trust” club religious clubs at my school, such as by saying that “life is unfair.” enrolled at Columbia University and will was first denied and then begrudgingly the Fellowship of Christian Athletes After this painful second interac- major in political science and history with accepted. and the Jew Crew? tion, I was struck with sheer humilia- an eye toward law school. In high school I had diligently met my high school’s The rejection seemed like a clear tion. I had poured my heart into some- he was a member of the Model United Na- requirements for starting a club. I First Amendment violation, but I thing I believed in only to see it quelled tions, president of the Freethinkers Club and drafted a constitution, found prospec- thought that perhaps public schools without any serious consideration. I Politically Active Citizens and student body tive members and got a faculty spon- were exempt from this rule. So I did left her office vowing that I would do treasurer. August 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15

Fifth-place (tie) high school essay ‘Giddy little church girls’ missed love memo?

of a brainwashing factory than a place thought they did. The ones who were Cornerstone of worship. lying to themselves were the ones who Chapel seemed Later in the year at a sleepover, the relentlessly tried to tell me that I was topic came up again. This time, I blurt- wrong. to be more of ed out “I’m an atheist,” causing every- It’s been two years; I’m still waiting. one in the room to stop and turn simul- Since then, most of those same a brainwashing taneously. I was instantly surrounded giddy little church girls have grown to with scrutiny and interrogation. There realize they’re not the perfect little an- factory than a was no way out, I was trapped. gels they thought they would always be. But I stuck to what I believed was In fact, most of them don’t even attend place of worship. right. I had to laugh at some of the Sunday services anymore. Who knows questions thrown my way. “Do you if they even still consider themselves worship Satan?” “Do you want to go Christians? hear the faint whispers of “He can to hell?” I explained that my refusal to That has been the difference be- save you,” and “I’ve seen Him perform believe in the existence of a god also tween them and me. I’m still an athe- miracles.” He? Him? Why are these extended to Satan, heaven and hell. ist. Don’t get me wrong, there have pronouns capitalized in the middle of The looks on their faces were price- been times when I have been close to a sentence? I was utterly confused. I less. I further explained that I believed considering a Christian denomination couldn’t escape it. that humans have morals to guide to follow. But brain power and deduc- By Kamila Buscavage On the first day of 10th grade, I them. When we die, we become one tive reasoning have always triumphed. witnessed a girl who had just recently with the Earth. Conception is science, I’m proud to say that I have stuck to Kamila was awarded $350 by FFRF for moved to the area openly ask people and the Earth came to be by a collision what I believe is right, unlike those her essay. at the lunch table, “So, who here is a of matter. who fell into the perpetual teachings Christian?” What? Did I really just hear The room went silent, but it was as of past generations. that? if they were all screaming that I was Today, I have but one question for Because of my own beliefs (or lack wrong and that their God would pun- those who pushed me so long ago to During the summer of 2010, the thereof), I didn’t say anything, as I ish me. follow the crowd: Is your God really cool thing to do was to be a Christian wasn’t in the mood to start a full-blown The hypocrisy was comical. Wasn’t that much greater? — to wear your cross necklace, to keep religious dispute. But I thought about Christianity supposed to be about lov- a bible on hand, to know every word those who did follow a religion other ing one another unconditionally? I Kamila Buscavage, 18, Leesburg, Va., to the musical masterpiece titled “Our than Christianity. Was this girl really guess the Cornerstone robots didn’t is entering the visual arts program at Vir- God Is Greater.” The fad caught on that oblivious to the thought of a reli- get the memo. ginia Polytechnic and State University. She like wildfire. gion besides her own? I had fun with my own variation of received her high school’s Outstanding Art Suddenly, it seemed as if all of my I blamed it on her church. Corner- a sociology experiment to see which Student award for three consecutive years. so-called friends were pushing me to stone Chapel, the most popular house ones actually followed the teachings of convert. In every corner you could of prayer in town, seemed to be more their own religion and those who only

Fifth-place (tie) high school essay Helping normalize rational disbelief

By Kerry Foerst a “crazy left-wing extremist,” which shows how punitive the bible belt can I countered be toward atheists. I grew up with a Kerry was awarded $350 by FFRF for his secular-atheist father and a Buddhist- that God was essay. atheist mother, but because these class- not originally mates had grown up with no atheists, they automatically labeled me an aber- in the pledge, ration. Being a young atheist in North When I informed them that about shooting down the Carolina’s bible belt is challenging. one-fifth of Europeans are atheist, they Atheism is reduced here to merely a still could not accept my disbelief. As ‘tradition’ claim. negation of a “normal” theism. When far as I could tell, I was never again I have presented my worldview, I have taken seriously on any issue in govern- been ridiculed and ostracized. ment class, my favorite high school Scouts. Even worse, I have been coerced to course. They were bullying children into publicly attest to beliefs I do not hold My atheism led to even greater chal- lying about their core views. Incred- — in other words, to lie — to gain rec- lenges in the Boy Scouts of America. I ibly, the issue was not even allowed to ognition for community service. enrolled in Cub Scouts with a friend be discussed. My research showed that Last year in my advanced placement and enjoyed it. Although heavily Chris- many people, both secular and reli- U.S. government and politics class, our tian-themed, the program taught many gious, thought the requirement should teacher asked us to raise our hand if practical skills and citizenship. I would end. Some Eagle Scouts even mailed we thought “under God” should be re- just be quiet during prayers or scrip- back their medals in protest. belief has to start somewhere if we are moved from the Pledge of Allegiance. ture readings, so my atheism did not Not willing to abandon my values, I to be a truly ethical nation “with liberty Mine was the only hand raised. The affect my acceptance into Cub Scouts. left scouting without my Eagle medal. and justice for all.” Let it begin with fundamentalist Christians surround- But years later as a Boy Scout, I was Both of the above experiences me. ing me argued the pledge could not be required to take an oath to God at taught me that being secular, espe- changed because it is “tradition” and the start of each meeting. Although cially in a zealously religious region, Kerry Foerst, 18, graduated from Green “God” can refer to any faith’s deity. I would silently mouth the words, I can not only cause altercations with my Hope High School in Cary, N.C., and will I explained that I was an atheist learned something that ultimately led peers, but can bar me from positions in attend the University of North Carolina at and that “under God” implied that any me to leave the group: To become an American institutions. Chapel Hill to study strategic communica- American should have theistic faith, Eagle Scout, one must subscribe be- When I relinquished my Eagle rank, tions in the School of Journalism and Com- therefore fundamentally yoking gov- fore a committee to belief in God. I joined the Obama reelection cam- munication. He hopes to attend law school ernment with religion and disrespect- I asked my secular friend from Cub paign, hoping to forge a new path of after completing his undergraduate degree ing any secular worldview. I also coun- Scouts how he planned to address the public service. Even so, I know that with a view to eventually working in poli- tered that God was not originally in the Eagle committee’s faith requirement. admitting I do not believe in God may tics. pledge, shooting down the “tradition” He said that he would simply lie and jeopardize even being heard, much claim. say that he was Christian. On hearing less elected or appointed. Unfortunately, my peers shunned this from my close friend, I became Nevertheless, I meet that challenge me for my honesty, ridiculing me as completely disillusioned with the Boy here, because normalizing rational dis- Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013

FFRF Legal Victories

Church trailers forced from Arizona school

FFRF action got trailers covered with church ads out of a parking lot at Vista Grande High School in Casa Grande, Ariz., where Sun Valley Chris- tian Church rents space on weekends. The church was leaving its trailers in the lot all week. A local FFRF member sent a letter to Superintendent Shannon Goodsell on June 19. The letter outlined why “Before” picture of an Arizona high school parking lot where a trailer from Sun it’s inappropriate to give a church free Valley Christian Church was parked. The “after” photo, at left, shows FFRF’er space and advertising access at a public “David” and his daughter. school. Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel con- tacted Goodsell on July 17 after the dis- Wisconsin school buses over them as they entered the school. trict ignored the citizen’s complaint. around evolution was unconstitution- She also recited bible verses for at least Seidel stressed that the trailers should al. The board tabled the plan. go Gideon-free 15 minutes each day at the entrance. only be present during rental hours. Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca FFRF formally complained about a Both activities were approved by the Goodsell responded the next day Markert wrote another letter June 4 bus driver for Medford Area Middle principal. that the church had removed its trail- to School Board President Kelly Kohls School in Medford, Wis., making an On July 2, Senior Staff Attorney Re- ers. about proposed changes to the board’s unauthorized stop to let a Gideons In- becca Markert sent a letter of objec- “Controversial Issues” and “Religious/ ternational bible pusher board the bus tion to Superintendent Christine Rath. Patriotic Ceremonies and Observanc- to distribute bibles to students. A con- Shortly after FFRF received the local No more baccalaureate, es” policies. Included are gun rights, cerned parent reached out to FFRF. complaint, the Concord Monitor cov- graduation prayers pro-life/abortion, contraception/ab- Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott contacted ered the woman’s antics in a front-page stinence, legalization of drugs and evo- District Administrator Pat Sullivan in a story. FFRF caused an Arkansas school to lution/creation. May 16 letter, telling him courts have Rath responded July 12 that the disassociate itself from future religious Kohls, who is also a Warren County ruled that giving Gideons access to the woman is no longer allowed to pray on baccalaureate services after Dardanelle tea party activist, told the Dayton Dai- students is illegal. school property. The complaint gener- High School officially invited graduat- ly News after the June 4 meeting that Sullivan responded July 3 that El- ated much media coverage. ing seniors to attend the May 19 ser- “We’re going to leave it on first read- liott’s letter had been sent to the con- vice. The school let a minister hold a ing for quite a while.” Springboro is a tractor responsible for the school’s bus 15-minute mandatory assembly where city of about 18,500 people, with about service. Sullivan asked the company to Religious song goes he told students about the service. The 1,900 students at Springboro High. “please make sure that this type of ac- off the program school advertised the service in its offi- Kohls stated earlier that “Creation- tivity does not happen in the future.” cial list of important “senior activities” ism is a significant part of the history of Action by the Freedom From Re- and teachers promoted the program in this county. It is an absolutely valid the- ligion Foundation ended a public school announcements. ory, and to omit it means we are omit- FFRF keeps sushi school’s promotion of a religious song. Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott con- ting part of the history of this country.” discounts secular An elementary school in Rancho tacted Superintendent John Thomp- Markert wrote another letter June Cordova, Calif., promoted the song son on June 26, requesting the district 26 to the board after learning about A couple dining at Tokyo Japanese “America” as their song of the month not promote, coordinate or organize two proposed summer school courses. Restaurant in Fairhope, Ala., informed late last year. The song includes several the service. The first was a 12-week Constitution FFRF about a sign hanging in the door appeals to the Christian God, includ- Thompson responded July 19 that course developed by the Institute on advertising a 10% discount on Sundays ing reference in the last verse about less than 20% of graduating seniors the Constitution. only to diners who bring in a church “Our fathers’ God to Thee/Author of attended the 2013 baccalaureate. “We The flier said participants would bulletin. Staff Attorney Liz Cavell liberty/To Thee we sing” and ending will take steps to completely disassoci- “learn [their] Godly American heri- contacted restaurant manager Adam with “Protect us by Thy might/Great ate the district and school from the ser- tage and birthright.” David Barton of Hwang on July 16, informing him such God our King.” vices. There should be no perceptions Wallbuilders and John Eidsmoe of the a discount violates federal law. Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel con- of any role played by the school, no Foundation for Moral Law in Mont- Cavell asked that the discount either tacted Superintendent Deborah Bet- sponsorship, and no student has been gomery, Ala., were video instructors be discontinued or made available to tencourt in January about the religious or will be compelled to attend such.” for the course. Both consistently have all. song. • • • stated the false notion that America is The manager responded July 16 Bettencourt answered July 10, say- Attendees at Ross Beatty Junior/ a Christian nation. that the restaurant removed the flier ing that the song has not been used Senior High School graduation in Barton, a Texan, has been described advertising the discount. “We hope you since the district received FFRF’s letter. Cassopolis, Mich., contacted FFRF af- as a “Christian historical revisionist.” understand that we not only respect ter the ceremony opened and closed He often teams up with conservative all religious but also nonbelievers,” he with a prayer, both led by students. commentator/author Glenn Beck. said. Last graduation prayer The prayers were scheduled in the pro- Eidsmoe has a law and theology de- at Arkansas academy gram. grees and is an ordained pastor in the Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- Association of Free Lutheran Congre- FFRF downs cross A concerned local resident in Fay- ert contacted Superintendent Tracy gations. He’s said publicly that Alabama at Texas school etteville, Ark., contacted FFRF after Hertsel in a May 22 letter, explaining had “a constitutional right to secede” Haas Hall Academy’s 2013 graduation that by scheduling graduation prayers, and that “Jefferson Davis and John C. After getting a local complaint, began with a prayer. After Staff At- the school district was promoting reli- Calhoun understood the Constitution FFRF Staff Attorney Liz Cavell wrote torney Patrick Elliott wrote a letter of gion. better than did Abraham Lincoln and Brock [Texas] Independent School complaint to Superintendent Martin Hertsel responded July 11 that Daniel Webster.” He was “disinvited” District Superintendent Richard Ted- Schoppmeyer, the school’s counsel FFRF’s concerns were shared with the from a 2010 tea party rally in Wausau, der on June 13 about a framed cross at emailed Elliott on July 2. senior class adviser, who oversees grad- Wis., because of those statements. Brock Elementary. “There will be no prayer at the up- uation. “We do not anticipate a recur- The second course was titled “The Tedder answered by email July coming Haas Hall Academy gradua- rence [of the prayers],” Hertsel wrote. Making of America,” and was orga- 15: “The cross was located in the el- tion,” the attorney wrote. “The pro- nized by the National Center for Con- ementary office and removed. Have a gram will reflect a moment of silence stitutional Studies. A daylong seminar BLESSED day!” or something similar (i.e., not an intro- Faux Constitution was scheduled for Aug. 3. The flier FFRF wishes Tedder and his school ductory prayer).” classes canceled said participants are “invited to help district a secular school year. Springboro Schools evaluate this na- FFRF complaint An FFRF complaint resulted in can- tionally renowned course on the U.S. Church lady banned cellation of two Constitution summer Constitution.” deflates basketball classes in Springboro, Ohio, that had News outlets in the area reported from N.H. school religious ties. July 4 that the school board had can- prayer FFRF’s first letter to Springboro celed the not-so-constitutional classes A concerned resident of the Con- Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- Community City Schools in 2011 due to FFRF complaints and commu- cord [N.H.] School District contacted ert contacted the two Kentucky school warned the district that a proposal to nity opposition. FFRF about a woman who prayed loud- district superintendents responsible teach creationism wrapped in history ly outside Concord High School and for a pregame prayer circle at Monti- to counter the alleged “controversy” held her hands toward students to pray Continued on next page August 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17

FFRF Legal Complaints

FFRF’s small but efficient legal staff The most disturbing information is kept extremely busy in midsummer that every Tuesday, according to a com- churning out complaints to shore up plainant, a preacher visits West Point the wall of separation between state Elementary to proselytize. Teachers re- and church. Many of the complaints portedly have told student their teach- got a lot of publicity and stirred up ers “would be disappointed” if students local hornets’ nests at the thought of chose not to listen to the sermons. “outsiders” suggesting that the theo- crats should abide by the Constitution. Some of the notable complaints fol- Mayor uses civic low. For more information, go to ffrf. pulpit to bully org and click on “News/news releases.” FFRF is asking Mayor Rita Stephens of Hawesville, Ky., to stop using her FFRF fights school civic ‘bully pulpit’ as an actual pul- ‘prayer caravan’ pit. Stephens writes a column called “Hawesville City Hall Happenings” An Aug. 10 “prayer caravan” that once a month with religious content entails public school district personnel sprinkled through every column. going to every district school in Cull- Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- man County, Ala., to say a 10- to 15-min- ert’s July 22 letter of complaint detailed ute prayer is being challenged by FFRF. Stephens’ references to Christianity in The district’s event description online the Hancock Clarion: ended with, “It will be a time to lift our • “We started out the month cel- schools up to God and ask His bless- ebrating our Chief of Police ‘Buz’s’ ings for the upcoming school year.” birthday. I believe God wants us all to Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a celebrate the day HE created us.” complaint July 22 to Superintendent • “We have had so many small water Billy Coleman, saying that the event leaks this month, one of which caused should be canceled. Hours later, the a major mudslide on town hill. The district removed all information about good Lord works all things out.” the event from its website and Face- • “Jackie Logsdon and Amy Powell book page. But since then, Coleman from the Kentucky Division of Water has said publicly several times that the conducted our first Sanitary Sewer Not dead animals? event won’t be canceled and denied it’s Survey. They will send the results next A Florida member shares a flier posted in a local ice cream shop. school-sponsored. month. Say a prayer.” In a follow-up letter to a school at- • “My husband just celebrated two torney, Seidel wrote, “Wishing or stat- years free of addictions. Good job! ing that ‘the school system doesn’t Praise the Lord! We are so thankful.” fest would end the discount before the you never can be too careful, but say- sponsor’ the event does not make it so. • The mayor cannot in her official July 21 event. But the July/August issue ing Merry Christmas is now doubly, tri- This event was organized by the super- capacity, Markert noted, “make reli- of the Italian Times again mentioned ply, merrily, Rick Perry-ly protected in intendent, who used his official power gious statements, quote biblical scrip- free admission and said Mass would Texas.” to post the event on the official district ture or exhort citizens to pray.” be “followed by a religious procession “Holiday” seems to be a dirty word website, to post the event on the of- The letter, on behalf of a local through the [Summerfest] grounds.” to the Christian Right, noted FFRF ficial district Facebook page, and the complainant, also asks the city to stop In a July 18 follow-up, Elliott again Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor, event bears the title ‘Cullman County scheduling prayer at meeting. pressed the legal point that state law who strongly suspects the law’s real Schools Prayer Caravan.’ ” bars such preferential treatment. Most purpose is to put nativity scenes into Since its initial letter, FFRF has re- ethnic festivals in Milwaukee, at FFRF’s public schools. At the bill signing, Per- ceived reports from seven local fami- Challenge to church behest, have changed their similarly ry said, “Freedom of religion doesn’t lies about additional violations, mostly discount continues discriminatory policies, including Irish mean freedom from religion.” Attend- regarding unconstitutional prayers. Fest, Polish Fest, German Fest and ing were several Kountze High School Complainants say schools allow daily FFRF continues to challenge a dis- Mexican Fiesta. cheerleaders wearing red “I cheer for recitations of the Lord’s Prayer dur- criminatory admission policy by Festa Christ” T-shirts. They recently sued ing the school day, including over the Italiana in Milwaukee, which offered for the right to hold up bible banners loudspeaker system, have teacher-led free admission to Catholic Mass attend- ‘Holiday’ strikes fear for football players to run through at prayer before lunch, at graduation ees for its festival. in Texans’ hearts games, a case that began with a letter ceremonies. One student said every FFRF sent its first letter of complaint of complaint by FFRF. school event starts with a prayer. Feb. 28 after the fest’s website posted Grandstanding pols in Texas passed The law the pols are lauding en- Schools often hold school events “FREE admission to Festa when you at- the “Merry Christmas” bill, which was courages schools to display religious in churches instead of at school. It’s tend High Mass at 11 a.m. in the Mar- signed into law June 13 by Gov. Rick symbols, including nativity scenes, on also alleged that Coleman frequently cus Amphitheater.” The normal gate Perry, who was surrounded by Santa school property — providing that ei- schedules a student investment dinner price is $13. Claus impersonators ringing sleigh ther a secular symbol is next to it or two and school meetings at various church- An attorney for the fest later told bells. religious symbols are erected together. es around the area. Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott that the The law is supposedly meant to pro- “If a school puts up Frosty the Snow- tect the right of public school students man, it can then erect a crèche depict- and staff to express “Merry Christmas,” ing the supposed miraculous birth of “Happy Hanukkah” and similar reli- the Christian savior,” Gaylor said. gious sentiments. Co-President Dan Barker added, In Memoriam But as MSNBC commentator Ra- “Putting a menorah next to a nativity chel Maddow put it, “Thanks to Gov- scene in a public school setting to ‘sec- ernor Perry, it’s not illegal to say Merry ularize’ religious displays is like saying Christmas. Was it ever illegal to say two wrongs make a right.” Maurice Rapkin, 1917–2013 Merry Christmas in Texas? You know,

Maurice Rapkin, Bronze Star recipient and retired Army 95, died peacefully Reserve colonel. As a humanist Jew on June 14, 2013, in and staunch Democrat, he was very San Diego. He was involved in his community and sup- born Nov. 16, 1917, ported LGBT and women’s rights and FFRF stops basketball prayer and was an FFRF Planned Parenthood. Lifetime Member, Survivors include his daughters, Continued from previous page as are his daughters Aleksi Rapkin (Kevin Barre) and Ellen cello High School, in which a basket- State Department of Education Aleksi and Ellen. Rapkin (Duane Buck); grandchildren ball coach led the prayer. counsel responded July 1 that she in- Maurice, a gradu- Manon Barre and George Buck; great- “The district must educate [the structed the staff not to participate in ate of the Massachusetts Institute of granddaughter Lilliana Buck and spe- coach] and all district employees that student-led prayer or lead prayer them- Technology and Wayne State Univer- cial friend Natalie Moynihan. they may not lead, encourage, or par- selves. “It is our hope that the separa- sity, had a long career as a civil engi- FFRF offers its sincerest condolences ticipate in student prayer,” Markert tion of church and state continue in all neer. He was a World War II veteran, to Maurice’s family and many friends. wrote. our school districts.” Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013

Black Collar Crime Blotter filed a fraudulent discharge of mortgage lien in Compiled by Bill Dunn Michigan on the church while allegedly posing ‘Gurl I am soo n love w as an employee of the Wisconsin bank. Source: u!’ — text message from Arrested / Charged Brookfield Now, 6-28-13 Larramie D. Crumpley, 56, Raymore, MO: Nunzio Scarano, 61, the bishop of Salerno, youth pastor Jake Garcia Lewd or lascivious behavior. Crumpley, senior ITA, and a senior prelate working in the Vatican pastor at Grandview Assembly of God, alleg- treasury, is accused of smuggling €20 million to 12-year-old girl edly exposed himself in April in Leawood, KS. from Switzerland to Italy on behalf of a financier. CO, was acquitted of child pornography and Source: KSHB, 7-16-13 Earlier in June, the Vatican suspended him sexual assault charges involving a 16-year-old Gregory I. Hawkins, 54, Tulsa, OK: 6 after allegations he laundered €560,000 from boy. counts of child sexual abuse. Hawkins, pastor personal Vatican accounts to pay off a mortgage He was accused of coaxing the boy into sex of Zion Fellowship Living Waters Church, was on his home. Source: Daily Mail, 6-28-13 acts while under the influence of alcohol and arrested after a pregnant 15-year-old told police David DeFor, 69, Austin, MN: 5 counts of fi- marijuana. He retired in May 2012 when the al- he started molesting her in April 2012. She al- nancial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. DeFor, legations became public. Source: Denver Post, leges he impregnated her. Source: Tulsa World, pastor at Austin Church of Christ, is charged 7-4-13 7-11-13 with bilking more than $40,000 from an elderly Michael D. Mohler, 26, Athens, OH: Plead- Jimmy H. Linder, 67, Gaffney, SC: 2nd-de- woman with dementia by using power of attor- ed guilty to aggravated assault after a charge gree assault and battery. Linder, pastor at Pen- ney. Source: AP, 6-28-13 of felony sexual battery was dismissed by the tecostal Church of the Living God, is accused Larry Durant, 58, Sumter, SC: 2 counts of state. Charges stemmed from a relationship of inappropriate touching and using sexual lan- 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct with a mi- between Mohler and a 15-year-old girl at First guage with a female congregation member at nor and 4 counts of 3rd-degree criminal sexual United Methodist Church of Troy, where he was her grandmother’s home, where he was repair- conduct. Durant, Word International Ministry youth pastor. ing the bathroom floor. pastor, allegedly coerced 3 female congregants The plea was part of a deal in which Mohler The warrant says he committed battery by into having sex with him starting in 2011 by tell- Dan Barker found a fitting statue for the agreed to give up any ministerial licenses. “nonconsensually touching the private parts of ing them the sex was part of a “healing process” Black Collar Crime page in St. Colman’s Source: WHIO, 7-2-13 the victim above the clothing.” Source: WYFF, and “private prayer.” Cathedral in Cobh, Ireland. James M. Donaghy, 55, Lisburn, N.IRE: 7-19-13 Durant allegedly told the women that sex sexual act on her. They were discovered by the Pleaded guilty to common assault and 4 counts Travis L. McQuillia, 33, Suffolk, VA: 2 would heal them from “liking females, contract- girl’s mother, who had sent her to the nursery of indecent assault as a priest at Corpus Christi counts each of abduction and indecent liber- ing sexual diseases or becoming pregnant ear- to return a pillow. A competency hearing will be Catholic Parish in Ballymurphy. ties with a child by a custodian and 3 counts of ly.” Source: AlterNet, 6-25-13 held for the man. Source: Sussex Sun, 7-2-13 According to the victim, now 31, Donaghy sexual assault. Charges are related to alleged John McKenzie, 50, Key West, FL: Larceny Geronimo S. Aguilar, 43, Richmond, VA: told him as a boy of 7 that “he could get [the incidents in 2009-12 with a female victim age of more than $20,000 but less than $100,000. 7 counts of sexual assault related to alleged boy’s dead grandfather] into heaven” if he per- 13 to 17. McKenzie, pastor of the St. James Missionary crimes against 2 sisters in the 1990s in Fort formed a sex act, but “if he told anyone, it would McQuillia is associate pastor at Pentecostal Baptist Church, is charged with stealing $54,657 Worth, TX. Aguilar, former pastor of Richmond not work.” Holiness Church in Smithfield. Source: WAVY, from his congregation of about 150 members. Outreach Center, allegedly started molesting Donaghy is already in prison after being con- 7-10-13 An arrest report said McKenzie’s salary the older girl when she was 13 and the younger victed in 2011 of 17 sex offenses against 3 other Carl M. Cureton, 69, Fredericktown, MO: was $700 a week since 2009, entitling him to sister when she was 11. The complaint states victims. Source: Belfast Telegraph, 7-2-13 3rd-degree assault and stalking. Cureton, se- $67,200. The report said either he or the finan- the parents caught Aguilar having intercourse nior pastor at Calvary Temple Church, is ac- cial secretary wrote $121,857 in checks pay- with the younger girl under a blanket in the living Sentenced cused by the alleged victim of multiple incidents able to McKenzie during this period. Source: Rheal LeBlanc, 77, Welland, ONT: 14 days room. The girls’ brother allegedy told police re- of harassment, including coming to her place of keysnet.com, 6-19-13 in jail, to be served on weekends, after pleading cently he walked in on Aguilar and the older girl work and kissing her on the mouth. Theodore Nusbaum, 64, North Bay Village, guilty to possession of child pornography. Le- while Aguilar was buttoning his pants. His sister The woman told police she delayed reporting FL: 5 counts of possession of a visual depic- Blanc, an ordained member of the Holy Cross then remarked, “I can’t stand the smell of sex.” incidents due to the “backlash” Cureton’s posi- tion of a minor engaged in sexually explicit acts. Fathers, served as principal at St. Paul High Several other alleged victims have since tion in the community could bring. He has been Nusbaum taught science for 6 years at the Rab- School and at Notre Dame College School. Both stepped forward. Amber Baker claimed Aguilar asked to resign by the church board. Source: bi Alexander S. Gross Hebrew Academy’s high schools have buildings named after him. had sex with her, her mother and her aunt. Daily Journal, 7-9-13 school in Miami Beach. The facilities will be renamed, said John Aguilar, a father of 5, will continue to get his Chad A. Coe, 31, Elgin, IL: Criminal sexual His attorney, Joel Hirschhorn, said Nusbaum Crocco of the Niagara Catholic School District $115,930 annual salary and live in the parson- assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. is staying with family in Illinois and is in therapy. Board. Source: Niagara Falls Review, 7-12-13 age until December. Source: Christian Post/ Coe, director of the youth ministry at First Con- Source: NBC Miami, 6-19-13 Mary Anne Rapp, 68, Lewiston, NY: 90 WTVR, 7-2-13 gregational Church of Dundee, is accused of James Thornhill, 72, Tylertown, MS: Mis- days in jail, 5 years’ probation, 100 hours of Keith Bell, 53, Shippensburg, PA: Criminal having sexual contact with a person younger demeanor animal cruelty. Thornhill, pastor of community service and $128,000 in restitution use of a communication facility, possession of than 18 at the church between June 10-14. a church in Bush, LA, was charged after ani- after pleading guilty to grand larceny for steal- child pornography and 3 counts of distribution of Officials said Coe was “in a position of trust mal welfare officials removed 104 dogs from a ing money from 2 rural Catholic churches from child pornography. Bell, pastor of Upper Stras- and/or authority” over the alleged victim, whose suspected puppy mill. The dogs were primarily 2006-11. Rapp is a nun who belongs to the burg Church of God, allegedly downloaded and mother contacted police. Source: Chicago Tri- purebred Yorkshire and Boston terriers, chihua- Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian shared child pornography files. bune, 7-4-13 huas and dachshunds. Charity. Court documents said Bell told police he Chibuike Nwabueze, Port Harcourt, NIG: “We think yesterday was the first time that a Court documents said she took money from used a particular online site only to download Nwabueze, chairman of the Communion of lot of these animals saw sunlight and felt grass collection baskets and deposited checks into her music for his daughter’s wedding. He admitted Bishops in Rivers State, is charged with raping under their feet,” said Krystyna Szczechowski personal account to feed a gambling addiction. he saw porn on his computer but wasn’t sure a 15-year old girl. of the Humane Society of South Mississippi. Sources said much of the money was spent at how it got there. Nwabueze told reporters he was hypnotized Source: KPTV, 5-14-13 a state-operated casino at Batavia Downs har- Neighbor Rhonda Wells thinks he’s innocent. and “set up” by a chairmanship rival at whose ness racing track. Source: Buffalo News, 7-9-13 “I don’t believe that this is even a consideration church the alleged incident occurred. Nwabueze Pleaded / Convicted Peter Kennedy, 74, Ballynahown, IRE: 10 for this man. He’s a wonderful Christian man, a Malcolm McLennan, 69, Gloucestershire, said the girl removed her clothes after he prayed years in prison after pleading guilty to 27 counts man of God, loves the Lord, serves the Lord to UK: Pleaded guilty to indecent assault against for her, and before he could shout “the blood of of sexual assault involving 18 boys in 1968-86. the best of his ability.” Source: CBS 21, 7-1-13 a minor in the late 1980s while he was pastor Jesus,” he “had carnal knowledge of her.” Kennedy, a member of St. Patrick’s Missionary Torrey Morgan, 36, Salisbury, NC: Dis- at St. Simon Stock Catholic Church in Walder- He denied an allegation he made the girl get Society (Kiltegan Fathers), served in Africa and seminating harmful material to a minor under 18 slade. an abortion and said it was her father who did, at several Irish parishes. years of age, disseminating harmful material to Prosecutor Debbie Jones said the victim, but admitted he paid for it. Source: Osun De- One victim was awarded €325,000 in a a minor under 16 years of age, 2 counts of inde- now in his 30s, was donning his altar boy garb fender, 7-3-13 2003 civil suit. Kennedy then fled to Brazil but cent liberties with a child and 2nd-degree sexual when McClennan “put one arm round him and Ronald Von Fricken, Beaufort, SC: 2nd- was extradited to the UK in 2011. Source: Irish exploitation of a minor. Morgan, youth pastor at then put his hand down the front of his pants. degree harassment, 2nd-degree burglary and Independent, 7-9-13 High Rock Community Church, was fired after A few weeks later, the defendant took the boy’s unlawful interception of an oral communication. Alfons A. Mandorfer, 79, Kremsmuenster, being charged with having sexual relationships hand and tried to place it on his penis.” Von Fricken, founder of Transforming Lives AUS: 15 years in prison. Mandorfer, a defrocked with several high school girls. Jones said the boy told the parish’s senior Through Christ ministry, allegedly stalked a Catholic priest, is accused of molesting 15 boys Tom Bartlett, another pastor at High Rock, priest, who alerted the bishop, who allegedly woman for 3 months using electronic tracking and physically assaulting 9 others at Krems- said, “We feel violated. We feel betrayed.” Text told the boy later he didn’t want to hear any and bugging devices. muenster Abbey, where he was director of the messages led to “disturbing discoveries,” Barlett more of his “silly talk.” The woman told police he also called her monastery school in 1973-93. said. Source: NBC Charlotte, 7-1-13 McLennan was jailed for 18 months and and sent her emails numerous times despite be- Victims of abuse at the school have been Dale Richardson, 48, Summerville, SC: placed on a sex offenders’ registry in 10 years ing asked to stop. Source: Island Packet, 7-2-13 awarded about $900,000 in compensation. Kidnapping and rape. Richardson, former head in 2009 for molesting 3 choir boys at another Ricardo J. Pena, 53, Katy, TX: 2 counts of Some victims testified they were beaten with a pastor of Freedom Free Will Baptist Church, is church in the mid-1980s. Source: Kent Online, aggravated sexual assault of a child. Pena, pas- cattle whip and kicked. Source: AP, 7-3-13 accused of raping a woman in a trailer behind 7-11-13 tor at Doverside Baptist Church in Houston, is Brian C. Gray, 51, Wheatland, CA: 8 years the church in 2010 and raping 2 other women Derek Schwartzrock, Albuquerque, NM: accused of molesting girls ages 7 and 11. Bond and 4 months in prison and lifetime sex offend- in 2010-11. Pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography. was set at $30,000. Source: Houston Chronicle, er registration for statutory rape. Gray, former He also allegedly abducted another woman Schwartzrock, youth pastor at Evangel Christian 7-2-13 pastor of Anchor Baptist Church, carried on a but let her go without molesting her. Source: Center, was accused of downloading and shar- Kiley Cirillo, 20, Muskego, WI: 4 counts of year-long sexual relationship with a 15-year-old Post & Courier, 6-29-13 ing images of naked boys. He had about 12,000 possession or attempted possession of con- female victim. He’ll be eligible for parole after Alfredo Borodowski, 49, Larchmont, NY: photos of child pornography and child erotica on trolled substances. Cirillo, a teacher at Hales serving half his sentence. 1st-degree criminal impersonation. At least 3 his computer. Corners Lutheran Preschool, is accused of hav- Court records said he coached the girl to people have accused Rabbi Borodowski of Con- Todd Hotchkiss, defense attorney, called his ing drugs and paraphernalia concealed in a bag stuff her bed before she sneaked out to meet gregation Sulam Yaakov of pulling them over client a “very compassionate, very decent hu- of food delivered to the school. him and encouraged her to estrange herself and telling them he was a police officer. He’s man being” and said an investigation “conclu- Another teacher thought something was from her father. The sentencing report claimed been fired as executive director of the Skirball sively showed that there was not a single child suspicious and checked the bag. Police alleg- Gray is a “low risk” to reoffend and that pornog- Center for Adult Jewish Learning. Source: CBS that was harmed as a result of him.” Source: edly found messages on her phone showing her raphy and lust “blinded” him. New York, 6-28-13 KRQE, 7-9-13 texting with a friend who wrote, “Do you need Gray admitted having sex first with the girl Timothy L. Woodson, Grand Rapids, MI: Uriel Ojeda, 33, Redding, CA: Pleaded no some?” Cirillo allegedly wrote back, “just bring in his church office in 2012, at a summer camp, Mail fraud and making false statements. Wood- contest to engaging in substantial sexual con- some to my work,” and “put it in some food.” in a field near her home and at least once or son, former pastor of Well Rehoboth Church, is duct with a 13-year-old girl in her bedroom at Source: WISN, 7-2-13 twice a month at a Sacramento motel. Source: charged with defrauding a Brookfield, WI, bank night when he was a priest at Holy Rosary Cath- An unidentified 18-year-old is charged with Appeal-Democrat, 6-28-13 out of $1.55 million. About $800,000 was used olic Church in Woodland in 2007-09. sexual assault of a child at Falls Baptist Church Julius Blackwelder, 59, Trumbull, CT: 46 to buy a school to turn into a church, $246,500 “She woke up and the defendant was lying in Menomonee Falls, WI. According to the crimi- months in prison and an undetermined amount was used to pay off an existing mortgage on the next to her in bed,” the prosecutor said. In ex- nal complaint, the alleged perpetrator was found of restitution for wire fraud and money launder- property and the rest went for fees and improve- change for the plea, 6 other felony counts were in a darkened nursery room with a 6-year-old ing. Blackwelder, known as Bishop Julius at ments. dropped. Source: Sacramento Bee, 7-6-13 girl. his Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Woodson then allegedly tried to get a loan Charles R. Manning, 78, St. Louis: Guilty He told police that voices in his head told him congregation, lost more than $1.5 million that he on the property from Chemical Bank in Michi- by jury of contributing to the delinquency of a to “rape her,” the complaint said. The girl told po- took from church members and associates and gan, but couldn’t because of the existing lien on minor. Manning, former pastor at St. Gabriel the lice he took off her underwear and performed a invested in Ponzi schemes. the church from the Wisconsin bank. He then Archangel Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, August 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

A female victim said she felt “like a sheep lesting them in the late 1960s and early 1970s. John Prominski, senior pastor at Resurrec- being led to slaughter by the good shepherd. I The Diocese of Fall River, MA, and the Documents detail tion Life Church, Ionia, MI, charged with failure no longer attend church. I stand before you de- Servants of the Paraclete, Jemez Springs, numerous sex acts with to report child abuse, had the charge dismissed frauded and duped.” Source: Connecticut Post, NM, are also defendants. Porter was treated at by a district court, but the prosecution has ap- 6-27-13 the latter in 1993 for pedophilia. minors, and at least one pealed. The district judge ruled the pastor’s con- Maj. Geoffrey Alleyne, Ft. Bliss, TX: 6 “You know something’s wrong but you don’t versation with a woman who told him she was months in the brig after being found guilty of know what it is,” said Jim Grimm of his alleged involving an animal. worried about her husband’s sexual interest in assault and battery, making a false official abuse as a child by Porter. “It paralyzes you at — report on decades of his stepdaughters was privileged. statement and conduct unbecoming an officer. times.” Source: Bemidji Pioneer, 6-24-13 She told the pastor in 2009 that her husband Alleyne, a member of the Chaplain Corps and A circuit judge in Montgomery County, MD, abuse in the Milwaukee had “the girls touch themselves so they wouldn’t 24-year Army veteran, was sentenced for re- ruled that some of the alleged molestation vic- pee on themselves in the woods.” Prominski peatedly groping Michelle Ten Eyck, a civilian tims of personnel at Sovereign Grace Minis- Catholic Archdiocese met with the man, who denied any wrongdoing. employee at the base. tries waited too long (past 3 years after turning In 2011, the woman was awakened by a said, “Years ago, when I was young and foolish, Alleyne’s attempts to fondle and kiss her 18) to sue. Pastors and churches could still face daughter’s screams. The stepfather had gone I did not abuse them. were initially ignored by base officials and other criminal charges. into her room and touched her sexually, for “However, I looked at their genitals. I did not chaplains, Ten Eyck told KFOX 14 in El Paso. A Renee Palmer Gamby was a toddler when which he was charged with criminal sexual con- touch their genitals at all though. Was careful charge of sexual assault, which carried a maxi- she was allegedly molested by a male baby- duct. The pastor allegedly told the woman to not to do that at all. It’s stupid. I know that. But mum sentence of 20 years, was dropped. sitter from Covenant Life in Gaithersburg, the report it or he would. again, I look back, I did not handle, I did not She alleged her complaints were only taken flagship church of the neo-Calvinist denomina- A state Court of Appeals panel heard argu- fondle them at all.” Source: MPR, 7-9-13 seriously after investigators set up a hidden tion. ments June 11. From the questioning, it ap- A federal judge refused to dismiss a wom- camera in her office. “The video showed him Renee’s mother said their pastor told her not peared that Prominski may be in the clear. “I an’s claim against the Catholic Diocese of touching me, touching my breasts, licking my to call police and made Renee forgive the al- think it’s very heavy-handed on the part of your Camden, NJ, for alleged sexual abuse by Fr. face,” said Ten Eyck, whose husband is in the leged perpetrator. Years later, they found similar office,” Justice Stephen Borrello told Kristen Thomas Harkins of St. Anthony of Padua Par- National Guard. “And he blocked me in my of- stories on a blog titled “Sovereign Grace Minis- Stinedurf, assistant prosecutor. ish in Hammonton. Lisa Syvertson Shanahan, fice. I had nowhere to go.”Source: military.com, tries Survivors.” Justice David Sawyer asked if it would be 44, alleges Harking molested her 10-15 times 6-24-13 The suit alleges decades of sexual and “prosecuting someone for, in essence, practic- when she was 11 and was taking catechism Roderick Janssen, 37, Calgary, ALB: 14 physical abuse of boys and girls at Covenant ing their faith?” Source: mlive.com, 6-11-13 classes in 1980-81. years in prison after pleading guilty to 18 counts Life and Sovereign Grace Church of Fairfax. During the final incident of abuse, Shanahan of sexual assault and making and distributing Plaintiffs allege beatings, a gang rape and mo- Allegations alleges, “Harkins brought [her] to his bedroom in Patrizio Poggi, 46, Rome, told Italian au- child pornography from 2006-11 while working lestations at an elementary school and at other the priest’s home, the rectory, pulled down [her] thorities that a former police officer pimped boys as a volunteer at an unidentified church. His vic- church functions. tights, and sexual [sic] abused her by putting his for 9 clergymen. Poggi, who served 5 years for tims were all male. The youngest was 6. One alleged abuser is Stephen Griney, a hands on her genitals and digitally penetrating molesting teen boys as a Catholic priest at San His porn collection included 78,841 images bible study teacher who also headed a chil- her.” Filippo Neri Church, said he made the allega- and 3,374 videos. Source: CBC News, 6-14-13 dren’s ministry. The suit details a gang rape Harkins also tried to force her hand onto tions to “protect the Holy Church and the Chris- Jake A. Garcia, 23, San Antonio: 6 months where adults wore masks and the victim was an his penis, alleges the complaint, which says tian community.” in jail, sex offender counseling and 160 hours 8-year-old girl. the abuse stopped when Harkins was removed The boys were paid €150 to €500 to per- of community service after pleading guilty to The suit names 4 current officials of the Fair- from the parish without explanation. He now form sex acts on church premises around online solicitation of a minor younger than 14. fax church for allegedly covering up the abuse works as an airport security guard in Philadel- Rome, Poggi claimed. He alleged the former The 12-year-old victim, who was a member of and forcing victims to forgive their molesters. phia. Source: Courthouse News Service, 7-9-13 officer sold consecrated hosts for satanic rites. Garcia’s youth group at Scenic Hills Seventh- Source: WJLA, 5-16-13 Alejandro Flores, 40, U.S. custody: Flores, Poggi reportedly gave documentary and Day Adventist Church, sent him photos at his re- a Bolivian native serving as a Catholic priest in photo evidence to police and identified the per- quest of herself in her underwear and in sexual Civil Lawsuits Settled Terms of the settlement weren’t disclosed in Illinois, was paroled in June after serving part sons involved. Cardinal Agostino Vallini, head of positions. a Texas suit filed in 2011 by “John Doe” against of a 4-year sentence for molesting an 8-year-old the Catholic Vicariate of Rome, said he doesn’t Garcia’s text messages ranged from, “Gurl the El Paso Catholic Diocese and the Jesuits boy. Immigration officials took him into custody believe Poggi’s allegations. Source: Internation- I am soo n love w u!” to descriptions of sexual of the New Orleans Province. and planned to start deportation proceedings, al Business Times, 6-28-13 acts. Source: Express-News, 6-14-13 “The plaintiff was 8 to 12 years old [in the which Flores said he would not contest. 1970s] when he was sexually abused by Fr. Al- Barbara Blaine, president of the Survivors Removed / Resigned Civil Lawsuits Filed Paul Gotta, East Windsor, CT, pastor of St. Yvon Arsenault, a New Brunswick Catho- phonso Madrid when Madrid was assigned to Network of those Abused by Priests, wants to Philip’s and St. Catherine parishes, was placed lic priest who was removed from the ministry in Sacred Heart Church and school in the El Paso keep him in the U.S. “Our fear is that in Bolivia, on leave by the Hartford Archdiocese. The state 2012, is being sued by an alleged victim of child Diocese,” plaintiff’s lawyer Lori Watson said. people may not be aware of his history of abus- Department of Children and Families received a sexual abuse. The plaintiff is 54. The suit also Watson alleged church officials knew that ing children and with less resources and with complaint of sexual abuse of a minor involving names the Archdiocese of Moncton and three Madrid, who died in 1982, was a sexual preda- less knowledge and information of his history, it Gotta, said Maria Zone, church spokeswoman. former archbishops. tor but covered up crimes and moved him from makes it more likely that he’ll be able to return to Source: Hartford Courant, 7-15-13 The archdiocese has been hit with other law- parish to parish. Source: El Paso Times, 7-14- a position where he’ll have access to children.” Jerome Koerner, De Pere, WI, has been re- suits, and it’s estimated it will pay $5 million to 13 Source: Chicago Tribune, 7-8-13 moved from the Catholic clergy by the Diocese victims. As of May, 80 people had been com- The Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. The Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld the of Green Bay over an allegation he molested a pensated. Joseph has agreed to pay $2.25 million to the 2009 reckless homicide convictions of Leilani boy in the 1960s. Koerner was ordained in 1960 In May, the archdiocese announced it was family of a 14-year-old who killed himself in and Dale Neumann, whose 11-year-old daugh- and served until 1972, when he resigned as an cutting staff to 14 from 19. The office in Dieppe 1983, allegedly as a result of sexual abuse he ter Madeline died in 2008 from undiagnosed active priest. is being sold to save $50,000 annually in oper- suffered at the hands of a priest. diabetes. The couple, who are Pentecostal Gary Siebers, 64, of San Diego, has pub- ating costs. Source: CBC, 7-15-13 The parents of Brian Teeman, who shot Christians, appealed, contending that state law licly accused Koerner of molesting him multiple Nineteen former students at Yeshiva Uni- himself, had sued the diocese and Fr. Thomas let them treat the girl’s illness with prayer and times from 1960-67 when he was a student at versity High School for Boys in New York O’Brien, 86. The suit alleges O’Brien forced protected them from being charged with child Holy Cross Grade School in Kaukauna, where City have sued the school for $380 million for Brian and 3 other boys to perform sex acts in abuse. Koerner, now married, was parish priest. allegedly covering up sexual abuse by Rab- the sacristy. In a 6-1 decision, Justice David Prosser Source: Press-Gazette, 7-5-13 bis George Finkelstein and Macy Gordon in The diocese will place a bench in Brian’s dissented, claiming child abuse laws regard- 1969-89. Of the accusations, 16 are against honor at Nativity of Mary Parish. ing prayer healing have “serious deficiencies,” Other Finkelstein and 3 against Gordon. The latter The diocese said in a statement, “While the adding he thought the verdicts were not unjust. John Capparelli, 64, Newark, NJ, has is accused of sodomizing a victim with a tooth- facts surrounding Brian’s death have remained Source: Wausau Herald, 7-3-13 agreed to accept revocation of his teaching brush in his dorm room. unclear, the tragedy of it is certain. The Catholic The Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee certificates over multiple allegations he groped Yeshiva Chancellor Norman Lamm, who community prays that God’s face shines upon released files on 42 diocesan priests identified teen boys in the 1970s and 1980s as a Catho- was president when much of the abuse alleg- Brian, His peace descend on the Teeman family as dismissed or restricted from ministry due to lic priest. He’s taught math in Newark public edly took place, announced his retirement July and His healing presence strengthen all hearts.” substantiated claims of sexual abuse. The pub- schools since 1993. He was suspended from 1. Source: N.Y. Times, 7-9-13 Source: KSHB, 7-8-13 lic airing stems from bankruptcy proceedings. active ministry in 1992 but remains a priest. Anthony Cheverez, 46, Miami, pastor of The Congregation of the Holy Cross and Documents also show that 4 years before “I’m happy that after all this time, he’s finally Sanctuary Pentecostal Church, is being sued numerous plaintiffs agreed to a settlement of the archdiocese filed for bankruptcy, then-Arch- being held accountable,” said Rich Fitter, who by 4 women who left the church and claim they $18 million for victims of abuse at three Catholic bishop Timothy Dolan sought Vatican approval alleges Capparelli touched him inappropriately lent him a total of about $20,000. Cheverez institutions in Quebec, a settlement that may be to move nearly $57 million in cemetery funds off and brutalized him during “submission wres- refused to comment on the suits filed by Nery the largest ever in Canada. the books and into a trust to shelter them “from tling” matches.” He should not be around chil- Nancy García, who is disabled, hot dog vendor The 206 victims, and in some cases their any legal claim or liability.” dren. To me, he should be in jail.” Luz Marina Méndez, Luisa Guerra and Karla parents, will share about $13 million. The other Records show that abusive priests were Capparelli admitted no wrongdoing under Zaldívar. $5 million will go to lawyers’ fees, adjudicators’ shuffled around for decades, including the late the revocation settlement and his pension re- “I was conned mercilessly by these people,” honorariums and other expenses. Fr. Lawrence Murphy, thought to have mo- mains intact. Records show he earned about said García, crying. “This false prophet used the “It’s clear the 206 people we’re talking about lested up to 200 boys at St. John School for the $96,000 annually. Source: Star-Ledger, 6-28-13 word of God to take our money. And he told us is a sad minority of the total number of victims,” Deaf, and Fr. Sigfried Widera, who was facing Terry McAuliffe, an Australian Anglican constantly that he was an immigration official.” said victims’ spokesman Sebastien Richard. 42 counts when he jumped to his death from a priest who found a $6,500 diamond bracelet in Cheverez actually works as an ICE mainte- “There were 40 aggressors identified by the vic- Mexico hotel room in 2003. a Perth parking lot, at first turned it in to police. nance mechanic. Source: Miami Herald, 7-6-13 tims, and 5 of them are still alive today.” Source: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel summa- After 2 months he claimed it as his own after the The Archdiocese of Denver and Jose Canadian Press, 7-12-13 rized: “Documents detail numerous sex acts real owner couldn’t be found. Saenz, former pastor at St. Mary of the Crown with minors, and at least one involving an ani- Then, through a security code on the brace- Mission in Carbondale, CO, are being sued by Legal Developments mal; millions of dollars paid in settlements with let, he tracked it to Lesley and Clyde Bevan. Louisiana’s 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals de- “Jane Doe 43,” who claims Saenz took advan- victims and their families; and priests who so- Clyde had given it to Lesley 8 years ago. McAu- nied lowering bail bond further for former Catho- tage of her sexually in 2011. She alleges Saenz licited victims in the confessional, considered liffe wrote them: “As you have thus lost own- lic priest Mark Broussard, 57, charged with 2 met her at a hotel for counseling after she called among the gravest of church crimes.” ership of the bracelet, you have a valid claim counts of aggravated rape, oral sexual battery, him about being depressed. At least 3 accused priests received pay- against your insurer for its insured value. On the aggravated oral sexual battery and molesta- He allegedly ended up praying over her na- ments when they left the priesthood before basis that equality is equity, I would be prepared tion of a juvenile in 1986-91. He was originally ked body on the bed before taking his clothes off Dolan became archbishop. Six more left under to sell it to you for 50 per cent of its insured charged with 224 counts of child sexual abuse. and assaulting her. Dolan and received $20,000 each. value.” Judge David Ritchie lowered Broussard’s A church press release said Saenz has The first abuse complaint about Milwaukee He then told a newspaper, “I have been giv- bond from $3.42 million to $1.5 million but de- agreed to “step away from parish ministry [in priest Daniel Budzynski came in 1973 but not en a gift fallen from the sky. What do I do with nied a request to drop it to $200,000. Source: Aurora] until further notice.” Source: CBS Den- until 2003 was his laicization sought. He was my gift? That’s up to me to decide. I’m just offer- American Press, 7-12-13 ver, 7-6-13 linked in 1994 to molestations of some 50 indi- ing to share the windfall.” Plaintiff David Pususta, 66, Waverly, MN, is The Irish government has agreed to pay viduals at 11 parishes from 1965-94. The Bevans weren’t happy to read that, nor asking a Ramsey County court to unseal the about 600 survivors of Catholic workhouses In a 1960s case, he was simultaneously was McAuliffe’s superior, Archbishop Roger names of 33 priests the Archdiocese of St. known as the Magdalene laundries at least engaged in sexual activity with a young boy, Herft. “I find the whole story to be quite repre- Paul and Minneapolis says have been credibly $45 million. Thousands of “fallen” women and his mother and her female friend, documents hensible. There is an issue in the law, but once accused of child sexual abuse. girls were forced to do unpaid manual labor show. In a 1981 incident in Waukesha, he came the owner was established the moral code must Pususta alleges he started being molested there. From 1922-96, there were 10 such laun- to Friday night dinner, drank a lot and stayed apply,” Herft said. as a 10-year-old altar boy by John Brown, pas- dries in the Republic of Ireland. Source: BBC, overnight. Herft’s public disgust and other bad publicity tor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He accuses 6-26-13 After the parents went to bed, Budzynski convinced McAuliffe to return the bracelet to its Brown of touching him sexually during a coun- “Jane Doe 4,” a woman in her 50s living near made sexual advances toward a 13-year-old rightful owner. seling visit meant to discuss “the birds and the Bemidji, MN, is suing the Catholic Diocese of boy and his brother, 18. The family also sus- “If it wasn’t for the media asking probing bees.” Pususta stopped going to church after Crookston. She alleges she was molested as pected he went into a room where 2 younger questions and basically chasing him down more incidents. a child of age 9 by parish priest James Porter. children were sleeping. Documents don’t men- the street with cameras, it wouldn’t have hap- Brown, now 92, lives in a St. Paul nursing She is Porter’s first female alleged victim. tion law enforcement being informed. Source: pened,” Clyde Bevan said. Source: Huffington home, where a reporter found him. He told the About 20 males have accused Porter, 55, of mo- Journal Sentinel, 7-2/6-13 Post, 6-26-13 Email: [email protected] reporter he remembers a boy named David, but Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013

Letterbox FFRF ad countering FFRF Albuquerque, N.M. Hobby Lobby a hit Members add support Wonderful ad in the July 4 New for FFRF’s work York Times! I can’t resist any longer — please update my membership to Please renew my membership and “Life.” use the remainder for your legal fund. Richard Kirschman I wish your organization had been California around when my public school day • • • started with a compulsory prayer (New Excellent ad in the Los Angeles York state, 1955-1961). Our legisla- Times. I have been a member for more ture mandated it so we could prove we then 25 years. Enclosed in my $200 weren’t “Godless Communists.” contribution to the legal fund. I hope The good news is that it didn’t con- that the next issue of your newspaper vert me, but rather just made me angry Good luck with that will describe the success of the ads that at church-school entanglement. A Florida member sent this along as an example of how some folks seem to appeared in all the other cities and Los Rodney Goetzel have put their critical thinking skills on permanent vacation. Angeles. California S. Chic Wolk • • • California Enclosed is a check for $1,000. I ap- will not fly in the courts. dilute our efforts with secondary and • • • preciate the efforts of FFRF and am As the Tucson City Council consid- tertiary issues. Thank you for allowing Doreen and I were so proud to be impressed by your energy. Keep up the ers the legitimate request of the Free- me to have my say. members and supporters of FFRF to- good work. Use the check for any of dom From Religion Foundation to Allen Cosnow day. In our July 4 Arizona Republic, your projects. remove the “A” Mountain shrine, it Illinois Hobby Lobby, a Christian Right group Hal Strayer should bear in mind that many other published a full-page ad entitled “In Michigan municipalities have received similar Author: Read book God We Trust.” It gave their “evidence” requests from FFRF. Those cities have for our being a Christian nation. Religious shrine needs found it much less expensive to remove before judging it A few pages later was the FFRF full- religious displays from public property In her letter [June/July13], Sue page disclosure presenting clearly to be moved than to fight this group that has settled Gibson says because men leer at wom- convincing evidence that our beloved This letter from FFRF Life Member Steve constitutional law on its side. en in exotic dance clubs that a segment country is celebrating our godless Con- Uhl was originally published in Tucson’s The City Council needs to reflect of the Christian Right wants to shut stitution. Thanks for the convincing, Arizona Daily Star on July 3. It’s an excel- on the fact that faith is a personal, pri- down through the agency of govern- timely and well-crafted publication. lent example of how members can influence vate and subjective matter. Everyone ment, nontheists and feminists should Harold and Doreen Saferstein public opinion via letters to the editor. has the right to believe or not believe pay no heed: “If we do things just be- Arizona whatever one chooses so long as it does cause Christians are against them, our • • • The “A” Mountain religious shrine not violate the rights of others or our actions are still being determined by Thank you so much for running the issue has generated a lot of interest and Constitution. This leaves untouched them.” terrific July 4 ads. We saw it in three enthusiastic expressions of widely vary- the right of faith-based groups to have However, as I pointed out when my newspapers this morning — Boulder ing opinions. Personal opinions range their symbols on their own premises or article ran [April13], nontheism does Camera, Denver Post and New York from “if you don’t like the shrine, live on private property. not exist in a vacuum. Quoting Nadine Times. Really made us happy! somewhere else” to “it’s junk littering When such groups, however, insist Strossen: “Once we cede to the govern- Tim Helton our desert, get rid of it.” on placing their religious displays on ment the power to violate one right for Colorado What’s a wise City Council to do as government property, land belonging one person, or group, then no right is • • • it weighs its options on how to react to to the entire community, they flaunt safe for any person or group. So when Many, many thanks for your full- the complaint by the Freedom From their personal belief systems, disre- we defend sexual expression, we are re- page, full-color message “Celebrate Religion Foundation? In my view, the spect the beliefs of others and violate ally making a stand not only against a Our Godless Constitution,” which ap- City Council should follow the law both our Constitution and the golden specific kind of censorship.” peared July 4 in the Seattle Times. I while showing sensitivity to Catholics rule, both of which work for believers Regarding the objectification of was thrilled to see it. While I have been who consider the shrine holy, to others and nonbelievers. women, men do gaze at dancers — aware of the message’s contents for who see it as integral part of our com- Atheists and believers alike should and models, athletes, media stars and many years (as was my father before munity’s heritage, and to secularists insist that Tucson City Manager Rich- women on the street and beach. Some me), I’m also aware that almost no one who want public areas free of religious ard Miranda and the City Council do feminists believe in women’s choice else is. symbolism. the mutually respectful thing, the con- to express themselves free from male- I showed the ad to two other peo- Our Founding Fathers knew of stitutional thing, the right thing. Move dominated government and church ple who also were in agreement. I also the centuries of bloody religious wars the Catholic shrine off public property. interference. phoned the Seattle Times to thank that tore Europe apart, as well as the Stephen Uhl is a former Catholic priest, I strongly urge people to read Na- them for publishing your message. decades of colonial sectarian strife a retired psychologist and a friendly atheist. ked Truth: Strip Clubs, Democracy, and a Marie Martin Hall among settlers on the eastern shore es- Contact him at author@outofgodscloset. Christian Right, which is based on 15 Washington caping from European dissent. These com. years of research nationwide to learn • • • men recognized that faith-based issues about the views and realities of stake- Great ad in the papers July 4. We could have similar consequences for Maintain focus on holders in the exotic dance industry, picked up several copies. I really like our new country. An attempt to de- and also to read the history of the First the three strong messages: “Celebrate fuse this destructive potential was the these three issues Amendment. our Godless Constitution” and “In Rea- purpose of the opening sentence in I strongly agree with comments in Judith Lynne Hanna, Ph.D. son We Trust” with the original Pledge the First Amendment to our federal Sue Gibson’s letter in the June/July is- Maryland of Allegiance, too. The quotes by our Constitution: “Congress shall make no sue that said “just because Christians founders were well-chosen, and I hope law respecting an establishment of re- are against [a thing] doesn’t make it Better motto: ‘In they got the attention of some “Chris- ligion, or prohibiting the free exercise a bandwagon for atheists to jump on. tian nation” promoters. thereof.” If we do things just because Christians Treasury We Trust’ The ad ran on page 7 of the Albu- Thomas Jefferson interpreted this are against them, our actions are still A June/July letter headlined “Keep querque Journal right after the Hobby phrase to mean a “wall of separation being determined by them.” currency neutral regarding God” stat- Lobby ad on page 5. between Church and State”; the Su- Exactly! This includes, to my view, ed that an atheist position would be We continue to work on state/ preme Court interprets it to mean that all of FFRF’s attention and efforts with to put “There Is No God” on our cur- church issues here as we get better ed- government shall neither favor reli- stem cell research, abortion, birth con- rency. I believe for most atheists, the ucated on the subject. We plan to fol- gion over irreligion nor one religion trol, euthanasia, and various homo- position would be the neutral position low up with some letters to the editor over another. Our government must be sexual issues, especially those involving the letter writer describes: no religious on some key points. We have prepared neutral to religion. Accordingly, mul- something as peripheral as Boy Scouts. motto at all. a simple video with our basic principles tiple court decisions affirm religious Those are all social issues which will Lacking any evidence on which to and hope to launch it next week. shrines such as those on “A” Mountain be handled one way or another by the base a belief in any god, I feel it is gra- Thanks for all the great informa- are unconstitutional because they vio- zeitgeist, as they should be. tuitous to make any declaration about tion in Freethought Today. I am now late these principles. If the pope inveighed against tat- God or gods. The issue is moot. reading The Good News Club: The Chris- These are facts, not opinion. The toos, or if Rick Perry tried to pass anti- If we want to have an appropriate tian Right’s Stealth Assault on America’s claims that religious objects on pub- tattoo legislation, would tattoo rights money motto, it could be “In the U.S. Children by Katherine Stewart. She did lic property are not health or safety be yet another bandwagon for us to Treasury We Trust.” a great job and provides additional in- hazards, or that they should remain ride off in all directions on? Please Gary Garb spiration and talking points to support because they’ve been there for a long focus on nontheism, defense of the Pennsylvania our action. time, or that the complainants should Establishment Clause and fighting dis- Ron Herman, Chapter Director “get a life” and find better things to do, crimination against atheists, and not August 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

tion of the Rights of Women, was pub- The story of her life that I like was lished in 1792. It was there she met and published in 1978. Written with love by fell in love with a questionable charac- Claire Tomalin, it’s called The Life and ter named Gilbert Imlay. Death of Mary Wollstonecraft. Two years later, Mary bore their love Del Roy child, Fanny (who would commit sui- Oregon cide at 22). She returned to London in Editor’s note: You can read Wollstone- 1795, her unhappy love life leading to craft’s and other Freethought of the Day en- a suicide attempt which was thwarted tries at ffrf.org/news/day/, where you can by Imlay. That year she traveled on her also sign up to receive them by email. own with year-old Fanny to Scandinavia on behalf of some of Imlay’s business Agnostic shouldn’t be dealings, an effort that failed. One rainy night in London, she four-letter word walked around until her clothes were When I read in your publication soaked, then jumped into the Thames, that there was no evidence of the exis- only to be rescued by a stranger who tence of God — therefore there was no saw her jump. Returning to work with God and that was proof that God did Joseph Jefferson, she renewed an old not exist — I nearly flipped. You can’t acquaintance with William Godwin. A prove that God does not exist. But the slow courtship led to a brief taste of theists have the same high bar to clear, happiness. and they are no nearer than you are. Then Mary got pregnant again. She There are still so many questions and Godwin married in March 1797 to which are not answered, and I think legitimize the birth of baby Mary, who can’t be answered, because we are fi- would become Mary Shelley of Fran- nite and cannot understand infinity, Welcome to FFRF kenstein. so I remain agnostic. Some insist that More than 700 people joined FFRF as a direct result of the July 4 ad (held One story has Mary’s midwife pan- that position is weak, that we just don’t by Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor, at right) that ran in 24 newspapers icking and sending for a doctor, who, want to stick out our necks, but I don’t nationwide. The ad countered the annual Hobby Lobby “Christian nation” with unwashed hands, probably infect- accept that. claim (held by FFRF staffer Katie Daniel). FFRF’s ad was censored only in ed Mary with septicemia, which caused Robert Stephens Oklahoma City, Hobby Lobby’s headquarters. her painful death 12 days later. Washington Lampooning the bozos time to evolve our name to make it more adaptable, Darwinian-style. works for me Carl Scheiman, Lifetime Member Sharing the Crank Mail You all do a great job. The first Maine thing every morning, I “faithfully” read Prayer & Religon: How dare u try to stop Deny the Truth: Do the research. Jesus is for Freethought of the Day. I love it! A Norski decalogue: prayer b/4 public mtgs! I’m appalled by people real. And Jesus loves you. Jesus gave you life, The work that your “fringe outsider who don’t live in our state try to cause problems and He gave His life for you so that you could group from militant Madison, Wis.” (King Olaf Version) where there r none. U hav a right to say what- live forever in heaven. The Truth is that God (home of the friendliest people in the There’s a granite stone bearing the ever u want, u can claim peaceful measures, but loves you very much, so much that Jesus was I hav a right to protest U! I wish u would read sent to die on a cross for your sin so that you U.S., in my opinion) is great in going Ten Commandments at the back door the Bible. It is the good book. — Jim Anderson, could be forgiven and be restored back into a up against the bozos. Religion is losing of the Clay County courthouse. Why Tennessee relationship with your Creator. If you would like its battles for the pews, so it’s politiciz- not request that this helpful transla- more information, or would like to know how to ing its message and trying desperately tion be placed beside it? You and FFRF may face legal action: So the give your life to Christ and be forgiven of your point is that creation is a fact of science, not sin, then please do not hesitate to contact me. to federalize its precepts. 1. Der’s only vun God, ya know. only a dogma of religion. When you deny the — Gunn de Paul I love getting my newspaper in the 2. Don’t make that fish on yer man- existence of God, you deny your own existence, plain white cover. I feel a bit like I tle an idol. because you deny the existence of human life. ASSHOLES: Fuck You — [email protected] did years ago when reading my older 3. Cussin’ ain’t Minnesota nice. — Kazmer Ujvarosy QUIT CRYING AND GROW UP: What a waste brother’s copies of National Lampoon 4. Go to church even ven yer up YOU: The fall of the Soviet Union must be hard of money. The cost of an entire back page just to in the ’70s! nort. for you to rationalize, and I look forward to your whine about your lack of religion. Shut up, grow Tracy Long 5. Honor yer folks. explanation of how freedom from religion was up, and stay dumb. Sure, Christian people think not able to create a utopia on earth in such a you are crazy. But your lack of concern does not North Carolina 6. Don’t kill. Catch and release. purist Soviet vacuum of religion. — Jim Jackson, stop God from loving you. He loves the lame- 7. Der’s only vun Lena for every Indianapolis, Indiana brains as well as the smart people. ­— George Update ‘atheist’ with Ole. No cheatin’. Wells, Alabama 8. If it ain’t yer lutefisk, don’t take Prayer before city meeting: If you don’t like new description prayer you can choose to do so and burn in hell Our mayor of our town commands us to go it. too. DO NOT think you will come to TX and push to church: I want Dan Barker and his wife and There’s a problem with coming out 9. Don’t be braggin’ about how your crap on us. That will be your worst mistake daughter to stop wearing sneakers forever. They as an atheist: negative reactions. It’s much snow ya shoveled. you ever make in your life you bunch of idiots can wear any enclosed laced footwear they want automatic, and most of the time, the 10. Keep yer mind off yer neighbor’s should all drink some antifreeze at your next except sneakers. Sneakers serve no purpose to meeting. — Jay David, Spring, Texas our kind. Any other type of enclosed laced shoe reactors can’t actually tell us what the jente [girl]. is better than a sneaker. I will sue your founda- word means. (If this weren’t true, we Bill Treumann your sick views on my personal life: I think tion if you don’t comply. Not every new thing we wouldn’t have to come out to begin Minnesota that the individual should be the one to decide have in society is needed. Soda is a new inven- with.) Words are powerful images in what they want, no some cockeyed group of tion (1800s) but we know it is bad for us,same idiots. I try to mind my own business, why can’t thing for oil refineries, steel mills, coal plants etc. religions. As one commentor stated it, Wollstonecraft was you? my business ends at the end of my nose, Same thing with sneakers too.tell danny this. religions are all about words, as in “the and so does yours. Fight the good finght, like — Michael Donaldson, Kissimee, Florida word was made flesh.” freethinking feminist getting illegals out of the country so Americans can work. YOU ARE SICK. I suppose you will Hello: I just wanted to say how worthless you Atheists are looking for an accept- I wish we could have thrown a birth- have a hit time out for me now that you know pieces of shit are. Jesus Christ created this able image. The word “Brights” has day party April 27 for freethinker Mary who I am and where I livve. — William Seekings, world, and how dare you try to remove him from been suggested, with mixed reactions; Wollstonecraft, an early advocate of Tucson, Arizona this world. You all are worthless COCKSUCK- likewise, “post-theological.” I was look- women’s rights way back in 1792. ERS. Fuck off. How’s that for your freedom of NEWTOWN, CONNETICUT: Aren’t you glad speech BITCH? — Jeremy Smith, Michigan ing for a positive image to counter a Mary was born in England on April there is a HELL where this mass murderer of in- negative one and noticed the com- 27, 1759 — 254 years ago. Her father nocent, young children is already receiving his Your oppression is good material for me: Roy monly used designation “Christian” was a drunken farmer, her mother a just punishment? Aren’t you glad that there is a Costner, a valedictorian at Liberty High School, ends with “ian.” So I checked with the cold woman raising six children. Her Heaven where these young children are now in recited the Lord’s Prayer. That sent you com- Glory with God? Aren’t you glad that there is a rades into a tailspin. Check the dosage on that dictionary under “ian” and it’s defined unhappy childhood included friends Heaven where these grieving parents will some- bottle of Xanax, Che. — Roy Adcox, Roanoke, as “belonging to, relating to.” We can and neighbors who helped her learn day be with their children? When you die, will Va. use it ourselves. to read and write. She taught school as you be with the mass murderer or will you be The trouble, as I see it, is that “athe- a young woman and later was a govern- with these children? — Only Believe, Lexington, Partnership: Hello Friends. Praise King Je- Ky. sus, am so happy to read about you and my ist” ends in “ist,” and that ending has ess to wealthy families. pray is that if can be in partnerships with your negative connotations, as in, “terror- At 20 she moved to London to write You people should NEVER interfere with team would be great in the Kingdom of God. ist, communist, fascist, socialist, anar- and met a publisher named Joseph Jef- GODs work! EVER! This is the reason why kids — Edward Odongo, Lira, Uganda now are so under disciplined. Have no skills, no chist.” (I left out Baptists, but notice: ferson, who became a mentor. Mary compassion, no self worth, anything!! No one South Carolina Laughs At You: We are a their numbers are declining.) wrote reviews, a novel and a children’s has control over them because you say it is ok, Christian state. Nobody here cares what you With that in mind, I suggest “Athe- book. She learned French and Ger- heck, better that no one say go to church. You people think in California. Come setup shop in ian” or “A-Theian.” Or, as Dan Barker man to be able to do translations. With won’t to do away with everything religous! When our state. We dare you. — Victor Webster, Flor- the LORD returns, and HE WILL!! You all will ence, SC might jokingly suggest, “Atheistian.” Jefferson’s help she met Tom Paine, be the ones standing there saying, why did we And think of the opportunity of an- Joseph Priestley and other important do what we did? STOP THIS TURNING PEO- Freedom: Here’s another freedom for you, free- swering those who might ask, “What people of the time. PLE AWAY FROM JESUS AND WANTING TO dom of speech. Kindly go f**k yourselves, twice! the hell is an A-Theian?” At 31, intrigued by the politics of PRAY AT SCHOOL, DURING GRADUATION, And no, I’m not a Christian, I’m an atheist who DURING SEND OFFS FOR OUR TROOPS!! respects others rights to live the way they want All right, yes, there is a rich and the French Revolution, she sailed for — Jack Hammand, Grand Rapids, Mich. to. So again, go f**k yourselves. — John A.G. proud tradition of atheism. Maybe it’s France. Her feminist bible, A Vindica- Keil Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013 Elliott offers secular suggestions, not commandments Photo: TimothyHughes FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott 9) Recognize judicial limitations. funds and faces additional charges for discussed state/church issues at the 10) Be persistent. alleged theft and money laundering.) July 7 meeting of the Lake Superior “Understanding the motivations be- Understanding the true motivations Freethinkers, which is an FFRF chap- hind government preference for reli- behind government action can help in- ter that meets in Duluth, Minn. El- gion is beneficial,” he said, adding that form freethinkers about ways to coun- liott’s speech, titled “Honor Thy First “state/church conflicts often involve ter violations, Elliott said. Amendment,” offered “10 suggestions” ‘territory marking,’ where symbolic He encouraged people to be vocal for improving state/church separa- importance is the primary motivation and visible when state/church issues tion. above any true desire to indoctrinate arise in their community. “Even a small Noting that the region has had its in religious matters.” minority can help prevent violations share of controversies surrounding the For example, FFRF’s 2010 complaint when public officials become aware Ten Commandments, Elliott said that a in Hawkins County, Tenn., involved a that ‘majority rule’ does not apply to list of “10 suggestions” for understand- juvenile court judge who was granted constitutional issues.” ing or advancing the First Amendment approval to place a Ten Command- It’s important to be persistent. Be- is fitting: ments plaque in the county’s Justice cause instant fixes are rare, repeated 1) Understand motivations. Center. The judge, the county com- contact with government officials is of- 2) Understand “the script” (how missioners and the community did not ten necessary to address Establishment communities react in a predictable notice that the proposed plaque only Clause violations. Elliott said that FFRF fashion to state/church complaints). included nine commandments. The routinely has to contact government 3) Ask for information. motivation for the plaque seemed to be officials multiple times before an issue Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott 4) Be diplomatic. for its symbolism and to put on the ap- is resolved. 5) Encourage sunshine. pearance that the judge was pious, not The Lake Superior Freethinkers religion and separation of church and 6) Challenge bad ideas. to actually teach the decalogue. (Nota- describes itself as “a friendship group state.” Meetings are the first Sunday of 7) Coordinate efforts. bly, the judge was sentenced to three in support of rational thought, moral- each month at the Radisson Hotel in 8) Emphasize equality. years in prison in 2012 for theft of state ity without superstition, freedom from Duluth.

Hearing Jack’s courageous deathbed confession

By Sarah Jones about towns that boomed when coal Jack was dying and No crisis of faith was king and floundered when only cinders were left. We knew of neigh- he knew it. This I was happy that it was me there with borhoods that, even two generations him instead of one of the chaplains, later, were divided into European eth- was a dying man’s who would have seen this as a “faith I met Jack (not his real name) in nic subcultures, each with their own crisis” and would have tried to assure the assisted living portion of a retire- Catholic church, annual church picnic furious lament. him he was mistaken and it would ment community. Although ravaged and mouth-watering Old World cui- all be OK. Jack probably would have by a stroke and the rapidly progressing sine. We talked about halupki, halush- punched them. physical and cognitive symptoms of a ki, potato pancakes and pasta fagiole, But there was no joy or celebration neurological disorder, he still had fine- and our friendship was sealed. cal conclusions: Either he did it wrong for him in this eye-opening experi- ly sinewed arm and neck muscles that I became the one the nurses called and therefore the lack of the promised ence. Jack was dying and he knew it. spoke of a lifelong routine of fitness. whenever he was having a really hard result was his fault, or, he was, as he put This was a dying man’s furious lament. He was still quick with a snappy day. They were afraid of him on those it, “duped.” If I had been the type to pray, I comeback and had a fiery glint to his days. He never scared me, even when He gave himself the proper credit in would have prayed for Jack’s dementia eye. Jack was ex-military through and he was trying to. I was part of the team that he felt he did go through all the to sweep his brilliant and devastating through, a problem solver by nature that arranged his move to the nurs- motions properly. That only left the epiphany back into the dark corners of and profession. He thrived on chasing ing home when he needed more care. other option, and Jack was mad. his awareness. The air around his bed- down answers and solutions and took That move ripped apart the last shreds I sat with him as he seethed over ridden form crackled with his pain. great satisfaction from getting the ex- of his grasp of time. the profound betrayal of the whole Eventually he was exhausted, and pected results from following proper “racket.” He was mad at his mother I was able to take my leave. The next procedures. ‘You figured it out!’ for indoctrinating him and mad at the time we saw one another he did not A man with a temper not far be- church for being the reason he denied speak of it, and I didn’t bring it up. He neath the surface, Jack became very Then one day he revealed an old himself life experiences he now wished still had some bad days and good days. unpredictable as symptoms of demen- war he was fighting that he’d never he had pursued. I was not there when he died. tia crept in. He replayed past and re- spoken about to anyone before. He was mad at himself for being “So Jack’s children, believers still, prob- cent wrongs over and over in his mind, He’d been raised to be devoutly stupid!” as to go along with it for so ably made their peace by thinking that not realizing which were already re- Catholic, and as someone who liked many decades, hoping for something he was a good enough man in the end solved and which were not. formulas and results, he took well to magical to happen that never did. to make it into heaven. Or perhaps, if He was unable to tell if a conversa- Catholic ritual and routine. There He was mad at being pressured by they diligently followed the letter of tion he was quoting took place yester- were plans for what one should do and his Catholic upbringing to marry so certain canon laws, they mourned the day or last week or last year. His bull- avoid and how to be forgiven when early, because maybe he would have image of Jack suffering for his short- dog nature would not let his mind rest mistakes were made. There were days taken his time and found a better comings in the afterlife. or allow him to accept it when even his to celebrate and to repent with the match. He felt guilty about “dragging Jack and I mourned together before children told him to just let it go or let right God-pleasing words. my kids into this mess” of also believ- he died. We mourned the loss of the them take care of it. There were prayers for peace, for ing. He went on and on. lovely lie he tried so hard for so long to He lashed out at nursing staff help- marriage, for soldiers and prayers to It was like the anger over the real- convince himself he believed. I was so ing him with personal care needs. He find your lost keys. Jack learned all ization lit up his brain. He spoke with proud of him and yet so sad for him all was ashamed one moment, in violent the rules from his fastidiously Catholic such lucidity and expressiveness. The at once that day. denial the next and an apologetic gen- mother and followed them to a T. But atheist in me wanted to enthusiasti- Carrying his secret confession for tleman the moment after that. he didn’t get the promised results. Jack cally grab him by the shoulders and some time now has weighed heavily He and I bonded over dry cleaning and his wife had serious problems over yell, “Yes, you figured it out! It is all just on me. I decided to write it down and and a shared heritage. the years. He had strained relation- shit!” share it with others because I felt it Soon after meeting, I helped him ships with his children. And finally, he I wanted to welcome him to the club would be a good legacy for Jack. sort out an issue with being over- admitted to me one day, he just didn’t and congratulate him for putting the It turned out that the dry cleaner charged by the dry cleaner. He was so feel it. pieces together for himself through overcharging him was not the final happy that I took him seriously and we Jack spoke to me with great clarity honest introspection. But I was trained thing he got to the bottom of after all. got to the bottom of things. In retro- and honesty about the moment and his to not interject my opinions into the spect, it was the last time in his life he internal struggle. He didn’t feel what experiences of those who confided in FFRF member Sarah Jones (a pseu- was successful at such an endeavor. he was told his whole life he was sup- me. So I held his hand and reflected donym) lives in Virginia. In a state below the Mason-Dixon posed to feel about a relationship with back his thoughts to him to validate line, we were both Yankees who knew God. That led him to two possible logi- that I was listening. August 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23 Photo: Andrew Seidel Photo: Andrew

Atheist Ireland Chair Michael Nugent (left) with FFRF Co-President Dan Barker at the Empowering Women Through Secularism conference in Dublin June 29–30. Michael adopted Dan’s signature “claiming this world for freethought” pose.

Callie Bookman (left), vice president of the Secular Student Alliance at Ohio State University in Columbus, and Shannon Ransom, SSA-OSU alum, FFRF on the Road volunteered to help Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel staff FFRF’s table at the SSA Conference East convention July 12-14. Callie and Shannon’s persuasive talents helped sell over $500 in merchandise and each got a T-shirt.

Andrew Seidel (front, center) spoke July 15 at First Unitarian in Louisville, Ky., on the topic “The Greatest Story Ever Sold: America’s Judeo-Christian Heritage.” Organizer Ed Hensley is fourth from the right with his arm around his wife, Mikel, who is third from the right. (Mikel Hensley photo)

Dan Barker (second row, fourth from left), performed June 21 and spoke June 22 at the Secular Student Alliance Conference West in Las Vegas at the University of Nevada.

God only knows where Andrew “Waldo” Seidel is in this photo of the well- Andrew Seidel leads a resume-writing workshop July 14 at the SSA event. Also attended SSA Columbus conference. (Actually, he’s way at the top, center, light participating were Amanda Knief (far right), DJ Gregor (top left) and Sharon shirt.) Moss (out of frame). (Ellen Lundgren/SSA photo) Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2013 Come see ‘77 Square Miles Surrounded by Reality’ Register now for 36th annual national FFRF convention Sept. 27-29 in Madison

Juan Jim Jamila Ellery Sara Zach Shelley Dan Julia Andrew Liz Patrick Mendez McCollum Bey Schempp Paretsky Kopplin Segal Barker Sweeney Seidel Cavell Elliott The Freedom From Religion Foun- is worth taking); the Saturday morning Jill Sobule dation’s 36th annual convention in Farmers’ Market on the Square (still Madison, Wis., the last weekend of Sep- going strong at noon) including many tember will entertain and enlighten coffee, pastry and concession stands; 36th Annual Convention Schedule with a captivating lineup of newsmak- and the array of restaurants and shops ers, authors, entertainers and FFRF’s on and off State Street, which leads to friendly freethinking staff. But don’t the University of Wisconsin campus. Concourse Hotel, 1 W. Dayton Street forget the setting during what should Check out A Room of One’s Own be the prettiest weekend of the year. Bookstore (315 W. Gorham St.). Sam- Madison, Wisconsin Madison, the home of the Free- ple Babcock Hall ice cream at the Me- Tentative schedule subject to revision. dom From Religion Foundation, was morial Union fronting Lake Mendota. derisively dismissed by gubernatorial Other attractions are the Overture Friday, September 27 7:30 Emperor Has No Clothes Award candidate Lee Dreyfus in 1978 as “70 Center on upper State Street and the Second floor reception and registration area Dan Savage square miles surrounded by reality.” Frank Lloyd Wright Convention Cen- outside Madison Ballroom 8:15 “The Jill & Julia Show” Embracing that reputation, Madison ter on Lake Monona, three blocks 3:00 pm Early Registration opens and Comedic improv & songs with Julia Mayor Paul Soglin recently suggested from the Concourse Hotel. You might continues through convention Sweeney and Jill Sobule the updated “77 Square Miles Sur- also sneak a peek at the construction Complimentary Appetizers (hearty) CD, DVD and Book signings for Dan Savage rounded by Reality” be adopted as the site by FFRF’s expanding Freethought 3:30-4:15 pm Workshops in University and Jill & Julia Rooms Complimentary dessert reception city motto. Hall! 2013 Legal Report/Media Coverage His effort failed, but prompted Wis- Rooms are being held only through Highlights — Staff Attorneys Patrick Saturday, September 28 consin State Journal columnist Doug Thursday, Aug. 29 at the convention Elliott & Liz Cavell 8:00 am Non-Prayer Breakfast (for Moe to reminisce about a previous rate of $149 plus tax single, double, 4:30-5:15 “Sweat the Small Stuff — Why ticket holders) Madison slogan contest. Among the triple or quadruple at The Concourse It’s Important to Challenge State/ Rooms to be announced runners-up: “Even Oz needs a sister Hotel, 1 W. Dayton St., 800-356-8293 Church Violations” — Staff Attorney city,” “Somewhere between livestock or 608-257-6000. Reserve your room Andrew Seidel 9:30 Welcome and Woodstock,” “Madison — Where now, mentioning the Freedom From Dinner on your own All Saturday events take place in the Grand you can live in any decade you like,” Religion Foundation, or register on- 7:00 Welcome Ballroom and “Plenty of action between two bod- line at bit.ly/15vxIQp using room block All evening events take place in the Grand Director of Operations Lisa Strand ies” (with an aerial view of the isthmus 211725. Ballroom Co-Presidents Dan Barker & Annie between two lakes). Register with FFRF using the slip be- FFRF Co-Presidents Dan Barker & Laurie Gaylor In addition to the freethinking low or online (where complete details Annie Laurie Gaylor 10:00 am Richard & Beverly Hermsen speakers, awardees and entertainers, are available) at: Music at the piano – Dan Barker Student Activist Award Zack Kopplin convention-goers will enjoy the Capi- ffrf.org/outreach/convention “2013 Activism/Growth/Media 10:45 “Sex, Politics and Religion: SPAR tol Square one block from the conven- Note: Students now register FREE! Highlights” with Jamila” tion hotel (the free, short Capitol tour Journalist and comedian Jamila Bey 11:15 Freethought Heroine Award Register online at: http://ffrf.org/outreach/convention Novelist Sara Paretsky (booksigning follows) Return with payment to: FFRF, Attn: Convention, P.O. Box 750, Madison, WI 53701 Noon to 2 pm Lunch Break/Sightseeing on Freedom From Religion Foundation’s your own 36th Annual Convention 2:00 pm 50th Anniversary Celebration of Schempp decision September 27-28, 2013 Ellery Schempp, Supreme Court victor 2:30 Film: “The Lord Is Not on Trial The Madison Concourse Hotel Here Today” Madison, Wisconsin Introduced by filmmaker Jay Rosenstein Make checks payable to “FFRF” 3:45 65th Anniversary Celebration of Number registering McCollum decision Jim McCollum, Supreme Court Victor _____ FFRF member registration(s) @ $65 per person ...... $______4:15 Emperor Has No Clothes Award _____ Nonmember spouse or companion accompanying member @ $70...... $______Arizona State Representative Juan Mendez _____ Nonmember registration(s) @ $110 ...... $______(or join for $40, save $5!) 6:30 Dinner _____ Student registration(s) FREE! (ID and registration still required)...... $______(for ticketholders; extra chairs brought in for _____ Saturday Non-Prayer Breakfast @ $20* per person ...... $______non-diners before 8) ____ Classic ____ Classic Vegetarian ____ Vegan/gluten-free 8:00 Drawing for “clean” pre-In God We Trust currency _____ Saturday Night Dinner @ $45* per person ...... $______Entertainment: Shelley Segal (with ____ Turkey ____ Salmon ____ Vegetarian ____ Vegan Total: $______Dan Barker) If gluten-free, please specify. CD signings follow * Meal prices include 20% gratuity & 5.5% sales tax Sunday, September 29 Grand Ballroom 8:30 am Complimentary beverage & Name(s) Please include names of all registrants for nametags breakfast rolls 9:00 Annual Business Meeting for current FFRF members only Address 11:00 Annual Board of Directors Meeting Adjourns by noon City/State/ZIP Please include phone/email (in case we have a question about your registration)