Vo1. 31 No. 8 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. October 2014 CBS rejects FFRF’s ad with ‘unabashed atheist’ Ron Reagan The Freedom From Religion Foun- rum’s remarks dissing candidate John even though fully a fifth of the popu- dation’s ad featuring Ron Reagan F. Kennedy’s pro-state/church separa- lation has no religion today?” Gaylor describing himself as “an unabashed tion speech before Houston ministers asked. “If anything should be socially atheist” was rejected for airing by CBS, in 1960. That ad was accepted to run unacceptable, it ought to be blind def- not only by “60 Minutes” (the desired on “The CBS Evening News” and “CBS erence to religion.” placement), but for any CBS show. Sunday Morning.” Reagan is an FFRF honorary direc- The ad debuted last May on both “It appears that if a public figure tor who received the Emperor Has No “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert makes a simple declarative statement Clothes Award from FFRF in 2004 and Report” on Comedy Central. in support of state/church separation, gave an acceptance speech at the 2009 A CBS agent indicated that the ad FFRF and atheism, it’s too hot to han- national convention in Seattle. was rejected “for words and tone.” dle for CBS,” said FFRF Co-President As liberal as his famous father was The celebrity endorsement features Annie Laurie Gaylor. conservative, Reagan stopped going to the son of President Ronald Reagan, “It seems that excess gas, erectile church when he was 12 and has pub- self-described as “a lifelong atheist,” dysfunction and other intimate bodily licly stated he’s an atheist numerous plugging FFRF: functions, not to mention ads wherein times. Hi, I’m Ron Reagan, an un- Ron Reagan political candidates viciously attack The New York Times asked him in abashed atheist, and I’m alarmed each other, are acceptable,” added 2004, in an interview that ran three by the intrusion of religion into just like our Founding Fathers in- Dan Barker, who co-directs FFRF. “But weeks after his father died, if he’d our secular government. That’s tended. Please support the Free- the plain-spoken, witty and slightly ir- like to be president. “I would be un- why I’m asking you to support dom From Religion Foundation. reverent remarks of a well-known fig- electable,” Reagan said. “I’m an athe- the Freedom From Religion Ron Reagan, lifelong atheist, not ure identifying as atheist are too much ist. As we all know, that is something Foundation, the nation’s largest afraid of burning in hell.” for the delicate sensibilities of CBS’ people won’t accept.” and most effective association of The rejection was shocking, since censors.” View the 30-second spot at FFRF’s atheists and agnostics, working to FFRF aired a 30-second spot on nation- “Why are atheism and freethought website, ffrf.org. keep state and church separate, al CBS in 2012, rebutting Rick Santo- still treated as socially unacceptable,

Ohio elementary school yearbook crossed line

The Freedom From Religion Foun- tion that is “beyond comprehension” dation called on the superintendent of at Addaville Elementary. The horizon- Gallia County Local Schools in Patriot, tal arms of the cross on the bible-like Ohio, to recall and replace a 2014 el- cover carry the word “Believe.” ementary school yearbook whose cover “The inclusion of the Latin cross, features a large Latin cross. which is the preeminent symbol of FFRF, which has 21,500 members Christianity, on a public elementary nationwide, including 600 in Ohio, school yearbook is illegal,” noted Re- wrote Superintendent Jude Meyers on becca Markert, FFRF senior staff at- Sept. 26, asking him to investigate and torney. “It is beyond comprehension take action over a state/church viola- that public school officials would have allowed this publication to be printed with sectarian religious imagery and then distributed to young schoolchil- Inside This Issue dren.” “Religion is a divisive force in public FFRF goes schools,” Markert reminded the dis- to appeals trict. More than a quarter of the U.S. court population either identifies as nonre- ligious (20%) or practices a non-Chris- Page 6 tian religion (5%). She noted that whether or not the yearbook was published by the district or a private entity is “legally immate- Members get rial.” active! FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor commented, “The cover of this Page 9 yearbook would be appropriate at a Catholic or sectarian school, but it’s an egregious violation in our secular College elementary public schools.” essay contest The district contacted FFRF to in- winners dicate it would ensure that the Parent Teacher Organization would be told it Pages 11–15 could no longer use a religious cover for the yearbook. The district said the PTO was responsible for printing the book and that the cover did not have district approval. Addaville Elementary’s yearbook cover. Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014 Photo by Adam Bouska, courtesy of noh8campaign.com FFRF awards girl, 8, $1,000 for activism FFRF nixes religion in online curriculum

FFRF sent a letter Sept. 2 to Joseph prove unnecessary.” Olchefske, president of Calvert Edu- In his Sept. 25 response, Calvert cation Services in Hunt Valley, Md., CFO Todd Frager wrote, “We have re- about inclusion of religious material in moved the selections in question. We mandatory assignments used in pub- will remove the digital text immedi- lic schools’ virtual (online) curricula. ately and we will no longer print the It was brought to FFRF’s attention selections going forward. Feel free to by 8-year-old Florida student Ema- call me with any additional comments rie Wakefield and Rachel Spiller, her or concerns.” mother. FFRF is proud to announce a $1,000 A complaint letter was also sent student activist award to Emarie and to Sept. 2 to the superintendent of Lee share what she wrote about her experi- County Schools in Fort Myers, Fla.. ence: The school district supervises Emarie’s online instruction, which uses the Cal- vert curriculum, including an assign- My Little Voice ment called “Let’s Read a Poem.” One Emarie Wakefield’s Facebook profile photo. poem (actually a hymn) is titled “God By Emarie Wakefield the homework I was told to do,” then Mann, a musician well-known for turn- be in my head” and starts “God be in (with help from Mom) what about the children that came af- ing Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Hobby Lob- my head, and in my understanding” ter me that weren’t told that freedom by dissent into a song. He wrote a song and concludes with “God be at mine belongs to them, too? Others can do called “Ignore the Trolls” for her, and end, and at my departing.” as they are told when their freedoms the blog SheKnows also did a wonder- Other selections were misattributed are being taken from them, but as for ful piece. Please feel free to point to a and very age-inappropriate, FFRF not- When I was interviewed by the me and my little voice, we’re off to big Facebook “public figure” page that we ed, including passages from the Song local news station about my objection places. administer for Emarie: facebook.com/ of Solomon, the most notoriously to prayers (as well as bible passages When a lot of those little voices EmmieOutLoud/. We started the page erotic book of the bible with its thinly and misauthored prayers being passed come together, it gets too loud to ig- because she hoped to encourage other veiled allusions to oral sex such as “he off as “poems”) in my public virtual nore. Humanity, come with me. Let’s young people to become involved in feedeth among the lilies” and “his fruit school’s curriculum, many people had do big, wonderful things, because even volunteerism. (Her nickname is Em- was sweet to my taste.” a lot to say against me. Many people a little voice is equal under our laws. mie, and she chose “OutLoud” after a Superintendent Nancy Graham had said I wasn’t old enough to have a That’s a self-evident truth. Coco Chanel quote: “The most coura- told the family in correspondence that voice, an opinion or freedom. I’m lit- I have so much gratitude to the geous act is still to think for yourself. some school staff told her “separation tle, so I’m just learning about history, Freedom From Religion Foundation Aloud.”) of church and state” is not in the Con- but so far I haven’t found an age limit for this scholarship, because education Emarie is also outspoken on LGBT stitution and is not a legal standard. on freedoms. makes little voices louder. rights and volunteers by my side at the FFRF noted that the Supreme Court Lincoln didn’t say “conceived in LGBT community center in our area has used the phrase to interpret the liberty for those who are over school- Rachel Spiller writes: (pridecenterswfl.com/), where she some- First Amendment as far back as 1878. aged.” I know this. I had to recite the times leads anti-bullying youth rallies. Graham also misinterpreted the Estab- opening to the Gettysburg Address. This is incredible news! We are Emarie is also involved with a char- lishment Clause. The First Amendment isn’t only for elated! We did, however, eventually ity called “Pushing Daizies” that raises In his response, Calvert CEO Rich- grown-ups. remove Emarie from the Lee County money to send low-income children ard Rasmus denied any intent to pro- I live and grow in a humanist home. School system. It became more and to art and music camp. She also par- mote religion and claimed content I’m taught every day that my little more apparent every day that no one ticipated in the “No One Else Can Play was chosen for its “literary, cultural, voice makes a big difference. I know was actually reviewing the materials Your Part” campaign for World Suicide historical or other educational value.” that some people are told they are that were being passed on to our chil- Prevention Day. He closed with, “We appreciate the too little to speak up, but in my home dren in the Lee virtual program. Her first taste of activism was when professional manner in which you have I’m taught that when I see something Every day there were serious “mis- she, by her own choice and will, de- raised your concerns.” wrong, it’s my job to speak out loud to takes” in their online testing and oth- cided to march with the Occupy move- FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel change that. erwise that made us realize that to ment in Birmingham, Ala., when she rebutted the claim of nonreligious I’m proud of my freedom as an leave her in this curriculum would be was 5. She woke me that morning and significance in a response to Rasmus American. Since I do not believe that disregarding our parental responsibili- told me we had to go to the march or and again decried the “shoddy schol- there is some being in control of every- ties. We are currently doing home edu- ”the people with all the money and re- arship,” writing, “In light of your re- thing, I know that it’s going to be me cation while we assess our options. sources will win.” sponse, we must contact the organi- that has to do the work to get things You’d be surprised at what Emarie It was a long march on those tiny zations that have accredited Calvert done. It’s the job of all of us. We have endured during the press coverage little legs, but she did not complain a materials and provide them with cop- to work together as a big team to make of this. Of course there were “trolls” single time. She can still lead the Oc- ies of this letter and ask them to revisit this planet a better, kinder and happier that even went so far as to say that they cupy callback chant to this day and is your accreditation. Of course, if you place to live. No one is going to magi- hoped she died, but there were many proud to have taken a place in democ- wish to provide assurances that these cally fix it for us. amazing strangers that encouraged racy. four ‘poems’ will be removed, that will If I had just stayed quiet and “did her. One such example was Jonathan

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

The Freedom From Religion Foun- in which the teacher presented the pointing out that the Supreme Court calls into question the legitimacy of the dation told the Rowan-Salisbury [N.C.] bible and seven-day creation as literal had struck down similar classes in 1948 bible classes currently being taught in School System it must immediately fact. in a landmark case in which the facts the middle schools and high school. drop unconstitutional elementary Local churches fund the bible “could hardly be more similar.” FFRF Co-President Dan Barker not- school-level bible classes. FFRF is await- teachers through nonprofit groups set “It is appalling that the district ed that FFRF resoundingly won a fed- ing response to an open records re- up specifically to promote bible classes. would take away from instructional eral court case before the 6th Circuit quest to determine the extent of the Under firm Supreme Court precedent, time to indoctrinate children in Chris- U.S. Court of Appeals in 2004 chal- violation. such outside funding does not relieve tian dogma,” Elliott said, calling on the lenging similar weekly bible classes in In addition to weekly sessions of the school of its obligation to ensure district to put a moratorium on the Dayton, Tenn., area schools. physical education and art classes, secular education, FFRF noted. classes involving “young, impression- “It’s absolutely shocking,” Barker the school district’s youngest students Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott sent a able elementary school students.” said, “that 66 years after the Supreme attend a weekly bible class. FFRF re- letter to the district Sept. 24 calling the Elliott wrote that the district’s ill- Court’s McCollum ruling, we would still ceived a report about one such session classes “flagrantly unconstitutional,” advised decision to offer the classes see such a flagrant violation.” Pastors again dare IRS to enforce the law

FFRF, which was at the center of About 1,500 pastors intentionally vi- a high-profile lawsuit against the In- olated the law this year, the Wall Street ternal Revenue Service over illegal Journal reported. That’s similar to the church electioneering, warned that number in 2013. the seventh-annual “Pulpit Freedom “Rogue pastors who endorse from Sunday” that was held Oct. 5 deliber- tax-exempt pulpits are playing dirty ately incited church pastors into flout- pool,” said Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF ing the law. co-founder. Such an abuse creates an All 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including unfair election advantage. Donations churches, are prohibited from engag- to politicians are not tax-deductible, ing in partisan politicking in exchange but donations to churches are. Imagine A student grasps the sword in the stone on a religious monument at the for the privilege of tax exemption. if tax-exempt churches — which don’t Madison High School stadium. FFRF’s federal lawsuit charged that po- have to file financial returns with the litical violations by churches were be- government like all other 501(c)(3) ing selectively ignored. FFRF took the groups must — were allowed to openly IRS to court in November 2012. After engage in partisan politics? Church Religious monument to being given assurances this summer congregations could become politi- that the IRS has authorized procedures cal machines, and political donations and “signature authority” to resume could be ‘money laundered’ through initiating church tax investigations and tax-deductible church contributions.” be modified/removed examinations, FFRF agreed to drop its FFRF Co-President Dan Barker add- suit. ed, “Pastors are free to endorse from FFRF criticized the Alliance Defend- the pulpit, but then their churches The Freedom From Religion Foun- gram. ing Freedom, which is behind Pulpit need to give up their tax exemption.” dation appears to have scored another The monument was unveiled Aug. Freedom Sunday, for treating church U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman’s victory for secularism in a public high 22, and currently sits at the team en- pastors like pawns. ADF, which calls order granting the joint motion for dis- school, after Madison County School trance to the field. It features the the event a “strategic litigation plan,” missal by FFRF and the IRS left open District in Danielsville, Ga., announced school’s logo alongside two New Testa- reported revenue of more than $50 FFRF’s ability to renew its lawsuit if the it will either modify or remove an overt- ment bible verses carved on the stone: million last year. IRS reverts to previous inaction. ly religious monument at the Madison Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things High School football stadium. FFRF through Christ which strengtheneth became aware of the monument after me”) and Romans 8:31 (“If God be for Religion without determined human theme was “wonder” a complaint was reported by a resident us who can be against us?”). kindness is an absurdity: “Religion. Democrat & Chronicle, 9-29-14 who is affiliated with the athletic pro- Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a It’s given people hope in a world torn letter Aug. 28: “Courts have continu- apart by religion.” Jon Stewart We will be notifying all staff about stu- ally held that school districts may not Tweet by U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D- dents’ fundamental First Amendment display religious messages or iconogra- N.J., who says Christians like him have rights as they pertain to this issue. [P] phy in public schools.” He also noted no monopoly on truth and should lis- lease know that it has been corrected that religious monuments have the po- ten to atheists’ challenges and the teacher will apologize to the Include FFRF tential to cause religious divides. Camels With Hammers philosophy blog, student. The parents will also be con- On Sept. 24, an attorney represent- 9-25-14 tacted and apologized to. In Your Estate ing the district responded: “The Board Letter from Anthony Knight, superin- is currently investigating options avail- It’s important for my children to know tendent of the Oak Park [Calif.] Uni- Planning able to it regarding the monument, that you don’t need to go to church to fied School District, apologizing for an including, but not limited to, removal be a good person. atheist student’s ejection from class for Arrange a bequest in your will or of the monument or modifying the Bonnie Smith, who brought her daugh- sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance trust, or make the Freedom From monument in some manner.” ter Grace, 6, to a Sunday atheist as- americanhumanist.org, 9-30-14 Religion Found­ation the benefi- sembly in Rochester, N.Y., where the ciary of an insurance policy, bank account, or IRA. It’s easy to do. For related information Recruit a Member: Freedom From Religion Foundation (or to request a bequest P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • ffrf.org brochure), please phone Sample Copies for $2 Annie Laurie Gaylor at (608) 256-8900. Send $2 with the name and ad- What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? FFRF dress of each person you wish to receive a sample copy of P.O. Box 750 Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics), Freethought Today to: FFRF, P.O. Madison WI 53701 the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state and church separate Box 750, Madison WI 53701 and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. Freedom depends The Foundation’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Please include your name and Freedom Depends upon freethinkers physical mailing address with all e-mail correspondence. (Please specify whether the Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action alerts” and on Freethinkers individual is a freethinker.) “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014

Heads Up A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman

Reverend Euphemism Admonishes the Skeptics

You secular humanists say it’s a “War Of Religion,” but that’s just impertinence: This isn’t “Religious Warfare,” It’s only Sectarian Violence.

You atheists only seem interested in Something that you can revile, hence Overheard You babble “Religious Warfare”

When it’s only Sectarian Violence. Atheists feel awe, too. Everyone does. sponse to FFRF and ACLU complaints That wondrous sense needn’t be de- WBIR, 9-16-14 It’s true we kill thousands of heathens, because scribed by invoking the sacred. Athe- ist awe is mind- and heart-expanding. A major part of the problem is that They’re infidels in the most vile sense— I love seeing this real-world feeling spanking your child is a part of many But don’t say “Religious Warfare” mirrored in works of contemporary fic- people’s identities about what it is to tion. be a Christian, which is why so many When it’s only Sectarian Violence. Barbara J. King, College of William conservative Christians love to claim and Mary anthropology professor, re- “spare the rod and spoil the child.” Be- © Philip Appleman. viewing Elizabeth Gilbert’s The Signa­ cause of this, attempts to fix the prob- Frrom the book Profidious Proverbs and Other Poems ture of All Things and Alastair Reynolds’ lem and discourage spanking and even Blue Remembered Earth outright abuse are often regarded as npr.org, 8-28-14 attacks on their identities as Christians. Philip Appleman is a Dis­tinguished Pro­fessor Emeri­ Brooklyn, N.Y.-based writer Amanda tus at In­dia­na Uni­ver­si­ty. His published volumes of The Bill of Rights exists to protect the Marcotte, “The Adrian Peterson Beat- poetry in­clude Perfidious Proverbs and Other Poems: minority from the tyranny of the ma- ing and the Christian Right’s Love of A Satirical Look at the Bible (2012), Darwin’s Ark jority. I intensely respect our country, Corporal Punishment” (new 2009 edition) and Karma, Dharma, Pudding our military and their sacrifices. But I The Daily Beast, 9-16-14 & Pie (2009). His nonfiction work in­cludes the widely also reserve that right to show respect used Norton Critical Edition, Darwin, and the Nor­ in ways that I choose and not in ways Ave Maria believes that any action “spe- ton Critical Edition of Malthus’ Essay on Pop­ulation. that are mandated either through leg- cifically intended to prevent procre- His poetry and fiction have won many awards, including a fellowship in islation or through peer pressure. ation” — including contraception and poetry from the Na­tional En­dow­ment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award Joseph Richardson, Winter Garden, sterilization — is morally wrong. from the Poetry Society of America, the Humanist Arts Award from the Fla., an FFRF member who was eject- Part of a motion Ave Maria University American Humanist Association and the Friend of Darwin Award from the ed from a council meeting for staying filed in a Florida federal court seek- National Center for Science Education. His work has ap­peared in Har­ seated during the Pledge of Allegiance ing an injunction against the Obama per’s Magazine, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, West Orange Times & Observer, 9-12-14 administration’s tweaking of the birth The Paris Review, Partisan Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review. control mandate to accommodate “re- The reluctance by most Kennewick ligious liberty” He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both “Afterlife” Members city officials to embrace the thought Talking Points Memo, 9-23-14 of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Phil’s books: ffrf.org/shop. of starting each city council meeting with a prayer is an indication the idea If the justices honor Ave Maria’s idio- should be dropped. Religion is person- syncratic objection, then it is unclear al, and forcing it into a public arena that the administration could design where it is not enthusiastically welcome any accommodation that will survive is bound to cause tension instead of contact with the Supreme Court. the harmony sought by praying in the Ian Milhiser, Center for American first place. Progress, comment in news story, “Re- Opinion column, Washington state ligious Nonprofits Tip Their Hands on newspaper editorial board Real Goal in Birth Control Fight” Bellingham Herald, 9-10-14 Talking Points Memo, 9-23-14 Declare and share your nonbelief in FFRF’s online “Out of the Closet” campaign! ffrf.org/out Steve Green is standing in the base- Before we understand science, it is ment of the eight-story Bible museum natural to believe that God created he’s building in Washington. Plans for the universe. But now science offers the $800 million project are coming a more convincing explanation. What YOUR WEEKLY ANTIDOTE TO THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT together nicely: the ballroom modeled I meant by “we would know the mind after Versailles, the Disney-quality ho- of God” is, we would know everything TUNE IN TO lograms, the soaring digital entryway that God would know, if there were a FREETHOUGHT with religious images projected on the God, which there isn’t. I’m an atheist. ceiling, the restaurant serving biblical- Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawk- RADIO ly themed meals. ing, referring to a statement in his News story on the building two blocks book The Grand Design. produced by the from the National Mall, which Hobby El Mundo, 9-23-14 Freedom From Religion Lobby owner Green expects to be Foundation Hosted by Dan Barker and open in 2017 I majored in religion in college. I was Annie Laurie Gaylor The Washington Post, 9-12-14 very interested, but I just came to a dif- ferent conclusion. I’m married to a Broadcasts and streams Saturdays at 11 a.m. Central, Progressive Talk The Mic He called for the moment of silence fierce Presbyterian and she raised our 92.1 FM, Madison, Wis., and over several other stations. and I started off, “Our Father who art kids fierce Presbyterians. I’m an ami- iTunes or podcasts archived at: ffrf.org/news/radio in heaven” and everyone joined in. able, low-voltage atheist. Asia Canada, Oneida [Tenn.] High Columnist George Will, saying he’s Slightly irreverent views, School football cheerleader who led “pretty sure” there is no God because news, music & interviews the crowd in prayer after the school there’s no evidence mandated a moment of silence in re- Real Clear Religion, 9-22-14 October 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5 FFRF awards $12,550 in college essay scholarships

The Freedom From Religion Foun- • Fifth place (tie, $500 each): Mar- • Eric Duran, University of North with a $100 bonus. The award total of dation has awarded and congratulates cus Andrews, Ohio State University; Texas. $12,550 reflects the additional $100 the 21 currently enrolled college stu- Keith Greer Milburn, University of • Jessie Warme, University of Cali- bonuses. dent winners of its annual essay com- Memphis. fornia-San Diego. “Our student scholarships are petition. Entrants were asked to write • Sixth place (tie, $400 each): Aaron • Harrison Slater, Pennsylvania among FFRF’s most important en- about “My atheist/unbeliever ‘coming McLaughlin, University of Iowa; Anvita State University. deavors and outreach to the next gen- out’ story” in 700 to 900 words. Read Patwardhan, University of California- • Benjamin Carton, Lesley Univer- eration of freethinkers,” said FFRF Co- the top-placing essays on pages 11-15. Berkeley. sity, Mass. President Dan Barker. “All too many Winners are: FFRF also awarded 13 “honorable • Jenny Cox, California Polytechnic scholarship programs reward ortho- • First place, Michael Hakeem Me- mentions,” with each receiving $200: State University. doxy, but FFRF rewards students for morial Prize ($3,000): Bijan Parandeh, • Nathan Hume Stevens, University • Alexander Andruzzi, University of critical thinking and for being willing University of Illinois-Chicago. of Oregon. British Columbia. to make known their dissent from re- • Second place ($2,000): David • Chris Holder, University of Mon- • Blake Allen, Louisiana State Uni- ligion.” Andexler, Duquesne University, Pitts- tevallo, Ala. versity. The late Michael Hakeem, a sociol- burgh. • Joe Magestro, University of Wis- • Anna Bridge, South Dakota State ogy professor whose bequest endows • Third place ($1,000): Reem Ab- consin-Whitewater. University. the competition, was an FFRF officer del-Razek, Onondaga Community Col- • Marina Esposito, Grand Canyon FFRF extends special thanks to and atheist known to generations of lege, N.Y. University, Phoenix. Dorea and Dean Schramm in Florida UW-Madison students. • Fourth place ($750): Audrey • Jennifer Wilson, St. Olaf College, for providing each student who is a Gunn, Concordia College, Minn. Minn. member of a secular campus group Nothing fails like prayer . . . or succeeds like activism!

The Freedom From Religion Foun- who is president of The contest continues until govern- dation announces that three activists Siouxland Free- mental bodies are persuaded to pray will share its inaugural “Nothing Fails thinkers and works on their own time and dime, or until Like Prayer” award this year, reserved to increase the visi- the Supreme Court overturns its Town for activists who succeed in giving secu- bility of nontheists of Greece v. Galloway ruling. New entries lar invocations to counter governmen- in South Dakota. received will be considered for the tal prayer. Her invocation was 2015 convention award. Following the Supreme Court’s in- before the Sioux So unbow your head, open your judicious decision “blessing” sectarian Falls City Council. eyes and give your local government prayer last spring, FFRF called on athe- The three win- a piece of your secular mind! To be ists, seculars and other freethinkers to Dan Courtney Amanda Novotny Tim Earl ners are scheduled considered for the award, those giv- ask for equal time to give secular in- prayer litigation resulting in this year’s to deliver secular ing secular invocations must submit vocations. In September, after placing unfortunate Supreme Court decision. invocations at FFRF’s national conven- an official entry, supply a video and a 14 entries on YouTube and allowing • FFRF Member Tim Earl, who’s tion in Los Angeles on October 24-25 transcript of their remarks. Read the the secular public to vote, FFRF an- given three secular invocations before and received $500 each and a plaque. contest rules at: nounced the winners: the Park Board in Portage, Mich. The All other entrants were mailed a ffrf.org/outreach/nothing-fails-like- • FFRF member Dan Courtney, former Navy lieutenant commander is commemorative “Nothing Fails Like prayer for his historic invocation before the a member of the board. Prayer” certificate as a thank-you and Town Board in Greece, N.Y., site of the • Amanda Novotny, Brookings, S.D., keepsake.

Newsnotes

Schools head breaks I’m a man of faith who wants good for all, but I’m also a firm believer in sepa- prayer chain ration of church and state.” Dave Knight, superintendent of schools in Medina, Ohio, broke the prayer chain at A.I. Root Middle Coach suspended for School, the Cleveland Plain Dealer football prayer reported Sept. 19. “Public school staff can’t use district resources, including A high school football coach in email, to promote prayer, especially Tempe, Ariz., was suspended for two when the principal, a person in a posi- games in late September for encour- tion of influence, is involved,” Knight aging and participating in prayer at said. “When it comes to separation of Tempe Preparatory Academy, The As- church and state, it’s very clear.” sociated Press reported. The chain was supposedly started Headmaster David Baum said Brit- to comfort staff members and stu- tain told players to lead the team in dents facing illness or other problems. prayer before and after games. He’s Knight said it’s fine to send an email coached for 12 years at the public char- “to keep a family in your thoughts and ter school. prayers,” but when a principal sends a Baum told a reporter that Brittain message calling for a prayer chain that “is a man who likes to pray, and I don’t “systemizes it, a teacher could feel it object to that. Just, he can’t do that wasn’t voluntary to participate.” with our students. That’s the only pro- Godless oath Several teachers complained about hibition.” Roane County Commissioner Steve Kelley’s oath of office Aug. 31 in Kingston, the prayer chain email that was sent Baum said Brittain joined students Tenn., ended with “so help me” and not with “God,” reported the Roane Sept. 8 and was included in a staff in prayer “in view of everyone. I think I County News. Kelley, an atheist, said adding God is “just tradition. It doesn’t newsletter. preserved the religious freedom of our mean anything, because people swear to God and lie all the time.” He did, Knight added, “I have seen this type students, who have to have the liberty however, lay his hand on a 1972 book called “The Way: The Living Bible.” of issue grow into divisiveness and put to be able to practice or not practice Kelley, who ran unupposed, was the only commissioner to vote against a a school in the middle of a debate be- their religion on our campus, without resolution putting “In God We Trust” on the courthouse and in the commission tween liberal and conservative beliefs. interference by adults.” meeting room. Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014

FFRF Legal Victories Proselytizing Texas teacher silenced Arlington Independent School Dis- trict in Arlington, Texas, will no longer allow a teacher to proselytize students after a complaint was filed by FFRF. A concerned parent of a student at James Martin High School reported that a teacher, who is also a local pas- tor, used valuable time during a world history course to proselytize. The teacher reportedly told students that the stories of the bible are historical fact and that the bible is “about the only information we have” about any ancient civilization and said the first six weeks of class would rely heavily on “the Hebrew history book.” The teacher also told students that “carbon dating is wrong,” posted a portrait of Jesus in the classroom and Pictured at the federal courthouse in Chicago is Richard L. Bolton (third from left), serving as litigation attorney for spent parts of several class periods FFRF in its historic challenge of the housing allowance exclusion uniquely benefiting ministers of the gospel. FFRF won complaining about Supreme Court de- a strong ruling last year, which the IRS and Treasury Department have appealed. Oral arguments were heard Sept. 9 cisions concerning prohibition of reli- before the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Flanking Bolton were FFRF Staff Attorneys Sam Erickson, Andrew Seidel, gious indoctrination in public schools Liz Cavell, Rebecca Markert, FFRF Law Clerk Maddy Ziegler, FFRF’s new Legal “Fellow” Katherine Paige, FFRF Metro and how he gets around the ban. Chicago Chapter Director Tom Cara and Chicago-area member Alan Cosnow. Photo: Dan Barker Staff Attorney Sam Grover sent a complaint letter Sept. 10, pointing out plainant told FFRF. cifically involving a notary public oath. employees were invited to attend bible the obvious violations. The school re- On Sept. 16, the DSOS replied: study sessions in lieu of performing sponded Sept. 16: “AISD takes your let- Notary publics need “[The instructor] has been informed their normal work. ter and its contents seriously and has not be believers that the provision disqualifying any On Sept. 4, Staff Attorney Sam Gro- begun an investigation.” person from holding a public office ver sent a letter of complaint: “While The complainant told FFRF on A notary public education program for denying the being of Almighty God it may be standard practice in some Sept. 22 that the problematic content in Raleigh, N.C., will no longer let an is not congruent with the U.S. Consti- hospitals to offer patients and their was removed from the classroom and instructor misinform students. A stu- tution and is therefore not applicable families access to a nondenomination- that the teacher “has not been prosely- dent who took the course contacted to notary applicants in North Carolina al chaplain for spiritual counseling, tizing recently.” FFRF to report that students were told and should not be taught. Although there is no reasonable justification for several times that they “must believe in this specific provision of the constitu- a public university-affiliated hospital God to be a notary.” tion is not germane to notary educa- to provide its employees with access to FFRF pulls plug on On Sept. 5, Staff Attorney Elizabeth tion, we have taken this opportunity worship services during the workday.” loudspeaker prayer Cavell sent a letter to the Department to make sure each of our instructors On Sept. 24, FFRF received word of the Secretary of State: “[The instruc- understand that it is not applicable to from the complainant that “Chapel Wise County Public Schools in Wise, tor] may mistakenly believe that Arti- notary applicants.” services are still going on every week, Va., will no longer allow school-spon- cle 6, Section 8 of the North Carolina but the emails promoting them have sored prayer before football games. Constitution requires notaries public stopped.” The prayer was delivered before each to believe in God, but this section is un- Prayer stopped at Pa. home game over the loudspeaker by a constitutional and should not be pre- board meetings member of the clergy. sented as current law. If any instructor FFRF lowers boom on On Sept. 18, Staff Attorney Patrick . . . is informing applicants that belief The school board in Mercersburg, flagpole prayer Elliott sent a letter to remind the dis- in God is a requirement to be commis- Pa., will no longer conduct prayer at trict that school-sponsored religious sioned as a notary public, this is a seri- meetings. Staff Attorney Elizabeth A superintendent in Toledo, Ohio, messages are illegal and divisive: ous constitutional issue.” Cavell sent a complaint letter Sept. 8, who used Twitter to promote a reli- The superintendent responded the The Supreme Court issued a unani- noting: “The Third Circuit Court of gious “See You at the Pole” event will next day: “We have addressed this issue mous decision in 1961 in a case brought Appeals, which has jurisdiction over no longer be permitted to do so. and will resolve it immediately.” The by the late Roy Torcaso, an honorary Pennsylvania, has definitively held that A complainant informed FFRF that game later that day did not include a FFRF director of FFRF, against requir- school board prayer is unconstitution- the superintendent “tweeted” Sept. 24 prayer over the loudspeaker, a com- ing religious tests for public office, spe- al.” that “Courageous students will be pray- The board president responded ing at Whitmer’s flagpole at 7am. I will Sept 24: “The Tuscarora School District join them, it will be an amazing way to Board of Directors will no longer open start the dsy [sic]!!” their monthly meetings with prayer.” On Sept. 26, Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert sent a letter of com- plaint to the district about the Whit- Texas email worship mer High School event: “When the invites stopped district’s employees participate in the religious events of students, they un- The Office of Public Affairs at the constitutionally entangle the district University of Texas Health Northeast with a religious message.” in Tyler has stopped sending system- On Oct. 1, an attorney for the dis- wide email invitations to employees to trict responded: “I have discussed with participate in bible study events at the [the superintendent] the possible ap- Hurst Chapel. pearance of religious endorsement A concerned employee contacted that can arise from both messages and FFRF to report that the emails were personal participation in certain stu- signed “From the Office of Public Af- dent activities, and I believe that our fairs.” In contrast to the bible study discussion will inform his future ap- invitations, an email that promoted a proaches to his involvement.” Weight Watchers meeting contained the disclaimer, “This program is not in Hobby Lobby discussion panel any way supported, endorsed, or man- Faux history tracts FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel (left) took part in a Sept. 17 panel at the aged by UT Health Northeast, other get heave-ho University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School on the Supreme Court’s Hobby than allowing the meetings to take Lobby decision. It was sponsored by Law Students for Reproductive Justice. place on campus as a convenience to Valley View [Texas] Independent Also pictured are Everett Mitchell, director of community relations at UW- our staff. Participation in the program School District will no longer let a Madison; R. Alta Charo, professor of law and bioethics; and Lisa Alexander, is entirely voluntary.” middle school teacher give students re- associate professor of law. It was additionally reported that ligious handouts. The history teacher October 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7

FFRF Legal Victories distributed tracts about the Declara- tion of Independence published by the National Center for Constitutional Studies, a social conservative group that promotes religion under the guise of teaching American history. The NCCS website includes a list of reasons to oppose same-sex marriage and has articles making egregiously false connections between the Consti- tution and the bible. Staff Attorney Sam Grover sent a complaint letter Aug. 29. The super- intendent responded Sept. 10 that “VVISD intends to fully protect the rights of all our students and will do everything possible to replace the ob- jectionable materials.” Just another day at the office(r’s meeting) S. Dakota football Atheists, Humanists & Agnostics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison took part in a hysterical historical reenactment. prayer grounded From left are Cole “Slaw” Dreier, Darcy Davis, David “Mendel” Liu, erstwhile FFRF intern Sam(wise) Erickson, Nicole Niebler, Margaret Babe, Chris(t) Calvey, Mark Pan, Amanda “Manders” Supak, Anna Wright, Tyler “Ty Guy” Centers, Aberdeen Central High School in Yuhan “Lucy” Jiang and Brandon Frederick. Aberdeen, S.D., will no longer let its football coaches engage in pregame prayers. Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott call upon players at random to offer situation as well.” ing the time it has rented the property sent a letter Sept. 24: “The coaches’ ap- prayers with the entire team. FFRF also — on Sundays. It must put up the ban- parent organizing and obvious partici- raised concerns about a local resident Church ads on school ners no earlier than when the rental pation in a team prayer constitutes an promoting prayer events at school on fence removed time begins and take them down when unconstitutional government endorse- an unaffiliated Facebook page titled the rental time ends.” ment of religion.” #PRAYWITHEUSTIS. Elk Grove Unified School District in On Sept. 11, the district agreed, On Sept. 29, the superintendent Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a Elk Grove, Calif., took down signs pro- “[O]ur protocols allow for the sign you replied, “All members of the adminis- letter Sept. 11 to detail the violations. moting a church after a complaint was reference to be displayed only during trative leadership team and coaching An attorney for Lake County Schools filed by FFRF. Signs reading “Answers- the time of the event, such as when the staff have received follow-up corre- responded Sept. 12: “Be advised that Church.com” with pictures of a Latin Church has been approved to use the spondence which instructs them not to we are aware of the pitfalls of any cross enclosed in a light bulb, were facility, and is not to be placed on the organize, encourage, or participate in coach promoting organized prayer posted at Harriet Eddy Middle School. property beyond those times.” student prayer at any event sponsored and direct our coaches accordingly. At least two signs were displayed on the The city is the site of the famous by the District.” Any misstep that might have occurred school’s chain link fence. Elk Grove Unified School District v. New- at a meal involving [the coach] has Answers Church rents the school on dow case brought by Michael Newdow been corrected and we do not expect weekends (as allowed by a misguided in which the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Second coming of it to occur again.” Supreme Court decision) but displays Appeals ruled that the words “under Ohio Jesus shirts As to the Facebook prayer pro- its signs throughout the week. God” in the Pledge of Allegiance are motion, the district denied have any Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a an endorsement of religion and there- Akron Public Schools in Akron, knowledge of it “until we received this Sept. 3 letter: “If the church wishes to fore violate the Establishment Clause. Ohio, has once again told football correspondence, [so] be advised that advertise its services on school proper- (Sadly, the case was later thrown out by coaches to stop wearing religious T- we are appropriately dealing with that ty, it may only use school property dur- the Supreme Court on standing.) shirts. In 2013, FFRF filed a complaint after Buchtel Community Learning Center staff wore shirts stating “God Rules Buchtel Athletics” and “Jesus Is FFRF protests pope invites My Hero.” The district reported taking swift action but the shirts resurfaced in September with the football team. FFRF called on U.S. Reps. John there included two incidents in which over other religions and nonreligion. Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- Boehner and Nancy Pelosi to withdraw French settlers who failed to convert to FFRF also lodged vigorous objec- ert reminded the district Sept. 25 that their invitation to Pope Francis to ad- Catholicism were ordered slaughtered tions to the pope’s decision to harbor coaches, like teachers, are restricted dress Congress, in part over the pope’s by St. Augustine Catholic founder Pe- papal nuncio Archbishop Józef We- from certain religious activities and decision to harbor a Vatican official ac- dro Menendez de Aviles. solowski, who stands accused of using expression while acting in their official cused of sexually preying on minors. FFRF Co-Presidents Dan Barker and impoverished Dominican Republic mi- capacities. FFRF previously contacted two may- Annie Laurie Gaylor sent a letter to nors for sex. A riveting exposé by re- A school district represntative re- ors asking them to withdraw the red U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Speaker of porter Laurie Goodstein in the Aug. 23 sponded Sept. 29 that a church donat- carpet to the pope based on the con- the House John Boehner in late Sep- New York Times revealed the Vatican’s ed the shirts: “I will be forwarding them stitutional separation of religion from tember, asking them to rescind their role in protecting the pope’s personal a letter explaining that the T-shirts government. FFRF contacted Green joint invitation to the pope, issued envoy, despite his assurances of “zero they are donating to the school’s ath- Bay (Wis.) Mayor Jim Schmitt after he in March. If he accepts, Pope Francis tolerance” for clergy who molest chil- letic program violate the Akron Board invited the pope to make a “pilgrim- would become the first pontiff to ad- dren. of Education’s dress code policy.” age” in 2015 to a local Virgin Mary dress U.S. lawmakers at the U.S. Capi- Wesolowski was recalled to the Vati- The board also met with coaching shrine, and St. Augustine, Fla., Mayor tol. can before local authorities could in- staff that day “to discuss the prohibi- Joseph Boles, who invited Francis to FFRF objected on state/church vestigate the charges, which include tion of wearing religious T-shirts.” celebrate the “birthplace of Christian- separation grounds and because of the trading medication for sex with a The board thanked FFRF for bring- ity in the New World, specifically Ca- exorbitant security costs, as well as the 13-year-old epileptic boy. ing attention to the issue and said it tholicism.” The “birth” of Catholicism show of preference for Catholicism will be an agenda item at an upcoming district-wide meeting with all athletic staff.

Coach’s meal prayer off the menu Eustis High School in Eustis Fla., will no longer let a football coach re- quire prayer before team meals in the school’s cafeteria. FFRF received a complaint that the coach would often FFRF member Dalton R. graphically sums up his interaction with Bradley. Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014 Fond farewell to Sherry Matulis

1931–2014 Sherry Matulis, former secretary of in such periodicals as Redbook, Isaac FFRF’s executive board and an ardent Asimov’s Science Fiction magazine, member since 1981, died in late Au- Questar, Analog and others. gust at home in Peoria, Ill. FFRF’s anthology of women free- “I was born an atheist (aren’t we thinkers, Women Without Superstition, all?), in the small town of Nevada, edited by Gaylor, reprints one essay by Iowa,” she wrote. Moving to Peoria Matulis and two of her poems. FFRF in 1942, she married John Matulis in Co-President and resident musician 1948. They had five children. Dan Barker also put her poem “Bene- She wrote about her experience diction” to music (recorded on his seeking an illegal abortion, “Never “Friendly Neighborhood Atheist” CD). Again,” for The Feminist Connection, “Sherry was a brilliant and fierce a newspaper edited by Annie Laurie critic of religion and its harm to wom- Gaylor in the early 1980s, which was en and to intellect, and a very dear later reprinted by The Progressive friend,” said Gaylor. magazine as “Abortion 1954.” In 1954, when her husband was out of town on a construction project, Sherry, a young mother, was raped and knifed and left Religion’s Child for dead in an attack by a religious fa- Aware of light and yet condemned to natic. grope She subsequently spoke before a Through dark regression’s cave, told U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee she must find chaired by Orrin Hatch in 1981 about Life’s purpose in that blackness, with- her life-threatening experiences seek- out hope, ing an illegal abortion, as well as before Denied the luminescence of her mind many state legislatures. In 1990, she Until, at last, she finds the darkness spoke at U.S. Senate committee hear- kind, ings on the Freedom of Choice Act. Religion’s child — a babe once bright She served as a state and nation- and fair, al representative for the “Silent No Curls up, tucks in her tail, and says her More” campaign sponsored by NARAL prayer. in 1985. She appeared on many radio and TV programs, including shows hosted by Oprah Winfrey and Sally Jessy Raphael, and spoke for choice on “Benediction” many college campuses. She was fea- Pride goeth, so the Christians say, tured in “Personal Decisions,” a film Before a mighty fall. Would you believe Sherry at age 12? produced by Planned Parenthood in But me, I’ve never felt that way; 1985, and received state and national I never stand so tall recognition, including the American As when I say I’m proud to be Humanist Association’s “Humanist An atheist, Oh, yes! Heroine” Award of 1991. It helps me stand for so much more, Her column, “The Refractory Rel- And fall for so much less. ic,” appeared in The Feminist Con- nection from 1981-85, and her rivet- Poem by Sherry Matulis. Music by Dan ing essays appeared in early issues of Barker. Freethought Today. Her articles, po- © 1998 by Sherry Matulis and Dan Barker etry and short stories were published

At age 20, Sherry was surprised to find herself in the first “Miss Universe” contest after her husband secretly submitted this photo.

Sherry testifying to keep abortion safe and legal. October 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9

FFRF member is proof one person can make big difference

The St. Louis Riverfront Times, win is truly interested in promoting pa- Sept. 11: “Monica ‘Nikki’ Moungo, triotism, I propose creating a “Citizens an atheist and a mother, made an im- for a Better Ballwin” community pro- passioned plea to the Ballwin [Mo.] gram to honor citizens for their good City Council, asking it not to put up a works. What embodies patriotism, the planned ‘In God We Trust’ sign on city desire to improve your community, property. Instead, Moungo told the more than the giving of yourself to council she’d like a sign with the motto that community? Isn’t that what being ‘E pluribus unum,’ and she brought a a patriot is all about? Religion does not $1,000 check to the meeting to fund a patriot make. I will forward this pro- it.” posal to your respective emails later for FFRF salutes Nikki, an FFRF mem- your review and consideration. ber and atheist who brought her two I would also strongly encourage the children to the meeting, for her ac- city to host an annual “Cultural Days” tivism. Her idea didn’t appear to get festival to encourage awareness of the much support at the meeting but she diversity that exists in Ballwin, which is didn’t give up and came back Sept. 22 currently being summarily ignored. to speak again [see below]. I ask you, where was Ballwin’s sense Her speech swayed the board, which of community when, in 2012, my proceeded to vote 6-2 against putting 18-year-old neighbor, Matthew Pel- four-inch “In God We Trust” letters in ligrini, was brutally murdered in Clif- the council chambers. ton Heights? Why didn’t the Ballwin Transcript via Friendly Atheist Hemant Christian community or KoC come out Mehta: in support of a murdered boy and his Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Alder- grieving Christian family who’ve lived men/women, fellow citizens: here since 2002? Where were the city Tonight I’m not going to tell you officials? Ballwin, we really need to more about being an atheist, about work on “Bringing People Together,” secular humanism or why I feel these and a silly plaque is not going to ac- displays are unnecessary, even detri- complish this feat. mental to our community. Tonight I’d Know that I support the right of Ball- rather discuss the intent behind the win citizens to display religious decora- Knights of Columbus proposal. In West tive items on their personal property, Newsmagazine, Mr. Strange of the K of such as Lewis Greenberg’s Holocaust C stated these displays are “an appro- art display. The city was reported as priate way to promote patriotism.” I spending in excess of $80,000 on at- beg to question the primary objective tempting to stop Mr. Greenberg from behind their proposal. exercising his First Amendment rights. As a taxpaying citizen, I voraciously I would further the argument that the question the integrity of aldermen tak- allowance of an “In God We Trust” ing money from a religious organiza- display in city buildings, while pursu- tion in order to display their religious ing Mr. Greenberg, indicates the city’s advertisement in a taxpayer-owned desire to promote only a monotheistic building. Christian god. If the mayor or aldermen are mem- Monica ‘Nikki’ Moungo Alderman Terbrock indicated to bers of the Holy Infant Church, per- a Ballwin resident in an email that it haps they should abstain from this this tax-exempt religious organization vertise their religious message on tax- didn’t matter that people from outside vote, as it indicates a clear bias. But if succeeds in paying city officials to ad- payer property, it must be allowed for of Ballwin opposed the signs. I would taxpaying citizens to also have their caution him that, indeed, it does mat- various, religious or non, ads placed ter. These are the people who see Ball- on these hallowed walls. win on top lists of great, safe places to If this proposal passes, the alder- live. This proposal and ensuing debate Calif. city settles suit men need to bring in their own tools will tell potential business owners and and pry the existing city motto off the residents that their taxpaying monies challenging prayer breakfasts wall. An “In God We Trust” plaque un- are not welcome here unless they sub- derneath “Ballwin: Bringing People scribe to a Christian or Catholic super- Together” — is an unscrupulous lie. natural deity. in plaintiff’s legal fees. “We” implies all, and “we” simply do It would be wise to remember that The court ruled late last year that not all trust in God. Some trust in com- the Department of Justice is coming to nonsectarian prayers are legal at meet- pletely different gods and goddesses St. Louis County to investigate the civil ings. “The city agreed that we can ap- altogether. Again, “From many: One.” rights abuses after the travesty in Fer- peal that ruling as part of the settle- Since last I spoke here, a death guson; so please keep our diversity in ment,” Beaton’s attorney Peter Martin threat has been made and many prayers mind and choose not to abuse our First told the Eureka Times-Standard. have been given in my name, but I’ve Amendment rights. Martin also sought to add Eureka also received surprising messages of In closing, Thomas Paine once Police Chief Andrew Mills to the suit support from citizens of Ballwin. On proudly proclaimed, “Independence is in May because he allegedly gave a re- their behalf, please don’t speak for the my happiness, the world is my country, ligious devotional at the Peace Officer many Ballwin citizens of nonbelief, or and my religion is to do good.” Breakfast in January. Mills’ scheduled who pray to a non-Christian god. They If I could state it any better myself, I deposition was canceled due to the wanted to be here tonight to speak out, would. Thank you all for your time and settlement. but these citizens fear for their jobs, consideration. Beaton told FFRF that she was ex- their families and their lives, with good pecting some nasty calls and emails reason. Carole Beaton after filing the suit. “Instead I got over These are the people who live next 30 calls thanking me for protecting the door to you, all of you. They are your What Is a The city of Eureka, Calif., has agreed separation of church and state. Many children’s teachers, your trusted physi- to settle a 2013 lawsuit filed on behalf were from religious people who under- cian, your firefighters, EMS, veterans Freethinker? of Eureka resident and FFRF Life stand that we are all better off if the and soldiers and, yes, local law enforce- free-think-er Member Carole Beaton. The suit chal- government does not get involved in ment. “We” are many. “We” are diverse. lenged prayers at city council meetings religion.” Interestingly, I have received sup- n. A person who and city sponsorship of prayer break- The only negative call was from “a port from members of Holy Infant forms opinions fasts. very nice man who offered to pray for Church, who are also afraid to speak about religion Terms of the Sept. 25 agreement me. I told him ‘thanks’ but suggested out. May you know them when their on the basis require Mayor Frank Jager to stop us- he pray instead for someone sick or dy- tithes begin to wither. of reason, independently ing his office and city resources to ing if he thought his god could help, Let’s “patriotize” our community, of tradition, authority, or promote his annual Mayor’s Prayer because I was doing fine.” but not with the use of empty, patroniz- established belief. Breakfast, with the city paying $16,000 ing, religious slogans. If the city of Ball- Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014 Better believe it: There are black humanists

Mandisa Thomas delivered this speech May 3 at FFRF’s and the Triangle We know there Freethought Society’s regional gathering in Raleigh, N.C. For more information, go to are many aahumanism.net/. The speech was edited for space. misconceptions about atheists. By Mandisa Thomas We seek to dispel those. I am one of the founders and presi- dent of a growing organization called Black Nonbelievers Inc. I want to talk munity at a time when government did about a segment of the population that not. Most black leaders and public fig- tends to be overlooked by the major or- ures are religious. When you hear of ganizations. That is changing, but we some of the prominent names in the still have a way to go. black community, they often do iden- I was born and raised in New York tify with some religious institution, and City. I was actually not raised religious, so therefore it is assumed that the ma- which is a rarity in our community. But jority, if not all blacks do as well. I was exposed to Christianity, Islam • • • and different forms of supernaturalism The question comes up a lot — why rampant in our community. black or gender-specific groups? We I moved to Atlanta at the end of have received some rather nasty feed- 1997. One of the first questions nor- back saying that we are racist or don’t Black Nonbelievers are employees, party with Black Atheists of America. mally asked by the black folks is, “What understand why there is a need for students, entrepreneurs, etc., pretty Our affiliated organizations include church do you go to?” By the end of our groups. We care that there are so much the same as other groups. Many the Black Nonbelievers of Dallas with 2010, the scandal with Eddie Long was many religious people that do not get fear backlash from their families and Alex Jewels, who happened to be fea- in the news, and I was really at a point the help that they need for the prob- friends, as well as loss of business from tured in Ebony magazine in 2011. He where I was deciding where I stood lems that they have. I wouldn’t say that clients. There are many events in the was also the face of the Dallas bill- with religion. I have pretty much al- religion is the primary problem in our Atlanta area that are considered lead- board campaign. We have the Black ways despised it. I really came back to community, even though it plays a big ership. There are a lot of women’s Nonbelievers of Detroit with Bridget identifying as an atheist/nonbeliever part. But it does tend to mask a lot of leadership events, but many of them Crutchfield, who has become an in- and thought it was time to start getting issues that people don’t get practical end up being big church services. tegral part of our organization. She is out and meeting other people. help for. In Atlanta it is definitely a status sym- also the founder of Minority Atheists of Speaking with other black atheists We tend to specific issues that larger bol to be affiliated with some form of Michigan. We’re affiliated with Black online, I often heard there was a sense groups do not have time to address. I church. I am sure every community ex- Nonbelievers of Orlando with Richard of intimidation and apprehension love that FFRF and similar organiza- periences it, but it takes on a whole new Peacock. upon attending predominantly white tions challenge separation of church life form in ours. We are seeking better Our future goals: Get used to this freethought events. We would often and state violations. We have groups ways to connect and communicate with name — New Turn, an original con- be the only black atheists in the room. that focus on education, and science nonbelievers and believers about athe- cept by one of our board members. There was a sense of “I’ve never met a education in particular. We also have ism and life as a nonbeliever. We know This program will focus on combating black atheist” or a sense of being con- groups that focus on support and so- there are many misconceptions about recidivism, and that is the name of the descended to about issues that we face, cialization aspects. All of these are atheists. We seek to dispel those. revolving door of the correctional facil- especially being a part of a mostly reli- important, There’s nothing to be • • • ity with ex-offenders. gious black community. ashamed of if a group only focuses on We have a service component and More often than not, they end up We decided to do something about one area. are part of Adopt-a-Highway in the back in the system within three years it and in January 2011 started Black It encourages minorities to open- Atlanta area. We had a day of solidar- due to lack of opportunity and lack Nonbelievers of Atlanta. There were ly identify as atheist or some similar ity in 2012, co-sponsored the Blackout of support. So this is something we 15 people at our first general meeting. freethought label. People have told me Secular Rally and have general meet- will be taking on in the future, includ- That is more that the number of black that they were glad they found a group ings with speakers such as Dr. Sikivu ing short-term financial assistance for atheists in this room. We can laugh like ours because it helps bridge that Hutchinson, author of Moral Combat those in need. Many of our members about it, but it actually isn’t very funny, gap. and Godless Americana. have spouses and are going through because when people say they cannot Finally, it is the best way to increase We have been featured in documen- issues with their spouses due to their “see” color, they’re absolutely right. diversity. That has become such a buzz- taries, including “Atheists in the Bible nonbelief, and we all know that has You have to ask yourself: Have you re- word in our community. Sometimes I Belt,” which was put on by Atlanta In- broken up families, sadly. ally, really thought about this dynamic? think it has just been “said” to death, terfaith Broadcasters, and “Contradic- Last but not least, I love to say, “Ain’t It’s OK if you haven’t, but this is what but how many people are actually seri- tion” by Jeremiah Camara, which Dan no stopping us now.” The demograph- we are here to help with. ous about it? How often do you talk to and Annie Laurie were featured in as ics, the times are changing, the faces In November 2011 we increased our other people of color at these events? well. It speaks extensively to the prob- of the movement are changing, and we scope and shortened our name to just Or just in general, how many black lem of the church in our community. must be ready for it. I appreciate that Black Nonbelievers because we wanted atheists do you know? How many of We have been involved in focus the level of support that we have been to establish a base to help groups be- you can Here is some correspondence groups. There was a professor who given. We are going to keep growing, come established in other cities. We that I have received over these past traveled to Nashville to speak to one of and we will keep moving. Thank you. are continuing in the tradition of his- few years. The first one I had to clean the groups in the area. She asked if we toric black humanists and freethinkers up quite a bit, grammatically. “What is would participate so I made the four- such as Langston Hughes, who wrote a this, a war against God? I can’t believe hour drive with a few of our members. noble poem called “Goodbye Christ,” you have the audacity to try to erase We are willing to come to you if you Hubert Henry Harrison, who was very, the one who created Heaven and Earth would like to talk to us. Overheard very notable at the time of the Black and all things in it including you and I was featured in Jet magazine in Renaissance, Lorraine Hansberry, who me.” the April 30, 2012, edition which had The other little kids on the bus were wrote “A Raisin in the Sun,” and Asa They go on to say, “Please change [megachurch pastor] T.D. Jakes on the egging him on and telling him to hit Philip Randolph, who was the organiz- the name of ‘Black Nonbelievers’ cover. It was supposed to have been a her and kick her, so he did. er of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car to ‘Believers.’ Our race has suffered well-rounded edition about religion Joni Mars, whose 6-year-old daughter Porters and chief organizer of the 1963 enough.” and spirituality as it pertained to blacks, was spit on and assaulted by a boy on March on Washington. Actually, most of our correspon- but it talked mostly about Christianity. an Oklahoma school bus for saying she I’d also like to acknowledge Butter- dence has been really good. One writer But in all fairness, they did a very good didn’t believe in God fly McQueen, whom Dan and I talked says that there is nothing in black his- job on the article. The Daily Beast, 9-25-14 about this morning and whom FFRF tory that indicates a god is good. One We participated in the African often acknowledges. popular phrase in the community and Americans for Humanism billboard I really loved being in [church], but ev- For historical reasons related to le- a popular song is “We’ve Come This campaign, which had a billboard in erything I loved about it had nothing gal separation and discrimination in Far By Faith.” When you look at the Raleigh featuring [Triangle chapter to do with religion. this country, and other injustices, the struggles in the black community, it member] Veronique Matthews. We Richard Fortuna, atheist host of “a church and the doctrine imposed up has taken more than faith to overcome also take part in the Atlanta Pride Fes- godless celebration of life” at Sunday slaves upon arriving in America, played them. But it is largely attributed to be- tival with the Atlanta Freethought So- Assembly Charlotte, N.C. a social and supportive role in the com- lief in God, which is really sad. ciety and the annual New Year’s Eve Charlotte Observer, 9-29-14 October 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11

First place: Michael Hakeem Memorial College Essay Contest Raised in the Church of Costco

FFRF awarded Bijan $3,000 for his essay. My distaste for religion started early Questioning all her patients with equal dedication because as a child I could not under- regardless of their backgrounds. This stand believing in something or some- everything primed is an excellent example of how secular one imaginary. I always loved animals humanism expands your compassion and nature documentaries. I would go me early for and love for other people. Perhaps this to the beach and see and touch the mentality is what motivates me to be- same animals I saw on TV. But how atheism. come a doctor. could I have that same experience with This is epitomized in the statue of something hocus-pocus like God? Louis Pasteur in front of the Cook The discourse at my family’s din- The Islamic dogma became a façade County Hospital in Chicago, where I ner table was frequently far outside for a political system, and its repercus- walk to work in a pathology lab study- the range of a typical household. Sex, sions are seen in Iran’s current human ing cancer prevention. The statue politics, philosophy ­­— I remember rights abuses. The Islamic system in reads, “One doesn’t ask of one who one dinner my grandparents discussed Iran mirrors that of all religions and suffers what is your country and what is whether or not bisexuality could be the destruction it has created through- your religion. One merely says, you suf- considered a fetish. out history. fer. This is enough for me. You belong To me, debating confusing or A passion to fight this mentality mo- to me and I shall help you.” (Louis Pas- questionable issues was natural, but I tivated me to become politically active teur) learned at school that other students for the first time with the campus club As ridiculous as turning Costco into looked to a book to tell them how to “Left Alternative.” We campaigned for a religion sounds, it illustrates how ab- think. I never understood how my best better quality classrooms and lower tu- surd organized religion is. Both are friend could be more confident after ition. As a club revolving around social- essentially exclusive clubs. You can’t an explanation from his priest than af- ist tenets, a secular mentality was criti- shop at Sam’s Club with a Costco card, ter debating it for hours at my dinner cal in order to believe in our message. and who would want to anyway? You By Bijan Parandeh table. Questioning everything primed My atheist convictions also influ- have to pay monthly dues to become me early for atheism. enced my decision to finally come out part of a group that touts itself as bet- One major justification for my athe- as gay last year. My belief in science ter than the rest. R eligion has always been for- ism is political philosophy. I spent and disregard for religious explana- For my family, Costco was a place to eign to me; I was part of neither the my first year of college living with my tions of homosexuality pushed me to see our friends and other members of club that went to church nor the one great-aunt and uncle in California, confidently say that it is an innate part our community, just like a church is. I that went to temple. When my second- both of them Iranian leftist activists in of who I am. If I were religious, I may choose to live my life without religion grade classmates asked me where my the 1970s. Witnessing their discussions have never come out as gay. because dogma limits my thought pro- family went on weekends, my answer with friends, most of whom they had I was most nervous to come out to cess, my compassion for others and, was natural: My father takes us to Cost- met through political networks in the my 80-year-old Iranian grandmother. ultimately, my happiness. co. 1970s, taught me how useless religion Although she was not religious, she And I don’t need a book to tell me I have matured into a committed is at a political level. was from a different generation and what happy is. supporter of the Church of Costco. I During the Iranian revolution, culture, and I was terrified she would worked there for a year during college many intellectual critics of the shah, be disappointed. But as a doctor, she Bijan Parandeh, 21, was born in Van- and even have my own executive card like my great-aunt, were jailed. Others responded in the most loving way any- couver, B.C., and is a senior majoring in now. Although as a child I was not able were executed. Religious leaders were one could. She told me with elegance, biology with a premed focus at the Univer- to appreciate how witty my answer was, often seen as too sacred to be impris- how as a doctor, she knew it was some- sity of Illinois in Chicago. “I love lifting as I grew older, going to Costco on the oned. This allowed them to establish thing out of my control and I should weights, yoga, playing the tombak (a Per- weekends actualized itself into a rejec- themselves quickly and take advantage never be ashamed of it. sian drum), swimming in the wetlands of tion of religion in its entirety. of a dissatisfied and religious populace. As an ophthalmologist, she treated Illinois and researching cancer in the lab.” Second place: College essay contest Checking a box marked ‘atheist’

FFRF awarded David $2,000 for his essay. character idolized as a paragon of re- Religion began losing its hold on my ligious virtue, “a man after God’s own mind when I was able to recognize that By David Andexler heart,” and it soon became clear that significant tension existed between the expectations for me were high. tenets of my religion and the discover- Twice a week I would be whisked off ies made by the scientific community. It was unusual for a question to to spend my evening memorizing bible After a conversation with my grandfa- bother me in the way that this one did. verses and talking to Jesus. Based on ther, this tension couldn’t be ignored Ostensibly, the question about my re- what I was told, he was a pretty decent any longer. ligious affiliation was fair, though pos- guy. The dialogues I had with Jesus be- When I was about 11, we were sit- sibly irrelevant, for a university applica- gan to seem more like monologues as ting opposite one another in his home, tion, but my answer would be symbolic I became suspicious of their one-sided quietly reading our books. “David,” he of the identity I would assume as I en- nature. began, “What are you reading today?” tered the next stage of my life. At that I voiced my concerns to the group I handed him my book. Something instant, the question had the power to leader, who promptly brushed me off else was on his mind, for he looked at bring my pen to a halt. with a vague response that temporarily the cover briefly before speaking again. I was mildly amused that my inquisi- satisfied me. “Do you know the most important tors had been kind enough to provide My religious fervor was matched question that can be asked?” he said. I me with a list of the four most common only by my passion for science. I spent shook my head. and, perhaps, the four most accept- every free minute immersed in a sci- “The most important question that able answers. At the not-so-tender age ence book, learning all that I could can be asked is the question of ‘Why?’ of 18, I was tasked with the minor feat about the mechanisms that drive the If you can give a good answer to that of determining the eternal fate of my natural world. My parents went to great question, that’s how you know that soul with nothing more than a checked lengths to support my scientific educa- what you believe is true. That’s why sci- box. Pick the one that best describes tion, something for which I’m inex- he was not formally educated, he was ence works. It tells us why the natural you: Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Jew- pressibly thankful, despite simultane- a well-read and intellectual man. Some world is the way it is.” ish. ous emphasis on religious education. days he would talk to me about science, In that moment he affirmed, per- Since birth, I’ve had ceaseless ex- My grandfather also played a signifi- about the beauty of the natural world haps not intentionally, what I refused posure to evangelical teachings. I was cant role in my scientific education by and the sense of awe that we should to acknowledge on my own: The fact given the name David, after a biblical fostering my love of books. Though feel as we observe it. Continued on next page Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014

Continued from previous page of assurance for other believers than as remove the mask that I had worn for that what I believed about religion It wasn’t easy to an actual agent of change. I found my- so long, when, in blue pen, I wrote in could not stand up to this fundamental self growing tired of crafting excuses to the word “atheist” with a checked box question of “Why?” Science, which ad- gloss over the rationalize my beliefs. next to it. vances through the systematic evalua- horrific morality of But as I sat on the cusp of higher ed- tion of evidence for a particular claim, ucation, I was no longer content with David Andexler, 21, was raised in the must make a rather large exception the bible. donning the trappings of make be- rural community of Rootstown, Iowa, and for the claims of religion if the two are lieve by masquerading as a Christian, is a senior at Duquesne University in Pitts- to exist in harmony. I couldn’t justify a religion whose adherents desperately burgh. He will graduate in 2015 with a B.S. making that exception. torment. wanted to stifle my dissent. I looked in biology and a B.A. in history. He is vice In the years that followed this intel- It wasn’t easy wearing the Christian down at the four choices listed on my president of academic affairs for Duquesne’s lectual awakening, I maintained the disguise; after all, it wasn’t easy to gloss university application, picked up my Student Government Association and vice outward appearance of a Christian, over the horrific morality of the bible, pen and began to write. chair of external communications for the fearing social repercussions and a lin- the conveniently silent nature of God Like my namesake, I made a deci- Pittsburgh Student Government Council gering sense of eternal damnation. For and the terribly convoluted revelation sion to fight against the proverbial and belongs to the Secular Student Alliance. years I was haunted by the phantasms of a supposedly omniscient being. Philistine threatening to conquer that of hellfire, despite knowing, intellectu- I knew that prayer was a crapshoot, which I hold most dear: my intellec- ally, that I had no reason to fear such often being far more effective as an act tual integrity. On that day, I chose to Third place: College essay contest Memoir of an ex-Muslim

FFRF awarded Reem $1,000 for her essay. Living shackled to and saw a nurse standing there. I never learned her name. Her face and figure were hidden under layers of cloth, and By Reem Abded-Razek silly conventions her actions for the most part revealed and superstitions is no identity whatsoever. To my surprise, she gave me a not really living at glimpse into her personality. “You As the daughter of an Egyptian haven’t eaten anything in days,” she Muslim Brotherhood family, I spent all. said. Even though I couldn’t see her many summers at Aunt Sabreen’s facial expressions, I heard concern in apartment. She was one of the “sisters” her voice. — women members of the brother- until I thought the guard was asleep I endured the asylum for a couple My father was in Saudi Arabia at the hood — who were in charge of our re- during my walk outside the ward. As of weeks, then got out through abso- time. My mother lied to him about my ligious education. soon as I ran, he became instantly alert lute conformity; I lied and said that an devoutness, and through her lying, we “We should all thank Allah for creat- and ran me down. angel came to my room and we took all managed to come to the United ing us Muslims. We are all unbelievably “You know what I do to people who a tour of heaven together and I knew, States, where I became an emancipat- lucky. There are billions born into the try to escape?” he yelled. “I break their I just knew I was a Muslim. I was out ed minor and filed for asylum. wrong religion, and Allah chose each legs with my bare hands.” He merciless- instantly. I am excited about my future with- and every one of us here for the right ly began twisting my feet. I screamed as Almost everything returned to the out religion, I want to dedicate my life one,” Aunt Sabreen said at nearly every he dragged me across the flesh-tearing way it was before my incarceration. to art and music and dance and love meeting. ground into my room. A nurse locked The only thing that really changed was and books and beauty and everything “Why?” I asked curiously. “Why us?” the door and said with amusement, me: I was very scared and terrified of that I was told to avoid. I want to ride She answered, “You shouldn’t ask these “You’ll never get out of here.” going back to the mental institution. I a bike and swim and draw and dance types of questions!” So I stopped ask- I slept on the floor that night amid was also terrified of suffering the tor- and play guitar and work and write and ing her and instead asked other grown- tears and blood, waking to the sound ment of conformity for the rest of my love and speak and act and sing and ups, but no one seemed to have an of a loud nurse dragging me to get life. utilize every second of my existence. answer. electroshock. I limped my way there, I realized that by staying silent, I will I am free. Years passed and theology con- then all colors faded and so did every- most probably live longer physically sumed most of my time. The more I thing and everyone. but die “spiritually.” I decided that liv- Reem Abded-Razek, 21, lives in Syra- studied Islam, the more immensely I After regaining consciousness, I ing shackled to silly conventions and cuse, N.Y., and attends Onondaga Com- struggled in understanding Allah. At spent hours staring at the ceiling try- superstitions is not really living at all, munity College while studying humanities one point I raised my hands to the sky ing to think but not being able to. I felt and I started writing about my beliefs and professional communications. and poured out my heart and soul: “Al- someone’s presence. I turned my head publicly. lah, I can’t understand you! You bless the rape of slaves, wives and children under the guise of marriage, yet you Fourth place: College essay contest set flogging as punishment for consen- sual premarital sex! You sentence so many good people to eternal hell be- cause they dedicated their life to wor- shipping the ‘wrong’ God or no God! ‘Heathens and heretics,’ oh my! Talk to me and help me understand, please.” Then it hit me. I was talking to my- self. FFRF awarded Audrey $750 for her essay. estant in Ohio, but was more or less When I announced that I was an indifferent to religion. So I grew up atheist, my father believed that either without it, aside from my grandma’s By Audrey Gunn I was possessed by an infidel djinn and occasional gifts of rosaries and confus- thus required an immediate exorcism, ing explanations of Jesus. My mother or that I had lost my mind and re- always told me that if I was interested quired immediate institutionalization. in going to church (or a mosque or After he had failed in arranging for an I have always been an atheist. My synagogue), that she’d find one and exorcism due to family intervention, mother grew up in a strongly Catholic take me, but the idea just seemed a bit he used his connections as a physician household, the kind that had six kids odd, like Santa for adults. to get me thrown into a mental institu- and prayed at every meal and went to Most of my best childhood friends tion. church every Sunday come hell or high were Christian, but the only time that He said I would leave the institution water. When she went off to college, interfered was when they couldn’t a believer and that electroshock “thera- my mother stopped attending church, sleep over on Saturday because they py” would free me from the “delusions which came as a great relief, as she had to go to church on Sunday. It of atheism.” The only way I could get had stopped believing long ago. Her wasn’t until college, strangely enough, out was by pretending to believe, but mother, my grandma, was distraught, that my atheism became something I I was too proud, stubborn and naïve. but just said that she’d pray. She meant had to be careful about discussing. I’d I thought I could get out without well, I know. ended up “coming out” at Concordia compromising my principles. I waited My dad was raised a Scottish Prot- College, a small Lutheran school in October 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13 northern Minnesota, before classes across the carpet. revenge about a month later. I worry about being a good person even began. “But I still feel joy. Maybe it doesn’t We were reading Dante’s Inferno. here on Earth, making the most of the The entire first-year class had read come from the same place yours does, Mary had designed her own version short life I have rather than wasting a book called Happiness over the Sum- but I feel it — when I go hiking, deep of the nine levels of hell, which she my time condemning others for life mer, and my orientation group was in the woods, when I see the boxes of was describing to us in class. The first choices that differ from mine. Most invited to our professor’s house to dis- food I’ve helped to pack for charity, few levels were silly — people being people I’ve met at Concordia have cuss it. One particularly religious girl when I’m painting with my little cousin penalized for theft and the like with been much more accepting of me, (let’s call her Mary) said she felt like and she says she wants to be just like ridiculous, jokey punishments. By the and I’ve even found a couple other the concept of “joy” was minimized me one day.” sixth level, we had made it to murder- nonbelievers along the way. in the text. To her, she explained, joy I paused, but it was still dead silent. ers. “What’s on the ninth level, then?” I refuse to let one closed-minded could only come from religion, and “Just because I’m an atheist doesn’t another student finally asked. Mary girl hinder my pursuit of freethought. from Christianity specifically. Mary was mean I experience a smaller range of looked straight at me: “Heathens and sure we could all relate. emotions. Joy might come from differ- heretics.” Audrey Gunn, 19, grew up in Eagan, My heart started pounding so hard ent places for me, but I feel it, too.” I I wasn’t about to confront her again Minn., and is a junior English literature that my whole body felt like a live wire. was trembling. Mary’s face was twisted, about this ridiculous bias. If she want- major and German minor at Concordia I’m a pretty reserved person, even shy, like I couldn’t possibly understand. ed to condemn me to the ninth pit of College in Moorhead. She plays clarinet in so when I opened my mouth, every- I didn’t really have to deal with the hell, hanging out with Satan himself, several groups, is a member of the Secular body turned to me, a bit surprised, I stigma surrounding my atheism for a then so be it. As far as I’m concerned, I Student Community and serves on the ad- think, that I was speaking. “Well, I’m while. But in one class, called “Satan will cease to exist after I die (the bible visory committee for the college’s honors pro- an atheist,” I said, and in that moment, in Literature,” the topic was bound to is full of fascinating stories, but I fail to gram. you could have heard an ant crawling resurface. Mary finally took her petty see why they’re more than just stories).

Fifth place (tie): College essay contest The God who wasn’t there

FFRF awarded Keith $500 for his essay. nonsense. I would be sitting there play- them? A few months ago, I finally al- ing a game or watching TV and out lowed myself to realize that under no of nowhere I would be stricken with circumstances could a virgin give birth By Keith Greer Milburn thoughts that insisted I had sold my and a dead man could not come back soul to the devil and that I was going from the grave. But I still could not let to hell for all eternity. With tears in my go of God. I was raised a Southern Baptist, eyes, I would call out to God to take For weeks in place of my normal “saved” at the age 8 and washed in the away these thoughts, but he never did. bedtime prayers asking for forgiveness blood two years later. I also suffered The only real comfort came from my and professing thanks, I simply begged from obsessive compulsive disorder, mother, who suffered similarly. God to show himself to me in even the which I believe has helped bring me to About a year after graduating from most miniscule way. Finally the night where I am today. high school, I accepted that most of came where I truly felt I was just talking Anyone who has OCD is aware that the bible was false, but my faith still to the ceiling and great relief washed spite being a devout Christian, has doubt is a major byproduct — not be- remained in God and his son. Other over me. I no longer felt fear in my accepted me as I am and allowed my ing sure if you turned a light off or if things about Christianity did not make heart. inquisitive mind to prosper. She is my you put your name on an exam after sense though. I could not believe that After accepting my atheism, I felt a favorite person to talk to and she will turning it in. One doubt was worse a man who does not believe in God but great thirst for knowledge and started never know how much our theological than the rest: doubting if I was going is a good father and husband would go to read the great works of nonbelievers debates mean to me. to heaven. I was always a true believer, to hell, yet a serial killer or rapist who and to truly learn about the world and but my belief never comforted me. accepted Christ in prison was destined the universe. It was like a dark cloud Keith Milburn, 20, was born in Virginia The main thing OCD produces is for eternity in heaven. had been lifted from my mind and the Beach, Va., and is a junior at the University torment. There were many days I spent Nor could I understand how if ho- scales had fallen from my eyes. I was at of Memphis, Tenn. He’s majoring in politi- hours crying, begging God to help me. mosexuals were an abomination, why peace. cal science and hopes to attend law school OCD creates real fears out of complete would an all-powerful being create I must thank my mother, who, de- and specialize in criminal defense.

Fifth place (tie): College essay contest Working for human(ist) rights

FFRF awarded Marcus $500 for his essay. when I found it on my own. Simply put, Sundays for our family were not for church, but for trips to the science By Marcus Andrews museum or art museum or zoo, for spending time with friends and family and for seeking out new experiences. When I grew old enough to con- I certainly wasn’t “raised atheist,” as sider religion, the natural outcome countless people ask me, either out of was atheism, but being that kid whose contempt or ignorance. I was raised to family never went to church was at Marcus Andrews with his parents, Ron and Deb Andrews. be curious and healthily skeptical and best weird and sometimes confusing not to blindly follow authority or tradi- and uncomfortable. When I went to a telling us when to stand up, bow our ever the psalm of the occasion was, was tion for their sake alone. funeral or other religious function, of- heads or just sit quietly. coming out. While my parents could be consid- ten with our extended family, we just But I was always acutely aware that While I always knew that we were ered atheists or humanists like me, didn’t quite fit in. My parents had over every piece of the ritual was empty to different and understood the unease it they never pushed me toward unbelief. the years refined the art of respectfully us, and that everyone else knew that could create, I’m not sure it ever both- I did not even know the full meaning of going through the motions and herd- while I halfheartedly moved my mouth, ered me enough as to ever want to con- the word “atheist” until my early teens, ed my brother and me along, discreetly nothing like the Lord’s Prayer or what- Continued on next page Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014

Continued from previous page First-grade if I didn’t have to, understanding that I I never hesitate to express humanist form. At every step in my growth as a was part of a not-so-tolerated minority. ideas because I know that the only way nonbeliever, I had at least some sense classmate: Men But as I moved through high school, to attain this ideal world is for everyone (along with a stubborn affinity for con- I discovered the intellectual founda- to understand that there is much more trarianism) that I wasn’t really missing who eat pork ‘go tions that I had been missing, first in to this universe than ancient tradition, out. YouTube clips of scholars like Dawkins and that humanity can and must do I still remember what might just be down into the fire.’ and Hitchens and later in their writ- better. my first solo encounter with unbelief. ing. I finally understood that I was not In this endeavor, I keep Hitchens’ I have no idea what started this pro- alone and that my life was not missing words with me every day: “Take the risk found first-grade conversation, but it Punishing otherwise good people for something. of thinking for yourself, much more ended with the girl across the table something so arbitrary, that I myself Now there’s no stopping me. My happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom informing me that men who eat pork do all the time? Even at that young age rejection of the supernatural and com- will come to you that way.” “go down into the fire.” The student I understood that I was fairly alone in mitment to understanding and advanc- I discover more of each continu- teacher a few feet away hurried over to my class having no regular religious ing myself and humanity, is the abso- ally, renewing my resolve to work for a assure us that no one was going to hell custom to attend, but that this was the lute basis for everything I do. It guides world ever more wonderful. just then. first of many moments to come where me to value every second of this one Mixed with a subtle, naïve worry that I grew much more content with that. short life, and it directs me to pursue a Marcus Andrews, 20, was raised in I just might need to start being more By the end of middle school, I un- life dedicated to making society better Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and is a junior at careful with whatever unseen forces derstood that I was in fact an atheist, for all. It is the reason I study interna- Ohio State University. He’s double majoring were out there, I could not shake the even if I didn’t quite know the full tional relations with a goal to create a in political science and international stud- more overpowering thought of how ri- meaning and implications yet. I was world where opportunity and human ies, with focuses in international relations diculous and cruel such a belief could comfortable being different, even if I rights prevail over artificial national and diplomacy. be. Is that really what a god does? did not go to any effort to advertise it differences and religious traditions. Sixth place (tie): College essay contest Witnessing door to door no more

Aaron received $400 for his essay. pretation of it. was the right thing to do. While our beliefs were internally By the end of I never chose to be an atheist, but I consistent, I was bothered by the over- my journey, I no did choose to be public about it. That reliance on scriptures. Almost every was a decision I am confident was the line in a Witness publication will have a longer viewed the best I could have made in that situa- biblical verse cited at the end. It wasn’t tion. Living openly and honestly is the as if I was skeptically analyzing the bi- bible as accurate. most rewarding way of life. ble then. I simply had no idea how I could convince someone to accept it as Aaron McLaughlin, 19, spent the first truth. 12 years of his life in Eveleth, Minn., before With the goal of becoming a more my parents that I had rejected every- his family moved to Sioux City, Iowa, and effective evangelist, I set out to find ex- thing they’d taught me. When I finally Fayetteville, Ga. As a University of Iowa ternal evidence for the bible. Over the did come out, it took my parents by sur- sophomore, he’s pursuing B.B.A.’s in man- next few years, I watched as every piece prise. Looking back, I suppose I should anagement and marketing. He’s the educa- of evidence I clung to collapsed under have changed the way I told them. But tion and community organizer for Secular scrutiny. I’m completely sure that telling them Students at Iowa. Fulfilled prophecies? Too vague. Historical evidence? Sorely lacking. Divine miracles? Unsubstantiated. By the end of my journey, I was one of the Sixth place (tie): people whom I had set out to evange- lize: I no longer viewed the bible as ac- College essay contest curate. It took me some time to finally admit to myself that I was an atheist. It took By Aaron McLaughlin me even longer to admit this to others. Witnesses who disagree with the teach- Refusing to shut ings of the church are guilty of aposta- sy and are often punished with “disfel- Acts 17:11, in which the inhab- lowshipping,” or complete social exile. itants of Berea are praised for exam- For many, that means means losing all up and believe ining the evidence before believing family and friends. I was 16 when I real- Christianity’s claims, was a verse shared ized that I was an atheist, so I couldn’t with me often during my childhood. risk such a fate. Anita received $400 for her essay. but the atmosphere was nuanced by I was raised as one of Jehovah’s Wit- For a year, I went through the mo- a message that remained very much nesses, and like the Bereans, I believed tions of being one of Jehovah’s Wit- alive: I should just shut up. Never ques- By Anvita Patwardhan that my faith was firmly grounded in nesses. Living in the closet breeds tion what is taught, because it might evidence. frustration and resentment. I was ex- shake my faith. So naturally, as the year I was like the Bereans in another im- tremely hesitant to come out, but it was proceeded, I did exactly the opposite. portant way: The only evidence that I the right thing to do. I could continue Needless to say, I wasn’t too well-accept- considered came from the bible. I felt to lie to everyone else and force myself One day in class as we were ed. The teacher told parents that I was that I had strong scriptural evidence to pretend to be a Witness, or I could discussing the afterlife and salvation, arrogant and believed myself to be bet- for the beliefs that I was raised with. tell the truth. As I was taught by my I asked my eighth-grade Baptist Chris- ter than everyone else. But as I grew older, I felt the need to parents, the truth would set me free. tian teacher this: “What happens to I spent most of my life in a private find evidence for the scriptures them- Like most of my peers, the biggest people who die who have never heard school that taught me to hate. I should selves. This desire led to a profound decision I made in my senior year dealt of Jesus? Are they all going to hell?” hate homosexuals, the poor, transgen- awakening, a year of hiding and a lib- with college. This decision was made She gave me a look that delicately dered people, Democrats, feminism, erating confession. more complicated by the Witness po- informed me that she thought it was but above all, anyone who dares to I never planned to walk away from sition on college. Witnesses feel that one of the most idiotic questions she’d question the truth of the Gospel. So my faith. It happened organically and college is unnecessary because of the ever heard. Her eyes scanned the room the ironic statement arises: Why can’t unintentionally. Since Jehovah’s Wit- impending arrival of Armageddon, as though hunting for answers in the I question it? That question lingered nesses are required to proselytize door and feel that it is harmful because of air before slowly answering, “Anyone with me until the end of eighth grade, to door, I was constantly interacting its promotion of ideas that contradict who reaches a certain age will know when I was selected as one of the top with people who didn’t share my be- their teachings. Most don’t go. I was about him.” three in my class. liefs. Despite this exposure, my beliefs going to be different. What a cop-out, I thought. I pressed, I was given the privilege of deliver- were a closed system. The bible transla- There was no possible way for me to “What if they die as a baby?” ing a graduation speech, an opportu- tion that I used was published by the tell my parents that I would be going Pause. Another look of loathing. “I nity to show a voice that I’d never ex- Witnesses, as were the magazines and off to college without explaining my- don’t know everything,” she spat. pressed, a voice of rebellion. I was not books that told me the correct inter- self. Unfortunately, that meant telling With that, the conversation died, explicitly an atheist at the time, just a October 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15

Questions are the bane of religious 27 definitions fundamentalism. of atheist to me that humor can sometimes be the most persuasive tool in one’s ar- The following is reprinted with permis- without evidence. (Hitchens) senal. It was titled “Consequences of sion from Mr. Wall’s Sept. 14 column “An 15. Atheist: Integrity in thought is gay marriage” with five sector labels in Atheist in Illinois” at Chicagonow.com. worth more than blindness in obedi- its legend: “Russia invades, Judgment ence. Day begins, Families are destroyed, Ice 16. Atheist: When strength of character caps melt, and Gays marry.” dictates that the rejection of a morally Through my laughter, I realized repulsive myth isn’t a choice, but a ne- that gay marriage harmed nobody, but cessity. that condemning it was an act of im- 17. Atheist: Rather than pick and moral discrimination. choose in a crappy cafeteria, we find a Anywhere I could, I spoke out for better restaurant, and another, and an- skeptic, and while I would have loved those affected by the immense, adverse other, and another. to have given a speech peppered with impact of religion of which my teach- 18. Atheist: There has never been a expletives before marching out of my ers never taught, such as the denial of word of god, only words of men claim- eight-year hellhole, I went with a sub- science in an attempt to change school ing to speak for god. And that’s a big tler approach. curriculum and restricting condom difference. My speech consisted of nonreligious use and spreading HIV in Africa. I 19. Atheist: “We don’t know” has nev- quotes about saying goodbye, what we spoke out for the women, homosexu- er meant, and will never mean, it was can expect in the future and, most im- als and transgender people oppressed magic. Ignorance proves nothing. portantly, the significance of rational- by religion. I spoke out for the millions 20. Atheist: Immoral because we don’t ity. “Above all, question everything. of children paralyzed with fear at the faithfully subscribe to a book that con- Question, else fall victim to gullibility. idea of burning for an eternity. dones slavery and murder or believe Question, even if you can’t find the an- Now I understand why my Baptist that everyone else will be burned for- swer, but if only to challenge yourself,” teacher was so angry with my question- ever. But we still love you. I concluded. ing. It wasn’t her religion I was ques- 21. Atheist: In realizing that we made By James Kirk Wall Questions are the bane of religious tioning — it was her identity. That a mistake in making gods, we drowned fundamentalism. This was my coming dialogue was the catalyst to foster my them. out. Perhaps it wasn’t as explicit as growing skepticism, which molded my 1. Atheist: No belief in god. 22. Atheist: The tide goes in, the tide when I was 16 and decided to tell my identity to make me the award-winning 2. Atheist: Lack of belief in god. goes out. We can explain that. That Twitter feed that I wouldn’t be going debater I am today and the law student 3. Atheist: We don’t know how the would be the gravitational pull of the to church anymore when I could just I aspire to be. universe began, but we’re really sure it moon, and to a smaller extent, the pull attend its spitting image: my school’s My coming out gave me a voice, wasn’t that guy. of the sun. Google it! mythology class. a resounding cry of acumen and 4. Atheist: Far more interested in glo- 23. Atheist: Science represents an ad- My transition from skepticism to freethought that indelibly sculpted rifying life than glorifying death. vancing knowledge of the universe, atheism was sparked by the coming and cultivated my identity. 5. Atheist: At a certain age, belief in while god represents a retreating igno- out of my friend as a bisexual, a fact Santa is cute. At a certain age it’s not. rance. I undoubtedly found hard to accept. Anvita Patwardhan, 21, Newark, Ca- 6. Atheist: Do you believe in Zeus? 24. Atheist: Every supernatural mon- True to my education, I wondered if lif., attended Chabot College before trans- That’s how we feel about your god. ster winds up being some jerk in a she was only doing it for the attention. ferring to UC-Berkeley, where she’s a junior 7. Atheist: Don’t believe in any gods mask. She showed me a pie chart that proved English major. but your own? We simply take it one re- 25. Atheist: Pay attention to the man ligion further. behind the curtain. 8. Atheist: Because god sending him- 26. Atheist humanist: We rape and kill Secular celebrants self to be sacrificed to himself in order everyone we want, which is no one. to save us from himself (but only if you 27. Atheist humanist: Be good for believe it) seems a bit irrational. goodness sake. That’s all you need, my 9. Atheist: We don’t hang garlic on friend. OK’d in Indiana our doors just in case vampires are real. Note: Some of these definitions were 10. Atheist: Because evolution is a suc- inspired, if not directly quoted, by Ricky In a unanimous ruling, the Chicago- atheist, agnostic, humanist or simply cessful scientific theory while creation- Gervais, Richard Dawkins, Carl Sagan, based 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals doesn’t want a religious wedding, this ism is a failed hypothesis advocated by Christopher Hitchens, Bill Maher, Bill said couples in Indiana can be married decision means they can now have idiots and frauds. O’Reilly, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Scooby by their own “secular celebrants,” Re- these wonderful occasions solemnized 11. Atheist: A belief that jealous men Doo, the Wizard of Oz, Penn Jillette, ligion News Service reported July 14. by a celebrant who shares their life- creating a jealous god is the more likely Santa Claus and some unknown or for- An 1850s law required marriages to be stance.” scenario. gotten sources. conducted by religious clergy or gov- Judge Frank Easterbrook said the 12. Atheist: The arrogant belief that ernment officials. law discriminates against humanists the universe wasn’t created especially FFRF member James Kirk Wall, Wheaton, Plaintiff Reba Boyd Wooden, a certi- and members of faith groups without a for us, or that we have a personal re- Ill., engages in the battle of reason over fied secular celebrant (and FFRF Life deity such as Buddhists, Jains, Shintos lationship with an all-powerful being superstition along with countless other free- Member), said, “Whether a person is and Taoists. who occasionally shows us favoritism. thinkers dead and living. He’s written two 13. Atheist: Extraordinary claims re- books on secular philosophy and hundreds quire extraordinary evidence. (Sagan) of blogs criticizing the moral and intellectual 14. Atheist: That which can be assert- flaws of religion and promoting indepen- ed without evidence can be dismissed dent thought, science and human progress.

Gerald A. Larue, an ordained minister selection in his lawsuit against the Cath- who became an agnostic, an archaeolo- olic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph gist, a religious scholar and a debunker for alleged abuse by Msgr. Thomas J. of claims such as Lazarus rising from O’Brien in the 1980s when Couzens the dead and the discovery of Noah’s was an altar boy ark, died Sept. 17 in Newport Beach, Kansas City Star, 9-24-14 Calif. He was 98. News story on Larue, a longtime Uni- [W]e must address the cycle of conflict versity of Southern California profes- ­— especially sectarian conflict — that sor of religion and gerontology and creates the conditions that terror- founding president of the Hemlock ists prey upon. There is nothing new Society about wars within religions. Christian- The Washington Post, 9-24-14 ity endured centuries of vicious sectar- ian conflict. Today, it is violence within I’m willing to be an open book, to have Muslim communities that has become my life exposed — even some of my the source of so much human misery. Hope springs infernal wrong choices — for the sake of saving President Barack Obama, speech to Ohioan Ron Taggart spotted this gem in Stow and writes, “Thanks for the just one child. the U.N. General Assembly invite, but, uh, no thanks.” Jon David Couzens, on the eve of jury Religion Clause, 9-24-14 Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014 Vets lobby Navy to get bibles out

FFRF sent out a nationwide action fighting, 86 combat missions. Many of man Catholic version of the bible and alert Aug. 15 in response to the U.S. his buddies were atheists. many others? Navy reneging on its decision to re- It is so unfair to the myriad of more I suggest you stick with your original move Christian bibles from Navy-run and more new younger recruits who decision. lodges. The Navy Exchange Service are nonreligious that they (unconstitu- Timothy L Rauhouse Command (NEXCOM) issued a quiet tionally) be subject to one of the most • • • directive on June 19 in response to a biased, evil, torturous, hedonist books I am a veteran of the U.S. Army (ac- complaint by FFRF, ordering removal ever written, the Christian bible. tive duty 1963-66) and I am writing to of religious material from lodges by Please honor my husband’s memory thank you for your correct decision to Sept. 1. and the many many others who sacri- remove Christian bibles from all Navy The alert urged members to voice ficed for the United States of America Lodge guest rooms. their support for the Navy’s original and the freedom she stands for. My alma mater for a master’s degree, decision to remain neutral toward re- Brigit Clarke-Smith Iowa State University, removed bibles ligion. The number of responses was California from the Student Union hotel. When FFRF’s ‘Atheists in Foxholes’ overwheming. Many helped emphasize • • • I trained in ROTC at the University of monument at Lake Hypatia in how FFRF represents real people (with As a U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant j.g. Connecticut, our commanding officer Alabama. histories of military service). for three years, I felt proud to help our told us we were defending the rights Here is a selection of some we re- great country protect itself and other of those who protested our activities in ceived, edited for space. Some names/ worthy countries. As a nonbeliever, Vietnam. We were also defending the addresses have been omitted by re- it never occurred to me that any gov- secular constitutional principles on quest. ernmental agency would promote any which this country was founded. I am a U.S. Army veteran from the religion whatsoever. Thus, to find out Thank you for demonstrating that Korean Conflict. The bible can cause As a retired Navy master chief petty the Navy has been providing Christian the Navy, like Iowa State, is willing to great confusion for our military per- officer with 24 years of active service bibles in its hotel rooms is a disgrace. stand by the separation of government sonnel who are confronted by it in and as a retired Navy Civil Service em- Every person has a right to believe as and religion. None of us want to live their rooms. For example, let’s say a bi- ployee with 18 years of service, I am they see fit and not be harassed by bi- in a theocracy and the Navy has taken ble is in a room, and a service member writing to thank you for your correct ased influence. appropriate action to stop theocracy opens it up and sees a verse in Leviticus decision to remove Christian bibles I expect to hear shortly that the from gaining a foothold in this great which reads, “If a man lies with anoth- from all Navy Lodge guest rooms. Navy has realized its error and has re- country. er man as he does with a woman, both As an atheist/nonbeliever, I’m moved the bibles. Name withheld have committed an abomination, they deeply offended when I go into a ho- James B. Gordon • • • shall be put to death, and their blood tel room and find a bible there, which • • • Religious proselytizing has no place shall be upon them.” The bible thus sends a message that I need to be con- I am a disabled veteran and I am in our nation’s military and govern- teaches us to murder gay individuals, verted or am somehow the “wrong” writing to thank you for your correct mental agencies, by specific declara- and that seems to be an horrific way to religion. Today, nonbelievers make decision to remove Christian bibles tion by the U.S. Constitution! Our na- meet the LGBT situation. up about a quarter of active military from guest rooms. As an atheist, I’m tion can best be protected by standing Then he or she reads one of the personnel. So I know how “atheists in offended when I go into a hotel room firmly as an international community Ten Commandments that says “Thou foxholes” would feel in encountering and find a bible there, which sends a member by remaining a secular na- shall not covet thy neighbor’s wife.” someone else’s “holy book” in what message that I need to be converted or tion. Far too much mayhem has been But does this mean it’s OK to covet should be secular military accommo- am somehow the “wrong” religion. visited on our nation by religiously mo- thy neighbor’s husband? How about I dations. I know how “atheists in foxholes” tivated policies of foreign nations. Timothy that says women shall not be Military service is, in part, about would feel in encountering someone As a six-year U.S. Army member, I permitted to teach, shall remain silent defending the secular constitutional else’s “holy book” in what should be have traveled to at least 50 different and be in submission. The U.S. Episco- principles on which this country was secular military accommodations. Mili- countries and used their accommoda- pal Church has selected Katharine Jef- founded. The separation between gov- tary service is, in part, about defending tions and have never had to face “re- ferts Schori to be its national presiding ernment and religion is one of those the secular constitutional principles on ligious promotion” in my sleeping ar- bishop! key principles that has allowed our which this country was founded. Thank rangements! As a six-year member of I do not want our military personnel country to thrive. you for demonstrating that the Navy is the U.S. Army, I wish to add my displea- to have their minds cluttered by such Thank you for ensuring secular ac- willing to stand by those principles, not sure by your agency to delay taking the confusing language from the bible, commodations, which guarantees that because it is a politically popular thing correct action on what is at the core, a and I believe they would be more calm some military personnel are not made to do, but because it is the only appro- defiance of our Constitution. and effective if bibles were kept out of to feel like “outsiders” because they are priate course of action. I might also add that a youthful their rooms. Would you not agree? non-Christians or nonbelievers. Marvin (Mark) Jabin friend was among the first graduates Theodore M. Utchen Name withheld, CTACM, USN (RET) • • • of the U.S. Air Force Academy. May he • • • • • • As an atheist veteran (Combat rest in peace. He would stand firmly We (my husband and I) were very I served in the active USNR in 1945- Command B, 2nd Armored Division, against this deliberate attempt to chal- happy to hear that the Navy had decid- and also in the reserve from 1946-50. Mainz, Germany), I am offended by lenge our nation’s declared policy of ed to discontinue putting bibles in ho- I wish to protest the Navy’s support of the placing of Christian bibles in Navy- fairness and justice in the face of exces- tel rooms. But now we have found out placing bibles or any other religious run Lodges. The implication is more sive noise from a religious minority. that that decision has been rescinded. material of any sort in any facility asso- than obvious: The Navy supports the Donald C. Feller Please, please go back to no bibles! ciated with the Navy. I also protest any belief that Christianity is better than • • • I ask this partially because my hus- religious proselytizing on any occasion other religions as well as being better I was a captain in the U. S. Marine band, when attending the Naval Acad- by Navy personnel under color of uni- than no religion. Both ideas are false Corps from 1956-1959. It is your con- emy many years ago was forced to form. and insulting to many of us in our very stitutional duty to remove these bibles proclaim a religion. His family had no Long-held readings of our Consti- diverse society. Let’s stop equating pa- and not replace them at any future religion and the only connection he tution clearly preclude the Navy from triotism with Christianity. Respect all of time. I should not have to tell you this, had to any religion was that he grew participating in such activity, it should us and take a stand against religious in- but because of your actions, I must. It up in a mostly Catholic community. cease immediately, and in fact it should tolerance by keeping Christian bibles is none of the government’s business So, that being the religion he knew have not been countenanced at any out. what people believe. the most about, he said he was Catho- time in my view. By the way, I have held Instead of bibles, how about putting Now for my personal assessment: lic. Too late he found out that at the such a view for the past 75 years. copies of the Constitution in lodges. The Universe is huge. We are but an in- academy, Catholics were forced to get Kennan C. Herrick Jr. That is the document we all served to finitesimal part of it. There is not one up earliest and march to the chapel on (Son of the late Kennan C. Herrick, defend. iota of evidence that we have a soul Sunday mornings. He found out that also a Navy veteran.) Madison Arnold that survives after death. if he had claimed to be Buddhist, he Oakland, Calif. All religions are false. Religion is would have been allowed to leave the • • • • • • based on fear of the unknown, and the campus on Sunday mornings. He tried As a proud American atheist and on I served in the military during the priests and preachers use the fear of to change his religion to Buddhist but behalf of my deceased atheist husband, Vietnam War. I completely agree with death to control people and make tons was not allowed to do so. Capt. Maurice Franklin “Bo” Smith, a your original decision to remove Prot- of money by expounding their bull. While bibles in hotel rooms are not Navy/Marine fighter pilot (Corsairs, estant bibles from Navy Lodge guest Please end this controversy now, be- as coercive as requiring attendance at VMF223, South Pacific, World War II), rooms. I am nonreligious. Are you pre- cause if you are sued, you will lose and Sunday services, they are still offensive I am asking you to honor the memo- pared to be pestered to include in your the taxpayers will have to fund your to those of us who have no religion. ries of the many atheist, agnostic, and lodges space for the Book of Mormon, worthless defense. This letter is not What would many people think if they nonreligious veterans. the Hindu Bhagavad Gita, the Quran, meant to be acrimonious or hateful. found the Quran in their hotel room? Bo was 6-foot-4, 223 pounds. When the sacred writings of L. Ron Hubbard, Just do your constitutional duty. Name withheld he contracted malaria in Bougainville, the various texts of Buddhists and Wic- James A. Worrell he weighed 120 pounds and kept on cans, the satanic bible, perhaps the Ro- • • • October 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17

FFRF Legal Complaints

FFRF’s legal staff sent out 135 letters of Tallahassee. complaint in September. Some highlights Violation: Former FSU football (more on page 22): coach Bobby Bowden admitted to pros- elytizing his players in a recent appear- Contact: Allen Independent School ance on Fox News. A former assistant District, Bastrop ISD, Texas. coach said that Bowden “presented the Violation: Prayers at graduation cer- Gospel to the team,” which convinced emonies. him “to go see coach the next morning Contact: William Penn School and pray to receive Christ as my Lord Board, Montoursville School Board, and savior.” Bowden wrote in his book Pa.; Escambia School Board, Pensaco- that God’s “purpose for me was to go la, Fla.; Overton County Board of Edu- into coaching and try to influence cation, Livingston, Tenn. young men for Jesus Christ.” Violation: Prayers at their public Bowden established the position meetings. of team chaplain in 1981, eventually Contact: New Mexico Public Educa- hiring as chaplain the pastor from his tion Department, Charter School Divi- church, Clint Purvis. Purvis recruited sion. players, accompanied coaches on re- Violation: Estancia Valley Classical cruitment visits and led the team and Academy, a public charter school in visiting teams in prayer and “devotion- Moriarty, N.M., held an open house for als,” all contrary to statements made by students which included a ceremony FSU. The university also told FFRF that around the flagpole, after which the Purvis held master’s degrees in coun- FFRF sent a complaint letter about an elementary school’s mascot, “The principal asked everyone to join him in seling and psychology. FFRF could not Padres,” in San Juan Bautista, Calif. prayer, which he led “in Jesus’ name.” find any evidence that Purvis held any Contact: Richardson Independent psychology degree, and Purvis’s alma are offended by that, you can leave into Violation: A third-grade teacher School District, Texas. mater, Southwestern Baptist Theologi- the hallway and your case will not be asks students to pray when they line up Violation: Big Springs Elementary cal Seminary, does not offer an M.A. in affected.” Mack reportedly introduced for lunch. School planned a three-day trip to counseling but does offer one in bib- a pastor who read from the bible for Contact: Itawamba County School Sky Ranch, a self-described “Christian lical counseling, “a 66-hour program more than five minutes, after which he District, Fulton, Miss.; Madison Metro- camp” designed to expose students “to of study designed primarily to equip asked everyone to bow their heads to politan School District, Wis.; Lincoln the truths of the Word of God.” Christian men and women to minister pray. Public Schools, Neb. Contact: Texas Preparatory School, God’s Word through counseling in the Contact: Buncombe County Violation: These districts let Gide- Austin. context of the local church or other Schools, Asheville, N.C. ons International representatives on Violation: This charter school man- Christian ministries.” Violation: The instructor of a “Teen school property to distribute bibles to dated daily recitation of the Lord’s Contact: Mountain Home Air Force Living” course at Clyde A. Erwin High students. Prayer and asked students to pray ev- Base, Idaho. School sent her students home with Contact: Grand Rapids Public ery day before being allowed into the Violation: Nearly every event on a printout of “Inspirational Quotes.” Schools, Mich. cafeteria. The school’s code, which stu- the base, including mandatory events, Students were to pick a quote to be Violation: An Ottawa Hills High dents were also required to recite daily, starts printed on a T-shirt. Half of the print- School Health Clinic doctor asked a began, “I believe in God and the right with an invocation. out consisted of bible verses, and it ad- student to sign a “Willing to Wait” card to worship according to my own faith Contact: Mammoth Cave National vised students to “Read from the Bible during a mandatory athletic physical. and religion.” Park, Ky. that offer [sic] inspiration and can The card asks students to commit to Contact: Osceola County School Violation: Guest cottages in this help inspire you in times of doubt, loss, abstinence until marriage. The group District, Kissimmee, Fla. public park contain Gideon bibles. mourning, sadness or hopelessness.” behind Willing to Wait says its mission Violation: The school board holds Contact: U.S. Postal Service branch- Contact: Visalia Unified School Dis- is to “encourage people to embrace a prayer, usually Christian prayer, at es, Bellaire, Texas, and Copperhill, trict, Calif. Biblical view of sexuality.” meetings, even when students are pres- Tenn. Violation: Golden West High Contact: Manatee County Board of ent. East Lake Elementary School also Violation: The post offices display School’s football coaches lead the team Elections, Bradenton, Fla. lets a church permanently display ad- religious signs. in prayer before and after games. The Violation: A voter reported encoun- vertising at the school and is permit- Contact: Columbus Division of Po- team also attended a three-day camp at tering religious messages and iconog- ted to send home fliers advertising its lice, Ohio. Hume Lake Christian Camp, where a raphy at Redeemer Lutheran Church, events. Violation: The police division em- former NFL player told them “the only which is used as a polling place. Contact: Winchester High School, ploys several chaplains, all Christian way to have hope in your life is to fol- Contact: Hudson High School, Mass. ministers. low Jesus Christ” and encouraged play- Lufkin, Texas. Violation: The “Captain’s Parent” Contact: Montgomery County ers to start a Fellowship of Christian Violation: A student was disciplined of the football team annually hosts a Court, Texas. Athletes chapter. Coaches let an FCA for remaining seated during the Pledge religious worship service at St. Mary’s Violation: Judge Wayne Mack regu- representative attend several practices, of Allegiance. Church, which all football players and larly opens court sessions with a Chris- where he invited the team to a church Contact: Aberdeen Central High coaching staff are invited to attend. tian prayer. He started one with, “We to watch a Christian movie. School, S.D.; Allen High School, Texas. Contact: Florida State University, are going to say a prayer. If any of you Contact: Chula Vista Elementary Violation: Aberdeen Central’s head School District, Calif. football coach and assistant coaches Violation: Corky McMillin Elemen- and Allen High School’s band director tary School held its annual sixth-grade organize and lead prayer with students graduation at the church next door, before games. Calvary Chapel San Diego, despite hav- Contact: Anoka-Hennepin School ing its own auditorium large enough to District, Minneapolis. hold the ceremony. Violation: An Anoka High School Contact: Bell County School Dis- teacher showed her health class a trict, Pineville, Ky. Christian film in which a student saves Violation: The school district hosted a friend from committing suicide by a four day Christian “crusade” by the joining a church group. group GO TELL Ministries, holding Contact: Perry Township Schools, mandatory assemblies in its schools Indianapolis. during the day. The assemblies pro- Violation: Perry Meridian High moted an anti-drug message but also School held a National Honor Society served to recruit students for religious ceremony which opened with a sectar- events after school. ian prayer. Contact: Cumberland Valley High Contact: Maryland Department of Up north School, Mechanicsburg, Pa. Natural Resources, Annapolis. FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover took a trip to “up north” Wisconsin on Oct. Violation: A coach delivered a Violation: The DNR sponsors a Boy 1 to Rhinelander High School for a debate on state/church separation in prayer at the football team’s preseason Scouts of America program, which bars public schools. Beforehand, Sam met the mythical Hodag that’s Rhinelander’s dinner. nonreligious boys. official symbol. Sam then proceeded to the audience of about 50 at the school Contact: City of Oakland, Calif. Contact: University of Colorado. to address another myth, the one that says America is a Christian nation. Violation: The city permitted two Violation: A police officer at UC- Representing the other side was Karen Schroeder of Rice Lake, the founder Buddhist shrines to be maintained on Colorado Springs includes a bible of Advocates for Academic Freedom, which has called for an end to federal public property. quote in his official university email involvement in education and more emphasis on religion and morality in the Contact: East Robeson Primary signature. classroom. School, Lumberton, N.C. Continued on page 22 Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014

Black Collar Crime Blotter said Det. Sgt. Chris Morris. paper, he is the ideal person to have volunteer “They say they can pray things away, but when Compiled by Bill Dunn “She was messing with the printer and it shot in your kids’ area because that’s his passion.” they have sexual things like that, praying isn’t out a print. It was this story about 3 young girls,” Source: KFSN, 9-12-14 going to fix it,” Seegars said. Source: WUSA/ Arrested / Charged Morris said, adding that Jones’ wife alleged Tony McSweeney, 67, W. Sussex, UK, and Washington Post, 9-14-14/2-18-14 she’d seen child porn on his computer. Source: John Stingemore, 72, London: Catholic pas- A judge in the Canadian territory of Nunavut Ev Ny, 33, Prey Kabbas, Cambodia: Rape. News-Capital, 9-19-14 tor McSweeney and children’s home manager convicted defrocked Catholic priest Eric Dejae- Ny, a Buddhist monk, is accused of raping a Robert B. Brooks, 28, Sherman, TX: Sexual Stingemore had several charges added to earli- ger on 24 counts of sexual assault, 1 each of 14-year-old girl whose mother took her to the assault. Brooks, youth pastor at an unidentified er ones regarding alleged molestations of 6 vic- bestiality and unlawful confinement, 2 of bug- pagoda to be blessed because she was having church, is accused of having a sexual relation- tims under age 15 at Grafton Close Children’s gery and 3 of unlawful sexual intercourse involv- a hard time breathing. ship with a female church member under age Home in the early 1980s. ing Inuit children between 1978-82. The mother told police Ny took the girl to a 17. Police said there may be more victims be- New charges include taking indecent photos Dejaeger, who fled to his native Belgium in private room, where she later saw blood on the cause of Brooks’ position. Source: KXII, 9-18-14 of a child, indecency with a child, gross indecen- 1995, has already served 5 years after pleading ritual bed. After the bleeding worsened, doctors Clifton Wells, 61, Papillion, NE: 3rd-degree cy and sexual assault. Source: EDP24, 9-11-14 guilty to 8 sexual assault counts. Inuit victims in- said she’d been raped. sexual assault. Wells, pastor at the Church of Joseph Hemmerle, Louisville, KY: 6 counts cluded 12 boys, 10 girls and a dog he abused in District Police Chief Chum Choeun alleged Jesus Christ in Omaha for 20 years, is accused of sodomy and 3 counts of sexual abuse in- front of 2 children. Most were between the ages that Ny confessed to using incense and prayers of groping a 14-year-old girl whose home he’d volving a minor which allegedly occurred in the of 8 and 12. Source: Canadian Press, 9-12-14 to convince the girl he was performing a legiti- gone to in July to give her spiritual counseling. 1970s. The accuser says Hemmerle, now the James McGonegal, 69, Cleveland: Plead- mate ritual. Source: Cambodia Daily, 9-30-14 The alleged touching came during a car ride pastor at 2 Catholic parishes, molested him at ed guilty to sexual solicitation while knowingly Richard Kurtz, 69, Chicago: Production, for her daughter to pick up a job application, Camp Tall Trees. Another man then came for- being HIV positive. McGonegal, a priest at St. possession and transportation of child por- her mother told police. At least 2 other females ward with similar accusations dating to when he Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, exposed nography. The FBI alleged the Catholic priest told police Wells touched them inappropriately. was 11. himself and offered a park ranger $50 to touch secretly recorded hockey players in the locker Source: WOWT, 9-18-14 Hemmerle, who was ordained in 1967, was him. room at University of Detroit Jesuit High School Daniel Tipantiza, 40, Harrisburg, PA: 61 cleared by the archdiocese in 2002 of similar al- A plea deal requires him to stay out of all in 1998-99 and that he transferred other porno- counts of child pornography distribution and legations. Source: Courier-Journal, 9-9-14 Cleveland Metroparks, perform 50 hours of graphic material to Chicago from Clarkston, MI. 61 counts of child pornography possession. Nicholas Lawrence, 26, Pekin, IL: Aggra- community service and continue outpatient Kurtz pleaded guilty in 2012 to sexual as- Authorities said Tipantiza was a youth pastor vated criminal sexual abuse of a child under age treatment started at a residential facility for sault involving a minor in Colorado in 2001 at Valley Baptist Church. They’re investigat- 13 for purposes of sexual arousal or gratification priests in Silver Spring, MD. Source: Plain Deal- and received probation. He’s been restricted ing whether he had inappropriate contact with of the defendant or victim. Lawrence was fired er, 9-5-14 from public ministry since 2001. Source: Detroit church members. Source: WHTM, 9-18-14 as pastor of youth services at Pekin Church Reginald W. Miller, 65, Myrtle Beach, SC: News, 9-29-14 Adam Metropoulos, 52, Bangor, ME: Vio- of God in June after allegations were made. Miller, founder of the 4-campus Cathedral Bible Markus Q. Bishop, 54, Panama City Beach, lation of privacy and possession of child por- Source: Journal Star, 9-5-14 College, agreed to plead guilty to 2 counts each FL: Delivering a controlled substance to a mi- nography. Metropoulos, a priest at St. George Jose Baltazar Hernandez Molina, 31, Ma- of visa fraud, fraud in labor contracting and will- nor, felony battery and contributing to the de- Greek Orthodox Church, is accused of secretly clovio Rojas, Mexico: Murder and rape. Molina, ful failure to pay minimum wage. The charges linquency of a minor. Bishop, former pastor at recording 2 women taking showers in his home. pastor at a Christian church in Baja California, are related to forcing foreign students to work Faith Christian Family Church, is accused of A search of his computers then turned up child is accused of seducing 12-year-old Adriana for low or no wages under the threat of deporta- giving a 16-year-old girl marijuana before trying porn, an affidavit said. Sanchez Beltran into having a 2-year relation- tion, while not providing the coursework prom- to force himself on her at his home. Metropoulos also allegedly admitted to in- ship and then fatally breaking her neck when he ised. “The victim/child said she was extremely vestigators that he inappropriately touched 2 found out she was dating a teen boy. Students told investigators their living condi- ‘high’ but agreed” to go swimming with Bishop, a teen boys at his home 5 years ago. He was con- Investigator Miguel Angel Guerrero said the tions were substandard, including long periods police report said. After moving to the pool from victed of a sex crime in Michigan in 1983. The priest admitted he flew into a jealous rage and without hot water, heat or air conditioning and the hot tub, where the girl had become uncom- church said it conducted a criminal background was remorseful. “We are also investigating who food that “was expired or insufficient for con- fortable with his advances, Bishop took a flota- check on him only in Maine and Massachusetts else knew about his relationship and why they sumption and nutrition.” Source: Sun News, tion device from her and put his hands on her when he was ordained in 2000, so the Michigan did nothing.” Source: Daily Mirror, 9-2-14 9-2-14 lower back, guiding her around the pool, investi- conviction didn’t show up. Source: WABI/Press Paul Rennix, 32, Fairmont, W.VA: Receiv- Robert Ours, 65, Syracuse, NY: Pleaded gators reported. Source: News Herald, 9-26-14 Herald, 9-18-14 ing and possessing child pornography. Rennix, guilty to 6 counts of possessing a sexual per- Joseph Maurizio Jr., 69, Windber, PA: Alberto Trevino, 63, San Antonio: Inde- formerly of Kinde, MI, is accused of having porn formance by a child. A plea agreement calls for Engaging in illicit sex in foreign countries and cent exposure. Trevino, a Catholic priest with on his computer in 2013 while he was pastor at a sentence of 10 years’ probation and sex of- possession of child pornography. According to the Missionaries of the Holy Family, allegedly the Bad Axe Church of Christ. He and has wife fender registration. an affidavit by Homeland Security Agent Molly was masturbating in view of an undercover of- have a daughter less than a year old. The Diocese of Syracuse said the charges Rock, agents found child pornography on a hard ficer in a park. Asked by the officer what he liked Rennix is no longer a minister and works at are unrelated to Ours’ time as a priest and drive seized from the rectory at Our Lady Queen to do, Trevino allegedly said, “Almost anything.” Home Depot. Before moving to Michigan, he teacher at Seton Catholic Central in Bingham- of Angels, where Maurizio is pastor. The officer said he had to go get protection. was pastor at Pleasant Avenue Church of Christ ton. He admitted possessing 6 illegal images of Rock said Maurizio traveled regularly to Trevino was arrested by other officers. Source: in Shinnston, W.VA for nearly 3 years when he children under age 16 in 2013. Source: Press & Honduras from 1999-2009 to assist a nonprofit News 4, 9-17-14 was asked to leave, church members said, not Sun-Bulletin, 8-28-14 serving at-risk children. While there, he en- Jeffrey Y. Harlow, 57, Mechanicsville, VA: specifying why. Source: Detroit News, 9-2-14 gaged in “various and numerous sexual activi- Indecent exposure. The incident involving Har- Lucas D. Brandenburg, 30, Titusville, FL: ties” with minors. low, pastor at Chamberlayne Heights United 10 counts of possession of child pornography. Sentenced Images on his computer show a boy with po- Methodist Church, allegedly took place in his Brandenburg, youth pastor at Building 418, a James Daley, 72, Luray, VA: 6 years in lio, who later died, posed to display his genitals. home. Details weren’t released because they ministry of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, is prison for aggravated sexual battery of a child Two Pennsylvania boys, ages 7 and 5, have could hinder prosecution, said sheriff’s spokes- prohibited from being on church property or hav- less than 13 years old and 5 counts of indecent since come forward. man Lt. Chris Whitley. Source: WTVR, 9-16-14 ing contact with children. liberties with a child. Daley, pastor at Beth Eden U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Pesto ordered Steven F. Gray, 67, Dallas: Indecency with The arrest report alleged he admitted view- Lutheran Church, also operated a day care cen- Maurizio detained after prosecution evidence a child by contact. He’s accused of fondling ing child porn for more than 10 years. In a 2013 ter with his wife Margaret from their home, the contrasted sharply with character witnesses an 11-year old boy 5 years ago when he was church convention speech, he said, “There are site of the alleged offenses. who called him “priestly, faithful and committed associate pastor at Lord’s House of Prayer in more pitfalls set before young people today than Margaret Daley was convicted of contribut- to helping.” Crandall. I have time to describe. The fact is we live in ing to the delinquency of a child and was sen- “What you’re describing is Jekyll and Hyde, An affidavit alleged the boy started visiting a dark world and a depraved culture.” Source: tenced to 10 days in jail with 5 days suspended Fr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” Pesto said, before not- Gray’s home daily: “On one of these visits, [the Florida Today/The Raw Story, 8-28-14 for time served. Court documents said the victim ing he can’t let “Jekyll go free and detain Mr. boy] asked about a cowboy hat and [Gray] said Isaiah Arellano, 25, Bastrop, TX: Sexual as- told her in September 2012 that the pastor was Hyde.” Source: Post-Gazette, 9-25-14 if he wanted that hat, he would have to earn it.” sault. Arellano, youth pastor at Faith Impact Fel- taking sexual liberties with her. Source: nvdaily. Jeremiah Levi Behrens, 34, Grandville, MI: Source: myfoxdfw.com, 9-15-14 lowship (where his uncle is pastor), is charged com, 9-30-14 2nd- and 4th-degree criminal sexual conduct. Glenn VanZandt, 55, Hoover, AL: 2nd-de- with having sex with a 15-year-old girl. Eric D. Sapp, 49, Delaware, OH: 5 years’ Charges stem from Behrens’ time as youth pas- gree rape and 2nd-degree sodomy. VanZandt, The girl’s mother told police Arellano was liv- probation after pleading guilty to 4th-degree tor at Grandville Baptist Church. The alleged pastor at Palisades Family Church of Christ, is ing with the family due to his marital problems. felony theft. Sapp, former associate pastor at female victim was between the ages of 13-15. accused of crimes against a female under age She called police after she allegedly found him Grace Baptist Church, was ordered to repay the Detectives said charges relate to Behrens’ posi- 16 that allegedly occurred for several months having sex in the game room with her daugh- church $56,000 in installments of $935 a month. tion of authority at the church. Source: Grand during an ongoing relationship. ter, who alleged they had sex on 3 occasions. “He treated the church as his own personal Rapids Press/Fox 17, 9-23-14 He was arrested by Pleasant Grove police Source: KXAN, 8-28-14 piggybank,” said church attorney David Gibbs Timothy Thompson, 38, Denver: Sexual on patrol in a park about 10 p.m. with the girl in III. Sapp is now pastor at New Hope Baptist contact with a minor. He allegedly molested a his vehicle. Source: WBRC, 9-14-14 Church. Source: Columbus Dispatch, 9-26-14 boy younger than 16 in 2008 when he was pas- Aidan Kay, 71, Blenheim, New Zealand: Pleaded / Convicted Dinesh D’Souza, 53, New York City: 8 tor at Cornerstone Community Church in Mo- Indecent assault. Kay, a priest of the Passionist Yoshiyahu Y. Pinto, 41, Jerusalem: Agreed months’ confinement in a community service bridge, SD. Order (formally the Congregation of Discalced to plead guilty to bribery of a senior Israeli police center, 5 years’ probation, 1 day of community Thompson moved to Denver in 2013 and Clerks of the Most Holy Cross and Passion of officer in 2012 in order to obtain access to a file service a week, $30,000 fine and weekly ther- worked as an administrator at a parochial Our Lord Jesus Christ), was pastor at St. Mary’s with details of an investigation into Pinto’s finan- apy. D’Souza, a Christian apologist and former school before his arrest. Source: Argus Leader, Catholic Parish when he allegedly groped a cial dealings. Prosecutors will seek a year-long president of The King’s College, a Christian 9-23-14 male over age 16 inside the back of his trousers. jail sentence for Pinto, whose estimated wealth school in Manhattan, admitted to illegally re- Jesus Ramon, 52, San Antonio: Indecent The victim alleged Kay spiked his Sprite with in 2012 was $19 million, making him Israel’s imbursing 2 “straw donors” who gave $10,000 exposure. Ramon, a nonteaching employee at with Galliano liqueur while he was out of the 7th-richest rabbi. each to the unsuccessful 2012 U.S. Senate Cornerstone Christian Schools, allegedly ex- room. Source: NZ Herald, 9-14-14 Pinto was seeking information on the probe campaign of Republican Wendy Long. posed himself to a police officer in a park after Jerry Fletcher, 33, Neenah, WI: Repeated into allegations of embezzlement from one of Community confinement typically means liv- asking him if he performed oral sex. The officer sexual assault of a child, filming the sexual his charities and selling food intended for Holo- ing under supervision in a center while holding responded, “Whatever you like to do.” exploitation of a child and child enticement. caust survivors. a regular job. The officer told Ramon he was going to get Fletcher, pastor at Crossover Ministries, alleg- In a separate case, the Justice Ministry said D’Souza resigned as college president in protection, then signaled for the arrest. Source: edly started a sexual relationship in 2012 with a Menashe Arbiv received “benefits” from Pinto the wake of revelations he was having an affair Express-News, 9-19-14 14-year-old girl who baby-sat for him and knew associates as head of the national police’s anti- and was engaged to a woman while married to Ron Singleton, 52, Gaffney, SC: Cruelty him through the ministry. corruption unit. Source: Haaretz, 9-17-14 another. His ex-wife, Dixie D’Souza, in a letter to children. Singleton, who is Limestone Col- District Attorney David Lasee told the court Maurice Blanchard, 45, Accokeek, MD: to the court, wrote: “Dinesh lied to me, he lied lege chaplain and pastor at Limestone United Fletcher is wanted in Arizona on sexual assault Pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor for to the government, he encouraged others to lie Methodist Church, is accused of slapping his charges after jumping bail there 12 years ago. raping a 15-year-old church member in 2004 for him, and now he has allowed our daughter high-school-age son in the face and holding him Source: Press-Gazette/WTAQ, 9-12-14 when he was a deacon at Grace Apostolic to submit multiple false statements to a fed- down on the floor with his foot. A police report Daniel Sisk, 34, Visalia, CA: Child moles- Church in Washington. eral court in order to avoid punishment. Dinesh said the son alleged Singleton made him clean tation. Sisk, a volunteer at The Road Church, Prosecutors said Blanchard’s wife was “co- D’Souza is not a truthful person.” Source: Reu- up blood on the floor that came from his mouth Central Valley Christian Preschool and Growing ercing the victim to stay silent.” Other alleged ters/The Smoking Gun, 9-23-14 and nose. Source: WYFF, 9-19-14 in Grace Preschool, is charged with molesting a victims later came forward. Angel Garcia, 61, Albany, NY: 5 years in Larry Jones, 65, McAlester, OK: Possess- female church member under age 10. Sandra Seegars said her goddaughter ba- prison, 10 years’ probation and register as a ing child pornography. Jones, pastor at Mission- Sisk was studying at the College of the Se- by-sat for Blanchard’s family at the time of the sex offender. Garcia, a now-defrocked Catholic ary Baptist Church, was arrested after his wife quoias to become a preschool teacher, said assaults and would sometimes stay overnight. deacon at Church of the Holy Family, was found found his letter recounting a fantasy Jones had, Brandon Hall, his pastor. “If you look at him on October 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

guilty by a jury of molesting a 6-year-old girl in board chairman. Ramsey County, MN, District Judge John brother and other boys were subjected to by the 2003. The suit also alleges Broderson and others Van de North split a trial into 2 phases, the German-born Heitzer in 1950-54. He was defrocked in 2010 for unrelated child took advantage of Smith’s failing health and his first starting Nov. 3 into a civil claim that former “As I have come to know more about what molestation allegations. Source: Times Union, eventual widow’s dementia to take control of Catholic priest Thomas Adamson molested the Louis Heitzer did, I believe he was perhaps the 9-17-14 the church, including changing the beneficiary plaintiff in the mid-1970s. The first phase starts most abusive priest to ever be a part of this Johnnie Clark, Columbia, SC: 2 weeks in of his $1 million life insurance policy from his Nov. 3 and centers on the claim alleging church archdiocese,” McDonough’s letter said. jail after being found guilty by a jury of unlaw- wife to the church. The suit alleges the church officials created a public safety threat by reas- The letter is in Heitzer’s 185-page file provid- ful sound amplification. Police have been called hasn’t made annuity payments to her for a year. signing known sex offenders to other parishes. ed to the court in a case involving the New Ulm to Rehoboth United Assemblies Church, where Source: Orange County Register, 9-27-14 The negligence claim phase starts Jan. 5, diocese. “At least three archbishops knew of Clark is pastor, at least 50 times. Neighbors re- The family of a 12-year-old girl molested by with jurors hearing details of Adamson’s alleged Heitzer’s inappropriate behavior with children, corded loud music coming from the church late a Catholic elementary teacher for a year starting abuse at a St. Paul Park church. The County At- and numerous parents sent letters to church into the night and submitted it as evidence. in 2012 is suing the Diocese of Cleveland, St. torney’s Office is also reviewing evidence in 10 officials detailing accounts of sexual abuse by The Pentecostal church has paid several Mary’s School in Akron, OH, and former mu- more cases of alleged sex abuse of minors by Heitzer,” plaintiffs’ attorney Jeffrey Anderson fines for violating the city noise ordinance. sic teacher Richard Rudman, who was sent to priests. Source: Star Tribune, 9-17-14 said in a news release. Source: Mankato Free Source: WLTX, 9-12-14 prison earlier this year. A judge in India recommended that Joseph Press, 9-17-14 Nathan Leuthold, 39, Peoria, IL: 80 years in The family alleges that law enforcement and P. Jeyapaul, 59, be extradited to Minnesota to The Survivors Network of those Abused by prison for murdering his wife Denise in her par- school officials kept parents in the dark about face charges he sexually assaulted 2 teen girls Priests wants Cardinal Francis George to ad- ents’ home on Valentine’s Day 2013. Leuthold Rudman’s behavior, a plea deal they think is le- as a Catholic priest in 2004 at Blessed Sacra- dress concerns about Bruce Wellems, a Clar- was allegedly having an affair with a 21-year-old nient and hundreds of sexual images of school- ment Church in Greenbush. The Indian govern- etian missionary priest who used to serve in the woman the couple met in Lithuania while serv- girls found on his computer. ment has the final say on extradition. Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago. ing as Baptist missionaries. Aina Dobilaite was Rudman persuaded the girl to send him Accuser Megan Peterson told police Jeya- SNAP obtained documents detailing 6 when they met her. The Leutholds brought her photos of her breasts and sent her a message paul made her give him oral sex and fondled her Wellems’ abrupt resignation from a California to the U.S. when she was 18 to further her edu- asking her to use a sex toy on herself. Source: in the church rectory when she was 14, court mission. cation. Beacon-Journal, 9-18-14 documents said, with the abuse continuing once A Claretian press release acknowledged the Prosecutor Jerry Brady called the murder Brothers John and Allen Vogel filed suit or twice a week during the school year. The oth- resignation and mentioned inappropriate con- with a .40-caliber Glock a “Valentine’s Day pres- against the Diocese of St. Cloud, MN, St. er alleged victim was 16. Source: Jamestown duct with another minor when Bellems was a ent” to Dobilaite. Source: Journal Star, 9-11-14 Augustine’s Parish, St. John’s Abbey and a Sun, 9-14-14 youth. Source: WGN, 9-11-14 Liying Lin, 30, Flushing, NY: 3 years’ proba- Catholic monk. Gavriel Bodenheimer, 71, Monsey, NY: tion on convictions for conspiracy and immigra- John Vogel, 50, alleges he was molested The rabbi/principal at Yeshiva Bais Mikroh re- tion fraud. Lin, pastor at Full Gospel Global Mis- in the early 1970s by Richard Eckroth, who is jected a plea agreement and continues to deny Removed / Resigned sion Church, was accused of coaching Chinese also a priest. Allen Vogel, 48, said his abuse in he molested a 7-year-old boy in his school office James Melnick, 30, pastor of Catholic immigrants applying for asylum to falsely claim the 1970s came at the hands of another priest/ in 2009-10. parishes in Yell County, AR, committed “mul- religious persecution in order to get in the U.S. monk, Cosmas Dahlheimer, who died in 2004. The defense will include recorded phone tiple acts of sexual misconduct,” according to and then charging them thousands of dollars. “John Doe 40” is also suing the abbey and conversations with the boy, including the rabbi Diocese of Little Rock Bishop Anthony Taylor. Source: Daily News, 9-11-14 Eckroth, 88. “John Doe 39,” who alleged abuse allegedly telling him he doesn’t know what he’s “Since there were multiple victims, we seem Arthur B. Schirmer, 66, Lebanon, PA: 20 to by Dahlheimer as an altar boy, said he never talking about and that he “should go to the po- to be dealing with predatory behavior, not ro- 40 years in prison for murdering his wife Jewel told anyone until high school, when a fellow stu- lice if he has concerns.” Source: AP, 9-5-14 mance,” Taylor said in a post on the diocesan Schirmer in 1999. He’s already serving a life dent said he’d heard about Dahlheimer. Source: Eliezer Berland, 77, was arrested in Am- website. All victims are adults, he said. sentence for murdering his second wife Betty Pioneer Press, 9-19-14 sterdam, ending a 2-year chase. The Hasidic The Danville and Dardanelle police chiefs Schirmer in 2008. He was pastor of Bethany The Diocese of Joliet, IL, is facing another rabbi fled Israel after several women, includ- said they’re unaware of any reports of alleged United Methodist Church and at Reeders United lawsuit claiming a now-deceased Catholic priest ing a 15-year-old girl, accused him of sexual criminal activity involving Melnick, who is now Methodist Church. molested 3 boys more than 30 years ago. The assault. He was spotted in Florida, Zurich, Mo- barred from public ministry. Source: Arkansas Investigators reopened the case into Betty’s alleged victims, including 2 brothers, were be- rocco, Zimbabwe and South Africa. News, 9-29-14 death after a man committed suicide in Schirm- tween ages 6 and 11 when they were abused Zimbabwe’s Chronicle newspaper reported Kieran Conry, 63, the bishop of the Diocese er’s church office a few months after her death. by Leonardo Mateo starting in about 1980 at Berland flew into the country on the private jet of of Arundel-Brighton in the UK, resigned, saying Schirmer had been having an affair with the Immaculate Conception Parish in Elmhurst, the a supporter and was living in an expensive hotel he’d been “unfaithful” to his promises as a Cath- man’s wife, who was church secretary. Cynthia suit says. with dozens of supporters. Source: Jerusalem olic priest. He said his actions “were not illegal Moyer testified on Schirmer’s behalf at his trial Mateo never was charged and died in 2004. Post, 9-11-14 and did not involve minors” but didn’t specify for killing Betty. He’d moved into her home and After the brothers’ parents went to the police Robert E. Gamel, 64, Los Banos, CA, is what they were. given her an engagement ring. Source: Patriot- and the church, the suit alleges, a diocesan of- being investigated but hasn’t been charged on His statement was read in all Catholic News, 9-11-14 ficial came to their home and told the boys, “If allegations he obtained nude photos of a male churches. Source: BBC, 9-27-14 Michael Wetovick, 53, Grand Island, NE: Father Mateo ever did it again, just tell him to teen parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pope Francis has removed Rogelio Liv- 2 years’ probation after pleading no contest grow up.” Soon after, he was reassigned to a where he is pastor. ieres Plano as bishop of the Diocese of Ciudad to attempted terroristic threats and assault by parish in Glen Ellyn. Church officials said Gamel has been trans- del Este, Paraguay. The bishop, a member of menacing threats. Wetovick, associate pastor Lawsuits filed in April named 4 other priests ferred to an undisclosed location where no chil- the conservative Opus Dei, has been accused at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, was alleged to have molested victims in the Joliet dren are present pending further investigation. of protecting a priest suspected of molesting accused of hitting his brother with his fist and diocese. Source: Sun-Times, 9-18-14 Source: Fresno Bee, 9-2-14 children, but claims he’s a victim of an “ideologi- swinging a large piece of wood at him because The 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in cal campaign.” Source: Reuters, 9-26-14 he alleged his brother stole from him. The broth- Cincinnati voted 2-1 to overturn the 2012 hate- James Menapace has been removed from ers have reportedly been feuding for a long Legal Developments crimes convictions of Ohio Amish sect leader public ministry by the Catholic Diocese of Mar- time. Source: AP, 9-3-14 Samuel Mullet Sr. and 15 followers. The court After child pornography was found by Vati- quette, MI, due to credible allegations of sexual Brian M. Norris, 31, Portsmouth, VA: 4 held that jury instructions included an overly can detectives investigating Archbishop Józef assaults on boys in the late 1990s. months in prison with 9 years, 8 months sus- broad definition of hate crime. Wesolowski on accusations he molested minor Menapace was ordained in 1963 and retired pended. Norris, youth pastor at Western Branch The 16 were convicted of forcefully cutting boys while serving as apostolic nuncio in the in 1996. Source: Fox 11, 9-24-14 Baptist Church, pleaded guilty to 2 counts of the hair and beards of men they believed were Dominican Republic, a further charge was An unidentified assistant coach at Arch- taking indecent liberties with a minor while in a disloyal to Mullet. While 7 of the men have com- added and the priest was put under house ar- bishop Wood Catholic High School, Warminster, custodial relationship. The offenses with teen pleted their sentences, Mullet and 8 others will rest in the basement of a Vatican convent. PA, resigned over his role in the beatings of 2 girls participating in the ministry occurred be- stay behind bars for obstruction of justice. The Wesolowski, 66, was recalled to Rome last gay men in their late 20s. About a dozen young tween September 2012 and November 2013. state could retry them for hate crimes. year after media alleged he hired “rent boys.” adults were linked to the incident after police re- Source: WTKR, 9-2-14 The appeals panel ruled jurors weren’t told A canonical court defrocked him. His Vatican leased surveillance video. John Dinn, Conception Bay South, New- that a victim’s religion must be the main motivat- criminal trial is set for by January. He’s the The gay men, who are in their late 20s, said foundland: 60 days’ house arrest, 1 year’s ing factor in a hate crime. Source: NY Times, highest-ranking church official ever to be inves- they were held down, punched and subjected probation and restitution for defrauding the con- 8-27-14 tigated for sex abuse. Wesolowski allegedly had to sexual slurs after encountering the group on gregation of St. John the Evangelist Church, about 160 videos showing teen boys performing the street. The Philadelphia archdiocese said where Dinn served as an Anglican priest. His sexual acts, with 86,000 pornographic photos former students at Archbishop Wood apparently wife Catherine received probation for helping Allegations archived in category-based folders, a newspa- were involved. The part-time coach is barred him defraud the church by taking charitable do- per reported. Another 45,000 photos had been In a TV interview in Hampton Bays, NY, a from working in the archdiocese. Source: Ya- nations for personal use. Source: Advertiser, deleted. Source: Press TV/IBT, 9-24-14 6-year-old diagnosed with a sexually transmit- hoo! News, 9-19-14 8-29-14 Russian authorities are seeking to extradite ted disease alleged her assailant was Augusto William Langlois, 68, is taking a 6-month Alan Morris, 64, Hale, UK: 9 years in prison Gleb Grozovsky, an Orthodox priest suspected Cortez, 50, a suspended Catholic Vincentian leave as pastor at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Cath- after being found guilty of 19 sex assaults on 10 of sexually abusing children, from Israel, where priest and former family friend. olic Parish in Grand Haven, MI. Carl Apple, students when he taught at St. Ambrose Roman he’s been in custody since November 2013. The girl’s mother alleged to a reporter that spokesman for the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Catholic College, a Christian Brothers school for Grozovsky, 34, is suspected of abusing 2 she found Cortez and her daughter 4 months said the bishop granted Langlois’ request after boys in Manchester, between 1972-1991. girls, ages 9 and 12, in 2013 on the Greek is- ago on a couch at a yard party. “Her face, it he admitted having an inappropriate relation- “For decades Morris displayed a veneer land of Kos and of committing “a range of simi- showed the fear, but what mostly really assured ship with an adult woman. of total respectability; a science teacher in a lar crimes in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad me was he walked away and he pulled up his “He’s taking some time away for reflection, well-respected and high-performing school and Region,” according to investigators. Source: RIA zipper right away.” prayer and counseling,” Apple said. Source: latterly as a deacon of the church,” said Chris Novosti, 9-20-14 Cortez, who is on probation for the sexual mlive.com, 9-18-14 Bridge, detective chief inspector. “Today he has The Archdiocese of Hartford, CT, is asking touching of a 12-year-old girl in 2008, disap- Michael Keating, 58, a Catholic studies been unmasked as a persistent and prolific sex the state Supreme Court to overturn a verdict for peared after being questioned by police. The professor since 2005 at the University of St. offender.” Source: BBC, 8-28-14 a man who claimed he was molested by Catho- 6-year-old alleged Cortez molested her more Thomas in St. Paul, MN, resigned after a lawsuit lic priest Ivan Ferguson at a school in Derby in times than she can remember. Source: CBS was filed by “Jane Doe 20,” who alleged Keating Civil Lawsuits Filed the early 1980s. A jury in 2012 awarded the man New York, 9-22-14 repeatedly molested her in 2006 when she was $1 million. The appeal contends the law extend- The Royal Commission into Institutional Re- 13. No criminal charges were filed. S.E. Funeral Homes of California Inc. has ing the statute of limitations for such lawsuits is sponses to Child Sexual Abuse in Australia is Keating, who was studying to be a priest at filed a $250 million breach of contract suit unconstitutional. looking into allegations that the late Pentecos- the time, denies the allegations. Source: Pio- against the Catholic Archdiocese of Los An- The 2002 law lets victims up to age 48 take tal pastor William Francis “Frank” Houston neer Press, 9-18-14 geles. It alleges the archdiocese in 1997 agreed legal action. molested a boy in New Zealand in the 1970s. Pope Francis has accepted the the resigna- to a 40-year land lease on or near 6 cemeteries “I think it’s disgraceful the archbishop is try- Houston, the father of Hillsong Church pastor tion of Cardinal Seán Brady, the top Catholic for the business to operate on. ing to overturn the statute. He’s denying the Brian Houston, died in 2004. cleric in Ireland for the last 18 years. Brady has The suit alleges that after the firm spent $37 ability to give victims the justice that they de- Peter Laughton, a pastor in training in the been besieged by child sex abuse scandals. It million to build facilities and presold $190 mil- serve and need,” said Jim Hackett, who was 1980s, also alleged in 2007 that Frank Houston came out in 2010 that when he was a young lion worth of services, the archdiocese ended part of a $14 million settlement in 2005 against molested him in the 1980s to “cure” his same- priest in 1975, he attended meetings at which 2 the lease, citing the company’s merger as the 14 priests. Source: FoxCT.com, 9-18-14 sex attraction. teen boys, ages 10 and 14, were asked to sign reason. At issue is a lease clause that bars Jerry D. Francis, 42, Dayton, OH, pastor of The commission is also investigating church secrecy agreements after alleging they were “transfer or entrustment of operations” without Great Hope Community Church, is under inves- responses to claims of abuse against youth pas- molested. Source: Irish Central, 9-15-14 the consent of the archdiocese. Source: Reli- tigation for possible ties to the disappearance of tor Jonathan T. Baldwin and Kenneth Sandi- Chinemere Onyeocha, 42, pastor of St. gion Clause, 10-1-14 $67,000 in church funds. His credentials have lands, a teacher at Northside Christian College. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Mt. The family of the founder of Calvary Cha- been revoked by the Missionary Church, which Source: Christian Post, 9-19-14 Union, PA, is on leave due to allegations of un- pel, Costa Mesa, CA, is suing the 1,400-church has 34 Ohio congregations. Louis Heitzer, who served as a Minnesota specified “misconduct involving adults.” He may organization for alleged elder abuse and wrong- Court documents said Missionary Regional Catholic priest from 1942 until dying in 1969, not function publicly as a priest, said a Diocese ful takeover of the late Pastor Chuck Smith’s Director Jeff Kephart asked Francis about the “abused boys every place he went,” wrote Kevin of Altoona-Johnstown spokesman. Source: property. The suit, filed by his daughter Janette missing money. He alleged Francis “admitted McDonough, vicar general of Archdiocese of St. WTAE, 9-9-14 Manderson, alleges he died due to negligent to them that he put the monies into a separate Paul and Minneapolis in 2002. Email: [email protected] care by a nurse chosen by Smith’s son-in-law, account and was using the monies for personal He was answering a letter from a woman Brian Broderson, Calvary’s president and gain.” Source: WHIO, 9-18-14 who wrote him about the abuse she said her Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014

Letterbox

New Lifetime Member a magnifying glass and my hands are so arthritic the pen goes where it darn ‘amazed and appalled’ pleases. Enclosed is my check for $1,000 to Several years ago, when my newspa- become a Lifetime Member. Please per’s letters to the editor section was continue your wonderful efforts. having a discussion about religion, I I read your recent issue of wrote that religion is controlled by ex- Freethought Today and was amazed pert brainwashers. I also said religion is and appalled, especially at the black the ROOT OF ALL EVIL, just look at collar crime and crank mail articles. the condition of the world. I most definitely support your posi- I didn’t think they would print tion on church and state. it, but they did. Then I looked for a William E. Alexander bunch of response letters from all of Texas the Southern religious fans attacking • • • me, but there was not a single one. First, thank you for fighting for our I’ve been a member of FFRF for Constitution. Second, generally I just about a year. I didn’t know about you send money for you to use as needed. until my twin sister, who lives in Ohio, Now I am becoming a Lifetime Mem- told me about you. I have been a mem- ber. ber at heart since childhood, but that I was wondering why our Supreme is a long story, too long for my hands Linda Josheff, Wisconsin, found this dinner plate treasure at a thrift store in Court is making what I consider poor to go into. Madison: “It was a bargain, $1.99. What a steal!” decisions. Thus, an added check for le- I’ll be renewing in November. My gal expenses. best to all of you freethinkers. trust. It’s time to tear down this bible the TV was showing a religious revival. David Johnson Margaret C. Smith that the “blind faithers” claim gives I spoke with the manager, who said Arizona Florida them morality. that it was a corporate-sponsored sta- • • • Let’s remind them that their own tion. We did not stay to eat there. In your July crank mail column, the god did not obey the 10 Command- Sharon Sanguinetti comment by B. Lewis informed me Bias against women is ments. He impregnated a woman with- California that since I’m an atheist, I was too bent out her consent and she was not his over to have a furnace. After I stopped just as bad wife, and of course he murdered or laughing I became distraught and de- Sue Mandeville [Aug14] makes a had his helpers do it throughout the Atheists, Christians can cided to join up with the rest of the very good point about the Mormon book. “bent” population. Please accept my Church having to allow blacks in the Christians past and present are the work together membership application in that “spir- priesthood to keep its tax exemption. biggest hate group known in history. I received the September issue of it.” I wonder why the practice of keep- Most so-called Christians have never Freethought Today and have been de- Carolyn Smith ing women out of the priesthood read the bible; they just listen to some lightfully spending the last hour on my Arizona (Mormon and Catholic) isn’t also con- pastor or priest mom or dad and ac- patio on this beautiful day reading it. • • • sidered discriminatory. cept it. I found among the complaints an The reason I joined FFRF, and will Ben Hart All I can say is if you let 10 Christians item about Farmington, Minn., schools continue my membership, is simple: Ohio read a passage, you would get 10 differ- taking their students to Feed My Starv- Closets are limiting. It wasn’t un- ent answers. ing Children. As an atheist married to til gays/lesbians came out that the Tom and Betty Gogan a Christian, I have found that helping straight world realized we all have be- Ultimate irony: Having Missouri out at FMSC is one of the most reward- loved friends/family who are gay/les- ing service activities I’ve ever partici- bian, and we support them and their to rise for pledge pated in. civil rights. My wife and I are deeply offended Sizzling for all eternity? While the item correctly described For this reason, I came out as an by the video of the mayor of Winter FMSC as an overtly (they don’t hide atheist to my 90-something aunt. She’s Garden, Fla., grossly disregarding the No thanks! it) Christian charity, I have felt com- old-school Southern Baptist and still First Amendment rights of the man in My mother and I went to the Sizzler pletely at ease at their Libertyville, Ill., loves me. And I continue to come out the audience. To have him physically restaurant in Stockton, Calif., where location. Yes, they pray over their ship- to others as an atheist when opportu- removed because he won’t stand for nity knocks. the Pledge of Allegiance and “honor Members’ action bring positive change Freedom of religion includes free- our troops” who are fighting overseas dom from. against religious extremists is the ulti- Candace Drimmer mate irony. Please use this special do- Illinois nation to right this wrong. Robert and Cathy Goldberg California Floridian ‘member at Editor’s note: We’re pleased to report that Winter Garden has dropped governmental heart since childhood’ prayer in favor of a moment of silence and concurred that bystanders need not stand for the pledge. • • • Regarding “John Thoreau,” who re- fused to stand for the pledge, I thought you might be interested in this state- ment by Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson in an official opinion in 1943: “If there is any fixed star in our con- stitutional constellation, it is that no of- ficial, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, national- ism, religion or other matters of opin- ion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith thereon.” George Gjelfriend North Carolina Before ...... After Margaret Smith served in the Women’s A franchise owner of Cici’s Pizza in Canton and Green, Ohio, eliminated the Army Corps in World War II at Camp “free drink” deal for customers with a church bulletin, thanks to FFRF, Ohio Stoneman, Calif., working in physical Morality of ‘blind FFRF members Tom Reke, Charles Wright and Nancy Dollard and the Ohio therapy and as a surgical tech. This is Civil Rights Commission. FFRF sent an Aug. 1 letter of complaint on Nancy’s a photocopy of the original, since she faithers’ is false behalf to the Canton Cici’s. There was no response, so Tom and Charles went lost all her photos in a house fire years I think “In God We Trust” is a hor- to the Cici’s in Green on Aug. 18 to see if Tom could get a free drink with a ago. rible motto because the Christian god, copy of Freethought Today. No dice. The Civil Rights Commission was then according to their bible, could not fix contacted and agreed with Tom that he was denied goods/services from a I hope you can read this. I’m 91 years anything, so he decided to wipe out ev- public place of business and that Cici’s had to remove their discriminatory old and can’t see what I write without ery living thing. Ain’t no god I would discount. October 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

incontrovertible evidence is found he questioned them. Germ was readily showing that there exists an actual accepted, but her sister, who wanted no Christian God, since belief without evi- part of the nunnery, said to the monsi- dence is actually pretending to know gnor as he held her between his legs, what you don’t know. “Will you hold me like this when I be- I read with interest your published come a nun?” The monsignor laughed correspondence to FFRF wherein you and said, “I guess you shouldn’t be a stated, “You people need to stay in WI nun.” and leave our schools alone. I will be Germ related how on her first night taking this to Supreme Court!!!!” in the nunnery she was no sooner in The only time FFRF is concerned bed than an older nun jumped in with with public schools are when they are her and began sexual activities. Germ, involved in unconstitutional activities completely ignorant of such activities, such as giving preferential treatment fought the nun off in sheer fright. to students of one religious belief over One day, on opening a door to a others. Public school classes are cap- room she was to clean, she encoun- tive audiences. They represent many tered a handsome young priest and an diverse beliefs as well as nonbelief, all equally pretty young nun in bed. She of which must be protected from co- was troubled, since her final vows were ercion by those in the majority. This is due to be made and entailed confess- the American way. ing all her sins and anything that was I believe that peaceable coexistence bothering her. When the day arrived, can be achieved through tolerance of she blurted out her story to the mon- others’ views. Respecting the rights of signor. The priest ended up being re- others with whom you disagree is basic duced to a lower echelon position and to our democratic principles. the nun to cleaning toilets, but Germ I hope this is helpful to good folks was transferred from the monastery in God’s love not on Calif. atheists’ agenda who appreciate the need for tolerance, New Hampshire to one in Montreal, One good turn deserves vandalism apparently, going by what happened to especially regarding personal choices where her life became intolerable. an Adopt-a-Highway sign noting the Atheists of Butte County’s road cleanup related to religion or nonbelief. Deciding she didn’t want to be a efforts. The sign is by the side of Highway 99 near Chico, Calif. “God loves” Cordially, Don Bremer nun any longer, she told the Mother was added above “Atheists of Butte County.” Don Bremer Superior she wanted to leave. She was The vandalism was discovered Aug. 25 by George Gold, group president Hawaii stunned by the response ordering her (and a Sustaining Member of FFRF). to stop such nonsense and return to “This shows loud and clear just how necessary our group is,” said Gold. her duties. Thinking she could just “Whenever an atheist is public about her or his identity, there are others who Spreading doubt with walk out, she went to the front door will seek to impose and proselytize their opposing views. This is why our group only to find it locked. She went back seeks to offer a safe space for freedom of conscience.” email signatures and asked her to open the door. In a This is the second year that Atheists of Butte County, working with the Butte I have decided to “come out” (not rage, the Mother Superior said, “You County Coalition of Reason, has sponsored this section of highway, completing that I was ever “in”) by means of a short are not leaving.” the required 12 trash pickup sessions in 2013 and expecting to exceed that message at the bottom of my emails. This was repeated over several in 2014. This is also the second time their Adopt-a-Highway sign has been The current one: “The biblical con- weeks. Germaine realized she was be- compromised. In June 2013 someone pasted the word “Pray” on the pole cepts of sin and salvation are an inte- ing held captive. She finally managed holding up the road sign. gral part of Christian doctrine. Christi- to get to a phone without being detect- In December 2012, a billboard placed by the coalition was also vandalized. anity first creates a problem (sin) and ed and called a friend to rescue her. It bore the slogan “Don’t believe in God? Join the club.” “Don’t” was cut out then offers a ‘solution’ (salvation). Alton Eliason of the vinyl, along with part of the Web address. — Butte County Coalition of This is not unlike the protection rack- Connecticut Reason et; you either buy ‘protection’ ­— or else.” — Rev. Donald Morgan ments and, at that point, my wife par- but he was prepared and showed them A previous one: “Religion is the hu- Indefensible child ticipates while I look over the things in a picture of the pope talking to some man response to being alive and hav- their gift shop. They make it very clear atheists. ing to die.” — F. Forrester Church, abuse that the prayer session is completely I used 10 questions from FFRF’s Unitarian Universalist minister Indoctrination optional. It is also my understanding bible quiz. That gave me a way to dis- Both of these are by theologians, of each new generation (after asking about it) that FMSC does cuss some of the terrible consequences which I think helps. There are many with religious dogmatism not require recipients of their food to of religion (in a nice way). I was asked such quotations available on the Web. guarantees perpetuation pray or suffer through any proselytiz- whether I had ever been ridiculed for If we all used them, we could make a of egregious fanaticism. ing before getting it. being an atheist. I told them of my neg- strong statement. Mary Vahmet It is my hope that Farmington ative experiences and showed them a Richard Andersen New York schools continue to help FMSC as picture of Jessica Ahlquist and told of British Columbia long as every parent gives permission her experiences. and every student is given an outright I hope I was able to give the students Overheard option to decline the prayer session some food for thought. I wish Cathe- Nun finally managed to without penalty. It is also my hope that rine were still with us. more people get involved regardless of Sally Chizek escape abuse I understand the teachings of my belief. Texas We were featured in the May 2011 church. I’ve gone to Mass for 46 years Thank you for your work! Freethought Today when we were 94 and I’m Catholic, but I don’t see my Don Birren and 96 respectively. Now at 97 and 99 job as a public official to impose every- Illinois How I snail-mailed a and looking forward to our 78th anni- thing the church teaches as a matter of versary in November and my 98th and law. There’s a difference between, in crank mailer Marge’s 100th birthdays in February, my opinion, what the church that I at- Taking my nonbelief to On a whim, I decided to bring posi- I thought the following would prove tend happens to teach and what I am tive secular attention to hardnosed fun- interesting and informative. What I’m going to be comfortable imposing on Catholic students damentalists after reading the crank about to relate will correct the think- everybody else. Sept. 18 was freethought heroine mail. I arbitrarily chose a Ms. Southall, ing that only priests are pedophiles. Ed FitzGerald, Cuyahoga County ex- Catherine Fahringer’s birthday. How who sent FFRF this tirade: “You peo- In the 1940s we became friends with ecutive and Democratic candidate for ironic that I was asked to address a ple need to stay in WI and leave our Germ and Gillis, now both deceased, Ohio governor, on keeping his reli- Catholic high school club at Incarnate schools alone. I will be taking this to whom we met at summer camp. It gious beliefs to himself Word in San Antonio on that day. My the Supreme Court.” wasn’t until our friendship became Columbus Dispatch, 8-12-14 friend and Catherine’s is a teacher Lacking Southall’s email address, I very close that Germ related that she there and is in charge of a small club. snail-mailed her. (Physical addresses had once been a nun. We have a long and proud tradition in He’s trying to expose his students to are usually easy to locate online.) I did She was born in Montreal and had America of having leaders who recog- different beliefs, or nonbeliefs. He ex- not expect a reply, though I included been primed to become a nun as a nize this is a nation that has been truly pected 30 girls (ages 14 and 15), but 50 my email address, and didn’t get one. child. The greatest honor for a French blessed by God from the very begin- students showed up to ask me a myriad Catholic family was to have at least one ning. of questions. Dear Ms. Southall, son a priest and one or more daugh- Iowa Republican Gov. Terry Branstad, Afterward, my friend walked me to My wife and I are two of the 20,000 ters nuns. When Germ, short for Ger- who signed a proclamation recognizing my car and said that it had gone well members of the Freedom From Reli- maine, and her twin sister were 15, “Pray 7/14/14” at the Capitol, a Chris- and that his students never stay that gion Foundation. I am a retired cho- they were sent to the monastery to tian “solemn assembly” that went from long, which shows how interested they ral music teacher and my wife is a re- meet with the monsignor to determine 7:14 a.m. to 7:14 p.m. were. tired professional actress (Google Nina if they would qualify for the nunnery. Des Moines Register, 7-14-14 He said it hadn’t been easy to get Shipman.) We both would convert to Germ described how the monsignor the school to allow an atheist to speak, believing in God, and will, as soon as held them between his spread legs as Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014

Rowlett, Texas About three dozen freethinkers took part Sept. 16 in a protest organized by the Metroplex Atheists of the Rowlett City Council’s refusal to allow a humanist invocation at its meeting. Atheist (and FFRF member) Randy Word told the council they met the required guidelines of a well-establised community group: “What this mayor and city council have done is cover the city of Rowlett with a dark and ominous cloud of discrimination, hypocrisy and Christian bias which violates the Constitution, is un-American and goes against the values, freedoms and rights this country was founded on. You should be ashamed.”

Right: The protesters certainly disagreed with one man’s statement to a reporter: “Our country is based on a Christian backbone.” Chad Aldridge of Metroplex Atheists responded that “I see it as a bully on the playground.” Sharing the Crank Mail

This limited edition (we got hundreds) of Figueroa, Virginia crank mail, printed as received, was more profane than usual, and we’ve spared you the Santanic rituals: They are having one in Okla- worst. homa City at the convention center. What are you going to do about that? — Concern citizen your evil: You guys are nothing but bullies and evil. I read all the stories from across the coun- indiana white water state park: if you don’t like try about you threatening law suits for any one the statue don’t look at it or stay the hell away Christian. Grow up. — Jacob Hazlett, Washing- indiana don’t want you or the fags here anyway ton all the veterans are proud of fighting for our country and you people want to tear our country Concerning Churches: I am a high school stu- down go live in irac — larry yoder dent who is also a Christian. Your organization is making it hard for me to express my religion in Morons: You really should all just take a bullet in public. This makes me very angry. I would really the head and stop causing problems for people. appreciate it if you let us believe in our God, the Rot in hell. Every last one of you. — Chris Ford God who holds the universe in His hand, let us be pro-life, and let us not believe in the life style Scum: It’s not freedom from religion it’s freedom of homosexuals. — Alycia Sikes, Hastings, Fla. of religion you jew hating hippies. — Christo- pher Hogue Statue in Indiana Park: Why don’t you people More FFRF Letters of Complaint just go and blow your fucking brains out and Hate mail: I am a small business owner and leave us alone. — [email protected] if you dumb fuckers threatened me with some lawsuit because I offer discounts to my custom- Continued from page 17 Tennessee Cheerleaders Sidestep Prayer ers I would carry it all the way to the courthouse Ban: The picture of those girls holding hands is and follow it to the end. I think you’re a bunch of Contact: Middletown High School, Christian prayer event called “See You a perfect example of Good vs. Evil. But, unfor- fucking nerds who probably were not raised in Ohio. at the Pole.” Huffman ISD had staff in- tunately, you’re too evil to see that. The “black a two parent home. — Scott Arnold, landscape Violation: Despite assurances from volvement at all of its schools, includ- hats” in our society. No, thanks to the ACLUse- architect, Winston-Salem, N.C. the school district attorney in April ing at Ben Bowen Early Childhood less and company doing exactly the wrong thing this country has been going right down the shit- shame on you: in case you haven’t noticed 2014 that a football coach who prayed Center, where staff invited a pastor to ter. I’ve written before, and I guess you’re too since God has been taken out of school schools with his students was “expressly in- lead children in prayer. evil, lazy or too stupid to take my advice. Again; are getting shot up by freaks with machine guns formed . . . that his actions had crossed Contact: Gladewater High School, this country is becoming a shit hole thanks di- kids are getting bullied more now than ever be- the line and were impermissible,” Texas. rectly to your efforts. Congratulations. (I’m the fore and killing themselves. you guys are sick Apartment with the Israel flag and “Stand With people who probably believe we evolved from multiple people informed FFRF that Violation: Youth ministers came to Israel” sign in my window anytime one of you apes. don’t have anything else to worry about the coach continued to lead his team the school to counsel students after the cowards want to knock on my door.) — Larry A. seriously. — melissa reed, rowlett, texas in prayer before and after each game, death of a classmate, and the school in- Singleton, Riverside, Calif. and in fact kicked a player off the team cluded prayer at an assembly about the Dear Dan & Annie: When you look in the mir- Christian plaque on Midlothian school: You ror each morning, try and ponder the amazing for refusing to pray. student. idiots should mention the Freemason plaque complex, perfectly organized biological system Contact: All 17 Nevada school dis- Contact: Long Beach School Dis- beside the Christian plaque, but it’s obvious you see in front of you. If an explosion occurs in tricts. trict, Miss; Davidson County Schools, your too stupid to know its a religion too. Free- a print shop, does it produce a dictionary? How Violation: Nevada law requires Lexington, N.C. masons have an alter,holy books and they pray could it be that we are accidents? I will pray to the great architect of the universe (Lucifer). for you both, for I consider you my brother and school boards to appoint a Sex Educa- Violation: High schools in both dis- If you don’t believe me Google it. This country sister and will hold out hope for your return to tion Advisory Committee, which is to tricts start home football games with a was started by Freemasons and is still con- faith, even if it be only the faith of a mustard include representatives from certain prayer over the loudspeaker. At Long trolled by the Masons. — David Alley, Grand seen, which grows into a giant and vibrant shin- occupations, one of which is “religion.” Beach High School, the band regularly Prairie, Texas ing bush by your good works. — Laun Tischner, Stockton, Utah Contact: Wimberley High School, recites the Lord’s Prayer before half- Arkansas State University: A bunch of football Texas. time performances. players put a tiny cross on the back of there hel- Freedom of Religion: Just let you know you Violation: The athletic director and Contact: Botetourt County Parks mets in honor of two people who passed away Nazi Bastards! I will be handing out Bibles this head football coach leads his team in and Recreation, Va. that were involved with the team. And you mon- coming weekend football game at Jackson- sters start crying about it. Saying there uniforms ville University! News Flash! This is a Christian prayer at the end of every game, and Violation: The department is host- are payed for by the state. But everyone knows Country! Please feel free to call me if you have coaches engage in smaller prayer cir- ing a trip to see Pastor Joel Osteen in that if they were too buy there own uniforms you any questions! — Hal Brickel cles with players before games. November at a Christian event that is miserable Christ haters would still attack them. Contact: City of Nampa, Idaho. to include “praise and worship music,” You people need to keep your fucking mouth So you’re going to Hell: Great. But in the shut and keep your advice to yourself. So here meantime lay off anything in Texas as I may Violation: The mayor hosts an annu- “special testimony” and “prayer time is my advice too you go over to Switzerland come up there and give you a big old Texas hug al “Mayor’s Community Prayer Break- together and an inspiring message where youth in Asia is allowed and have it done and French kiss. After eating some hot peppers fast.” from Joel Osteen.” on yourselves. — Ryan Mucko of course. Don’t want to catch that Atheist vi- Contact: Huffman ISD, Texas; Contact: Boone County Schools, rus. I mean really Wisconsin where there are a Destruction: My goal is to destroy/dissolve bunch of drunks and cheese eaters who have Washington Local Schools, Columbus, Florence, Ky. this organization. 75% of Americans claim to bowel problems. We play toss the cowpatty with Ohio; Western Wayne Schools, Persh- Violation: A religious club at Con- be of Christian faith., which makes us the ma- people like you. You need to write ISIS and tell ing, Ind. ner Middle School is led by two faculty jority, and in a traditional democratic republic, them you have some recruits for them called Violation: These school districts all sponsors and a youth minister, who fa- the majority rules. When the majority unites we FFRF or Fart Fart Rectum Fart. Have a lovely will smash this website/ organization/ or com- day Satan Spawn. — Rick Pike had staff members planning, coordi- cilitates and leads the group in prayer. pany like a sledge hammer to a ant. — Andrew nating and participating at an annual —Maddy Ziegler October 2014 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23

port to Minden, Neb., I enlisted in- me.” I have my failings, but I can work Meet a Colorado Member stead from Denver. I got some satisfac- on them myself, by myself. I have no tion knowing that the Kearney County, need whatsoever for a Jesus the Christ Neb., draft board was one warm body to save me! short that month. I served three forget- Things I like: My passion is “Life, table years. Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” How I got where I am today: That just the opposite of religion and the is difficult to explain without trying to authoritarianism of Christianity. explain where I started. My education Things I smite: The anti-intellectu- began in a one-room country school. alism, anti-elitism, anti-education and The windows on one side opened to a anti-libertinism in this country. wheat field, on the other side to a pas- Some of my heroes are: When run- ture. The bull provided as much edu- ning for president, Thomas Jefferson cation as did the teacher. was accused of being an atheist. He Catholicism permeated every bit of wrote, “Say nothing of my religion. It my life. A mean S.O.B. god controlled is known to God and me alone. Its evi- everything, and devils lurked in every dence before the world is to be sought dark room. I swallowed all of it. We in my life if it has been honest and prayed to Jesus to keep the tornadoes dutiful to society the religion which and hail away, to make it rain during has regulated it cannot be a bad one.” the growing season and stop raining at Were that only true today! Mike Hogan harvest time. When my prayers didn’t Another of my heroes, Mark Twain, Name: Mike Hogan. would say, “We have been blessed!” work, I didn’t doubt the existence of wrote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, Where I live: Castle Rock, Colo. Col- Occupation: Over the years, I have Jesus but was convinced he couldn’t bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and orado has shown a near uncontrolled been an employed pharmacist, phar- care less about me. many of our people need it sorely on growth over the last several decades. macy owner, liquor store owner, real As one gradually discards one card these accounts. Broad, wholesome, Castle Rock, once a sleepy rural com- estate broker and property manager. at a time, the whole house of cards sud- charitable views of men and things can- munity, is becoming a reluctant suburb I call myself retired, but still manage denly collapses. The progression goes not be acquired by vegetating in one of Denver. and maintain our residential rental from knowing that Jesus didn’t really little corner of the earth all one’s life- Where and when I was born: Born properties, so it sometimes seems the rise from the dead, to knowing he was time.” in rural Nebraska, just before the Pearl exact opposite! just another mythical god, to discard- Before I die: Number one on my to- Harbor attack in December 1941; the Military service: During the Viet- ing completely the very basis of Christi- do list is finishing my book, tentatively first grandson of an Irish immigrant nam “conflict,” the federal govern- anity. I don’t need a christ, a redeemer, titled Round 10: The Amendments vs. the and first son of a sharecropping farm- ment had an insatiable appetite for a savior or a messiah. I wasn’t born evil Commandments. I want my children and er. new foot soldiers. The military draft and sinful or a lazy no-good. grandchildren to have a shortcut to the Family: Two daughters and four was an accepted part of every young As Al Franken’s character Stuart knowledge it has taken me a lifetime to grandkids; my partner of 12 years, Sue, man’s future plans. (George W. Bush Smalley said on “Saturday Night Live,” discover. It covers how to identify real- and her daughter, son and three grand- and others with connections had more “Because I’m good enough, I’m smart ity, how to identify a god in the imagi- kids. If this was Christianity Today, I options.) When I got my notice to re- enough, and doggone it, people like nation and the risks of religious people

Meet a Longtime Member

Name: Frank Prahl. gion. In my second year, I developed a Where and when I was born: 1933 in chronic ear infection (before the days Richland Center, Wis., the same small of antibiotics), and my mother thought town where Frank Lloyd Wright was I was going deaf. She enrolled me in born. My father owned a photographic a public school that had a special pro- store in Madison. He died when I was gram for the hearing impaired, where 18 months old in the throes of the I quickly went to the top of the class. Great Depression. My mother soon lost The nearby University of Wiscon- everything and could no longer hold sin-Madison campus became my play- the family together. Rather than adopt ground. Instead of baseball and other us out, she opted to have relatives and children’s games, the campus muse- friends keep the five of us until things ums and labs became my playground. got better. What a great learning place for young Where I live: St. Petersburg, Fla., children with inquiring minds! since 2000. Person in history I admire: Neil Education: After attending some deGrasse Tyson is the greatest science of the best and worst schools, I gradu- communicator of my time. ated from Madison East High School A quotation I like: “Censorship is in 1952. After the military, I tried col- most effective when self-imposed.” lege but discovered I did not have the It’s my email tagline. I have pages of math background for engineering and freethought quotes on file. dropped out. I went back to work as an These are a few of my favorite electronic tech, mostly in the marine things: Active, healthy living. I quit field. I traveled much of the world in smoking in 1978 and haven’t been sick this capacity, servicing radio, radar and since! I’m much healthier than most of other shipboard electronics, mostly my peers. associated with oil drilling operations These are not: That some people worldwide. have the misfortune to be isolated or Occupation: Electronics technician, forced to go to inferior schools, as I retired. was, really alarms me — not only rural Military service: Four years in the schools but bad inner-city schools. It U.S. Navy in the Korean War era. mostly boils down to money priority. How I got where I am today: I never My doubts about religion started: had the opportunity to bond to a fam- Maybe the greatest thing my mother Frank Prahl ily or to any one person in my early did for my learning was to buy a World childhood. I was left, pretty much, to Book encyclopedia, which I read from freethought literature had been hid- newsletters for the American Human- figure out the world by myself. I was almost every day. By fifth grade, I had den so thoroughly. I had never heard ist Association. I also had many letters never indoctrinated into a religion learned that the real world was far of most of the great American free- published in the two Houston newspa- before school. My mother thought it more believable and meaningful than thinkers. I decided to do something pers and a few smaller papers through- was time and started me in a Catholic bible stories. about that and went back to school to out the state. This was mostly before school. The Catholic Church has a say- Ways I promote freethought: De- earn my journalism degree in 1986 at the Internet and partly even before ing, “Give me your children until they spite all my travel experiences, I did the University of Houston. I became personal computers. The early newslet- are 7 and I’ll have them for life.” (My not learn of the freethought move- active in the new American Atheists ters were done on a typewriter. mother got it backward.) ment or atheism until the mid- chapter, soon followed by FFRF in 1978 In 1997, I started annual Texas state- Being a persistent “why” child in a 1970s when I heard Madalyn Murray and the Humanists of Houston. wide freethought conferences. FFRF’s school stressing obedience and rote O’Hair on a Houston radio station. For many years my activity was most- Dan Barker was a speaker at my last learning, I did very poorly in reli- I was truly amazed at how so much ly publishing chapter and national one in 1999. I am still active in Atheists Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2014 Photos: Andrew Seidel

New bricks and mortar plus ‘face lift’ for existing building FFRF’s historic expansion nears finish

The list of kind donors below re- Paving stones of beautiful bluestone ffrf.org/ffrf-building-fund-contribution- Richard Fletcher, Texas, $25 ports donations for FFRF’s Building can still be purchased for $1,000 (6 x page Anonymous, Virginia, $10 Expansion Fund received from Sep- 12”) or $2,000 (12 x 12”). They will be New Donors tember 8th through October 5th, placed in the Rose Zerwick Garden & Estate of Charles Sommers, Wisconsin, Subtotal: $68,322.73 2014. (It’s not cumulative except for Courtyard in the spring. There’s room $65,812.73 the total.) Freethought Today will list for name(s) or slogans. Michael Machula, Indiana, $1,000 New cumulative total: subsequent donations in future issues. Handmade personalized ceramic Robert Eberle, M.D., & Wanda Eberle, $1,972,562.46 No donor is identified by name unless tiles will fill the new entryway. They will Virginia, $1,000 expressly indicating permission. These contain your name or a name in “mem- Bruce and Vickie Tassan, Virginia, Goal: $2 million donors go toward FFRF’s 5-story addi- ory of” for $2,500. The vestibule tiles $100 tion — including exposed lower level will be surrounded by a pansy tile bor- Anonymous, Minnesota, $100 If you gave a gift designated for the and 4th floor auditorium, plus 3rd der (“pansies — that’s for thoughts” Anonymous, Nevada, $50 building fund that does not appear floor 900-square foot library and cu- as Shakespeare noted, symbolizing Anton Krilloff, New York, $50 to be reflected in this list or in prior pula atop its existing 1855 building in freethought). Stefanie Moritz & Vince Jenkins, issues, please contact FFRF so that downtown, Madison, Wis. Wisconsin, $50 we can check our records and pub- The (important) editorial wing in All donations small or large are Sidney Hakim, Texas, $50 lish your gift. Contact Katie Daniel at the revamped existing building still gratefully accepted and are tax deduct- Anonymous, Georgia, $50 (608)256-8900 9-5 CDT weekdays or lacks a name! ible. See more information: Anonymous, New York, $25 email [email protected].

FFRF welcomes 9 ‘Lifers’ from 6 states

The Freedom From Religion Foun- nesota and Texas. dation is delighted to officially wel- Lifetime Memberships are offered come its nine newest Lifetime Mem- individually at $1,000 each, are deduct- bers. They are: ible to the fullest extent of the law, en- Dave Bawtinheimer, Dr. Deborah Bi- sure never another renewal to the kind enen, Steven Brady, Francis Crawford, donor and go into a reserve fund for Ray Finch, Robert Hanner, Robert FFRF’s future. Warren Jones, Matthew Joseph Savelk- Warm thanks for investing in FFRF oul and Dr. John Drew Smith. to John, Matthew, Robert and Rob- States represented are Arkansas, ert, Ray, Francis, Steven, Deborah and California, Connecticut, Florida, Min- Dave!

Last call to FFRF convention!

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, Calif. Weekend of Oct. 24-26, 2014 More information:

Above, FFRF’s September ad in Scientific American, featuring freethinking ffrf.org/outreach/convention scientists and rationalists kindly promoting FFRF. Welcome to our new members who found FFRF through these ads.