Vol. 32 No. 6 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. August 2015 FFRF, secular groups file Florida discrimination suit The Brevard County, Fla., Board of other lesser matters? But if religious Commissioners’ policy of excluding citizens are permitted to open county nontheists from offering premeeting board meetings with invocations, then invocations is unconstitutional, sever- secular invocations must also be per- al civil liberties groups say in a feder- mitted.” al lawsuit filed July 7 in U.S. District “Brevard County’s invocation policy Court in Orlando. blatantly discriminates against people The suit filed by the Freedom From who do not believe in God,” said Alex Religion Foundation, Americans Unit- Luchenitser, associate legal director of ed for Separation of Church and State, Americans United and lead counsel. the American Civil Liberties Union “Such rank discrimination is plainly and the American Civil Liberties unconstitutional.” Union of Florida on behalf of multi- The lawsuit notes that in Town of ple plaintiffs asserts that the county’s Greece v. Galloway, the U.S. Supreme persistent rejection of atheists, human- Court made clear that local govern- ists and other nontheists who want to ments cannot discriminate based on deliver solemnizing messages at board religion when choosing who will de- meetings violates the U.S. and Florida liver statements to open government constitutions. meetings. This is the first legal chal- Plaintiffs include the Central Flor- lenge following the Greece decision’s ida Freethought Community (a chap- provision for secular invocations. ter of FFRF) and its chair David Wil- Florida Today reported that the liamson, the Space Coast Freethought commission voted unanimously to af- Association and its president Chase firm its policy on the same day the suit Plaintiffs Ronald Gordon (left), David Williamson, Chase Hansel, Keith Becher Hansel, the Humanist Community of was filed by limiting invocations to rep- and Jeffery Koeberl at the Brevard County Government Center in Viera, Fla. the Space Coast and its president Keith resentatives of the “faith-based com- Becher, and Brevard County resident munity.” Commissioner Curt Smith’s Ronald Gordon. resolution, approved without discus- filed, Daniel Mach, director of the for public voices, then it must make it “The framers of our entirely secular sion, specifies that nonbelievers can ACLU Program on Freedom of Reli- open to all voices. They don’t get to and godless Constitution did not find only speak during the public comment gion and Belief, said, “The government pick and choose.” it necessary to pray during the four portion of meetings. should never play favorites with belief. Williamson v. Brevard County is being months the Constitutional Convention Williamson said after the meeting The county’s discriminatory policy is litigated by Mach, Luchenitser and met,” said FFRF Co-President Annie that the resolution was “extremely dis- unfair and unconstitutional.” Americans United Legal Fellow Joshua Laurie Gaylor. “Why then should it be appointing. We just want equal protec- ACLU of Florida Legal Director Hoffer, Rebecca Markert and Andrew necessary for county commissioners to tion under the law.” Nancy Abudu said, “If a government Seidel of FFRF and Abudu and Daniel pray over liquor licenses, variances and In a statement when the suit was decides to have a forum that is open Tilley of the ACLU of Florida.

FFRF complaint letters have led to Americans United for Separation of removal of two Christian flags. The city Church and State settled a lawsuit for Legal wins: Two fewer of Glencoe, Ala., took down a Christian $500,000 in January against King, N.C., flag from in front of its police station which had refused to remove a flag of next to City Hall, where it flew along- the same design. Christian flags fly in side the U.S. and state of Alabama Continued on page 2 flags. Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel first secular nation wrote to the city in February about Inside This Issue the unconstitutional endorsement of religion. “The Christian flag was de- signed by Protestants in the early 20th You can be century and continues to be displayed good without in Protestant churches throughout the god country. It features a Latin cross — the page 7 most significant symbol of Christiani- ty. Moreover, each of the flag’s colors represents a different aspect of Chris- tianity: Blue refers to ritual baptism in water, white to biblical conceptions of Atoms and Eve purity and red to the crucifixion of Je- incompatible sus Christ.” page 8–10 WBRC-TV reported July 3 that the city council decided to remove the flag in mid-June after meeting in executive session. Mayor Charles Gilchrist said the city attorney told the council it could be costly to keep the flag up and Remembering end up on the wrong end of a lawsuit. Anne Gaylor “I have to look out for the best inter- page 11–14 ests of the city,” said Gilchrist, adding he was unhappy the flag had to come down. This Birmingham blog confuses asking for compliance with the law with bullying. Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015

of them) to find a more “agreeable” ligion to turning against it. Meet a staffer Christian denomination. We even in- Things I like: The Green Bay Pack- terviewed every pastor after the cere- ers, free and accessible birth control, mony with the same set of questions. hugs, Hall and Oates and a good craft I just could not get into any beliefs brew. about the supernatural or eternal sal- Things I smite: Scott Walker and vation, though I met many wonderful, mayonnaise. well-meaning people. In my golden years: A house and It was when I entered the helping boat up in Door County will be right profession that I witnessed the harm up my alley. caused by the judgmental policing FFRF sends its best wishes to Chelsea in behaviors of religious institutions. I her new career, and we will miss her. switched from being turned off by re-

Welcome to 15 new Lifetime FFRF Members! The Freedom From Religion Foun- North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Or- dation gratefully announces 15 new egon, Texas and Virginia. Lifetime Members. They are: Individual Lifetime Memberships George Covington, Lawrence David- are $1,000 designated as a new mem- son, William Dean French, Gerald Mc- bership or membership renewal, mean Fatridge, Don Mershon, Steve Scholl, nary another renewal notice and go Yvonne Scholl, Mary Schulatz, Stephen into rainy-day reserves. Memberships Seewer, James Strayer, Maggie Syming- and donations are deductible for in- ton, Diane Taylor, William Thomas, Ze- come-tax purposes, as FFRF is a 501(c) nas Van Slyck and Robert Weissman. (3) nonprofit. Jim Strayer’s membership was a sur- Thank you Robert, Zenas, William, prise gift from Hal Strayer, also a Life- Diane, Maggie, Hal, Stephen, Mary, time Member. Yvonne, Steve, Don, Gerald, William, States represented are California, Lawrence and George! Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York,

Jake Swenson photo Chelsea Culver on the new balcony at Freethought Hall. Two fewer Christian flags

Name: Chelsea Culver. death with dignity and end-of-life deci- Continued from front page Where and when I was born: Green sion making. Bradley County Judge Keith Neely Bay, Wis., Jan. 15, 1991. What gets old about it: So many pa- ordered removal of an “Appeal to Education: B.S. from the Universi- per cuts! Heaven” banner from a courthouse ty of Wisconsin-Stout; master of social I spend a lot of time thinking about: flagpole in Warren, Ark. Staff Attorney work, University of Wisconsin-Madison. How beautiful the weather looks from Patrick Elliott wrote Neely on June 16 How I came to work at FFRF: The my window, and what else can I slather that the flag was “government endorse- mission and values of FFRF appealed peanut butter on? ment of Christianity, a blatant violation to me. In my role as a social worker, I I spend little if any time thinking of the Establishment Clause.” am not always able to speak up about about: This is tough to answer, but It had been flying directly below religiously motivated rejection and probably anything related to computer the Arkansas state flag for about 11 The Appeal to Heaven and Arkansas stigmatization that indubitably impacts or video games. I prefer the outdoors! months. Neely told the Saline River state flags at the courthouse last year families and communities. FFRF un- My religious upbringing was: Free- Chronicle in a July 6 story that a local in Warren, Ark. apologetically voices concerns about thought. pastor had requested the flag fly at the the harmful aspects of religion and My doubts about religion started: courthouse. The Chronicle reported Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin fights against religious interference in When my parents decided to send my Neely was told by legal advisers there railed against FFRF in a column at bre- our laws and government. I am incred- sister and me to Catholic school for could be “substantial financial liabil- itbart.com: “The judge found himself ibly sad to be leaving FFRF as I move “educational” reasons. We had never ity to the county” should a lawsuit be in a tough spot, and without the bud- into a permanent, hospice social work been part of a religious community filed. The flag’s design goes back to get to fight out-of-town lawyers, he was position. and didn’t quite fit in, though I played Revolutionary War times, but it’s now advised by the county attorney to re- What I do here: A little of every- along. My skepticism only grew after associated with the Appeal to Heaven move the historic flag. Well, the Free- thing! Mailings, sales, organizing stor- 12 years of theology classes. Ultimately, movement, whose adherents “honor dom From Religion Foundation rat- age areas, etc. it was the hypocrisy, homophobia and the Lord by supporting candidates for tled the wrong cage. This is an attack What I like best about it: I get to con- bullying behaviors of my classmates public office who are believers in Jesus on freedom, on honoring accurate trol the temperature and music down- and their families that turned me away. Christ, who regularly attend and dis- history, and is more of the fundamen- stairs. I also know that all of the work In a quest to save my soul and also play a commitment to an evangelical, tal transformation of America that will done here at FFRF ultimately makes find a church for herself, my college Gospel-centered church, and who will render us not only unexceptional, but my job as a social worker that much roommate convinced me to attend ser- commit to live and govern based on unrecognizable.” easier, specifically issues surrounding vice at every church in the area (all 26 biblical principles.”

Freethought Today A Note to Members Notify Us of Your Your address label shows the expiration published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. ADDRESS CHANGE date of your membership in FFRF, [email protected] • FFRF.org which includes your subscription to Promptly! P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 Freethought Today and “Private Line.” If (608)256-8900 • FAX (608)204-0422 it says August or earlier please renew! EMAIL [email protected] Editor: Bill Dunn, [email protected] Your prompt renewal ($40-single Don’t miss a single issue! If you Production Editor: Jake Swenson membership; $50-household; $100 gung- move, notify us directly and ho; $250-sustaining) saves us time and Executive Editor: Annie Laurie Gaylor promptly. The Post Offi ce does postage, and is tax-deductible. Freethought not forward third-class mail. Contributors: Today is published 10 times a year, with FFRF cannot be responsible for Philip Appleman, Donald B. Ardell, Dan Barker, Sean Carroll, combined issues in January/February and replacing back issues if we have Brent Nicastro, Eric Poole, Sam Roberts, Lauryn Seering, Andrew Seidel, June/July. Ed Sweeney, Maddy Ziegler, Send membership or renewal to: not been notifi ed prior to your August 2015 FFRF • P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 move. Back issues, while they last, The only freethought newspaper in the United States ff rf.org/donate may be ordered for $2 each. August 2015 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3

Florida city restricts would interpret this conduct as gov- losing a good recommendation from a fenced area that includes the city’s atheist invocations ernment espousal of religion,” Seidel the coach by voluntarily opting out of 800,000-gallon water reservoir. wrote. his unconstitutional religious activities, “The government may acknowledge FFRF objected to the Pompano “We know these events nearly always even if they strongly disagreed with his Christmas as a cultural phenomenon, Beach, Fla., City Commission’s recently promote Christianity, but rarely do you beliefs,” Elliott said. “Using a coach- but under the First Amendment it may adopted resolution to severely restrict see a city admit it in black and white,” ing position to promote Christianity not observe it as a Christian holy day who is allowed to give invocations be- said FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. amounts to religious coercion.” by suggesting people praise God for fore its meetings, limiting the pool to “Our response to Hernandez is, ‘Duh, the birth of Jesus,” Senior Staff Attor- religious speakers only. it’s unconstitutional!’ ” Lights out, please, ney Rebecca Markert told Mayor Mike Under the new policy, the “invo- Poellinger. The star’s coupling with the cation speaker” must be chosen from Grant to Christian on religious display cross “seems to suggest that the city is “‘churches,’ ‘congregations’ or other FFRF lodged a complaint June 22 celebrating the religious aspect of the religious assemblies in the annual Yel- athletes contested on behalf of residents of La Crescent, Christmas holiday, which is another vi- low Pages” and “religious congrega- FFRF sent a letter July 9 strongly Minn., to protest the city’s practice of olation of the First Amendment.” tions with an established presence in criticizing the state of Ohio’s $300,000 hosting an illuminated cross and star City officials discussed the issue at the local community.” It also calls for grant to Athletes in Action, a Christian decoration at Easter and Christmas a July 13 council meeting but took no the city clerk to determine a congrega- sports ministry. Republican Attorney on public land. The display, mounted action. FFRF is working with the La tion’s “authenticity” by examining its General Mike DeWine announced the on the bluffs above the city, has been Crosse Area Freethought Society, a sec- tax-exempt status. grant July 1 “to reach more than 3,700 illuminated to celebrate religious holi- ular group across the Mississippi River “This resolution flies in the face of athletes and students over a two-year days for four decades. The Lions Club in La Crosse, Wis.,to convince the city the Supreme Court decision that allows period,” including AIA Little Dribbler maintains the display, located inside to remove the display. these invocations in the first place,” Camps. said FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Se- According to its website, “Since idel in a July 16 letter. He noted that 1966, Athletes in Action has been us- in that case, Town of Greece v. Galloway, ing sports as a platform to help people the court took note that the town “at answer questions of faith and to point Fox’s ‘fair and balanced’ no point excluded or denied an oppor- them to Jesus.” It was founded as part tunity to a would-be prayer giver,” and of Campus Crusade for Christ, now that its leaders maintained that any- called Cru. “We dream of a day when equals 4 against 1 one, “including an atheist,” could give there are Christ-followers on every an invocation. team, in sport, in every nation.” The change came in response to “The Supreme Court has repeatedly a request to give an invocation from held that the government cannot sub- Chaz Stevens, a self-described “min- sidize religious projects wherein public ion of Satan.” Stevens previously made money is used to facilitate religious ex- news when he put up a Festivus pole ercise, proselytization or inculcation,” created from Pabst Blue Ribbon cans wrote FFRF Legal Fellow Katherine to celebrate the fictional holiday along- Paige. side other holiday displays in the Flor- “The state is funding a Christian ida Capitol. ministry that uses sports as a vehicle for Pompano Beach’s policy is “blatant- faith; it is not funding a sports program ly discriminatory,” charged Seidel. that happens to be run by Christians. The distinction is crucial and means Records show that the grant is unconstitutional.” DeWine said funds for the grant Clockwise, top left: Sean Hannity, Annie Laurie Gaylor, Todd Starnes, Jonathan city’s illegal prayer came from Ohio’s share of a multistate Morris and Bill Donohue. coordination settlement with a company regarding its marketing practices. How many angry Christian men devolved into a claim that Christians FFRF uncovered evidence though does it take to debate one atheist wom- are being persecuted by the Supreme an open records request that the city FFRF raises alarm over an on national Fox News’ “Hannity” Court’s marriage equality ruling, of Orange, Calif., used employees’ show? Donohue called Gaylor a liar. time and city resources to coordinate coach’s ‘coercion’ It was Hannity, Fox’s favorite Cath- When she tried to get a word in mayor’s prayer breakfasts in 2013 and FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott olic priest “Father” Jonathan Morris, edgewise, Donohue ironically repri- 2014. FFRF sent the city a letter June sent a letter July 16 to Iowa State Uni- blowhard Bill Donohue of the Catholic manded her: “Hold on, ma’am. We’re 20 to ensure there’s no similar uncon- versity President Steven Leath to raise League and Fox’s Todd Starnes against having a conversation here.” Starnes stitutional sponsorship in the future. concerns about Steve Prohm, the an outnumbered and much interrupt- accused humanists of declaring “some The prayer breakfasts were “un- school’s new head basketball coach due ed Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-pres- sort of secular fatwa.” doubtedly Christian affairs,” wrote to “numerous reports of Mr. Prohm’s ident. See an excerpt of the show, read Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel to Mayor promotion of religion through his During the July 1 show, ostensibly the transcript and Annie Laurie’s blog Teresa “Tita” Smith. The city admitted coaching position.” discussing a court ruling to remove about the experience at ffrf.org/news/ this in their records: “He will be talking To combat Prohm’s anticipated a Ten Commandments monument blog (scroll to July 9, 2015). about how Christ and following Christ proselytizing, FFRF also sent a letter from the Oklahoma Capitol but which has impacted his life — duh it’s a prayer to all Iowa State basketball players in- breakfast and their goal is to share the forming them that they have “a right to Gospel and bring people to Christ and participate in university athletics free strengthen their beliefs,” wrote Deputy of religious proselytizing, promotion City Manager Irma Hernandez in an or bias from school employees.” email about the 2013 keynote speaker. Prohm has stated that he’ll be pray- City personnel sent invitations, re- ing with players before games and sponded to RSVPs, arranged musical practices and will ask for prayer re- performances and speakers, made quests. At his previous coaching job at seating arrangements, ensured staff at- Murray State University in Kentucky, tendance and prepared Smith’s open- Prohm also reportedly declared that ing remarks and coordinated her bible “we build our program around faith in verse selections and themes of speak- Jesus Christ ­— not on individuals.” ers’ messages. “Mr. Prohm’s team is full of young “Given the high degree of city in- and impressionable student athletes New converts daily! volvement and entanglement in the who would not risk giving up their Someone’s online search brought up an unexpected new “religion.” It appears event, any reasonable person or court scholarship, giving up playing time or that people are losing interest in joining “jpg.”

RECRUIT A MEMBER Include FFRF In Your Estate Planning Arrange a bequest in your will or trust, or make the Freedom From sample copies for $2 Religion Found ation the bene ciary of an insurance policy, bank account, Send $2 with the name and address of each person you or IRA. It’s easy to do. For related information (or to request a bequest wish to receive a sample copy of Freethought Today to: brochure), please phone Annie Laurie Gaylor at (608) 256-8900. FFRF • P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 FFRF • P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 (Please specify whether the individual is a freethinker.) Freedom Depends on Freethinkers Freedom depends upon freethinkers Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015 Heads Up Overheard A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman I’m raising my kids to be Pearl Jam and Looking back at my social life through Boston Red Sox fans. adolescence, church was the center of David Holmes, a member of Wichita everything. A big part of the appeal Atheists who is moving from Kansas to of Sunday Assembly is it’s a way to get The Happiest Times Texas and has two daughters, Veroni- back some of that sense of community ca, 8, and Tara, 5 that was everything to me growing up. The Wichita Eagle, 6-15-15 Kevin Breen, who owns a printing com- pany and hosts the Las Vegas Sunday Why should I care that you’re not sweet sixteen? We occasionally Assembly, which “honors no deity and get complaints no doctrine except love” No grown-up wants a sixteen-year-old wife. about Sweet Baby Las Vegas Review-Journal, 6-26-15 Jesus. Some peo- The roads we’ve traveled together have come to mean ple are not happy I work for a public school and am a about the word state employee. I should not be forced That these are the happiest years of the rest of our life. Jesus being on a to pray to Jesus Christ. beer. Stuart Rosenthal, complaint to the Ha- Dave Benfield, waii Civil Rights Commission that his DuClaw Brewing teaching contract at Kawaikini Charter We’ve had a glimpse of paradise, even when Co., Baltimore, on reports a Cleveland School on Kauai wasn’t renewed be- store had pulled the porter-style beer cause he repeatedly contested morn- The rest of the world was struggle, strain, and strife. flavored with chocolate and peanut ing assembly Christian prayers at the butter from its shelves school We needn’t live the whole thing over again —­­ Cleveland Plain Dealer, 6-11-15 Honolulu Civil Beat, 6-29-15

These are the happiest days of the rest of our life. We want to interact with all members The praise and worship was [sic] good. of the community without a precon- His wife had just delivered a quick ceived notion of who we are. We strive message. And the moment he started to be a nonpolitical, nonreligious orga- to preach, somebody gets up and they They’re snarling out there in the never-ending fuss nization. yell “Joel Osteen you’re a liar.” Deputy Police Chief Michael Woods Anwar Richardson, witnessing six And bother of a world that’s always rife explaining a ban on Muslim head members of a rival church taking turns scarves for officers heckling “prosperity gospel” Pastor With bitterness — well, let them fight, not us, Columbus Dispatch, 6-24-15 Joel Osteen at Lakewood Church in Houston, for which they were cited for For these are the happiest hours of the rest of our life. Zambia is a very superstitious society. criminal trespass Atheists need to start a conversation KSPR, 6-29-15 with other Zambians on the existence We value now each minute slipping past, of God, Satan, witches, demons, the There came a potency of ritual sacrifice, etc. Many time, the parch- Every one more precious than the last. people in Zambia believe witchcraft is ment suggests, real. Recently there have been reports when God con- of witch killing, the killing of Satanists, fided to Erica © 2015 Philip Appleman. of albinos and the murder and mutila- that He couldn’t FFRF is honored to publish this new poem. tion of persons for ritual purposes. “wait around for- Nigerian atheist Leo Igwe, who’s re- ever,” at which searching witchcraft in Africa in a point she finally gave Him a definitive study at the University of Bayreuth in no, a response she qualified by telling Germany Him, “Maybe someday.” Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technol- Article, “Researchers Say Virgin Mary ogies, 6-23-15 Actually God’s Second Choice to Bear Son” The governor has appointed as board The Onion, 6-25-15 chair an ideologue who voted to adopt new textbooks that scholars sharply “I believe in evolution, because science criticized as distorting American histo- is true,” Sally continued. “Yes. But tell ry, who rejected public education for me, how do we know that what science her own family and who supports shift- says is true?” “Because there are scien- ing tax dollars from neighborhood tists!” Sally was indignant. “Well, no, it’s public schools to private and religious because we can test it.” “Oh.” schools through vouchers. Conversation between “Love, Joy, Kathy Miller, Texas Freedom Net- Feminism” blogger Libby Anne and work president, criticizing Gov. Greg her 6-year-old daughter Abbott’s state Board of Education patheos.com, 6-29-15 appointment of Houston Republican Donna Bahorich, a graduate of Jerry “A.D. The Bible Continues” Over: Falwell’s Liberty University There Will Be No Season 2 The Raw Story, 6-25-15 Headline on a story about NBC’s can- cellation of the show after 12 episodes Brent Nicastro photo I know it is very dangerous. I am not due to low ratings Philip and Marjorie Appleman at FFRF’s 2002 afraid of the government. The biggest Deadline Hollywood, 7-3-15 National Convention in Washington, D.C. danger comes from the society. Some- They were married on August 19, 1950. times I face problems on the street. In two different jurisdictions, two sets Some people hit me in the street when of police officers and two sets of pros- they recognize me from the show. ecutors found these reports credible Philip Appleman is a Dis­tinguished Professor­ Emeri­tus at In­dia­na Uni­ver­si­ty. His pub- Egyptian atheist Ismail Mohammed, and filed criminal charges against Ji- lished volumes of poetry in­clude Perfidious Proverbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look 30, who posts videos on his YouTube ang. There’s also a civil child sex abuse at the Bible (2012), Darwin’s Ark (new 2009 edition) and Karma, Dharma, Pudding channel Black Ducks from his home in case against Jiang, and yet he feels & Pie (2009). His nonfiction work in­cludes the widely used Norton Critical Edition, Cairo compelled to go on the attack. Darwin, and the Nor­ton Critical Edition of Malthus’ Essay on Pop­ulation. His newest The Daily Beast, 6-29-15 David Clohessy, Survivors Network book is The Labyrinth: God, Darwin and the Meaning of Life. His poetry and fiction of Those Abused by Priests executive have won many awards, including a fellowship in poetry from the National­ En­dow­ment The number of priests is falling by an director, on a defamation suit filed for the Arts, the Castagnola Award from the Poetry Society of America, the Humanist Arts average of 9% per year. Daily Rzeczpo- against SNAP and others by St. Louis Award from the American Humanist Association and the Friend of Darwin Award from spolita reports that in 2014 there were Catholic priest Xiu Hui “Joseph” Jiang the National Center for Science Education. His work has ap­peared in Har­per’s Maga- 355 priests, down from 401 in 2013. One News Now, 7-6-15 zine, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, The Paris Review, Parti- News story, “Priest numbers dropping san Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review. off” Radio Poland, 6-30-15 He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both “After-Life” Members of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Phil’s books: ffrf.org/shop. August 2015 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5 FFRF legal victories

FFRF breaks up participation in Camp Casselberry,” church-city event said Seidel. A Church Together newsletter ob- FFRF’s complaint letter made tained by FFRF [see graphic] con- the city of Casselberry, Fla., cancel a firmed that the church would not be planned partnership with an evangel- participating. The church also urged ical Christian church. Camp Casselber- congregants to pray for people con- ry, a city-run youth program, was sched- nected with FFRF. uled to partner with Church Together “They can pray for us all they want, for “Friday Fun Day” at a park June 26. so long as they don’t force that prayer Pastor Andy Searles and church volun- on other people’s children,” comment- teers planned to participate in and fa- ed Seidel. cilitate the event. Church Together has a history of When Searles partnered with Camp proselytizing in secular settings. It was Casselberry in 2014, his message to recently known as the Venue Church campers reportedly was to be good at South Seminole, one of three Venue at three aspects of life: physical, men- Churches in the Orlando area, whose tal and spiritual. Searles allegedly lik- stated goal is “permanently planting ened being “spiritually good” to being churches in Central Florida Schools.” “scripturally good.” The churches have recently split and Thank you, legal interns “Our concern is that Mr. Searles and been renamed but continue to meet in Pictured are FFRF’s summer 2015 legal interns. From left: Bekki Huelsman, church volunteers will take this oppor- Orange County Public Schools. Liana Kapelke-Dale, Seth Wrinkle, Neal Fitzgerald, Adam Grudman and Chris- tunity to again proselytize Camp Cas- FFRF has tangled repeatedly with topher Line. selberry campers,” wrote Staff Attorney Venue churches, and especially with Andrew Seidel in a June 24 letter. Venue founder Todd Lamphere, par- “Paid or not, Mr. Searles and the ticularly for his relationship with Apop- Athletic banquet church volunteers are bound by the ka High School. FFRF has learned that the flagship church in Apopka for un- First Amendment like any other gov- Lamphere, pastor at Venue’s flagship disclosed reasons. All mention of him now religion-free ernment employee and must remain church at Apopka, was reportedly has been scrubbed from the church’s The La Farge, Wis., School District neutral toward religion during their forced to resign in June as pastor at website. in Wisconsin agreed to stop including FFRF also previously wrote to Cas- prayers at athletic banquets and other selberry Mayor Charlene Glancy after school-sponsored events after getting a she appeared in a church promotional May 7 letter from Staff Attorney Sam video in her official capacity as mayor. Grover. FFRF had learned that a pastor invit- FFRF letter downs ed to speak at La Farge High School’s athletic banquet delivered a lengthy cross collection Christian prayer. “School events must Gregg County Clerk Connie Wade, be secular to protect the freedom of Longview, Texas, removed a collection conscience of all students,” Grover of more than 20 crosses from her coun- wrote. ty office after getting a July 2 letter An attorney for the district told from FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Re- Grover on May 8 that there would be becca Markert. A local resident alerted no prayers at future school-sponsored FFRF to the violation. events. County Judge Bill Stoudt told the Longview News-Journal that the col- Letter stops preaching lection belonged to one of Wade’s em- ployees. It was in full public view. “The while teaching employee voluntarily took the crosses James Tillman, a science teacher at down,” said Stoudt, noting he didn’t Douglas County High School, Douglas- order them removed. ville, Ga., won’t be preaching anymore “If the crosses have been removed, to his students during class time. we consider that a victory for state/ Around the end of April, Tillman church separation,” Markert said. had a discussion about God with a She pointed to several cases in which student during class time, FFRF was federal courts upheld restrictions on told. When an atheist student spoke displays of religious materials in work- up, Tillman quizzed the student on spaces, even including in some private his atheism, eventually promising to cubicles or offices, since posting reli- give him a book that might change his gious displays in areas the public can mind. About two weeks later, Tillman access could reasonably be seen as gov- gave the student two copies of his own ernment endorsement of religion. book titled Are You Sure There Is No God? Church Together’s newsletter blamed FFRF for asking for compliance with Wade has been in the news for refus- He had signed them “Be blessed.” The the law. ing to issue a marriage license to Pat- book is subtitled on Amazon.com as “A rick Franklin and his 16-year partner book of miracles including my warning Sailor Smith, citing the lack of a gen- from Jesus himself.” der-neutral application form. Tillman also allegedly showed his Tune in to “Wrong side of history. Thanks,” class a YouTube video of him preaching Franklin told Wade after being turned at his church, Christian Life Center. FREETHOUGHT RADIO down. Continued on next page Your weekly antidote to the religious right BROADCASTS AND STREAMS SATURDAYS AT 11 A.M. CENTRAL Freedom from Religion Foundation PROGRESSIVE TALK THE MIC 92.1 FM | MADISON, WI AND OVER SEVERAL OTHER STATIONS P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • FFRF.org ITUNES OR PODCASTS ARCHIVED AT What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? FFRF.ORG/NEWS/RADIO Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics), the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state PRODUCED BY THE FREEDOM FROM RELIGION FOUNDATION and church separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. The Foundation’s email address is info@ rf.org. Please include your name HOSTED BY DAN BARKER AND ANNIE LAURIE GAYLOR and physical mailing address with all email correspondence. Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action alerts” Slightly irreverent views, news, music and interviews and “Freethought of the Day” should contact info@ rf.org. Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015

Continued from previous page dents. On May 21, a teacher at Victoria with Christian messages, bible verses Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler sent Fertitta Middle School in Las Vegas and talk of prayer.” The video featured a letter May 26 asking the district to played the Christian movie “Amazing a local student who had been injured investigate Tillman’s behavior. “Pub- 3D Adventures: The P.U.S.H.” for stu- in a driving accident and credited lic school employees are government dents during instructional time. The prayer as the secret to his recovery. actors and subject to the strictures of message of the movie is to “Pray Until Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel com- the Establishment Clause’s separation Something Happens” and features a plained to the St. Johns County School of church and state,” wrote Ziegler. religious rodent protagonist attacking District on April 30. The district “Teachers have access to a captive audi- a reasonable reptile. promptly commenced an investigation ence of students due to their position The movie “teaches students that and informed FFRF on June 26 that as public educators.” planning, foresight, and determina- both issues would be corrected. The FFRF also called for an investigation tion are less important to success than school’s football coach now under- into Tillman’s role as the head of the the belief and obedience to a god,” stands that he cannot pray with play- school’s Christian club. “Given Till- wrote Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel on ers at school functions, and the school man’s exceedingly inappropriate con- June 5. assured FFRF that it will not show any duct in the incidents described above, On June 15, the district assured videos promoting religion. we doubt his role with the First Priority FFRF that the school would take steps Club is nonparticipatory as required by Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- to remind teachers they are not per- Junior ROTC balls the Equal Access Act,” wrote Ziegler. ert’s June 26 letter to Sandusky Coun- mitted to proselytize students. The superintendent replied June 2 ty Sheriff Kyle Overmyer, Fremont, to end prayer that the principal reviewed the First Ohio, led to removal of “The Serenity Calif. schools agree Bethel High School’s Naval Junior Amendment with Tillman and was con- Prayer.” Overmyer emailed July 7 to Reserve Officer’s Training Corps in fident that “similar incidents” would say that the plaque had been removed complaints valid Bethel, Conn., has taken several steps not happen in the future. from the county jail. Two California school districts have to keep religion out of its instruction. promised to take steps to ensure teach- A concerned student reported to FFRF Teacher no longer ers will not use district resources to that a mandatory military ball included alerted to. promote religious events after getting prayers said “in the name of Jesus.” Stu- leading devotions “The Fifth Circuit, the controlling letters from FFRF. dents were also forced to recite a state- Akron, Ohio, Public Schools teach- Court of Appeals in Texas, has specif- A teacher at Modesto City Schools’ ment that included the phrase “May er Brad Lingenhoel will no longer lead ically held that coach involvement in Downey High School used his district God grant me the strength to always a religious club at Buchtel Commu- prayer at practices and games is uncon- email address to coordinate and adver- live by this creed,” and a classroom dis- nity Learning Center. FFRF received stitutional,” Grover wrote. tise the Modesto Area Educators’ 7th played a “God Bless America” poster. a report that a group called Buchtel The district’s attorney, Ricardo Lo- Annual Prayer Breakfast, a privately Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert Devo Group put on a program called pez, wrote back promptly to say that sponsored religious event that took wrote a complaint letter June 15 re- “Wednesday Morning Devotions” in the district would ensure that coach- place at the school. A teacher at Sylvan garding all three issues. the library before school. Lingenhoel es and staff members would no lon- Union School District’s Somerset Mid- Attorney Rebecca Santiago respond- allegedly started the group and stated ger lead prayer “at any time prior to, dle School also promoted the event ed June 29 and said future military at one meeting that he wanted higher during, or after baseball games.” with a district email address. balls would not include prayers, the student turnout, taking it upon himself Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote “God Bless America” poster would be to individually invite students who had Graduation prayer to the districts June 12, explaining that removed and that students would not arrived early to school. “statements of school employees made be required to recite a religious creed. FFRF’s complainant reported that won’t be official using official resources are attributable Lingenhoel said he wanted to invite a Prescott, Ariz., Public Schools has to the school. This endorsement of a Goodbye to Good variety of people to lead the meetings ended its practice of including invo- Christian event offends the nearly 30% because “the students would get tired cations and benedictions at Prescott of American adults and the 37% of Cal- Friday observances of just teachers running the group.” High School graduation ceremonies. ifornia adults that are non-Christian.” The city of Bayard, N.M., will no Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote the Modesto City Schools responded longer close its doors on Good Friday ert wrote the district Dec. 4: “As you are district May 27 after FFRF received June 16, promising to enforce its “ac- or Easter Monday. A resident reported aware, school employees may not run word that the public high school had ceptable use” policy and to review the to FFRF that city offices, the public or even participate in religious clubs in prayer as part of official graduation policy to ensure employees comply library and the municipal court were public schools, nor can they promote ceremony program. with the Constitution. On June 23, the closed in 2014 on Friday, April 18, and religious clubs or invite students to at- “A prayer taking place at a ‘regularly Sylvan Union School District assured Monday, April 21, “in observance of tend. Any teachers involved . . . may scheduled school-sponsored function FFRF that it would remind its staff on the Easter holiday.” only be present at student religious conducted on school property’ would proper use of district technology. Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert meetings in a supervisory capacity.” lead an objective observer to perceive wrote to the mayor Feb. 27: “Easter is In a lengthy response April 2, the it as state endorsement of religion,” El- Teacher’s bible quotes neither a federal holiday nor a New district’s general counsel noted several liott wrote. Mexico state holiday. It is unconstitu- school policies that agreed with FFRF’s The district responded June 3 that erased in class tional and inappropriate for city offic- position and said Lingenhoel had “the District does not intend to include Pender County Schools in North es to close for this Christian holy day.” stopped participating in Wednesday prayer as part of any school-sponsored Carolina will put a stop to the class- The mayor responded June 1 and Morning Devotions. events in the future, and appropriate room display of bible quotes. A Top- agreed to remove the days from the administrators will be so advised.” sail Middle School teacher in Hamp- city’s holiday schedule in future years. Gideon bible handout stead wrote bible quotes on a dry-erase FFRF stops Florida board in his classroom, in full view of • • • stopped in Texas his students, and changed the quotes The Corsicana Independent School ‘rampant religion’ on a weekly basis. A concerned parent FFRF reminded the Lee’s Summit District in Texas will no longer let Gide- Dixie County Schools ordered re- contacted FFRF. R-7 School District in Missouri that ons International distribute bibles. Stu- moval of classroom posters that pro- “Religious postings are strictly pro- schools are not allowed to take time dents from the Fellowship of Christian claimed “Dixie County High School — hibited in public schools,” wrote Staff off to observe religious holidays. Colby Athletes were allowed to skip class in God Can Do Innumerably More Than Attorney Patrick Elliott in a May 28 Cantrell, a teacher at Woodland Ele- order to assist with the distribution, We Can Ask or Imagine,” after getting complaint. “Matters of faith, or ab- mentary School, sent an email to par- and students who did not accept the an FFRF complaint about the display at sence of faith, are best left outside of ents saying that students did not have bible were reportedly told that “they the school in Cross City, Fla. the classroom.” school April 3 “in observance of Good would go to hell.” On Nov. 12, Staff Attorney Andrew FFRF received a response June 18, Friday!” FFRF was notified about this Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote the Seidel wrote to the district about ram- stating that the district provided staff incident and sent a letter to the district district’s superintendent explaining pant religious promotion at the school, with guidelines for selecting appropri- May 26. FFRF’s objections to the unconstitu- including adult-led organized prayer, ate quotes and will further provide staff “This practice violates the Establish- tional practice. teaching creationism, bible verses on with “training on compliance with First ment Clause of the First Amendment The superintendent responded display and religious bullying. The dis- Amendment principles of religion in because it not only promotes religion June 2 that the district “intends to en- trict corrected those violations swiftly public schools.” over nonreligion, but also impermis- sure compliance with the law” by ban- but failed to remove several of the reli- sibly favors Christianity over all other ning future bible distributions. gious posters. Driving video ‘infested’ faiths,” wrote Senior Staff Attorney Re- After Seidel wrote again on April 10, becca Markert. Reagan Rattlers’ the district agreed to remove the last of with religion The district’s attorney assured FFRF the religious posters. Bartram Trail High School in St. on June 2 that the district would ensure coach to stop prayer Johns, Fla., will stop illegal athletic Cantrell understood that the school The baseball coach of the Reagan Christian film nixed prayer and will no longer show a re- was not closed for the religious holiday. Rattlers baseball team at Ronald Rea- ligious video to students. A student gan High School, San Antonio, Texas, at middle school reported to FFRF that the school’s will no longer lead the team in the Nevada’s Clark County School Dis- football coach was participating in stu- Lord’s Prayer at games. Staff Attorney trict will update its teacher handbook dent-led prayers and that the school Sam Grover sent a letter to the district and reinstruct teachers not to pro- had shown students a video on safe June 1 about an incident FFRF was mote their own sectarian beliefs to stu- driving that was “absolutely infested August 2015 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7 You can be good without god

By Ed Sweeney sions, including whether serving on the board of or not there was a god. I directors. I am also active “It is wrong always, everywhere, and for had prepared for this by in Central Ohio United anyone, to believe anything upon insuffi- reading books to defend Non Theists (COUNT), cient evidence.” — W. K. Clifford my beliefs to no avail. Recovering From Reli- I could not prove that gion and Beyond Belief. I there was a god, and the have also attended other arguments that there was conventions and events No, I didn’t take a class in athe- not a god got me think- put on by the Secular Co- ism or religion at the University of Cal- ing critically, which was alition for America, Secu- ifornia-Berkeley, where I graduated in encouraged by professors lar Student Alliance, Cen- 1965. Attending Catholic schools for and students. ter for Inquiry, American 12 years and going to church every Before my father’s Humanist Association Sunday did not require much think- funeral in California in and American Atheists. ing. Everything they wanted me to 2007, the priest asked me I have learned that you know was fed to me. I was often told, to participate in the cer- can be good without god. don’t ask so many questions, that is just emony. I said I did not I have read over 50 the way it is, some things are a mystery. want to because I was now books written by atheists It didn’t take long for me when I an atheist. He looked sur- and have listened to nu- arrived at Berkeley to figure out that prised and asked me how merous talks and debates. my goal was knowledge, but I was side- I became an atheist. I told My favorite is Sam Har- tracked into studying accounting so him I went to Berkeley ris. I believe I can hold I could have a career, job and family. and learned how to think. my own in any discussion Now that I’m retired, I can spend more There was no further with a religious person time seeking knowledge by attending comment. who attempts to prove classes in Ohio State University’s Pro- Throughout my life I Ed Sweeney and an otter both sport whiskers at the Georgia that there is a god. gram 60, which included “The Philoso- identified as an atheist Aquarium in Atlanta, which was the world’s largest until it was I had two letters to phy of Religion” and “The Philosophy but did not become active surpassed in 2012 by Marine Life Park in Singapore. the Columbus Dispatch of Evolutionary Biology.” until 2008. Before that I editor published: “Some At Berkeley I lived in a fraternity. did look into other reli- the Infinite Way (similar to Christian felt unwelcome at may- Few of the men there were religious. gions, including Buddhism (which is Science), and the Religious Society of or’s prayer luncheon” (2012) and We often had philosophical discus- nontheistic and not really a religion), Friends (Quakers). I also read books “Holy Quran can be read another way” such as The World’s Religions by Huston (2015). Smith. I feel so much more authentic now that I am an out-of-the-closet atheist. Finding my tribe In 2008, I attended the Freedom Ed Sweeney wrote this essay for a college From Religion Foundation’s 31st an- class he’s taking, after retiring in 2013 at nual national convention in Chicago. age 71 from a career in financial manage- It felt great to be with similar thinking ment. He has two sons and lives with his people, like I had found my tribe. One wife Nita and their yellow Lab Morgan. He thing religion has going for it is that cooks lunch on Mondays at a senior center, it fulfills the human need for commu- is a volunteer court-appointed guardian nity. who helps people make medical decisions I searched for local activities in Co- and is a child services guardian ad litem. lumbus and found the Humanist Com- In 2010, Ed received a CFO of the Year munity of Central Ohio. I first attend- honorable mention award for his service as Ed Sweeney coordinated the month-long display in 2011 of seven FFRF bill- ed their winter solstice luncheon and chief financial officer for the House of Hope boards in the Columbus, Ohio, area. have been active ever since, including substance abuse treatment facility.

Meet a doodling member

Name: Stephen Seewer. Education: Bachelor of science in fi- Where I live: Pine Lake Park neigh- nance, magna cum laude with rainbow borhood in San Francisco. sprinkles, Golden Gate University, San Where and when I was born: Stan- Francisco. ford University Medical Center, No- Occupation: I help firefighters plan vember 1966. for retirement. Family: Cooper, 4½-year-old mini Military service: None so far. goldendoodle; Comet, 4-year-old mini How I got where I am today: Google goldendoodle (half brothers — same Maps. poodle, different retrievers). Where I’m headed: Wherever the path takes me, although it frequently leads to 4505 Burgers & BBQ in San The California Department of Motor Vehicles approved this personalized plate Francisco. for Stephen Seewer after first rejecting it, claiming it “has a negative connota- Person in history I admire: The No- tion to a specific group,” a DMV employee stated. FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick torious RBG, also known as Associate Elliott then wrote the DMV on Stephen’s behalf, explaining that “a number of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the states have rejected personalized license plates containing nonreligious mes- Supremes. She is brilliant and insight- sages because a government employee has deemed them impermissible. These ful and brings me great comfort. She rejections occur while similar religious messages are allowed. Such action is is one of the few things that give me unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment.” DMV reversed itself and hope for the future of this country. delivered the plates. A quotation I like: “A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it’s not interesting papers, chickens, reason- LGBT youth. open.” — Frank Zappa. able people, my wonderful and loyal Before I die: I want to finish my “There is no God but Challah and friends. kitchen remodel. French toast is His Prophet!” It’s my These are not: People who fail to Ways I promote freethought: On my original quote. (My friend Karl says turn right on red, belief systems rooted license plates, of course! I risk beheading with this quote, giv- in cable news bloviation, the Republi- I wish you’d have asked me: What en that you’re printing my name and can short bus, American exceptional- shows have you been watching recent- neighborhood.) ism. ly? “Black Mirror,” “Orphan Black,” These are a few of my favorite My doubts about religion start- “Sense8,” “Silicon Valley,” “Nurse Jack- things: Working in the garden, mak- ed: With observation of the pain and ie,” “Ray Donovan,” “The Brink” and Stephen Seewer and Cooper. ing greeting cards by hand, collecting turmoil that faith groups heap upon “Real Time With Bill Maher.” Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015

FFRF Emperor Award, 37th annual convention, Los Angeles, Oct. 25, 2014 Physicist Carroll: Atoms and Eve incompatible

the theme of my talk. submission by showing you an equa- leave it to the court to decide. You might point out that I am not tion. In this one equation are summa- We’re not going to simply trust the an expert on death either, much less rized all of the laws of physics neces- claims of people who have actually secularism. It’s an intimidating and for- sary to understand the atoms in your visited heaven and come back to sell bidding topic. I thought I would soften brain at the energy mass and length books about it. We can be scientific it a little bit and bring it more into my scales relevant to your everyday lives. about this. We can ask: Okay, given wheelhouse by also talking about phys- We have quantum mechanics, we have that we’re made of atoms and we un- ics, which everybody has warm fuzzy spacetime, we have gravity, we have the derstand what the atoms are doing, feelings about. other forces, electromagnetism and what is life? What is this complex non- A couple of months ago, I found the nuclear forces. We have matter, the fundamental phenomenon that arises myself in New York City participating electrons and the quarks you’re made out of the motions and interactions of in a debate. Steven Novella and I were of, and we have of course the Higgs bo- the fundamental particles of which we arguing against the resolution, “Death son. are made? is not final.” For the resolution were Eben Alexander and Raymond Moody. Eben Alexander is a neurosurgeon and New York Times best-selling author [of Proof of Heaven] who contracted menin- gitis and went into a coma and visited Ingrid Laas photo heaven. You know that because he says Emperor recipient Sean Carroll has he did and he’s very sincere. plenty to say about the shortcomings Steven and I did our best to pres- of religion. ent the more scientific case. The good news is that we won the debate. These “Intelligence Squared” debates are DAN BARKER, FFRF CO-PRESI- high-quality events, and they were a DENT: little nervous to have this one because Last night we gave an Emperor Has they are usually about politics. They No Clothes Award to Donald C. Johan- take a poll before and after, asking son. The very first Emperor recipient, how many audience members agree or in 1999, was physicist Steven Weinberg. disagree with the resolution. Happily, Today’s recipient is also a physicist. we actually changed people’s minds a Sean Carroll is a theoretical physicist at little bit – a good number of the un- Caltech in Pasadena. He got his Ph.D. decided people came over to our side. There are plenty of things physi- Famed Austrian physicist Erwin in 1993 from Harvard and was on the You can in fact change people’s minds cists don’t understand, but we know Schrödinger was one of many physi- faculty at the Enrico Fermi Institute at by talking and having a reasonable dis- enough to say that if there are any oth- cists who fled Austria just before World the University of Chicago. He does re- cussion about controversial issues. er forces, particles, fields, phenome- War II. Even though he had already search on cosmology, field theory, grav- But there were still a substantial na, they can’t affect the atoms in your won the Nobel Prize, he had difficulty itation, and quantum mechanics. He’s number of people who think that brain. If there are new particles and finding a position, because his family especially interested in how quantum death is not final. It’s a very compel- fields that we haven’t yet seen (which included both his wife and his mistress. mechanics intersects with cosmology. ling vision. It’s easy to say that wishful there probably are), either they’re so Finally, the government of Ireland in- He’s worked on dark matter, dark en- thinking has something to do with it. weak or short-lived that they would not vited him to help found a new Insti- ergy, modified gravity (maybe he can But whatever the motivations might be, have any affect on what the atoms are tute for Advanced Studies in Dublin. explain what modified gravity is — it there are even many atheists and natu- doing, or we would have found them He moved to Ireland and wrote a lit- only falls part way, or what?), topologi- ralists who think that we just can’t say in experiments. Those are the only two tle book called What Is Life? It became cal defects, extra dimensions and viola- whether there is life after death. They options. quite famous because it prefigures a lot tions of fundamental symmetries. would say that there is no evidence one No one ever understands me when of what we soon thereafter discovered He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, way or another. I say this, so I’m going to say the same about DNA and the genetic code, just the writer Jennifer Ouellette. His most I want to tell you that we can say that thing over again. I’m not saying we un- on the basis of thinking like a physicist. “popular”-level book, published in there is no life after death. Sorry. derstand all of physics. I’m not even He also tried to address the question 2013, is called The Particle at the End of Why is that true? The argument is saying we know how the fundamental in the title of his book. When is a piece the Universe: How the Hunt for the Higgs basically the following: The mind is the laws come together to make complicat- of matter said to be alive? It’s a won- Boson Leads us to the Edge of a New World. brain. That’s what the mind is, there is ed things like frogs and ecosystems and derful thought-provoking answer. He I think it’s safe to say you won’t hear nothing else other than the brain that spiral galaxies. There are enormous basically says something is alive when it Sean Carroll call the Higgs boson “the is going on. And the brain is made of amounts of work to be done in under- keeps moving long after it should have God particle.” atoms. Here is the controversial part — standing how science works, including stopped. even some of my friends get annoyed physics. You have a little baby chick, it grows By Sean Carroll when I say this. But it’s the truth so I But we have a basic underlying up to be a chicken. As long as you feed will lay it on you. We know how atoms framework, which we call quantum it, it’s going flap around and raise its work. They are not a mystery to us. And field theory. This framework is either wings and so forth. When it dies, it will they work in such a way that when you true or false. All the evidence says that stop moving. It will decompose and re- Thank you very much, Dan, and die there is no way for the informa- it’s true, and if it’s true then there is no turn to the ground. Schrödinger wants thanks to everyone here. It’s a tremen- tion that is “you” to persist after death. room for new physics that can in any to know what’s going on, what is it that dous honor for me to receive the Em- There is no way for that stuff, that way affect what goes on in the atoms in keeps alive things moving and walking peror Has No Clothes Award. I looked knowledge, that set of beliefs and feel- your brain. We understand what they around and making noise and raising on Google and couldn’t find any major ings that made up you, to leave your do. There is therefore no room for the a fuss. awards that have been won both by Ur- body. Because it is stuck there with the information that you persist after you sula K. Le Guin and Jesse Ventura oth- atoms that are decaying in your tomb die. Answering creationists er than this one. or being cremated or whatever your fa- The answer, as he quite correct- I have to admit, it’s also a little awk- vorite way to be after death is. Schrödinger’s egg ly puts it, relies on my favorite law of ward because I looked through the list We don’t know all of the laws of And yet, Eben Alexander sells a lot physics, the second law of thermody- of previous winners and saw so many physics by any stretch of the imagina- more books than Steve Novella or I do. namics. This law says that the entropy people who’ve done fantastic work for tion. But we know something about He’s No. 1 on The New York Times of the universe or of any closed isolat- the world, out there fighting for secu- them, and we know enough to make a best-seller list. What are we to do with ed bit of the universe increases as time larism in the public sphere. I’m a the- very powerful claim: there is no room people who say that they have evidence goes on. oretical physicist. I like to think about for new laws of physics that would affect that there is life after death? I like to Entropy is simply a measure of the things. I don’t really like to do things. how the atoms in your brain actually put it in terms of two options. disorderliness, the messiness, the cha- So I thought about what could I pos- work. That’s a very subtle statement. I Option one is that some ill-defined otic nature of stuff. If you start with sibly say for the award speech. Then think that Dan mentioned I have three metaphysical substance, not subject to an unbroken egg, it is easy to break I remembered the holiday season is hours to give this talk, so . . . I would the known laws of physics, interacts the egg. That makes it more disorder- upon us. Next week is Halloween, get tired if that happened, but I would with the atoms of our brains in ways ly and disorganized. It’s easy to turn which is paradoxically one of the fa- give the whole explanation for the laws that have eluded every controlled ex- that broken egg into scrambled eggs. vorite holidays among the naturalist of physics, how they came to be, why periment ever performed in the histo- Again, more disorganized. It’s very dif- and atheist communities. With that in we are confident in them. ry of science. Option two is that people ficult and would never happen by itself mind, I was inspired to take death as Instead I will just intimidate you into hallucinate when they’re nearly dead. I to take the scrambled egg and make it August 2015 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9 back into the pristine form of an un- That makes you think that the Big Bang ity behaves. Entropy just goes up, but reaction stops. When you die, you broken egg, Humpty Dumpty notwith- was an event with a location at a place complexity first goes up and then fades don’t go anywhere. Your atoms are still standing. This law is very profound and in a preexisting space/time, which is away once you approach the final state, there, with all of their energy, but you captures people’s imaginations. not right. The Big Bang is the whole which we call thermal equilibrium. So stop happening. That’s what it means At a scientific level, it also captures universe beginning. One second after the right answer to the creationists is to die. It will happen to you. If you wait the imagination of creationists. They the Big Bang, the universe was hot, it that not only is it allowed by the second long enough, we will all reach equilib- say, look, there is a fundamental law was dense, it was smooth, and it was the law of thermodynamics — that com- rium. of physics. You’re telling us, one of the same everywhere. It was shining with a plex structures like living beings arose It’s very possible, by the way, that famous laws of 19th century science brightness of, I don’t know, some really here on Earth — but the reason why medical science will extend our lives says that things run down, that things bright thing. is because of the second of thermody- by an enormous amount. It’s not at all become less and less organized over We can take a snapshot of the uni- namics. We are parasitic upon the in- in violation of the laws of physics for time, that ultimately the universe will verse 380,000 years after the Big Bang. crease of entropy of the universe. human beings to live thousands or tens reach “heat death.” Yet you expect me This is the moment when the universe to believe that all of the marvelous became transparent. The radiation complexity of life and the biosphere from that moment, the cosmic micro- and this evolution that you guys talk wave background, has been imaged by about all just happened starting from astronomers. And what we see is the some disorderly primordial goo. How gradual formation of structure. The is that possible? universe is growing increasingly lumpy There is a simple and perfectly and inhomogeneous. Some spots are a correct answer, which focuses on the little bit emptier, other spots are a little phrase “isolated systems.” The Earth bit heavier, a little denser. And if you is not an isolated system. There’s a lit- go on, gravity increases the contrast tle story you can find on the Internet. of the universe, until we get the won- I’m not sure if it’s true or not. It’s a derful collection of galaxies and stars We are little surfers riding a wave of thousands of years. But we are not creationist saying, “You know, the phys- and superclusters we see in the current of entropy until we eventually scuttle there yet. icists always say that the Earth is not an universe. up on shore, and it’ll just be empty We, like other mammals on Earth, isolated system, but that can’t be right We now live roughly 10 billion years space forever. And again, the universe get roughly 1.5 billion heartbeats per because if it were, there would be a gi- after the Big Bang. (Really it’s about is not special, you can see this in a cup life span. Then that will be it and you ant glowing ball of energy in the sky.” 13.8 billion years, but only the order of coffee. You take a cup of coffee with will go away. This is why the afterlife is a That’s probably not true. That’s just of magnitude concerns us for now.) the cream separate, that’s low entropy. false consolation. This is why this wish- too good to be true, if anyone ever said We live in a world with hundreds of Highly organized but also very simple. ful thinking, this hope that life is eter- that. billions of galaxies, and who knows If you mix them together, it is high en- nal and will go on forever, is not the But there’s another question, some- how many conventions are going on tropy, everything mixed together but right hope to have. This is why I like to what more subtle. It doesn’t seem to with extraterrestrials fighting to keep also very simple. say that heaven is a bad idea. violate the letter of the second law of church and state separate in their local It’s the “in between” when you see Continued on next page thermodynamics for life to arise on environment. The universe will contin- the tendrils of the cream reaching into Earth. But does it violate the spirit of ue to evolve, even after we’re not here. the coffee and swirling in little com- the law? Why is it that complicated plex patterns. That’s when you get the elaborate complex organisms arose Above us only space complexity of the universe. These little just through the impersonal working Now picture the universe 1 quadril- swirls, these little ethereal bits of com- Weinberg was out of the fundamental law of phys- lion years (1 followed by 15 zeros) af- plexity that are caught between the ics? If there is no guidance there, if ter the Big Bang. Ultimately the stars simple beginning and the simple end. first Emperor anything, the tendency seems to be to- will burn out. After about a quadrillion That’s us. That’s what we are, tempo- wards messy disorder. years, the last star will stop shining. rary eruptions of structure and organi- recipient So visualize life here on Earth, a live- We’ll have nothing in the universe but zation as the universe goes from sim- ly landscape on a sunny day. The sun cold rocks and black holes. But even plicity to simplicity. is a hot spot in a cold sky. If the whole that will not be the end. Because all A couple of years ago, I was lucky sky were the same temperature as the those rocks, those planets, those dead enough to be sitting on a plane next to sun, Earth would get a lot more ener- stars, those comets, will fall into the Michael Russell, who is a geochemist at gy. Energy is good. But the Earth would black holes. the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasa- soon come to be the temperature of Stephen Hawking in the 1970s dena, Calif. He saw some paper I was the sun, and we would all die. On the taught us that black holes do not last reading, and says, “Oh, the meaning of other hand, if the whole sky were the forever. They give off radiation, they life. I know that one, that’s easy. It’s to temperature of the night sky, the Earth will evaporate and will eventually dis- hydrogenate carbon dioxide.” would come to be the temperature of appear. That will take one googol (1 As a geochemist, Michael knows the night sky — and we would all die. followed by 100 zeros) years. The last that the early Earth’s atmosphere was black hole will have evaporated and dominated by carbon dioxide. And Why life arose there will be nothing left but empty from a chemist’s point of view, that is The reason why we are here and life space. Our best current model is that a very low-entropy thing to be. There arose on Earth is because the sun is a empty space lasts forever, infinity years is a much higher-entropy thing to be, Steven Weinberg and FFRF President hot spot in a cold sky. What matters is into the future. a place the Earth’s atmosphere wants Emerita Anne Nicol Gaylor in 1999. not that we get energy from the sun, That’s the history of the universe. to go to, which is methane. But it can’t but that we get low-entropy energy. Or- I want you to notice something about get there. There is no simple chemical Nobel Prize laureate Steven Wein- derly energy, which is able to do useful this story. Entropy increases as the uni- reaction that takes you from carbon di- berg was the first official recipient work. We chew our cuds and we pho- verse expands, so soon after the Big oxide to methane. What you need is a of FFRF’s Emperor Has No Clothes tosynthesize and we have conventions, Bang, the fact that the universe was very complicated system, a pathway of many Award, which he accepted in Novem- all of which degrades that energy. We smooth was actually in that physical cir- complex chemical reactions that will ber 1999 at the annual convention in raise its entropy and then we send it cumstance a reflection of the fact that take you there. San Antonio, Texas. back to the universe. it’s very orderly. It was so dense and the So as the early atmosphere and the Weinberg received the honor for For every one photon of light we get gravity was so strong that keeping ev- early oceans sloshed about, occasional- a widely reprinted remark at a con- from the sun, we radiate 20 photons erything smooth is a very rare and fine- ly there would fluctuate into existence ference in April 1999 in Washington, back into the universe, with 20 times ly tuned state of affairs. Entropy grows just the right thing to do all the chemi- D.C.: “Religion is an insult to human the entropy. We give exactly as much as the universe expands, structure cal reactions in the right place. Increas- dignity. With or without it, you would energy back to the universe as we get: forms, stars shine, people live and die, ing the entropy of the atmosphere that have good people doing good things On average, each photon we radiate and eventually you reach empty space. caught on and became the first living and evil people doing evil things. But out into the sky has one-twentieth the Which turns out, if you go to the math, being. That’s what life is. That insight for good people to do evil things, that energy of the ones we receive. What to be a very high-entropy state. is crucial, not only to the scientific defi- takes religion.” matters is not that the sun is a source of But complexity, the organization nition of life but to our actual lives. Weinberg, a professor of physics energy but that it’s a source of energy of the stuff that is going on, is a com- This is the thing that the audience and astronomy at the University of Tex- in a low-entropy form. pletely different thing from entropy. In didn’t understand when Steven Avella as-Austin at the time, won the Nobel This is not just here in our bio- the beginning, the universe was a very and I were debating Eben Alexander Prize in physics in 1979 with Sheldon sphere. This is something that is char- simple place, just hot and dense and and Raymond Moody. The thing they Glashow and Abdus Salam for contri- acteristic of the universe as a whole. smooth. And the end, a googol years didn’t get the most was, “But when you butions to the “theory of the unified Let me remind you of the history of from now, the universe will be a sim- die, where do you go? Isn’t energy con- weak and electromagnetic interaction the universe. If you took a picture of ple place once again. It will be empty served, don’t you have energy, doesn’t between elementary particles.” the universe one second after the Big space. It is between when the entropy it go somewhere?” The answer is that Weinberg, 82, received the National Bang, it would simply be a featureless is increasing from low to high that the life is not an energy, a force, a spirit, a Medal of Science in 1991 and the Ben- bright glow in all directions. Some- universe became complex, forming substance. It is a process. It is a chemi- jamin Franklin Medal of the American times you’ll see the Big Bang, which planets and stars and galaxies and liv- cal reaction. Philosophical Society in 2004, with a happened 13.8 billion years ago, por- ing organisms. The end of a life is putting out a citation that said he’s “considered by trayed as like a bright dot on a black That behavior is not an accident. candle. When you put out a candle, many to be the preeminent theoretical background. That is completely wrong. That is a universal way that complex- the energy doesn’t go anywhere. The physicist alive in the world today.” Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015

Continued from previous page have friends, family members, loved Secular invocation Just like [previous speaker] Anthony I’d much rather ones who have died, and it makes you Pinn pointed out, this wisdom can be very sad and that is not a mistake. It Tim Earl found in poets and songwriters. Heaven be spending my is sad when we lose someone that we is a bad idea because you reach thermal care about. Knowing that it’s inevitable City Council, Portage, Mich. equilibrium and nothing happens. It’s Saturday night doesn’t make the sorrow go away, but boring! David Byrne knows this: “Heav- maybe it affects how you deal with that June 23, 2015 en is a place where nothing ever hap- with the infidels sorrow. pens.” Leonard Cohen knows this: “The If I may put forward an inappropri- place was dead as heaven on a Saturday talking about things ate joke by comedian Robert Schimmel. night.” than in heaven He’s quoted in a wonderful new book I’d much rather be spending my that recently came out by my friend Eric Saturday night with the infidels talking with the angels. Kaplan called Does Santa Exist? It’s a phil- about things than in heaven with the osophical, ontological, epistemological angels. look at the difficult question of Santa There is a fantastic novel written There is science behind this. Claus. He relates Schimmel’s joke, and by Julian Barnes called A History of Psychologists talk about the “he- Schimmel says, “You know, my son got the World in 10½ Chapters. In the last donic treadmill.” They study people to cancer. And it was just the most horrible chapter, he puts forth his idea of heav- measure their level of happiness before thing. I really thought there could be en, in fictional form. And there’s always and after some life-changing event. If nothing worse than hearing that your a catch if you’re in a novel version of you win the lottery you become happy, son has cancer. Then I got cancer.” heaven, right? His hero, who is sort of a but a few years after you’re at the same That was the joke, right there. He got Tim Earl working-class, blue-collar British duffer, level of happiness you had before win- cancer. I’m a physicist, not a comedian. dies and goes to heaven. He has a guide ning the lottery. If you get in a terrible If you are ever in Paris, you can visit who explains, basically, here’s how it accident and become paraplegic, you what are called the catacombs of Paris. Usually at this point, you are asked works: It’s heaven, you can have whatev- become unhappy, but a few years later There are many kilometers of tunnels to bow your heads. I will do no such er you want. The catch is that you have you’re the same level of happiness you underneath the streets where they have thing. I’d rather you lift your heads in to figure out what you want. It is up to had before the accident. interred literally millions of human the name of human dignity and self re- your imagination and capabilities to ask You can talk about the chemistry skeletons. In the 18th and 19th centu- spect. for things. We’re not going to make sug- of it. The dopamine is flooding your ries, they weren’t really good at building The source of your inspiration gestions. brain, and you get used to that and want graveyards. When it would rain a lot, the shouldn’t be in some otherworldly This guy knew what he wanted. He more dopamine but can’t get it. But it’s skeletons would sort of float down the realm, but right here in front of you, wanted to play golf, he wanted to have all based on a fundamental flaw. There streets, so they dug up all the graveyards in the form of the citizens who have sex, and he wanted to have breakfast is no way to achieve this perfect, ever- and put the bones in the catacombs. elected you and care enough about for three meals a day. So that’s exactly lasting happiness because that situation It’s a very serious and somber place their city to come here and participate what he got. For hundreds of years he would be never changing. That’s not in some ways. But the attitude is very dif- in these proceedings. became very good at it. He had sex with that interesting and it won’t make you ferent in Paris than you would get here There is no greater power on Earth all sorts of women in various different happy. It’s a fundamental contradiction. in the United States. There is a somber than a united people working towards combinations. He became so good at So what do we have instead? Again, I air, inevitably, but there is also some a common goal. And so I ask you as golf that he got a hole-in-one on every refer to the wisdom of the poets. Muriel fun, some whimsy there. Whoever was our leaders to take on this extraordi- single shot on every single course in Rukeyser is a poet who has one of my arranging the skulls and so forth would nary task of being uniters, guiding us heaven. favorite quotes: “The universe is made make little hearts. They have playful on the path to continued peace and Then he got bored and told his of stories, not of atoms.” She’s not one mottos and quotations on the walls. prosperity. guide about it. The guide said, “Well, of these anti-science poets. She wrote a Here is one, roughly translated: “Thus We can only achieve that goal everyone has the option here of dying, wonderful biography of Willard Gibbs, ends everything on Earth, spirit, grace, through mutual respect and tolerance of truly ending their lives.” who is America’s greatest 19th-century beauty, talent. Ephemeral like a flower, of other viewpoints. “How many people ask for that op- scientist. blown away by the slightest wind.” While history is replete with exam- tion?” The guide responded, “Every- Her point is: If you meet someone The attitude is basically, “Haha, ples of religious differences leading to body asks for that option, eventually.” for the first time, and you’re on a date you’re laughing now but you’ll be here violence or persecution, lately we’ve Because it’s a mistake to think that or you’re in Starbucks or whatever and before long.” The point is that death is seen a sharp increase in such incidents. there is some perfect way to be. This they say, “Tell me about yourself,” you serious. It’s OK to treat it seriously, but Virtually all religions, including the is the lesson of our ephemeral, entro- don’t give them a list of all your atoms. the reason it’s serious is because life major religions of today, preach vio- py-driven life. So it’s not just heaven is a I’m a faculty member at Caltech, so may- matters. The life we have right now is lence against followers of other faiths bad idea. Happiness is a bad idea. be there it would happen. At Caltech it not a dress rehearsal. It’s the only per- or no faith. Don’t get me wrong. I like happiness. would be considered kind of sexy to list formance we get to give. Yet when an act of violence is com- I’m personally quite happy. What I’m all of your atoms. The universe can be kind of over- mitted in the name of one religion, fol- against is fetishizing happiness. If you go But most of us choose to take a step whelming. We’re a very tiny part of it, lowers of other faiths condemn the en- to The New York Times best-seller list, if back. We tell a story about who we are but we are a remarkable part. We are tire religion as a reprehensible outlier, it’s not “proof of the existence of heav- and how we got there. That story gives just collections of atoms, but we are and a verbal and sometimes physical en” books, it’s happiness books. Not a meaning and success to our lives. It’s collections of atoms that have attained Holy War ensues. lot of cosmology books on there yet. not the attainment of any one state of the ability to think about ourselves, to And we also have members of the being. It’s a story with a beginning and reflect about the world that we live in majority faith in America trying to use Hedonic treadmill a middle and an inevitable, according and to write our own stories. the legislative process to force every- We make a mistake because we think to the laws of physics, end. How well Our lives will not last forever. And one to live in accordance with their re- that there is some way, some situation that story is received once you’re done that is what makes them matter so ligious beliefs. we can put ourselves in, where we can telling it is a measure of the success of much. Thank you. Religious freedom has been rede- reach perfect happiness, and then we your life. Heaven is a bad idea because you fined as the right to outlaw actions that can stay there forever. And that will be reach thermal equilibrium and nothing your religion finds objectionable. like heaven. But the nature of life itself Death is serious but . . . happens. The time has come to cast aside such is movement and change and evolution. I don’t want to belittle the very real sectarian divisions and face the future There can’t be a perfect state of being. sorrow that accompanies death. We all together as a diverse society united by our common humanity. We must all work together to make this happen, but you as elected leaders bear a special responsibility to lead by example and resist the temptation to legislate religious belief. So let’s leave the religious displays at church and get to work on the business of the city. FFRF member Tim Earl lives in Portage, Mich., with his wife and two daughters, ages 7 and 10. After leaving the Navy as a lieutenant commander in 2004, he start- ed work as a fire safety consultant. He’s a member of the city’s Park Board. In 2011, he asked the council to stop prayers. The council didn’t stop but invited him to give a secular invocation, which he has done since 2012. Ingrid Laas photo Enter FFRF’s “Nothing Fails Like Sean Carroll signs a book for California Life Member Eddie Tabash, who first joined FFRF in 1990. (Which makes him Prayer” Contest, ffrf.org/outreach/nothing- deserving of his aura!) fails-like-prayer. August 2015 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11 Anne Gaylor, 88, dies; guarded wall between church and state

Freethought Today reprints with permis- display a statue of Jesus along a Mon- in 1967 editorialized in favor of legal- sion the June 16 New York Times obituary tana ski run on property owned by the ized abortion. In 1972, she co-founded of FFRF’s principal founder. United States Forest Service, required the Women’s Medical Fund to help invocations at commencement exer- poor women pay for abortions. By Sam Roberts cises, and granted clergy tax-exempt In 1989, the fund successfully sued housing allowances. to remove Wisconsin as a friend of the The elder Ms. Gaylor never minced court in a brief seeking to overturn the words, beginning with the provocative United States Supreme Court decision A nne Nicol Gaylor, who trans- name of her group. upholding the right to abortion. As a formed a local campaign for abortion “I’ve never liked euphemisms,” she volunteer, Ms. Gaylor continued to an- rights into a national crusade to main- told The Wisconsin State Journal. “If swer telephone inquiries at the fund’s tain the separation of church and state, you have something to say, say it.” offices until earlier this year, when she died on June 14 at a hospice in Fitch- “More people have been killed had two strokes. burg, Wis., near Madison. She was 88. in the name of religion than for any Her foundation, which began as “a The cause was complications of a other reason,” Ms. Gaylor said. She dining room table cause group,” she fall on May 30, her daughter, Annie branded the Bible “a grim fairy tale” once said, was formed with her daugh- Laurie Gaylor, said. and preached that “nothing fails like ter and a friend, John Sontarck, and Claiming descent from a carpenter’s prayer.” She wrote a book titled “Abor- evolved into a national association in apprentice on the Mayflower, whose tion Is a Blessing” and declared un- 1978 with her as its president. fellow passengers had sought religious This photograph, by Paul Gaylor, abashedly that “in the kind of world I The group invoked the 19th-centu- freedom, and born to a nonbeliever, appeared on the dust jacket of Anne’s want to live in, all children would be ry term freethinker to describe some- Ms. Gaylor became a principal found- book, Abortion Is a Blessing (Psycholog- wanted.” one who forms an opinion about re- er in the 1970s of the Freedom From ical Dimensions, N.Y., 1975), recap- Lucie Anne Nicol was born in rural ligion on the basis of reason, rather Religion Foundation, which bills itself ping the battle to legalize abortion in Tomah, Wis. — between Madison and than faith, tradition or authority. The as the nation’s largest group of atheists Wisconsin. The now online book can Eau Claire — on Nov. 25, 1926. Her Gaylors formally described the organi- and agnostics. be read at ffrf.org/publications/books/. father, Jason, was a farmer, feed store zation’s goals as educating the public Even in death, she held to her prin- manager and atheist. Her mother, the about “nontheism” and protecting the ciples. Having already arranged to be gelical minister, the younger Ms. Gay- former Lucie Sowle, was an elementa- constitutional principle of separation cremated, she left a handwritten list lor succeeded her mother as co-presi- ry school teacher and died before her of church and state. The foundation of instructions with her family that ex- dent of the foundation in 2004. daughter turned 2. now claims more than 20,000 mem- plicitly ordered “No memorial,” and “The impetus for the group was our She graduated from the University bers. specified that a small tombstone be somehow becoming aware that they of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Ms. Gaylor’s final instructions to her inscribed “Feminist — Activist — Free- were opening county board meetings English in 1949, the same year she mar- family were far more personal. After thinker.” with prayer,” she said. “We went down ried Paul J. Gaylor. dictating the text of her tombstone, she No one could dispute those char- to ask them to stop this unconstitu- In addition to her daughter, she is wrote, “Please plant something flower- acterizations, not even the adversaries tional practice, and thought we would survived by their three sons, Andrew, ing when weather permits.” Then she whose vitriolic passions she provoked, sound more powerful if we called our- Ian and Jamie; two granddaughters; told them: “Take care of each other.” first by advocating abortion rights and selves a group. So we made up a name, and a brother, Thomas. raising money for poor women unable and the rest is history.” Ms. Gaylor operated an employment The story states that Anne took Women’s to afford to terminate their pregnan- Since then the group has chal- agency in Madison, then, with her hus- Medical Fund phone calls at the fund’s cies, and then by singling out religion lenged, often successfully, laws and band, bought the weekly newspaper offices. Actually, she took them at her home. as “the root cause of women’s oppres- regulations that proclaimed a Nation- The Middleton Times-Tribune, which sion.” al Day of Prayer and a Year of the Bi- “My mother and I and a Milwaukee ble, established Good Friday as a state gentleman first founded the Freedom holiday in Wisconsin, required Bible From Religion Foundation as a region- instruction in a Tennessee school al group when I was a college student district, favored religious groups in in 1976,” her daughter said. With her awarding federal social service grants, husband, Dan Barker, a former evan- permitted the Knights of Columbus to

Andrew Seidel photo Anne with feminist colleague Constance “Connie” Fuller Threinen, at the be- lated celebration of Anne’s 88th birthday Feb. 13, the first event in FFRF’s new Charlie Brooks Auditorium. Connie, a longtime member, describes herself as “an unabashed atheist.” She first sought out Anne in 1967 after reading Anne’s history-making editorial calling for legal abortion in the Middleton Times-Tri- bune, Wis.

View a retrospective online “slide show” recapping Anne’s life and the early days at FFRF at http://bit.ly/1Dsi6fB. U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan read a statement memorializing Anne into The Congres- sional Record. Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015

Lucie Sowle Nicol, Anne’s mother, Depression-era photo on the Wisconsin farm with her father and brothers: Tom- Jason Nicol, Anne’s father and who died before Anne was 2. my, Jason Jr., Jason Sr., Anne and Bob. first-generation freethinker.

College-era glam shot.

Anne’s natural ringlets. Half an orphan at almost 2.

Extended family photo in mid-2000s taken in Door County, Wis. Standing from left: Son Andy, daughter- in-laws Lisa Strand and Nancy McClements, son-in-law Dan Barker, son Ian, sister-in-law Peggy Babunovic, husband Paul Gaylor, Anne Gaylor. Seated: Daughter Annie Laurie Gaylor, granddaughters Sabrina and Lily Engagement photo: Paul J. Gaylor and Anne, 1949. Gaylor. August 2015 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13

Plaintiff Anne Gaylor on “Crossfire” in 1983. FFRF’s lawsuit challenging a “Year of the Bible” proclamation was Anne (center) on “The Phil Donahue Show,” summer 1978. The national ap- 1984 educational and morally satisfying, if pearance brought 467 “favorable” responses and helped launch FFRF the year not legally conclusive. it went national. Anne wrote about the interview, “Shrill! Abrasive! Acerbic! In- flammatory!” in her book, Lead Us Not Into Penn Station, in print at ffrf.org/shop/.

Paul Gaylor photo Celebrating FFRF’s 10th anniversary in 1988 with cake, Anne’s favorite convention treat. That’s Dan Barker next to her.

Paul Gaylor photo (Brent Nicastro photo) Anne receiving an award from the Anne in her office about 1990, after moving into FFRF’s original Freethought National Women’s Political Caucus of Hall in Madison. Wisconsin.

Anne picketing the “installation” of a new Roman Catholic bishop in Madi- son, Wis., in the late 1970s. Her sign reads “Another sexist bishops? BIG DEAL!”

(Brent Nicastro photo) Anne being interviewed the first year her famous winter solstice wording went up on a plaque in the Wisconsin Capitol.

Anne and Annie Laurie in front of the restored “Forward” statue, after spear- heading a campaign to save the femi- nist statue embodying the Wisconsin state motto from a governor’s plans to banish the statue from the Capitol grounds in 1994. Of all of Anne’s ac- tivism, this was the most popular with the public. Her favorite achievement was writing the recall petition that got Anne, about the time Isthmus weekly Judge Archie Simonson booted out of named her “Madison’s favorite reli- Anne, Annie Laurie and the late Catherine Fahringer, San Antonio activist and office in Dane County after he called gious leader.” dear friend. rape a “normal reaction.” Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015 Anne Gaylor, gentle ‘lioness,’ leaves legacy

Sharing a few of the many hundreds of the Gaylor legany. — Shirley McClel- The other was of listening to her speak It was an honor to have had the priv- condolence cards, emails and other messages lan, North Carolina to the legislature, soft-voiced, never ilege to have known Anne Nicol Gay- ranting, making her points clearly lor. It is with much sadness that we say received by FFRF after founder Anne Nicol She was an inspiration and moral and succinctly — and hitting right be- “goodbye” to this heroic and dedicated Gaylor’s death at 88 on June 14: compass and source of comfort and tween the eyes! — Rosemary Dorney, human being. Her legacy lives on in sustenance to countless people across Wisconsin the Freedom from Religion Founda- I remember the remarkable aura of our country. She brought honor and tion. — Jim and Betty Grace McCol- gentleness and power that belonged to dignity to our state all these decades, Our society is indebted to her, with- lum, Arkansas [McCollum v. Board of her. In her lifetime she did more than something to be cherished all the out knowing how much. I admired her Education] most of us can hope to do in bettering more as it seems in short supply of late. more than any person I have known. the lives of her fellow humans. She will — Barbara Lawton, Wisconsin [former — Karolina Johnson, Wisconsin I am a Life Member of FFRF for be long remembered. — Larry Lerner, lieutenant governor] many reasons. Anne Gaylor was a pi- Anne was a lioness among women. California oneer ahead of her time; she made Although we mourn the loss of a — Jim Worrell, Oklahoma nonbelief respectable. She had cour- I won’t say rest in peace, Anne great humanitarian, the world was We remember the wonderful wel- age, energy, wit. Anne Gaylor was ear- Nicol Gaylor, because you never rest- lucky — and indeed, is a better place coming woman we met on our first vis- ly to call out the hypocrites. — Ellery ed, and you certainly would’ve hated — to have had her activist mind and it to FFRF headquarters a number of Schempp, Massachusetts [Abington euphemisms about death that suggest her compassionate heart for as long as years ago, as visitors from Alaska. Her School District v. Schempp] some kind of afterlife. But I will say we did. Like many of her admirers, I warmth and graciousness made us feel thank you for your many efforts on be- was impressed by the fact that such sub- Anne was a giant in the world of one could not be a stranger at FFRF. — half of women, and for pushing back stantial principles and energy could be freethought. No one wants to see an Julie and Jim Ede, Alaska against the corruption of our public contained in such a “petite package.” obit of a friend — but Anne’s being in institutions by religious interests. You ­— Robyn Parnell, Oregon Anne was a very remarkable person The New York Times is a kind of vindi- were a #shero. — Kelda Helen Roys, who inspired without being “inspira- cation of her life work. — Philip Apple- Anne was a force of nature, with a Wisconsin tional.” She was kind and gentle but man, New York steel will. — Anne Treseder, California determined to do good, proving even Anne was an inspiration to me — a I just finished an enriching, impres- We are saddened by the death of the soft-spoken had a will of steel. She woman of strongly held opinions who sive and truly enjoyable trip through Anne, our brilliant, beautiful and bold lived not just a full life but a loving one advanced her views through fearless your tribute to Anne Gaylor [http://bit. co-founder. We remember how pleased as well. — Lynn Lau (former FFRF but invariably polite discourse. So ly/1Dsi6fB]. “Impressive” is too tame Anne was with the Colony Square Ho- staffer), British Columbia much strength in such a delicate pack- a descriptor of the life of the woman tel here in Atlanta in fall 1989 for re- age. I will miss what she represented to She was an exceedingly important if who hurried our society along toward moving all the Gideon bibles for the me — the hope that all can be made under-recognized figure in the history the secular tipping point that we are all FFRF suites and rooms! She noticed well by kind, consistence pressure. — of freethought in the U.S. — Stuart Be- beginning to enjoy. — Stephen F. Uhl, the little details and moved mountains, Jill (former FFRF volunteer) and Jeff chman, Atheist Alliance International Ph.D., Arizona Dean, Arizona too. — Sally Mitchell, Georgia She carried herself with such Anne Nicol Gaylor took stands When I read of Anne’s death, two The whole secular community is warmth and grace, even in a hostile against ignorance and prejudice and images came to mind. One of her, deeply indebted to her and obviously crowd. — Jim and Cheryl Bredeson, fought many battles for which we can petite, standing next to a very large she leaves a great legacy. — Ron Lind- Wisconsin all be grateful. — David A. Furlow, ex- legislator (Gordon Roseleip?) and, of say, executive director, Center for ecutive editor, Texas Supreme Court course, not in the least intimidated. Inquiry Historical Society Journal She was one of the great ones of the Stephanie Zvan observed that Anne women’s movement. Her integrity was is, “as a female atheist activist of a prior always bracing, inspiring, magnificent. generation, always in danger of being I will miss her on this planet. — Robin written out of history.” Well, not on my Morgan, former editor in chief of Ms. watch: She was and always will be a per- Magazine, New York sonal hero of mine, and I have written Years ago, I had the joy of listening of her many times, most recently for to her interactions with more than one Secular Woman’s HerStory project. — of my homeless clients who had called Monica Beck, New York the Women’s Medical Fund for assis- I’m sitting at my computer in tears. I tance. I remember distinctly how she felt like she was a personal friend since asked about their circumstances, their my main battle also has been for abor- future plans, and what sort of birth tion rights. And too, we are the same control they intended to use to prevent age with birthdays just two days apart. another unplanned pregnancy. Her in- She was truly a trailblazer. A very-much teractions with them during these brief needed one. In her success with FFRF, conversations were really quite remark- she created an organization that has able. More importantly, the assistance meant so much to its members and to provided by the fund she co-founded our country. — Janet Brazill, Colorado gave these women, who often faced significant despair, a bit of hope and a She was gracious and had a fine, bit of caring just as they needed it the wry sense of humor. Much grateful for most. those rare qualities. — George Hessel- I also think of Anne and the work berg, senior reporter, Wisconsin State of the Freedom from Religion Foun- Journal dation every time a prayer is offered at She was such a hero to us all and the beginning of our Assembly meet- losing her is a blow to our movement. ings and each time a legislator makes — Robyn Blumner, president, Richard it clear he or she is governing accord- Dawkins Foundation for Reason and ing to religion rather than science. Science, District of Columbia While we still have a long way to go in the fight for separation of church Anne Nicol Gaylor’s request to cre- and state, Anne was a pioneer in en- ate no memorial is, as she surely knew, suring we stand up for this important superfluous, for the Freedom From principle. — Wisconsin State Rep. Lisa Religion Foundation will surely serve Subeck as a permanent memorial. The obitu- ary in The New York Times reminds us It’s not just empty words kind peo- all what a dynamic force for good she ple share at times like these when it was. We hope to follow her last request, comes to Anne Nicol Gaylor. She really to “Take care of each other.” — Ed and did live a good life, devoted to helping Andrew Seidel photo Diane Buckner, Georgia women control their lives, and [leav- A flood of condolence cards and emails were received after Anne Gaylor’s ing] a powerful legacy of promoting death. Annie Laurie Gaylor, her daughter, sends warm thanks to everyone who freethought and Freedom From Re- has contacted her and FFRF and sent flowers or memorial gifts. New York FFRF ligion. Continued success to all who state representative Sherry Chapin sent a beautiful “Anne Nicol Gaylor Memo- work for the Foundation and carry on ry Box.” August 2015 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15

Meet some legal interns

Name: Seth C. Wrinkle. Capitol Square. Where and when I was born: Walla What I like best about it: I’m enjoy- Walla, Wash., in March 1984. ing learning how a national nonprofit Family: Father and stepmother, Curt operates, how Establishment Clause and Cynthia Wrinkle of Milton-Freewa- advocacy works in real life, and what ter, Ore.; mother and stepfather, Debra a pleasant and exceptionally walkable and James Brumley of Prosser, Wash.; town Madison has turned out to be siblings Meredith Wrinkle and Alexa (and needs to be when you get turned Aggeler of Portland, Ore. around.) Education: B.A. from the University My legal interests are: Constitution- of Oregon, 2010; J.D. from Lewis and al law and crafting immaculate memo Clark Law School, class of 2016. subject lines. My religious upbringing was: Vague- My legal heroes are: Harvey Bird- ly Protestant. man, Saul Goodman and She-Hulk How I came to work as an FFRF le- [fictional attorneys]. gal intern: I was interested in church- These three words sum me up: Aph- and-state law but didn’t know quite orist-ish, cicumlocutastic, cat fancier. where to begin. I was familiar with Things I like: Overwrought sentenc- FFRF through its legal work, billboard es, cats and Spotted Cow [beer brewed campaigns and reputation, so I called in New Glarus, Wis.]. the office to inquire about summer le- Things I smite: I think smiting is gal internships and ended up here in rarely called for, don’t you? short order. I wish you’d asked me: “Haven’t you What I do here: Legal research and had enough coffee today?” No, I cer- writing, mostly, also getting turned tainly have not. Jake Swenson photo around walking around the Wisconsin Seth Wrinkle

olations, and I love the people I get or and the Notorious RBG [Ruth Bad- to work with. FFRF is a great place to er Ginsburg]. work, with a wonderfully open atmo- Things I like: Classic rock (especial- sphere. ly David Bowie and other glam gods), Something funny that’s happened: I writing and publishing poetry, Latin helped draft a letter to an official in Ar- American travel, vintage fashion and kansas regarding an “Appeal to Heav- my dog Bullett. en” flag that was flying over a county Things I smite: Religion and igno- courthouse. The flag was taken down, rance in any form. Also Antonin Scalia. and then Sarah Palin wrote an edito- That guy sucks. rial condemning FFRF’s request. Mak- I wish you’d asked me: My favorite ing Palin mad was one of the highlights song. For the record, it’s a three-way tie of my life so far. between “Rebel Rebel” (Bowie), “Beast My legal interests are: First Amend- of Burden” (the Stones), and “Gimme ment rights, civil rights, Immigration Danger” (the Stooges). Actually, there Law, bioethics and much, much more. are way more, but I have limited space My legal heroes are: Sonia Sotomay- here.

when we fell from the moon by Liana Kapelke-Dale

last night i dreamt we fell from the moon pulled downwards by earth’s gravity our hands curled tightly together The uproarious Liana Kapelke-Dale! yours were locks and my fingers Name: Liana Kapelke-Dale. Lianas passionately about it (and the noxious the only keys that could open them are vines that grow in the Amazon rain pervasiveness of religion in the world) forest and have been written about every day. I have a strong interest in sci- by such illustrious poets as Federico ence and freethought and a strong dis- we hurtled silently toward the great circular blue García Lorca. I like to pretend Lorca taste for this country’s ridiculous need like divers into a deep yawning ocean was writing about me. to pander to religious irrationality. I’d that had waited an eternity to embrace us Where and when I was born: Mil- been wanting to work with FFRF since waukee, Wis., in December 1987. before I started law school. Family: My parents, Steve and Kath- One of the reasons I decided to but when we finally hit the atmosphere leen, who are both semi-retired aca- go to law school in the first place was our bodies combusted in blue flame demics and educators; and two older my interest in fighting Establishment sisters, Jessica (a public health nurse in Clause violations, but beyond that, I breaking into particles of dust Madison) and Rachel (finishing up her love FFRF’s irreverence and refusal to Ph.D. in film theory in London). respect unconstitutional actions just the white flakes that were once Education: I have a B.A. in Spanish because they were done in the name of solid bone and resilient flesh and a certificate in Latin American and religion. Caribbean Studies from the University What I do here: I’ve drafted a ton of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I’ll be start- of letters of complaint regarding viola- floated down to earth like snow ing my third and final year at the UW tions of the Establishment Clause, writ- collecting on the ground Law School this fall. ten memos for my supervising attorney as though it were christmas morning My religious upbringing was: Eclec- about Good Friday state statutes and tic. I attended Quaker and Wiccan ser- Muslim prayer in public schools and vices as a child. I had my baby blessing translated letters of complaint into and the moon smiled at the sight of children and coming-of-age ceremony at Circle Spanish for violations occurring in making angels that did not melt Sanctuary in Barneveld. They were Puerto Rico. I might be working on an both performed by priestess Selena amicus brief soon as well. “when we fell from the moon” won the UW-Madison Flash Fiction’s annual graduate Fox. What I like best about it: I love hear- student competition this year. Liana is a poet and law student whose other interests include How I came to work as an FFRF ing that violations have been rectified. classic rock, vintage fashion and Latin American travel. Her work has been seen most legal intern: I became an atheist at I like researching and drafting letters, recently in journals such as Duende Literary Journal, Devilfish Review, Emerge Literary around the age of 20 and feel more especially for the more egregious vi- Journal, and you are here. Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015 In the news Happy 91st, Ken! Okla. commandments Iceland abolishes lose in court blasphemy law The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled Iceland’s parliament abolished the 7-2 on June 30 that a 6-foot-tall Ten blasphemy provision of the nation’s Commandments must be removed from criminal code, the BBC reported July the State Capitol grounds, reversing a 3. The law had been in place since September ruling in favor of the Okla- 1940 and carried a maximum sentence homa Capitol Preservation Commis- of three months in prison. sion, which argued the privately funded The Evangelical Lutheran Church monument, installed in 2012, doesn’t of Iceland, the nation’s official church, endorse religion. A citizens group, led supported the change, which was op- by a Baptist minister and retired school posed by the Catholic Church, Pente- teacher and assisted by the American costal Church and the Church of Ice- Civil Liberties Union, sued in 2013. land’s eastern province. The Catholic The high court said the state Con- Church submitted a comment on the stitution forbids the use of any pub- bill: “Should freedom of expression go lic property to benefit any religious so far as to mean that the identity of a purpose. “The Ten Commandments person of faith can be freely insulted, are obviously religious in nature and then personal freedom —­ as individu- are an integral part of the Jewish and als or groups — is undermined.” Christian faiths.” The Icelandic Ethical Humanist Asso- “Quite simply, the Oklahoma Su- ciation said the new law has provisions to preme Court got it wrong,” state Attor- ensure hate speech can be prosecuted. ney General Scott Pruitt said in a state- ment to Bloomberg News. “The court AHA successful in completely ignored the profound histor- ical impact of the Ten Commandments bible belt cases on the foundation of Western law.” Hall County School District in Pruitt wants a rehearing “in light of Gainesville, Ga., agreed July 20 to settle the broader implications of this ruling a 2014 suit by the American Humanist on other areas of state law. “In the in- Association, which alleged some dis- terim, enforcement of the court’s or- trict schools’ athletic programs pro- der cannot occur,” he said. moted Christianity. The settlement calls for the district Colo. voucher scheme superintendent to issue a memo de- ruled illegal tailing the law and standards for reli- The Colorado Supreme Court ruled gious neutrality to principals in its 36 June 29 that Douglas County School schools. The district will host training before the start of the school year for District’s voucher program violates Dan Barker photo the state Constitution. The case was administrators, who will educate staff and coaches on their constitutional du- brought by Taxpayers for Public Edu- Ken Proulx, who has been a special say about a war, but World War II did ties. The district also agreed to pay the cation and several other plaintiffs. member of the Freedom From Reli- get me away from the church. I went plaintiff’s legal fees of $22,500. The district implemented the gion Foundation since 1992, and for three years without seeing the inside of The association announced a week Choice Scholarship Pilot program in whom the new “Above Us Only Sky” a church — and nothing happened to earlier that U.S. District Judge Carlton 2011, reported KVDR, using $4,575 in Ken Proulx Cupola is named, is pic- me, and that got me thinking.” [Ken Reeves granted its motion for con- taxpayer scholarships to up to 500 qual- tured with his birthday cake on July 8, was born into a Catholic family.] tempt against Rankin County School ifying students to help pay for tuition 2015, the day he turned 91. Co-Presi- • “We’ve got a big chunk of the pop- District in Flowood, Miss., for violating at parochial and other private schools. dents Dan Barker and Annie Laurie ulation still stumbling around in the a consent decree. The district agreed Mark Silverstein of the ACLU of Colo- Gaylor supplied the cake, and Ken sup- 14th century. We need to concentrate, in 2014 to stop allowing events that in- rado said the ACLU and others will chal- plied the aphorisms and quips! as the Daniel Dennett book puts it, on cluded proselytizing, but later held an lenge any appeal the district might file • “They talk about plastic surgery Breaking the Spell.” award ceremony that included Chris- or any attempt to modify the voucher to make you look younger. The trou- • “When you think about it, the tian prayers and sermons and also pro- program that includes private schools. ble with that is you can’t fool a flight church is worse than the Mafia, be- moted a Gideon bible handout. “The decision means that money set of stairs.” cause it not only robs you of your mon- Reeves fined the district $7,500 and aside for public education in Colorado • “The aging process — it keeps ey, it robs you of your mind. [Religion again ordered it to stop sponsoring can only be used the way it was intend- chewing on you in one direction.” is] an offer you must refuse.” prayers at graduations, assemblies, ath- ed to be used — for the betterment of • “That damned disease [religion] Ken added, “I’m rewarded by hav- letic competitions and other events. education in Colorado public schools,” separates people. It’s a learned lunacy ing couples marry in Ken’s Cupola.” said Cindra Barnard, Taxpayers for Little Sisters lose — nobody’s born that cuckoo.” By the way, Ken, who worked at Public Education president. • “One of the great shortcomings of American Motors, where he installed in 10th Circuit the human species is that they’re vul- instrument panels for 24 years, is still Jewish gay ‘converters’ The Affordable Care Act doesn’t nerable to indoctrination. You can see driving his 1973 AMC Matador (304 ordered to pay infringe on the religious freedom of that at work with ISIS.” cubic inch engine). A New Jersey jury found on June 25 faith-based nonprofits that object to • “There aren’t many good things to that a “gay conversion” program claim- covering birth control in employee ing it made people heterosexual was health plans, the 10th Circuit U.S. fraudulent. The jury ordered JONAH Court of Appeals ruled July 14. The (Jews Offering New Alternatives for case involves the Denver-based Little Healing), its founder Arthur Goldberg Sisters of the Poor, which runs more and counselor Alan Downing to pay than two dozen nursing homes, and five plaintiffs a total of $72,400. four Christian colleges: Southern Naz- According to a Southern Poverty arene University, Oklahoma Baptist Law Center press release, plaintiff Ben- University, Mid-America University jamin Unger was encouraged to beat a and Oklahoma Wesleyan University. pillow (representing his mother) with Religious groups are already exempt. a tennis racket. “I had a huge gash and “But the plaintiffs argued that the ex- my hands were actually bleeding from emption doesn’t go far enough because hitting it so much,” said Unger, now 27. they must sign away the coverage to an- Trial testimony alleged three men other party, making them feel complic- were encouraged by a JONAH counsel- it,” reported The Associated Press. or to undress in front of a mirror and The three-judge panel distinguished touch their genitals while he watched. between this case and another, noting Male counselors also engaged in and that the religious nonprofits have an advocated “healthy touch” with young exemption process that wasn’t avail- men, including prolonged cuddling. able to Hobby Lobby. “This is not legitimate therapy,” tes- The Becket Fund for Religious Lib- tified Lee Beckstead, a psychologist erty said it intends to appeal to the U.S. with expertise on sexual orientation. Supreme Court. “It’s worse than snake oil.” August 2015 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17

murdered your children! I don’t believe there’s such a thing as They said what? “God Give Us Men” flier urging boy- an atheist. Because there’s too much cotts of specific businesses that was documentation. Our calendars are distributed for Father’s Day by the Tra- based on Jesus Christ. We had people on their faces on the We are not going to bow, we are not ditionalist American Knights of the Ku “Duck Dynasty” star Si Robertson, in- courthouse lawn, interceding for our going to bend, and if necessary, we will Klux Klan in Pryor Creek, Okla. terview with the Christian Post nation. burn. Pryor Creek Times, 6-22-15 The Raw Story, 7-6-15 Johnny Teague, Church at the Cross Rick Scarborough, Texas Baptist pas- pastor in Houston, on the first two tor, telling Pastor E.W. Jackson that Prayers Across Texas rallies, which he Christians should be willing to die by has planned for all of the state’s 254 self-immolation to fight gay rights county courthouses rightwingwatch.org, 6-19-15 The Baptist Standard, 6-17-15 The only form of sex that the official The Jesus of many churches is a weak- state religion of secular fundamental- ling — someone our Rangers cannot ism despises is the sex described as ide- relate to. al in God’s book, the Bible. All other Army Chaplain John McDougall, an Af- forms of sex [are] highly desirable and ghanistan vet and author of Jesus Was indeed brave and courageous to prac- an Airborne Ranger, who got into trou- tice, but what you and your spouse do, ble for wearing his uniform in a video that’s retrogressive and negative. promoting the book Rabbi Daniel Lapin, American Alliance USA Today, 6-11-15 of Jews and Christians, speaking at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s “Road to If the city council says, “We need you Majority” conference in Washington, God, we need your help” [it will help D.C. the city]. Where there is God, there is roadtomajority.com, 6-19-15 usually peace. Tru Saunders, urging the council in If you come into the faith, you must Flint, Mich., to approve a proposal to abide by the laws, and when you decide start meetings with prayer to defame it deliberately, the sentence Flint Journal, 6-19-15 is death. Fouad ElBayly, 2007 comment in which Phil Hands © Wisconsin State Journal Friend, as a trusted leader in the Con- the Johnstown, Pa., imam called for servative movement I need to ask you the death of atheist activist Ayaan Hirsi an important question. Should I run Ali and who received $12,900 in 2014 for President of the United States? I to teach Muslim inmates at a federal have been praying about this decision prison in Cumberland, Md. FFRF on the road for a long time and if I do decide to The Daily Caller, 6-19-15 seek the Republican nomination for President I need to know you’ll stand Let the Supreme Court send the bish- with me. If you think I should run ops and the priests to jail, whomever please let me know by donating $10, they want, but the church cannot go $35, $75, $100, $250 or even $500 to- against the law of our Lord Jesus Christ. day. Nuevo Laredo Bishop Gustavo Rodrí- Email from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walk- guez Vega, on a Supreme Court ruling er, 6-19-15 that legalizes same-sex marriage in all of Mexico’s 31 states My relationship with God drives every LifeSite News, 6-25-15 major decision in my life. Each day I pray and then take time to read from If, even as the price to be paid for a the Bible and from a devotional named fifth vote, I ever joined an opinion for “Jesus Calling.” As you can imagine, the Court that began: “The Constitu- the months leading up to my an- tion promises liberty to all within its nouncement that I would run for Pres- reach, a liberty that includes certain ident of the United States were filled specific rights that allow persons, with- with a lot of prayer and soul searching. in a lawful realm, to define and express Here’s why: I needed to be certain their identity,” I would hide my head in that running was God’s calling — not a bag. The Supreme Court of the Unit- just man’s calling. I am certain: This is ed States has descended from the dis- God’s plan for me and I am humbled ciplined legal reasoning of John Mar- New Mexico to be a candidate for President of the shall and Joseph Story to the mystical Co-President Dan Barker visited FFRF’s Albuquerque chapter on June 27 and United States. aphorisms of the fortune cookie. talked about his new book Life Driven Purpose and FFRF activities. With Dan are Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, letter to Justice Antonin Scalia, dissenting in the former chapter president Ron Herman and new president Angela Combs. Botts potential donors 5-4 decision granting marriage rights Hall in the Special Collections Library was nearly full of chapter and community Scott Walker for America, 7-13-15 nationwide to same-sex couples members and area FFRF members getting acquainted with the chapter. scotusblog.com, 6-26-15 Whatever the issues are, whether this is a crime against Christians or this is We closed our last shop because emo- a crime against blacks, whatever it was, tionally we could not continue on. Sad- at the bottom of it, it’s just a sin issue dened, broken, and traumatized by the more than a skin issue. events surrounding and including the Kenny Grant, the black pastor at Cal- loss of our beloved daughter, we also vary Baptist Church, Savannah, Ga., had to deal with being publicly mocked on the church massacre in Charleston, and scorned by the undiscerning. S.C. Email to a reporter from Leilani and WJCL-TV, 6-18-15 Dale Neumann, faith-healing parents convicted in 2009 of reckless homi- Hirsute flabmeisters spreading out in cide for letting their daughter Kara the pew, wearing wrinkled, very-short die of untreated diabetes, announcing shorts and garish, unbuttoned shirts; they’ve opened a coffee shop in Roth- mature women with skimpy clothes schild, Wis. that reveal way too much, slogging Wausau Daily Herald, 6-24-15 up the aisle accompanied by the flap- flap-flap of their flip-flops; hyperactive We know who you race mixing whores gum-chewing kids with messy hair and and sympathizers are. We have been dirty hands, checking their iPhones watching you for years, writing down and annoying everyone within earshot your addresses and license plate num- Superior freethought or eyesight. bers, and taking your pictures for our Co-President Dan Barker discussed FFRF’s recent legal activity, his new book Thomas Tobin, bishop of the Diocese data bases. Do not come running to Life Driven Purpose and more July 5 with the Lake Superior Freethinkers, FFRF’s of Providence, R.I., “People coming to us for help when those animals have chapter in Duluth, Minn. From left are Tom Patten, Bobbie Mistretta, Dan, church in summer are slobs” kicked in your front door in the mid- Bill Guse, Dave Broman and Bill van Druten. (Thanks to Bill Guse for the fine Religion News Service, 6-16-15 dle of the night and have raped and accommodations at his lakeside cabin.) Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015 Black Collar Crime Blotter

Source: Hamilton Spectator, 6-30-15 at Morningside Community Church, Compiled by Bill Dunn Raymond P. Buhrow, 64, S. Mid- was arrested in California, where he dletown Township, PA: 2 counts each had been living. The crime allegedly of indecent assault of a person less occurred in April or May 2014 when Arrested / Charged than 13 and unlawful contact with a mi- he was a Morningside pastor. Source: nor, misdemeanor corruption of minors KDLT, 6-25-15 Craig Burden, 28, W. Lafayette, IN: Voy- and misdemeanor indecent assault of Geronimo Aguilar, 45, Richmond, eurism using a camera or video device and a person less than 16. The alleged vic- VA: Guilty by jury in Ft. Worth, TX, of vicarious sexual gratification involving a victim tims are sisters, now ages 16 and 14. 2 counts each of aggravated sexual younger than 14. Burden was fired as worship Buhrow is accused of touching their assault of a child and indecency with a and music pastor at Calvary Baptist Church af- breasts and genitals while he was pas- child and 3 counts of sexual assault of ter being arrested, a church spokesperson said. tor of Calvary Temple Holiness Church a child under 17. Aguilar was charged Tippecanoe County sheriff’s deputies were between 2009-14. Source: WPMT, with having sex with sisters ages 11 notified of the alleged offenses, Lt. Tom Lehman 6-29-15 and 13 in 1996-97 when he was pas- said. “It’s not a one-time incident.” He didn’t John J. Farrell, 62, Harden, Aus- tor at New Beginnings International specify where and when the alleged voyeurism tralia: Act of indecency against a per- Church in Ft. Worth. occurred. Source: Journal & Courier, 7-11-15 son aged under 16, 18 counts of sexual He later founded the Richmond Out- Alexander Nealy, 36, Plant City, FL: Fel- assault and 8 counts of sexual assault reach Center but was fired in 2014 after ony cargo theft. Nealy, pastor of Bay City Re- of a person under 16. Details of the inci- being indicted. The older sister testified fuse Worldwide Ministries in Tampa and a truck dents weren’t immediately released but the abuse lasted for 2 years and includ- driver, is charged with 5 other men with stealing allegedly occurred while Farrell was a ed rape. Source: AP, 6-24-15 merchandise meant to be delivered to stores. Catholic priest at several parishes. He Jeffery London, 51, Ft, Lauder- “When Pastor Nealy realizes his warehouse was ordained in 1981, with his last as- dale, FL: Guilty by jury of using a cell has been broken into, he calls the Hillsborough signment ending in 1992. phone to lure an underage boy into sex- Sheriff’s Office to report a burglary and theft of The Diocese of Armidale settled ual activity. London, youth pastor at Bi- his stolen property that he stole from Macy’s suits in 1998 and 2005 in which 2 former ble Church of God and dean of students and Bloomingdale’s,” Polk County Sheriff Grady altar boys accused Farrell of molesting at Eagle Academy charter school, was Judd said, adding, “You can’t make this stuff them. Source: Armidale Express/Eure- charged federally after a jury found him up.” ka Encyclopedia, 6-29-15 not guilty of 27 child sex abuse charges Nealy was arrested after detectives searched Jeremy Mitchell, 26, Martinsville, involving several boys in state court last storage units and found more than 600 boxes IN: Child solicitation and 3 counts of year. of high-end designer purses, shoes, fragrances sexual misconduct. Mitchell, youth The victim, now 20, testified at the and clothing valued at about $267,000. Source: pastor at Eastview Christian Church, federal trial that London began molest- WFLA, 7-10-15 is accused of having an inappropriate ing him from the time he was 7 until he Cameron Patterson, 26, Lake St. Louis, relationship with a girl under 16. was 16. “Can I get some daddy action MO: 2 counts of child molestation. Patterson, Mitchell has resigned, said Rick tonight?” said a text message he sent a youth pastor at Ballwin Baptist Church and Miller, Eastview senior minister. “It’s so the boy in 2011. “How about doing me Wentzville School District employee, is charged hard to believe because it’s so far out of up a little in the car and I will give u ex- with sexually assaulting an alleged victim be- character for him.” tra 5.00,” London wrote in another text, tween the ages of 12 and 17 hundreds of times Mitchell declined Fox 59’s interview an affidavit said. over a period of 5 years. request. Source: WXIN, 6-29-15 notes, text messages and nude photos. Source: Two other young men testified Lon- Patterson allegedly apologized to the female Robert Gamel, 64, Los Banos, CA: Pos- good4utah.com, 6-18-15 don forced them into oral sex and attempted victim on multiple occasions by email, court session of matter depicting sexual conduct of a Jacob D. Kepple, 35, Scottsville, VA: 2 or had anal sex with them. He didn’t take the documents said. One email said, “I have seen person under the age of 18. Gamel, pastor of St. counts of taking indecent liberties with a child stand in his own defense. He allegedly molest- reports of teachers and youth pastors being ar- Joseph’s Catholic Church, allegedly download- by a custodian. Kepple was youth pastor at First ed dozens of boys, including several who lived rested for having inappropriate and often sexual ed nude photos of a teen parishioner that the Baptist Church in Charlottesville at the time of with him in the unlicensed foster home he called relationships with a student, and I have asked teen posted online, court records said. the alleged incidents between 2009 and 2012. “London’s hotel.” Source: Sun Sentinel, 6-16-15 myself the question if I am that teacher or youth Gamel told several people “about [his] anon- He resigned in July 2014. Mark Haynes, 56, West Chester, PA: pastor.” Source: St. Louis Today, 7-9-15 ymous Instagram account and how none of Authorities said the alleged victim, now an Pleaded guilty to using the Internet to entice a An unidentified Catholic priest was them would ever suspect who he was on Insta- adult, participated in church activities that Kep- minor to engage in sexual conduct, transfer of charged with 9 sexual offenses alleged to have gram,” the affidavit said. He’s been moved from ple oversaw. Source: Newsplex, 6-16-15 obscene material to a minor, distribution of child occurred in the 1980s in the Diocese of Lismore, the rectory to a location where he reportedly Reynaldo H. Nevarez, 23, Ontario, CA: pornography, possession of child pornography New South Wales, Australia. The man is also ministers to senior citizens. Source: Los Banos Sodomy with a person under 14 years, contin- and destruction or concealment of evidence. a part-time police chaplain. Source: NSW Police Enterprise, 6-26-15 uous sexual abuse of a child under 14, forcible Haynes was parochial vicar at Annunciation of Force, 7-9-15 James Rapp, 76, already incarcerated lewd acts upon a child, rape by foreign object, the Blessed Virgin Mary in 2010 when he posed Steven Lipford, 56, Euclid, OH: Rape, in Oklahoma for molesting teen boys, was oral copulation/sexual penetration with a child as a 16-year-old girl on a teen dating site. kidnapping and gross sexual imposition. At the charged in Jackson, MI, with 6 counts of crim- 10 years or younger. Nevarez met the alleged Posing as “Katie,” he asked girls for sexually time of the alleged crimes in 2007, Lipford was inal sexual conduct in addition to 13 similar victim when Nevarez was a volunteer at Igle- explicit photos. He was also charged with on- a church maintenance man. He’s now pastor at counts filed in May. Charges stem from alleged sia Fuente de Vida church. The abuse allegedly line distribution in 2014 of images and videos of Zion’s Joy Empowerment Church. incidents when he was a priest working at Lu- continued for about 4 years. Nevarez teaches children being sexually assaulted, again posing He was linked to the alleged assault of a men Christi Catholic High School from 1980-86. private music lessons to students he meets at as “Katie.” Source: Pottstown Mercury, 6-8-15 21-year-old woman in the church basement Source: mlive.com, 6-26-15 churches, the affidavit said. Source: Inland Em- after a rape kit was recently tested as part of Leroy Lowe, 50, Arlington, TX: Suspicion pire News, 6-10-15 a statewide initiative. He served prison time for Sentenced of sexual assault on a child by one in a position Peter J. Hercock, 71, Nelson, New Zea- a sexual battery conviction in 1990 involving a of trust, sexual exploitation of a child and child land: Unlawfully entering a building, 2 counts of John A. Pinkston, 78, Dallas, GA: 10 years minor. Source: Plain Dealer, 7-8-15 enticement. Lowe was arrested on a Colorado rape and 5 counts of indecent assault of a child in prison and 10 years on probation after he was Ryan S. Rodgers, 36, Central City, LA: warrant for alleged incidents last Valentine’s under 16. Hercock, a former Catholic priest and found guilty by a jury of child molestation and Sexual battery and 7 counts of indecent behav- Day weekend with a 17-year-old female mem- chaplain at Sacred Heart College, allegedly mo- sexual battery. Two minor girls testified Pinkston ior with juveniles. Rodgers was a youth minister ber of Potter House Church in Denver, where he lested 3 girls at schools in the 1970s and 1980s. touched them sexually in 2014 at Congregation at Liberty Park Baptist Church from 2003-09 was executive coordinator. He left the priesthood in 1981. of God Seventh Day, a church he founded and and more recently served several churches in Family members alleged he was banned The diocese paid $25,000 to a former pupil led. Orleans, Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes. from the church before being fired in March. in 2003 after she claimed she was molested by “Not only did he not take responsibility, when The male victims allege Rodgers sexually Source: Denver Post, 6-25-15 Hercock, then talked into having sex with him he took the witness stand, he spit in everyone’s abused them for over a year, mainly in his apart- John Tovey, 64, Napier, New Zealand: in the 1970s when she was 18. Source: Nelson face with the nonsense that he used to try to ment, and bought them underwear to pose in. Indecent assault and 2 counts of sexual viola- Mail, 6-8-15 manipulate that jury,” Cobb County Assistant There may be more victims, New Orleans police tion. Tovey, an Anglican priest, is charged with Darrell Ranel, 56, Baton Rouge, LA: 2 D.A. Chuck Boring said in a statement. Source: said. Source: al.com, 7-1-15 alleged incidents with a female between April counts of aggravated rape. Ranel, director Journal-Constitution, 7-10-15 Brogenet Cinor, 48, Sunrise, FL: Sexual 2014 and Jan. 2. of Black Creek African Methodist Episcopal Colman McGrath, 76, Glasgow, Scotland: battery on a child less than 12. Cinor, who au- Bishop of Waiapu Andrew Hedge has sus- Church, is accused of raping a girl when she was 200 hours of community service, 3 years’ proba- thorities said has been practicing as a voodoo pended Tovey’s “permission to officiate” indefi- 11 in 2014. He’d allegedly been in a relationship tion and placement on the sex offender registry priest for almost a decade, allegedly molested nitely. Source: Dominion Post, 6-24-15 with the girl’s mother. Source: Times-Picayune, after admitting indecent assaults on 3 boys be- a girl in 2009 after she went with her mother to James Callozzo, 73, Youngstown, OH: 6-8-15 tween 1972-82. Two victims were seminarians him to be cleansed of evil spirits. 3rd-degree sexual imposition. Callozzo, pastor and the other belonged to the Catholic parish Sunrise Police Officer Cindi McCue said of Nativity of Christ Ukrainian Orthodox Church, were McGrath was pastor. police were notified in 2014 after the girl told Pleaded / Convicted is charged with following an 18-year-old man “The Archdiocese of Glasgow wishes to her father what allegedly happened. Two other into a Perkins restaurant bathroom, talking ex- Christopher McKenzie, 51, Costa Mesa, apologize to the victims of Father Colman Mc- women had earlier alleged they were coerced plicitly about the younger man’s genitals and CA: Guilty by jury of 20 felonies, including lewd Grath,” a statement said. Source: BBC News, into having sex because Cinor told them they grabbing them. Source: Post-Gazette, 6-23-15 acts with children under 14, using and attempt- 7-1-15 were possessed, police said. Todd Christian Hartman, 32, Newport ed using a minor for sex acts, distributing por- “This is a very concerning crime for us, es- Beach, CA: 3 counts of possessing and distrib- nography to a minor, possession of child por- pecially because of the young age of the victim,” uting child pornography. Hartman, a youth pas- nography and attempted lewd acts on a child McCue said. “She was 11 years old, engaging in tor at Vineyard Church, was arrested at a home under 14. McKenzie, a Sunday school volunteer ‘She was 11 years old, sexual activity under the guise of fear.” Source: he shares with his mother, where a search al- at Rock Harbor Church, was convicted of as- Sun Sentinel, 7-3-15 legedly turned up about 300 images and 400 saulting or attempting to assault 6 boys as far engaging in sexual Francisco J. García Rodríguez, 60, Autlán videos of children as young as 8 in sexually ex- back as 1996. de Navarro, Mexico: 2 counts of sexual abuse. plicit positions. His accusers testified how he groomed them activity under the García Rodríguez, a Catholic priest, allegedly Hartman was scheduled to go on a youth by going to movies, buying them fast food or molested an 11-year-old girl twice in February retreat but was barred after investigators noti- paying them to watch pornography with him. guise of fear.’ — Cindi while he was staying overnight with the girl’s fied church officials about his online activities. He used a story about an artist needing nude family in La Huerta. Source: Yucatan Times, McCue, Florida police Source: Orange County Register, 6-19-15 models to persuade them to pose naked in his 6-30-15 Jose M. Zamarripa, 27, Ogden, UT: Aggra- apartment. Jan R. Ostonal, 35, Mississauga, Ontario: officer vated sex abuse of a child, sexual exploitation They testified he would rub them with oil 3 counts each of sexual exploitation and sexual of a minor and dealing harmful materials to a during photo shoots and touch their genitals. A assault. Ostonal, a youth pastor at the Keys of minor. Zamarripa was choir director at Rios De victim testified he was molested from age 8 to the Kingdom Ministries in Toronto, is accused of Agua Viva church when he allegedly became 16. Source: Daily Pilot, 7-1-15 Ralph W. Barnett, 74, Peoria, IL: 3 years molesting a girl, now 17, between January 2012 sexually involved with a 12-year-old girl from the Timothy Bariteau, 37, Brookings, SD: in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated and March 2015. church. Police Lt. Lane Findlay said the com- Guilty by jury of sexual contact with a child criminal sexual abuse. Barnett, pastor at Bethel Police think there may be more victims. plaint alleges they exchanged sexually explicit under the age of 16. Bariteau, former pastor Presbyterian Church, told the judge he stopped August 2015 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

molesting the preteen girl on his own after 5 and at his home. Source: WFAA, 6-10-15 el ruled the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine which spiritual counsel is sought or received.” years and was remorseful. William R. Best Jr., 48, Valley Grande, AL: doesn’t require dismissal of a suit by alleged Source: Star Tribune, 6-14-15 Judge David Brown scoffed at Barnett’s 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to 1st-de- abuse victim “John Doe 200” against Bishop Thomas Belczak, 61, resumed his duties as claim he “just happened” to begin abusing the gree rape and incest. Best was pastor at Living Michael Burbidge and the Raleigh Catholic pastor at St. Kenneth Catholic Church in Plym- girl in 2003 and then just stopped in 2008. “It Waters Worship Center until April 2014, when Diocese. The suit alleges Fr. Edgar Sepulve- outh, MI, after an investigation by the FBI and doesn’t ‘just happen’ that you enter into a sex- he was charged with having sex with a minor da of Santa Teresa Mission engaged in sex acts Archdiocese of Detroit determined he wouldn’t ual relationship with a child for several years,” multiple times, starting when the victim was 14. with a 16-year-old boy, who went to police in be criminally charged with theft. “Father is not Brown said. Source: al.com, 6-9-15 2009. Sepulveda, 52, was charged but the case a thief. Father will never be a thief,” said parish- The victim didn’t tell her family till about Clint M. Landry, 58, Fairbanks, AK: 10 was dismissed in 2012. He has been removed ioner Robert Frigerio. “I’m 73 years old, and I’m 2013. Source: Journal Star, 6-25-15 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted from public ministry. The plaintiff is now an ac- in tears.” Omar Johnson, 34, St. Andrew, Jamaica: enticement of a minor. Landry, a Catholic priest tive-duty U.S. Marine. Source: The Robesonian, Belczak was removed in October after sus- 2 years in prison on each of 2 counts of fraud- at Sacred Heart Cathedral, was suspended in 7-9-15 picions arose he was involved like his brother ulent conversion, to be served concurrently. 2014 after a janitor read an open email on a Edward Belczak, a priest in Troy, was with fi- Johnson, pastor of Bethel Seventh-day United public computer in Landry’s living space. The nancial improprieties. Edward Belczak and his Church, was accused by a 54-year-old com- email included a sexually explicit image of a church administrator, Janice Verschuren, were plainant of fraud involving 5 vehicles she owned 13-year-old girl. The judge said Baker indicted in 2014 on allegations they stole about and $60,000 she allegedly gave him to buy a That led to an investigation which revealed $700,000 from St. Thomas More Church in Troy. music system for the church. Landry had negotiated the cost of viewing live had edited several Thomas Belczak agree to work with a dele- Johnson’s lawyer Charles Williams asked pornograpy with a Filipino contact multiple times gate appointed by the archdiocese in order to the court to consider that his client has paid the in 2013-14. videos, superimposing better scrutinize parish finances. Source: De- complainant $80,000, had prayed and had no “In at least three of these communications, troit Free Press, 6-20-15 previous conviction. the defendant sought access to sex shows in- his own head on the Larry Jones, 66, McAlester, OK, was fired “He pleaded guilty, showing remorse, and he volving children younger than 11,” prosecutors as Missionary Baptist Church pastor after being has been in custody for three months now. He said. Source: Dispatch News, 6-8-15 body of someone charged last year with possessing obscene or can do better; there is hope for him.” Source: molesting children. indecent writings for his sexual fantasy involv- Jamaica Observer, 6-24-15 Civil Lawsuits Filed ing 3 girls as young as 6 from the church. His Michael Blanchard, 56, Norfolk, VA: 10 wife called police after discovering the story, but months in prison after pleading guilty to making A Perth, Australia, man is suing trustees of Jones is fighting the charge as infringing on the false statements. Blanchard, pastor of Corner the Christian Brothers and the estates of 7 A “well-known” rabbi from northern Isra- First Amendment. There’s no indication he act- Stone Christian Center since 1992, submitted individuals, alleging he was physically and el accused by at least 8 women of sexual as- ed on the fantasy. disability compensation claims to the Depart- sexually abused by Brothers Verdon, Dick sault was arrested at Ben-Gurion Airport on his District Judge James Bland heard oral argu- ment of Veterans Affairs on behalf of 90 veter- and Daly between 1971-1973 at Castledare way out of the country. The rabbi was due to be ments, ordered written briefs and chided prose- ans, acting without their knowledge and forging Boys Home. identified by the press after the Nazareth District cutors for not amending the charging language their signatures. The Royal Commission into Institutional Re- Court permitted publication of his name, but the as advised. “The state has the ability to refile He asked that checks be mailed to his ad- sponses to Child Sexual Abuse has heard from issue was appealed to the Supreme Court. He with amended language.” dress but none were ever sent. 11 former residents of the facility. They named remains in custody. Source: Arutz Sheva, 7-8- The state contended in its rebuttal that At sentencing he told the judge, “I was 16 Christian Brothers as alleged abusers. 15 “obscene material is not protected speech.” wrong. I lost my way.” Source: Virginian-Pilot, Source: Yahoo News, 7-2-15 Eliezer Berland, 77, apparently fled the Source: News-Capital, 6-22-15 6-24-15 “John J. Doe” and “John Doe 2” filed suit in Netherlands after the Dutch Supreme Court Jozef Wesolowski, 66, the defrocked for- Derrick “Duke” Hampsch, 35, Vincennes, Cook County Circuit Court against the Catholic denied his appeal of an Israeli extradition or- mer apostolic nuncio to the Dominican Repub- IN: 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to sex- Archdiocese of Chicago, alleging they were der and he was told to report to police. Rabbi lic, was admitted to intensive care in a Rome ual misconduct with a minor. Hampsch, youth molested by convicted former priest Daniel Mc- Berland left Israel after being accused by sev- hospital the day before his trial was to start in pastor at First Baptist Church, was charged with Cormack between 2002-04 when he coached eral alleged victims of sexual assault. He was a Vatican courtroom. His illness or condition molesting a girl in 2010 at a church event in An- St. Agatha Parish basketball teams. arrested in September 2012 during a layover at weren’t disclosed. derson when she was under age 14. McCormack was defrocked in 2007 and has Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on his way from He’s the first high-ranking prelate to be crim- Hampsch has pleaded not guilty in a Knox been living at a state-run mental health facility South Africa to Ukraine. inally charged by the Holy See and has been County court to similar charges in Vincennes. since his release from prison. Source: CBS Chi- Prosecutors suspect Berland went to a under house arrest for possessing child pornog- Source: Herald Bulletin, 6-23-15 cago, 6-19-15 country that doesn’t have an extradition treaty raphy and alleged sexual assaults on youths on Israel Berríos-Berríos, 59, Naranjito, “John Doe” filed suit against the Archdio- with Israel. Source: Yeshiva World News, 7-6-15 the island nation, where he was recalled from in Puerto Rico: 11 years in prison after pleading cese of Chicago, alleging defrocked Catholic The Connecticut Supreme Court upheld 2014. Source: news.va, 6-15-15 guilty to transporting a minor with the intent to priest Norbert Maday, now 77, molested him a $1 million award in a clergy abuse case and engage in criminal sexual conduct in 2008. Ber- at St. Bede the Venerable starting in 1979 when rejected an argument by the Catholic Archdi- Allegations ríos-Berríos, who was a priest and director of a Doe was a 10-year-old altar boy and continuing ocese of Hartford that a 2002 law extending Catholic school at the time, was charged with until 1981. the statute of limitations was unconstitutional. A Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office in- taking a 15-year-old altar boy on a 4-day cruise The complaint alleges that Maday had boys jury in Waterbury awarded a former altar boy $1 vestigators removed documents and equipment to the Bahamas. Source: AP, 6-18-15 sit on his lap while he drove his car, gave them million in 2012, deciding that Fr. Ivan Ferguson in June from St. Bernardine Monastery in Hol- Francis W. Cable, 83, Sydney: 16 years in alcohol, watched pornographic movies with molested him. Ferguson died in 2002. lidaysburg, where a Franciscan friar accused prison on convictions for raping at least 17 boys them and set up an electronic game system in The archdiocese claims it first learned of of molesting children fatally stabbed himself in over a period of 15 years. Cable, also called his bedroom to lure boys there. Ferguson’s proclivities in 1979 when he taught 2013. Brother Stephen Baker, 62, was a reli- Brother Romuald, was a teacher at a Catholic Maday is a registered sex offender now at Northwest Catholic High School. At the trial, gion teacher and coach at Catholic facilities in Marist Brothers school from 1960-74. living in Wisconsin. Source: Chicago Tribune, testimony showed that when former Archbishop several states and was athletic trainer at Bishop Victims and their relatives cheered after he 6-12-15 John Whealon confronted him, Ferguson admit- McCort Catholic High School in Johnstown from was sentenced. “You have the mark of the devil ted to the abuse and was sent to a Massachu- 1992 to 2001. on you, and I need to get the devil out of you Legal Developments setts treatment facility. Two years later, Wheal- Nine days before he died, the Diocese of and this is how I have to do it,” Cable allegedly on appointed him director of a Derby parochial Youngstown, OH, said it settled with 11 former told a victim after raping him. Source: Morning Modern Orthodox Rabbi Barry Freundel, school. students who claimed Baker molested them Herald, 6-18-15 63, is appealing a 78-month prison sentence Ferguson was later accused of abusing Doe while at John F. Kennedy High School in War- Cesar Chin, 65, Winter Springs, FL: 2 after a guilty plea in May for secretly record- and his childhood friend at the church rectory in ren from 1987-90. years’ probation after pleading guilty to failure ing 52 women in various stages of undress in Derby. Source: Hartford Courant, 6-26-15 “In my opinion, there were individuals who to report child abuse. The alleged perpetrator, a District of Columbia synagogue’s ritual bath. The Minnesota Supreme Court reinstated knew about Stephen Baker and didn’t take Normail R. Perez, is charged with sexual bat- The appeal contends the sentence was wrong the sexual misconduct conviction of St. Paul proper action,” said plaintiffs’ attorney Richard tery on a child involving 3 girls during a period because the recording was a single discreet act, Catholic priest Christopher Wenthe, who has Serbin of Altoona. of at least 7 years. His wife, Irma G. Torres, is not 52 separate ones and that he should get no already served a 1-year sentence for taking ad- The investigation may be expanding to the also charged with not reporting the abuse, even more than a year in prison. vantage of a 21-year-old woman in 2003 who Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, where more than though she witnessed it at least once, deputies The prosecution countered that Freundel came to him for counseling. The state Court of 20 clerics have been accused of assaulting chil- said. was told he was pleading guilty to 52 individu- Appeals had ordered a new trial. dren over nearly 30 years, sources said. [See Chin leads a Spanish-speaking congrega- al counts of voyeurism and that by doing so he Dissenting Justice Alan Page [a former Min- related item below under “Other” category.] tion whose name translates roughly as “Church faced a maximum sentence of 52 years, adding nesota Viking] said the appeals court got it right: Source: Tribune-Review, 6-26-15 of Jesus, Our Only Hope.” Source: Orlando that crimes committed against separate victims “Like possession of a knife, which is not criminal Senior Irish Catholic Church leaders set Sentinel, 6-17-15 are not usually merged into a single sentence. until it occurs within a school zone, sexual pene- up inquiries into sexual abuse by clergy solely Walter Masocha, 51, Stirling, Scotland: Source: FailedMessiah.com, 7-10-15 tration by a member of the clergy is not criminal to protect the church from scandal, Seán Brady, 250 hours of community service and registration A North Carolina Court of Appeals pan- unless and until it coincides with a meeting at now cardinal and former primate of All Ireland, on the sex offender registry for a year. Masocha, told an inquiry into historical abuse in Northern a Zimbabwe native and founder of Agape for All Ireland. He and others were sworn to secrecy Nations Church, was found guilty of sexually about the tribunals so that the “good name” of assaulting the deaconess of the church and of the church could be protected, Brady said. kissing and fondling a 14-year-old girl between Brady was testifying about Fr. Brendan 2012 and 2014. Smyth, a serial child rapist who continued to The deaconess, who can’t be identified, abuse for decades after the church learned that cried after sentencing. “He molested me and he was a pedophile. The commission also heard now he walks free,” she said. “So many other testimony that the Garda Síochána and the Re- women who he has attacked will now not come public’s health service were aware of allega- forward because they are scared of what may tions about Smyth as far back as 1973. happen. These women will think, what is the Smyth admitted in 1994, the year he was point?” Source: New Zimbabwe, 6-16-15 sentenced, that he’d molested “between 50 Alan Baker, 78, Loudwater, UK: 54 months and 100 children. That number could even be in prison after pleading guilty to possession doubled or perhaps even more.” That comment of indecent images and 4 counts of indecent wasn’t made public till now, said inquiry counsel assault. Baker used his position of trust as a Joseph Aiken. church elder in Wooburn Green to “engineer” He died in 1997 at age 70 of a heart attack in meetings with 2 children in the 1970s and the prison exercise yard. The Norbertines held 1980s, the court heard. his funeral before dawn and covered his grave Police found photos and videos during a with concrete to deter vandalism. Source: The 2014 search of Baker’s home. Judge John Cole Guardian, 6-25-15 said Baker had edited several videos, superim- Steve Karro, 55, Miami Beach, FL, charged posing his own head on the body of someone in May with lewd and lascivious molestation of a molesting children. Several boxes and bags child under 12, is shown on video handing the al- filled with boys’ underwear were also found. leged victim’s mother an envelope said to contain Source: Bucks Free Press, 6-15-15 $500 several days before his arrest, sources said. Derek Hutter, 38, Garland, TX: 10 years Karro, substitute rabbi at Shaare Ezra Sephardic to life in prison after pleading guilty to child en- Synagogue, “intentionally touched/grabbed the ticement. Hutter, youth pastor at South Garland buttocks” of an 11-year old girl in April, according Baptist Church, met the victim, age 13 in 2014, to the arrest report, for “cleansing” because she at church and convinced her to send him sexu- was showing “negative energy.” ally explicit photos of herself. They then started The mother gave the envelope to police, a “continuous” sexual relationship at the church said her attorney, Jeff Herman. “This family has Continued on page 22 Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015

“What poison?” Jason asked, in a Letterbox worried tone. “Never mind,” we replied in unison. Mike Middlesworth Amazing, gracious that perform abortions are being shut California describe Anne Gaylor down in some states. I’m happy that FFRF has provided A lovely lady was seated alone, next funds for Taslima Nasrin to relocate to Synagogue voyeur to an empty chair in the back of the the U.S. That she lives under a death deserved what he hall. I approached and asked, “Are you threat for espousing atheism clearly got – prison Anne Nicol Gaylor?” shows how religion can bring out the “Yes, I am,” she replied. Excitedly, vilest human impulses. I’m sure she’ll You probably know by now that the I exclaimed how happy I was to meet be happy to be among many friends in Washington, D.C., rabbi who recorded her and added that I wished I knew America and the threat of death will be videos of women as they disrobed and her much sooner. She smiled a know- largely lifted from her shoulders. participated in a ritual bath was sen- ing smile at me. Softly, I sat down next Fred Rakevich tenced to six and a half years in prison. to her. Washington What you may not know is that his at- I had come a long way through un- torney pleaded for him to not receive fathomable religious evil, plus a long jail time but instead to be sentenced to train and bus ride, to attend this con- Freethought Today “community service” because the man ference. She shared a private conver- hard to manipulate was “humiliated” and had lost his social sation. Two moms, two Annes. I will I love Freethought Today and enjoy status as a clergy member. Really? He always treasure this chance meeting. It the entire publication, so much that I was humiliated? Whose fault was that? was unexpected and delightful. hesitate to make a suggestion, which And what “community service” would Many of us had spent a lifetime has nothing to do with the content. you entrust to such a person? wanting to sing out the truth. She did it This may sound petty, but the dimen- In America before the Civil War, for us. Her knowledge, her grace, her sions of the paper are very difficult for It’s not for the masses there was a group of people who styled words, are a gift for all of humanity, me to manage at times. It is larger than “With a name like that, this may just themselves the Nothingarians. Their forevermore. a magazine format, not as wide as a become my new favorite beer!” writes motto was: “No God, no government, Thank you, Anne Nicol Gaylor! Our newspaper and the folding for mailing Gary Bennett, Idaho. The brewery no marriage, no money, no meat, no love is with you. purposes makes it, in my humble opin- calls Infidel “unbowed and unrepen- tobacco, no skirts, no church, no war Ann F. Slowey ion, awkward to manipulate. I realize tant. This free spirit makes no apolo- and no slaves!” I would gladly agree Pennsylvania that if it were smaller it may change the gies and asks for no forgiveness.” with them about religion, tobacco and size of the print or drastically diminish slavery. All of the others ought to be the content. tor. I told him he should try playing negotiable on a case-by-case basis. Anne sped our I honestly know nothing about such by himself, and if he had any trouble, David M. Shea ‘salvation’ from religion things, and maybe I am the only per- I would help him. His response: “My Maryland It is sad to know that another free- son who has a problem with this, but I momma said I should ask God when I thinker/atheist has left this world. It believe somebody much smarter than need help.” is also inspiring to remember all the myself can figure out a way to make Considering his momma doesn’t God’s cancer timing positive things Anne Gaylor gave to so holding and reading such an awesome read the bible, doesn’t own a bible and was just impeccable many of us. She made an enormous and informative piece of work even is unchurched, I was caught a little off Overheard while on vacation in Aca- contribution to my life and my late more enjoyable. guard; although it did occur to me that dia National Park in Maine: While be- husband Marvin’s. Having been funda- Steve Mills she has a generic rendering of the Last ing seated for lunch at a restaurant, my mentalist Christian, becoming a free- South Carolina Supper hanging in her kitchen, gift wife and I were given a table next to thinker is a life-changing event. Editor’s note: We’re sorry for the incon- from a Catholic aunt, who brought a a couple with an electronic bible. The Anne wanting her tombstone to venience and will keep your suggestion in bunch of them up from Mexico for man asked the woman to read from it read “Feminist — Activist — Freethink- mind if at some point our printer offers an- nearly everyone on her side of the fam- before they ate their meal. “Which ver- er” reminds me that I became a free- other tabloid size option. ily. sion do you want?” she asked. (I wish thinker/atheist after studying women’s Anyway, when Jason ambushed me I had thought to suggest the Jefferson history. Understanding how women with his newfound omniscient tutor, I bible.) Then their conversation turned were/are discriminated against by all Bonnie Annie Laurie said, “Well, let’s see how that works out to her ailing 90-year-old father, who religions changed my thinking about v. the ‘Irish gorilla’ for you.” had gone to live in a nursing home and god and “man’s” religions. No human I normally avoid Fox News like the It wasn’t long before he found him- was recently diagnosed with cancer. was born of a man and yet they claimed plague, but when I got the email that self unable to construct a LEGO bridge The woman said, and I quote, “Isn’t it superiority. Annie Laurie would be on “Hannity,” to assist Indiana Jones and his partner wonderful? God timed the cancer so All my resentments about my place I set my VCR (yes, I still have one, and trying to cross a hazardous obstacle. perfectly.” in the church surfaced and I left it. it works) to catch the 1 a.m. showing. He shoved his controller at me in frus- Tom Waddell Marvin followed as he would not go to It’s too bad they only had you up tration and demanded, “Help me! I Maine church without me. It took him longer there for such a short time, but you can’t make a bridge!” to totally reject religion. He enjoyed held up well, considering you had to I said, “Why don’t you ask God to the music. I could not tolerate the face down not only the “Irish gorilla” help you?” Gov. Haley’s words to the music. (as Al Franken once called Hannity) Without any hesitation he answered, slaying comment So I thank Anne and everyone at but Todd Starnes and Wild Bill Dono- “Because he’s not here! He’s up in the was out of line FFRF and others who contributed to hue! sky, in heaven!” our “salvation” from religion. Her life And if you’d been there a few min- “Listen carefully: You’re way too While watching a news program was a testament to her humanity and utes longer, you would have faced smart to be relying on infantile para- dealing with the recent church slayings care for others. She lived a good life down Geraldo as well! doxical apologetics!” in South Carolina, I heard Gov. Nikki and we will miss her. Andrew C. Jones “All right,” he said, placing the con- Haley say, “Now these blessed souls are The meadowlark is singing its song Michigan troller gently into my palm. “Please in heaven.” I was taken aback that an to the world. Anne sang her song. • • • show me how to make the bridge elected official would blatantly infringe Many have listened to it and have/had I sent this to Mr. Hannity tonight: again.” on the “separation of church and state” a better life for her song of “Freedom Your discussion of the Ten Com- Later, en route to our local “fire- principle. From Religion.” Thank you, Anne. mandments at the Oklahoma Capitol works extravaganza,” Jason was inex- I am always saddened and disgusted Freda Van Houten was a complete disgrace. It was three plicably content in the back seat with when people take it upon themselves Arizona male bullies never allowing Annie Lau- his Game Boy. We were waiting for the to kill others in the name of hate. How- • • • rie Gaylor to finish a sentence. Is this light to turn green when I noticed an ever, this does not give our elected of- I never met Anne Nicol Gaylor in Christian behavior at its best or sexist SUV ahead of us filled with semantic ficials the right to profess their views person but knew much of her work, male behavior at its worst? anarchists. I recognized their official publicly on religion. especially regarding equal rights for Dick Hewetson license plate frame immediately: NO Linda Mills women and medical help for poor California RELIGION — JUST A RELATION- Washington women (I assume against great odds SHIP. sprinkled with some degree of igno- I tweaked the rearview mirror so I rance). Her intelligence and cour- Hands that help better could observe Jason’s deep absorption Another ‘in your face’ age inspired many others to join the than lips that pray in a Power Ranger struggle of appar- religious experience struggle for justice. My condolences to My wife and I look forward to lunch- ent epic proportions. I wondered what I write to tell you of one of those “in Anne’s family and friends. es and tutorial Xbox sessions with Ja- kind of superstitious absurdity his li- your face” religion experiences that of- What has and is happening to wom- son, our 5-year-old nephew. He’s a cense plate frame might convey a few fended me and really should not exist. I en in the name of religion is so appall- quick study and loves learning new years down the road. speak of the [198-foot-high] cross erect- ing. The worst of all human behavior things. “Hitchens was right,” I muttered. ed at the junction of Interstates 57 and (religious fanaticism) still prevails in On July 4, he grabbed his favorite “Religion poisons everything.” 70 near Effingham, Ill. I was a trucker much of the world and to some de- LEGO video game and I rolled a chair “Uh-huh,” echoed my wife, plucking for many years and often stopped in gree here at home. Women’s clinics up next to him in front of the moni- an eyebrow in her visor mirror. Effingham for fuel and coffee. There August 2015 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21 was no escaping this damnable cross, school music teacher must object to tendents, business leaders. Seismic, first told me you don’t believe in God, I which offends everyone passing by who that characterization. The musical baby. That was followed by a feminist remember saying that I didn’t raise you is not a Christian. Self-righteous people literature associated with the Christ- revolution, when birth control be- that way. I was wrong to say that. You think they are doing the world a favor mas myth is among the most moving came widespread and abortion legal, are free to believe or not believe and by shoving erroneous religious ideas in music ever conceived. Because of this when divorce and single motherhood I now know that people don’t need to everyone’s face. Like mushroom farm- “musical offering,” my students were became socially acceptable, working believe in God to be good!” ers, they keep people in the dark and able to perform the Heinrich Schütz women became the norm and profes- Those were amazing words to hear cover them with B.S. “Wienachistorie,” a landmark piece of sional women commonplace. Way seis- from her. We have had wonderful dis- There is nothing we can do to re- the early Baroque, and the Christmas mic. cussions about religion, and though move the cross. It’s on private property section of Handel’s “Messiah” without No revolution is total. Blacks are neither of us will change our mind, it is and built with private funds. Let’s hope the Hallelujah Chorus (which is a part overrepresented in poverty and crime a lot better now than it was when I first American Muslims will buy some road- of the Easter section, by the way). Each statistics. Women earn 77% of men’s told her that I am an atheist. side property in Effingham and erect of these performances presented a pay. Gays will be fighting legal actions Thanks for all you do! a big sign stating “Jesus HATED that learning environment for the students, by the dead-enders for years. Racism, Lori Wieser [BLEEP-BLANKETY-BLANK] cross.” unencumbered by a belief in the my- sexism and homophobia will live as Florida Keep up the good work separating thology of the religion to which they long as human beings walk the Earth. church and state and I’m sure both were dedicated. So what marginalized, oppressed God and Harry Truman would ap- The crucial element is not present- group — agitating through these next Penance: ‘Go in peace prove. ing these works as a testimony to reli- two decades — will ride the next seis- and emit no more’ Pete Buehler gion, but as a testimony to art. If done mic shift into cultural acceptance? Gary Bennett forwarded this letter writ- Florida that way, there is no conceivable rea- Why not us? ten by Gary Carlson, Boise, to the Idaho Editor’s note: Dan’s suggests Jesus HAT- son why they should not be presented Atheists are certainly stigmatized Statesman. It was headlined “Carbon con- ED that Effing cross.” by a public school. enough, but we’re pushing back. Or- fession.” To me, there would be no question if ganizations like FFRF are mounting I just downloaded the pope’s envi- “Amazing Grace” became the anthem legal challenges and launching PR ronmental encyclical Laudato Si. I am To put it simply . . . of the school’s choral program, but as campaigns with media buzz, TV ads, already having nightmares about my Thank God I’m an atheist! a representative of American hymno- billboards. Public figures are coming future confessions: Eric Mead dy, it does have relevance among an out. If my timetable is accurate, Amer- Bless me father for I have sinned. In Colorado assortment of other songs and hymns ica could be swearing in its first open- the past month I have used 1,500 kilo- Editor’s note: Thank you, Eric, for your of similar topic. ly atheist president any time after the watt-hours of electricity, 25 therms of new Lifetime Membership. It is a fine line to walk for those of 2032 election. natural gas and 60 gallons of gasoline. use who are not troubled by the god Let’s hope she’s black and gay. I am sorry for these emissions and the myth but who still recognize the great- Marty Rush carbon footprints of my past life. Priest spurred little ness of art created within the sphere of Colorado The priest then replies: My son, I girl’s turn to atheism that myth. understand it is difficult to be holy and I was raised Catholic in a small town Ken Harrison green. Seldom can we change com- where Catholics were the minority. But California ‘666’ not allowed to pletely overnight. I urge you to take they had enough power to require the Editor’s note: Well-said, Mr. Harrison. start SS numbers small steps. For your penance turn up school to send all Catholic children David Randolph, FFRF honoree, Lifetime I came across this little “Did You your summer thermostat to 90 degrees to religious instructions once a week, Member and director of the renowned (secu- Know?” item in the July/August issue and your winter thermostat down to 60 off school property, during the school lar) St. Cecilia Chorus, made similar points of the AARP Bulletin: “Out Satan! degrees. Carpool once a week. day. We had two priests, both tall, sil- in his 2009 Freethought Today piece, “No Since beginning to assign card num- Our Holy Father will be visiting the ver-haired men, mean as hell. Each such thing as religious music.” (He died bers, Social Security made sure that United States this year. Please help him drove a brand-new black Cadillac. the next year at 95.) A caveat is that FFRF none would ever start with 666, the offset his own carbon footprint and My dad was the cook in our house. encounters way too many instances of pub- three digits labeled ‘the number of assuage your guilt by donating $10 to One night while making spaghetti, he lic school staff and visitors from the outside the beast’ in the Bible’s book of Rev- the Vatican Bank’s carbon credit fund. realized he needed noodles and sent pushing the boundaries and not acting “in elation.” But please, never refer to it as a carbon me to the store about a minute away. I good faith” in order to proselytize, especially That’s a revelation indeed! I guess indulgence. Go in peace and emit no had just reached the parking lot when with music in the lower grades. whoever determined this also deter- more. a big black Cadillac driven by our very mined that 666 loses its evil power in drunken priest headed straight at me. the middle or at the end of the Social He slammed on his brakes, rolled Next seismic shift Security number, where it’s allowed. Yikes: ‘Christ-followers down his window and yelled at me, should be atheism Joan Reisman-Brill on every team’ scheme “You — get over here.” The Supreme Court decision legal- New York Eric Tawney, Ohio, shared his letter to This was 1947 when I was 11. Kids izing gay marriage signifies a seismic Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, writ- did as they were told. When I got to the shift. I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s ten in response to FFRF’s legal complaint: car, he reached out, grabbed my blouse in New York City. Even in that bastion Op-ed helped mother I recently read that your office and tore it down the front, yelling and of progressivism, homosexuality was accept my atheism awarded a $300,000 grant to a Chris- calling me a “whore” and a “slut” and unmentionable in “polite” society. I read this [see clipping, “We are tian organization called Athletes In other names indicating I would soon Now, 60% of Americans are good with also free not to believe in God”] after Action. I am very distraught that you join Satan in hell. gay marriage, and it’s become the law my mother, who knows I’m an athe- believe your office has the right to My dad, waiting for his spaghetti, of the land. Seismic shift. ist and believes in her god, brought grant money, paid for by me and fellow came out on our front porch just in Other revolutionary social changes it back from Cape Cod, Mass. It was Ohioans, to a religious organization. time to see the priest tear his daugh- have occurred in my lifetime. In the published in “The Cape Codder” in I am not a Christian and feel that ter’s clothing. He took a flying leap off civil rights era, for instance, when the Brewster. She said, “This is a beautifully you have violated my rights as an Ohio the porch and told me to “go home!” I South finally lost control over its for- written article which has given me new citizen by granting this money to a think the priest’s body was saved from mer slaves, a century after losing the insight into what you actually think as group that obviously promotes only being beaten because he was so drunk. Civil War. Southerners now have black an atheist.” Christian values and even states so on You might think that would have mayors, police chiefs, school superin- She followed that with, “When you its website: “CHRIST-FOLLOWERS ON gotten me out of attending religious EVERY TEAM, EVERY SPORT, EVERY instructions, but no such luck. I still NATION THROUGH HELPING ATH- had to face this sadist every week, still LETES TAKE THEIR PASSION, FAITH scared as hell. As far as I was concerned, AND SPORT TO NEW PLACES.” I didn’t have to wait to get there, I al- I am shocked that, as an attorney ready had a front row seat. I probably sworn to uphold the laws of this great didn’t know it, but I became an atheist nation and our great state, you of all of- that day. fice-holders, believe this is legal. Please Jeanne Owers correct this obvious lapse in judgment. Texas There’s more to religious music than religion What Is a Freethinker? Over the last several years, I have noticed a tendency in some summaries freethinker [free-thing-ker] n. of FFRF actions to equate school music 1 A person who forms opinions programs, particularly those involving about religion on the basis of rea- choral and instrumental music deliv- son, independently of tradition, ered during the winter solstice season as having suspicious religious content. authority, or established belief. This open atheist and former high Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015

Black Collar Crimes Continued from page 19 been attacked by members of the Jewish com- MI, was placed on administrative leave due to 2002. Source: AFP, 6-25-15 cial secretary. His body was found 2 days after munity,” Herman said. “They’ve been ostracized boundary violations related to his priestly min- Tullian Tchividjian, 42, grandson of evan- the state Attorney General’s Office raided the by some people.” istry, Bishop Joseph Cistone of the Saginaw gelist Billy Graham, resigned as pastor at Coral nearby St. Bernardine Monastery, where a friar Karro told a reporter the money was for Catholic Diocese announced. “It is important Ridge Presbyterian, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, after accused of molesting children killed himself in something else and said the mother knew what to assure you that these actions in no way in- admitting he had an extramarital affair. 2013. Kaczmarek was not a target of the inves- it was for and is targeting him for personal gain. volved minors,” Cistone said. In a statement, Tchividjian blamed “ongoing tigation, a source said. Source: WPLG, 6-22-15 The parish is on Central Michigan Univer- marital issues. As many of you know, I returned St. Bernardine’s and St. Joseph’s Friary be- Nadine Dorries, 58, a Conservative member sity’s campus. Heames was ordained in 2008. from a trip a few months back and discovered long to the Immaculate Conception Province of of Parliament and novelist, alleges she was mo- Source: Midland Daily News, 7-7-15 that my wife was having an affair. Heartbroken the Franciscan Friars. lested in Liverpool at age 9 by the late Anglican Jeremiah N. Murasso was placed on ad- and devastated, I informed our church leader- “Over 30 years, I’ve identified over 90 child vicar and family friend William Cameron. Dor- ministrative leave from two Catholic parishes in ship and requested a sabbatical to focus ex- predators, but this person was not on my list,” ries, whose stories detail child sexual abuse, Waterbury, CT, due to an allegation of sexual clusively on my marriage and family. Sadly and said plaintiffs’ attorney Richard Serbin. “He is un- said police were never told. abuse of a minor. Murasso was the former di- embarrassingly, I subsequently sought comfort familiar to me.” Source: Tribune-Review, 7-1-15 Dorries alleges it started when she went to rector of the now-closed Highland Heights or- in a friend and developed an inappropriate rela- The Anglican Church of Canada apol- the vicarage at Cameron’s invitation to look at phanage and is a school and pastoral psycholo- tionship myself.” ogized for the “immoral sexual behavior” of his stamp collection and was also shown a Play- gist. Source: New Haven Register, 7-2-15 Tchividjian and his wife Kim were married Goichi Gordon Nakayama, a British Colum- boy magazine and photos of him and his wife Ysrael Bien, Sherwood, OR, was put on in 1994 and have 3 children. In 2009, he suc- bia-based priest who ministered to the Japa- having sex. administrative leave as pastor of St. Francis ceeded the late James Kennedy as Coral Ridge nese-Canadian community after World War II “It has taken me 49 years to talk about it,” Catholic Church during an investigation of how senior pastor. Kennedy was an architect of the and later admitted to sexually abusing parish- she said. “It has been slowly coming out and a camera disguised as an electrical outlet end- Religious Right. ioners. each time I say the words it gets a bit easier.” ed up in a church bathroom. Bien hasn’t been Kim Tchividjian countered to a reporter that “I made mistake. My moral life with my sexu- The Diocese of Liverpool in a statement said charged but a search warrant was obtained for Tullian’s “statement reflected my husband’s al bad behavior. I sincerely sorry what I did to so the allegations would be “thoroughly, appropri- his computer, hard drive, USB flash drive, iP- opinions but not my own.” Source: Washington many people,” he said in a confession to church ately and sensitively investigated.” Source: Irish hone and iPods. Post, 6-21-15 leaders in 1994. Independent, 6-8-15 A church member found the camera April 26 Marc Schneier, 56, rabbi of the Hampton The church never contacted police or made and gave it to Bien, who didn’t contact police Synagogue in Westhampton Beach, NY, has the admission public. Nakayama was ordained Removed / Resigned until May 20, when he reported it as stolen. been expelled from the Rabbinical Council of in 1932 and left the church in 1995, the same “Finding a hidden camera in a church re- America. Schneier was expelled due to allega- year he died. Source: CBC News, 6-15-15 Editho Mascardo was placed on adminis- stroom should have been the cause for prompt tions he had an extramarital affair with a congre- Pope Francis has created a new Vatican trative leave from Holy Family Catholic Church, and decisive action,” Portland Archbishop Alex- gant 5 years ago. tribunal to hear cases of bishops who fail to Modesto, CA, due to allegations of inappropri- ander Sample said in a statement. “It is deeply The woman with whom he’s said to have had protect children and vulnerable adults from abu- ate conduct with a minor. Bishop Stephen Blaire troubling that well-established church protocols the affair, Gitty Leiner, became his fifth wife. The sive priests. The Pontifical Commission for the of the Diocese of Stockton said allegations were for the protection of parishioners were not fol- alleged affair was disclosed in his divorce pa- Protection of Minors, a group of 9 cardinals, put reported to police. No details of when and where lowed.” Source: The Oregonian, 6-28-15 pers. Source: Times of Israel, 6-7-15 together the proposal approved by the pope. the alleged conduct may have taken place were Pope Francis accepted the resignation of The new office will be set up within the Con- released. Gonzalo Galván Castillo, 64, as bishop of the Other gregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Source: Mascardo was ordained in 1983. Source: Diocese of Autlán, Mexico. Galván Castillo has Vatican Radio, 6-10-15 Modesto Bee, 7-10-15 been accused of covering up alleged abuse David Kaczmarek, 53, hanged himself at Email: [email protected] Denis M. Heames, parochial administrator by Horacio López, a priest accused but never St. Joseph’s Friary in Hollidaysburg, PA, the of St. Mary University Parish, Mt. Pleasant, charged with assaulting an 11-year-old boy in coroner’s office said. Kaczmarek was provin-

Sharing the crank mail

This issue of FFRF’s crank mail, printed as sus Christ. Its too late for Anne but not for you. received, comes to you unsponsored, by any If you are reading this you can call out to Jesus one denomination, for obvious reasons. right now and ask Him to forgive you and come into your heart. Please take time to talk with Him Religen: Because of people like you you today! — Barry Granger, Augusta, Ga. have ruined our US just look back when they Anne: Glad Anne is dead! Bet she wishes took god out of schools and government things there was a God now! Lol — Billy Ray Goddfrey started changing for the worst right down the Big mountain montana: Why don’t you gutter just look back I was very proud to be an people stay in Wisconsin and mind your own American but know I hope you all go to hell. — business. Just a bunch of whining Liberals. I Frank Sheldon, Florida hope you all die in a fire!!!!!! — Jason Cargill Sam Grover: In My opinion your as worth- Leave our City Alone: Congratulations! You less as tits on a Bora hog! Maybe you should have succeeded in bringing a small little town Pack your Bags And go fight with ISIS And get in Alabama together as Christians. A Christian out of the Land of the free! — No name flag flying at our city hall went unnoticed most all Religion: May you and your organization days because we drive by everyday and don’t burn in hell. — Dirk Studebaker, Indiana usually pay attention to something that has Christianity abusers: I herd you assholes been there for years. You may think you have at people against Christians are starting you’re a victory! But my friend the only victory here is palimg but disgusting. Instead of trying to sue The Ten Commandments: You god Satan shit again. Whining and crying like a bunch of in Jesus Christ. Because our little town will ban him. How about trying to help him out. Maybe is waiting for you in his flaming dominion and pussy bitches. Because sheriff Judd in Fl was together as the Christians we are. You have not invite him to talk law. At your next meeting. — I hope you enjoy the heat. I choose to worship asked to and spoke at a Christian church. the heard the last of us. — Michelle Bradley Patrick McCarthy, Florida the TRUE GOD and neither You, the Courts least you lying bitches could do would be hon- constitution: have any of you so called ed- President Obama: If you can sue sheriffs, or Obama the Muslim Beast can force me to est and say you only hate Christians and no ucated morons ever read the constitution?? the why not take on the President! Scared? Why do otherwise. GO TO HELL YOU EVIL BAS- one else. I love this sheriff. He had the balls to falsely claimed statement “separation of church don’t you do so thing good, stop wasting money TARDS! — Thomas Greene tell you Christian haters to fuck off. In case you and state” IS NOT IN THE CONSTITUTION! i on the little things! Stop the president from shov- Billboard: Y’all have that come out of the people missed the interview I will say it all you have 2 copies of our constitution and I HAVE ing Islam down the throats of Christian Ameri- closet and build a billboard well, how about this people at FFR FUCK OFF! — Jake Smittef READ IT! this statement came from a letter be- cans. — C. Wolfe, Martinville, La. fir a billboard? I’M PROUD TO BE A CHILD Religion: Allow me to enlighten you be- tween (I could be wrong on the exact names) Butt Your Nose Out: Please mind your own OF GOD!!! HE’S THE BEST THING THAT cause obviously you’re an ignorant piece of shit. benjamin franklin and another person explain- business! I would say I’ll pray for you, but since EVER HAPPENED TO ME!!! WITHOUT HIM, The recognized religion of the United States ing the FREEDOM OF RELIGION of citizens you don’t like people to do that, how about “Fuck I WOULD BE NOTHING!!! I WOULD HAVE has been Christianity for centuries. I want to see of and visitors too the united states of america. off”? — Erica Seevers NOTHING!!! WITH GOD, I HAVE ALL I’LL EVER the sheriff wear his unifom while he preaches. you bunch of hell bound morons!!! — jon carry, Hawkins Jesus sign: In case you didn’t NEED. HE IS MY EVERYTHING. Let’s see you Now you want to sue over that? You’re a leach. zephyrhills, florida pay attention in school, our county was found- fix a billboard of that!!! — Karen King A worthless member of society. I hope you feel awesome Fox appearance: Caught your ed on prayer and religion. When we take it out Gideon Bible: I was in a hotel and was good about yourself when the city can’t afford a awesome act on Hannity. I’m always sad when I of school, we wind up with a bunch of whinny shocked to see your sticker inside a Bible place new library because you wanted to sue over this see someone so sexually hot that is so impossi- asses like you guys. I saw a man in a store there by the Gideons. How dare you put some- bullshit. Get a life, you worthless scum sucking bly stupid. Since you’re so hot, I just hope you’re last week with two small children wearing a tee thing in a book that doesn’t belong to you. If you piece of shit. — Peter Goesinya, Florida only brainwashed, and not really that insanely shirt that said “SuperFucking Man”. I suppose don’t want to read it, then don’t. But I have the Fraudulent org: Just look forward to the ignorant. So, in summary, you’re second only that that is OK with you and perfectly normal right to read that Bible if I want to. — Patricia day when you have stripped Christianity from to Rachel Mad cow in the ability to make me and good for everyone since that is freedom of Goedecker our land and Muslims take over. Try to run your vomit....but I would still...... with you. — Michael speech? This is where our piss poor nation is whats up libtard scum: I have a sculpture disrespectful org then. I bet this org would fold Obama, Texas headed! — Jake Benton, Texas of your prez made out of shit, it’s being sent to and the brave atheist will turn toward Mecca in a sherriff grady: He made a perfect example Mind yalls Damm business: Mind yalls you by UPS. it’s fine art, enjoy and may GOD flash of cowardice. — L. Klotz, Katy, Texas of how better the world could be if everybody own Damn business and worry about whAt goes bless you LOL. — kunt quiller, connecticut Death of Founder: I am certainly sorry for was a christia. And by wearing. His uniforn on around y’all and yalls beliefs are yalls leave your loss. As Anne Gaylor passed from this life which he earned by the way. He showing an ours alone. — Johnathan Kaercher, Tyler, Texas and closed her eyes she did not cease to exist. amazing example of what a christian should be. Ffrf: Ya’ll shove it up,your ass. — Alex She was sent to hell because she rejected Je- Ypur group threating to sue him is now only ap- Jones, Demopolis, Ala. August 2015 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23

I pledge my love to you and take you Kristin flipped to be my [husband/wife]. I promise to love you through the good and the first; soon it bad, the joy and the sorrow. I will be honest and faithful, and will make you was mutual coffee in the mornings. I promise to be patient and kind, and always respect OFFICIANT DAN you for who you are. I will support your choices and encourage you in pursu- BARKER: ing your dreams. You will always be my Welcome friends, families, and best friend.” honored guests. We are here to cele- brate love. Love organizes our large PRONOUNCEMENT: and sometimes unpredictable world. Now that Kristin and Varun have Because despite all of our differenc- publicly pledged their love to each oth- es, love is one thing we all share. It’s er before this community of witnesses, the great unifier — our one univer- I now pronounce, by the authority sal truth. That no matter who we are, invested in me and in me and in ac- where we’ve come from, what we be- cordance with the laws of the state of lieve, we know this one thing: The Wisconsin, that they are husband and greatest gift bestowed upon humans wife. Varun and Kristin, you may now is the gift of love freely given between kiss each other. two persons. Kristin Haider and Varun Ramesh with officiant Dan Barker in the “Above Us All of us here today have our own Only Sky” Kenneth Proulx Cupola. It attaches to the Charlie Brooks Auditorium CLOSING: love stories. Some are short, others in FFRF’s Freethought Hall addition, where the July 11 wedding was held. Betsy As a blessing for Varun and Kristin, long. Some are yet unwritten, while Moyer, friend of the couple, sang “All I Want Is You” by Barry Louis Polisar. I want to close with these lines from an others are just getting to the good part. Apache Indian ceremony: There are chapters in all of our stories have made to each other. This is a time big moments. Falling asleep next to Now you will feel no rain, for each that are sad or disappointing — and to pause, look back and smile at all one another, making dinner together, of you will be shelter for the other. others that are exciting and full of ad- the moments that brought them here. spending holidays with your families, Now you will feel no cold, for each venture. And a time to look ahead at all the mo- gardening together, getting a big hug of you will be warmth to the other. Varun and Kristin’s love story be- ments that are still to come. when you get home from work. Now there is no more loneliness. gan one spring evening on the banks I’m here — we’re all here — because These everyday moments fuse to- Now you are two persons, but there of Koshkonong Creek. When Kristin we want those moments for you. We’re gether into one big experience. And is only one life before you. flipped her kayak, Varun was there to here to hope with you, to support you, even though this experience is so in- Go now to your dwelling to enter help pick her up. Little did they know to be proud of you and to remind you credible, words fail us when we try and into the days of your life together. this would be the first of many times that love isn’t happily ever after, love explain it. That’s just the way it is with And may your days be good, and when one would be there for the other. is the experience of writing your story. love — it’s meant to be felt, not de- long upon the earth. Since then their romance has been fu- It’s not one moment, not even this mo- scribed. eled by coffee, Thai food and outdoor ment. It’s every moment. Big ones like But trying to describe love is one PRESENTATION: adventures. saying “I love you,” moving in together, of our favorite pastimes. So today, we I now have the pleasure of introduc- Now here we are a little over a year getting engaged, but mostly a million have some words about what love is, ing to you for the first time, as a mar- later to celebrate the commitment they little ones that come in between the coming from one of the people who ried couple, Kristin Haider and Varun loves you the most. Ramesh.

PROMISES: This ceremony was composed by the cou- Kristin, will you have Varun to be ple, with contributions from Dan Barker. your wedded husband, to share you Kristin and Varun are living in Madi- life with him, and do you pledge that son. A Minnesota native, she works in the you will love, honor, and care for him USDA Agricultural Research Service plant in tenderness and affection through all breeding and genetics lab on the UW cam- the varying experiences of your lives? pus as a biological science technician. She Kristin: I will. studied ecology at Penn State University Varun, will you have Kristin to be and received her M.S. degree in 2014. your wedded wife, to share you life Varun is working on a Ph.D. in me- with her, and do you pledge that you chanical engineering at UW-Madison. He’s will love, honor, and care for her in originally from Hyderabad, India, where tenderness and affection through all his parents, Ramesh Sampath and Jayasri the varying experiences of your lives? Ramesh, and his sister, Ayesha Ramesh, Varun: I will. live. He moved to Wisconsin in 2011 and received his master’s in mechanical engi- Joining Kristin and Varun for this photo were Marlene Haider and longtime Min- VOWS: neering in 2013. nesota FFRF member Bill Haider, the bride’s parents, and Kristin’s sister Liz, Kristin and Varun [separately, to who gave a reading. The reception was held at Sardine restaurant in Madison. each other]: “You are my one true love.

Historic occasion Puerto Rican writers Yolanda Arroyo Pizarro (left) and Zulma Oliveras Vega were married July 17 in the island’s first-ever gay wedding. Luis Ramos, vice president of Humanistas Seculares de Puerto Rico (HuSe), officiated at Art D’Çhocolat, a French restaurant. Ramos said, “Early last year, HuSe recognized that we would need to offer our LGBT friends and other atheists and nonbe- lieving couples easy access to weddings. Many couples feel that a wedding in front of a government judge is too bland, and there is no space for an exciting celebration. So we decided to obtain our secular wedding celebrant certificates. Jesus Christ, supercharged Since the U.S. Supreme Court decision, which applies to Puerto Rico as well, Robert Navrotski writes from Pennsylvania: “This was at a gun show I set up we have received an enormous number of wedding requests, and we are happy at in Berea, Ohio, at the fairgrounds. It must have been the nut who came up to oblige. Even though there’s plenty of opposition from the religious majority to my table and started to talk about how he can heal people with the power of on the island, we’re ready to help anyone who wants a nonreligious wedding.” Jesus. I asked him if he’s allowed to be out in public by himself.” Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin August 2015

Plan now for Freethought Hall grand opening, 38th annual convention, Oct. 9-11, Madison, Wis. Ron Reagan, Taslima Nasrin, activists, authors featured

It’s time to make Speakers: will also speak about his newest book, church entanglements in 2015. Oth- plans to attend the Joining Reagan as confirmed speak- Life-Driven Purpose: How an Atheist Finds er speakers and honorees will be an- Freedom From Re- ers are: Meaning, an answer to Rick Warren’s nounced in future issues. ligion Foundation’s Taslima Nasrin, Purpose-Driven Life, and will autograph To receive an expenses-paid trip to 38th annual nation- who has been under books. Dan, a talented pianist and the convention, persuade your prayer- al convention the a fatwa for about songwriter who has recorded three ful local governmental body to let you weekend of Oct. 20 years from Ban- music CDs for FFRF, will also entertain to give a secular invocation, and enter 9-11, 2015, at Mono- Ron Reagan gladesh imams, was throughout the conference. FFRF’s Nothing Fails Like Prayer con- na Terrace Communi- receiving escalating Douglas Marshall will receive a Free- test (see details on page 10 or at ffrf. ty and Convention Center, 1 John No- death threats and thinker of the Year Award as the local org/outreach/nothing-fails-like-prayer). len Drive, Madison, Wis. Reserve your was on the same “hit plaintiff in FFRF’s most recent federal The award includes opening a session hotel rooms now to avoid disappoint- list” as three atheist Taslima Nasrin court victory, forcing the town of War- of the conference with your secular ment (see sidebar). bloggers hacked to ren, Mich., to permit him to put up a words and a $500 award, plaque, trans- Irreverent newsmakers, authors, at- death on the streets of Bangladesh. Reason Station to counter an ongoing portation and accommodations at the torneys, commentators and music will She relocated from India with help prayer booth that dominates the atri- convention. be featured. Keynoter Ron Reagan, the from FFRF and the Center for Inquiry um of his city hall. FFRF will honor major donors who “unabashed atheist, not afraid of burn- this June. She will receive FFRF’s Em- Anita Weier will be honored as Free- made possible the expansion of Free- ing in hell” featured in FFRF’s TV and peror Has No Clothes Award, reserved thought Heroine for introducing a his- thought Hall at Saturday’s dinner, radio ads, will speak at Friday night’s for public figures who “tell it like it is toric ordinance to make “nonreligion” which will also include the annual opening of the formal conference. about religion.” a protected class in Madison, Wis. Wei- drawing for “clean money” (pre-“In Before the conference Friday morn- Nasrin had worked as an anesthesi- er, former city editor for The Capital God We Trust”). ing, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., will be the of- ologist in Bangladesh, became a poet Times, served as an alderperson for two ficial grand opening of FFRF’s five-sto- and columnist and wrote a novel, terms. Her “first of its kind” ordinance General schedule ry addition and renovation, including Shame in 1993, when the first fawa was passed with no dissent on March 31. After the Friday morning tour of Free- complimentary juice, rolls, coffee and issued against her. She received a Free- Steven Hewett will be honored with thought Hall will be a 2–4 p.m. reception tea in the Charlie Brooks Auditorium, thought Heroine Award from FFRF in FFRF’s Atheist in Foxhole Award. The with complimentary appetizers in the and a self-guided tour with friendly 2002. Nasrin has said, “Religion is the former police officer and Afghani- Grand Terrace at Monona Terrace, with staffers stationed throughout. Short great oppressor, and should be abol- stan war veteran returned home with legal and other workshops. Friday dinner is on your own. films about Freethought Hall and its ished.” a Combat Action Badge and Bronze The formal program opens at 7 p.m. construction project and a memorial Kevin M. Kruse, the Princeton Uni- Star, only to find a Christian flag flying Friday, ending with complimentary des- to FFRF principal founder Anne Gay- versity professor of history whose new at the Veterans Memorial in King, N.C. sert and hot beverages. The convention lor will loop for those interested. book, One Nation Under God: How Corpo- In December, following a long court resumes Saturday with an optional Non- Legal and activist workshops will rate America Invented Christian America, battle taken on his behalf by Ameri- Prayer Breakfast buffet at 8 a.m. The take place from 3 to 5 p.m. concur- is creating a lot of excitement. He re- cans United, the city agreed to stop morning program starts at 9:30. After a rently with a lakeside reception at the cently appeared on NPR’s “Fresh Air” flying the Christian flag and to remove two-hour lunch on your own/sightseeing Frank Lloyd Wright-designed conven- with Terry Gross, and has authored or a cross from a kneeling soldier statue. break, the program resumes at 2 p.m. An tion center. (See general schedule in co-edited four other books. His White Steven is a Lifetime FFRF Member. optional banquet dinner will be followed by evening speaker/entertainment. sidebar.) Flight: Atlanta and the Making of Modern FFRF staff attorneys will give a de- Annual meetings of the member- Conservatism (2005), won several prizes. tailed presentation on their major ship and the state representatives are Dan Barker, FFRF co-president, accomplishments in ending state/ Sunday morning. Hotel accommodations: FREEDOM FROM RELIGION FOUNDATION’S To avoid disappointment, reserve your hotel rooms now at the Hilton Mad- ison Monona Terrace Hotel, 9 E. Wilson St., next door to the convention center. Phone toll-free to 1-866-403-8838 or lo- cally at 1-608-255-5100. Room rates are $169 single or double. The group code is FFRF, or book online at ffrf.org/conven- NATIONAL CONVENTION tion2015/. The hotel site links directly to reservations. The cutoff is Sept. 7 or until rooms last. Additional rooms are at the Sheraton MONONA TERRACE – MADISON WISCONSIN Madison Hotel, 706 John Nolen Drive, which provides a free shuttle to and from Return with payment to: FFRF, Attn: Convention, P.O. Box 750, Madison, WI 53701 the convention center every half hour CONVENTION REGISTRATION NUMBER REGISTERING COST from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sheraton rates are $139 single/double/trip/quad. Let them FFRF member(s) _____ x $60 $______know you’re with “Freedom From Reli- gion” when you reserve your room there Non-member spouse or companion accompanying a member _____ x $65 $______at 1-800-325-3535. Non-member(s) _____ x $100 $______Menu (Save $5 by becoming an FFRF Member. $40 Individual Membership) Saturday’s Non-Prayer Breakfast is the Lakeshore Breakfast Buffet: orange Student(s) _____ x $10 $______juice, fresh-cut fruit, Wisconsin cheese and chive scrambled eggs, rosemary wedge potatoes, home-baked petite FOOD REGISTRATION pastries and muffins, coffee, tea or milk All meals but vegetarian are gluten-free. Indicate number of orders per entrée and check if you have gluten-free requirements. and option of bacon. $20, including 20% Saturday Non-Prayer Breakfast Buffet _____ x $20* $______service charge and tax. Saturday’s banquet dinner includes a Saturday Night Dinner _____ x $40* $______choice of Champagne Tilapia, with cham- pagne mushroom sauce, Yukon Gold po- ___Champagne Tilapia ___Cranberry Chicken ___Vegetable / Vegan Strudel tato wedges, lemon garnish; Vegetable ☐ Gluten Free ☐ Gluten Free ☐ Gluten Free Strudel (zucchini, yellow squash, carrots & peppers in a delicate filo pastry atop *Includes 20% Gratuity & Sales Tax red pepper coulis, served with mush- room polenta); or Wisconsin Cranberry Total $______Chicken, boneless chicken breasts with dried Wisconsin cranberries, baked with Number planning to attend Freethought Hall Open House, Oct. 9, 9–11:30 am. _____ vermouth sauce and served with garden rice pilaf. $40, including service charge and tax. A Chef’s Vegan Option will also be Name Please include names of all registrants available. All offerings are gluten-free ex- cept the vegetarian strudel & dessert. Dessert is Chocolate Lush Cake, Address City / State / ZIP a flourless chocolate cake laced with real punch and finished with Irish Crème Anglaise. Specify if need Phone / Email gluten-free dessert. Contact information for in house use only.