FFRF Wins Standing to Sue IRS Over 990 Forms U.S

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Vo1. 30 No. 7 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. September 2013 FFRF ‘loads bases’ Photo: Andrew L. Seidel Green light for FFRF church politicking suit

The Freedom From Religion Foun- dation has “loaded the bases,” winning the right to proceed with three historic federal lawsuits that contest preferential treatment of churches and ministers by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition to receiving a green light Aug. 19 from a federal judge in its significant suit against pulpit electioneering, FFRF, a national state/church watchdog representing nearly 20,000 nonreligious members, has two other cases: • On Aug. 22, FFRF received a go- ahead from a federal judge in its challenge to force churches to provide the same annual financial accountability to the public and the IRS as required by other 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits. (See story, below.) • FFRF awaits a decision by a federal Freethought Hall to be ‘born again’ district judge in its challenge of the Ground was officially broken Aug. 26 for FFRF’s major expansion in downtown Madison, Wis. From left, front, wearing “parish exemption.” In 1954, Congress hardhats and holding golden shovels are general contractor Robin Roberts, NCI Roberts; Jeff Grundahl, president, passed a law uniquely benefiting “min- NCI Roberts, FFRF President Emerita Anne Nicol Gaylor; FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor; Mike Trapino, NCI isters of the gospel,” allowing them Roberts director of operations; (back) John Kaltenberg, project superintendent; FFRF Co-President Dan Barker; and to deduct from taxable income any FFRF Director of Operations Lisa Strand. A four-story addition replacing an old apartment building (background with church payment given in the form of FFRF staff and members) will be attached to the existing building. Champagne was uncorked and enjoyed after the a “housing allowance.” (See related ar- groundbreaking. See page 5 for more. ticle, page 3.) Continued on page 3 FFRF wins standing to sue IRS over 990 Forms U.S. District Barbara Crabb, West- what they do with donations, financial ‘Churches don’t ern District of Wisconsin, ruled Aug. oversight policies, salaries of top em- Inside This Issue 22 that FFRF has standing to pursue ployees, how much of the income is play by the same Gutsy students get activist award IRS inequities favoring churches over used for fundraising versus mission or other tax-exempt nonprofits. management, etc. Most active nonprof- rules, yet get Crabb previously granted FFRF its, such as FFRF, hire a certified public standing over its federal challenge of accountant to prepare the form, in- equal or better the 1954 Congressional “parish exemp- curring significant annual accounting tion” law. That case has been “put to costs. privileges.’ bed” and both sides now await a deci- “Don’t get us wrong. We think the sion. cost and transparency are worth it,” says In her Form 990 ruling, Crabb wrote FFRF co-founder Annie Laurie Gaylor. believe that heinous slaughter in 1978 Page 8 that the plaintiffs — FFRF and Triangle “We’re grateful for the privilege of the would have been averted.” FFRF, its chapter in Raleigh, N.C. — government designating donations to The suit also challenges the expen- have been injured because “the gov- FFRF as deductible for income-tax pur- sive filing fees which all applicants Atheist ernment is relieving an ongoing bur- poses. But since we began filing these must pay, except churches. A nonprof- ‘Aints’ dispel den from some taxpayers on the basis forms in 1978, we’ve been aware that it seeking tax-exemption other than a myths about of religious affiliation.” She added, “it churches don’t play by the same rules, church must pay either $400 or $850, nonbelievers is not plaintiffs’ ‘belief’ that gives them yet get equal or better privileges.” depending on income, just for the standing. Rather, it is their status as or- Co-President Dan Barker asks, privilege of applying. The one-time fee Page 11 ganizations that are burdened with re- “What do churches have to hide? Why is not returned. Crabb ruled that since quirements not imposed on churches.” don’t they want to be accountable to FFRF and its chapter have already paid In exchange for the significant ad- the public?” the fees, and likely won’t incur more, vantage of retaining tax-exemption, “Look at Jonestown, Guyana, to see she is planning to dismiss this aspect of all 501(c)(3) organizations except can happen when tax-exempt church- the suit. churches must file an annual Form es are not accountable to the govern- FFRF noted that because of secrecy 990. The forms are available for the ment, or necessarily anyone,” Gaylor regarding church finances, FFRF’s Top-winning student college public to view and reputable charities added. “Had Rev. Jim Jones had to challenge in a related lawsuit of church essayists post them on their websites for easy ac- account to the government for the electioneering is all the more impor- cess. wealth, armory and even the foster tant. Read more: Pages 12–15 Tax-exempts report to the public on children he and his church amassed, I ffrf.org/legal/challenges/ongoing-lawsuits Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013 Photo: Jeff YardisPhoto: Meet a Legal Intern Photo: Andrew L. Seidel

Hawaii activists expose alleged church fraud

Name: Charles M. Roslof. that, my fellow interns, the legal staff Where and when I was born: Chapel and everyone at FFRF are wonderful Whistleblowers (and FFRF mem- claim New Hope Oahu shorted the Hill, N.C., July 14, 1990. people who are great to work with. bers) Holly Huber and Mitch Kahle school $3.2 million over six years be- Family: Mom (Cindy), dad (Ed), Something funny that’s happened at of Hawaii Citizens for the Separation fore the roof on the auditorium col- stepmom (Lara), older brother (Rick), work: It’s consistently hilarious to learn of State and Church claim in a lawsuit lapsed. younger sisters (Katharine and Lily). of some people’s far-off interpretations filed in March but only recently made “The buildings are falling down and Education: Miami Valley School, of the First Amendment and what it al- public that five churches have shorted the state is still paying to run them Dayton, Ohio, 2008; Georgetown Uni- lows them to do. the state Department of Education and not getting reimbursed. It’s trag- versity, B.A. in computer science with My legal interests are: Civil rights, about $5.6 million over the last six ic. That $3.2 million might have put minors in linguistics and Japanese, constitutional law and the intersection years in unpaid rent and other fees. a new roof on Farrington years ago,” 2012; Harvard Law School, J.D. expect- of law and technology (including intel- According to Hawaii News Now, the said Bickerton. ed in 2015. lectual property law). suit alleges the churches are intention- The plaintiffs have compiled more My religious upbringing was: Meth- My legal heroes are: Anyone who, ally filing false applications to save than 2,000 pages of documentation odist until age 9, then Presbyterian. on a daily basis, puts their legal knowl- money. “By not paying for what they they said proves their allegations. How I came to work as an FFRF le- edge and training to use in the service use, they are directly taking money New Hope Oahu Pastor Wayne Cor- gal intern: I found the position on my of improving the world and the lives of from our state’s children,” said Jim deiro said in an interview with Hawaii school’s employer database when look- the people in it. Also, Ruth Bader Gins- Bickerton, plaintiff’s attorney. News Now that his church had donat- ing for constitutional law-related jobs, berg (not that she doesn’t fall into that “They’re there so long and they’re ed about $1 million in equipment and thought it seemed interesting and ap- category). so cozy, they just take a whole bunch of upgrades to the Farrington High audi- plied. These three words sum me up: extra time. They come in on Saturday torium before the collapse. What I do here: Write letters to Nerdy, empathetic, thoughtful. even though they’re only supposed to The plaintiffs claim in-kind dona- various agencies of government in Things I like: All sorts of music (from be there on Sunday,” said Kahle. tions don’t count. response to complaints that they are They Might Be Giants, Lady Gaga, In- If the court rules in favor of the Kahle and Huber said they’re help- violating the Establishment Clause, digo Girls, Dresden Dolls and Dixie plaintiffs, damages could be treble, ing public schools recover money research facts and law related to those Chicks to the “Great American Song- with the churches owing the schools that’s rightfully theirs but contend the letters and occasionally help with com- book”), well-told stories across all me- $16.8 million, Honolulu Civil Beat re- Department of Education isn’t being puter issues. dia (television, film, books, podcasts, ported Aug. 15. The suit contends that helpful. “Instead of assisting us, they What I like best about it: I’ve been etc.), chocolate and other food, sci- the churches — New Hope Oahu, New tried to cover up the information. They able to work on a wide variety of issues, ence fiction, technology, video games Hope Hawaii Kai, New Hope Kapolei, told us we were no longer allowed to including some types of First Amend- (especially Legend of Zelda ones), fig- Calvary Chapel Central Oahu and One communicate with the public schools,” ment violations I had never thought uring out puzzles, methods of data or- Love Ministries — all filed false forms. Huber said. “I would call it stonewall- of before. It’s kept things new and ganization (spreadsheets, charts, etc.) Ironically perhaps, the three New ing.” interesting all summer. I’ve especially and the abbreviation “etc.” Hope churches belong to the Hawaii Kahle was FFRF’s 2011 Freethinker enjoyed having opportunities to work Things I smite: Dogmatism in all District of Foursquare Churches. of the Year and accepted the award in on some larger issues and complex forms, most sports and sports culture, In the case of Farrington High Hartford, Conn., at the 34th national complaints involving state and federal heteronormativity. School, for example, the plaintiffs convention. statutes and regulations. On top of My loftiest goal: To become a judge.

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

Parish exemption case awaits decision Barker, Gaylor: ‘We’re not ministers, FFRF isn’t church’

The federal government claims it Gaylor, and President Emerita Anne Photo: Brent Nicastro require that the “minister” be seen as a wants to give Dan Barker and Annie Nicol Gaylor, who, for several years, spiritual leader and provide such ser- Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of the have had a portion of their salaries or vices. Freedom From Religion Foundation, a retirement payments designated as a The brief points out that freethought clergy tax break for directing an atheist “housing allowance.” Under IRS provi- has no sacerdotal functions, tenets or group. sions, the trio is not allowed to claim practices or forms of worship, and that Barker and Gaylor, as plaintiffs in the income exclusion. FFRF’s promotion of the separation be- FFRF’s parish exemption lawsuit, are Crabb ruled firmly a year ago that tween state and church “does not con- saying to the federal government: “No FFRF’s nonbelieving executive direc- stitute the practice of religion.” thanks.” tors had standing to sue over this pref- A wrinkle in the suit is that Barker And they’re asking a federal judge erential treatment. FFRF contends has an ordination — from a Christian to concur. the law violates both the Establish- congregation, not FFRF. He claimed “We’re having to tell the government Clause and the Equal Protection the housing allowance while serving as ment the obvious — we’re not min- Clause. a minister, but is now denied the hous- isters of the gospel and FFRF isn’t a “Tax-free housing for ministers is ing allowance as director of an atheist/ Rich Bolton church!” Gaylor said. not justifiable here as an accommoda- agnostic organization which disavows Reporter Bob Smietana of The tion of religion, nor is there any his- the gospel, and providing religious ser- religion. Tennessean in Nashville, covering the torical evidence that Congress enacted vices “in the exercise of his ministry,” FFRF’s brief avers, “Section 107(2) amusing but bizarre legal twist, termed such tax breaks to abate government and that the employer qualifies as a creates an incentive for churches to the case “part chess match and part imposed burdens on the free exer- church. designate a minister’s compensation high-stakes poker game.” cise of religion,” charged Richard L. Even Jewish cantors qualify for the as a housing allowance in order to in- FFRF contested the government’s Bolton, FFRF’s lead attorney in the housing allowance, under IRS deci- crease the minister’s net income, while argument in its final brief in late July in case. “The high cost of housing is nei- sions, as have coaches at parochial reducing the churches wage payments its challenge of Section 107(2) of the ther a government burden, nor unique schools who are ordained but are paid correspondingly” — a significant ben- Internal Revenue Code giving prefer- to ministers.” to coach, not to minister. efit to religion allowing them to pay ential tax breaks exclusively to “minis- The tax provision creates govern- In his 66-page brief on behalf of clergy much less because tax-free dol- ters of the gospel.” mental entanglement with religion, FFRF, Bolton dismissed the govern- lars go further. Under IRS provisions adopted in requiring “complex determinations ment’s claim that the plaintiffs qualify The purpose of the benefit “was in- 1954, “ministers of the gospel” are relating to the tenets, principles and as “ministers of the gospel,” noting: tended to support and induce minis- uniquely permitted to deduct payment practices of those churches that pro- “The plaintiffs are not ordained; FFRF ters to engage in religious activity” and in the form of a “housing allowance” vide their clergy with housing or cash is not a church; and plaintiffs do not to “spread the word of God” — which from their taxable income. The law’s housing allowances,” the FFRF brief perform religious functions.” needless to say does not conform to sponsor, U.S. Rep. Peter Mack, justi- notes. The IRS must “engage in fact-in- Although belief in a deity is not ex- constitutional dictates. fied the benefit on the basis that “we tensive and intrusive inquiries” ensur- plicitly required by the IRS code (Bud- Read the entire brief and lawsuit are being threatened by a godless and ing the individual is a “duly ordained, dhists, for instance, may be atheistic background (scroll to FFRF v. Geithner): anti-religious world movement,” and licensed, or commissioned” minister of yet qualify as a religion), the IRS does ffrf.org/legal/challenges/ongoing-lawsuits said ministers of the gospel “are carrying on such a courageous fight” and “caring for our spiritual welfare.” Gaylor quipped, “If we understand the federal government’s position cor- Green light for FFRF church politicking suit rectly, it now wants to reward FFRF for fighting FOR ‘godlessness!’ ” The legal case, which could have Continued from front page own policies, which prohibit churches, ance but rather its own, particularized major ramifications for the budget of “These days, winning a court de- or any 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, from en- interest in receiving equal treatment.” every church and paid minister in the termination that you have standing to dorsing from the pulpit or engaging in Adelman noted that “the IRS does country, awaits judgment by U.S. Dis- take a case is the biggest hurdle to sur- politicking. As Adelman observed, “A not dispute that this court has the raw trict Judge Barbara Crabb, Western mount. It’s quite an accomplishment to condition of this exemption is that the power to issue an injunction prevent- District of Wisconsin. win that right with all three of our IRS entity not participate in or intervene ing the IRS from continuing to follow Crabb ruled in August that FFRF’s challenges at the district court level,” in any political campaign on behalf of, a policy of favoritism toward religious separate lawsuit against the IRS for ex- said FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. or in opposition to, any candidate for organizations.” empting tax-exempt churches from re- FFRF is represented in all three of public office.” FFRF Co-President Annie Lau- porting requirements could proceed. its IRS lawsuits by Richard L. Bolton of Adelman added, “If it is true that the rie Gaylor blasted the recommenda- (See story, front page.) Boardman Law Firm, Madison, Wis. IRS has a policy of not enforcing the tions of a coalition of churches and Plaintiffs are current executive di- In its closely watched challenge of prohibition on campaigning against religious groups released on Aug. 14 rectors Dan Barker and Annie Laurie church electioneering, FFRF was given religious organizations, then the IRS is urging Congress to permit ministers standing to proceed by U.S. District conferring a benefit on religious orga- to endorse from the pulpit. The coali- Judge Lynn Adelman of the Western nizations (the ability to participate in tion is closely aligned to the ironically District of Wisconsin. The case will political campaigns) that it denies to named Evangelical Council for Finan- continue to discovery, so that FFRF and all other 501(c)(3) organizations, in- cial Accountability, which is “commit- the public may learn the facts regard- cluding the Foundation.” ted to helping Christ-centered organi- Include FFRF ing IRS inaction over church politick- The IRS claimed FFRF lacked stand- zations,” and now, it appears, to their ing. ing to sue and that the U.S. is barred by lack of financial accountability. In Your Estate The court order came five days after sovereign immunity from being sued. Participating members include a large, organized coalition of mostly Adelman rejected both claims, noting those connected to the usual theocrat- Planning evangelical organizations overtly urged FFRF itself is a 501(c)(3) and is alleg- ic groups, including the Liberty Coun- Congress to repeal prohibitions against ing “disparate treatment,” and that “it sel, Alliance Defending Freedom, the Arrange a bequest in your will or partisan pulpit politicking. is the IRS’s own policy that is causing Christian Legal Society, Campus Cru- trust, or make the Freedom From FFRF filed the suit in December 2012 the alleged unequal treatment.” FFRF sade for Christ and the U.S. Confer- Religion Foundation the benefi- over the IRS’ lack of enforcement of its is not asserting a “generalized griev- ence of Catholic Bishops, with a few ciary of an insurance policy, bank token non-Christian groups thrown in. account, or IRA. It’s easy to do. “If churches were allowed, despite For related information Freedom From Religion Foundation their privileged tax-exempt status, to (or to request a bequest endorse candidates and engage in brochure), please phone P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • ffrf.org partisan politicking, the result would Annie Laurie Gaylor at make Citizens United look like child’s (608) 256-8900. What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? play,” Gaylor added. FFRF “If these churches, which are ac- P.O. Box 750 Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics), countable to no one in government Madison WI 53701 the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state and church yet get so many favors,— are allowed separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. to engage in tax-exempt politicking, it The Foundation’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Please include your name and would be the ruination of our secular Freedom Depends physical mailing address with all e-mail correspondence. republic.” Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action alerts” and Read more about FFRF v. IRS: on Freethinkers “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. ffrf.org/legal/challenges/ongoing-lawsuits Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013 Heads Up A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman How My Light is Spent

Eyes are certainly not necessary to animals having subterranean habits. — Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species Overheard

On the subway you thought If my sister dressed like that, I would going basis sit with the victim-survivors kill her. of clergy sexual abuse. Ongoing, not it couldn’t happen to you. But now Male student overheard after a woman just one or two meetings. Ongoing. the doctors are dazzling in white, Science in blazer and slacks passed by, “Afghan Come to know and understand. burns in your eyeball: white-equals-black. youths cling to traditional ways” James Connell, retired vice chancel- At last New York Times, 8-1-13 lor of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee the true dark falls like an eyelid. and longtime critic of his own church, We’re not motivated by the bottom dol- speaking to the Milwaukee Press Club In the waiting room, your hand reaches out lar at all. We’re motivated by providing Associated Press, 8-13-13 for a white cane: the dark a quality education and sharing Christ is an old home, you live there with the community, too. There’s no place for official public in the caves of childhood, Principal Hank Hobnecke, Westside prayer in government-sponsored ven- with your lovers in lamplight, Christian School, Madison, Wis., on ues. Christians should not take special applying to receive public funding to advantage of situations where they are with the brown hair of your beautiful sisters. operate a Lutheran voucher school able to force their own prayers on oth- In the down elevator you think: Wisconsin State Journal, 8-1-13 ers. but everybody sees. What you see Steve Cates, a retired teacher and in the shine of the car is Science, There’s no progress. All you see is more member of First Baptist Church in dazzling in white, Darwin and more churches and mosques. All Murfreesboro, Tenn., objecting to a the effort and ingenuity of the people county commissioner’s prayer at the dissecting his blind goes into religious activities. It’s hold- dedication of a new public high school barnacles; you see moles, bats, ing us back. The Tennessean, 8-14-13 fins in the murk Clive Aruede, London Black Atheists of a thousand fathoms; now member, on the situation in his native It’s my view that it’s very wrong for faith you know better. At the door Nigeria, which has a Christian majority leaders to actively encourage their con- New Statesman, 8-7-13 gregations to stop taking their medica- daylight staggers you; hands over face, tion. you find the subway. There, Before the revolution, people didn’t British pediatrician Dr. Toni Tan, quot- in dim fluorescence: the Byzantine see Islam as the problem, but after the ed in “HIV patients told by Pentecostal mosaic of the walls, revolution, they saw what political Is- pastors ‘to rely on God’ “ I-beams rich with perfect rivets, lam was, and what Islam is. BBC News, 8-16-13 Fadwa, an 18-year-old Tunisian who the silver splendor of the rails, said the Arab Spring turned her from I just don’t know what I did to make and from a green bench, as the gorgeous detached agnostic to atheist him do this. graffiti scream in, Associated Press, 8-7-13 David Nickell, 45, Riverside, Calif., a woman in a crimson sweater still blaming himself for being molest- rising like the sun. We mujahedeen are imperfect sol- ed by a Catholic priest in San Berna- diers trying to form a perfect religion. dino when he was 11 and 12 years old © Philip Appleman 1996 I apologize for any mistakes I made in Riverside Press-Enterprise, 8-20-13 New and Selected Poems, 1956—1996 this endeavor. U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, opening Investigators are doing a better job, statement in his trial for murdering and more people are cooperating with Philip Appleman is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Indiana Univer si 13 people and wounding 30 in 2009 at law enforcement. There is an under- ty. His published volumes of poetry include Perfidious Fort Hood, Texas standing now that Catholic priests can Proverbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look at the Bible ABC News, 7-6-13 and do abuse children. (2012), Darwin’s Ark (new 2009 edition) and Karma, Patrick Wall, former priest and cur- Dharma, Pudding & Pie (2009). His nonfiction work in All the world’s Muslims have rent canon lawyer in St. Paul, Minn., cludes the widely used Norton Critical Edition, Darwin, fewer Nobel Prizes than on “credible accusations” of sexual and the Norton Critical Edition of Malthus’ Essay on Pop Trinity College, Cambridge. abuse against more than 6,000 priests ulation. His poetry and fiction have won many awards, They did great things in the between 1950 and 2011 including a fellowship in poetry from the National Endow Middle Ages, though. Fresno Bee, 8-17-13 ment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award from the Poetry Evolutionary biologist Rich- Society of America, the Humanist Arts Award from the American Humanist ard Dawkins’ tweet, criti- Religions are great at forming commu- Association and the Friend of Darwin Award from the National Center for cized by some, which Dawkins called nities and providing support for mem- Science Education. His work has appeared in Harper’s Magazine, The Na “a storm in a teacup” bers who are going through various life tion, The New Republic, The New York Times, The Paris Review, Partisan richarddawkins.net, 8-9-13 events such as the birth of a child, unex- Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review.. pected injury or illness, marriages and All that diversity is fine, but that’s not deaths. On the other hand, religions the point. I haven’t gotten a note invit- are also great at breeding ignorance, ing me to do a secular invocation. intolerance and despair. Consider the YOUR WEEKLY ANTIDOTE TO THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT George Gold, Coalition of Reason co- Christian theological doctrine of origi- ordinator and FFRF member, speak- nal sin that says every baby is stained TUNE IN TO ing to the city council about prayers in by the sin of Adam. Not only is this Chico, Calif. based on spurious mythology, it vio- FREETHOUGHT RADIO Chico Enterprise-Record, 8-11-13 lates common sense. Newborns are not in any way capable of making moral produced by the The word Messiah is a title, and it’s a decisions, and to even mythologically Freedom From Religion title that has only been earned by one hold them culpable for the sins of a Foundation Hosted by Dan Barker and person and that one person is Jesus man who never existed is inane. So I Annie Laurie Gaylor Christ. oppose religious doctrine that I see as Broadcasts and streams Saturdays at 11 a.m. Central, Progressive Talk The Mic Lu Ann Ballew, child support magis- hindering human well-being, but my 92.1 FM, Madison, Wis., and over several other stations. trate in Cocke County, Tenn., order- dedication to freedom of conscience iTunes or podcasts archived at: ffrf.org/news/radio ing a 7-month-old boy’s first name be also means that people have a right to changed to Martin and FFRF protest- deceive themselves if they want to. Slightly irreverent views, ed, a decision the mother is appealing Steve Ahlquist, Humanists of Rhode Is- WBIR, 8-11-13 land president and uncle of teen activ- news, music & interviews ist Jessica Ahlquist Pope Francis, please, on a regular, on- The Providence Phoenix, 8-7-13 September 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5 FFRF awards $11,050 to college essayists

The Freedom From Religion Foun- shown below. versity. son Hardebeck, 20, Arizona State Uni- dation has awarded and sincerely con- First place ($3,000): Anne Clymer, Honorable mention ($200): Diana versity. gratulates the 19 currently enrolled 20, Champlain College. Vasquez-Aliaga, 19, University of Ari- “We consider our student scholar- college students in this year’s essay Second place ($2,000): Daniel Mu- zona. ships as among FFRF’s most important competitions. Students were asked noz, 21, University of Texas-Austin. Honorable mention ($200): Ashley endeavors, to reward students for criti- to write about the topic “Why I Don’t Third place ($1,000): Rebecca Tip- Bates, 20, University at Buffalo. cal thinking,” said FFRF Co-President Believe in God” in 750 to 900 words. pens, 23, University of Illinois at Urba- Honorable mention ($200): Sonia Dan Barker. FFRF earlier this summer There were eight winners in the top na-Champaign. Cruz-Rivera, 19, University of Massa- awarded $14,100 to 20 college-bound five, with two ties for fourth place and Fourth place ($500): Chelsey Shan- chusettes-Lowell. high school graduates. a three-way tie for fifth place. There non, 21, Kalamazoo College. Honorable mention ($200): Megu- FFRF is also announcing that it will were also 11 honorable mentions. Fourth place ($500): Andrew Spald- mi Kato, 19, Paul Mitchell: The School. be underwriting a $1,000 scholarship Scholarships totaled $11,050. ing, 24, Florida State University. Honorable mention ($200): Megan through Black Skeptics Los Angeles The late professor Michael Hakeem, Fifth place ($300): Brieanna Kring- Hanna, 20, Doane College. to be awarded in 2014. Black Skeptics a sociologist who was an FFRF officer lie, 18, University of Wyoming. Honorable mention ($200): Lillian will award scholarships to “five bril- and active atheist known by a genera- Fifth place ($300): Daniel Mark Da- Huebner, 18, University of Oregon. liant youths of color who are first-gen- tion of University of Wisconsin-Madi- vis, 19, College of the Redwoods. Honorable mention ($200): Jake eration college students,” said Sikivu son students, generously endowed the Fifth place ($300): Justin Moss, 21, Raymond, 20, Michigan Technological Hutchinson in July. college essay competition. FFRF would Pierce College in Lakewood. University. First- through fifth-place essays start also like to extend a special thanks to Honorable mention ($200): Kevin Honorable mention ($200): Parker on page 12. Honorable mention essays Dorea and Dean Schramm in Florida Granger, University of Arizona. Buel, 20, Columbus State Community will run in future issues. for providing each student with a $50 Honorable mention ($200): Bran- College. Winners of the graduate essay con- bonus, which was added to each total don Cooper, 21, Portland State Uni- Honorable mention ($200): Emer- test will be announced next month. September Building Fund donors

This listing reports donations for FFRF’s Building Expansion Fund re- $500-$1,000 ceived from July 30 to Aug. 26, 2013. It Stephen Hirtle, $1,000 PA is not cumulative except for the total. Christine Slagle, $1,000 CA Donations received before July 30 were Bonnie and Gary Stormo, $600 SD listed in the August issue. Freethought Anonymous, $500 NV today will list subsequent donations in future issues. No donors will be identi- $1-$499 fied by name without express permis- Anonymous, $487 OH sion. (If you plan to donate and would Anonymous, $250 FL like such recognition, please be sure Jeff Nelson, $250 AZ to check the box on the donation cou- Michael Maiman, $200 CA pon mailed to you or online at ffrf. Marianne Edgerton, $150 MN Toasting the new Freethought Hall: FFRF Staffers Dayna Long, Lauryn Seering org/ffrf-building-fund-contribution-page/ Robert Johnson, $125 NY and summer part-timer Julie Solberg. to grant permission. If you gave a gift Anonymous, $100 WI designated to the fund by or before Anonymous, $100 IL Aug. 26 which does not appear to be Anonymous, $100 CO reflected in this or previous monthly Anonymous, $100 CA issues, please contact FFRF so that we RT Sorensen, $100 MN may check our records and publish Raymond Moody, $100 HI your gift. Please contact Katie Daniel Anonymous, $75, OR at (608)256-8900 9-5 CDT weekdays or Anonymous, $50 BC, CANADA email to [email protected]. Kurt Bocksenbaum and Leah Rob- erts, $50 WI $5,000 Stefanie Moritz and Vince Jenkins, John Parker, $5,000, VA $50 WI Victor Makau, $5,000, CA David Lush, $50 WA Mary Naff, $5,000, CA Frank Wayne and Marzena Lecka $50 IL Anonymous, $25 KS Donald Evans, $25 CA Maxwell Taub, $25 NY Anonymous, $20 CA Russell Sussan, $20 MN David Parchman, $20 TN FFRF Staff Attorney Liz Cavell with staff and members toasted “Freethought Subtotal: $20,622 Hall being born again”! (Thanks to Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel for all photos. See more photos in an album on FFRF’s Facebook page.) Cumulative Total: $941,479

Goal: $1.5 million FFRF welcomes four

Notes: Bob and Norma Wittel, MI, converted a canceled convention reg- new Lifetime Members istration into a $265 donation to the Building Fund. Robyn Parnell and The Freedom From Religion Foun- is $1,000 earmarked for membership Mark Waggoner, OR, also converted a dation is delighted to welcome its new- or membership renewal, is deductible convention refund into a $25 contri- est Lifetime Members: Arthur Heidt, for income-tax purposes to the fullest Anne Nicol Gaylor, 86, FFRF’s bution. Jeremy Harris, OH, was listed Jack Simpson, Nick Vakula and John extent of the law, ensures never anoth- principal founder and president in the June/July issue as Anonymous, Bryant Wyman. er renewal notice and goes into safe emerita, breaks ground on the office but has since granted his permission to States represented are Arizona, Or- “rainy day” savings. expansion. Her son, Ian Gaylor, is also acknowledge his $1,000 contribution. egon and Wisconsin. Warmest thanks to John, Nick, Jack pictured. An individual Lifetime Membership and Arthur! Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013

Meet a Member Texas Baptist found, embraced reason

Name: Michael Thomas Tower. I go by “Michael,” never “Mike.” ‘I would like to Where I live: Boulevard, Calif., a see an Iranian- small rural community in the mountains 65 miles east of San Diego, on American seven hillside acres surrounded by mountains and valleys. pregnant atheist Where and when I was born: Born in Tahoka, Texas, a small farming town lesbian elected 30 miles south of Lubbock, on the last day of 1935. I lived there until I was 12 U.S. president.’ years old. Family: Four children (three surviving) from a marriage of nearly 20 ly cleared when I was approaching 40, years, four biological grandchildren, but it would take another 20-plus years three adopted ones and two step-great- to clear away all the religious sewage. grandchildren. Where I’m headed: I hope I’m My closest “kin” now, however, is my headed toward becoming more the A 20-something Michael Tower and Michael in March 2013. life partner of nine years. He is a native person who is honest and genuine, yet of Hong Kong, 59 years old, and a re- respectful, in feeling free to speak up ence just before the curtain rises. Be- tives to “Dogdammit,” because I do tired mechanical engineer. I also have and stand fast when given the opportu- ing enveloped in the quiet glow of a believe in dogs, and I don’t believe in an older sister. nity to advocate for reason and reality. rose-tinted summer dusk. false advertising. By establishing the Education: Texas public schools; I hope to demonstrate that the life of a These are not: The phrases (and website ReasonAndReality.com a few B.A. from California Baptist College, nonbeliever can be a worthy life, and those who say them) “slippery slope,” months ago where I can share ideas major in religion, minor in English; that what we believe or don’t believe is “word of God” and “There’s nothing and let off steam. master of religious education from strength, not fault. you can say that will change my mind.” Life for me today is: I’m nearly 78 Southwestern Baptist Theological Person in history I admire: Is it An adult demeaning a child. Strangers years old, and I have never felt stron- Seminary in Fort Worth. strange that I can’t think of some one who claim they know what’s “right” for ger or more fulfilled than I do today. Occupation: My first career was in person to single out in this way? I guess someone else. There is no misery, no doubt. the Christian ministry, but doubts be- I think of the multitudes throughout My doubts about religion started: I’m never fearful about pleasing gan forming soon and I left after less history who stood for reason and fact By the time I was 8 years old, though some invisible but all-powerful Some- than three years of full-time activity. in the face of unyielding emotionalism, I tried to push my skepticism down in thing whose demands are at best am- After that I made a career in insurance especially those whom we will never order to conform to my upbringing. I biguous and often ludicrous. None of administration, another in graphic de- know by name who lived simple, quiet started dealing with the doubts while that now! I am happy, as much as one sign and typography. lives of extraordinary decency with a in my 20s, but I still tried to hang on to can be in a world torn by so many dif- How I got where I am today: Four determination that strengthens us yet. remnants of religion and didn’t com- ferent voices bellowing “I know the things come to mind, Agony and Ex- Favorite quotation: Maya Angelou’s pletely get rid of the doubts for anoth- truth!” ploration, Enlightenment and Relief. formula for any successful relationship er 40 years. What would you do if you were re- There was enormous misery in my — personal, business, social, whatever Before I die: I would like to be able ally, really rich? I would bring together early years because (1) I knew I was — is a valued guide: “I’ve learned that to effectively and acceptably apologize a group of freethinking educators to a homosexual and believed, as I was people will forget what you said, peo- to my children for having taught them design a program of education of, oh, taught, that was not just a serious char- ple will forget what you did, but people to be religious. I would like to be rec- for lack of a better name, let’s call it acter flaw, but an abominable sin; and will never forget how you made them ognized as a playwright of merit [see “Human Behavior.” (2) the conservative religion in which I feel.” MichaelThomasTower.com]. I would like We need to teach, without the intru- was born and raised never, ever proved These are a few of my favorite to see an Iranian-American pregnant sion of religion, that decency, kindness to be what I was constantly told it was. things: Sitting on the couch between atheist lesbian elected U.S. president. and morality are their own reward, that To get where I am today, I had to my partner and my cat, close enough Ways I promote freethought: By we should “be good” for no reason ex- fight my way through all the idiocy and that I can touch them both. The smell gathering the courage to speak out cept that’s what enables human beings ignorance of anti-homosexuality as of homemade bread fresh from the when someone needs to do it. By to live together peacefully and produc- well as religion. The first barrier I final- oven. The hush that falls over an audi- changing one of my frequent exple- tively. Keep prayer out of government meetings

This op-ed was originally published July of the person speaking the prayer or of liefs based on faith, selecting leaders 5 in the Tallahassee, Fla., Democrat and is the commissioners, but it is also “intel- and a ritual to promote those beliefs, reprinted with permission. ligently designed” to appeal to the ma- and discouraging heretics are clearly jority in the audience who might vote ways of establishing a religion. Not only for the commissioners. that, but the offering of prayer at meet- By Gary Whittenberger What are the core beliefs of Talthe- ings is unethical. ism? When a person says aloud a prayer • A supernatural person exists. at commission meetings, a prayer ini- One of my good friends recently • This person listens to communica- tiated and authorized by the commis- wrote a letter to the Tallahassee City tions from humans. sion, that person misuses government Commission in which he asked the • This person sometimes responds positions, space and time for personal commission to discontinue prayers favorably to requests from humans. benefit, and this is wrong. The prayer at its meetings. The commission has • This person wants humans to com- serves as an advertisement for or mar- not yet decided on his request, but municate requests, praises and thanks keting of the person’s own religious be- my friend is certainly correct. For the to him/her. liefs. It is a form of proselytizing. commission to conduct prayers at its • Humans should always try to do We would not tolerate it if a person meetings is both unconstitutional and what this person wants. were to market his private business, po- unethical. Why? What are the rituals of Taltheism? So litical beliefs or food preferences as a The First Amendment to the U.S. far, there is only one — regular prayer regular part of commission meetings. Constitution says in part “Congress at commission meetings and presum- Neither should we tolerate a person shall pass no law respecting an estab- ably at other city events. marketing his or her own religious be- Gary Whittenberger wants Florida lishment of religion.” As applied to Who are the leaders of Taltheism? liefs. Offering and authorizing prayers Taltheists to cut the tie between our city government, this means the The city manager, who usually speaks falls outside the job description of city church and state. City Commission should implement the prayer, is the pastor. The commis- officials; they should stick to what they no practice that facilitates an establish- sioners are the deacons. were elected or hired to do. ment of religion. What is the basis for the core be- The City Commission should do the cal and unconstitutional. We await a Unfortunately, the commission is liefs? Faith alone. right thing and discontinue prayers at decision. violating this requirement and is facili- Whether we agree or disagree with its meetings. Just as this city stopped tating the establishment of a religious Taltheism is beside the point. For the the practice of racial discrimination in FFRF member Gary Whittenberger is a re- sect that I shall call “Taltheism.” This city to facilitate this religious sect vio- the 1960s, it should now throw out an- tired psychologist living in Tallahassee. sect mainly reflects the religious beliefs lates our constitution. Promoting be- other revered tradition that is unethi- September 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7

In the News Calif. atheist parolee entitled to damages An atheist parolee who was sent back to prison after refusing to take part in a religious drug treatment program must be compensated, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Aug. 23. A Califor- nia jury had denied damages to Barry Hazle Jr. after a federal judge agreed his rights had been violated, reported the Sacramento Bee. Hazle, 45, a computer technician, did a year in state prison on a drug conviction. When he got out, his parole agent insisted he en- ter a treatment program that required acknowledgment of a higher power. Hazle complained, was removed from the program and resentenced to three months and 10 days. He sued the state in 2008. U.S. District Judge Garland Burrell Jr. found in Hazle’s favor, but when the case went to trial on the issue of money, the jury refused to award damages. Burrell denied Hazle’s motion for a new trial. The appellate judges sent the case back to Burrell for a new damages trial and directed him to instruct the jury that Hazle is entitled to damages. The panel also said Hazle is entitled to a new trial as to emotional distress damages because of erroneous jury instructions and because the verdict form was flawed. The unanimous opin- ion also reversed Burrell’s ruling that let defendant Westcare California Inc. off the hook. The company contracts with the state to coordinate drug treatment for parolees. The ruling said there’s “a genuine issue of material fact” whether Westcare contributed to the violation of Hazle’s constitutional rights when it chose to contract with treatment facilities offering only religious-based programs and when it arranged for Hazle to attend one while knowing that as an atheist he objected.

N.C. board prayed behind closed doors According to the Salisbury [N.C.] Post, Rowan County, N.C., commissioners went behind closed doors to pray Aug. 5 to avoid violating a court order barring them from saying sectar- ian prayers to start their meeting, Commissioners Chairman Jim Sides started the meeting by reading a statement about the injunction issued last month by a federal judge in an ongoing lawsuit over prayer at board meetings. “We believe this injunction is unconstitutional,” Sides said. He said if board members prayed in the open meeting, they would use language that does not mention Jesus. Commissioner Jon Barber moved that the board recess to pray. They left the meeting chambers for about three minutes. The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit in March on behalf of three residents trying to stop the overwhelm- ingly Christian prayers that open meetings. Barber told the newspaper he “will always pray in the name of Jesus” and doesn’t fret about it. “I have already won this war through my salvation in Jesus Christ. God will lead me through this persecution and I will be his instrument.” Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013

James S. Schiller Memorial Student Activist Awardees Gutsy students force school to cancel formal prayer

Luis Lucas-Tzun and Michael Thorpe, Some of my seniors at Jordan-Matthews High School in Siler City, N.C., were successful (with teachers never FFRF’s help) in getting their school to remove formal prayer from their graduation spoke to me again program in June. In recognition of their activism, they will share the James J. Schiller Memorial Student tendent Logan seemed to think that Activist Award, generously endowed as a the matter could have been kept quiet, one-time memorial by FFRF member Susan J. and he still denied having received Schiller following the death of her husband, FFRF’s letter before June 3. [FFRF sent James, in late 2012. James earned a post- it electronically May 23.] Students and master’s at Johns Hopkins University and parents prayed at our graduation dur- taught in Atlanta and Baltimore, retiring ing what was supposed to be a silent in Denver. meditation for all. But to the people Luis and Michael will each receive $500. who wanted to pray out loud, being FFRF also commends two other Jordan- disrespectful and having their way was Matthews students, Shannon Dwyer and more important than being fair. Josue Turcios, for their efforts. As time goes on, I will continue to think about this experience as my own By Luis Lucas-Tzun realization that one cannot always wait for change to happen. Even if the fearful, ignorant community, the biased One day in class, I spoke to a media and petty adults are all against classmate who was complaining that Michael Thorpe (left) and Luis Lucas-Tzun of Siler City, N.C. you, the struggle to make the right her week hadn’t been so great and how change must be fought by someone. she would be delivering the prayer at I am going to Warren Wilson Col- graduation. I had attended last year’s companionship of my three comrades that were building among community lege in Swannanoa, N.C., this fall. I graduation, but it was so long ago that I also made the ordeal much more toler- members and classmates. don’t know what I want to major in didn’t realize there had been a prayer. able, and I’m glad that I went through Even some teachers who valued us because I would like to keep an open I decided that same day I needed this with them. as exceptional students turned their mind for a while. What I hope to gain to fight this. I wasn’t sure how to ini- I will be attending the University of backs on us for messing with the or- from my college experience is learning tially, but then I remembered a post on North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study der of things. The indirect hatefulness how to make a greater difference in reddit.com/atheism about a boy named biology. I love music and play guitar, continued over the next few days up the world and inspire change in places Gage Pulliam and how he got the Ten piano, ukulele, sing and write songs. I through graduation. where change is long overdue. Commandments removed from his started a musical group with Shannon, Even on graduation day, Superin- school’s classrooms. I reread the article who did a lot of behind-the-scenes and found that the Freedom From Re- work on our graduation prayer. We’re ligion Foundation had been the force called Shannon and Luis. Maybe find In the News that pushed the district to act. us on Facebook and give us a like! I went on FFRF’s site, filled out the I also plan on finding a group like Survey finds but one reason for prohibiting an atheist group form and waited. I had a reply the next the Secular Student Alliance so that I based on evidence that only two in- day and on May 23 received a copy of can continue to support separation of ‘none’ in Congress mates had any interest in such a group. FFRF’s letter to the school board. I church and state. BuzzFeed online “mapped out” the Kaufman challenged the finding that showed the letter to my friends, Shan- religions of all 435 U.S. House mem- he was one of only two inmates inter- non Dwyer, Michael Thorpe and Josue bers by using how they’ve publicly ested in atheism. By Michael Thorpe Turcios. I also showed a few teachers I identified, along with statements their As reported by Courthouse News trusted. spokespersons made. Service, Kaufman argued that atheism One day, Michael and Josue went There are 31 religions represented, is not an option on the prison’s “reli- to our principal’s office, showed him My interest in the cause began including 26 different sects of Chris- gious preference” form, which allows the letter and asked that he cooperate. when Luis showed me the first messag- tianity. Catholics make up the largest inmates to select one of seven recog- He was on board and said he would es of his correspondence with FFRF. I group with 136 members, followed nized religious umbrella groups. The notify Superintendent Robert Logan, had overlooked the fact that there was by Baptists with 66, Methodists with only other options are “no preference” and suggested we voice our concerns a constitutional violation in my own 45, Anglicans/Episcopalians with 35, or “other,” in which an inmate can at the board meeting that same day. So high school but was made aware of it Presbyterians with 28 and Jews with 22. write in a religion. I called for a group discussion and we thanks to Luis. There is only one atheist. “He contends that the prison made decided to write the board, raising our As his correspondence with FFRF Most Catholics and Jews are Demo- it impossible to know how many in- concerns about the illegal prayer. continued, I thought, “Wow, this might crats and most Anglicans/Episcopa- mates would have joined such a group, Ultimately, only Michael and I spoke actually get accomplished.” I only wish lians, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, because it ignored ‘write-in’ votes for at the meeting, and soon thereafter we had realized the violation sooner. Mormons and Presbyterians are Re- atheism (or related schools of thought) FFRF sent another, much more force- On the day of our baccalaureate publican. and recharacterized them as ‘No Pref- ful letter. This time the backlash was service, Luis and I agreed to talk with Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., is list- erence,’ ” Judge Diane Wood wrote for overt. The local right-wing news ran an our principal to see what he could do ed as the only “none,” and Rep. Ami the three-judge panel. article and published our names. The to help us because up until that day, Bera, D-Calif., is a Unitarian. Kaufman “points to general evi- photo in the article was all over Face- we had had no help from the school dence such as almanacs suggesting that book and Twitter, and we became the board. We were able to secure the Wis. inmate wins as many as 10 to 14% of the population target of some very heavy and nasty ver- support of our principal by talking to study group appeal self-identifies as atheistic, and he sug- bal abuse. him and also decided speak out at the gests that hidden in the mass of ‘No The faculty were discussing the issue school board meeting during the pub- A Wisconsin inmate’s request to Preference’ inmates are enough peo- as well and the division and dissent in lic comment section. form an atheist study group deserves ple to justify a group that would meet the community was clear. Some of my That was on a Monday. That Wednes- the same consideration afforded to a once or twice a month,” she added. teachers never spoke to me again, nor day, things started to heat up. Some recognized “religious” group, the 7th Based on Kaufman’s claim, 206 out did some of my peers students protested at the Chatham Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled of Stanley’s 1,465 inmates, 14%, are of My friends and I agreed before the County Schools office to gain sup- Aug. 16. unknown religious affiliation. Apply- graduation that if students did their port to keep the prayer. Social media Inmate James Kaufman sued after ing Kaufman’s citations that between 7 own prayer, we would remain com- blew up with statuses and comments being denied a request by the warden and 14% of adult Americans describe posed and indifferent. Sure enough, showing widespread distaste with the to form a group “for the study of the themselves as being atheist, agnostic they did, which was OK since it was of board’s decision to remove prayer. history of religion, where and how reli- or humanist, it is possible that between their own accord. Also that day, the Chatham News gious beliefs originated, the origins of 102 and 206 of Stanley’s inmates might We accomplished what we wanted published an article about Luis and belief, and the possible future of belief fall within Kaufman’s proposed group. and we had a great graduation. The me speaking at the meeting. The story systems; responsibilities and privileges “Only a credible survey of the inmate only issue that was ever at hand was the ended with “The school board thanked in society; right versus wrong, and ethi- population, or the simple expedient of legality of a public school supporting a them and no action was taken on the cal issues.” adding ‘atheist, agnostic, or humanist’ prayer as a part of its graduation cere- matter.” (The paper is prone to getting U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb to the preference form and collecting mony. I can’t possibly describe my grat- things wrong and having bad report- previously ruled that Stanley Correc- new data, can resolve this uncertainty,” itude to FFRF for supporting us. The ers anyway.) They fanned the flames tional Facility had a legitimate secular Wood wrote. September 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9

FFRF Legal Victories

Graduation prayers enough for me to turn preacher, when my present appointment ceases; and, vanquished at LSA therefore, I shall add no more on the An FFRF complaint ended prayers Doctrine of Providence.” that were formerly a part of Louisiana Seidel noted in his letter that Wash- State University’s graduation ceremo- ington rarely attended church, never ny in Baton Rouge. included the name of Jesus in his sev- Concerned students contacted eral thousand letters and refused to FFRF about the prayers, which have have a priest or religious rituals at his been going on for years. The 2013 deathbed. The full quote “shows Wash- graduation included a Catholic priest ington’s discomfort with and rejection leading opening and closing prayers. of mixing religion in his official capac- Staff Attorney Liz Cavell contacted ity. He was unwilling to discuss it an any the LSU president and chancellor of length until his ‘present appointment LSU in a June 21 letter. “Thank you in cease[d]’ — his appointment as com- advance for considering the point of mander of the Continental Army.” for Sept. 7 at a historic site in Victor Polish Festival, Irish Festival, Mexi- view of this country’s increasingly large FFRF received a response from Mor- and would have been part of a larger can Fiesta, Festa Italiana, and German segment of nonreligious Americans, tazavi on Aug. 23 that Creek County series of events to celebrate the town’s Fest all include a worship service as and honoring America’s foundational had removed the quote. incorporation. part of their festival activities, and all principle of separation between reli- Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- of them used to give special discounts gion and government,” she wrote. Students can give ert sent a July 9 letter to Victor Supervi- only to those who attended the service. The school’s legal counsel respond- godless thanks now sor Jack Marren: “It is a fundamental Thanks to Staff Attorney Patrick ed Aug. 7 that LSU “has discontinued constitutional principle that public in- Elliott, almost all have changed their prayer during its graduation ceremo- A concerned resident in Mount Ver- stitutions cannot support, promote or discounts to include attendees of all nies.” non, Ohio, brought a constitutional vi- otherwise endorse religion or engage faiths and no faith. Elliott is still work- olation to FFRF’s attention after a local in religious exercises,” Markert wrote. ing to change Festa Italiana’s policy so Official prayer dropped newspaper featured a photo of praying Marren responded in an Aug. 23 it doesn’t violate state and federal laws. at Pa. graduation students at Pleasant Street Elementary email: “The prayer service has been Irish Fest changed its policy late last School’s 2012 Thanksgiving feast. canceled!” year from giving free admission only to Wallenpaupack Area High School in The newspaper reported that a min- attendees who both attended Mass and Hawley, Pa., dropped religious rituals ister led the students in a prayer before Ohio high school donated a food item to the Hunger from graduation after getting an FFRF they ate their Thanksgiving meal. rethinks team prayer Task Force, to giving free admission to letter of complaint. A minister led an Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- everyone who brought in food on Sun- invocation and benediction at the June ert sent a Dec. 6 letter to Norwalk City An FFRF complaint has apparently day morning prior to the start of the 14 ceremony. The official graduation School Superintendent Dennis Dough- stopped team prayer led by a high school festival. program listed the prayers. ty asking that the school not sponsor wrestling coach in New Lexington, The outcome was win-win-win. The Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca prayers in the future. Ohio. Hunger Task Force reported a 25% in- Markert sent a June 24 letter to Super- Doughty finally responded July 29: Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- crease in food donations from the pre- intendent Michael Silsby: “Students “The principal contacted the individ- ert sent a June 13 letter to Superinten- vious year. Although the festival does wishing to participate should not be ual [who said the prayer] and asked dent Tonya Sherburne: “New Lexing- not release exact attendance numbers, forced to forgo this momentous occa- that the process not take place again,” ton City Schools must take immediate thousands of people who were not at- sion in their lives simply because Wal- Doughty wrote. “We have many indi- action to ensure that coaches do not tending Mass were observed enjoying lenpaupack Area High School deems viduals of different races, ethnicity, lead, organize, invite clergy to deliver, Irish Fest Sunday morning, a clear ben- it necessary to include prayer in the religious and cultural backgrounds in encourage, or participate in prayers efit to Irish Fest itself. And, of course, ceremony,” Markert wrote, referring to our schools and we respect those dif- with their teams,” Markert wrote. everyone, no matter their religion or nonreligious graduates. ferences.” Sherburne responded Aug. 20 that nonreligion, received the same dis- Silsby responded Aug. 20: “The dis- Mount Vernon is where the school the school district conducted an inter- count. trict will no longer have religious ritu- board fired creationist science teacher nal investigation. She said meetings Not only were food contributions als as part of the commencement cer- John Freshwater after a long legal pro- were held with district staff to discuss up 25% from 2012, this year’s contribu- emony.” cess, which isn’t yet over. The Ohio the legalities raised in FFRF’s letter. tions reportedly set an all-time record, Supreme Court heard oral arguments “I have taken measures within the topping the previous high in 2008 by FFRF gets misleading in February in Freshwater’s appeal but organization to address the general about 20%. quote off website hasn’t yet ruled. matters presented in your letter,” she After Irish Fest changed its policy Bible quote out of wrote. last year, Atheist Ireland received word The Freedom From Religion Foun- Thousands donate of the change and donated $100 to the dation successfully petitioned an Okla- principal’s office Hunger Task Force via FFRF. homa county to remove a misleading, food, skip Mass “We are glad to have created a new partial quote from President George An FFRF objection to religious opportunity for non-churchgoers to Washington that was displayed on the quotes placed prominently in the The Freedom From Religion Foun- enjoy Milwaukee’s summer festivals county website. principal’s office at Riley Elementary dation has been hard at work for the and help feed the hungry,” said FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent School in San Bernardino, Calif., re- past few years ensuring attendees at Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. Creek County Clerk Jennifer Mortazavi sulted in positive action. several annual festivals in Milwaukee Who says atheists aren’t generous? in Salpulpa, Okla., a June 25 letter out- The quotes were from Mahatma do not need to attend Catholic Mass to — Sarah Eucalano lining why the quote, which endorsed Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Rev. Martin receive festival admittance discounts. religion and disparaged nonbelievers, Luther King Jr. and the bible. The bib- should be removed. lical quote was Proverbs 22:6 — “Train The questionable quote: “The Hand up a child in the way he should go: and of providence has been so conspicuous when he is old, he will not depart from In Memoriam in all this, that he must be worse than it.” an infidel that lacks faith, and more Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a Frank J. Crawford, 1936 – 2013 than wicked, that has not gratitude June 26 letter to Superintendent Dale enough to acknowledge his obliga- Marsden. “Considering the very young Frank J. Crawford, 77, Pierce, Ida- ber of the Freedom From Religion tions.” age of the students, concern over coer- ho, died July 26, 2013, in Pierce, where Foundation. He attended an atheist “Although some of us choose to cive religious displays should be espe- he’d lived since 1967. He was born July seminar in 1984 in Los Angeles, which wear the term ‘infidel’ as a badge of cially high in elementary schools like 21, 1936, to Riley and Virginia Craw- gave him a new perspective. He was courage, the government cannot label Riley,” Seidel wrote. ford in Seattle. raised Catholic but left the church in us ‘wicked’ for our lack of religious be- Assistant Superintendent Kennon He studied politics, astronomy, 1965. liefs,” Seidel wrote. Mitchell responded July 19 that the weather and physics and received a Frank loved animals, philosophiz- Washington’s quote, when put in sign containing the bible quote was re- B.S. from the University of Idaho. He ing, joking and kibitzing with people. context, is actually a reiteration of his moved. was employed at Eastern State Hospital Frank was preceded in death by his belief that government officials should and retired from Jaype Plywood Mill, parents. Survivors include Elaine, his not mix religion with government. The Prayer removed from where he worked from 1966 to 1998. spouse; Terry, a brother-in-law; cous- full quote reads: bicentennial event A heart condition prevented him from ins Henri (Cindy) Germain and Robin “The hand of Providence has been serving in the U.S. Air Force, which Germain; five felines, Houdini, Sam- so conspicuous in all this, that he must A New York town removed a prayer had initially accepted him. sara, Blackjack, Moma Kat and Hobbs; be worse than an infidel that lacks service from its government-sponsored Frank had many interests in life. He and Tag, his faithful canine, Tag. faith, and more than wicked, that has bicentennial anniversary celebration studied many religions — Christian- The FFRF staff offers sincerest con- not gratitude enough to acknowledge after being contacted by FFRF. ity, Islam, Buddhism and lesser known dolences to Elaine and the family and his obligations, but, it will be time The prayer service was scheduled ones. He was a freethinker and mem- all of Frank’s dear friends. Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013

Elliott Estebo in Moscow with the Kremlin behind him.

Meet a Diplomatic Member From whom all root beer flows Name: Elliott Estebo. society, free from all kinds of tyranny. I Menorah House A&W in Frisco, Colo., wears its Where I live: At this exact moment, especially think Thomas Paine should messianic “Jews for Jesus” leanings on its sign and all I’m living in the driver’s seat of my Toy- be a hero to all Americans. I also ad- over the restaurant’s inside, notes a friend of FFRF who ota RAV4, but in about a week I’ll be mire all the people who work to keep sent the photo. moving into a house in Malden, Mass. state and church separate in America Where and when I was born: St. today, and to make them separate all Paul, Minn., in June 1986. around the world. Family: My mother, Dorrie; father, A quotation I like: I couldn’t possibly ACLU, Oklahomans sue over Commandments Larry; brother and sister, Jeff and Mel- count all the great quotations that I’ve lisa. heard over the years on Freethought The American Civil Liberties Union er faiths that they are less than equal,” Education: In 2010 I graduated Radio. Two of my favorites are Mark of Oklahoma and the national ACLU Ryan Kiesel, ACLU of Oklahoma’s ex- from the University of Minnesota– Twain’s “Heaven for climate, hell filed suit Aug. 19 in Oklahoma County ecutive director, said in a news release. Twin Cities with a bachelor’s degree in for company” and Robert Ingersoll’s District Court on behalf of several resi- Other plaintiffs in the case include philosophy and Russian. I also learned “With soap, baptism is a good thing.” dents challenging the constitutionality Oklahoma City residents Jim Huff, a quite a lot while living in Moscow for These are a few of my favorite of a large new Ten Commandments former educator. and retired business- the last two years teaching English and things: Sleeping in on Sundays, the monument at the State Capitol. man Donald Chabot, and former so- studying Russian and traveling across summer sun and the sea, watching “When the government literally cial studies teacher Cheryl Franklin of Ukraine and America this summer! baseball, exploring a new city (espe- puts one faith on a pedestal, it sends a Enid. Occupation: I spent the last three cially on my bicycle) and books that strong message to Oklahomans of oth- years teaching English, but in less than are so good I can’t stop reading. a month I’ll become a student again, These are not: Underpaid Moscow this time at Tufts University’s Fletcher bus drivers, pickpockets in the Kiev School of Law and Diplomacy. metro and pious politicians in the U.S. They Said What?? Military service: I’ve never served and abroad. in the military, but I’m proud to have My doubts about religion started: Maricón [faggot]. only touch fingertips and avoid hand- spent a year volunteering for Ameri- When I first found out what religion Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez, shakes that can cause “sinful thoughts” Corps at Anoka-Ramsey Community was! I remember feeling certain that Catholic cardinal, describing at a press Press TV, 8-13-13 College. I lacked religious faith when I was conference the openly gay nominee to How I got where I am today: By not about 12. I took a church-organized be U.S. ambassador to the Dominican You will be checking under your car ev- giving up on the goals that I set for my- youth group trip to Florida, and in be- Republic ery day because maybe today is the day self, and of course, with a lot of help tween many group prayers and events New York Daily News, 8-15-13 someone places an explosive under it. from family, friends and kind strang- one day, there was about an hour-long Angel Dillard, 2011 letter to Dr. Mila ers. (Like Blanche DuBois, I have al- break where the youth pastor instruct- What a day. My goodness, what a day. Means, who had announced plans to ways depended on the kindness of ed us to read the bible independently. It’s been an unbelievable day like I open an abortion clinic in Kansas, a strangers.) I started reading, and when I came have never seen in my life. But thanks statement which U.S. District Judge J. Where I’m headed: Literally, I’m to the story of the flood, and read it to Jesus Christ, who died for our sins so Thomas Marten determined was not headed to Chicago this weekend, then for the first time myself, I was appalled that we could be one with God. a “true threat” in dismissing the case Detroit, Toronto and finally Boston, to realize that the God everybody was Billy Coleman, public school super- against Dillard on Aug. 15 but my goal after Tufts is to pass the worshipping and praising was really intendent, speaking at a “prayer cara- Religion Clause, 8-18-13 Foreign Service exam and work in di- a genocidal maniac! Luckily, I could van” rally he organized in Cullman, plomacy. never believe any of it. Ala., an event which FFRF formally It’s in the midst of these terrifying mo- Person in history I admire and why: Before I die: I hope we will see a complained to the school district about ments when you see God’s ways. We are I will always admire the American permanent shift in American society’s christiannews.net, 8-11-13 blessed. founders who fought to create a secular acceptance of freethought — some- Terry Rolen, Bayside Community thing like the change we have seen Socialism requires that government be- Church senior pastor, after firefighters regarding homosexuality in the last comes your god. That’s why they have extinguished a blaze caused by light- generation. I’d also like to spend time to destroy the concept of God. They ning at his home in East Lake, Fla. Last Call! living on every continent and seeing as have to destroy all loyalties except loy- WTSP Tampa, 8-17-13 36th Annual National much of our world as possible. alty to government. That’s what’s be- Ways I promote freethought: I try to hind homosexual marriage. In public schools, children are force- FFRF Convention always be honest about what I believe Pastor Rafael Cruz, father of Texas fed an unbiblical diet of Darwinism, Weekend of and don’t believe when asked. I think U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, speaking at the mixed with contempt for human life, that when more freethinkers are hon- Family Leadership Summit in Ames, marriage and biblical values. They’re Sept. 27–29 est with themselves and others, and Iowa even encouraged to experiment in sex- Madison, Wis. can come out of the closet, so to speak, Des Moines Register, 8-10-13 ual activities. FFRF.org/outreach/ we’ll find that there are a lot more Fundraising letter from Alliance De- people with doubts about religion in This new prohibition will ensure the fending Freedom, a conservative evan- convention America than it seems now. I also hope holiness of our next generation. gelical law firm based in Scottsdale, 1-800-335-4021 to volunteer with FFRF or a campus Hasidic Rabbi Abraham Silberberg, an Ariz. freethought group in Boston somehow education official of the Gur sect in alliancedefendingfreedom.org, 8-15-14 soon. Jerusalem, ordering males to, at most, September 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11

As American as apple pie and atheism Atheist ‘Aints’ dispel stereotypes about nonbelievers

The following, reprinted with permission, first ran July 29 on minnpost.com, which publishes six days a week online from Minneapolis. Eric is president of Minnesota Atheists and an FFRF member.

By Eric Jayne

A theism and baseball may seem like an unlikely combo, but nevertheless, the Minnesota Atheists organization is celebrating America’s national pastime for the second year in a row. Our group will again be “secularizing” the St. Paul Saints to the Mr. Paul Aints during their Aug. 9 game against the Sioux City Explorers. The purpose isn’t to proselytize atheism or disparage other’s beliefs. Like last year, our agenda is simply to Minnesota Atheists President Eric have fun, build camaraderie and ex- Jayne can be a real card at times. hibit our happy and friendly disposi- tion. Part of the fun will be the unique According to some recent studies Mr. Paul Aints jerseys the players will and anecdotal evidence, atheists are wear during the game. The jerseys perceived by many to be untrustworthy, will be auctioned off at the end of the unethical and immoral, as well as un- game, with a portion of the proceeds electable to public office. Many have going to the Family Place homeless been shunned by work colleagues, shelter in St. Paul. Heather Hegi, Minnesota Atheists chair and FFRF member, with an Aints player friends and even family for revealing There will be several other atheist- in 2012. their atheism. themed gags during the game. Don’t We clearly have public relations is- be surprised if you see a Doubting sues to address. Intellectual arguments Thomas at Midway Stadium question- ball with atheists. For they accept us by name. about the existence of a god(s) and ing some of the umpires’ calls! So it’s hip, hip, hip, hip hooray church/state separation have an im- We had nearly 300 people in our At the Aints ball game. portant place in public discourse, but group section at last year’s game, in- “The Mr. Paul Aints Game they don’t help portray our happy and cluding many families with children. (Let’s All Go to the)” Let’s have fun at the Aints game, friendly nature in the public eye. It’s often difficult for families to con- To the tune of “Take Me Out to the Ball Tail-gate party supreme. One of the major functions of Min- nect with other freethinking families, Game” Hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks for nesota Atheists is to promote positive even though we hold several family all. atheism, partly through community events throughout the year. Publicly Let’s all go to the Aints game. Under our banner we’ll all have a ball. outreach and volunteerism and partly celebrating who we are is incredibly Let’s all show who we are. We will root, root, root for the pigs’ by providing a safe and positive social empowering. The big red A says a lot about us. race. outlet for other freethinkers, whether The Minnesota Atheists are grateful We’re here for fun, so please don’t In Pig’s Eye town there’s no shame. they identify as “atheist” or not. that the St. Paul Saints have shown ex- make a fuss. For it’s one, two, pick up the pace By partnering with the St. Paul ceptional tolerance in accepting us as So we’ll root for the Mister Paul Aints At the Aints Ball Game! Saints, for what is being billed as “A a business partner again this year and team. — lyrics by Paul Heffron and Jerry Rauser Night of Unbelievable Fun: The Sec- helping us to showcase our happy and ond Coming,” we are working to dis- spirited character. pel unfair, preconceived notions about Our hope is that soon, all of our atheists while emphasizing our ability families, friends and colleagues will be to have fun like everybody else. as accepting and will also want to play

FFRF Lifetime Member Rachel Wilson (left) with Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor at the second annual “Aints” game in St. Paul. Annie Laurie was one of many speakers at the Minnesota Atheists regional conference Aug. 10 and was The St. Paul Saints baseball scoreboard was transformed Aug. 16 when also featured on the group’s Sunday radio show “Atheists Talk.” The interview Minnesota Atheists negotiated naming rights for the team for a day. The photo was hosted by Lifetime Member August Berkshire, a founder of Minnesota is by August Berkshire of Minnesota Atheists and an FFRF Lifetime Member, Atheists. (Photo by August Berkshire) who suggested the “Mr. Paul Aints” name. Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013

Michael Hakeem Award: first-place college essay ‘We’re all near impossibilities’

ing fireflies. planets aligning, life beginning, evo- My best friend at the time, Alice, Good and bad lution, dinosaurs, mass extinctions, lived at the very end of our street. One things happen. It’s the Stone Age, farming, the Industrial day, she and I sat on the curb eating Revolution, everything up until the dry Lucky Charms out of plastic cups, all just chance and moment I was conceived. watching the wiffleball game going on What are the chances? Next to noth- in the road. probabilities. ing, such a small chance that it must be Alice turned to me and said, “We’re a near impossibility. sisters, you know.” And I thought, We’re all near impossibilities, then. yes, we’re just like sisters, but not Every single one of us. Every animal real sisters. So I said, “Not real sisters, heartbeat becoming fainter. There’s and insect, every person you’ve ever though.” still a hole in my gut every time I think met. A left turn instead of a right, a de- She went on to explain to me that about her and the way we lost her. cision to stay in one night instead of we were real sisters because of Adam It made me ask, still makes me ask, going out, deciding to marry your first and Eve and because we’re all God’s the age-old question: Why do bad love instead of your true love. Every de- children. “But my family doesn’t be- things happen to good people, or cision ever made had to be made for lieve in God,” I told her. dogs? any one of us to be alive right now. All She didn’t hesitate. “Then you’re Statistics. living things have this in common. going to hell.” AP statistics was simple enough at The fact that I so easily could have I lay awake that night terrified that first, percentages and fractions and never even come close to existing is she was right, that I would end up in graphs — mostly things that I had seen what makes me want to be a good By Anne Clymer hell. It wasn’t my fault that my parents before but never really knew were sta- person, to be kind. Appreciating the never taught me about God, surely He tistics. Then we got into the more com- moments we almost never had is some- Anne received $3,050 from FFRF for her would understand and accept me into plicated areas. We had to do problems thing we should all do, and not be- winning essay. $50 bonuses provided by heaven, right? And for the first time in that weren’t just, “What are the chan- cause we think some god will send us FFRF members Dean and Dorea Schramm. my life, I prayed. I made a deal with ces of this happening?” to the hell of which we have no proof. Him: If I promised to be good for the We had to figure out the chances of Good and bad things happen. It’s all rest of my life, He wouldn’t send me A happening if B and C also happen. It just chance and probabilities. to hell. got messy and I wasn’t very good at it, That I can feel kinship with my dogs In 2010, advanced placement sta- As the years began to fall away, my too many formulas to remember. and with the grass and even the spiders tistics was not my strongest course. In pact with God did not. Though I had Then it hit me. As Mr. Best went on that make the back of my neck prickle, fact, I’ve never really excelled at math. no formal religious teaching, I trust- about standard deviations, I found my- is something more beautiful than any- Looking back, I don’t know why or ed that being “good” would be good self wondering how many things had thing that some god created intention- how I found myself sitting in Mr. Best’s enough for Him. I found myself doing to go the way they did for me to even ally. seventh-period class. But I’m glad I was the “right thing,” like being nice to my exist. What if my mom had gone to We’re all just happy accidents, near there, because that class changed the little sister and not cheating on tests. a different bar the night she met my mathematical impossibilities. Isn’t that way I view the universe and my place Because I knew that if I did, I wouldn’t dad? What if my grandma married the great? in it. get into heaven. man she was first engaged to instead I grew up on a street that was a Then, in 2009, my dog died. Satch of my grandpa? What if my great-great Anne Clymer, 20, Danbury, Conn., is a suburban family’s dream. Kids play- was a collie we’d adopted 10 years be- grandparents decided to not move to junior at Champlain College in Burlington, ing kickball in the road after school. fore and was a better friend than most America? Vt. Her major is professional writing with Neighbors were best friends. We held humans I knew. One day she stopped Going back to the beginning of an emphasis on screenwriting and her “true block parties and street-wide yard sales. eating, so we brought her to the vet. A time, what was the chance of all the passion in writing is poetry.” In the evenings, children would run week later, she lay on the floor of the things happening that needed to hap- through neighboring backyards, catch- vet’s office, her breaths slowing, her pen for me to exist? The big bang, Second-place college essay contest Why ethics is evidence for atheism

last another seven years, began with By this point, I’d stopped listening. I believers like Irving and Gersa (and a simple question: “Is Irving going to was lost in thought, exploring danger- me), that wouldn’t be benevolent — it hell?” ous, new parts of logical space. God would be arbitrary and cruel. There- “Well, yes,” my dad admitted, sound- was sending Irving to hell, where he fore, there can’t be a “triple-O” god ing a bit unsure of himself. “Yes, he is.” certainly didn’t belong, but God was who sends nonbelievers to hell just for Irving Statman lived in the house supposed to be all-loving! My beliefs being nonbelievers. next door to ours, where my brother about God and morality were in direct As I’ve since discovered, this isn’t and I spent countless afternoons play- conflict. How was I supposed to know the worst of the theist’s problems. Ac- ing with his model trains and jumping what was true? cording to Christian teachings, Jesus off of his creaky backyard swing set. I started with what I knew for cer- suffered an excruciating (though tem- Irving’s kids had gone off to college tain: Irving didn’t deserve infinite porary) death by crucifixion to absolve several years before I was born, and he torture merely for being Jewish. How humanity of its sins, serving as a divine and his wife Gersa were delighted to could I doubt that? Eventually, desper- scapegoat. But according to common- open their home to children again. ate for a rational answer, I questioned sense morality, if someone deserves to By any reasonable account, the Stat- the unquestionable: “If I’m right about be punished, it doesn’t make sense to mans were loving parents, kind neigh- morality, does that mean I’m wrong punish a scapegoat, especially not one bors and all-around good people. But about God?” who’s perfectly innocent. By Daniel Muñoz as followers of Judaism, they didn’t ac- Fifteen years later, as a 21-year-old If I deserve to pay for my sins, I Daniel received $2,050 from FFRF for his cept the divinity of Jesus Christ, and as atheist, I’m almost certain that I was should pay for my sins! Though the essay. I’d just learned, that meant they were wrong about God. It’s an ethical tru- logic of moral scapegoating is perverse, doomed to an eternity in hellfire. ism that no one deserves an eternity of God demands scapegoating both from “Why doesn’t Irving just become a torture just for having the wrong theol- his followers in the Old Testament Christian?” I asked. “That way, God will ogy. Even if there were an omnipotent, and from his son in the gospels. Jesus’ When I was 6 years old, my fa- let him into heaven.” (Pascal would omniscient and omnibenevolent god death was a sacrifice, just like the Isra- ther told me about hell. Christianity have been pleased.) who sits in judgment of the living and elites’ slaughtering of goats and lambs. isn’t all manna and miracles, it turns “It’s not like that,” my dad ex- the dead, such a being wouldn’t judge But why should atheists grant the mor- out, and at some point every believer plained. “Irving and Gersa were just us according to our religious beliefs, al high ground to a religion founded has to struggle with the dark side of brought up differently. They’ve been but according to our moral character. on human sacrifice, one of the worst scripture. My struggle, which would Jewish their whole lives.” If the deity were to punish non- moral catastrophes of all time? September 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13

Another, more famous worry for These arguments attack religion like science, ethics reveals deep truths the theist is the Problem of Evil, more where it’s usually assumed to be at Like science, ethics about the world that make a religious properly called the Problem of Suffer- its strongest: ethics. Religious belief worldview untenable. ing. It’s necessarily true that an om- serves two intellectual functions: to needs no help The dark side of scripture tells us nibenevolent god would try to create explain the natural world and to give that the torture of nonbelievers is the best world it could. Given that the our lives meaning. As our scientific from supernatural good, that human sacrifice is just, and God of Christianity is also omnipotent theories and methods have matured, assumptions. that undeserved suffering isn’t really and omniscient, it follows that He can’t more and more thinkers have become bad. Since these claims are false, it’s fail to create the best of all possible satisfied with scientific explanations of clear that ethics doesn’t give us evi- worlds. nature, no longer feeling the need to dence that God exists. It gives us evi- But how could a world where inno- appeal to religion. explain, that life would be meaningless dence that He can’t. cent people are raped, murdered and But when it comes to the meaning and morality would be a sham. As Dos- Daniel Muñoz, 21, was born in Dallas prone to disease be the best that God of life — ethical questions of right and toyevsky’s dictum warns us, “without and is a senior philosophy and linguistics could do? We must either deny that wrong, good and bad, life and death God, everything is permitted.” major at the University of Texas-Austin. He this undeserved suffering really is bad — many still can’t help but feel that Though prima facie plausible, this co-founded Texas Secular Humanists on — a morally grotesque proposition — without a god, there can be no expla- idea is profoundly mistaken, as I have campus in 2011 and is currently its presi- or deny that God exists. The choice, I nation. Some even claim that without argued. Like science, ethics needs no dent. think, should be easy. a god, there wouldn’t be anything to help from supernatural assumptions; Third-place college essay contest On why I choose science

By Rebecca Tippens place in the universe. And the Cos- Cosmology has no mological Principle adds that, indeed, place for God. there are no “special places” to begin Rebecca received $1,050 from FFRF for her with. On large enough scales, the uni- essay. verse is pretty much the same every- where we look. There are some — perhaps most no- Where would a God even fit into this tably the late Stephen Jay Gould — who model? If I put any credence at all in I remember the day I first realized would argue that science and religion religious doctrine, these inconsisten- that science was at odds with my Chris- occupy “non-overlapping magisteria,” cies would be enough to keep me up able step toward nonbelief. tian faith. I was 12 years old, and I had meaning they address fundamentally at night. Clearly, the “non-overlapping I can honestly say that I always had just learned about radiocarbon dating different questions and, in doing so, magisteria” argument is patently false. doubts. My faith never offered me in a junior high biology class. never actually contradict one another. Other theologians cling to the so- much in the way of truth. Instead, it My grandfather arrived to pick me But my own experiences have suggest- called “God of the gaps,” the idea that taught me complacency. It taught me up from school, and I began excitedly ed otherwise time and time again. God explains that which science yet not to ask questions, because the an- describing the things I’d learned that As is typical of religion, the Chris- cannot. But gaps in our scientific body swer was never anything more interest- afternoon before we’d even pulled out tianity of my upbringing made many of knowledge are not static. With each ing than a sort of existential “because of the drive. Still navigating the top- radical claims about our existence: passing day, they are shrinking, rear- I said so.” This was and continues to ics as I recounted them, I concluded The Earth is 10,000 years old. Humans ranging, and the scientific community be reason enough for me to reject reli- by wondering aloud, “The thing is, were created by God in his image and cheerfully embraces them. For every gious superstition. my teacher says that means the Earth are fundamentally different from all question we answer, new ones arise. It is not in my nature to stop asking is more than 4 billion years old — but other life forms. We occupy a special Prevailing theory is updated and questions or seeking truth, and the sci- that’s not what they tell us in church. place in the universe. improved upon or, when appropriate, entific method is my means to do so. How do we know who’s right?” Statements like this are innately sci- replaced entirely. This is the essence of I can’t help but notice that, time and To my grandfather’s credit, he entific, and they simply cannot hold scientific inquiry, and it delights and time again, for every question we pose didn’t attempt to persuade me either their own against any sort of empirical fulfills me in a way that religion never and every experiment we conduct and way. He knew the inherent value of scrutiny. In the wise words of Richard could. painstakingly review, the answer is em- questions of this sort and withheld Dawkins, “A universe with a supernatu- Anyway, the “God of the gaps” strikes phatically not God. judgment, saying only: “You’ll have to ral presence would be a fundamentally me as a vague and unsatisfying copout. decide for yourself, Rebecca.” and qualitatively different kind of uni- This God lacks any clear capability or Rebecca Tippens, 23, Cary, Ill., is a se- I thought about that a lot in the verse from one without.” purpose. Rather, as Neil deGrasse Ty- nior at the University of Illinois at Urbana- days, months, even years, that fol- As I near the completion of my son aptly put it, it’s little more than “an Champaign working toward a degree in lowed. By 15, I knew that I wanted to degree in physics and prepare for ever-receding pocket of scientific igno- physics with added coursework in astronomy be a scientist. As my passion for sci- my doctoral studies in astrophysics, I rance.” and scientific writing. She plans to pursue ence deepened, my religiosity waned. could not agree more. Cosmology has How could any true believer reason- her doctoral degree in astrophysics with an I came to believe that scientific inquiry no place for God. Its most basic tenets ably invoke this argument? If anything, emphasis on cosmology and/or black hole is our greatest tool in the pursuit of plainly contradict religious claims. it betrays doubt and cowardice. It al- studies. She’s active as an executive officer truth and, frankly, pretty compelling The Copernican Principle, for in- lows the person invoking it to acknowl- in the Illini Secular Student Alliance and evidence contrary to the existence of stance, asserts that the Earth and its edge undeniable, empirical truths as a volunteer for Physics Department’s any supreme being. inhabitants do not occupy any special without taking that final, uncomfort- “Ask the Van” outreach program.

Fourth-place (tie) college essay contest Coping with my father’s death

By Chelsey Shannon will be completed once life returns to to “come out” as an atheist for quite stasis, or if, in the healing process, the some time. I didn’t want my fledgling person feels ill-equipped to deal with atheism to be chalked up to some sort Chelsey received $550 from FFRF for her es- circumstances on their own and must of pitiable outlet for my grief. say. turn to a higher power for guidance. Even so, looking back, it is diffi- All of the components of this nar- cult for me to pinpoint why exactly I rative are present in my own story: I stopped believing in God. It wasn’t that stopped believing in God shortly after I was “angry with God,” as many well- Typically, or perhaps stereotypical- my father was murdered in his hotel intentioned yet misguided friends and ly, a lack or loss of belief in a god is as- room in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2006 relatives suggested after I did become sumed to be the product of a traumatic when I was 13. But my motivations for more open about my atheism. It wasn’t experience, a sort of temporary act of this shift were complex and multifac- that I couldn’t believe in an omnipo- whom I loved most in the world, to be rebellion against God, a phase that eted, and for that reason, I chose not tent being who would allow my father, Continued on next page Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013

Continued from previous page because it was, after all, what was sup- and keeping those who benefited from taken from me in such a violent, sud- I realized that posed to happen. them in check, whether in life or after den manner. all of these I realize this argument smacks of death. If anything, my atheism was caused one I claim to not agree with: “There I realized that all of these circum- by the inverse of this thinking: Why circumstances can’t be a god who would let this ter- stances and life events were products of had I believed, before my father’s rible thing happen to me, so there is random chance. Certainly, I would ask death, that we would be protected and life events no God.” Maybe this is true for me, why — why us, why me, why my dad? from such tragedy because we were ba- superficially, the God I was raised to But I also learned to ask why not us, or sically “good people”? Why had I felt were products of believe in was, theoretically, not sup- me, or him? Why did I think we were that my family didn’t “deserve” for this posed to allow bad things to happen so much more exalted than any of the to happen? Didn’t that imply that some random chance. to good people. But, and this is the other 7 billion people on the planet? other family did? key, when he (always “he”) did, it was We live in a world created by hu- Why had I and my family, in the ear- for the purpose of teaching the good mans, and all of us are equally vulner- ly days following my dad’s death, clung times to a higher being. I also real- people a lesson. able to the conditions we co-create, to the belief that God was sticking with ize that it is difficult to find adequate I refuse to believe that my father’s both negative and positive. My family’s us through this hardship, when very words to say to someone who has just death was part of some divine plan to number had simply come up, and we little was said of God during the good lost someone important to them, that unlock life lessons for me, as it was so were forced to deal with the reality of times? sometimes all that comes to mind are often implicitly and explicitly framed the human condition of which we were Perhaps most disturbing to me were tired platitudes. by others in the aftermath of his mur- a part. the oft-repeated lines of predestina- But back when I was first hearing der. I refuse to see it as anything less God, I came to realize, had absolute- tion and “God’s plan,” i.e., that “God those words right up to this moment, than a painful, life-altering tragedy. ly nothing to do with it. doesn’t give us anything we can’t han- all I can hear in these statements is the When I applied this line of think- dle” and “It was his time to go” and “Ev- implication that my father’s murder ing to greater societal tragedies, such Chelsey Shannon, 21, Cincinnati, is a erything happens for a reason.” was merely a plot point in the story as poverty, rape culture, and racism, senior at Kalamazoo College majoring in I realize that to some people, these of the living, that the violence and I realized that these social structures, human development and social relations lines can be comforting, whether in prematurity of his death, and the rich like my father’s death, were human- and women, gender and sexuality studies. their familiarity or in their surrender relationships and successful career it created and sustained, that no higher She is interested in literature, feminism and of power and responsibility in difficult permanently halted, were less tragic being was monitoring these injustices food.

Fourth-place (tie) college essay contest 1 Corinthians 13:11

friends had died in the earthquake, By Andrew Spalding Instead of crushed as the five-story classroom building she was in collapsed. Andrew received $550 from FFRF for his es- distributing food Along with an estimated 600,000 say. to the poor, we deaths and casualties, millions were displaced. I sat with tears in my eyes gave them bibles. and wondered how God could let such a terrible thing happen. Abandoning my belief in God As I allowed the doubt to seep in, didn’t happen overnight. Growing up slowly I embarked on a quest for an- on the mission field, attending a pri- I was a teenager that I first started to swers. I began to study other religions vate Christian school and college all notice the hypocrisy of religion. Haiti and see their absurdity. I realized I had played key roles in ensuring that I was is the poorest country in the Western easily dismissed supernatural claims of evidence” and there was little proof for thoroughly indoctrinated in my faith. Hemisphere, with one of the highest other religions while blindly accepting what I believed. Yet somehow despite all that, today I rates of illiteracy, yet instead of dis- Christianity’s claims. Again I thought about the earth- stand unshackled from the oppressive tributing food to the poor, we gave In short, I came to the realization quake in Haiti and came to this con- and controlling religion of my child- them bibles. Instead of teaching them that I was already an atheist about ev- clusion: God was either evil, impotent hood. to read, we handed them pamphlets ery religion except Christianity. My de or nonexistent. When you look at the My experience with religion can be about God and told them to have facto “atheism” had not required me millions who call upon the name of the neatly summed up by a passage from someone else read it to them. to systematically examine each religion Lord only to receive silence in return, 1 Corinthians 13:11, “When I was a Being a pastor in Haiti was an obvi- and find tangible proof that each claim in the words of Herb Silverman, “Some child, I spoke like a child, I thought ous profession, not a calling from God. was incorrect. Instead, I simply wrote days the best thing you can say about like a child, I reasoned like a child. Many pastors were able to live a luxu- off all other religions because the bold God is that he doesn’t exist.” When I became a man, I gave up child- rious lifestyle while their congrega- claims that they made had no evidence I was afraid to take that final step ish ways.” tions lived in extreme poverty. I looked to show that they were true. and turn my back on everything I had I can trace the beginnings of my un- around and saw people starving, un- This led me to try to objectively grown up believing. I mulled all of this certainty back to my childhood. The able to afford an education and dying examine my own beliefs to see if they over for months, and in discussing it first six years of my life were spent in from preventable diseases. In a na- were equally as absurd. I saw within with a friend was challenged to live my Africa because my parents were mis- tion where 96% identify as Christian, the church an apocalyptic fanaticism, life for just one week like God didn’t sionaries. It was after one of our night- I couldn’t help but wonder why God where Christians longed for the de- exist. ly bedtime bible stories that I had my seemed to have forsaken them. struction of the Earth. Instead of love As I walked outside that day, I first personal experience with Christi- After leaving Haiti, I spent a year at- for one another, I saw hate for anyone looked up at the sky and was finally anity as I asked Jesus to save me from tending Bob Jones University, one of who was different from them. These able to give up my childish ways and eternal suffering in hell. the most renowned conservative Chris- “followers of Christ” were more con- accept that there is no God. Although I accepted everything told tian colleges in the U.S. I had many un- cerned with fighting abortion than to me by my parents, even at a young answered questions, but I continued to preventing genocide or curing AIDS. Andrew Spalding, 24, was born in Paris age I remember wondering why it was push the doubt aside. I asked myself why faith, which is but moved from France to Benin with his that some people had to spend eternity I remember vividly the day I first abandoning the use of reason, was con- missionary parents when he was 6 weeks in hell for the sole crime of never hav- allowed doubt to creep in. It was Jan. sidered to be the most important trait old. He is a senior studying business man- ing heard the Gospel. 15, 2010, after receiving a call from my of Christianity. I came to realize that, agement and French at Florida State Uni- My parents moved on to be mission- parents in Haiti, who confirmed what in the words of Carl Sagan, “extraor- versity. aries in Haiti, and it was there while I knew to be the inevitable: one of my dinary claims require extraordinary

Recruit a Member: Sample Copies for $2 Send $2 with the name and address of each person you wish to receive a sample copy of Freethought Today to: What Is a Freethinker? free-think-er n. A person who forms opinions FFRF, P.O. Box 750, Madison WI 53701 about religion on the basis of reason, independently Freedom depends upon freethinkers of tradition, authority, or established belief. (Please specify whether the individual is a freethinker.)

I had lived a semi-charmed life. This was the worst day of my life. September 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15

Fifth-place (tie) college essay contest I’m the inhuman one?

By Brieanna Kringlie do we ever hope to see its end? I’ve been called Voltaire’s Candide asserts that regardless of the existence of God, we Brieanna received $350 from FFRF for her inhuman, empty must “cultivate our own garden.” For essay. and psychopathic what concern does a pharaoh have for the rats that struggle in the water because of my at the bottom of his boat? None, they must find their own way to survive the Why don’t I believe in God? nonbelief. plights put upon them. It’s for the same reasons I don’t believe Regardless of God’s existence, hu- find disheartening. in unicorns or subterranean fairy folk. man suffering is not about to end on I cannot imagine what it must be Perhaps God isn’t even the right term; No, I’m not afraid of God or hell, I’m his account or authority, so that leaves like to look upon the Earth and hu- maybe gods would be more apt. afraid of what it makes of the people only us to solve our own hardship. manity and not see the possibilities we It would be a waste of time and I love. This comes to my second fear, what possess. What I hope are eventualities words to prattle on about the lack of On Nov. 11, 2010, my family got religion does to the world I hope to see — human colonization, interstellar evidence, inconsistency and sometimes a late-night visit from an officer. My rise around me. A space race we once travel, extraterrestrial communication outright lunacy expressed in whisper- older brother had been killed in a car approached with gusto has given in to and perhaps Starfleet command — are thin pages. The highlighted text and crash. He was drinking with a friend apathy. I see the most powerful men not even considerations to such short- fluorescent sticky notes in my little pur- and not wearing his seat belt. Death and women of our nation bound up sighted, narrow-minded, unimagina- ple bible would be more than enough is a struggle in any form, and the first in petty squabbles over gay marriage, tive people. If you cannot imagine the to fill another, but that’s been done be- question is always “why”? and they can’t be bothered to care future, how could you possibly hope to fore by people far more skilled than I. With a faith in God, the answer is about the world we can create because make it happen? That makes the affront impersonal usually something along the lines of they’re too busy trying to preserve the If all you can see within humanity is and impartial, dissecting it like a the- “it was his time” and “God must have one we have. its faults and feel they are insurmount- sis, but for so many, the offense is per- needed another angel.” This was not It scares the daylights out of me able obstacles, you regulate humans sonal. the answer for me, and from my per- that perhaps 70% of the people of this to an existence of finite potential, be- I cannot remember when I lost my spective, gave my brother’s death even nation and their representatives because to strive for better would seem faith, or if I ever had any to begin with. less meaning than it had to begin with. lieve we will see the end of humanity. pointless and challenge what God has I remember big white steeples with I understood that people die, whether They think it’s something to welcome in mind. Religion will always put hu- stained glass and kind-faced pastors, by accident or with purpose. I knew my because they can’t fathom actually co- manity in second place, because we are but I do not remember God. Sunday brother could have lived. existing with people who think differ- not worshipping our own abilities and school was Oreos and hot chocolate Seat belts save lives and alcohol ently from themselves. They envision achievements, but putting what we can- and no different from the other fairy doesn’t make you invincible, contrary a white-robed savior smiting evil and not do into a little box of divinity and tales collected on my small bookshelf. to popular belief. But I watched as re- condemning over half the world’s pop- never opening it again. This was by no means an overwhelm- ligion tore at my family and tainted my ulation to eternal torture. We can be our own masters, but with ingly oppressive environment, and I brother’s death with purposelessness. I cannot comprehend how I’m the the responsibility of our successes also never felt like I couldn’t talk about If we can only wallow in sadness and immoral one. I’ve been called inhu- comes that of our failures, and that my disbelief when I felt the need, but provide flimsy reasons for death, how man, empty and psychopathic because scares us. then again I’m not the type to hold my can we ever hope to defeat it? If we of my nonbelief, but the thought that Brieanna Kringlie, 18, Newcastle, Wyo., tongue anyway. cannot point at a cause of suffering and so many could envision the suffering is a sophomore majoring in graphic design Nevertheless, I’m still absolutely ter- tell ourselves we are responsible for fix- of those around them and not feel the at the University of Wyoming and is consid- rified to the point of tears on occasion. ing it, not just watching it happen, how urge to revolt against that fate is what I ering minoring in Japanese. Fifth-place (tie) college essay contest Loss of sister brought on loss of religion

ventricle double outlet hypoplastic left ceived a “patriarchal blessing” (a bless- by a certain Richard Dawkins and sug- heart.” It basically means that she had ing bestowed by a man who has likely gested that I do the same. a hole in her heart. We did not know never met you but talks to God and I read the book, and it flipped vir- about this until she was about 8, which predicts your future). tually everything I thought I knew up- is eight years later than doctors usually “If there really is a God, there are side down. I read 11 more books in the discover it. only two explanations for this,” I next few months that taught me about Before she turned 16, she had un- thought. “Either he could not have evolution, the truth about religion and dergone about eight open-heart sur- saved her, which would mean that he is why blind faith and churches are one geries. All of them made it a little bet- not all-powerful, or he did not want to of the great plagues on Earth. ter each time, up until Aug. 14, 2010, save her, which means he is a bastard.” When I got home, I was eager to tell when she died due to complications My extended family all had things my parents about my new beliefs, and from what was her last surgery. to say that were meant to console and as you could imagine, they took it quite My “faith” had never actually been comfort. Things like “Oh, it’s all in well. Just kidding! It was a huge blow tested. I had lived a semi-charmed life. God’s plan!” and “She is in a better for them, and they essentially think I’m This was the worst day of my life. place now.” a wayward, stupid person who is wrong What was so shocking to me at the Bullshit. There is no God, there is about everything. (Ironic, isn’t it?) time was how sure we were that she was no plan, and the place that she is in is a They still love me, I’m sure, but going to get better. She was in one of cemetery in Utah. I know these things things just aren’t the same. Maybe it’s a By Justin Moss the greatest children’s hospitals in the now, because I took her death as an op- good thing. For whatever reason, after world, being treated by some of the portunity to think critically about what my sister died, their faith somehow got Justin received $350 from FFRF for his es- most skilled cardiac surgeons. I believed. stronger. Their 15-year-old daughter say. My dad and I had given her sev- I was in Army Advanced Individual dying made them question God even eral “priesthood blessings,” which Training when all of this happened, far less. They say that it is “proof” that God were supposed to make her recover. A away from my family and the rules they loves them because he let her live for 15 priesthood blessing is a Mormon ritual enforced when I lived in their house. years. I was born into the Church of Je- consisting of little more than dabbing I stopped going to church. I stopped I cannot understand them, although sus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Up un- “sacred” olive oil on top of a person’s praying and reading the scriptures. I surely have tried. It is my belief that til about age 18, I was so sure of my head and saying a prayer. But she never I even started questioning why God there is no God, that we evolved from “knowledge” that the church was true got better. could have let this happen. a common ancestor of modern apes that I was willing to dedicate two years, I cannot accurately describe how A few months later, I was deployed and that Mormonism, along with every unpaid, to telling people in Brazil painful and earth-shattering it is to lose to Afghanistan, which meant that I other religion, is bogus. about my church. a younger sibling at age 15. It feels like was unable to serve a mission for the Fast-forward a few years, and now having your heart ripped out and your church. While I was there, I met a col- Justin Moss, 21, Provo, Utah, is major- I’m proud to say that I am an atheist. head smashed into the ground. She onel who used to be a Mormon. He ing in biology at Pierce College, Lakewood, My little sister was born with a con- should have gotten better and gone on changed his mind about religion after Wash. He’s interested in a career in medi- genital heart defect known as “single to live a full, happy life. She’d even re- reading a book called The God Delusion cine. Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013

Honorable mentions: High school essay contest Resisting religion, promoting progress

Below are excerpts of 6 of the 10 hon- and hopefully prevent a regime like At- atheism was offensive and wrong, and My personal beliefs on religion are orable mention winning essays in FFRF’s wood’s Gilead from ever becoming our while it wasn’t suggested that I kill my- based mostly on reason and logic. If I annual competition for college-bound high reality. self, I was treated in a hostile manner hear a so-called fact, I need to have evi- schoool graduates. All were awarded $200 and certainly not taken seriously. dence to back it up. Otherwise, how do from FFRF, plus a $50 bonous provided by Gabriella Johnson, 18, Milwaukee, is at- I have done my best to defend my you know if anything you hear is true? Dean Dorea Schramm. The top winning es- tending Stanford University. Her academic expression of dissent, but have been But I live in a small town in New says appeared in the August issue. interests include African and African-Amer- met with a fair bit of scorn. In response Hampshire that has a high religious ican studies, premed, chemistry and music. to this onslaught of dogma, I have population, and I’m friends with In high school, she was a National Achieve- turned (as is so typical for my genera- many people who think differently ment Scholarship recipient, scoring in the tion) to the Internet. than I do. Oftentimes, the “what” is top 1% of African-Americans on the PSAT. I have been unable to have much in good enough, and the “why” seems ir- the way of genuine intellectual conver- relevant to them. I often wonder why sations in class, because of the way the my friends settle for the easy answers Flying in the eyes of my teachers and classmates are to things, instead of having the confi- so clouded by Catholic tradition. dence that comes with evidence. face of faith But even the teacher who told me This simplicity of thought perme- off for not standing up in chapel has ates my town but has never deterred said that my actions and words have me from the logical side of things. If been thought-provoking. So despite anything, it has made me strive harder the negative responses that I have to be a rational freethinker and hope- faced, I think that at least some of what fully to show my friends along the way I have said and done has made an im- that asking “why” is just as important as pact. asking “what.”

Darby (Darbus) Oldham, 17, Los Gatos, Marianne Fuentes, 18, was born in Calif., is enrolled at Swarthmore College Montreal and grew up in Bedford, N.H. By Gabriella Johnson in Pennsylvania and is interested in engi- She will major in psychology at the Univer- neering, psychology, Japanese, history and sity of Massachusetts-Amherst and hopes to linguistics. He was on the robotics team for eventually earn a doctorate in clinical psy- There’s a great deal of undeserved four years (qualifying for the world cham- chology. disadvantage that comes packaged pionships his sophomore year), took part in with being a young person: We can’t 11 theater productions and was a National vote, we have curfews and our parents Merit finalist. Fighting against can legally hit us in some states. In addition, many older people find us less discrimination credible and don’t really respect our Asking ‘why’ as opinions. Then, if we come up with some well as ‘what’ “wacky” progressive ideas that diverge from those accepted in “the good ol’ By Darby Oldham days,” our freedoms of thought and speech are further suppressed. As I embark on this new journey called college, I recognize that I will face many A s a transgender boy at a Catholic more challenges to my freedoms, es- high school, I have not enjoyed a warm pecially since one thing I’m passion- and welcoming environment. While ate about is gay rights. I foresee much I’ve only received one detention and resistance to that advocacy because of have never had my “knuckles bruised major opposition from many churches. by a lady in black” (“I Will Follow You Young freethinkers face huge chal- Into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie), lenges. As Margaret Atwood’s The my school has not been a safe place for Handmaid’s Tale, set in the theocratic freethought, rationalism or atheism. Republic of Gilead, illustrates, reli- Most blatantly infuriating were the gion can act as an enormous barrier to weekly mandatory chapel services. freethought and progress. Then came a day in my junior year A situation that stands out to me when I had had quite enough of cha- from high school was when I heard pel, which earned me a lecture from a By Marianne Fuentes By Lindsey Foster about the Tennessee lawmaker who teacher pretty quickly, as it was seen as wanted teachers to report students’ a lack of respect for the teachers and “gay activity” to their parents. Ap- the school itself, instead of as a lack of parently, if “the gay” is caught early belief, despite my protestations to the Religion has never played a notice- There is no shortage of challenges enough, it can be effectively treated contrary. able role in my life. I was raised by two that come with being a freethinker. and cured. This is completely absurd It was more than chapel. Advanced nonreligious parents who grew up in We are reminded every day that we are and an infringement on identity. The placement biology was taught by a religious environments. My mom at- not like most of the people around us. premise that “gay” is a disease is rooted monk who had actually taught one of tended a Catholic boarding school, Some of us are forced to pray at din- in religious conservatism. my classmates’ fathers 30-some years and my father was raised with strict ner time, some feel left out around the It shows the way that previous gen- ago. While he saw no issue with ex- Catholic values and traditions. holidays, none of us stands a chance at erations try to dictate to youths how pounding upon his ideas about God’s Both had a skeptical nature, though, becoming president, and we all have they should think and act. It’s paradox- hand in the creation of the universe, and struggled with unanswered ques- “In God We Trust” scrawled across our ical that something that is supposed to whenever I tried to express my view, I tions as well as apparent gaps in logic currency. free the soul and spread love, like reli- was promptly told that this was biology, that religion offered and eventually Once I even got a phone call from a gion, is used to teach hatred of certain not philosophy. split from religion altogether. They still stranger criticizing my beliefs. He told groups. In this way, I see past influen- This semester, English has primar- imparted these values to my sister and me to find Jesus and said that I would ces pervading the present, oppressing ily consisted of us being lectured me by teaching us to be good people, burn in hell, among other vile and in- freedom of thought and new ideas and about how rationalism is insufficient yet believed these values should be appropriate curses. The caller must creating the world that Atwood warned to explain the world and then being taught not out of fear of a higher pow- have seen that I was atheist from some us about. instructed to come up with examples er but as common sense about what is social media site, or maybe it was a for- One of my responses to this issue from our own lives to support that no- right and what is wrong. mer friend. was to sing a protest song for my Eng- tion. There was one class discussion My father encourages me every day I struggle more with religion at lish class. I was also involved with my wherein I expressed the idea that a to be a critical thinker and question school than anything. Every day for 13 school’s Gay/Straight Alliance and world where people did not rely on re- everything, and I am proud to say that years, I had to stand, hand over heart, engaged in debates with others about ligion to guide their thinking would be I am a caring, just person without be- and recite “one nation, under God.” homophobia and its roots in religion. a better place. ing religious. Having a god in your life Living in the bible belt, I also had to I will continue to resist all of the The teacher and my classmates were does not necessarily make you a better watch my tongue in class, careful not to challenges to my freedom of thought shocked and rushed to tell me why my person. Continued on page 22 September 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17 FFRF state/church complaints make headlines They called his name FFRF blasts Alabama ‘Messiah’ religious dorms FFRF has called for a probe of a Ten- In another highly publicized com- nessee magistrate who ordered a child’s plaint in August, FFRF sent a letter to legal first name changed because it the chancellor of Troy University, Troy, offended her Christian sensibilities. Ala., protesting its newly unveiled faith- FFRF wrote a letter of complaint Aug. based campus dormitories. 14 to the Tennessee Board of Judicial Troy opened a 376-bed, $11.8 mil- Conduct over the impropriety, suggest- lion student housing complex specifi- ing disciplinary action may be in order. cally designed to give students a “faith- Lu Ann Ballew, a child support mag- based collegiate experience.” Included istrate for the Fourth Judicial District is a 2,300-square-foot Newman Centre of Tennessee, presided over a now no- leased and operated by the Catholic torious child support hearing Aug. 8 Archdiocese of Mobile. in Cocke County Chancery Court to Three Catholic and three Baptist settle a dispute over a 7-month-old’s resident advisers will be named. Media last name. But at the hearing’s con- reported that preference will go to stu- clusion, Ballew ordered the boy’s first dents who “maintain an active spiritual name changed as well: from Messiah lifestyle,” are actively engaged in a cam- DeShawn Martin to Martin DeShawn pus faith-based organization and are McCullough. Messiah ranked fourth Christian, with nonreligious only con- among the fastest-rising baby names in sidered if there is space available, ac- 2012, according to the Social Security cording to a university spokesperson. program materials don’t explicitly an Establishment Clause analysis.” Administration’s annual list of popular Troy is known as Alabama’s inter- prohibit religious discrimination, and Markert sent a July 31 follow-up baby names. national university, many of whom are fail to mandate safeguards to keep re- citing multiple federal court cases, as Bellew told WBIR-TV in Knoxville not Christian. ligious activities separate from meals. well as historical examples that clasped the name change was warranted be- Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel noted “Impressionable children are re- hands are both legally and traditionally cause “[t]he word Messiah is a title, and in a complaint that the university can- ceiving federally funded meals in the understood to be a religious image. it’s a title that has only been earned by not lawfully “make a determination same location as they receive religious No branch of federal government one person and that one person is Je- of how religious a person is, and then instruction,” FFRF noted. “Churches can take any action that demonstrates sus Christ.” discriminate among students based on should not be locations for children preference for or endorsement of re- Martin, who told reporters she will that determination.” To stay in good to receive free meals at public expense ligion over nonreligion. This prohibi- appeal, said she likes how Messiah standing, students will have to engage any more than they should be where tion extends to those contracting with sounds alongside her son’s two sib- in a service project tied to a church at low-income families must pick up SNAP the federal government to carry out lings, Micah and Mason. least semi-annually. EBT cards or college students sign up governmental duties like mail delivery, Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- Seidel noted the arrangement vio- for federal loans,” Elliott added. Markert noted. ert Markert noted the magistrate violates not only the principle of separa- The USDA has failed to give incen- “The simplest, most rational course lated Canons 1 and 2 of the Tennessee tion between church and state, but tives to secular sites, much less to give of action would be to remove the reli- Code of Judicial Conduct through her arguably the most important purpose preference to public schools, the ideal gious symbols from the vehicle and any actions. “Her statements regarding her of higher education: “to broaden hori- location for free lunch programs for other vehicles which may bear similar decision to change the child’s name zons, to meet new people from differ- young children. imagery that are being used in the ser- imposed her own personal religious ent backgrounds, to collide with new An executive order specifies that vice of the Postal Service,” wrote Mark- beliefs upon parties coming before ideas that challenge and stimulate.” religious activities be kept clearly sepa- ert. her, thus calling into question her abil- The 5-acre property the complex is rate from lunches provided using fed- ity to conduct herself in a manner that located on is leased from the university eral funding, but FFRF noted there is ‘promotes public confidence in the and was paid for through Troy’s foun- no monitoring required or rules on re- FFRF protests Marine independence and impartiality of the dation, a private entity. ligious symbolism where children eat. Corps labeling judiciary.’ ” Markert added that Ballew has FFRF has protested a U.S. Marine “shown a lack of respect and compli- FFRF to USDA: No New Hampshire Corps policy that labels a “lack or loss ance with the law by using her position religion for lunch ‘church lady’ update of spiritual faith” as a risk indicator. as a child support magistrate to en- Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent dorse a Christian viewpoint in violation FFRF has called on the U.S. Depart- As noted in the August issue, FFRF’s Commandant of the Marine Corps of the Establishment Clause of the First ment of Agriculture to adopt more complaint about a woman praying General James Amos an August 9 letter Amendment.” safeguards to separate religion from a loudly, arms outstretched and bible in requesting that the U.S. Marines stop FFRF’s call for a probe received free summer lunch program. Staff At- hand, at high school students in Con- violating the freedom of conscience widespread news coverage. torney Patrick Elliott wrote Agriculture cord, N.H., got the woman banned of nonreligious Marines. FFRF’s letter Secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to from Concord High School. follows one sent by the Military Reli- bring the Summer Food Service Pro- Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert no- gious Freedom Foundation previously Prayer caravan becomes gram into compliance with executive tified the superintendent about the ag- requesting the offending clause in the religious circus directives that protect aid recipients gressive evangelizer, who recited bible order be changed. from proselytizing. verses for at least 15 minutes each day The order lists factors that could FFRF’s protest of an Aug. 10 “prayer While lauding the program’s goal at the school’s entrance, with permis- lead to “loss of life or diminished func- caravan” called by the superintendent of providing nutritious lunches during sion from the principal. tioning.” Under the “guidance/moral of schools in Cullman County, Ala., the summer, FFRF noted the program According to the Concord Moni- compass” category the U.S. Marine dominated news that weekend across is another case where “religion gets the tor, the theocratic Alliance Defending Corps lists “lack or loss of spiritual the state, after the official refused to credit and taxpayers get the bill.” Freedom has offered to provide legal faith” as one of four risk factors. cancel the inappropriate event. “Parents must not be forced to services to Lizarda Urena to challenge “It is deeply offensive and grossly Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley even choose between their children going the decision to remove her from school inappropriate for the military to sug- got in the act, publicly condemning to religious ‘activities’ and their chil- property. As of press time, no lawsuit gest that Marines are at risk because FFRF’s work to stop the third annual dren not getting a proper meal. Such had been filed. they ‘lack spiritual faith’,” Seidel wrote. “prayer caravan” called by Superinten- religious coercion is unconstitutional,” “Imagine how it feels to be told by the dent Billy Coleman. Elliott wrote. military that your reasoned, intellec- Bentley stated, “I personally believe The federally funded food service Postal Service trucks tual conclusion that unsupported re- that one of the problems we have in and the organization’s religious activi- religious imagery ligious claims are untrue is dangerous this country is taking God out of, not ties are frequently combined, making ‘risky behavior’ that requires monitor- only our lives, but out of government.” it difficult for a family to opt out of reli- After receiving a complaint about ing.” Coleman not only organized but gious propaganda if they want children an image of praying hands on the side Seidel referenced the House of Rep- spoke at the Christian rally that pre- to receive the free lunches. The proof a truck carrying U.S. mail, FFRF sent resentative’s offensive July 23 vote to ceded a ritualistic visit to 29 area pub- gram encourages providers, including a letter to the U.S. Postal Service about prohibit the appointment of chaplains lic schools, quoting the bible’s admo- churches, to accompany such meals inappropriate religious imagery on to serve nonreligious service members. nition to “pray without ceasing.” After with “educational, enrichment and contract vehicles. FFRF submitted an open records re- the complaint by Staff Attorney Andrew recreational activities.” Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert sent quest to the Corps to verify the corps’ Seidel was publicized, FFRF received The USDA’s Food and Nutrition a July 2 letter to the Postal Service’s claim that the risk factors are based complaints from seven additional area Service even gives as an example “faith- counsel. Counsel for USPS replied that on scientific studies and to learn more families about widespread abuses in based organizations or churches that the Postal Service takes no position on about the policy. Cullman County schools. Stay tuned! offer religious study day camp ses- whether an image of clasped hands sions.” Current USDA regulations and “constitute[s] religious imagery under Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013

Black Collar Crime Blotter Compiled by Bill Dunn ‘Father Glenn Arrested / Charged Davidowich was a Carroll F. Pennell, 68, Cushing, TX: Con- spiracy to commit Social Security fraud and theft of government funds. Pennell, former pastor at serial pedophile.’ Word of God Fellowship Church in Brunswick, plaintiff’s attorney ME, allegedly received nearly $150,000 in ille- — gal disability benefits between 1999 and 2010 Mitchell Garabedian when he conspired to have his wife paid for work he did. “Carroll Pennell instructed church treasurers eos but said he wasn’t addicted, said Assistant to issue paychecks to his wife Glenna so as not State’s Attorney Louisa Nuckolls. “He felt he had to interfere with his obtaining and maintaining a problem, not an addiction. his Social Security benefits.” Source: Bangor Wheaton fired Ratcliff and his wife filed for Daily News, 8-21-13 divorce. Source: CBS Chicago, 8-5-13 An unidentified Catholic priest from the Diocese of Oslo, NOR, “will never work as a Sentenced priest again,” according to Bishop Bernet Eids- Thomas P. Shoback, 66, Wilkes-Barre, vig, who said the priest has admitted having PA: 5 to 10 years in prison for conviction on 7 sexual relations during a period of a week with a counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse 15-year-old girl in Bergen. and criminal attempt to have involuntary devi- “We’ve been criticized by the police for re- ate sexual intercourse; 6 months to 2 years in porting this, but it was already known in Ber- Observer-Dispatch, 8-14-13 than 13. Daley is pastor at Beth Eden Lutheran prison for endangering the welfare of a child; to gen,” Eidsvig said. The police apparently want- Arash N. Hakakian, and Sara Hakakian, Church. His wife, Margaret Daley, who oper- be served concurrently. ed to complete their own investigation before both 37, Monsey, NY: 3rd-degree grand larceny ates a day care facility in their home, is charged Shoback was charged with molesting an al- the allegation of sexual assault was public. and 1st-degree offering a false instrument for fil- with failure to report child abuse or neglect and tar boy while he was pastor at St. Mary’s Catho- Eidsvig said the girl is not Catholic. Source: ing. Arash Hakanian, a rabbi, and his wife are cruelty and injury to children. Source: WHSV, lic Parish in Blossburg from 1991-97, starting newsinenglish.no.com, 8-21-13 accused of falsely obtaining $7,494 of proper- 7-21-13 when the boy was 11 or 12. He testified that A retired Australian Catholic priest, 72, ty tax exemptions on their second home from Paul J. Martin, 42, Columbiana, AL: Pos- Shoback would perform oral sex on him and is charged with 2 counts of possessing child 2004-11. Source: lohud.com, 8-14-13 session of a controlled substance and unlawful twice tried to have anal intercourse. abuse material. Detectives seized computer Romulo Jimenez, 67, Houston: Continu- possession of drug paraphernalia. Martin, who He said he kept quiet till 2011 when the Jerry equipment and a DVD for forensic examination. ous sexual abuse of a child. Jimenez, pastor was fired as pastor at the Church of Christ after Sandusky/Penn State scandal erupted “be- He will appear in court in Wyong, NSW. Source: at Centro Christiano Vida Nueva, is charged his arrest, was in possession of heroin and a sy- cause it was the right thing to do and that he Newcastle Herald, 8-21-13 with molesting a congregation member starting ringe when police responded to an accident and didn’t want it to happen to another kid.” Source: Larry M. “Matt” Pitt, 30, Birmingham, AL: when she was 8 for a period of several months allegedly found him passed out with the vehicle Williamsport Sun-Gazette, 8-22-13 Impersonating a peace officer. Pitt is a youth in 2012. still running, court documents said. Mariusz Skowron, 46, Kabwe, ZAM: Skow- evangelist and founder of a ministry called The A church member alerted the girl’s parents Martin allegedly told a Birmingham police of- ron, pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, was Basement. after she saw Jimenez coming out of a bath- ficer that he was fine and was “just riding around fined 2,500 kwacha, or 49¢ [life is cheap in Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Christian said au- room where the church member allegedly found Atlanta.” Source: al.com, 7-20-13 Zambia], after pleading guilty to causing death thorities responded to a citizen complaint. Pitt is the girl with her underwear down. The parents by dangerous driving. confronted Jimenez at his home, where he al- Pleaded / Convicted Rabson Siwila was struck on his bicycle by on 2 years’ probation for conviction on a similar Orlando R. Pinuer, 53, Temuco, CHILE: legedly admitted his guilt. a Nissan pickup driven by the priest, who told charge in 2012 when he flashed a badge at a Convicted of sexual abuse of 4 teen victims in In a statement to investigators, Jimenez’s police he fled the scene for fearing of being police officer during a traffic stop. He said after 2006-11 at a boarding school while he was ad- wife said he has “repented for his mistake.” lynched. He later turned himself in. that arrest, “We’re not perfect, we’re only for- ministrator there and serving as pastor at Im- Source: KHOU, 8-13-13 The victim’s family will receive an insurance given.” maculate Conception Parish of Cunco. Demetrius A. Lewis, 38, St. Petersburg, payment of K25,000 [$4.75]. Christian said deputies got a tip that Pitt was “The evidence we presented showed that FL: Grand theft and money laundering. Lewis, Kabwe High Court Judge Elita Mwikisa on his way to a TV studio. He ran from officers, these same acts had been occurring for at least former pastor at Grand Central Progressive Mis- warned Skowron that “I will have no option but jumped off a 45-foot overlook and struggled the last 20 years,” prosecutor Omar Merida sionary Baptist Church, is accused of stealing to send you to prison” if he reoffends. Source: while being arrested, the report said. Source: said. Pinuer was accused of giving victims alco- about $150,000 from an elderly woman who allafrica.com, 8-21-13 Times Free Press, 8-17-13 hol and spending money to perform sexual acts could no longer afford to live in her home. Michael Miller, 43, Berlin, CT: 20 years in Rolando Rodriguez, 45, Pawtucket, RI: on him. Source: channelstv.com, 8-20-13 Lewis also owned a business called Help Is prison, with 15 suspended, and 20 years’ pro- 2nd-degree sexual assault. Rodriguez, pastor John Lillis, 63, Windsor, UK: Convicted Here Foreclosure Prevention and Credit Repair, bation for convictions for possession of child of Light and Hope Methodist Church, is charged of attempted rape and 2 counts of indecent though state records show it’s inactive. pornography, obscenity and 3 counts of risk of with assaulting an 82-year-old woman in her assault. Earlier he’d pleaded guilty to 4 other Lewis was charged with tax fraud in 2012 for injury to a minor. Miller was pastor at St. Paul home. It took the woman 5 days to overcome counts. Lillis, a Catholic priest, molested 2 allegedly cashing fraudulent tax refund checks. Catholic Church. His victims were church mem- her embarrassment and report the incident, a brothers in Surrey between 1976-82. Source: Tampa Tribune, 8-7-13 bers, students at the church’s school or both. police report said. Testimony showed the boys were kicked out Teofilo Santiago, 57, Philadelphia: Arson, “Father Mike assured me that he would be He’s accused of pinning her arms while rub- of the church choir and a bishop lectured the insurance fraud, attempted theft by deception, keeping a watchful eye on my son,” a mother bing his genital area over her chest and face. family about the need for “forgiveness.” conspiracy and causing or risking a catastro- named Pat said at sentencing. In health care, “She then bit Pastor Rodriguez,” the report said. In written evidence to the court, the victims’ phe. Santiago, a Pentecostal pastor, is accused she said, there’s a code of ethics: Do no harm. Source: NBC 10, 8-16-13 father said he and the parish curate had con- of falsely reporting his 2004 Nissan Quest, val- “What code of ethics do you practice, Michael Terry L. Greer, 54, Gardendale, AL: Murder fronted Lillis, asking if it was true he had mo- ued at $7,547 and later found burnt to a shell Miller?” Source: Hartford Courant, 8-16-13 and attempted murder. Greer, senior pastor at lested the two boys. Jurors heard that the defen- on the railroad tracks, as stolen. Source: CBS David Valentine, 47, New Milford, CT: Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, was in- dant replied: “Yes it is. It will not happen again.” Philly, 8-6-13 5-year suspended sentence and 5 years’ pro- dicted for the Jan. 10 murder of his wife, Lisa, Lillis was still allowed to work around youths Arthur Coyle, 62, Lowell, MA: Sexual con- bation for 3 convictions of 1st-degree larceny. 52, and the shooting of his daughter, Suzanna, for several years. Source: Daily Express, 8-15- duct for a fee. Msgr. Coyle, episcopal vicar for Valentine, executive pastor of Faith Church, 18, who has recovered. 13 the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, was arrest- must also make restitution of $93,651 and get Police said after his daughter ran to a neigh- Joe Seephis Hardie, 68, Bartow, FL: ed in his black Chevrolet Equinox with a known counseling. bor, Greer stabbed himself in the neck and Found guilty by a jury of scheming to defraud, prostitute when he was stopped outside the Pol- Court documents said he’s already repaid chest before being restrained. Source: al.com, grand theft and money laundering. Hardie was ish Cemetery at 5:45 p.m. $130,000. Valentine stole the money from 8-16-13 charged with stealing more than $100,000 from Coyle told police he offered the woman, Siri- Squeaky’s Car Wash in Danbury, which is Nermin Spahic, 40, Des Moines, IA: 2 New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in wan Kongkaew, 38, who was also charged, owned by officials of the megachurch. Source: counts each of 3rd-degree sexual abuse and 2007-09 when he was pastor. Source: WKMG $40 for oral sex but claimed the act wasn’t News-Times, 8-16-13 sexual exploitation by a counselor. Spahic, a Orlando, 8-14-13 completed. Coyle is on voluntary administrative Pedro Fernandez, 41, Oberá, ARG: 17 Muslim imam, is accused by a Johnston wom- Mordechai Elon, 53, Jerusalem: Guilty of leave. Source: Boston Herald, 8-6-13 years in prison for sexual abuse with aggra- an, 42, and her daughter, 18, of assaulting them 2 counts of forcible sexual assault against a Luther Jones, Bon Wier, TX: Murder. Jones, vated repeated sexual intercourse. Fernandez, after the mother sought his help and religious minor. Elon, a rabbi who headed the Yeshivat pastor at Belgrade Baptist Church, is accused of an evangelical pastor and religious broadcaster, guidance for her daughter’s personal issues. Hakotel, was charged with molesting 2 students shooting his nephew, Curtis P. Jones, 34, out- was found guilty of molesting his daughter for Source: KCCI, 8-14-13 in 2003 and 2005, both boys age 17. side the church. 7 years, starting when she was 13. He told the Jack D. Hibbs, 57, Marietta, GA: 4 four Less than a week after he was found guilty, Family members said Curtis Jones was re- court “We had a dating relationship.” counts of aggravated child molestation. Hibbs, Elon was invited by Chaim Druckman, another cently released from prison and that there had Fernandez’s wife found a video in 2011 on principal at Faith Lutheran School, is charged prominent Zionist rabbi, to deliver the weekly been an ongoing feud between the men. They their computer of him raping their daughter in with molesting a 15-year-old male victim at a Torah lesson Druckman’s yeshiva. also said Curtis was going to church to get his the couple’s bed. residence. Source: Journal-Constitution, 8-14- “Unfortunately, [Druckman] is pursuing a life back on track. Source: 12 News Now, 7-29- “It’s the lowest act a person can com- 13 policy of covering for assaulters, throwing the 13 mit,” said prosecutor Estela Alarcon Salguero. Ryan M. McKelvey, 27, Des Moines, IA: 2 students to the dogs,” said Ayelet Vider-Cohen Joshua D. Swain, 32, Cobden, IL: Theft Source: clarin.com, 8-15-13 counts each of 3rd-degree sexual abuse and of Jewish Women’s Voice. Source: Haaretz, and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors al- Malcolm McLennan, 69, Gloucestershire, sexual exploitation by a counselor. McKelvey, 8-7-13 lege Swain, pastor at The View Church in Car- UK: 3 years’ community order [a form of pro- youth pastor at Heritage Assembly Church, is David W. Smith, 35, Poquoson, VA: Plead- bondale, formerly First Baptist, used the name bation] after pleading guilty to indecent assault accused of molesting 2 female teens in the con- ed guilty to 10 counts of possession of child of a congregation member to obtain more than for sex crimes against a boy in 1989 when he gregation. He’s married and has a young child. pornoraphy. Smith, pastor of Trinity Lutheran $100,000 from a bank. Source: Daily Herald, was assistant pastor at St. Simon Stock Catho- According to the police report, the church’s Church, was arrested in March during Holy 7-27-13 lic Church. pastor James Snow said McKelvey was fired Week after an investigation found images on his Anthony McSweeney, 66, and John Sting- A victim, now in his 30s, said after sentenc- for laziness and “spending too much time with church computer of girls ages 6 to 11 having sex emore, 71, London: McSweeney, a Catholic ing, “I am devastated. Justice has not been female juveniles of the church.” Source: Des with men, according to court records. priest, is charged with taking indecent images of served.” Moines Register, 8-14-13 Smith is married and has 3 school-age chil- a child, possessing indecent images of a child The court heard how McLennan would rub Stephen Enea, Utica, NY: 2nd-degree dren. Source: Virginian-Pilot, 7-18-13 and 3 counts each indecent assault and making himself up against the victim when the boy was grand larceny, 1st-degree scheme to defraud Donald Ratcliff, 61, Wheaton, IL: Pleaded indecent images of a child. Stingemore, an ad- changing into his altar boy’s cassock and sur- and 4 counts each of 3rd-degree grand larceny guilty to possession of child pornography. Rat- ministrator, is charged with 8 counts of indecent plice. One day he put his hands inside the boy’s and issuing a bad check. Enea, archbishop of cliff, who taught religious education at Wheaton assault, 2 counts of taking indecent images of a underpants, which the boy reported. the Italo-Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the College, a private Christian school, and has child and conspiracy to commit buggery. The next week, the bishop visited and alleg- Americas and Canada, is accused of stiffing written 10 books on children’s spirituality, had 9 The abuse is alleged by 7 victims at a chil- edly told him, “We’ll have no more of your silly contractors for about $500,000 for renovations other felony counts dropped in a plea bargain. dren’s home, all aged between 9 and 15 in the talk.” to the archdiocese’s cathedral. Renovations Prosecutors said he had at least 500 porno- 1970s and 1980s. Source: Daily Mail, 7-22-13 McLennan now works as an infirmary as- were put on hold about a year ago. graphic images of children, some of whom ap- James R. Daley, 70, Luray, VA: 12 counts sistant looking after ill monks. Source: Kent & The church’s chief operating officer, Phillip peared to be younger than 13, on computers. of aggravated sexual battery of a victim younger Sussex Courier, 8-15-13 Barker Jr., faces the same charges. Source: Ratcliff admitted downloading images and vid- September 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

which alleged Oswald molested 2 boys between allegedly assaulted the male victim 8 times in rabedian. “Father Glenn Davidowich was a se- ‘I don’t understand. 1988 and 1995, for $1.3 million in 2009. Oswald a bedroom over 6 weeks. Source: Courier & rial pedophile,” Garabedian said. died in 2010 at age 65. Press, 8-13-13 Davidowich made headlines in 2002, when Anything I want, Oswald was the 17th priest in the diocese Superior Court Judge Kevin Dubay refused he was identified as founder of the Junior Pro to have been accused of sexual molestation. to strike claims against the Catholic Diocese Wrestling Association, which produced and sold I get.’ — alleged The diocese has paid nearly $25 million to settle of Norwich, CT, for failure to report, supervise sexually suggestive videos of boys wrestling in claims against 6 priests. Source: Press Demo- and remove a priest charged with child abuse, skimpy, bikini-style bottoms. statement by Pastor crat, 8-22-13 including claims for breach of fiduciary duty. The The teens were given pseudonyms such José Burroughs to a Grecia Mena, 40, Queens, NY, a secretary at diocese argued that the claims excessively bur- as “Bad Brad” and “The Hardcore Kid.” Sev- the Jamaica, NY, headquarters of the Seventh- den its exercise of religion. eral of the videos were shot on church property. secretary who spurned his day Adventist Church, is suing Pastor José The plaintiff alleges she was molested by Source: Star-Ledger, 7-26-13 Burroughs for sexual harassment for repeated Fr. Thomas Shea, who died in 2006, numer- Thomas Iwanowski resigned as pastor of advances come-ons, even though both are married. ous times between 1967-86. Source: Religion St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oradell, NJ, after “I don’t understand,” Burroughs, 53, alleged- Clause, 7-30-13 complaints that a priest accused of molesting a ly told her once after she refused his advances. teen boy in the 1970s was allowed to live in the “Anything I want, I get.” Allegations rectory. The Milwaukee County, WI, district attor- An unidentified pastor in his 50s from cen- Mena alleges harassment began in 2008 The accused priest, Robert Chabak, was ney’s office is investigating possible theft from tral Sweden was fined 15,000 kronor [$2,300] and culminated with Burroughs exposing his removed from ministry in 2004. The statute of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church by a for hiring a prostitute, after which he was tem- genitals in 2011 and asking her to perform oral limitations had expired and Chabak was not former priest. porarily relieved of his duties with the Church sex in a church office. criminally charged. Iwanowksi said he met with After discovering financial “discrepancies,” of Sweden. The suit alleges that after Mena’s husband Newark Archbishop John Myers and it was mu- the parish council voted unanimously to request The case was tied to a large pimping opera- complained, she was demoted and the rent tually agreed that he should move “forward in a probe, said a church press release. tion through which young women from Romania was doubled on their church-owned apartment. faith.” In a letter from the church to the district attor- were sold for sex to clients in Sweden. “These Source: N.Y. Post, 8-19-13 Chabak was supposedly barred from St. Jo- ney obtained by the Journal Sentinel, Emmanu- woman were used as if they were on a conveyor Parents of a girl allegedly molested as a seph in February and transferred to a retirement el Mamalakis, a lawyer representing the church, belt,” said Detective Anders Nilshagen. Source: 15-year-old are suing the Archdiocese of St. home for priests in Rutherford. But parishioners said the council believes it has found “ample thelocal.se, 8-14-13 Louis. The suit alleges that Archbishop Robert said he often came back to the rectory over- evidence” that former pastor James Dokos had David A. Grosse, 79, Colorado Springs, CO: Carlson “knew that Father [Xiu Hui “Joseph”] Ji- night. Source: Star-Ledger, 7-21-13 committed felony theft. 10 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to ang was dangerous to children” when he served The letter says Dokos, now a priest at Sts. sexual assault on a child by one in a position of as an associate pastor at the St. Louis Cathe- Other Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Glenview, IL, Michael Brooks, 51, a Kansas City city trust under a plea bargain that dropped several dral Basilica. a retired Air Force chap- spent more than $100,000 from a trust for per- councilman and senior pastor at Zion Grove other counts. Grosse, Jiang, 30, eventually was charged with 1st- lain and ordained pastor sonal expenses. Baptist Church, has admitted sending nude , apologized in court. degree endangering the welfare of a child.The Annunciation’s main building in Wauwatosa photos of himself to a woman he met on Face- “Your claims of sorrow are not as legitimate lawsuit claims Jiang first began visiting the girl’s was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright book and was having a relationship with. as you would have us believe,” said Judge Larry house in early 2011, but he later resolved to stay and is on the National Register of Historic Plac- The married father of 4 claims the uniden- Schwartz, citing a presentencing report that away after her parents confronted him about be- es. Source: Journal Sentinel, 8-12-13 tified woman blackmailed him and asked for Grosse tried to blame the girl and her parents. ing “too affectionate and too touchy” with their $60,000 to keep quiet. He instead went to the “He’s spent so much time over the past 10 daughter. Removed / Resigned FBI, Brooks said. years lying to us,” said his daughter-in-law, Mi- When confronted in June 2012, Jiang alleg- Richard Shahan has taken paid administra- “Not good,” was all Councilman Ed Ford chelle Grosse of North Carolina. Does ‘sorry’ edly confessed and later that night put a check tive leave as associate pastor at First Baptist would say as he left the council chambers. really cut it?” for $20,000 on the family car and texted the Church of Birmingham, AL, after the murder of Source: Kansas City Star, 8-15-13 Grosse was arrested in 2012 on suspicion girl’s mother, saying he left the money because his wife, Karen Louise Shahan, according to the “In therapy sessions, the priest confessed of sexually abusing 4 granddaughters, allegedly of his “stupidity,” according to the suit. Source: church’s Facebook page. the shocking details he’d kept hidden for years: coaxing them to accept his touching as part of Post-Dispatch, 7-17-13 Shahan, 53, was taken into custody for “in- He had molested more than 100 boys, includ- their “special relationship.” vestigative purposes” but was released about ing his 5-year-old brother. He had sex with male According to an online biography, Grosse Civil Lawsuits Settled 48 hours later without being charged with any The Catholic Diocese of Peoria, IL, has prostitutes and frequented gay strip clubs.” holds an advanced degree from Yale Univer- crime. agreed to pay $1.35 million to settle a lawsuit That’s how an Associated Press story start- sity Divinity School and served as a pastor in Homewood Police Lt. Ken Atkinson said no that claimed John J. Myers, its former bishop ed on admissions by California priest Ruben Connecticut, Kansas, California and Wyoming. one has been ruled out as a suspect. The body and now the archbishop of Newark, failed to Martinez which were made public as part of Source: Colorado Springs Gazette, 8-14-13 was discovered July 23 inside the family’s home keep Thomas J. Maloney away from children. a settlement with abuse victims. Other church Louis Bristol, 28, Carpinteria, CA: 1 year in after the pastor’s wife failed to show up for work According to the suit, the diocese got a 1995 files on abusive clergy were also unsealed. Mar- jail and 5 years’ probation. Bristol, a youth pas- at Hobby Lobby. Sources said she was brutally complaint from a woman that she’d been mo- tinez’s file was more than 500 pages. He was tor at Carpinteria Community Church, admitted stabbed to death and was found on the couch. lested by Maloney, who died in 2009. In 1996, a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary to committing a lewd act on a 14-year-old, hav- The couple filed for bankruptcy in 2010.Source: the suit says, Maloney went on to abuse 8-year- Immaculate and started serving as a priest in ing sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old, giving al.com, 8-10-13 old Andrew Ward, the plaintiff in the case. Ward 1969. marijuana to minors and sending video of him- Alejandro Flores, 40, a Catholic priest con- and at least 3 others were molested by Maloney Martinez, now 72, has a most recent address self masturbating to an adult victim. victed of molesting an 8-year-old boy from St. after the woman came forward, said attorney at the Oblate Mission House in Oakland. He’s The adult woman told authorities Bristol Charles, IL, was deported to his native Bolivia, Jeff Anderson. never been criminally charged. Most of his al- texted her “about not being sexually satisfied by accompanied by 2 immigration agents on a Ward’s mother, Joanne, alleges her son leged abuses weren’t reported until years later. his wife and needing to look elsewhere for sex.” commercial flight. was molested as a second-grader. “Maloney One alleged victim, now 50, got a settlement Source: Santa Barbara Independent, 8-8-13 “Flores held a position of trust in the Catholic molested Andrew once in the church sanctuary in 2007 from the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Uriel Ojeda, 33, Woodland, CA: 8 years in Church and has proven to be an extreme dan- before school and once behind the altar after He told the AP that Martinez took 6 boys to an prison after pleading no contest to molesting ger to our children,” said Ricardo Wong, field of- 10:30 Mass on a Sunday.” Source: northjersey. amusement park, but stopped on the way at an a 13-year-old girl while he was a priest at Holy fice director for ICE’s Chicago Enforcement and com, 8-13-13 apartment. He and another man went inside Rosary Catholic Church in 2007-09. The state Removal Operations. with one of the boys and left the others in the dropped 6 other counts in exchange for the plea. Flores was detained by federal officials after Legal Developments car and didn’t return for several hours. The boy “May God shepherd his people toward heal- The New Mexico Court of Appeals upheld his release from a 4-year prison term. Source: kept sobbing for several hours after he returned, ing and hope,” Sacramento Bishop Jaime Soto the 2008 conviction of Wayne Bent, 72, leader Chicago Tribune, 8-8-13 the man alleged. said in a statement. of The Lord Our Righteousness Church, a re- Glenn Davidowich, 49, Manitowoc, WI, a A 2005 psychiatric assessment in his file Court records show Ojeda entered the girl’s ligious community near Clayton. He was sen- Byzantine Catholic priest, has been laicized af- said Martinez claimed he’d learned to control bedroom when everyone was asleep. She woke tenced to 10 years in prison for sexual mister being on leave since at least 2011 from the his impulses. It said that at age 13 he’d molest- and found him lying next to her and said he conduct with a teenage female follower but ministry over sexual allegations in New Jersey. ed his younger brother and went on to molest touched her in a way that was deemed “sub- was acquitted of molesting her younger sister. The Eparchy of Passaic reached a $200,000 “about 100 male minors.” Source: AP, 8-1-13 stantial sexual conduct.” Source: Catholic News He was alleged to have laid naked in bed with settlement with one of his alleged victims. Email: [email protected] Service, 8-7-13 them separately as part of a spiritual “healing” The eparchy later settled with another al- Ralph Lang, 65, Marshfield, WI: 10 years in process. leged victim, said plaintiff’s lawyer Mitchell Ga- prison for attempted 1st-degree intentional ho- The appeals court had reversed Bent’s con- micide. Lang admitted planning to kill a doctor at victions based on problems with the grand jury a Planned Parenthood clinic in Madison in 2011. indictment. The state Supreme Court reversed “I think what applies to me is we do heaven’s that decision and instructed the appeals court to Sharing the Crank Mail will and not our will,” Lang testified. He said he consider the rest of Bent’s appeal arguments on took to heart a voice he heard at the Necedah remand. Source: Religion Clause, 8-15-13 Shrine that told him any doctor who performs U.S. District Judge Michael Ponsor ruled in FFRF’s formal objection to a “prayer caravan” ment & our country. — Penny Kelley, Lacey’s abortions will be driven insane by God and that Springfield,MA , that international law applies in led by an Alabama school superintendent that Spring, Alabama hell awaits women who abort. a case against evangelical pastor Scott Lively went all day and stopped at all 29 public schools Cullman County Schools “Prayer Caravan”: His sentence will be reduced by about 30 for persecution on the basis of sexual orienta- in the county drew the most wrath last month. What kind of monster would instill the fear in a months for time already served. Source: State tion and gender identity and that the case can child that his personal beliefs are a crime against Journal, 8-6-13 go forward. You are drinking idiocy juice: May God have his country? Your actions are a contributing fac- Ronald W. Brown, 58, Largo, FL: 20 years “Widespread, systematic persecution of LG- mercy on your devil deluded souls. — MRED tor in the growing division of Americans. Take in prison and lifetime supervision after plead- BTI people constitutes a crime against human- You people are ignorant jerks: Christianity is your efforts elsewhere and use them for things ing guilty to possessing and receiving child ity that unquestionably violates international not a religion. It is a family and a way of life. that will bring unity to this country! — Meredith pornography. Brown was an active member of norms,” Posner wrote. There is no constitutional seperation of church Brewster his church’s youth ministry, drove children to The case is being brought by the Center for and state. Jerks like you and the idiotic judges Keep pushing: Keep pushing your Godless church and performed puppet shows there. He Constitutional Rights on behalf of Sexual Minori- who go along with you are hindering the free ways; soon enough, you shall regret it. Eventu- was also featured on a local Christian Television ties of Uganda. The suit alleges that Lively’s ac- exercise of Christianity. You are devil deceived ally, you will anger the wrong person. Only God Network show, “Joy Junction.” tions in Uganda, most notably in promoting the people who will spend eternity in the fires of hell can help you at that point, remember though, A criminal complaint revealed Brown’s de- notorious “Kill the Gays” bill, are a crime against with the devil listening to him laugh at you for you pushed God out, so your on your own. — sire to rape and cannibalize a boy at Gulf Coast humanity. believing his lies. May God have mercy of your Will Garrett Church at Easter: “I imagine him wiggling and Lively, 47, has also been active in Russia, deluded souls. — Edwin Slaten, Alabama Trying to take away our rights to PRAY: I then going still,” Brown said in an Internet chat, where a new law criminalizing gay rights ad- Hello: iam a 4th DEGREE KNIGHT OF CO- have a right to pray and speak anywhere I want where he went on to describe strangling a vocacy was recently passed. His Abiding Truth LUMBUS AND DARN PROUD OF IT. IN CASE to about MY GOD. And y’all can stay in the dark- 3-year-old girl and “snuffing” other children. Ministries is based in Springfield. Source: Cen- YOU FORGOT WE GOT ONE NATION UNDER ness y’all are in and may God have mercy on He also had computer images of children ter for Constitutional Rights, 8-14-13 GOD PUT IN THE PLEDGE OR DID YOU FOR- y’alls souls. I am sick and tired of people try- bound, gagged and blindfolded and solicited John H. Brothers Jr., 44, West Monroe, LA, GET THAT BTW THIS COMMING CHRIST- ing to take away “MY RIGHTS” cause God is photos of dead children online. Source: Huffing- will finally be tried in Colorado after a year’s de- MASS.SEASON WE INTEND TO GET THE in Control and we are not ashamed to stand for ton Post, 7-30-13 lay on accusations he committed 16 counts of NATIVITY IN EVERY MALL AND CITY HALL what we believe. — Betty Green, Hanceville, sexual assault on a child while he was employed PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT Alabama Civil Lawsuits Filed GOD BLESS. — KENNETH BRIGANTI, Florida your Wisconsin division: I just read an article A California man is suing the Catholic Dio- as a teacher at a Christian school in Steamboat Prayer: Why are you so worried about public that stated you are bullying a mother who prays cese of Santa Rosa and St. Mary Immaculate Springs in 2006-08. He also served as a pastor Christian prayer? All other religions are allowed on the steps of her two childrens school every Parish in Lakeport for failing to protect him from at a Baptist church in Yampa before taking a job to practice their faith in public, why not Chris- morning. You cant be serious? She is doing molestation by Fr. Ted Oswald when he was in Henderson, KY, with Hyland Baptist Church. tians? I was raised with school prayer, the 10 what she feels is best for her children. Pushing 16 in 2007. He also faces 2 counts of 1st-degree sexual commandments, Pledge of Alliagence, punish- God out of the public schools is why society is The plaintiff “essentially was being abused abuse in Henderson. ment for when you did something bad & praise so corrupt. — Lisa T. at the same time other people were mounting According to the Steamboat Pilot & Today, for the good things. I was spanked & I received Nerds burn in hell: Take your liberal hippy lawsuits” against Oswald, said his attorney Skye Routt County Sheriff’s Detective T.J. Sisto tes- lots of love also. The way our country is, I’ll take bullshit to another country. Real Americans don’t Daley. The diocese settled an earlier lawsuit, tified at the preliminary hearing that Brothers all the help I can get - pray for me, our govern- want you here. — Cavan Scheer, Minneapolis Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013

Letterbox

Channeling rage at future. Ken Harrison religion constructively Alameda, California Thank you for “Hearing Jack’s Students appreciate Deathbed Confession” [Aug13] by Sarah Jones. It really reso- FFRF scholarships nated with me. I’m 75 (in pretty I recently received an honorable good shape, not dying quite yet). mention in your high school essay con- But like Jack, I was a “cradle” Catholic. test. Thank you for this recognition I left the church at age 32 to become and scholarship. Growing up as one of a Presbyterian. Even though I had Jehovah’s Witnesses, going to college doubts all along the way, I kept trying was never an option. It was the topic to make the God thing work. of disparaging sermons as often as lust, Then, at about age 68, I was brows- sloth or greed were. It was something ing in a bookstore and saw Sam Harris’ foreign and something frightening. The End of Faith. I read it and had to As I grew, the Witness position on Regrets, I’ve had a few say to myself, “Who have you been kid- higher education liberalized, in the ding? You haven’t believed in God for loosest sense of the word. Yet it was still David Vangsness came upon this scene in Oldsmar, Fla., and adds, “The wise a long time. Give it up!” irregular and discouraging for a young man proportions his beliefs to the evidence.” (David Hume) Now, like Jack, I am angry at religion Witness. Gerrit Losch, a member of the and at myself for hanging on for so Governing Body, has even compared long. I am angry at people who use re- going to college to shooting oneself in He seemed uninterested. When we ing would just have to wait six weeks. ligion to keep women down. Religion the head. got home, I sent an email to the main Our tours, train ride and sail down is even used to deny climate change. Having lived all of my life in such manager and a copy to corporate, ask- the Nile River were accompanied by a (God will fix it.} an anti-educational environment, I am ing them to either stop this discrimina- degreed Egyptologist who could read I am trying to channel the rage con- still surprised at the course my life is tory practice or make it available to the the hieroglyphics. I know of no civili- structively. It was comforting to read I now taking. Stepping into such a taboo nonreligious. zation (certainly not as ancient) with was not the only one feeling this way. place is stressful, especially when my I got a call from the manager, Au- such a detailed record of its history. Rosalind McMahon fears of Satan’s influence were replaced tumn Collins, two days later, letting Tombs and temples are full of events California by the more rational fears of student me know that they had discontinued detailed back as long as 4,500 years. loan debt. But thanks to scholarships the church bulletin discount. We had Most of these hieroglyphics are, of Will you still need me like FFRF’s, I don’t have to take out stu- a pleasant discussion. I went by this course, about the plaudits and military dent loans for my freshman year. This morning to verify that the signs were victories of the many kings and queens (when I’m 95)? is a great yoke that has been lifted from removed and they were. and the activities of various gods. I always thought, “Wouldn’t the my back. not by a 2,000-year-old demi- A little win! This background is a base to state organization receive more money if god but by my fellow human beings. Brenda Germain that at no time and at no place was each member paid $40 a year instead I would also like to thank you for North Carolina there even the slightest hint that there of a one-time Lifetime Membership of tirelessly fighting for the separation ever existed any Hebrews (slaves or $1,000?” Then I did the math. of church and state. Before I knew I FFRF’s focus where it otherwise) that might have participat- My 70th birthday is in October. If I was an atheist, even before I was born, ed in an Exodus. Neither was there any pay for a Lifetime Membership, that your organization has been fighting needs to be mention of an Egyptian army being will take me all the way up until I’m 95! every religious group that has illegally I must beg to differ with Allen Cos- drowned in the Red Sea or the sudden Whoops! As you can see, I’m not very stepped across the clear line in the now’s letter in the August issue. I agree deaths of all firstborns. good at math. sand. You have fought not only for that FFRF should focus on nontheism, In the absence of any trace of peo- Here’s my check for $1,000. Thanks freethinkers, but for every religious defense of the Establishment Clause ples in an area where nature preserves for being there! person who doesn’t hold the same be- and fighting discrimination against even the slightest record of presence, Mrs. Pat Hall liefs as the specific groups that push atheists. But I disagree that the other the facts are very conclusive: There California their views into America’s government examples he ticks off are “peripheral” was no Exodus. There were no Jewish, and schools. social issues. On the contrary, they are Christian, Islam patriarchs (i.e., Abra- Student essayists inspire Yes, you fought for my rights even central to FFRF’s mission. ham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses). The when I was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. For instance, the Boy Scouts de- translation of hieroglyphics, with the ex-Jehovah For all this I thank you, mand a profession of theism and effec- aid of computers, came too late to stop I don’t always read the complete es- Aaron McLaughlin tively discriminate against those who the juggernaut of the present mono- says in our beloved fish wrap, but this Georgia refuse to provide it or who openly iden- theistic religions. time I read them all. I was so impressed • • • tify as atheists. The Christian Right, The positive things I gleaned from by the depth of perception of these I want to take a moment to thank you not content for opponents to opt out this trip to Egypt was a firsthand expe- teens. Would that it might have been immensely for the scholarship for sec- of abortion and contraception them- rience of enlightenment for me and that way when I was young. ond place that you awarded me. I can selves, seeks to ban these choices for my grandson and meeting some of the I was bred by a Jehovah’s Witness fa- guarantee that with this scholarship I everyone. Similarly, those who block truly friendly people of Egypt. ther and a truly unemancipated moth- feel motivated and empowered to con- stem cell research and euthanasia on Kelvin Fisher er who tread the party line. My discom- tinue supporting national separation religious grounds are depriving every- Texas fort with the “teachings” began at an of church and state and freethought one of those options. Editor’s note: We asked Mr. Fisher for a early age. and plan to promote them throughout These are examples of precisely what photo to accompany his letter and he replied: I was in the fifth or sixth grade college and life. FFRF should be addressing — standing “Sorry. I have a sad story. We took many (1945 or 1946) when the phrase “un- Emma Conover-Crockett up to anyone, Christian or otherwise, pictures on the trip, but the camera was lost der God” was added to the Pledge of Wisconsin who interferes with our freedom from about mid-trip. My wife is just starting to Allegiance. (How, exactly, does one • • • religion. Suggesting we simply stand talk to us again.” pledge allegiance to a piece of cloth?) Thank you for the generous $300 back and expect these things to be I remember refusing to say those two scholarship for fifth place, as it will “handled one way or another by the Agnostic vs. atheist words. In fact, I “pledged” even more help me in my journey in higher edu- zeitgeist” is no more productive than loudly so that my refusal to say the new cation. praying or anticipating deliverance by discussion continues phrase would be more obvious. Alas, Kamila Buscavage a messiah. I’d like to offer the following as a who noticed? Virginia Joan Reisman-Brill friendly rebuttal to Robert Stephens’ I was 12 when asked to sign a blue New York letter [Aug13] “Agnostic shouldn’t be card indicating my “free choice” to Complaint stops church a four-letter word.” adopt Jehovah’s will. I refused and No hint of Exodus by We all recognize, of course, the eventually became completely es- bulletin discount name of the revered American orator tranged from my father. My “fellow I had a small success against church ancient Egyptians Robert Ingersoll, also known as “The traveler” mother always kept in contact bulletin discounts. On Aug. 20, my My grandson from Milwaukee and I Great Agnostic.” From that sobriquet, with me but would never discuss with husband and I went to our local Texas recently made a trip to Egypt. We spent people may assume that Ingersoll was me the merits of the mythology. I left Roadhouse for dinner and were greet- nine incredible days in Cairo, Giza, unsure about the existence of God and Southern California as soon as I could, ed at the door by signs advertising a Luxor and Aswan. preferred to suspend judgment. and even to this day (I am almost 77), I 10% discount on Sundays for guests In light of all the recent violence Ingersoll himself, however, refuted do not like to go back there. with church bulletins. there, our family was unanimous in that simplified description of an agnos- How much less painful my child- On our way out, we complained objecting to our trip. But we had al- tic. In the biography Robert Ingersoll — hood might have been if I had had the to the evening manager, informing ready done our homework and there A Life, Frank Smith writes: support of people such as these essay- him that this practice was illegal, not was never a Plan B. For Mike, summer “Although he generally allowed ists. They give us great hope for the to mention offensive to nontheists. school and a degree in civil engineer- himself to be called an agnostic . . . September 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

of all sects and non-religious people proportion in the general population (about 30 percent of the population) [Aug13] and therefore reflects a high- to pay for their fire protection, road er morality by those not burdened with maintenance, public health and hu- superstition, I ask that we not sink to man services costs and much more. the level of so many of the religious It is estimated that $213 million of population who accept that something religious property in St. Louis County is true because they want it to be so. is not taxed, according to county Tax Because the data cited in the article Division Manager Brandon Larson. are based on self-identification of re- Religious institutions are nonprofit ligious preference by individuals, we and thereby avoid federal taxation as need to exercise a modicum of skepti- well (which is also unconstitutional). cism. Speaking for myself (but proba- As St. Louis County Auditor and bly others), if I were to be incarcerated Treasurer Donald Dicklich noted in a with lots of poorly educated criminals commentary in response to the News whose prejudices likely often manifest Tribune’s editorial, it is up to our state themselves in violence, I would keep legislators to set property tax boundar- my atheism in the closet. ies. I hope atheists are not expected to Nonprofits pay for water and elec- be unusually brave, or foolhardy. I have tricity; they ought to pay for other ser- read of many courageous atheists but vices, too. That can be accomplished if not of any who would risk their survival fees for services in lieu of taxes were es- by being open in prisons about their tablished. If legislators would do that it nonbelief. would bring religious institutions into I should note that, despite the above compliance with the Minnesota Con- and based on personal observation, I stitution’s Article I, Section 16 (“Nor do believe that atheists are much less shall any man be compelled to attend, likely to engage in criminal activity erect or support any place of worship,” than the general religious population it reads. “Nor shall any money be drawn — but I can’t prove it. from the treasury for the benefit of any Lester Goldstein religious societies.” Currently, both Washington these restrictions are being violated. Actually, there is no constitutional Devilnitions (Sectuality) reason for religions to escape any taxation, so fee-for-service is really not Absolution: Sects’ therapy. needed. Cathedral: Site for sects with altar All state citizens will see a reduc- boys. tion in their taxes if we call on our city, Charismatics: Compulsive sects. county and state officers and legisla- Child Evangelism: Introducing tors to set the tax laws straight. youngsters to sects. Mel & Pal in Montana And morally, religions will want to Clergy: Sects professionals. “It is amazing, Pal, what the human mind has conjured up about religion over pay for services they receive. Faith healing: Hands-on sects. thousands of years. First, they conjured up a paradise, then to keep their William van Druten Fundamentalists: Sects by the Book. followers in line, they came up with a hell, a scourge that has been on the backs Minnesota Holy Rollers: Wild sects. of so many people for so long. It was a very clever ploy.” [Mel Pendleton says Infidels: Forbidden sects. he and Pal were enjoying Mark Twain’s insights on the folly of faith.] Alabaman: Don’t let up Jehovah’s Witnesses: Sects on the doorstep. on religious bullies Pat Robertson/bin Laden: Sects’ of- Thank you for exposing the illegal fenders. Ingersoll called himself an atheist. . . only I know the sole way for everybody Christian indoctrination that “Pastor Rapture: A promise of sects. . In a moment of complete candor . . . to live. To prove this, I have almost Billy” [a public school superintendent] Scriptures: Sect’s manuals. he did admit publicly: “The Agnostic is 2,000 years of individual torture, mur- is promoting using public funds. My Tithing: Paying for Sects. an Atheist. The Atheist is an Agnostic. der, cultural destruction and language daughter is a graduate of Cold Springs JB Kennedy The Agnostic says, ‘I do not know, but annihilation to my credit. High School in Cullman County, California I do not believe there is any God.’ The Do I have an ethics problem? Thank where we still live. She was tormented Atheist says the same. The orthodox you. mercilessly at times because we are not Odd Swill Christian says he knows there is a god; Sincerely, churchgoers or “buybull” believers. but we know that he does not know. He The Pope (all of them) Keep after them! I have made a If you hear a parson simply believes.’” P.S.: I also own billions of dollars small donation to your Foundation. Touting “God’s Will,” Smith continues: “Ingersoll was far worth of property on which I pay no Name withheld It is clear that person ahead of his contemporaries, and also taxes. Alabama Is spouting god-swill. ahead of some of today’s atheists who Madison Arnold D. Mawnik don’t understand these important dis- New York All together now: California tinctions.” David Quintero Tenneesee thanks for ‘Amen and Awomen’ Burt’s bull’s-eye to California In this day and age, it is important • • • stopping Gideons for us freethinkers to strive for equal- Marines spot on A letter [Aug13] stated that the Congratulations on the building ex- ity for all, and to stop discrimination, I sent this email to the U.S. Marine agnostic position should get more re- pansion and thank you for the Action especially between men and women. Corps: I am Burt Hackett [mailing spect because “You can’t prove that Alerts to FFRF members in the Cross- Thus we are constantly confronted by address]. I am a qualified veteran of God does not exist.” The fallacy of that ville, Tenn., Cumberland County area our pastors quoting to us I Timothy World War II and a former Marine. is that there is no such thing as a bur- concerning distribution of Gideons 2:11-12: “Let the woman learn in si- I served from Jan. 1, 1947, to Jan. 1, den of DISproof to be foised on the bibles in the classroom. lence with all subjection. For I suffer 1950. I was 18 when I enlisted. I hold skeptic. The expansion is beautiful and I not a woman to teach, nor to usurp the Good Conduct Medal. I was a To prove that a thing does not ex- hope to visit someday! authority over the man, but to be in member of the 2nd Division, 10th Ma- ist, one would have to search the entire Renee Morris silence.” rine Regiment. universe, clearly an impossible task. (teacher, atheist, vegetarian/vegan, I feel that a strong approach to re- I want to back up the letter [from Expecting the skeptic to take on an im- one dog!) fute such God-given discrimination, FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel] possible task is unreasonable. Tennessee and to equalize women with men, is you received about judging a Marine Lee Helms to close all our prayers with, “Let us by his faith or no faith in some kind of Michigan Ably making the case all say, Amen and Awomen.” Most cer- a god. There is absolutely no empirical • • • tainly that will raise women to the same evidence that any sort of god exists. The Sunday New York Times Maga- for taxing churches level as men, whether God approves or I was on the rifle team at Camp zine publishes a column entitled “The This letter was printed July 27 in the Du- not. Lejeune, where we shot the M1 .30-cali- Ethicist” in which people ask for advice luth News Tribune. Ted Utchen ber rifle with open sights at 600 yards. on ethical dilemmas or whatever. I sent “Stop those who take advantage” by Illinois Those who believed in God hit the them the following last week. avoiding property tax payments, the bulls-eye with the same accuracy as Dear Ethicist: News Tribune opined on July 18. Not ‘Atheists in prison’ those who did not believe in God. I am the head of Western Civiliza- mentioned, though, was the avoidance Back off and back the U.S. Constitu- tion’s longest surviving international by nonprofit institutions, religious and statistic questionable tion. organization of misogynistic, anti-Se- otherwise. As much as I’d like to believe that Best Regards, Cpl. Burt Hackett mitic, tyranny-supporting, homopho- By not paying their share, religions the proportion of atheists in U.S. fed- Burt Hackett bic child rapists. I believe that I and and other nonprofits force citizens eral prisons is far below that of their Pennsylvania Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013 ‘Cyclist: Your God is not great!’

No. 38 out of 2,500), and Team Cone- the first time he has done this. in a bike ride that is not specifically head raised $33,000. I asked the photography vendor sponsored by a religious institution. I During our primary training ride, management to consider the follow- did not pay to be preached at, and I’m the Elephant Rock ride in Castle Rock, ing: I would like this person counseled also certain that all of the other audi- Colo., something interrupted my en- that there are many people on this ride ences I mentioned did not pay for or joyment of the day. One of the photog- who represent Christianity, Islam, Hin- expect this treatment. rapher’s assistants couldn’t resist pros- duism, other believers and nonbeliev- The message apparently hit home. elytizing. I’m riding by, and to help me ers, a whole range of diversity that does The photographer’s assistant ceased remember which group of bicyclists not necessarily embrace “his” God. his proselytizing on our main ride of my photo would appear in online, he My suggestion was that he be asked the year. shouted out, “Remember the letter G to keep his religion to himself where — like God is great!” it belongs: in his own church, his own Craig Mason is an IT technical support As an atheist, I am completely con- home or his own head. It has no place professional who lives in Colorado. vinced that “God is not great,” and I really did not want to be reminded what believers care about. I was there for the bike ride and it was my day off. The route included many Craig Mason is usually not one churches, one of which spon- to point fingers, but deserves the sored a rest stop and photos. So attention for raising more than $7,000 I’m certainly reminded of his for charity. “God” daily, and I didn’t need to be reminded by the photography By Craig Mason provider of their gods. “Your God is not great!” I replied to him as a rider went by Each year I fund-raise for the me and heard what I had said. fight against multiple sclerosis by form- She thanked me for saying some- ing a team of wacky adventurers called thing. Team Conehead to participate in a (His commentary on the let- 150-mile bicycling event over two days. ter “J” gets even more prophetic This year, in my 23rd year of bicycling, — Jesus, Joseph, Jehoshaphat — I raised just over $7,000 (ranking me you get the picture). This is not Captain Conehead, aka Craig Mason, sitting, front and center. High school honorable mention essays

Continued from page 16 offend any of the religious students Seeking true THERAN $WAG.” with my lack of belief. But I longed for a place where I In literature classes in particular, tolerance didn’t have to face that isolation, a I felt ostracized daily due to the high place that I could speak openly about amount of religious content in our my beliefs, a place where people were reading and discussions. The worst of tolerant. it was telling my friends that I was athe- I may not believe in God, but I be- ist. That word is like a curse to some lieve that our society has the potential of them, and they have never looked to reach the point of true religious tol- at me in the same way again. Fights erance. I believe that we are capable have broken out in our social circle of creating a world where no children over disagreements involving religion. have to be told that they’re going to Friendships have been strained or even heaven or hell unless they truly believe severed. it themselves. I believe that someday, it Perhaps even worse than losing will not matter what someone believes friends is losing family. My family is By Zofia Warpeha in our seemingly secular society. very traditional and both of my parents It may take awhile, but I have faith. are religious, but they are open-minded about my atheism. My grandfather Zofia Warpeha, 18, Princeton, Minn., is isn’t. I am going to hell. At least, according attending The New School for Jazz and Con- it caused my young eyes to finally open I eventually learned to fight back to what I have been told. While grow- temporary Music and Eugene Lang College to the problems with religion. The against discrimination at school and ing up in a small town in rural Minne- in New York City to pursue degrees in jazz older I got, the more comfortable I be- home. Using logic, I am able to reduce sota, my inevitable journey to that fiery violin performance and liberal arts. “I’m came with the idea that people practic- the constant bombardment of ques- place after death was a frequent topic very involved in various musical ensembles ing religion needed it to explain things tions from my grandfather, and our of discussion. and enjoy working at my local farmers’ mar- they didn’t understand, like little kids relationship is slowly getting better. As The phrase “religious tolerance” ket, selling honey and maple syrup produced need the tooth fairy and the stork. for school, for a year I was the president was always tossed around in my com- on my family’s farm.” The problem was that I had to keep of the Parkview branch of the Secular munity. To most people in my school, my beliefs hidden away. I was a closet Student Alliance. We are the only high to be tolerant was to accept that people atheist until I was a sophomore in high school in Georgia to have one, and I had the right to be wrong. For some, it Mom: No Christmas school. For years I had been faking could not be more thankful for it. also meant that people had the right to reasons why I did not want to or could It serves as a nonjudgmental envi- know that they were wrong. It became gift for you not go to church. One day my mother ronment for venting, for discussion or easier with time, but it wasn’t always a finally called me out. debate and for open-minded thinking. simple task to tolerate the tolerance. By Sarah Sprenger It was then I learned how much my We promote equality throughout the In high school, there weren’t as parents disliked my views. Because I school between all religious and non- many teenagers who wanted to save did not believe in a logical fallacy, be- religious beliefs, encouraging toler- my soul. Most matured and became When I was an infant and unable cause I believe in science over stories, ance and acceptance rather than alien- more tolerant, and I became more ac- to speak, my parents (34 and 45 years and because I am able to come up with ation. I plan to carry those values with cepting. I accepted prayers said before my senior) took the liberty of baptizing my own solutions and conclusions, I me throughout my life as a freethinker. extracurricular competitions, contem- me into the Lutheran Church without was a disappointment. porary Christian music in our public asking me if that was what I wanted. I The year I came out of the closet, Lindsey Foster, 17, was born in Tucker, school choir and the fact that I would went along with it until I was about 7, my mother told me she was not go- Ga., and is attending Georgia State Uni- never fit into the group that I tried to when the pastor’s madcap wife threat- ing to get me anything for Christmas. versity to major in music education. She hang out with, the people who had at- ened me with a machete for disrupting Christmas is a Christian holiday, so why was a section leader in marching band and tended youth group together for years the sermon. would an atheist want to celebrate it? symphonic band and a member of Modern and that showed up to school with Though that’s not a story my par- Continued on next page Music Masters, the music honor society. identical shirts emblazoned with “LU- ents (or many others) tend to believe, September 2013 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23

Meet a Member

Name: Christina Schanda. Where I live: Forsyth, Mo., about 15 minutes from Branson. Where and when I was born: San Clemente, Calif., in 1967. My parents moved back to “the boot heel” of Missouri shortly after I was born and insisted I go with them. Family: My daughter Jordan and her husband Joey live about an hour away in Springfield. My son Jett is a high school sophomore. My sister and her family live three miles away and my parents live next door. We’re very close, literally and figuratively. Education: Forsyth School, K-12. Graduated from Florida State University School of Theatre in 1989. Occupation: I do bookkeeping for my dad’s dental practice from my home office and work as dental assistant for him part time. I also enjoy painting and writing, but those “jobs” don’t pay the bills. I do the first two things so I can do the other two things. How I got where I am today: It was pretty rough raising my kids in a little town [pop. 2,300] where it’s just accepted that that kids would come home from school with religious material and that some teachers are going to ask your kids if they attend church. After years of incidents involving the school and more trips complaining to the administration than I can count, I finally started referring to myself as a atheist and demanding that laws be followed. After my daughter graduated, I started working with my friend, an editor and magician of the printed word on some of my experiences. I uploaded my collection of short stories Christina-anity about a year ago and had a few hard copies printed this year. Even though the stories are fiction (lots of creative license has been taken with facts and names), they contain enough truth to get the point across. And of course, in a little town, you can change the names, but everyone knows whom you’re talking about. Self-publishing has given me a lot of gratification since I’m the obvious minority. Since coming out and publishing my short stories, several things have changed. First, I have been shocked at how many people have come to me privately and told me how much they admire my courage to be an out atheist in a small town. They have told me stories of how they would lose their jobs/families if they even alluded to not being religious, but they feel satisfaction at seeing me call out the bullying of the religious majority here. That makes me feel bad for them, but I have really come to appreciate my situation since it allows me to be exactly who I am. Second, I have connected with a lot of freethinkers in the process. That in- Christina Schanda’s Christina-anity, available as an eBook at amazon.com, is a cludes Springfield Freethinkers and Branson Freethinkers, my Facebook and collection of pithy essays about growing up atheist in the bible belt. She was Twitter groups/friends and, of course, freethought books and publications like profiled in an interesting feature (‘Heathen’ takes on hell — with humor) in Freethought Today. Without them, I’m not sure I would have felt like I had February 2012 in the Springfield News-Leader, which declined FFRF’s request enough peer support to be the “town atheist.” to reprint the article. My family has always been supportive, even though I know they have experi- enced some negative fallout from my little book project. Otherwise, it would have been hard for me to put my real name on it. Finally, since I am out so openly now, I have had several people come to me and tell me they thought they were the only nonbeliever in the area. I like being able to help those people connect with other like minds. From Christina-anity Most people don’t know that there are groups in the area and online opportunities and groups that they can join anonymously. I think it’s really important to Christina-anity’s saints feel like part of the freethought community without having to jeopardize one’s job and personal relationships. Heath Ledger, Shakespeare, Charles Darwin, Jim Morrison, Albert Einstein, A quotation I like: “I now consider myself a ‘dry’ Baptist.” (Said my father, Ed Kurt Cobain, Freddie Mercury, Divine [the late actor Harris Milstead, associated Schanda, son of a Baptist minister.) with filmmaker John Waters], Christopher Hitchens. These are a few of my favorite things: Anything Tim Minchin. Lists. “The Daily Show.” Slimming pants. Bill Maher. Free beer. Christina’s 12 disciples These are not: Toe shoes. Sarah Palin. Kirk Cameron. Tardiness. Litterbugs. Jimmy Fallon, Cartman [“South Park” character], Tim Minchin, Andy Sam- My doubts about religion started: When I ar- berg, Kathy Griffin, Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, Betty White, Stephen Colbert, Ricky gued with my parents about the ability of the Eas- Gervais, Tina Fey, Seth MacFarlane. ter Bunny to slip under a door. At that point, they knew they had a skeptic on their hands. I think I was about 7. Her religious holiday I wish you’d have asked me: What’s been your favorite freethought event thus far? I had the time of my life at the Reason Rally in Washington, D.C. I went with Dionys-mus. Each Jan. 28, Christina-ists will in the ritual of drink, song and my daughter and met up with some like minds from the Branson and Springfield dance celebrating the fruits of the nonvirgin mother’s labor in 1967 and also the groups. It was a blast. The weather didn’t cooperate the day of the event, but it losing of Christina’s virginity in 1985. This is a truly nondenominational holiday. was still a great experience. I hope to go again someday. I think it made a huge Nonconverts welcomed. statement in this country about the rise of reason.

High school honorable mention essays

Continued from previous page Hitchens for a logic class, I agreed with atheists and freethinkers are endan- the rights granted in the First Amend- Of course there are other problems his statement that religion is asserted gering their practices, taking away ment, which forbids laws establishing with being a freethinker. One of them without evidence. When I got my essay their freedom of religion. But in all an official religion. is that my freedom of speech is strictly back after swapping for peer revision, actuality, it’s the opposite. Many free- opposed. I have the right to say what everything claiming religion was false thinkers do not want to get involved in Sarah Sprenger, 18, Lake Orion, Mich., I want, but many people will try to re- was crossed out or changed and in- religion at all, only wanting to go about graduated magna cum laude and is attend- press that right — not just my parents cluded with my peer’s comments were their business and exploring how the ing Michigan State University to major in or people of their age group, but also the words, “What makes you think this world really is. plant biology and statistics. She participat- some members of my own generation. is an OK thing to write?” Just because I do not believe in a ed in Peer Corps (seniors and juniors men- In an essay about Christopher Many religious people claim that god doesn’t mean that I don’t deserve toring freshman). Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2013 Photo: Andrew L. Seidel FFRF opposes change in Wis. constitution Photo: Andrew L. Seidel

Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott

Wisconsin’s Religious Right lobby has introduced a dangerous bill, As- sembly Joint Resolution 43 and Senate Joint Resolution 38, to amend the state Constitution and tamper with the ring- ing language of Article 1, Section 18. FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott testified (below) Aug. 20 against the amendment before the Senate Com- mittee on Judiciary and Labor: FFRF celebrates Women’s Equality Day Joint Resolution 38 poses substantial FFRF’s female staffers participated in the 93rd anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States. The 19th problems for the state of Wisconsin. Amendment, first proposed by agnostic and feminist foremother Elizabeth Cady Stanton, was drafted by Stanton but This change has no regard for how not adopted until 1920, 18 years after her death. Pictured in front of “Forward” (a reproduction of Jean Miner’s 1891 well our religious protections have Columbian Exposition statue embodying Wisconsin’s state motto) at the Capitol are (from left) Staff Attorney Liz Cavell, functioned. The substance of Article Publicist Lauryn Seering, Membership Director Jackie Douglas, Journalism Intern Sarah Eucalano, Summer Office 1, Section 18 has been unchanged for Assistant Julie Solberg, Director of Operations Lisa Strand, Office Assistant Dayna Long (also newly elected president 165 years, since Wisconsin’s 1848 Con- of Wisconsin NOW), Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert, FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. Not pictured: stitution. It explicitly protects from in- Bookkeeper Katie Daniel. (By the way, Annie Laurie and her mother, Anne Gaylor, FFRF president emerita, led the terference with rights of conscience. protest to “Save Ms. Forward” in the early 1990s when a backward governor suggested putting the statue in the Capitol To amend Section 18 permanently, basement.) particularly when the amendment is unquestionably vague, is an insult to the founding document of our state. Where is the ‘choice?’ Supporters of this constitutional amendment claim that it only is restat- ing current judicial opinions. This is Catholic schools win big in not true. The wording in the amendment is expansive. It turns a shield into a sword. A protection is now something that can be wielded against others. The Wisconsin voucher scheme amendment includes any purported burden on conscience, not just substantial burdens. A person may allege Under Wisconsin’s regrettable ex- sion of the state program.” any trivial burden and could violate pansion of school vouchers, Christian 67% were already State Rep. Sondy Pope, a voucher the law as long as religion was used as a schools were the only winners, and attending private critic, said, “The voucher program is justification. It also covers indirect bur- more than 80% are Catholic. Every no longer providing the escape option dens, which reaches a wide gamut of one of the 25 schools announced in schools. from a failing public school; it has be- lawful state actions. Each person would August is a Christian school: 18 Cath- come a new state entitlement program be a law unto themselves. olic, four Lutheran and three nonde- that will cost taxpayers and directly The consequences in changing nominational Christian schools. “Where is the ‘choice’ in that?” compete with our constitutionally re- Section 18 will be far reaching. The The Legislature and Gov. Scott asked Gaylor. quired public school system.” wording is so broad that any state en- Walker radically expanded vouchers Under the new statewide scheme, FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott forcement, state statutes, and local statewide in the 2013-15 budget. It’s the 25 schools receiving the most ap- said, “Under the state’s system, only ordinances would be impacted. Pro- expected that an average of $192.5 plicants will receive a tuition voucher select religious schools were able to tections from discrimination in places million in taxpayer funds will be spent worth $6,442 per enrolled student. garner a high number of student ap- of public accommodation, housing, each year on vouchers during the 2013- One chosen school in Madison, plicants. The U.S. and Wisconsin Con- and employment could be gutted. The 15 budget cycle. Lighthouse Christian, apparently will stitutions do not allow for preferential expanse of the provision would reach In August, the Wisconsin Depart- be teaching creationism, compliments treatment to religion, which includes schools, correctional institutions, and ment of Public Instruction randomly of state taxpayers. the prohibition against majority-rule law enforcement, including prosecu- chose 500 students to fill the openings. Noted Wisconsin State Journal col- funding schemes like this.” tion for possession of illegal drugs. Contrary to pro-voucher propagan- umnist Chris Rickert: The number of vouchers will in- All areas of public policy would be da claiming the expansion would give “[T]here is one bright line past crease to 1,000 next year. Vouchers in impacted, including a person’s right lower-income public school students a which no public dollars should cross; Wisconsin were initially limited to Mil- to obtain medications. A pharmacist “choice,” only a quarter of participat- it’s the line between schools that teach waukee but were expanded to Racine could claim he has no duty to refer ing students will come from public stu- evolution and schools that shun evolu- in 2011. Milwaukee’s voucher program to an alternative provider if the phar- dents. More than two-thirds (76%) of tion for ‘intelligent design,’ creation- started with 341 students in 1990 and macist objects to filling a doctor’s pre- applicants did not attend public school ism or some such similar religiously now has nearly 25,000 students, with scription. A student not wanting to last year, and 67% were already attending based nonsense that warps kids’ minds over 21,000 of them attending religious take a biology exam would be exempt- private schools. and leaves them ill-prepared for re- schools. ed because of her creationist beliefs. “It’s appalling that taxpayer funding sponsible citizenship.” “This voucher program is being This amendment is a solution to a is going to provide Christian education Rickert added, “Thoughtful people used as an inroad into completely fund- problem that does not exist. It changes to students already attending these reli- should be disturbed that Madison’s ing religious education with taxpayer our original 1848 establishment clause giously segregated and unaccountable Lighthouse Christian School is among money. Vouchers must be stopped, not and free exercise protections. The parochial schools,” said Annie Laurie those eligible to take voucher students expanded,” said Gaylor. amendment must be rejected. Gaylor, FFRF co-president. under the Legislature’s recent expan-