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Vol. 28 No. 4 Published by the Freedom From Foundation, Inc. May 2011

FFRF launches ‘virtual billboards’ to put faces on freethought Calling all nonbelievers out of the closet! The Freedom From Religion Found- so far has visited Madison, Wis., is up population, many Americans have casing friendly neighborhood atheists ation is inviting nonbelievers every- currently in the Raleigh-Durham Tri- never knowingly met a nonbeliever,” and agnostics, who are the best adver- where to “come out of the closet” and angle of North Carolina, and will FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gay- tisement for freethought.” to declare and share their nonbelief launch in several other cities soon. lor points out. “Our ‘Out of the Closet’ It’s working for the gay rights move- via FFRF’s unique new online “virtual “Although we can’t put everyone on campaign aims to remedy that by show- Continued on page 12 billboard” application. a real billboard, every nonbeliever can Help dispel myths, educate and pro- participate in this unique ‘cyberboard’ mote reason by adding your voice, face campaign,” explains FFRF Co-Presi- ‘No law’ should mean no law and message to FFRF’s friendly neigh- dent Dan Barker, a former minister borhood freethinker campaign. and author of Godless. FFRF, the largest atheist-agnostic as- The interactive campaign was an- FFRF seeks rehearing on sociation in the U.S. with more than nounced in late April. “We’re proud 16,500 members, first debuted its per- that the very first person to submit a sonalized public relations “Out of the ‘cyberboard’ was , Closet” campaign on bus signs and bill- who knows the value of coming out of Day of Prayer ruling boards last fall. the closet,” Barker adds. The inviting ads feature individual “Although the nonreligious — in- A three-judge panel of the 7th Cir- Religion Foundation and its plaintiffs nonbelievers, their views and their fac- cluding one in six U.S. citizens — are cuit U.S. Court of Appeals in don’t have standing to continue their es. The “Out of the Closet” campaign a significant segment of the world ruled April 14 that the Freedom From historic challenge of the National Day of Prayer. The 1952 congressional act declared a National Day of Prayer and requires the president to issue an an- Paul Gaylor dies nual proclamation exhorting citizens to pray. Paul J. Gaylor Photo: Brent Nicastro FFRF is filing for a rehearing, an en (“Jody”), 84, died banc review, by the entire 7th Circuit. on May 5, 2011, of The three-judge panel overturned brain cancer. He the strong April 2010 ruling by U.S. was married for District Judge Barbara Crabb in favor 61 years to Anne of FFRF. Crabb enjoined President Nicol Gaylor, Obama from issuing a prayer procla- FFRF president mation last year, but stayed her order emerita. Jody was pending his appeal. a member of the Crabb, in ruling the National Day of Board of Directors and previously Prayer unconstitutional, had reasoned: served on FFRF’s governing Execu- “In this instance, the government has tive Council. He was a plaintiff in taken sides on a matter that must be left FFRF’s ongoing challenge of the to individual conscience.” Crabb add- National Day of Prayer. ed, “The same law that prohibits the Jody was the principal FFRF government from declaring a National volunteer for its first 20 years — Day of Prayer also prohibits it from de- opening mail, filling book and claring a National Day of Blasphemy.” sales orders, and was legendary for Crabb noted a National Day of Prayer surprising staff with freshly baked was no more within the purview of gov- cookies. A retrospective will run in ernment to declare than encouraging the next issue. Cards or notes may “citizens to fast during the month of reach Anne c/o FFRF, PO Box 750, FFRF placed 80 exterior ads, including the one above, on buses in Washington, Ramadan, attend a synagogue, purify Madison, WI 53701. D.C., in late April, plus 100 interior ads and four metro dioramas, timed to themselves in a sweat lodge or practice make a statement on the National Day of Prayer on May 5. Continued on page 8 Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011 Meet a (Trekkie) Member ‘It is only logical’

meet new people and learn about dif- ferent cultures, curling up with a good read on a rare Arizona rainy day, dogs and animals of all kinds, movies and, of Susan Sackett course, chocolate! These are not: Chaos (disorganized might say, “It is only logical.” I cannot people and situations); people who find any good evidence for the exis- “believe” and never question anything, tence of any , so I am “without a and don’t want to. ” — an atheist. My doubts about religion started: Ways I promote freethought: FFRF Sorry to say, but not until I was well member since 1995 (and Life Member, into adulthood. I probably was a non- courtesy of Dr. Harold Saferstein, since believer, but didn’t realize it until 2007). I’m on the board of directors of Gene Roddenberry shared a copy of the American Humanist Association Asimov’s Guide to the Bible with me. It and was president of our local chapter, struck a chord with me. I’d been hav- the Humanist Society of Greater Phoe- ing dialogues with Gene about religion nix, for 11 years, retiring this year to and belief since 1974, when I first be- give others a chance to continue what gan working with him. So it was a grad- I began. I also travel the country giving ual thing. Being Jewish, I didn’t have to talks on “Humanism in ‘Star Trek,’ ” give up a Trinity ­— I was only one god discussing the show and how Gene away from being a freethinker! used it to promote his humanist and Why I’m a freethinker: As Mr. Spock freethought values. Atheist in Foxhole

Susan Sackett and Gene Roddenberry not long before he died in 1991.

Name: Susan Sackett. py series of circumstances ­— being in Where I live: Scottsdale, Ariz. the right place at the right time, get- Where and when I was born: New ting to know the right people and per- York City, Dec. 18, 1943. severance! Family: Jan Wright, my compan- Where I’m headed: I will continue ion. He is also my best friend. I have a to write when the opportunity pre- golden retriever named Kali, and since sents itself, although I am enjoying my I lost a beloved dog this year, I’ll be retirement! And I’ll continue volun- looking to rescue a German shepherd- teer work to advance humanism and mix soon. freethought. Education: Hillhouse High School, Person in history I admire and why: New Haven, Conn.; University of Flori- Dare I say it? Gene Roddenberry, my da-Gainesville, bachelor of arts, master mentor, for his optimism, faith in hu- of education. manity and a brighter future for us all. Occupation: Writer, former televi- A quotation I like: “Keep an open sion and film production associate for mind, but not so open that your brains Gene Roddenberry of “Star Trek.” I fall out.” (Carl Sagan) worked with him for 17 years until his These are a few of my favorite things: death in 1991. Travel to new places and the chance to How I got where I am today: A hap- “Atheist in Foxhole” awardee Sgt. Justin Griffith stands with his new daughter Zoe. Justin exposed state-church violations at his Army base in Fort Bragg, N.C. To read more about the July 3­-5 Lake Hypatia Advance speakers, see page 5.

A Note to Send Us Your Freethought Today Subscribers published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. Address Change P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 Your address label shows the expi- (608)256-5800 • FAX (608)204-0422 ration date of your membership in Promptly! FFRF, which includes your subscrip- [email protected] • ffrf.org tion to Freethought Today and “Private Don’t miss a single issue! If you Editor: Bill Dunn Line.” If your label shows May or ear- move, notify us directly and Executive Editor: lier, your sub­scription has ex­pired. Your promptly. The Post Office does Contributing Editor: Dan Barker prompt re­newal ($40-single member­ ­ not forward third-class mail. ship; $50-household; $100 sustaining; Production Editor: Scott Colson FFRF cannot be responsible $25-student) saves us time and post­ Assistant Editor: Bonnie Gutsch for replacing back issues if we age, and is tax-deductible. (Sub­­­­scrip­­­ Contributors: Philip Appleman, Yip Harburg, have not been notified prior to tion-only is $20/ year.) Free­­­thought To- Mike Konopacki, Roger Rollin day is published 10 times a year, with your move. Back issues, while combined issues in Jan/Feb and June/ they last, may be ordered for $2 May 2011 July. Send to FFRF, Box 750, Madison each. The only freethought newspaper in the WI 53701. May 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3 Tulsa chapter members register to perform weddings

Dry behind the ears Ken Proulx, a Wisconsin Lifetime Member who turns 87 in July, says: “I wish I had had this DeBaptismal Certificate 50 years ago to show my grandfather. He died an angry man, insisting that I could never leave the Catholic Church.” FFRF debuted the certificates last month. Two gold-sealed and embossed certificates on parchment, personally signed by FFRF’s Dan Barker, are $5. Order from FFRF, Attn: DeBaptism, Box 750, Madison WI 53701. After the minimum order of two for $5, additional copies going to the same address are $2 apiece. You may also order them online here as well as download a free color version: ffrf.org/news/timely-topics/debaptismal-certificate/

FFRF Tulsa chapter President Randy Bradley holds a marriage certificate. “The FFRF welcomes 21 new chapter was interested in making sure that the county was not reserving any special privileges for superstitious nonsense. We felt that religious affiliation should not reserve special privileges for anyone.” Lifers, one After-Lifer

Nontheists wanting to say “I do” hesiveness associated with being mar- The Freedom From Religion Found- setts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, without clergy involvement in Tulsa ried by a person who’s a member of ation is delighted to announce 21 new Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, County, Okla., may now do so, thanks one’s group. Lifetime Members and one new After- Washington and British Columbia, to members of FFRF’s Tulsa chapter. FFRF’er Ron McDaniel’s research Lifer. . “Up until now, the religious commu- of the state statute led Dusenberry to New Lifetime Members are Paul Individual Lifetime Members are nity has had a monopoly on who can the county, because Oklahoma makes Amoroso, Aaron Arres, David Ball, $1,000 designated as a membership officiate at weddings,” Bill Dusenberry, counties the final arbiters. The coun- A.J. Bushnell, Guy T. Craig, Duane Da- or renewal, and mean never another an FFRF member and coordinator of ty Court Clerk’s Office accepted the miano, Carl de Boor, Mike Franklin renewal notice. After-Life Member- the Tulsa Coalition of Reason, told the Tulsa FFRF chapter as the equivalent (gift from Dr. Harold Saferstein), Su- ships of $5,000 are the slightly tongue- Tulsa World. of an ordaining organization for the san Grumbaum (gift from Dr. Harold in-cheek category for those who want Randy Bradley, president of FFRF’s purpose of approving celebrants. FFRF Saferstein), Jeremy M. Harris, Laura their contribution “to live after them.” Tulsa chapter; William Poire, FFRF member Larry Roth designed the re- Humphrey (through CFC pledge), Memberships and donations of any member and president of the Atheist quired letterhead stationery. Karl Kurz, Candace Lang, Jim Pen- amount are deductible for income tax Community of Tulsa; and Dusenberry Jason Jones, supervisor of the Fam- nington, Ric Sayre, Stacey Schwingle, purposes. registered April 28 with the county to ily Division in the Court Clerk’s Office, Harold Stephens, Michael Ware, Peter Warmest appreciation to Hal Safer- officiate at weddings. said the three FFRF applicants present- Wendel, Al Wendler and Jeffrey White stein for gifting three Lifetime Mem- Poire said it’s the first time cel- ed letters stating they met that orga- (gift from Dr. Harold Saferstein). berships and welcome to his friends, ebrants approved by FFRF were regis- nization’s requirements as celebrants. Karl Kurz most generously sent in Jeffrey, Susan and Mike. FFRF thanks tered. Dusenberry, who led the effort, “That’s good enough for us to issue the his Lifetime Membership to celebrate Thomas, Al, Peter, Michael, Harold, said having secular celebrants will add license,” Jones said. his 88th birthday! Stacey, Ric, Jim, Candace, Karl, Laura, to the celebratory atmosphere and co- Dusenberry said the chapter has FFRF’s new After-Life Member (for a Jeremy, Carl, Duane, Guy, A.J., David, developed an application process for second time over) is Thomas R. Smith. Aaron and Paul. (And many happy re- prospective celebrants and for couples Represented are California, Geor- turns to Karl.) seeking a ceremony. gia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachu-

Include FFRF Losing Faith In Faith: From Preacher To Atheist In Your Estate What Is a Freethinker? by Dan Barker Planning free-think-er n. A person who forms opinions about “An arsenal for skeptics. A challenge to believers.” religion on the basis of reason, independently of Arrange a bequest in your will or tradition, authority, or established belief. Hardback, 342pp., photos. trust, or make the Freedom From Member price: $20.00 FFRF,Non-member PO Box 750,price: Madison $25.00 Religion Found­ation the benefi- WI 53701 ciary of an insurance policy, bank ffrf.org/shop account, or IRA. It’s easy to do. Freedom From Religion Foundation For related information (or to request a bequest P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • ffrf.org Sample brochure), please phone Copies For $2 Annie Laurie Gaylor at What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? Send two dollars with the name and (608) 256-8900. address of each person you wish to FFRF Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and receive a sample copy of Freethought P.O. Box 750 agnostics), the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state Today to: Madison WI 53701 and church separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. FFRF, P.O. Box 750, The Foundation’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Please include your Madison WI 53701. Freedom Depends name and physical mailing address with all e-mail correspondence. Freedom depends Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action upon freethinkers on Freethinkers alerts” and “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. (Please specify whether the in- dividual is a freethinker.) Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011 Heads Up A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman

Eulogy

That swain in Shakespeare, penning ballads to his lady’s eyebrow: if just once he could have seen my sweetheart’s breasts, he would have written epics. Oh, they are so springtime sweet and summer-lilting, those twin blossoms, I should have found Overheard a painter intimate with tender shades of pink and cream “I didn’t have a child- Bring yourself back to life. hood,” she says, adding Sign at a British pub advertising vodka to immortalize their harmony. that her mother never and Red Bull for £2.50 on Easter Sun- read her any books ex- day Because cept the bible, and that Freethinker.co.uk, 4-19-11 up there on the seventh floor she wasn’t allowed to say they are cutting one of them away, “deviled eggs” or “Dirt Devil.” People look at you differently if you say Profile of singer-songwriter Katy Per- you’re an atheist in the Army. That’s the one we touched last week and felt ry, whose parents are born-again evan- extremely taboo. I get a lot of ques- the poisoned pearl. gelists tions if I let it slip in conversation. Now the knives are working, working, Vanity Fair, May 2011 Lt. Samantha Nicoll, a West Point grad- I feel them stabbing through my flesh. uate and member of Military Atheists She will come back gray, remembering He’s burning candles constantly, four and Secular Humanists or five burning at once. He said he sees Associated Press, 4-1-11 to smile, the bandages weeping blood, God in the candles — and Bob Marley. her beauty scarred, Arlene Johnson, mother of Lester John- When people say God blessed me with her life saved. son Jr., 26, who said he was “delivering a beautiful jump shot, it really pisses faith’s message” when he stabbed his me off. I tell those people, don’t un- I will love her more parents several times. dermine the work I’ve put in every day. Tampa Tribune, 5-2-11 Not some days, every day. Ask anyone than yesterday. who has been on a team with me who As with other national minority groups, shoots the most. Go back to Seattle and © 2011 Philip Appleman is enjoying rapid growth. De- Milwaukee, and ask them. The answer Freethought Today is honored to publish this new poem. spite the bigotry, the number of Ameri- is me, not because it’s a competition Playwright Margie Appleman (above) picured in Spain in 1961. can nontheists has tripled as a propor- but because that’s how I prepare. tion of the general population since Ray Allen, Boston Celtics guard who the 1960s. Younger generations’ tol- holds the NBA record for 3-point erance for the endless disputes of re- shots, on a sportcaster’s comment Al- Philip Appleman is Dis­tinguished Pro­fessor Emeri­tus ligion is waning fast. Surveys designed len was born to shoot a basketball at In­dia­na Univer­ ­si­ty. His eight published volumes to overcome the understandable reluc- ESPN, 2-11-11 of poetry include­ Darwin’s Ark (new 2009 edition) tance to admit atheism have found that and Karma, Dharma, Pudding & Pie (2009). His as many as 60 million Americans — a Jumping jacks an affront to his God. nonfiction work in­cludes the widely used Norton Critical fifth of the population — are not be- Statshot, “Why is our child excused Edition, Darwin, and the Nor­ton Critical Edition of lievers. Our nonreligious compatriots from gym?” Malthus’ Essay on Population­ . His work has appeared­ should be accorded the same respect The Onion, 4-21-11 in Har­per’s Magazine, The Nation, The New Republic, as other minorities. , The Paris Review, Partisan Review, Poetry, and Researchers Gregory Paul and Phil It may seem odd that an atheist would The Yale Review. Zuckerman attend a Catholic university, but just He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both Lifetime Washington Post, 4-30-11 as most people do, I love it here. The Members (five times over) of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. people are nice, the campus is beauti- They recorded an excerpt of “Noah,” Philip’s comic masterpiece, for the How can you be a saint if you fail to pro- ful and the classes are challenging. I Foundation’s newest musical CD, “Beware­ of Dogma,” featuring Dan tect innocent children? For years after have a family history here, and I have Barker. That CD also includes Phil’s poem “Fleas,” set to the music of the Rev. Marcial Maciel Degollado, the no regrets about coming to UD. Every “Trees.” New and Selected Poems is available for sale from FFRF for $23 founder of the Legion of Christ, was person to whom I have revealed that I ppd. The Norton Critical Edition, Darwin, is $22 ppd, Karma, Dharma, formally accused of pedophilia in a am an atheist has had positive reactions Pudding & Pie, $27 and Darwin’s Ark, $23 (ffrf.org/shop/). Vatican proceeding, he remained John that usually resulted in long, meaning- Paul’s pet. The ultra-orthodox Legion ful conversations. of Christ and Opus Dei were the shock Ryan Kleshinski, senior at the Univer- troops in John Paul’s war on Jesuits sity of Dayton, a Marianist Catholic col- and other progressive theologians. lege in Ohio Columnist Maureen Dowd, arguing in Flyer News, 4-11-11 “Hold the Halo” against sainthood for Your Weekly Antidote to the religious right Pope John Paul II For all those homosexuals who daren’t New York Times, 4-23-11 tell their parents they are gay, for all those young girls who want to have an TUNE IN TO Louisiana’s top priority abortion, he absolutely deserved it. must be to educate our Unnamed activist at the University of FREETHOUGHT RADIO children so they can com- Louvain-la-Neuve, where four custard pete for the high-paying pies hit Belgian Archbishop Andre-Jo- produced by the jobs that we want to cre- seph Leonard, who called AIDS “a sort Freedom From Religion ate. Louisiana’s job-killing of intrinsic justice” Foundation Hosted by Dan Barker and creationism law undermines our edu- Agence France-Presse, 4-6-11 Annie Laurie Gaylor cation system and drives science- and Broadcasts and streams Saturdays at 11 a.m. Central, Progressive Talk The Mic technology-based companies away These are Sunday school teachers be- 92.1 FM, Madison, Wis., and over several other stations. from Louisiana. coming politicians. Mike Huckabee? iTunes or podcasts archived at: ffrf.org/news/radio State Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, D- He’s [like] the guy that diddled you New Orleans, on her bill to repeal a while holding the bible. He’s so soft- Slightly irreverent views, 2008 law allowing classroom discussion spoken, so Mister Rogers. of “intelligent design” as an alternative Billie Joe Armstrong of the musical news, music & interviews theory to evolution group Green Day Lafayette Independent Weekly, 4-18-11 Wizbangpop.com, 4-19-11 May 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5 Freethought activism in ‘buckle of bible belt’ Sign up: Independence Weekend at Lake Hypatia

The 21st annual Independence Weekend Celebration at Lake Hypa- tia, Ala., is set for July 1-3, Friday through Sunday, at FFRF’s southern Freethought Hall and Freethought Ad- vance near Talladega. Lake Hypatia’s motto is “No preaching, no praying, no walking on water.” Hosted by the Alabama Freethought Society, an FFRF chapter and its direc- tor Patricia Cleveland, and co-spon- sored by the Freedom From Religion preme Court case declaring religious Foundation, the event this year will instruction in public schools unconsti- em­­phasize activism. tutional. Jim will air the new Peabody Duncan Henderson, an Auburn, Award-winning documentary, “The Ala., teen, will receive the Catherine Lord Was Not on Trial Here,” about Fahringer Memorial Youth Activist his case. A Lifetime Member living in Award of $1,000. Duncan, the son of Duncan Henderson Arkansas, Jim is a retired attorney and FFRF member Greg Henderson, was educator. His wife, Betty McCollum, recently featured on “Nick News” in Atlanta. who teaches philosophy and religious Jim McCollum Pat Cleveland a segment about how his attempt to Events take place in FFRF’s southern studies, will join the roster to talk about start a freethought club at school was Freethought Hall, an air-conditioned women and religion. Photo: Brent Nicastro thwarted. auditorium. The impressive granite Invited as “Atheist in Foxhole” Photo: Timothy Hughes Also joining the announced roster Atheists in Foxholes monument is nes- awardee is Justin will be Benjamin Burchall, a Chris- tled amid pines adjoining the private Griffith, who has tian minister turned atheist. No lon- Cleveland family grounds abutting a exposed state- ger “winning souls for Christ,” he small lake and Talladega National For- church violations now nurtures minds to accept reason. est. at his Army base Burchall formerly led the Long Beach Announced speakers include Jim in Fort Bragg, Freethought Society and now is execu- McCollum, whose mother, Vashti, on N.C.. His attempt tive director of Black Nonbelievers of his behalf, brought the landmark Su- to organize “Rock Mark Zumbach Beyond Belief” Annie Laurie Sgt. Justin Gaylor Griffith to counter a Billy Graham event was Photo: Brent Nicastro canceled due to military nonsupport. Justin will attend, barring deployment. Vets will be asked to gather around the Atheists in Foxholes monument dur- ing the event. Foundation Co-Presidents Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor will speak about current FFRF actions. Dan, a songwriter and piano player, Bill Dusenberry Betty McCollum will team up with ex-Mormon Steve

Benson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning car- Photo: Brent Nicastro toonist for the Arizona Republic, for a special reprise of Tunes ’n ’Toons, featuring Steve’s cartoons and Dan’s tunes. Joining Pat Cleveland to speak about organizing in the bible belt will be Mark Zumbach, director of the Tri- angle Freethought Society, FFRF’s Ra- leigh-Durham, N.C., chapter, and Bill Arizona Republic cartoonist Steve Dusenberry, an organizer of the new Benson (left) with Dan Barker. Oklahoma chapter in Tulsa. The event includes the traditional participants who reserve in advance Poetry in the Pines led by Alice Cleve- for RVs or primitive camping. Showers land, a nature demonstration by re- and washrooms are available onsite. tired zookeeper Bob Truett, the an- There are many motels in the area. nual “Atheists vs. Agnostics” football To download a registration form, match and a freethought trivia game. register online, get lodging informa- Tongue-in-cheek “debaptisms” can be tion, map, get schedule updates, direc- performed by the lake. tions and more about Lake Hypatia, The Cleveland family generously visit: opens up their personal grounds for ffrf.org/outreach/lake-hypatia/

Overheard

This book, and its commercial suc- same reason — because their parents, cess, remind us again of the effective- whom they love, teach them to believe ness of religious indoctrination early in Santa. The difference is that, at an in life. They recall the truth of the appropriate age, parents admit that Jesuit saying, “Give me a child until the Santa story isn’t true. They never he is 7, and I will show you the man.” admit, however, that heaven is the Can there possibly be any child raised same sort of story. by devout Christian parents who does “Spirited Atheist” columnist Susan Ja- not, well before kindergarten, have im- coby, on Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s ages of winged beings and puffy clouds Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven embedded in his or her brain? Small and Back children believe in Santa Claus for the Washington Post, 3-30-11 Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011

FFRF legal victories — It pays to complain Reflection replaces prayer in Eau Claire

The County Board in Eau Claire, ful investigation involving Tulsa Coun- Wis., voted 23-4 on May 3 to start meet- ty employees returning atheist books ings with a “moment of reflection” in- sent to an inmate at the David L. Moss stead of an invocation. FFRF formally Criminal Justice Center in Tulsa, Okla. objected Feb. 25 to the prayer practice FFRF’s complainant attempted to that’s long been in place, including send two atheist books to an inmate at regular invocations given by eight cur- the Justice Center via distributor Ama- rent board members. zon.com. The Little Book of Atheist Spiri- “Government prayer is unneces- tuality was “returned to sender” Feb. sary, inappropriate and divisive,” wrote 14. A paperback copy of The Atheist’s FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gay- Way was returned Feb. 17. lor. “Calling upon board members and The facility’s policy allowed inmates citizens to rise and pray (even silently) to receive paperback copies of books is coercive, embarrassing and beyond that were religious in nature and sent the scope of secular city government. directly from a distributor. The chap- Board members are free to pray pri- lain was in charge of determining vately or to worship on their own time which books met policy requirements. in their own way. They do not need to Rebecca Markert, FFRF senior staff worship on taxpayers’ time.” attorney, wrote to Sheriff Stanley Glanz In April, a board committee rec- on March 23: “A policy that allows for ommended replacing the prayer with the acceptance of religious books while the county’s statement. That rejecting all others demonstrates an became a moment of reflection in the endorsement and preference for re- measure approved May 3. ligion over nonreligion. In addition, The Leader-Telegram reported that allowing the chaplain to determine if Supervisor Paul Lokken was sorry that books are of a religious nature also car- Folsom’s folly the committee “knuckled under” to ries with it the risk that the Justice Cen- FFRF sent a letter of complaint April 14 to Melody Folsom, Cass County public pressure from FFRF and local prayer ter will endorse a preference for one administrator in Harrisonville, Mo., about this religious display on an office opponents. “It’s time to say, ‘We’re go- religion over another, or religion over wall outside her administrator’s office. Another bible verse in the display, ing to do it our way,’ ” Lokken said. nonreligion.” from Psalm 46:10, says “Be still, and know that I am God.” The 9th Circuit Supervisor Sue Miller, one of those On April 11, Glanz acknowledged U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled that “government has a greater interest in previously offering “nonreligious” in- that the books were never signed for by controlling what materials are posted on its property than it does in controlling vocations, recalled being asked once employees, as they should have been. the speech of the people who work for it.” why her remarks didn’t mention God “I do not promote discrimination, of or Jesus. “Whose god should I repre- any kind, within this organization and sent?” Miller said she responded. investigate all allegations thoroughly. . fer a worship service at a secular com- supporting the commission. While the . . After speaking with the employees I memoration, the government itself dispute has been litigated, the nativity FFRF stops city prayer am comfortable stating that they mis- expresses an establishment of religion scene has been displayed at St. Anne’s interpreted the policy and in no way and shows favoritism for the Christian Catholic Church. sponsorship were they acting in a malicious, dis- religion.” In his ruling, Rosen found no First Since 2008 in Keizer, Ore., FFRF criminatory manner.” Markert also noted that Article 7 Amendment violation. “Concern for has been fighting city staff involvement Glanz said the county has made of the Connecticut Constitution states public safety constitutes a reasonable, with the annual Mayor’s Prayer Break- “the appropriate changes to our policy that “[N]o preference shall be given by viewpoint neutral reason for exclud- fast held in conjunction with the Na- and have ensured that all employees law to any religious society or denomi- ing speakers from a nonpublic forum.” tional Day of Prayer. The city’s website stationed at the front desk are made nation in the state.” Rosen said he visited the site to con- advertised the breakfast and had im- aware of the updated changes to our FFRF received a response April 14 firm it was a potential traffic hazard. ages of praying hands and a Christian acceptance policy of inmate packages from CCSU: “Thank you for alerting The judge noted that the church cross. sent to the facility. us to the issue regarding the inclusion lawn was a viable site, “since, as Mr. Two days after FFRF’s first written “[W]hile I sincerely apologize for of a worship service in the agenda for Satawa admitted in his deposition, complaint, the city responded by claim- the inadvertent offense to your claim- the Civil War Commemoration which St. Anne’s Church just a few hundred ing that the Keizer Chamber of Com- ant, these actions were not meant as is scheduled for this coming weekend. yards from the proposed median site merce sponsored it and reimbursed interpreted,” Glanz wrote. Dr. Warshauer has removed the ser- offered to permit a prominent display the city for printing and mailing invi- vice from the agenda. Please note that of the crèche on Mound Road and tations. Fruits of FFRF’s open-records FFRF stops Conn. the service will be held in a privately with virtually no public safety implica- request showed that city staff were owned church on private property and tions, as it did in past years when it was organizing the event. City Recorder worship endorsement is not being sponsored by Central Con- not possible for plaintiff to display the Tracy Davis drafted an invitation (on A worship service was removed from necticut State University.” crèche in this median.” a “From the Desk of the Mayor” letter- the official schedule in New Britain, Rosen also dismissed the claim to head with Psalm 33:22) to pastors, and Conn., of the state-sponsored Civil War Judge: County can an Establishment Clause violation. “A the city printed invitations and NDP fli- Commemoration Kickoff Weekend af- reasonable observer here would not ers, drafted the program and arranged ter FFRF’s timely letter of complaint bar nativity scene find that the Road Commission’s pol- for catering. April 4. In a case stemming from FFRF’s icy of not permitting the placement of FFRF followed up with letters to Central Connecticut State Universi- 2008 complaint on behalf of its Michi- temporary structures in the medians Mayor Lore Christopher in 2009 and ty (CCSU), one of the event’s organiz- gan members, a federal judge has dis- of major roadways conveys a message 2010 asking that the breakfast be can- ers, had invited a Christian pastor from missed a man’s lawsuit against the Ma- of endorsement or disapproval of reli- celed, as well as official participation in Asylum Hill Congregational Church to comb County Road Commission for gion.” the national event. lead the worship service, planned for barring a highway nativity scene. Traffic counts at the site showed This year, according to FFRF’s lo- April 17. Other sponsors included the U.S. District Judge Gerald Rosen more than 82,000 vehicles a day used cal complainant, it appears the city is city of New Britain and two state-affili- ruled April 19 in Detroit against plain- the road at speeds in excess of 50 mph not involved in planning or organizing ated ad hoc entities. tiff John Satawa’s attempt to keep at times. the breakfast. All promotional materi- In her letter, FFRF Senior Staff At- erecting a holiday crèche that stood Annie Laurie Gaylor, Foundation als make it clear that the Chamber of torney Rebecca Markert reminded almost 10 feet high in the median of co-president, applauded the ruling. Commerce is managing it. Christo- CCSU President Jack Miller and Mat- Mound Road in Warren. “This ruling appropriately ensures that pher is still attending the breakfast, thew Warshauer, CCSU history profes- After FFRF’s complaint, written by our public highways should be free however, and FFRF sent a letter May 3 sor and commemoration coordinator, Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- from religious displays which confer requesting that she “refrain, as mayor that government can’t endorse reli- ert, the Road Commission investigat- government endorsement of Christi- of Keizer, from issuing a National Day gion. ed and found Satawa had no permit. anity and those which pose a signifi- of Prayer proclamation and from par- “While it may be acceptable to teach The board refused to issue one on the cant safety hazard! ticipating in [her] official capacity in about religion’s impact on the war grounds that the crèche was a traffic “This was one of Rebecca’s early National Day of Prayer events.” from a scholarly perspective, the Es- hazard and amounted to an unconsti- victories, and we’re pleased it has not tablishment Clause prohibits the state tutional endorsement of religion. been overturned,” Gaylor said. “FFRF FFRF gets freethought from sponsoring a religious worship Satawa then sued the county in is grateful to Danielle Hessell of Butzel service, thus promoting religion over 2009, alleging an Establishment Clause Long law firm in Michigan for her pro to Tulsa inmates nonreligion,” commented Markert. violation and violation of his right to bono assistance.” An FFRF letter launched a success- “When multiple public institutions of- free speech. FFRF filed an amicus brief May 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7 It Pays to Complain

FFRF request gets assembly held to induct students into the National Honor Society, please be prayer banner pulled advised that the high school principal The City Council in Ligonier, Pa., and NHS adviser have been advised revoked approval April 14 of a Nation- that there should be no scheduled al Day of Prayer banner for the Ligo- prayer in the future, in accordance nier Valley Association of Churches. with existing Board policy. It was scheduled to hang from the city “With respect to the graduation, we bandstand May 1-5. have been informed that there was no The action came after the Freedom scheduled prayer at the District gradu- From Religion Foundation requested ation ceremony in 2010, nor is the to hang a banner saying “God & Gov- Board aware that a prayer is scheduled ernment a Dangerous Mix — Keep as part of the program for this year’s Mrs. Migl has been questioned condone and are not impartial to any State & Church Separate.” graduation ceremony,” the letter said. about this issue, and she is morti- fliers being placed in the lobby of our FFRF filled out a city application af- fied by this accusation. post offices. ter a Foundation member in Ligonier FFRF letter axes In the future I would encour- “These particular fliers could have asked for FFRF’s help, which apparent- age this parent to contact my been left after a check was completed. ly set in motion the revocation. Council creationist film office if he/she has any further However, they were noticed later that members said they heard from several FFRF was contacted by several par- complaints of this nature. In ad- afternoon and disposed of.” residents who opposed any banner in ents in March and April about cre- dition, I would encourage the the city-owned recreational area. FFRF ationism instruction in public schools. parent to meet with the campus Schools won’t host received a telephone call April 18 from In handling one of those complaints, principal and Mrs. Migl to clarify the city informing it that the National FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott sent any concerns he/she may have. baccalaureate Day of Prayer banner would not be dis- a letter to Superintendent Trey Law- Thank you, and good day. FFRF ended a serious state-church played on city property. rence in Shiner, Texas (yes, beer drink- Trey Lawrence violation at Cedar Cliff High School in “I was all for this last month,” coun- ers, the same city renowned for Shiner Elliott replied with a letter that not- New Cumberland, Pa., involving a reli- cil member Robert Helterbran Jr. told Bock). ed the instruction violated clear prec- gious baccalaureate service. the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “But FFRF was informed that Christie edent in the 5th Circuit, adding, “Dis- On June 3, 2010, the school hosted I’ve heard from several people saying Migl, a Shiner High biology teacher, trict science teachers cannot undercut the baccalaureate service under the that banners, of any kind, would take made comments to her class support- the teaching of evolution by present- direction of two teachers. The service away from the beauty of the Diamond.” ing “intelligent design” and showed a ing their own ‘alternative’ religion- included an invocation, religious mes- Last year, a National Day of Prayer ban- film titled “Where Does the Evidence based views.” sage and benediction by Pastor Jeff Da- ner was approved after Mayor Ormond Lead?” The film’s producers describe Lawrence replied by e-mail: “Mrs. vidson and a performance of the reli- “Butch” Bellas broke a 3-3 tie vote. it as presenting “a comprehensive case Migl will no longer be allowed to show gious “Anthem Dedication” by student for intelligent design based upon evi- this video, nor [sic] any other present- members of the Chamber Singers. Prayer dead in Ohio dence from molecular biology and ge- ing such a view.” Several days later, Red Land High netics.” School, also part of the West Shore after FFRF letter The film has segments on “Mo- Board chooses 0, not School District, held a baccalaureate The Minford [Ohio] Local School lecular machines that defy Darwin’s at the school. Students sang “A Closing District stopped scheduling prayers theory” and “The scientific evidence 10 Commandments Prayer” and “The Lord Bless You and at high school assemblies and gradu- for intelligent design.” In 2006, Texas The Rapides Parish Police Jury, the Keep You.” Cedar Cliff scheduled and ations after FFRF notified the super- Citizens for Science called it a “deceit- governing body of Rapides Parish, La., transported students to an official bac- intendent of the illegal practices in a ful work of creationist pseudoscience: ultimately voted against placing the calaureate practice after senior exams Feb. 25 letter. religious-political ideology masquerad- Ten Commandments in courtrooms June 3. Both services used the district Prayer was scheduled and delivered ing as legitimate science.” after a letter of complaint from FFRF. seal. by a student during the February Na- After Elliott’s March 24 letter, Law- The proposal received committee ap- Rebecca Markert, FFRF senior staff tional Honor Society assembly at Min- rence responded: proval against the advice of parish legal attorney, sent a stern letter July 1, 2010, ford High School, and prayer had been To Whom It May Concern, counsel. to Superintendent Jamry Small: scheduled for high school graduations I believe the information you FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott “As an inherently religious event, a in previous years. The assembly prayer received from the “anonymous sent a letter of complaint on behalf of baccalaureate service may not be held had been approved by the NHS adviser parent” was completely taken a parish resident, arguing that the dis- or financially supported by a public and the principal. out of context. Mrs. Migl was play would violate the Establishment school. . . . School sponsorship, or even Rebecca Markert, FFRF senior staff simply presenting an example of Clause. Anticipating legal problems the appearance of sponsorship, of bac- attorney, wrote the district: “Even if stu- another point of view. The issue with the original display, Juror John calaureate services is unconstitutional dent-initated, school officials may not of creationism is not taught nor Lincecum proposed adding other and any endorsement, participation, invite a student, teacher, faculty mem- promoted. However, presenting documents to show the “role of faith in planning or promotion of the services ber or clergy to give any type of prayer, opposing viewpoints are deemed American history.” must cease immediately. invocation or benediction at a public appropriate. As an example, the Elliott said in his letter that these ef- “End-of-the-year celebrations mean high school-sponsored event. issue of global warming is also dis- forts would not succeed, citing the Su- a lot not only to Christian students but “The Supreme Court has settled this cussed with opposing viewpoints. preme Court’s ruling in McCreary Co. v. also to students practicing non-Chris- matter — high school assemblies and Mrs. Migl has taught Biology ACLU of Ky. tian and the 15% of your graduations must be secular to protect for Shiner High School for the The board voted 6-3 against the student population who are nonreli- the freedom of conscience of all stu- past 8 years. Her service record proposal April 11. Juror Oliver Over- gious,” she added. “A secular, school- dents.” is spotless, and neither her pro- ton was quoted as saying, “Like I said, sponsored awards night may benefit An attorney for the school district fessionalism nor teaching tech- when I was sworn in, I took an oath to from full school endorsement and has responded April 6: “With respect to the niques has ever been questioned. uphold the Constitution of the United the added advantage of being entirely States and Louisiana. I will not make a inclusive of students and families from decision to knowingly violate the law.” all types of religious or nonreligious backgrounds.” FFRF complaint makes While the district hasn’t officially responded, the Harrisburg Patriot- rapture fliers vanish News reported April 6 that “Cedar Cliff FFRF alerted the U.S. Post Office in High School no longer will host a bac- Lothian, Md., about a stack of religious calaureate service before graduation. fliers placed in the lobby. The flier According to a notice sent to parents headline read, “God Gives Another In- and students, the West Shore School fallible Proof that Assures the Rapture District received a complaint last sum- Will Occur May 21, 2011.” mer that the program could cross Rebecca Markert, FFRF senior staff constitutional boundaries separating attorney, noted in an April 4 letter to church and state. . . . The note says Postmaster Derma Malden that the fli- most schools in Pennsylvania stopped ers violate postal regulations and the hosting the service years ago because U.S. Constitution. of constitutional questions regarding On April 28, Malden replied: “I the separation of church and state, and want to personally apologize on behalf ‘we are now doing similarly.’ ” of the Postal Service. We regret this ex- Nick Pantalone, Cedar Cliff student perience, which does not reflect our body president, said a committee will high standards of service. We do not look into alternative locations. Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011 FFRF seeks en banc review of National Day of Prayer suit

Continued from page 1 ment of religion,’ and Congress made our country today kneeling before Al- seemingly allow Congress to declare a rune magic.” such a law when it enacted an annual mighty God in prayer.” Graham added national religion as long as no one is FFRF’s historic victory sent shock- National Day of Prayer. ‘No law’ should that such a law was needed, because forced to participate directly in the re- waves around the nation last year. mean no law!” “We have dropped our pilot, the Lord ligion’s practices,” Barker said. Foundation Co-President Annie Lau- The National Day of Prayer, “on Jesus Christ.” “We are very troubled by the court’s rie Gaylor said the appeals court panel which the people of the United States The floating National Day of Prayer conclusion that congressionally man- had to throw the case out on standing, may turn to God in prayer and medi- was modified at the request of Chris- dated endorsements of religion by the because had it ruled on the merits, tation at churches, in groups and as tian evangelicals in 1988, and now takes president amount to no more than FFRF would win. individuals,” was adopted by Congress place every first Thursday in May. The ‘hurt feelings,’ ” commented Richard “Our challenge is so strong, our at the behest of Rev. Billy Graham. Giv- NDP Task Force, housed at Focus on L. Bolton, FFRF’s litigation attorney. claim is so correct,” Gaylor said. “The ing a sermon on the capitol steps, Gra- the Family, issues an annual scriptural “We were told recently by the Su- First Amendment says, ‘Congress shall ham said, “What a thrilling, glorious theme and prayer verse, and lobbies preme Court in Winn v. Arizona that make no law respecting an establish- thing it would be to see the leaders of the president, all the governors and taxpayers cannot complain about the many other officials to issue proclama- use of tax appropriations for alleged tions, also organizing tens of thousands religious preferences. Now, the 7th Newdow ponders of local and regional events on govern- Circuit closes the courthouse door to ment property, events that are hostile the intended audience of presidential Protestant proclamation to nonevangelical Christians. proclamations exhorting religion. The “Congress and the president of the courts are effectively eviscerating the Michael Newdow, who has litigated let us follow the example of Chief Jus- United States have no business tell- Establishment Clause of any practical many state-church entanglements, tice Jay, every president from 1952 ing me or any other citizen to pray, significance by making it unenforce- wondered if a court would uphold on, and every chaplain of the House ‘to turn to God in prayer’ at churches, able by anyone,” Bolton said. President Obama’s prayer proclama- of Representatives through 2000. Let much less setting aside an entire day “By making coercion the only touch- tion, with the minor change of add- us be thankful for the liberty that al- for prayer every year and even telling stone for accountability under the ing “Protestant” in front of the word lows people of all Protestant faiths to us what to pray about,” said Gaylor. Establishment Clause, the courts are “prayer.” Newdow added some other worship or not worship according to She and Dan Barker, who co-direct saying outright governmental endorse- historic facts which would tend to the dictates of their conscience, and FFRF, are two of six original FFRF offi- ment of religion is of no concern,” show early colonial preference for let us be thankful for the many other cers and board members who are indi- Bolton added. Protestantism to this mythical proc- freedoms and blessings that we often vidual plaintiffs in the historic lawsuit. FFRF is also challenging the NDP lamation based on Obama’s 2011 day take for granted. Other plaintiffs are , at the gubernatorial level in Colora- of prayer proclamation: Let us engage in Protestant prayer FFRF president emerita; FFRF Secre- do, and in a federal lawsuit filed last for the men and women of our Armed tary Phyllis Rose; and Board Members month is seeking an injunction order- Presidential Proclamation Forces and the many selfless sacrifices Jill Dean and Paul Gaylor, who died af- ing Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer not to is- National Day of they and their families make on be- ter the appeals court decision. sue the Arizona Day of Prayer on the half of our Nation. Let us engage in “The 7th Circuit’s decision would first Thursday in May. Protestant Prayer Protestant prayer for the police of- ficers, firefighters, and other first Throughout our history, Ameri- responders who put themselves in cans have turned to Protestant prayer harm’s way every day to protect their NDP ‘standing’ decision critiqued for strength, inspiration, and solidar- fellow citizens. And let us ask God for ity. the sustenance and guidance for all Protestant prayer has played an of us to meet the great challenges we The three-judge panel threw out standing analysis. Williams noted that important role in the American story face as a Nation. FFRF’s challenge on the issue of stand- under 7th Circuit precedent, coercion and in shaping our Nation’s leaders. Let us remember in our thoughts ing. Judge Frank Easterbrook, writing is not required to prove a state-church The first permanent English-speak- and Protestant prayers those who for panel, said the plaintiffs had not violation, nor that plaintiffs needed to ing settlement in North America was have been affected by natural disas- had to alter their conduct and hadn’t have altered their behavior. in Jamestown, Virginia, where Protes- ters at home and abroad in recent incurred any cost in time or money. (In Williams wrote, “The rule in every tantism was deemed the true religion, months, as well as those working tire- fact, FFRF entered into the court re- other circuit that has considered the and twice daily the captain of the lessly to render assistance. And, at a cord the substantial efforts, time, press question is that while an allegation of a guard led the settlers in a prayer that time when many around the world releases, letter campaigns to mayors change in behavior is sufficient to con- referred to Catholics as “the scum & face uncertainty and unrest, but also and governors over the past 30 years.) fer standing, it is not required.” dregs of the earth.” George Washing- hold resurgent hope for freedom and Easterbrook said “a feeling of alien- “It would appear to us,” said FFRF ton and John Adams signed the 1774 justice, let our Protestant prayers be ation cannot suffice as injury in fact.” Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor, Articles of Association on behalf of with men and women everywhere Patrick Elliott, one of FFRF’s two “that the 7th Circuit is saying freedom the “free Protestant colonies,” and who seek peace, human dignity, and staff attorneys, said, “The standing re- of conscience under the First Amend- one of the grievances against King the same rights we treasure here in quirement is not intended to be a tool ment would only be abridged if citi- George III noted in the Declaration America. that judges can use to close the court- zens were marched into a church at of Independence was his allowing The Congress, by Public Law 100- house door to valid Establishment gunpoint by government officials!” Catholicism to thrive in neighbor- 307, as amended, has called on the Clause challenges. The purpose of the Judge Crabb held that the plaintiffs ing Canada. In striving to perpetuate President to issue each year a procla- standing inquiry in these cases is to en- felt excluded and believed that the Na- Protestantism, Samuel Adams (the mation designating the first Thursday sure that the proper plaintiff has chal- tional Day of Prayer sent a message to “Father of the American Revolu- in May as a “National Day of Protes- lenged the alleged unconstitutional them that some citizens are better be- tion”) noted that “much more is to be tant Prayer.” law or conduct. The requirement that cause they pray and that they are “un- dreaded from the growth of popery NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK a plaintiff suffer ‘injury in fact’ assures American” because they do not pray. in America, than from the Stamp Act OBAMA, President of the United that the plaintiff has been injured in a She wrote: “The primary injury plain- or any other acts destructive of civil States of America, do hereby pro- personal and individual way.” tiffs allege is the feeling of unwelcome- rights.” The first Chief Justice, John claim May 5, 2011, as a National Rebecca Markert, FFRF senior staff ness and exclusion they experience as Jay, was a rabid anti-Catholic, and the Day of Protestant Prayer. I invite all attorney, said, “Judge Easterbrook’s nonreligious persons because of what sentiments he and others brought to citizens of our Nation, as their own opinion suggests that plaintiffs can they view as a message from the gov- bear allowed the Protestants’ (King faith or conscience directs them, to only have standing if they have been ernment that it favors Americans who James) version of the Bible to be join me in giving thanks for the many coerced into religious practices. This pray. That injury is intangible, but it is the one used in the nation’s schools. blessings we enjoy, and I ask all peo- contradicts decades of Establishment no less concrete than the injuries in the There, too, could the New England ple of faith to join me in asking God Clause jurisprudence, including strong many cases in which courts have recog- Primer be found, exhorting the stu- for guidance, mercy, and protection precedent from the 7th Circuit. nized the standing of persons subject- dents to “abhor that arrant whore of for our Nation. “His ruling raises serious concerns ed to unwelcome religious speech.” Rome.” IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have about if and when anyone can bring Elliott said, “Picture this: Congress It is thus fitting that, from the hereunto set my hand this twenty- a challenge under the Establishment passes a law requiring the president earliest years of our country’s his- ninth day of April, in the year of our Clause — from prayer in school or to declare every year that the United tory, Congress and Presidents have Lord two thousand eleven, and of the at government meetings to nativity States will have an established religion set aside days to recognize the role Independence of the United States of scenes and other religious displays on and that it will be Roman Catholicism. Protestantism has played in so many America the two hundred and thirty- government property.” Who can challenge this? Nobody. What definitive moments in our history. On fifth. Elliott pointed out that Judge Ann meaning can the First Amendment this National Day of Protestant Prayer, Claire Williams, while concurring, took have if citizens are not able to enforce Easterbrook to task for his incorrect it?” May 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9 One Nation Under Leviticus 25:45 Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with God: A Bible History you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession. Ain’t I A Woman?

ojourner Truth (1797-1883) was a former slave who later became an advocate for abolition and women’s rights. This speech was delivered at the 1851 Women’s SConvention in Akron, Ohio: “Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that ’twixt the Negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what’s all this here talking about?

“That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man — when I could get it — and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?

“Then they talk about this thing in the head; what’s this they call it? [Member of audience whispers, “intellect.”] That’s it, honey. What’s that got to do with women’s rights or Negroes’ rights? If my cup won’t hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

“Then that little man in black there, he says women can’t have as much rights as men, ’cause Christ wasn’t a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.

“If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.

“Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain’t got nothing more to say.” We are pleased to present the fifth installment of “One Nation Under God: A Bible History,” written 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and illustrated by Mike Konopacki. It was part of the coursework for his master of fine arts degree in 2010 Let the woman learn in silence with all from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was also subjection. But I suffer not a woman to presented at FFRF’s convention in October. teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. Alice Paul and Suffrage

lice Paul (1885-1977) was a suffragist who lived to see women win the right to vote and to watch the Equal Rights Amendment fail. Born to Quaker parents A in New Jersey, Paul dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of women. In 1912 Paul joined the National American Woman Suffrage Association and fought for a constitutional amendment to secure a woman’s right to vote. In 1916 Paul and other suffragists formed the National Woman’s Party to campaign against President Woodrow Wilson and the Democrats for failing to support voting rights.

During , Paul and the Woman’s Party picketed the White House. Their quiet, nonviolent protest earned them the name of the “Silent Sentinels.” They considered Wilson a hypocrite for fighting a war “to make the world safe for democracy” while denying women the same at home.

ilson eventually lost patience with the protesters and ordered them arrested. Alice Paul was sentenced to seven months in jail and placed in solitary W confinement. She had already served a prison term in Great Britain, where British suffragists had staged hunger strikes. After she began her strike, she was deemed insane and transferred to a psychiatric ward. There she was force fed through a plastic tube.

In solidarity, other suffragists joined her. Abuses accelerated, and press reports began to outrage the public. Support for their cause grew. Finally, in November of 1917, Alice and the other protesters were released from jail. In January of 1918, President Wilson announced his support for the Woman Suffrage Amendment.

In 1920, the Tennessee Legislature approved the 19th Amendment by one vote and it became law. After long last, the religious grip on women’s rights in the United States was loosened. Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011

Why I Am an Atheist By Natalie Angier

Because I am a smug bastard who thinks she knows all the an- swers. Because I am a smug bastard who thinks she knows only two or three of the answers, and one of those answers is almost certainly wrong. Because I am hard-hearted and closed-minded. Because I am hard-headed and weak-willed. Chuck Bauer’s “Pumpkins by the Step” is an oil on panel. Go to ctbauer.com to Because I have had nine root canals but have never had open- see more of his story and art. heart surgery. Because the sky looks too big under every possible lighting con- dition. Meet a Member Because when I looked at a head louse from my daughter’s scalp under a microscope, I could see, through the parasite’s translucent, rice-white abdomen, a dark column of my daughter’s blood. Because on a sunny day, the rose window at Chartres cathedral Art is his infinity shines with the vividness of an image composed at night, by the brain’s secondary visual cortex. Name: Chuck Bauer. factured, yet designed for people like Because everything in life manages to make sense while still leav- Where I live: Madison, Wis. us to repackage and relabel for retail ing room for perpetual misunderstanding. Where and when I was born: Phila- sale. Because the river of life has been flowing on Earth for almost 4 delphia, Pa., Jan. 16, 1947. At a young age, I discovered art- billion years Family: My stepfather (1915-2008) making, and specifically painting, as And here I am, dunking in a toe, a hand, splashing water on my was a Philadelphia Quaker and consci- a way to be quietly rebellious, since face, entious objector who served in combat it’s obvious that practically no one in in World War II. My mother (1916-) was mainstream society knows or cares any- Complaining all the while, to anybody who might listen, a Lutheran, so I had the benefit of ob- thing much about art. Knowing I was You know, I never learned how to swim. serving religious ritual and its polar op- different, and noticing the impracti- posite, a vivid contrast that helped me calities and strangeness of art-making, Natalie Angier’s latest book is The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beauti- to see the range of possibilities in both we became a match. My parents, to ful Basics of Science. She won a 1991 Pulitzer Prize for her stories in The New private contemplation and formalized their eternal credit and great wisdom, York Times on scientific topics and numerous other writing awards. She was public display of professed belief. offered only positive comment, and I a 2003 recipient of FFRF’s Emperor Has No Clothes Award and titled her ac- Education: Graduation from Ameri- just ran with it. They continually gave ceptance speech “Raising a Healthy God-free Child in a Hopelessly God-struck can High School in Frankfurt, Ger- me the great gift of simply not interfer- Nation.” many in 1965, followed by a summer ing. Now, half a century later, art en- pre-college program at the American riches my life. It is the place where one College of Paris; bachelor of fine arts touches infinity. (cum laude) in 1969 from Ohio Wes- Where I’m headed: At 64, a good leyan University, Delaware, Ohio; mas- day is one with a nap. ter of arts in painting, fine arts, 1970, Person in history I admire and why: Overheard University of Wisconsin-Madison; addi- Michel de Montaigne for his quiet, tional continuing education practically humane uncertainty and his ability to Convinced republican of the Constitution. The court’s rul- from the day of graduation. speak eloquently for what “Everyman” that I am, and foe of ing is another cynical sleight of hand, Occupation: Co-owner and co- carries within. the prince who talks which will reduce access to federal founder in 1972 of The Soap Opera in A quotation I like: “The philosopher to plants and wants to courts while advancing endorsement Madison [thesoapopera.com]. We offer has never killed any priests, whereas be crowned “head of of religion. retail and wholesale natural body care the priest has killed a great many phi- all faiths” as well as the Editorial on the 5-4 U.S. Supreme products, including soaps, aloe vera losophers.” (Denis Diderot) etiolated [weakened, Court ruling April 4 in Arizona Chris- products, aromatherapy, perfumes, These are a few of my favorite stunted by lack of light] tian School Tuition Organization v. Winn essential oils for perfume and much things: Peace and quiet, doubt, making Church of England, I find myself New York Times, 4-9-11 more. art, asking questions, restoration and pierced by a pang of sympathy. Not Military service: None personally, protection of rare ecosystems and at- much of a life, is it, growing old and With distance, I could see the mean- but my stepdad was career Army. I grew risk species, and hiking. stale with no real job except waiting spirited nature of the anti-gay move- up living in Europe and the Far East, These are not: Certainty, ignorance, for the news of Mummy’s death? Some ment, and the naked way large Chris- from a young age observing peoples self-righteousness, arrogance, unkind- British people claim actually to “love” tian organizations used the “gay and cultures very different from my ness in any form. their rather dumpy Hanoverian rul- threat” to raise money. Free from the own. My doubts about religion started: At ing house. This love takes the maca- constraints of a congregation, I could How I got where I am today: After about the same time the Easter Bunny bre form of demanding a regular hu- spend more time actually looking at grad school, the timeless game of “buy seemed ridiculous, age 7 or 8. Orga- man sacrifice whereby unexceptional the biblical texts that deal with homo- it for one dollar and sell it for two” got nized religion presented only unbear- people are condemned to lead wholly sexuality, and I was surprised to find my attention. On a whim, we started able boredom, and though it felt lethal artificial and strained existences, and they were not as clear as I had sup- making crafts and selling them on the at the time, it was not, of course, but then punished or humiliated when posed they were. Library Mall. Artists make stuff, after later at puberty it was clear that as a they crack up. Murray Richmond, former Presbyte- all, and the regulated sales carts we see closeted gay person, “believers” could , “Does Kate rian minister, now a legislative aide in today were not required then. We sim- indeed be lethal, and had been for Middleton really want to marry into a the Alaska Senate ply spread out a blanket. Selling crafts centuries, to anyone found wanting or family like this?” Salon.com, 3-27-11 was fun and an adventure, but winter different from themselves. The nasty Slate, 4-18-11 came and so, again, like so many others irony of professed love, but hateful be- Rev. Jonathan Barton, head of the who’d hit a wall, I went to California, havior, simultaneously amused and ter- I never thought about it, but as an Virginia Council of Churches, told of the place D.H. Lawrence described so rified me and still does. atheist, maybe NASCAR is my church? a groom who wanted to keep his gun aptly as “filled with sunbaked people Why I’m a freethinker: Self-preserva- Columnist S.E. [Sarah Elizabeth] Cupp in its holster during his wedding cer- and half-baked ideas.” tion and cultivation of common sense New York Times, 5-1-11 emony. Soon, Chuck Beckwith followed me. and rationality in a world of ignorant, Story on attorney general’s opinion He’d discovered a small startup com- gullible fools making mischief. When this case was argued last fall, the that state law allows guns in churches pany in Berkeley making natural body Ways I promote freethought: I do convolutions of the Arizona program but individual churches may bar them care products that were alternative but not promote. I avoid promotion, but I seemed intended to mask its violation Washington Post, 4-17-11 professionally formulated and manu- try to live in ways that set examples. May 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11

More than 180 D.C. Metro bus ads blanketed inside the beltway during FFRF’s anti-National Day of Prayer campaign.

Via bus signs, metro dioramas FFRF takes ‘godless’ message to D.C.

Behind the driver seat bus ads.

FFRF has launched several legal chal- ration of church and state is absolute.” tograph and message of the late actress lenges of the 1952 law requiring the Twenty “king” ads feature a red- Butterfly McQueen (“Prissy” in “Gone The Freedom From Religion president to issue a prayer proclama- white-and-blue injunction: “God & with the Wind”), a Lifetime Member Foundation took its message that God tion on the first Thursday of every May Government — A Dangerous Mix: of FFRF who told the Atlanta Journal- and government are a “dangerous exhorting citizens to “turn to God.” Keep State & Church separate.” The Constitution in 1989: “As my ancestors mix” to the heart of U.S. government, FFRF is fighting back with remind- tail of 40 buses bear the clever image are free from slavery, I am free from via bold bus signs and metro dioramas ers that the U.S. is based on a secu- of the Lincoln penny with the words the slavery of religion.” appearing from late April to late May. lar and godless Constitution. Twenty “In Reason We Trust.” McQueen, who had bristled at play- FFRF, a state-church watchdog “king-sized” exterior ads quote John F. Passengers may view four different ing maids in the era of segregation, was that also serves as the largest U.S. Kennedy’s sweeping secular endorse- secular slogans in the prominent inte- manhandled by two guards at a Grey- freethought membership association, ment (made in 1960 to the Greater rior ad behind the driver’s seat in 100 hound bus terminal in Washington in timed its secular signs to be up during Houston Ministerial Association): “I buses. Joining ads espousing secular 1980. She sued for assault and received the National Day of Prayer on May 5. believe in an America where the sepa- government, quoting Kennedy and de- a settlement. “We take great pleasure picting Lincoln, is an interior ad with in putting the image and wise words of the image of Thomas Jefferson and his Butterfly McQueen in the front of bus- well-known advice to his nephew, Peter es in metro Washington in her honor,” Carr, in 1878: “Question with boldness said FFRF Co-President Dan Barker, even the existence of a God.” who twice had the great honor of ac- A fourth interior ad bears the pho- companying McQueen at the piano when she sang for FFRF events. In its multi-mass-media campaign in a city which bans billboards, FFRF posted dioramas — one each of Mc- Queen, JFK, Jefferson and Lincoln’s altered penny — inside metro stations at Eastern Market, U Street–Cordozo, Judiciary Square and Waterfront. “We are pleased that FFRF can en- lighten with a patriotic secular theme at the same time we can lend some ‘pa- triotic’ support to mass transit,” said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gay- lor.

One of four metro dioramas. Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011

Come out of the closet online!

Continued from front page “But the main goal,” she adds, “is ment, FFRF notes. “Now it’s time for to make a difference in how atheists atheists and agnostics to come out of and agnostics are perceived by our reli- our closet. Many faces make Enlighten- gion-deferential society. We freethink- ment work.” ers are in really good company. The The elegantly simple interactive ap- world needs to hear our message that plication lets any nonbeliever upload humanity can and must solve its own their photo, coin a phrase about their problems and stop waiting for rescue nonbelief, identify themselves and from ‘above.’ Religious belief at best is choose from a dropdown list a label a distraction, and at worst is the cause that most closely describes their philo- of more strife, bloodshed and war sophical position on religion. Choices than any other factor. Freethought is include “atheist, agnostic, skeptic, infi- a respectable intellectual position. We del, humanist, secularist” or even the should not be expected to apologize tongue-in-cheek “Pastafarian.” You for using reason in evaluating religious may select a background screen color claims. It’s time to welcome atheists — purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and agnostics and our message into or pink. the American mainstream.” Once the submitted “cyberboard” gets FFRF’s approval, the personalized Make your statement on a virtual bill- billboard, which looks just like FFRF’s board and invite friends to participate at: billboard ads, will be posted at FFRF’s ffrf.org/out/ website. The image may then be used View “Out of the Closet Cyberboards,” in- by the participant on Facebook, etc. cluding statements by well-known freethink- Gaylor says she hopes that the cam- ers and “Staff Picks” at: paign will “go viral” because it’s “a fun, ffrf.org/out/?stack/ creative and satisfying way to express irreverent views.

Make your own billboard at: ffrf.org/out May 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13 Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011

Dan Barker spoke April 13 on “Losing Faith in Faith: How an evangelical Dan Barker participated in ReasonFest at the in Lawrence preacher became a prominent atheist” at Ripon College, Ripon, Wis.. The event on May 6-7. Members of Fred Phelps’ notorious was sponsored by Ripon’s . From left are Adam Meyers, showed up to protest. Dan (arms outstretched) introduced himself as the atheist Vicky Weber, Mariah Rogers, Nathan Held, Dan Barker, Jeremy Johnson and debater, to which Phelps’ son (gray shirt, dark pants) replied, “Congratulations! Erfan Taefi. (photo by Steve Martin) The fool hath said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ ” Dan turned quickly to quote Matthew 5:22: “[Jesus said] Whoever says ‘Thou Fool’ is in danger of hellfire.” Across the street, gay couples kissed enthusiastically to protest the protest. (photo by Michaelyn Everhart) Freethought On The Road

Dan Barker debated Catholic theologian Jon-Mark Miravalle at ReasonFest, which was sponsored by the university’s Society of Open-Minded Atheists & Agnostics, May 6–7. To the topic, “Does God Exist?” Dan gave a resounding “No!” Standing behind Dan at far left (with upraised arms) is SOMA Vice President Conrad Hudson. FFRF members Brenda Frei and daughter Bailey are in the middle of the back row. SOMA organizer Adam Brown is standing in the far back in the red ReasonFest shirt. Seated in back at far right is skeptical speaker James Underdown, next to SOMA President Joey Ralph (with thumbs up). In the third row, left, is speaker Darrel Ray (author of The God Virus). Behind him is “Friendly Atheist” Hemant Mehta, who FFRF Co-President Dan Barker spoke about his new book, The Good Atheist, also spoke. The front rows contain some of the hardworking SOMA student at an April 24 Center for Inquiry event in Tucson, Ariz. Members of Tucson volunteers. Almost 600 people attended the Friday debate, with dozens more Atheists enjoyed a reception with Dan later. From left are Oliver Spires, Philip regrettably turned away due to lack of space. (photo by Mark Frei) Olson, Dan Barker, David Foster, Kiera Topping and Russell Knox. In the News

Alabama college adds includes courses in biology, anthropol- ogy, geology, psychology, philosophy Maine mayor gets it evolutionary studies and history. The University of Alabama at Tus- caloosa has added a minor in evolu- major tionary studies, the Tuscaloosa News is first in nation right on Day of Prayer reported April 9. “We get kids that come to this pro- The first college department of sec- gram because they’ve heard of this ular studies in the U.S. will start offer- ‘theory’ but they never heard anything ing a secularism major this fall at Pitzer about evolution in high school,” said College in Claremont, Calif. Professors Last year, Mayor Joanne Twomey endorses the faith of the majority and Christopher Lynn, assistant professor from other departments, including his- proclaimed May 6, 2010, as a “Day of thereby makes those with other beliefs of anthropology. “They see that the tory, philosophy, religion, science and Prayer” throughout Biddeford, Maine, feel like second-class citizens. This rest of the world seems to think evolu- sociology, will teach courses like “God, an action that drew an FFRF letter of year, Biddeford has sent the message tion is a valuable theory, but it’s been Darwin and Design in America,” “Anxi- complaint on behalf of a local resident that this city does not hold one group kept from these students.” ety in ” and “Bible as and the threat of a lawsuit. of citizens higher than the other.” The program is one of only 42 evo- Literature.” This year, remembering that, Twom- Regrettably, elected officials around lutionary studies programs worldwide The department was proposed by ey refused to issue a prayer proclama- the country didn’t follow Twomey’s under the Evolutionary Studies Con- Phil Zuckerman, a sociologist of re- tion. “She learned from last year’s lead. This year, FFRF sent letters of sortium. ligion, who describes himself as “cul- controversy that it is not the place of complaint to state and local govern- A 2009 study by the National Center turally Jewish, but agnostic-atheist on a government official to endorse such ments to oppose their illegal participa- for Science Education gave Alabama questions of deep mystery,” according an overtly religious event,” noted the tion in sectarian National Day of Prayer a grade of F for its treatment of evo- to a May 8 New York Times story. Zuck- Biddeford Journal Tribune in a May 6 events. Included were Illinois Gov. Pat lution in science education standards erman, a great friend and member of editorial. Quinn; Utah Gov. Gary Herbert; May- and ranked it 50th nationally for its FFRF, spoke at its 2009 convention in The newspaper said Twomey made or Duke Bennett, Terre Haute, Ind.; coverage of various aspects of evolu- Seattle. the right decision. “To do otherwise County Manager David Hankerson, tion. “It’s not about arguing ‘Is there a would result in an offense to all of Cobb County, Ga.; Mayor John Fouts, “Students in Alabama should be God or not?’ ” Zuckerman said. “There those who do not share the beliefs of Warren, Mich.; and Mayor Glen Stew- proud of the education they receive, are hundreds of millions of people the evangelical Christians who orga- art, Ashland, Ohio. and when the education you’re receiv- who are nonreligious. I want to know nize the National Day of Prayer. The Other letters went to various offi- ing in science is 50th in the country, who they are, what they believe, why city government must represent and cials in Calvert City, Ky.; Mayfield, Ky.; that’s an embarrassment and it needs they are nonreligious.” work for all of its citizens, from athe- Hernando County, Fla.; Redlands, Ca- to change,” said associate biology pro- Pitzer faculty members on the Col- ists to Jews, Muslims to Christians, Bud- lif; Paducah, Ky.; and the federal Bu- fessor Leslie Rissler. lege Council voted unanimously April dhists to Hindus. It is indeed a dan- reau of Reclamation in Denver. The 18-credit minor is housed in 28 to approve the secular studies ma- gerous move when the government the department of anthropology and jor, subject to review in four years. May 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15 Memoir of a good boy who got better

circle. So what was this “Jew-ness” then? My father looked thunderstruck. The parents of my Catholic friends also My father looked My mother started to cry. They left the were “nice,” too, and in western Penn- room. The next day, my father came sylvania, very much in the majority. thunderstruck. My to me and said, “Your mother and I Catholic kids also went to church on mother started to have decided that since education has Sunday and said their prayers. turned you from God and the church, One thing set my Protestant family cry. we’re not going to support your educa- apart and led to my first excursion into tion any further.” theology. My Catholic friends could I had been a bad boy — no Harvard go to Sunday afternoon movies, and for me. So much for Christian charity. I couldn’t. Turned down once again thing had to give. So like a good free- I soon decided to enlist in the Army after begging, I said, “But Dad, you thinker, I sat myself down and thought for three years and to use the G.I. Bill go to baseball games on Sunday!” His how I might best break to my parents to help put myself through law school. answer set me firmly on the road to the news that I would no longer attend A year later, on a troop ship in the freethought: “Well, if Jesus were alive church with them. mid-Atlantic, I decided to pursue a today, he would go to ballgames on I knew that initially they’d be Ph.D. instead and become an English By Roger Rollin Sunday, but not to the movies.” The shocked and upset, but also fairly sure teacher. My parents, being really good exquisite lameness of that rejoinder that the boy philosopher would be able and kind people at heart, eventually hung in the air between us. to explain his thinking to them, maybe became reconciled to their heretic son In the innocent ’40s, what seemed even reconcile them to his freethought. and were usually there for him as he to be most sinful, most likely to turn “After all,” I mused, “we’re adults. We was building a family and a career. a good boy bad, was, of course, S-E-X. can sit down and discuss this rational- But even in their old age, as they Sex was simply not discussed at church, ly.” became somewhat less intense about You can ask anyone — my child- at home or at school, but was somehow Moreover, I was still a good boy, their Christianity, I couldn’t be sure hood friends, my relatives — I was in the air in all these places, and it wor- about to graduate magna cum laude, that they were ever able to think of a good boy. I did as I was told, took ried good boys like me. But hormones Phi Beta Kappa, with honors in English their only child as a good boy again. school seriously, was polite and well-be- will be hormones, and I actually found and philosophy, with an acceptance to haved, showed respect to my parents, my first “true love” in church. Jean’s pi- Harvard Law School. Surely all that After 36 years of teaching and writing, other adults and persons of authority. ety, alas, had nothing to do with it. should moderate the shock, perhaps FFRF member Dr. Roger Rollin, professor of And, of course, I went to Sunday mitigate their inevitable displeasure. literature emeritus at Clemson University, school and church every week and said Off to college Wrong! There was to be no careful now enjoys raising a ruckus in the Carolina my prayers nightly. explanation, no extended discussion. bible belt. He titled his Easter Sunday talk to I wasn’t perfect. The entry for April When I turned 17, my parents said (Indeed, there was never to be any fur- the Tryon, [N.C.] Unitarian Universalists 1, 1940, in the only diary I’ve ever kept, that I could either go to the Univer- ther discussion of religion for the more “That’s Blasphemy, God Damn It!” reads, “Tonight mother and I well, you sity of Pittsburgh and live at home or than 40 years my parents would be with Rollin notes: “For public consumption, might say fighting.” But I was capable attend a “small Christian college” 25 me.) All I managed to get out was that the UU’s changed the title to ‘That’s Blas- of remorse (Jan. 28): “Grandma Kint is miles away and live on campus. Duh! I would no longer in good conscience phemy, for Goodness Sake!’ (which sends a awful sick, and doesn’t know anybody. At Washington & Jefferson College, attend church because I no longer be- strangely mixed message).” I’m awful sorry.” I was also sorry on Jan. which was only nominally Christian, lieved in the Christian religion. 11, when I “got Mother mad.” Doesn’t the good boy discovered philosophy, a it take a good boy to show remorse, required two semesters in sophomore even to himself? year, taught by a refugee German pro- Rereading this 70-year-old “text,” fessor who I now realize was a thor- I notice that although my diary often oughgoing secularist. refers to the movies I saw almost every Then there were two semesters of Saturday, it never mentions the church logic from a World War II conscien- I attended every Sunday, the First Pres- tious objector, a rara avis in my God- byterian Church of McKeesport, Pa. and-country background. He would That’s surprising, because for my fam- become a lifelong friend. Naturally, ily, attending church was a big deal. the good boy said nothing about these One Sunday, the minister confident- alarming persons to his parents. ly told us that our loved ones who had The Christian life was something my “passed away” were forever looking family circle all understood, though down from heaven and watching not practiced indifferently. The life of the only what we did, but even tuning in to mind, however, was terra incognita to what we thought. Oh oh! That meant them and to me, and as I gradually dis- that my late Great-grandma Kint and covered it the experience became life- Great-aunt Laura were privy to their changing. I added a philosophy major good boy’s occasional naughtiness and to my existing English major. I did well “wicked” thoughts. enough to be invited to join the phi- It didn’t occur to me that our pas- losophy honor society. tor may have been wrong about the Although I was not then familiar heavenly monitoring stuff, although I with the term, my freethinking was wasn’t much given to theological spec- quietly roiling my familial life. Once or ulation. twice a month I would hitchhike home My parents, like most good Chris- to go on Saturday night dates, borrow- tians of the era, were not aggressively ing my dad’s car. The problem was that bigoted. I can’t recall them saying on Sunday morning I was expected to much that was really vicious against accompany them to church. To avoid a Jews and Catholics. (We knew no “Ne- confrontation I dreaded, I did just that. groes” except for “Amos and Andy” In short, I faked it, just going through and Jack Benny’s faithful Rochester.) the holy motions. But over time, I received from my par- In my imagination, I wore on my ents and extended family the almost sport coat an “H” for hypocrite. It be- subliminal message that Jews and Cath- came extremely difficult to enter the olics were different from us and not as gates of the Brookline Boulevard Unit- good as us. (In their minds, Negroes ed Presbyterian Church with thanks- were obviously inferior.) giving. My father was an elder and This posed a problem. A Jewish fam- church treasurer there. As I sat in the ily bought the little grocery just up the pew, I would have out-of-body experi- street, and their son, Irving, was my ences in which I saw the good boy in age. It was great to have a new friend. the similitude of piety and found him We had good times playing together. contemptible. He really didn’t seem any different A few months away from college from me. And his parents were “nice,” graduation in 1952, my hypocrisy had the highest form of approbation in our become almost unmanageable. Some- Roger says: Now he has three dogs, but maturity still eludes him. Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011 Appeal planned in S.C. released-time case

The Freedom From Religion Foun- guing that close cooperation between used to promote and not merely ac- “The court’s decision is disappoint- dation will appeal a district court deci- the district and religious educators commodate religion. ing to those of us who support the sep- sion in South Carolina that upheld the had the primary effect of advancing FFRF’s lawsuit charges the school aration between religion and govern- Spartanburg County School District’s religion. developed and implemented its policy ment,” said Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF policy granting academic credit for A central issue is whether the policy “in concert” with bible instructors, who co-president. “Public schools should religious released-time classes held off- is constitutional under the Supreme were allowed to promote the program not be allowed to grant school credit campus. The case now goes before the Court’s ruling in Zorach v. Clauson in classrooms and at class registration. for devotional courses that couldn’t 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. (1952), which allows schools “to ac- The district also agreed to handle stu- constitutionally be taught in public Although U.S. District Court Judge commodate their schedules” to release dent discipline for major behavioral schools.” Henry Herlong found that FFRF had students during the school day to re- issues. Grades were given and even “We thank the local parent plaintiffs standing to sue, he granted summary ceive outside religious instruction. factored into students’ grade-point av- — Robert Moss and Ellen Tillet — who judgment to the school district in his FFRF maintains that Spartanburg’s erages. FFRF maintains that under the made possible this lawsuit, and attor- April 5 decision. FFRF and two dis- practices go far beyond the court’s rul- circumstances, the district’s involve- ney George Daly for his pro bono legal trict families with schoolchildren chal- ing in Zorach. FFRF contends the ma- ment violates the Establishment Clause work,” said Co-President Dan Barker. lenged the policy’s constitutionality, ar- chinery of the public schools is being of the First Amendment. Friend of FFRF gets Pulitzer In Memoriam Denver Post messages.” editorial cartoon- Keefe was the 2006 recipient of ist Mike Keefe has FFRF’s Freethought in the Media won the 2011 Pulit- “Tell It Like It Is” Award. Co-Presi- Norma Howe, 1930–2011 zer Prize for a dis- dent Annie Laurie Gaylor noted at tinguished cartoon the time, “We’ve long been aware that Norma Howe, 81, Sacramento, Ca- CBS-TV special in 1986. Her last novel, or portfolio of car- freethought’s best friend at most news lif., died April 19, 2011, of thyroid can- Angel in Vegas: The Chronicles of Noah toons. dailies is the editorial cartoonist, who is cer. Sark, was published in 2009. She re- Keefe’s entry was not afraid to puncture hypocrisy, point She was a Foundation member with counted at normahowe.com how the lat- a portfolio of 20 ed- out irrationalism or to let the powers her husband of 60 years, Robert, who ter came about: itorial cartoons. The judges cited him that be have it! And best of all, to make survives her. “I first got the idea for Angel in Ve- for his range of his work and a “loose, us laugh while they pillory orthodoxy.” Norma Claire Nadeau was born Feb. gas shortly after the tragic death of expressive style to send strong, witty Congratulations, Mike! 7, 1930, in San Jose. After earning an Princess Diana in August 1997, when English degree at San Jose State Uni- an overwrought woman in the grocery versity, she stayed home to raise seven store cried out to those of us in line, children and began writing for True ‘Where oh where was her guardian Story and Modern Romances maga- angel?’ Where indeed, I thought! And zines. She wrote eight published novels I thought and I thought, and after al- and two short stories for young adults. most 10 years of thought, the story fi- Sacramento Bee reporter Robert nally surfaced.” Davila wrote that she was “a well-read, She was preceded in death by a son, charming woman with a playful na- Douglas. Besides her husband, survi- ture” and that her lighthearted stories vors include three daughters, Chris- “tackled age-old philosophical ques- tine of Hamden, Conn.; Jeanne of Sac- tions, such as whether free will exists ramento; and Patricia of Napa; three and the conflict between faith and rea- sons, Robert of Placerville; Ted of Sac- son.” ramento; and Everett of San Diego; Her first novel, God, the Universe and eight grandchildren; and two brothers, Hot Fudge Sundaes, was about a teen Wayne Nadeau of Stockton and Jack questioning her religion after her sis- Nadeau of San Jose. ter was diagnosed with a terminal ill- The Foundation offers its sincere ness. It was adapted for an after-school condolences. More Fiction for In the News Freethinkers, please

Arkansas school staff whom she supervises, asking them to We had a fair number of readers Sinclair Lewis’ Elmer Gantry is obviously be prayer warriors with her. At least recommend works of fiction of special a freethought look at religion which pushed religion one staff member objected. interest to freethinkers. Now we want may not have an atheist character, but A teacher in Van Buren, Ark., who Both cases were handled as person- even more in our quest to compile an clearly deserves mention. prayed over her class before tests, nel matters, said Superintendent Mer- inclusive list of works with nonbeliev- • Optionally, you may briefly handed out pocket bible verses and le Dickerson. ing protagonists, freethought themes quote a relevant line or passage or posted bible verses in the classroom, or secular points of view. The goal for include a one-paragraph summary of was ordered to stop those practices. State court to hear Fiction for Freethinkers is to also list freethought plot, character or overall Two parents complained to the as many classics as possible, along with significance. district about Central Middle School Ohio teacher’s appeal newer works. • Your name as the nominator will teacher Jan Redden praying “for the The appeal of an Ohio science Please include: be included unless you prefer anonym- Devil to be bound up and not to enter teacher fired in January for classroom • The complete title of the novel ity. their brains” before the annual Bench- proselytizing and burning students’ or short story, author, date of publica- Mail your nomination to Free- mark exams, reported the Fort Smith arms with the image of a cross has been tion or reissue and publisher, if pos- thought Today, Attn: Fiction for Free- Times Record on April 29. “I no more moved back into state court. sible. (Include enough information thinkers, PO Box 750, Madison WI want her leading my child in prayer The Mount Vernon School Board so readers can locate it. Sorry, please 53701, and include your full name, ad- than I would want someone from a dif- wanted the case heard in federal court don’t nominate unpublished or self- dress and phone number. ferent faith leading a meditation,” said because John Freshwater’s appeal al- published works.) E-mail nominations to fttoday@ffrf. one parent, adding that she’s a Chris- leges his constitutional right to express • Include a one- or two-sentence org with “Fiction for Freethinkers nom- tian. a religious opinion was violated. But synopsis of the “atheist” import. It may ination” in the subject line. Include Earlier in the school year, Van Bu- U.S. District Judge Gregory Frost said be as nominal as your favorite private your full name and address. ren High School Principal Becky Guth- the issue could be decided in a Knox eye’s confession of nonbelief. It might Remember to be succinct because rie sent a letter to 20 staff members, County court. involve the entire plot (such as The space is limited. Thank you! Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood). May 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17 Hasa diga eebowai! ‘The ’ captivates on Broadway

and sent instead to a nearly destroyed By Annie Laurie Gaylor village in Uganda. Think of the tall order the play- wrights had in trying to explain Mor- monism — not just in the storyline to If you’ve seen the Broadway hit the Ugandans in dire straits, but to musical, The Book of Mormon, you’ll theater audiences. This is one strange know what “Hasa diga eebowai” means! religion. They solved the dilemma with In case you haven’t seen it yet, I won’t hilarious Mormon “diorama” scenes, spoil the surprise with a definition. But one of which prefaces the play. While it take it from me, the scene in which might strike you as looking somewhat fresh-faced Mormon real- like a badly staged elementary school ize what they have been chanting with offering, the dioramas authentically their Ugandan hosts has got to be one capture the sickly sweet religious tab- of the funniest ever played on Broad- leaux and bizarrely naive devotional way. paintings beloved by Mormons every- “The Book of Mormon” is a cre- where. ation of the famously potty-mouthed The hammy Jesus, whose laid-back pair, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who Southern California accent sounds bring you “South Park,” teamed with a lot like Trey Parker, is lit up like a the songwriter Robert Lopez of “Av- Christmas tree with strings of lights on enue Q.” his robe. The intermittent scenes reen- “The Book of Mormon” is not only a act key passages of Mormon doctrine, send-up of Mormonism and missionar- such as the notion that after his cru- ies in general but of Broadway musicals cifixion and before his resurrection, (“The Lion King” in particular), with Jesus appeared to native Americans in many oblique and not-so-oblique refer- “Eden” (Missouri?!). God cursed them ences to other musicals. with dark skins for reasons incoherent Knowing we would be in New York to anyone but a faithful Mormon. City shortly after the play opened, I The more bizarre exploits of Jo- bought tickets before it became a sell- seph Smith get a similar reenactment out. But clearly, word had leaked out for the benefit of Ugandan villagers, in the meantime. We arrived at the Eu- who are falling asleep as one of the gene O’Neill Theatre on a Friday night missionaries reads from the book that in early April to find lines wrapping Mark Twain summed up aptly as “chlo- around the block and more lines of roform in print.” Elder Cunningham’s people waiting for cancellations. The desperation to connect Mormon theol- excitement was palpable. ogy with their lives ends in an X-rated The laughter started as soon as the parody of “The King and I.” In the News play opened with the sound of a door- Among the standout scenes is “Turn bell. A group of young men had only It Off,” in which the theater lights go Atheist running for ing and an area for prayer rugs, to stand on stage in their Mormon uni- dark as the missionaries (including “Contrary to the claims of its spon- forms of white shirts and black trousers one who “used to be gay”) counsel House from N.C. sors, the chapel would not be open to to get a chuckle. The audience was in each other on how to separate their Atheist Cecil Bothwell, a city coun- persons of all belief and nonbelief,” stitches by the time the actors formed religion from their intellects and real cilman in Asheville, N.C., is running as Gaylor said in her letter. “I am addi- into a chorus line of “elders” practicing feelings. “Baptize Me” is a double-en- an independent for Congress against tionally concerned about the prospect their conversion patter. tendre number in which Nabulungi incumbent Democratic Rep. Heath that worship services would be held in I have never been in a theater that (the comely village maiden) and Cun- Shuler. the space.” literally rocked with such explosions ningham soulfully express how they Bothwell made headlines in 2009 Supervisor Peggy West brushed of continuous laughter. The over-the- feel about doing it “for the first time.” when he was elected and opponents aside concerns. “This is a wonderful top “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream” se- While the play has been hailed by seized on a provision in the state Con- addition to the airport. Those who quence manages to sustain its energy Stone as “an atheist love song to orga- stitution that bars atheists from hold- don’t [agree], well, God bless you.” and silliness for what seemed like 10 nized religion,” and thus hasn’t ruffled ing office. However, the U.S. Consti- minutes. (Our hapless Mormon mis- as many feathers as it might have, the tution’s “no religious test” provision Stem cell case back sionary boy is lost amid whirling Star- freethinking is there above and be- prevailed. bucks coffees, Hitler and Jeffrey Dah- yond the irreverency. Nabulungi sings to district court mer.) a song about her newfound paradise, God not FFRF’s Religious forces opposing govern- It’s not for nothing that “The Book “Sal Tlay Ka Siti” (say it fast). When her ment financing of human embryonic of Mormon” topped the nomination hopes are dashed that the Mormon Milwaukee copilot stem cell research lost a round April 20 list for Tony Awards with 14, including boys will rescue her village from pov- The Foundation sent a letter April in federal appeals court. Abortion foes best musical, best book of a musical, erty, AIDS, and a terrorist general bent 18 to Milwaukee County Executive liken the research to murder. best original score, direction, chore- on sexually mutilating the women, Chris Abele and the Board of Super- Samuel Casey, a lawyer for two scien- ography, orchestrations, scenic design, she’s consoled by a wise older woman, visors on behalf of Wisconsin FFRF tists who sued to stop federal funding costume design, lighting design, sound who tells her “Sal Tlay Ka Siti” doesn’t members, objecting to a proposal for of the research, said he was disappoint- design, as well as for leading actors Josh really exist. You have to make a para- a chapel inside the county-owned Gen- ed but also pleased that the appeals Gad and Andrew Rannells, featured ac- dise of the world you’re in. eral Mitchell International Airport. An court kept the suit alive and that he was tor Rory O’Malley and featured actress “Tomorrow Is a Latter Day” ends the Action Alert also went to Milwaukee- considering an appeal. Nikki M. James. play with a freethinking pun. area members. The ruling sends the case back to My advice: Go see it on Broadway Despite our efforts, the board and Chief Judge Royce Lamberth of the ‘Chloroform in print’ now if you possibly can. Because, with Abele have approved the plan to lease U.S. District Court in Washington, its sweetly offered profanity and plot- 900 square feet of space in the airport D.C., who ruled in August that the The plot features the golden-haired lines in which the adjectives crude for $1 a year for what the county is call- Obama administration was so unlikely boy , Elder Price (Andrew or gross are not too strong, I would ing a “meditation room.” The lessee is to win the case that he issued an imme- Rannels), and odd-duck Elder Cun- prophesy (Why not? Mormons do it all Interfaith Airport Chapel of Milwau- diate ban on federal spending. ningham, who in times of stress makes the time) that this is not a play that will kee Inc. The government appealed, and the up stories that seem no more ridiculous be coming any time soon to your local FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie appeals court stopped the ban from than those in the real Book of Mor- high school or community theater. Gaylor noted the Catholic predomi- going into effect while it heard argu- mon. Cunningham is played brashly And here’s to a new chant, “Hasa nance of the group. As the county’s ments. The April 20 ruling ends the and with a hysterical laugh by Josh Diga Eebowai!” press release said, the chapel is largely first phase of litigation. Casey said that Gad, a regular on “The Daily Show.” Annie Laurie Gaylor is co-president of seen as a replacement for St. Stephen Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson’s Price’s bright hopes of being sent to the Freedom From Religion Foundation and Catholic Church, which was torn down dissent might lead him to ask the full missionize Orlando, Fla., are blighted co-host of Freethought Radio: ffrf.org/ at its location near the airport and re- Court of Appeals to consider the case. when he’s paired with Cunningham news/radio/ built in Oak Creek. The room will seat- Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011

Black Collar Crime Blotter

Matthew Jones, 31, Longview, WA: 3rd-de- Compiled by Bill Dunn gree rape of a child, 3rd-degree child molesta- tion and 1st-degree sexual misconduct. Jones, Arrested / Charged a middle school science teacher pursuing a Rev. Edward McGuinness, 55, Limavady, master’s in Christian studies with a focus in the- N.IRE: Driving a car while unfit. A defense law- ology, was arrested after police discovered him yer told the court he didn’t think McGuinness, a naked in the back seat of a Honda Civic with a Catholic priest, would contest the drink-driving former student in a Bellevue park. charge. Source: BBC News, 4-27-11 Court documents said police described the Eight Sikhs face charges of assault, crimi- relationship, which started when the girl was 15, nal possession of a weapon and disruption of a as consensual. Source: Seattle Times, 4-1-11 religious service after a melee at Baba Makhan Rev. Joseph G. Clauder, 64, Madison, WI: Shah Lobana Sikh Center in Queens, NY. A Sexual assault of a child under the age of 16. leadership dispute between followers of two The alleged female victim was 14 or 15 at the factions, headed respectively by Gurmej Singh time of incidents in Stevens Point and Monona and Jarnail Singh, turned violent with men in 2003-04. She didn’t report them until 2009, swinging swords and cricket bats. she told authorities, due to her fear of Clauder, “Everybody got bleeding, everybody got who was removed in 1999 as a priest by the stitching, everybody got to hospital, but they ar- Madison Diocese after a sexual misconduct al- rest my side only,” Jarnail Singh said, claiming legation by an adult female. 5 of the 8 arrested were his followers. Source: The girl alleges Clauder told her if she told Reuters, 4-26-11 anyone she wouldn’t go to heaven. She said Rev. Stephen Addy Powell, 31, Omanjor, she was afraid to go to heaven because Claud- GHA: Indecent assault. Powell, a pastor with er might be there. “I never want to be near him,” Crown Miracle International Ministries, allegedly she told a nurse, her parish priest and family invited himself into a woman’s home to tell her members in February 2009. God revealed to him that she was possessed by Diocesan spokesman Brent King said evil spirits and that they had to pray together to Sexual assault on a child by a person in a posi- said he had to videotape their sexual encounter Clauder has assignment within the church but banish them. tion of trust. Caverly and his wife were lay vol- so he could send the tapes to a doctor. Bay said gets a retired priest’s stipend. The diocese’s The woman, 32, alleges that during the unteers at Springs Community Church, where Davis admitted he belonged to a website where sexual abuse review board found the girl’s al- prayer, Powell undressed her and began lick- Caverly met his alleged victim in his youth group members trade sex tapes. legations “credible and probable.” Source: Wis- ing her private parts. “He licked me for quite a when she was 16. “My biggest fear is there are other victims consin State Journal, 3-30-11 long period before concluding the prayers,” she They had sex “200 to 400 times” over 3 that are afraid to come forward,” Bay said. “He’s told police, who said Powell is married with an years, court documents said. The girl babysat probably done it to others who are here illegally 8-month-old child. Source: to Ghana, for the couple’s 3 children. Most of the sex oc- or have other issues. It seems to me that’s who ‘He licked me for 4-26-11 curred in the basement of the Caverly home. he’s preying on.” Source: Graham Leader, 4-6- Timothy D. Miller, 34, Crossville, TN: Aid- The woman, now 19, told police the relationship 11 quite a long period ing in the removal of a child from the U.S. and ended due to Caverly’s jealousy. Source: KOAA Rev. Julio C. Perez, 40, El Ranchito, TX: retaining a child with intent to obstruct parental News, 4-13-11 Capital murder. Perez, pastor of Ministerios before concluding rights. An FBI affidavit unsealed in Vermont ac- Keemonta Peterson, 29, Portland, OR: 1st- Manantial de Vida, is accused of orchestrating cused Miller, a Mennonite missionary, of helping and 2nd-degree assault and 1st-degree criminal a murder-for-hire plot that left his wife Sonia the prayers.’ a woman take her 9-year-old daughter to Cen- mistreatment. Peterson, a mother of 4, tried to Perez, 39, shot dead in her vehicle. She taught tral America during a custody dispute with her circumcise her 3-month-old son with a box cut- third grade. former lesbian partner. ter, using pliers as a tourniquet while another A woman reportedly told police Perez was Rev. Paul B. Johnson, 74, Dunn, NC: 4 Miller works for Ohio-based Christian Aid son, 13, looked on “in distress.” She called 9-1- looking for hit men. Gabriel A. Escalante, counts of sexual battery. Johnson, pastor of Cal- Ministries in Nicaragua. The woman and girl 1 after 2 hours when the bleeding didn’t stop. 20, and Daniel Lopez, 37, have also been vary Baptist Church and a Board of Ministers were allegedly housed before that at a beach Peterson told police she’d been inspired to charged with capital murder. Escalante turned member at Campbell University Divinity School, house owned by a businessman with ties to circumcise her baby after reading the Old Tes- himself in and allegedly told police Perez paid is accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual Rev. Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University in Lynch- tament, and that she follows the “Hebrew” reli- them $1,300 in three payments, the last one in contact with a 64-year-old female nursing home burg, VA, the FBI said. Source: AP, 4-25-11 gion. She watched a YouTube video to learn the a Payless shoe store lot. Source: San Antonio patient with diminished mental capacity. Stephen L. Wakefield, 24, Greenville, SC: procedure, including stitching the wound. The Express-News, 4-5-11 “Right now, everybody is just confused, up- Criminal solicitation of a minor. Wakefield, a report didn’t say what she used for stitches. The Rev. Samuel B. Slocum, 59, Bradford, PA: set,” said church member James Norris. “Every- youth leader at Truth Missionary Baptist Church, boy has recovered. Source: The Oregonian, Interference with the custody of children, con- body is in tears.” Source: WRAL News, 3-27-11 allegedly sent nude photos to a 13-year-old 4-8-11 cealment of the whereabouts of a child, corrup- Barry A. Cook, 47, Montgomery, AL: Sex- girl in his youth group over a period of several Rev. Daniel Dahlberg, 68, Superior, WI: tion of minors, prowling at night and loitering. ual torture and aggravated child abuse. Cook, months. He was also director of an after-school Felony theft. Dahl, pastor at St. Patrick Catholic Slocum, who served the Catholic parishes Our leadership teacher and pastoral staff member YMCA program. Church, is accused of stealing $10,800 from a Mother of Perpetual Help and St. Francis of As- at Christian Life Church, was arrested on an “We are deeply saddened by these events parish account used to help needy people and sisi, is charged with inappropriate conduct with outstanding domestic violence warrant. The al- and are praying for God’s perfect will in this situ- gambling it away. The Diocese of Superior ac- a boy, 15, whose mother told Slocum to stay leged victim is a boy younger than 12. ation,” said Rev. Sammy Kay Jr. of Truth Mis- cepted his resignation in March. He was former- away. He has been fired from the church, a spokes- sionary in a statement. Source: Anderson Inde- ly vicar general of the diocese, the next-highest Court documents allege Slocum gave the person said. Source: WFSA News, 3-25-11 pendent, 4-22-11 position to the bishop. Source: Duluth News boy expensive gifts and that they met at both Rev. Patrick Edouard, 41, Byron Center, Jessica Lynn Tramel, 32, Bristol, TN: 150 Tribune, 4-7-11 their residences. The mother gave police mes- MI: 3 counts each of 3rd-degree sexual abuse counts of forgery, theft of property over $60,000 Michael Sumulikoski, 27, Elmwood Park, sages she found. “I always knew there was and sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist and identity theft. Tramel, secretary at Unaka NJ, and Artur Sopel, 31, River Edge, NJ: So- something special about you, but I never knew or school employee (including clergy). Edouard, Avenue Baptist Church, is accused of forging pel, vice president of operations at Paramus what it was. Majic,” Slocum wrote. “I’m really try- former pastor at Covenant Reformed Church in $229,000 in checks from a church account, Catholic High School, is charged with sexual ing not to say bad stuff, but you’re pushing it.” Pella, IA, allegedly coerced and in some cases making them payable to herself. Source: AP, assault, endangering the welfare of a child and He told police he took photos of the boy and forced 4 married women to have sex with him 4-22-11 hindering apprehension. Sumulikoski, a substi- other juveniles but denied sexual contact. The from 2003-10. Gabriele DelBianco, 54, Auburn, ON: 3 tute teacher and football coach at the school, is Diocese of Erie has suspended him. Source: Edouard is a Haitian immigrant serving a counts of sexual assault. DelBianco, who left charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Erie Times-News, 4-5-11 conservative congregation of mostly Dutch the Catholic priesthood in 1996, is accused of They were suspended after being accused of Rev. Dan Duane, 72, Mallow, IRE: Inde- ancestry. Counseling allegedly took place in molesting a woman in her teens in the 1980s. having sex with female students on a 10-day cent assault. Duane, a retired Catholic priest Edouard’s study in his home in Bos Landen. He turned himself in to the Ontario Provincial field trip in February to Germany. Sumulikoski in the Diocese of Cloyne, is accused of molest- “Some people now wonder why the pastor Police. allegedly had sex with a girl in Germany, while ing 2 teen girls between 1980-82. Source: Irish wasn’t given a proper study at the church build- The Diocese of has received allega- Sopel is accused of having sex with 2 students Times, 4-5-11 ing,” reporter Dan Winters asked. Source: WHO tions from 7 women about sexual abuse while in Germany and with another girl in 2010. Rev. Phillip A. Ferrara, 48, Little Meadows, News, 3-25-11 they were teens. The diocese has apologized Sumuliksoki’s lawyer said he’s investigating PA: 3 counts each of indecent assault of a per- Robert L. Stoner, 38, Wilmington, DE: 6 and has offered to pay for counseling. Source: if New Jersey has jurisdiction over acts alleged- son under the age of 16 and corruption of a mi- counts of 3rd-degree rape. Stoner, youth pastor Petrolia Topic, 4-20-11 ly occurring in Germany. Both men attended the nor. An affidavit said Ferrara, a Melkite Greek at Miracle Temple Holy Church, is accused of Rev. Stephen D. Berry, 38, Union, SC: school and starred in athletics. Source: WYFF Catholic priest, allegedly told a 14-year-old boy having sexual intercourse 6 times with a female Lewd act on a child under 16. Berry, associate News, 4-7-11 his sperm duct was blocked and that a massage member of the congregation, starting when she pastor at New Life Baptist Church, is accused Rev. Tommy Joe Pitts, 51, Fairview, OK: 15 would relieve the boy’s back pain. was 15. Sex allegedly took place several times of repeatedly rubbing a 13-year-old girl’s up- counts of 1st-degree rape, 15 counts of rape by The boy was on retreat with his family at Our in Stoner’s home while his son was asleep. per thighs while giving her a ride home. He was instrumentation, 20 counts of lewd acts with a Lady of Solitude Monastery. The affidavit said Source: News Journal, 3-21-11 charged in March with criminal sexual conduct child under 16, and 20 counts of forcible sod- the alleged victim told police he twice rubbed Rev. Albert Turnell Jr., 71, Smyrna, GA: with a minor for allegedly assaulting a different omy. Pitts, pastor at Midway Assembly of God, Ferrara’s penis with his feet. Possession and distribution of child pornogra- girl for about 6 months. Source: WYFF News, is accused of molesting his adopted daughters, Archbishop Cyril Bustros of the Melkite Ep- phy. Turnell, a Methodist minister who retired 4-18-11 who are sisters ages 8, 9 and 12. archy in Newton, MA, said in a statement that in 2003, was arrested in a sting conducted by Rabbi Gavriel Bidany, 47, Tel Aviv, ISR: Pitts’ wife, Lorenda, reported her suspicions Ferrara was “placed in a treatment center for state and federal child protection task forces. Misdemeanor assault. A complaint sworn by to the sheriff. The oldest girl told investiga- evaluation.” Source: Scranton Times Tribune, “He was highly regarded among his peers,” FBI Agent Janet Ambrisco said about 90 min- tors he gave them a choice after they broke a 4-5-11 said Tom Cook, chancellor of the North Geor- utes into a flight from Tel Aviv to New York City, rule: Either get spanked or touch his genitals. Rev. Eddie Prince, 63, Hernando, TN: Pos- gia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Bidany allegedly reached over to the sleeping Source: Enid News & Eagle, 4-7-11 session of child pornography. Prince, pastor Source: Marietta Daily Journal, 2-25-11 woman seated next to him and “placed his hand Owen Davis, Highland Village, TX: 1st-de- at Oak Grove Baptist Church, allegedly down- Rev. Bohdan Borowec, under her blanket, on her groin, and was grop- gree aggravated sexual assault. Davis, vicar at loaded porn from a computer at a public library, 56, Winnipeg, MB: Kidnap- ing her genital area.” Faith Lutheran Church in Graham, is accused of where employees reported him. ping and 2 counts of 4th-de- “Jane Doe” told the FBI she then “pulled intimidating an adult Hispanic cleaning woman “Unfortunately, it appears this person was gree sexual assault. Borowec, her blanket back over her head and body.” But who is in the U.S. illegally into having sex with able to temporarily partially defeat the filtering a Ukrainian Catholic priest on minutes later, Bidany allegedly again “reached him in August 2010. system before being detected,” said Catherine vacation in Hawaii, was indict- under the passenger’s blanket, this time groping Young County Sheriff’s Capt. Tim Bay said Nathan, First Regional Library director. The li- ed by a grand jury. A 55-year- the passenger’s breasts.” Davis made her sign a confidentiality agree- brary’s computers are all in the middle of the old member of St. Sophia “What are you doing, stop touching me,” ment. “He told her she had to comply with his building in plain view. Ukrainian Greek Catholic Mis- she told Bidany. He replied, “It’s a mistake, I’m demands because she had signed a contract. “If you are doing something in public like sion alleges Borowec held her asleep,” according to Ambrisco. Source: The He then assaulted her, and he videotaped ev- this where you can be seen, you’re yelling out ‘I against her will and sexually assaulted her. Smoking Gun, 4-14-11 erything. It was force by intimidation.” Bay said. need to be caught,’ ” said District Attorney John The Ukrainian Archeparchy of Winnipeg Eric Caverly, 37, Colorado Springs, CO: Bay said the alleged victim claimed Davis Champion. Source: Commercial Appeal, 4-4-11 later listed Borowec as being on “administrative May 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

leave.” Source: Star-Advertiser, 2-23-11 charges against his 47-year-old wife, Kimberly Pastor Belcher and Oglesby McCowan. The work furlough means Pleaded / Convicted he can continue preaching at Solid Rock. Rev. Alejandro Castillo, 58, Ontario, CA: Source: Ventura County Star, 4-19-11 Creep of Pleaded guilty to committing a lewd act on his wife purchased Rev. Efrain Umana, 55, Lincoln, NE: 35 a child. Castillo, former pastor of Our Lady of years in prison for 2nd-degree sexual abuse, the Month Guadalupe Church, agreed to plead guilty if 7 the Dirty Shame 3rd-degree sexual abuse and assault with in- similar counts were dropped related to his as- Belgian prosecutors are tent to commit sexual abuse. Umana, pastor of sault of a boy, 12. Saloon in 2006. considering new charges against Roger Templo Monte Horeb in Council Bluffs, IA, was Castillo will serve a year in jail but could Vangheluwe, 74, who resigned in 2010 as convicted of molesting an 11-year-old girl in his have faced more than 20 years if convicted on guilty to 1st-degree rape. Fulton, former youth Catholic bishop of Bruges after admitting he church and making unwanted sexual advances all charges. Prosecutor Karen Schmauss said pastor at Mariner’s Temple Baptist Church in molested his own nephew for 13 years start- to an adult female congregant. the plea bargain was “in the best interest for New York City, was charged with sexually abus- ing when the boy was 5 in the 1970s. The Umana has never admitted guilt and stood both sides. The victim does not to have to relive ing 4 girls, ages 10 to 16, on church property. statute of limitations bars criminal charges. mute at sentencing. His trial for 1st-degree sex- this in front of the public. The victim is 15 years Allegations include sexual intercourse with a The allegations involve 2 altar boys at a ual assault of a child is set for May in Omaha. old now, in high school. He wants to live his life.” victim who was 12. He faces 22 years in prison. church camp in the 1960s. The Flemish daily Source: Omaha World-Herald, 4-13-11 Source: Contra Costa Times, 4-25-11 Source: Washington Examiner, 4-4-11 De Morgen reported an altar boy later com- Rev. Trent J. Cole Sr., 53, Springboro, OH: Rev. Christopher Settlemoir, 27, Warren, mitted suicide, but a prosecution spokesman Sentenced 90 days in jail (suspended), attend Alcoholics MI: Pleaded no contest to 1st- and 2nd-degree declined comment. Lidia DeLavio, 47, Lincoln, NE: 6 months in Anonymous and anger management sessions. criminal sexual conduct and accosting a minor In a Belgian TV interview April 14, Vang- jail after pleading no contest to obstructing gov- Cole, pastor of Grace Bible Church, pleaded for immoral purposes. Warren was pastor at An- heluwe admitted molesting another nephew. ernment operations. DeLavio, a volunteer cler- guilty to 2nd-degree domestic violence for hit- tioch Baptist Church and Antioch Baptist Acade- Sometimes smiling, he called the abuse “a gy member, was charged with performing oral ting his wife and keeping her from leaving their my, where he was accused of forcing a boy, 15, little piece of intimacy. sex on a state penitentiary inmate in September home afterward. to engage in oral sex and of molesting 2 other “I had the strong impression that my 2010. She was described in a 2007 Daily Ne- “Alcohol is causing a problem in your life,” boys between September 2009 and April 2010. nephew didn’t mind at all. On the contrary. braskan story as a nondenominational ordained Judge Robert Peeler said. “This story could end While his wife, with whom he has a 2-year- It was not brutal sex. I never used bodily, minister. bad.” old daughter, didn’t attend the hearing, “She’s physical violence” and “was never naked.” Inmate Troy Hess said he’s in love with His son, Trent Cole Jr., plays defensive end standing by her man,” said Settlemoir’s lawyer. He was interviewed in Ferte-Imbault, DeLavio. He’s serving life after a botched es- for the Philadelphia Eagles. Source: Dayton Source: Macomb Daily, 4-25-11 France, where the Vatican has sent him for cape attempt in which he shot himself in the Daily News, 4-12-11 Rev. Jason Phillips, 37, Canton, IL: Guilty “spiritual and psychological treatment.” Van- foot. Source: Lincoln Journal Star, 4-26-11 Daniel Rogers, 22, Melbourne, AUS: 8 of criminal sexual assault for sexual contact with gheluwe said his first abuse of a nephew Rev. Kevin Gray, 65, Waterbury, CT: 3 months in jail and 20 months’ probation after a 15-year-old girl while he was associate pastor started as “a game.” The abuse of his other years in prison and 3 years’ probation. Gray, pleading guilty to 2 counts of sexual penetra- at Covenant Community Fellowship Church. A nephew lasted “merely a year. I don’t have former pastor at Sacred Heart/Sagrado Cora- tion of a child, attempted sexual penetration of jury heard testimony that the girl and her sister the impression at all that I am a pedophile. I zon Parish, pleaded no contest to 1st-degree a child and committing an indecent act with a became virtual daughters to the Phillips family never felt the least attraction to a child.” larceny. He was accused of stealing more than child. Rogers admitted molesting a 15-year-old and had their own rooms in Phillips’ home. Vangheluwe complained about the $1 million in church money and spending it on boy in a bathroom at the Baptist church in 2009 Prosecutor Susan Maxwell said Phillips church being unfairly targeted in abuse male escorts and a lavish lifestyle. He also told where he was a youth leader. They’d communi- groomed the girl. “He did so slowly.” The girl probes compared to other organizations. his parish he had cancer when he didn’t. cated online earlier and the boy told Rogers he testified she didn’t try to stop Phillips thees- “Why is it different for priests than for other The Diocese of Hartford did not ask for res- was confused about his sexuality. timated 10 times he fondled her and, at least situations? Why should the church pay com- titution, a prosecutor said. Source: AP, 4-28-11 Judge Joe Gullaci said Rogers he abused once, she sexually touched him. Text messages pensation and there is no compensation in Msgr. Patrick Brown, 59, Long Hill, NJ: 5 his position of trust. “You believed that you were were also read in court. Source: Peoria Journal other professions? The church should not months in jail, 5 months of home confinement . . . rescuing the victim from homosexuality,” Star, 4-21-11 be pushed in a special corner.” Source: AP, with electronic monitoring and a $30,000 fine Gullaci said. “I am satisfied beyond reasonable Rev. Jody Dewain Lusk, Auburn, KY: 4-15-11; Reuters, 4-20-11 after pleading guilty to filing a false tax return. doubt that you were sexually aroused and re- Pleaded guilty to taking a minor across state Brown, pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic ceived sexual gratification from your offending.” lines to engage in sex. The former pastor of Church and chaplain at the Morris County jail, Source: Brisbane Times, 4-12-11 Auburn Church of Christ is already serving 20 diverted $63,000 from parish funds to personal A 36-year-old Catholic priest, name with- The eldest of the brothers, now 57, lives years after pleading guilty to 6 counts of 2nd- accounts in 2004-09 and never reported it as held, was sentenced in Adelaide, AUS, to 30 in Nova Scotia. “PJJ” said he and his brothers degree rape and 2nd-degree sodomy involving income. Brown has repaid the $63,000 to the months in prison for kidnapping, assaulting and were “pure as white snow” when the molesting the 13-year-old girl at an Illinois campground in parish and must pay $12,400 to the IRS. He has compelling an act of sexual manipulation on a started. He said about 20 years ago, when he 2009. resigned from St. Vincent. Source: Newark Star- female masseuse. was president of his church’s parish council, his In a jailhouse interview, Lusk said the devil Ledger, 4-27-11 District Court Judge Michael Thomas Boylan wife suggested he speak with the priest, so he “attacks your weaknesses.” Source: AP, 4-19-11 Adrian Estrada, 27, Bexar County, TX: Es- said the priest “behaved despicably and took tried. Rev. Jerry L. Cannon, 63, Dry Ridge, KY: trada, former youth group leader at El Sendero advantage of her vulnerability for your own grat- “I told him what happened. I was getting Pleaded guilty to 2 counts of distribution of child Assembly of God Church, was resentenced to ification,” including slapping her and making her ready to pour my soul out to him. He just shook pornography. Cannon, pastor of the Church of life in prison for the murder of Stephanie San- suck on the heel of her shoe. his head and said: ‘Why do people have to con- God, used at least 13 Facebook accounts, ac- chez, 17, and their unborn child in 2005. A jury “I want you to do me for free. I want to rape tinually try to attack us?’ ” PJJ said he left the cording to an FBI agent’s affidavit. sentenced him to death, but an appeals court you,” the judge recounted the priest as saying. church at that moment. Source: Sudbury Star, The agent said she saw more than 600 im- overturned the sentence. “She is now terrified of any man who resembles 4-24-11 ages of child porn on Jan. 26, including pre- Estrada stabbed Sanchez 11 times with a you.” Source: Herald Sun, 4-5-11 Calvary Chapel, Rathdrum, ID, and North pubescent girls with exposed private areas, butcher knife and strangled her. It was the third Rev. Bob Crisp, 62, Rowlett, TX: 6 months’ Country Chapel, Post Falls, ID, are being sued on Cannon’s fake profile. He also had multiple time he impregnated her. She had an abortion probation and $650 fine after pleading no con- by Alex McIntosh and Nicholas Rutler, both videos, including those depicting adults raping the first time and miscarried the second. Court test to misdemeanor assault. Crisp, pastor at 22, who allege the churches protected a youth toddlers, according to the affidavit. documents show he didn’t tell her he was also Sacred Heart Catholic Church, was accused of group employee who molested them when they “He was living a double life,” said head dea- having sex with another teen girl in his youth rubbing his bare foot on a 14-year-old girl’s leg were under 16. Anthony L. Iglesias is in prison con Todd Cummins. “He knows the bible as well group. Source: KWTX News, 4-21-11 while complimenting her pedicure and footwear for sexually abusing 14-year-old twin brothers in as anyone I’ve ever met.” Source: Mobile Press- Rev. Anthony D. Newton, 51, Lexington, in 2009. He is on leave from his priestly duties a separate case in 2004. Register, 4-19-11 TN: After pleading guilty to 3 counts of sexual and likely won’t return to Sacred Heart, a dioc- The plaintiffs allege the churches acted in Rev. Donald W. Belcher, 82, Yaak, MT: battery by an authority figure, Newton was esan spokesman said. Source: AP, 3-30-11 concert with Iglesias to hide his history of pe- Pleaded guilty to 2 counts of child sexual abuse. sentenced to 4 years on each count, with the dophilia. Belcher, a retired Episcopal priest, was extra- sentence suspended to time served, proba- Civil Lawsuits Filed The twins, Kyle and Kory Larabee, have a dited to Maryland on charges he molested a tion, $500 fine and register as a sex offender. The Archdiocese of Miami is accused in a civil suit pending against Calvary Chapel and 15-year-old girl in 2006 and an 8-year-old girl in The former pastor of h2o Church was accused suit filed by Alejandro Mora of failing to stop Fr. Iglesias. Source: Spokesman-Review, 4-16-11 2010 in North East, Md. of forcing a 16-year-old girl to perform oral sex Juan O’Farrill from sexually abusing him as an An unnamed Maryland man is his early 40s He and his wife purchased the Dirty Shame during a church lock-in on New Year’s Eve, an altar boy in the late 1980s while O’Farrill was alleges Fr. Philip DeRea, Aurora, IL, sexu- Saloon in Yaak in 2006. Source: AP, 4-11-11 affidavit said. a priest at St. Michael the Archangel Church. ally abused him for 8 years, starting at age 11. Rabbi Mordchai Fish, 58, Brooklyn, NY: He’s also charged with aggravated statutory O’Farrill, who died in 1994, allegedly molested DeRea is a “celebrity priest” and chaplain for the Pleaded guilty to money laundering. Fish, prin- rape and sexual battery by an authority figure the boy, a Nicaraguan immigrant, at the rectory Indy 500. The suit seeks $75,000 in damages cipal rabbi at Congregation Sheves Achim, for a similar incident with the same alleged after giving him orange juice spiked with liquor. from DeRea and his religious order, the Society laundered about $900,000 he believed to be victim Dec. 10 on a road in Decatur County. The suit alleges the archdiocese “knew or of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. criminal proceeds from an undercover informant Source: Jackson Sun, 4-20-11 should have known” O’Farrill “sexually abused According to the claims, DeRea initiated a posing as a businessman. The scheme used re- Rev. Alonzo “Lonnie” McCowan, 50, Ven- other boys” but “took no action against [him] friendship with the boy, who lived a few blocks ligious charities to hide the $900,000. Fish was tura, CA: Pleaded guilty to grand theft, stealing and continued to give him unfettered access to from the priest’s home, in 1980 when the child among 44 people, including 4 rabbis, charged in from an elderly person, money laundering and young boys.” Source: NBC News, 4-28-11 was 11 years old. The abuse started a few the 2009 sting. grand theft and was sentenced to a year in jail Three brothers, now in their 50s, are suing months later, when DeRea began fondling the Rabbi Saul Kassin, 89, Brooklyn, NY: with work-release privileges, at least 5 years’ Rev. John E. Sullivan, Montreal, QU, and the plaintiff during car rides, rubbing the boy’s leg Pleaded guilty to illegal cash transmission in the probation and restitution of $443,100. McCow- Catholic Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, alleging until he was aroused and then saying, “Look same sting. Kassin, chief rabbi at Shaare Zion, an, pastor of Solid Rock Christian Center, was sexual abuse by Sullivan in the late 1960s when who’s happy to see me,” the suit states, alleg- a Syrian congregation, admitted he accepted accused of duping an 88-year-old man out of he was priest at Canadian Forces Base Falcon- ing DeRea sodomized him and gave him porno- bank checks in exchange for checks of a lesser his home equity and acquiring 2 other proper- bridge. Sullivan, in his late 80s, lives with his graphic movies, mainly in his chapel/home but value from a charity he operated, the Magen Is- ties under false pretenses. sister and was convicted in 1992 of sexual as- also on a racing trip to Ohio. rael Society. Source: Newark Star-Ledger, 4-9- Prosecutors agreed to drop all felony sault against the brothers and other boys. Staff, including nuns, were in DeRea’s home 11; CNN, 3-29-11 during the abuse and witnessed the priest tak- Rev. Paul Meeks, Tatum, NM: Pleaded ing the boy to his bedroom, but never ques- guilty to criminal sexual contact of a minor under tioned the behavior, the suit alleges. Source: age 13. Meeks, former pastor for an unidentified Chicago Sun-Times, 4-15-11 congregation, made the plea during opening An Arkansas woman has filed a $5 million statements at his trial in Lovington. lawsuit against Fr. Charles Kanu, a suspend- He pleaded guilty on condition the state ed priest at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic drop 2 other sexual contact charges. He told the Church in Mountain Home, AR. Also named are court he would plead guilty for his family. the Diocese of Little Rock and Bishop An- According to court documents, Meeks ear- thony Taylor. lier admitted he’d inappropriately touched his “Jane Doe” alleges Kanu pressured her into daughters. Source: NewsWest 9, 4-8-11 sexual acts during counseling and that other William Howden, 71, Rio Rancho, NM: priests knew of the relationship. Howden, a former Episcopal priest and mayor Mountain Home Police Chief Carry Manuel of Rio Rancho, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and said an investigation was completed. “From our sexual molestation of a 7-year-old girl who was standpoint, no criminal activity took place. The a friend of the family. bulk of the relationship took place when he was The girl told her mother that Howden, who in Little Rock.” Source: Baxter Bulletin, 4-19-11; now operates a business called Marriage Mak- Ozarks First, 4-15-11 ers, locked her in a storage shed and exposed A Randall County, TX, family is suing himself and touched her. The mother found Kanakuk Kamp, a Christian camp near Bran- blood on the girl’s tights. The girl told police son, MO, and an imprisoned former employee Howden made her watch pornographic movies for repeated sexual abuse of their son, starting with him. Source: KRQE News, 4-5-11 Jeremy Fulton, 28, Baltimore, MD: Pleaded Continued on next page Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011

Continued from previous page Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, 4-17-11 The Vatican has been served with court when he was 10. papers through diplomatic channels in a Wis- Former Director Peter Newman is serving 2 consin lawsuit. Terry Kohut, now of Chicago, life sentences plus 30 years for 7 felonies, in- alleges the pope and other top officials knew cluding sodomy and enticement of a child. His about claims of sexual abuse at St. John’s convictions are for abusing 6 campers, but New- School for the Deaf outside Milwaukee and man has admitted to molesting 13 others. called off internal punishment of the accused The suit alleges camp President Joe White priest, Rev. Lawrence Murphy. Murphy later kept Newman on staff, even though he knew he admitted he molested boys at the school for 22 was a threat after putting him on probation as years. an employee. A January attempt to serve the papers The suit was filed in Texas primarily because through the common practice of shipment by the victim’s father learned about Kanakuk at a Federal Express was rejected by the Vatican Promise Keepers event at Texas Stadium in Ir- Secretariat of State. Msgr. Brian Wells refused ving. The suit says Kanakuk recruits heavily in service, saying the suit was “undesired and un- Texas and transports children to Missouri from a wanted.” Source: AP, 4-13-11 Dallas mall parking lot. A Utah Mormon bishop, Alejandro de San- The camp’s revenues were $13.5 million in tiago, was ordered to testify in a case in which 2008, when White was paid $352,000. Source: a man he allegedly recommended to church Myhighplains.com, 4-1-11 members for marriage counseling was charged Civil Lawsuits Settled with 2 counts of forcible sex abuse. The identities of at least 17 men who have Arturo Tenorio, 57, Kearns, UT, is accused faced “credible allegations of sexual abuse” by 2 women of grabbing their breasts, spanking or other misconduct were made public by St. and simulating sex during sessions. He charged John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN, as part of a $280 for 40-minute sessions. Both alleged vic- settlement announced by St. Paul attorney Jeff tims noted in court that Tenorio was also recom- Anderson. The clergy taught at St. John’s Pre- mended by Octaviano Tenorio, a member of the LDS Church’s First Quorum of the Seventy paratory School or were assigned to parishes in pastor of the Church of the Epiphany, was dark about such crimes. and Arturo Tenorio’s brother. the Catholic Diocese of St. Cloud. placed on administrative leave. Diocese of Rich- “I told them, too, that the fact that I was Judge Charlene Barlow ruled the clergy- Anderson declined to say how much money mond Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo read a state- asked to help in the placement of priests into penitent privilege didn’t apply and that de San- the 9 plaintiffs who alleged abuse by priests and ment to the parish: “This past week, I received a new assignments without being informed of tiago could testify on some aspects of the case. brothers at the abbey will get. The naming of report of inappropriate behavior by your pastor. their history of sexual abuse makes me ‘angry Source: Salt Lake Tribune, 3-24-11 accused clergy who have not been charged with This report did not involve a minor.” as hell.’ I feel that I was duped.” Source: Philly- a crime is a change in the approach to cases in Allegations Rule, who was ordained in 1975, was put burbs.com, 4-20-11 Minnesota. Abbot John Klassen said a letter will A Finnish Christian sect called the Con- on leave in 2002 while he was pastor at St. An- Daniel Fischer, 43, Hershey, NE: 9 counts be sent to people who attended the prep school servative Laestadian Congregations ac- drew Catholic Church in Roanoke. The diocese of 1st-degree assault of a child. Fischer, a farm- and the names are posted on the abbey’s web- knowledged up to 100 incidents of pedophilia investigated a claim he sexually abused a stu- er and youth minister who taught Sunday school site. since the 1980s. About 30 cases have ended in dent at St. John Vianney Seminary in 1976. The at Hope Baptist Church in Sutherland, was ar- Of the 17, 4 are dead, 3 are no longer at St. court and several more are under investigation. diocese determined Rule’s behavior “was inap- rested April 1. The 3 alleged female victims John’s and 10 live at the abbey “with the con- Laestadians in Finland number about 35,000 propriate and exceeded the boundaries under were between ages 7 and 15. A call to a Health straints of a safety plan and supervision,” the and are part of a Lutheran revival movement the circumstances,” but he was reinstated and and Human Services hotline led to his arrest. He letter said. dating to the 19th century. About 80% of Fin- later assigned to Epiphany. Source: Richmond was released on bail April 4. Plaintiff Jeramiah McCarthy, 55, spoke at a land’s 5.3 million people belong to the Evangeli- Times-Dispatch, 4-13-11 An affidavit said Fischer hired girls to help press conference. He said the late Rev. Bruce cal Lutheran Church. Source: Winnipeg Free Rev. Jacob Oravanamthadthil, Win- him irrigate corn and would get them alone at Wollmering “attacked me in his office” when Press, 4-7-11 chester, KY: Oravanamthadthil was removed as his home or in a corn field and sexually assault McCarthy was 15. Anderson said victims in the The Vatican admitted in confidential docu- pastor at 2 Catholic parishes in the Diocese of them. After 2 more potential victims and other settlement ranged in age from 9 to 16 at the time ments it’s aware that priests from at least 23 Lexington after confirmation he’d been having information surfaced, deputies went to the farm of their alleged abuse. Source: Minneapolis Star countries, mostly in Africa, have sexually consensual sex with an adult woman for several April 13 to rearrest him and his wife, Deanna Tribune, 3-30-11 abused nuns. The National Catholic Reporter years. He’s expected to return to his native In- Fischer, 38, for child abuse and cruelty toward a Finances obtained the documents, some of which are re- dia, where he belongs to a religious order called child. Daniel Fischer was nowhere to be found. The bankrupt Catholic Diocese of Wilm- cent and some as old as 7 years, which said the Heralds of the Good News. A search warrant affidavit said Deanna ington, DE, will cut 19 full-time and 3 part-time priests who had previously sought out prosti- The diocese got a report of the relationship Fischer photographed some assaults, includ- jobs. The diocese has to pay $77.4 million in tutes started preying on nuns to avoid getting April 1. The woman is “well beyond the legal age ing one alleged to have occurred May 22, 2010, claims from 150 sex abuse suits against clergy. AIDS. of majority” and does not fall under the legal re- in the living room: “At one point, Daniel Fischer About half the jobs are at The Dialog, a weekly Some priests allegedly demanded sex in ex- porting criteria for a “vulnerable adult,” a state- took one victim to this spare bed, and while the paper printed since 1965, and another 8 are at change for favors such as permission to work ment said. Source: Lexington Herald-Leader, second victim and Deanna Fischer watched, Catholic Charities. Source: News Journal, 4-15- in a certain location. One case cited a nun who 4-11-11 Daniel Fischer raped the victim on the bed. The 11 died after an abortion, with the priest who al- Fr. Mike Manning, San Bernadino, CA, a second victim was forced to watch and Deanna legedly sired the child saying her funeral Mass. priest with the Catholic Society of the Divine Fischer was sitting in a chair not three feet from Legal Developments Another document detailed 29 nuns getting Word, will take a leave of absence as a tel- the bed watching ‘CSI’ on television when the Christopher deMorrow, 38, Ludington, MI: pregnant in a single diocese. Source: The U.K. evangelist in the wake of revelations he had a first rape occurred.” Waived a preliminary hearing on 2 counts of Independent, 3-21-11 long-term sexual affair with his second cousin, As the alleged victim cried and said “No,” 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct and mis- Nancy Kotowski, who is Monterey County su- Deanna Fischer turned up the volume, the af- demeanor domestic violence. DeMorrow, who Removed / Resigned perintendent of schools. Manning’s weekly pro- fidavit said. Then, her husband of 15 years al- Fr. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina teaches seventh and eighth grades at St. Mi- gram “The Word in the World” airs on the Trinity legedly took the second girl to a bedroom to Catholic Church, Chicago, IL, was suspended chael Parish School in Grand Ledge, was ar- Broadcasting Network. rape her, with his wife taking photos with a black by the Archdiocese of Chicago. In a letter, Car- rested in January on charges of having sexual Manning claims he broke off the affair at cellphone and silver camera, the affidavit said. dinal said, “If you now formally contact with males under age 13 at his home least 2 years before its public disclosure in the The affidavit added that the mother of several of leave the Catholic Church and her priesthood, in separate incidents. Neither was his student. San Bernardino Sun. “The sexuality was sec- the alleged victims saw photos of Daniel Fischer it’s your choice and no one else’s. You are not The domestic violence charge stems from an ondary,” he told the Sun. “It’s very hard when and the girls posing naked or in their underwear. a victim of anyone or anything other than your alleged incident with his ex-wife. They divorced you care for someone, but I love my priesthood On April 19, the search for Daniel Fischer own statements.” in 2008. Heather deMorrow testified at a hearing more.” Source: L.A. Times, 4-8-11 ended when his body was found in an irrigation Pfleger, who is white, has recently resisted about the defendant’s bizarre behavior, saying Rev. Vincent Panepinto, a priest in the canal on the farm. “As a child he asked Jesus transferring from the largely black parish he’s she once saw him masturbate in front of chil- Catholic Diocese of Rochester, NY, was placed to be his Lord and Savior,” said his obituary for served in for 30 years to head a Catholic high dren. Source: Lansing State Journal, 4-27-11 on administrative leave while the diocese inves- closed-casket services at Hope Baptist. “He had school. Source: , 4-28-11 A federal judge in Oregon ruled the Vatican tigates a claim he sexually abused a minor in the an infectious smile and was a kind and loving Rev. Joseph LeClair, 53, resigned as pastor must respond to requests for information from a late 1960s. Panepinto, ordained in 1967, most man.” Source: North Platte Bulletin, 4-14-11; of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Ottawa, man who says he was molested by Fr. Andrew recently served at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini North Platte Telegraph, 4-19-11 ON. LeClair, the subject of an internal audit by Ronan in the 1960s. “John V. Doe” filed suit 8 Parish. Source: Catholic Courier, 3-28-11 E-mail: [email protected] years ago and seeks to hold the Vatican respon- the Archdiocese of Ottawa, said he is “transi- sible for his alleged abuse. Ronan died in 1992. tioning” and may decide to leave the priesthood. Other U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman ruled Doe A newspaper investigation revealed LeClair Rev. Nicholas W. Minerva, 52, Tempe, AZ, In the News is entitled to limited discovery related to whether received more than $137,000 in cash advances pastor at Trinity Baptist Fellowship in Phoenix, the priest was an employee of the Vatican. on his credit card at Casino du Lac-Leamy in shot himself fatally after being served a search The groundbreaking ruling addresses similar 2009-10 and showed he had personal credit warrant by the Chandler Police Department. U.S. DOJ intervenes in issues raised in a Wisconsin case involving the card bills of more than $490,000 in those years, Minerva was being investigated on suspicion late Fr. Lawrence Murphy, a serial pedophile all while receiving an annual salary of $24,400. of luring a 14-year-old girl after communicating bible-only case believed to have molested hundreds of deaf That doesn’t include money he got for wed- with her in an Internet chat room since last July, The U.S. Department of Justice has inter- boys. dings, funerals, baptisms and marriage prepa- said Chandler police Detective Frank Mendoza. vened in a 2010 lawsuit against the Berkeley “It’s huge. That’s the very claim we’re mak- ration courses. Source: Ottawa Citizen, 4-25-11 Contact included use of a webcam to expose his County [S.C.] Detention Center’a for barring ing in Milwaukee, and it’s a door that’s never Rev. Edward R. D’Andrea, Blue Point, NY: genitals, Mendoza said. prisoners from getting reading materials other been opened before,” said St. Paul, Minn., at- D’Andrea, pastor of Our Lady of the Snow Cath- An eyewitness who lives next to the church than the bible. The ACLU sued the jail on behalf torney Jeffrey Anderson. Source: AP, 4-22-11 olic Church, was placed on administrative leave said she heard police trying to get Minerva to of Prison Legal News, a Vermont monthly. Four Catholic clergy and a teacher ac- after the Diocese of Rockville Centre received come out for at least half an hour. “[T]hen I hear, Prison Legal News editor Paul Wright cused of sexually abusing or allowing abuse of allegations of abuse. Spokesman Sean Dolan like, two smoke things, and the last one was the claimed 1st Sgt. K. Habersham sent him an altar boys pleaded not guilty in court in Phila- said the diocese has also notified law enforce- loudest, and then they started putting tape up e-mail stating that detainees are allowed to delphia. Appearing were Rev. Charles Engel- ment. Source: Bayport-Blue Point Patch, 4-20- around the property,” said Jennifer Gene. order from a publisher and receive by mail a hardt, 64; defrocked priest Edward Avery, 68; 11 Minerva was married with 4 children. Men- soft-cover bible, but no other books, magazines and former Catholic school teacher Bernard Ellis Harsham, Dayton, OH: Harsham, a doza said there may be other victims. Source: or newspapers are allowed. Among the books Shero, 48. All are charged with raping a boy former Catholic priest who was part of a child KPHO News, 4-22-11 rejected was Protecting Your Health & Safety, from 1998 to 2000, starting when he was 10. sex abuse lawsuit involving the late Cardinal Jo- In an open letter, Mgsr. John Conway of which explains inmates’ legal rights. Msgr. William Lynn, 60, the first Catho- seph Bernardin in 1994, resigned as a “Eucha- Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church lic official in the U.S. to be charged with child ristic Presider” at Living Beatitudes Community, in North Wales, PA, asked Cardinal Justin Ri- High court upholds endangerment for transferring accused priests a group of mostly gay Catholics who meet in gali to “assure us that our children will be safe instead of removing them from the ministry, also rented space at Christ Episcopal Church. as clergy are reassigned to our parishes.” children’s removal Laura Grimes, who served as a minister Conway met with parishioners in March to pleaded not guilty. The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled April 28 with the group last year, pressured community explain his inclusion in a 2005 Philadelphia Rev. James Brennan, 47, charged with rap- that the seizure of 16 children from seven fol- leaders to suspend Harsham after she learned grand jury report on sex abuse by clergy. From ing a 14-year-old boy in 1996, previously plead- lowers of evangelist Tony Alamo was legal and of his 1994 removal from priestly duties by the the April 4 letter: “I called the meeting to as- ed not guilty. based on concerns about the children’s safety. Archdiocese of Cincinnati and his 2006 laiciza- sure them that, though my name appeared in Dan Bartley, president of Voice of the Faith- The state Department of Human Services tion by Pope Benedict. Grimes confronted the the 2005 Grand Jury Report in my role as re- ful, a church reform group, had harsh words for took the children in 2008 and insisted that par- community about Harsham at its Palm Sunday gional vicar, I did not contribute in any way to Lynn. “Any person, Catholic or non-Catholic, ents had to break their financial dependence on service, then contacted news media. Source: the shameful and sinful cover-up of child sexual who reads the grand jury report cannot be other Alamo to get them back. The parents refused. Dayton Daily News, 4-19-11 abuse by priests. I explained that we regional than absolutely appalled by his behavior and Alamo was convicted on multiple sexual abuse Rev. Steven R. Rule, Richmond, VA: Rule, vicars, along with many others, were kept in the the fact that he knew that this was going on.” charges in 2009 for “marrying” underage girls. May 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

use the prayer time to address the able, I believed what I was told about many economic and social issues we religion. As I got older, I was able to Letterbox face today. With this in mind, I’m con- step back and see it for what it was: tacting all the rationalist/freethought crap that shackles minds. organizations in my area to see if we I view what you do as extremely im- Day of Prayer ruling er disaster than crashing in an open might establish a special day of our portant. field in Pennsylvania. Nor did the ter- own to coincide with the same date as A.J. Bushnell, atheist beyond the pale rorists’ cries for Allah’s assistance help the National Day of Prayer. Louisiana I have just donated additional funds during the passenger uprising. This will be our “National Get Your • • • on top of my annual membership to For our government to promote Sorry Asses Back To Work Day.” Thank you for allowing me to pay aid in appealing the 7th Circuit Court’s praying is silly and superstitious. It also David Vangsness my Life Membership over the past sev- ruling upholding the National Day of lulls people into believing that it can Florida eral months. That was my only option Prayer. I’m deeply concerned about help when only real action can. • • • with the economy the way it is. the recent spate of court decisions Jorg Aadahl Is prayer the ultimate form of chisel- I look forward to each Freethought which claim that people who seek California ing? Apart from his or her expression Today and usually read it all the way to defend the Establishment Clause • • • of fealty to a god, the pray-er expects to through before stopping. I love being have no legal recourse. The logic that I got a robo-call from Jay Sekulow of get a great deal for virtually no expen- free of the chains of religion more and people somehow have to experience a the American Center for Law & Justice diture of effort or resources. more each day. form of physical discrimination to have about the National Day of Prayer. It was The act of praying, therefore, may Thank you for the good work you legal standing is beyond the pale. an infinite loop that only let you “Press be the ultimate form of goldbricking do on our behalf to keep religion out Based on this decision, it seems as if 1 to join the fight. . .” There was no way or chiseling. of schools and government. If the reli- not a single citizen in the country has to register disagreement. If you didn’t Eric A. Stone gious had their way, we would not have the ability to challenge this law. What press 1, it just repeated ad nauseam. New York the freedoms we now enjoy. if once a year the president were to de- I have no idea how they got my num- • • • Jim Pennington clare by law that the U.S. is a Catholic ber, so I called their Washington office. Please accept this donation for Col- South Carolina nation? Technically, no one is being They couldn’t tell me how they got it. orado and nationwide legal expenses. forced to become a Catholic or attend They said they “share” information We love Freethought Today. ‘Out of the Closet’ Mass, but it would still be unconstitu- with similar organizations. I belong to Thank you. tional, because the weight and reputa- no such organizations and told them Greg and Vicki McCoy out of this world tion of the government would be used that. They had no idea where they got Colorado I am loving your “Out of the Closet” to proselytize for a particular faith. my number, at least their staff did not. billboard campaign. It is so wonderful Thomas Jefferson said it best: I was so incensed that I joined FFRF Military, religion to see the faces of other happy atheists “All, too, will bear in mind this sa- (sorry, I should have long ago). I listen and freethinkers. And it feels great to cred principle, that though the will of to your podcast weekly and look for- have close ties be a part of it. We should send Presi- the majority is in all cases to prevail, ward to it. I disagree that non-Christians in the dent Obama the link! that will to be rightful must be reason- I told ACLJ that due to that call I’d military [“spiritual fitness” survey, Jan/ Thank you, thank you, thank you able; that the minority possess their be making a donation to FFRF. It’s a Feb11] are free from harassment. The for all of your hard work. equal rights, which equal law must pro- pity there is no hell for Mr. Sekulow American Legion, and other service Laura Robichaux tect, and to violate would be oppres- and his idiot minions. organizations as well, all have ministers Louisiana sion.” David McCreary and pray before their meetings. • • • Thank you for your hard work, and Virginia Even when a person is on their Thanks to the staff for the FFRF keep up the good fight. [Editor’s note: The American Center for death bed, as I was in the early ’70s in a “Out of the Closet” campaign. Good Dennis Keane Law & Justice was founded in 1990 by VA hospital, the ministers will not leave work. Nicely done. New Hampshire Rev. Marion “Pat” Robertson.] you alone. It is one thing to preach to Gary McIntyre • • • • • • a healthy person and a very different Kentucky The “logic” used by the appeals I received a phone call that played thing when a person is dying. court to throw out FFRF’s Day of Prayer a recorded message warning me of They will do anything to convert you Wishing to revoke suit is disturbing. In stating that exclu- FFRF’s attack on the National Day of and they never give up. Thanks for all sion doesn’t equal injury, the court Prayer. It asked me to stay on the line, your help. more than baptism has opened the door for every form of so I did. Then a live person picked Larry Reiter The April story about Katie Daniel state-sponsored religious activity to be up and mentioned FFRF’s “powerful Wisconsin and her debaptismal certificate leads continued or reintroduced. If we see a lobbyists.” I asked, “How powerful are me to ask, “Why not a bris revocation, law being broken, is it not our duty to they?!” He answered that Americans’ Godless oath fine in too?” report it even though we are suffering right to pray for their country was un- On Feb. 4, 1932, eight days after no injury? der assault. Michigan, too my birth, without my consent, I was This is a battle that must be won. I asked him to repeat the name of In reference to FFRF’s victory get- subjected to a violent ceremony where The stakes are huge. My membership his organization, which I wrote down ting Wisconsin jurors the affirmation people celebrated with a small feast is up for renewal soon, and I will attach [the ACLJ]. “Can we count on your option, I have a similar story from two and drank schnapps. I was the only un- an extra $100 to buy ammunition. support?” he asked. I said, “No, I’m an years ago when I was called for jury happy person in the room. I’m sure I Alan Hurlbut atheist. I’ve never heard of FFRF, but duty in Detroit. cried a lot but to no avail. For all these Kansas I’m excited to call them and join their I wrote the jury selection author- years, I have suffered this indignity and • • • efforts.” He said “OK” and hung up. ity to inform them that I could be a this loss. Restoration is out of the ques- The sooner the National Day of I joined your group today. I believe thoughtful and attentive juror, but tion. Prayer is abolished, the better. Not only every American has the right to pray that I wanted to be excused if I was re- How about a certificate signed by a is this meaningless “tradition” uncon- for their country anytime they want — quired to swear on a bible. I wrote that former rabbi that would de-bris me? stitutional, it’s a despicable way to sin- except that when they are on the job I regarded the bible as a book full of Arthur J. Katz gle out and kiss up to the evangelicals being paid public funds, they should inaccuracies, contradictions and bar- California for political gain. do it quietly, privately and then please baric punishments, and that I was an [Editor’s note: De-bris or debris?] Imagine if the passengers on United get back to work. agnostic. (Later on, I changed my des- • • • Flight 93 on 9/11 had prayed instead Samuel Spencer ignation to atheist after reading Dan I absolutely love the very creative of taking action. Praying would have Maryland Barker’s fine definition of “a lack of debaptismal certificate! I ordered four done nothing to prevent an even great- • • • belief in God or gods.”) with seals and Dan’s signature but On May 5, on the “National Day of I got a phone call about a week later couldn’t wait and downloaded a free Wishful Thinking,” President Obama from an official who said I could in- one, too. and nearly all of our nation’s governors deed affirm to tell the truth. I showed Now it’s proudly displayed in my encourage people to temporarily aban- up on the assigned day but wasn’t em- home until the real ones get here. don our natural intelligence to solve paneled. I’m over 70 now and can ask Have a great day! our country’s problems and instead for an age exemption, so I may never Jeannie Cartisser have a conversation with a more-than- find out how an affirmation would have California likely nonexistent supernatural intelli- been received by a judge or attorney. gence in the hope that it will solve all John Oman For Christians, ‘no tell’ our problems for us. Michigan While some may argue that at least is living hell they won’t be governing and making You’re the love [The March issue had this, attribut- our lives worse, I’d much rather they ed to Annie Dillard: ESKIMO: “If I did Show Me state of a Lifetime not know about God and sin, would I Anna Gaw, Missouri, writes: “I live in Please accept my money order for go to Hell?” PRIEST: “Not if you did a small town smack in the middle of Lifetime Membership. Now I won’t not know.” ESKIMO: “Then why did bible belt America, but there is also have to worry about renewal dates and you tell me?”] a university, which adds diversity to miss out on your excellent newspaper. Fifty years ago in Washington state, I the community. I am part of a secular As always, I’ll be eagerly looking for- was a young man working on an Indian humanist meet-up group here, and ward to reading it from cover to cover. reservation fishing boat that went all they all like my plate!” When I was young and impression- Continued on next page Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011

Continued from previous page Buckner a year or so ago, I was struck Skip honorifics in although when employed I was often the way to Alaska. We had some trou- by his comment that FFRF’s fight mat- Black Collar Crime called a communist by those learning ble and had to pull into Ketchikan. My ters to the whole world. It really does. I didn’t attend their Sunday Merchant Indian friend took me hunting with My office here in Langley, B.C., is next I’m reading my Freethought Today Toll Stations. some of his relatives while the boat was to a Focus on the Family office, so ev- while watching a 2007 “Law and Or- After having neglected my subscrip- getting repaired. He warned me about ery day I’m reminded of the danger. der” episode TV. I’ve thought for 20 tions to freethought publications for two things: not to talk about God or to I love your musical interludes as that this drama is the most rational/ many years (feeling they were only ask if they were American or Canadian. well, especially when Dan’s putting Yip secular presentation ever produced for interested in reaching the higher ech- They would always thank the “spirit” of Harburg’s poetry to music. network viewing. elon), I was introduced by a friend to whatever they hunted. What a thrill for Ullrich Fischer Jack McCoy, played by Sam Water- FFRF, a blessing that rekindled the fire me! British Columbia ston, is grilling a murder suspect in a smoldering in this old fogey’s heart. In the village I saw a wooden sign • • • case that is clearly based on uber-hypo- To think that your convention is go- hanging up that said, “Then don’t I really appreciate the collection of crite Ted Haggard, the evangelical cler- ing to be held in Hartford, 35 miles tell me.” The story is a preacher had articles on freethinkers “born on this gyman who condemned homosexuals from here, creates the wish we could come to hunt and, of course, he could day in history” [Freethought of the while secretly pursuing intimate con- attend. But at 94 and 96, and married not stand anyone not believing in his Day: ffrf.org/news/day]. They are all in- tact with the condemned. District At- 74 years, while still able to maintain all god. The last thing the chief said as spiring. torney McCoy chooses to address the our household duties, walking long he kicked the preacher out was, “Then Let’s hope that the communicative TV Haggard character as “Mister” and distances forbids our attendance. But why did you tell me?” power of the Internet will keep free is admonished to address him as “Rev- our “prayers” will be with you. When I came home, I took a look thoughts rolling like a giant snowball erend,” a demand he ignores. Thank you for your wonderful work. down the street at all the Christmas at this time in history, so that one day It’s been over 10 years since I last There is no question that FFRF is most crap and had a friend make my sign, freethinking humans will be the norm wrote to FFRF on this subject. I argued responsible for the increase in the per- which I put above my walk: “Then why on this planet. then, as I am now, that this common ac- centages of freethinkers in the U.S. did you tell me?” The story eventually John Draeger ceptance of addressing clergy confers Alton Eliason ended up in the Seattle Times. When Wisconsin automatic superiority and should not Connecticut the good Christians found out what it • • • be used by nontheists. Secular cour- meant, my trouble began. Freethought Today is my favorite tesy, to my thinking, is sufficient when Why are they If FFRF ever has a slogan, I think reading material. It’s the best thing referring to the theist professionals. that would fit perfectly. It’s the answer that comes in the mail. There’s always Would any thinking atheist today praying for us? to all those religious questions. Did something that informs or excites me address the pope as “Your Holiness” Reading the “I’ll pray for you” Crank god tell you? No, you did. That’s my and gives me ammunition for my let- or a priest as “Father”? We’ve moved Mail messages reminds me that when- answer. ters to the editor, which I write mostly beyond calling the plutocrat class as ever someone learns I’m an atheist, I look forward to every Freethought to the Rapid City [S.D.] Journal. I’m “Your Lordship,” “Your Highness,” they invariably say, “I’ll pray for you.” Today. (Feel pity for me, for I moved to the most outspoken, radical, anti-god “Sire,” etc., but often extend this unde- Like most atheists, I think of reli- southern Missouri.) feminist in the area, at least who writes served homage to the clergy. gion as an individual choice, like a Tom Gogan to the newspaper. We’re playing their game and giv- preference in music or art or food. For Missouri To my joy, I read [Jan/Feb11] that ing them a huge semantic advantage example, my favorite musical instru- the eminent neurologist Oliver Sacks by continuing this outmoded formal- ment is the violin. If someone prefers We’re glad to is writing a book about “nonpsychotic ity. The monthly Black Collar Crime the piano, it never occurs to me to say, hallucinations.” I’ll be first in line to stating “Rev. So and So” was convicted “I’ll pray for you!” be on your side get this book and can only encourage of rape of a 7-year-old seems incred- How odd that people want to pray I just finished reading every word him to “hurry along.” ibly ironic to me. Why not just write for me because I don’t believe in the of the Jan/Feb Freethought Today Our brains are like our universe — a “priest, rabbi, bishop” and leave out supernatural. Why should they even and cannot fully elaborate to you how we’re still in kindergarten. the exalted title? care? It all has to do with salvation. You much pure joy, sympathy, brotherly/ Margaret Minkel If we secularists don’t do it, who see, nonbelievers are damned for all sisterly love, empathy and camaraderie South Dakota will? If the writers of “Law and Order” eternity, but believers are saved. It’s as I felt as I read it. have the sense (courage?) to do this, simple as that. I’ve been an atheist since I was a Keep it simple when can’t committed nontheists and our or- Mark 16:16 says: “Whoever believes child. I can recall asking my mother ganization do the same? and is baptized will be saved, but in 1975 at age 6, after seeing several defining atheist Floyd LeBouton whoever does not believe will be con- reports or articles claiming “God” was A recent letter writer expressed Michigan demned.” And John 3:18 says: “Whoev- either black, or female, to clarify this surprise at the high percentage of [Editor’s note: We use the designation to er does not believe stands condemned for me. With my grandparents looking surveyed FFRF members who self-de- make it clear when perpetrators and alleged already because he has not believed in on from their dining room table, my scribed as atheists and wondered how perpetrators are ordained clergy, as opposed the name of God’s one and only son.” mother told me, “Son, this is a ques- many took the designation all the way, to Sunday school teachers, etc. Mr. LeBou- Thus, I learned that those people tion I can’t answer for you. You will i.e., to the point of denying all gods ton is right. “Rev.” is a relatively new hon- who say to me, “I’ll pray for you,” are have to figure this one out for - your that ever have been (or ever could be) orific. If you read Jane Austen, you may re- only looking after my welfare. They self. You just take the time to listen to proposed. member her clergy caricature was named Mr. want to save me from eternal damna- all sides of the issue and make up your I think most of us have wrestled with Collins, not Rev. Collins.] tion. They hope I’ll convert and be- own mind.” such a question at one time or another, come a good Christian like them, and By the time I was 8, I felt offended by and in my own case it was a matter of ‘Prayers’ with you at maybe even use the same profanity the Pledge of Allegiance. I was paddled years before I could comfortably call they use to insult nonbelievers — like many times in school in the Oklahoma myself an atheist and be prepared to Hartford convention the Crank Mail letter writers. bible belt for my refusal to recite this defend the choice when necessary. David Quintero ridiculous refrain. Dictionaries are not altogether help- California Now, with an 18-year-old freethink- ful because they list multiple meanings ing daughter, a 15-year-old son “on the and may even be mildly contradictory On the occasion of the fence” and a wife who used Mom and in their definitions of “deist” versus Dad’s Internet access to receive that “theist.” beatification of Pope complimentary FFRF issue from what In the end, I decided to keep it sim- John Paul II I now consider “our side,” I still have ple. By its very structure, atheist means (based on Emily Dickinson’s “Hope is the to display a copy of that sci-fi story to “not a theist,” and hence can be taken thing with feathers”) placate a landlord who’d have us evict- as a synonym for “nontheist.” Theists ed if she knew our real, reality-based, believe in a personal god who interacts Marge and Alton Eliason have been beliefs. with people and influences worldly married 74 years. Faith is a thing with talons Wish we could afford to join as a events, which perfectly describes the Having just received and read That feeds on bits of brain household, but we are on your side, Yahweh/Allah figure who dominates Freethought Today, I thought this old And spreads holy lies — with believe that. We love you, brothers and the Judeo-Christian and Islamic tradi- man’s life as an atheist might inter- soulful cries sisters. tions. That is one character we know a est you. The Norwegian-Danish Free And a dark refrain. Justin Gwyn and Jennifer Hubler fair amount about, and I have no dif- Church in which I was raised, despite Oklahoma ficulty classifying him as entirely fic- its worthy attributes of opposing smok- A saint with mutant powers tional. So in that sense, I’m definitely ing and drinking, also forbade movies To save a life or two — Praise for radio, print an atheist. and dancing. Despite being “free,” the You wonder in your blackest hour Regarding the larger issue — tak- minister never forgot to remind every- If it will choose you. and freethinkers ing an ultra-strong position such as a one that “The Lord loveth a cheerful I’m going through the podcasts of blanket denial of all godlike influences giver” before the plate was passed. Its shadow dims sweet reason’s light FFRF’s excellent Freethought Radio or entities which might exist inside or I have always openly pronounced And casts a subtle pall program. Thank you very much for all outside the presently known universe myself as an atheist in personal con- On acts of kindness, valor, might you do to stem the tide of ignorance — would require one to be deliberate- versations or correspondence, but as a Done knowing Now is all. which threatens to storm forth from ly unscientific, and in my experience, freelance writer (still being published) the good old USA to take over the that’s never a good idea. on various topics, I refer to myself as a Nancy Eichelberger world. Jeremy M. Harris nonbeliever. This seems not to arouse Illinois In listening to your interview with Ed Ohio the animosity that saying “atheist” does, May 2011 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23

Michigan truth seekers Marquee Madness

Freethinkers from the Petoskey area held an organizational meeting in April Christian cross(hairs)? to lay the groundwork to form an FFRF chapter in northern Michigan. From Craig Meyer writes from Georgia: “This is a MEGA Southern Baptist church left (front) are Tom McHale, Harry Farr, Roy Tassava, (back) Christine Taylor around the corner from where I live in Cumming (north Atlanta). What and Kendal Taylor. It’s becoming increasingly important, said Kendal Taylor, happened to the commandment ‘Thou shall not kill’ ”? “to establish a public presence and take a stand for truth and constitutional liberty.” Another meeting was scheduled for May 22. The Rapture, before and after

Raptureless flight Fully evolved “By choosing this word from John Imagining no religion with his shirt Lennon’s lyrics, I expressed my wish and license plate holder is former for humanity to embrace religious minister of the gospel Peter Henan- Wear your birthday skepticism and concern about the White, California, who tops it all off Vatican Bank.” — Danilo Balsamo, with a Born-Again Atheist cap. suit North Carolina Joe Perez from New York writes: “My Al Kvanli, Texas, saw this on I-35 wife and I were traveling through north of Dallas. “My birthday is May Atlantic City and right in front of us 22, so if I make it to my 69th year, the was this van announcing the End of doomsdayers will have to make up Days. Actually, there was a van and an another date.” They Said What? RV both, from Delaware. ”

Just in case May 21 is the end, I’m not going to be watching my cholesterol And God, would you please bless our There’s just the eight of us, and two of on May 20. I won’t be mowing my lawn, cleaning my refrigerator or doing the Dallas Cowboys with another Super us voted for it [in committee]. I think laundry. My doctor has been after me to get a colonoscopy. I have scheduled Bowl championship? And we thank the others are Roman Catholic men, so it for June. you in the authority and awesome I don’t think they would have a prob- Brett Younger, associate professor of preaching, McAfee School of Theology, name of Jesus Christ. Amen. lem, but I don’t know for sure. Atlanta Rev. Ben Dailey, Irving Calvary Missouri Sen. Robin Wright-Jones, Associated Baptist Press, 4-11-11 Church, prayer opening Texas House D-St. Louis, hoping no Democratic sen- session May 3 ators oppose a bill to allow prayer in Dallas Morning News, 5-3-11 public schools and government build- ings His first miracle has been to rid the KMOX News, 4-20-11 world of this incarnation of evil, this demon of hatred and criminality. Language matters. Calling an animal Peru’s President Alan Garcia, attribut- “it” denies them something. They are ing Osama bin Laden’s death to heav- beloved by God. They glorify God. enly intervention by Pope John Paul II, Bruce Friedrich, PETA vice president who was beatified on the day bin Laden for policy, asking translators of the died New International Version bible to re- Agence France-Presse, 5-2-11 move “speciesist” language and refer to animals as “he” or “she” How much would I give to be one of CNN, 4-19-11 the 72 Virginans [sic] Osama is “hang- ing out” with since Sunday? What we’re doing with the pastor Tweet by Virginia Attorney General meetings is spiritual, but the end result Ken Cuccinelli is political. From my perspective, our Center for American Progress, 5-4-11 country is going to hell because pastors won’t lead from the pulpits. I thank God for slavery. If it wasn’t for David Lane, “Born-again” Christian slavery, I might be somewhere in Africa and Iowa Renewal Project organizer, worshiping a tree. on the two-day Pastors’ Policy Briefing Apostle Kimberly Daniels, Democrat- in West Des Moines ic candidate in a City Council runoff New York Times, 4-2-11 Rob Navrotski spotted this wreck car bedecked with bible verses in Canonsburg, election in Jacksonville, Fla. Pa. Is this what five months’ of “Left Behind tribulations” will look like? Truthwinsout.org, 4-19-11 Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin May 2011

Rhymes for Rebecca Newberger Goldstein Jerry Coyne the Irreverent by Yip Harburg 34th FFRF convention, Hartford, Conn., Oct. 7–9 The great American lyricist who wrote “Over the Rainbow,” “Paper Moon,” and Finian’s Rainbow delights with freethinking, iconoclastic­ poetry. Smile- inducing, thought-provoking. 240pp. Godless squad readies Hardback. Member price $15, non-member $20

FFRF to meet on East Coast PO Box 750 Madison, WI 53701 ffrf.org

The Freedom From Religion Found- p.m., followed by a dessert reception. ation’s 34th annual convention takes Events continue through Saturday place the weekend of Oct. 7-9, 2011, night and conclude by noon Sunday at the Marriott Hartford in downtown morning after membership and Board valet. Union Station is less than a mile or tea. A vegetarian option substitutes Hartford, Conn. of Director meetings. If you want to from the hotel. The hotel has a Star- fruit for bacon. Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, au- tour the Twain house, plan your itiner- bucks Café, an Italian restaurant open Dinner, $45 including service charge thor of 36 Arguments for the Existence of ary to make time on Friday afternoon. for breakfast, lunch or dinner, a fitness and tax, is Andora chicken (herb and God: A Work of Fiction, will be named FFRF convention rates at the Marri- center and the usual amenities. white-wine- marinated chicken) or veg- Freethought Heroine 2011 and will ott Hartford Downtown are $159 plus Register with FFRF (only $50 per etarian strudel (grilled seasonal veg- speak on “36 Arguments Against the tax, single, double, triple or quadruple. member, $55 per spouse or compan- etables layered with chevre in a puff .” Named “Best Novel Reserve your rooms directly by request- ion accompanying member, $95 for pastry served with red pepper coulis), of 2010” by the Christian Science Mon- ing “Freedom From Religion Founda- nonmember) using the handy registra- served with a salad of greens and moz- itor and “Five Favorite Books of 2010” tion” Group Block by calling toll-free tion form this page or go online at: zarella cheese with white balsamic vin- by National Public Radio, 36 Arguments (866)373-9806. You may make reserva- ffrf.org/outreach/convention/ egar, rolls, coffee or tea, chef’s choice for the Existence of God ends with a chap- tions online at www.Marriott.com. The optional Saturday Non-Prayer starch, and chocolate truffle cake with ter in which Rebecca’s atheist protago- Rooms are held until Sept. 6 unless Breakfast of $25, including 21% gra- raspberry coulis. Chef’s choice vegan nist offers 36 arguments against the filled before. Plan ahead and share a tuity and 6% tax, is scrambled eggs, and gluten-free options are available existence of God. one-way taxi ($36-$44) from the air- applewood bacon, roasted potatoes, for breakfast and dinner. Goldstein has written five novels, a port. Hotel parking is $19 daily/$23 parmesan-crusted tomato, and coffee book of short stories and nonfiction, including Betraying Spinoza: The Ren- egade Jew Who Gave Us Modernity. She has taught at Barnard, the Columbia Return to: FFRF, Attn: Convention, P.O. Box 750, Madison, WI 53701 MFA writing program, the department of philosophy at Rutgers, been a visit- Freedom From Religion Foundation’s ing scholar at Brandeis and at Trinity College in Hartford. She is research as- 34th Annual Convention sociate at Harvard’s department of psy- chology and is married to scientist Ste- ven Pinker, a previous FFRF honoree October 7–9, 2011 and Honorary Board member. Other honorees include: Make checks Marriott Hartford Downtown • Professor Jerry Coyne, receiv- ing FFRF’s Emperor Has No Clothes payable to “FFRF” Hartford, Conn. Award. Coyne, who is a professor in the department of ecology and evolution at the University of Chicago, is author No. registering of Why Evolution is True. _____ FFRF Member registration(s) @ $50 per person ...... $_____ • Steve Trunk, a military veteran, _____ Non-member spouse or companion accompanying member @ $55...... $_____ FFRF Board Member and Lifetime _____ Non-member registration(s) @ $95 ...... $_____ Member, receiving FFRF’s Atheist in (or join for $40, save $5!) Foxhole Award as plaintiff in a vic- torious lawsuit declaring the Mount _____ Student registration(s) @ $25 (Ask about student group rate) ...... $_____ Soledad cross in San Diego unconsti- _____ Saturday Non-Prayer Breakfast @ $25* per person ...... $_____ tutional. The checkered challenge has Vegetarian option ___ no. of vegetarian Vegan option ___ no. of vegan been in the courts since the 1980s, with _____ Saturday Night Dinner @ $45* per person ...... $_____ Steve assuming lead-plaintiff status af- Vegetarian option ___ no. of vegetarian Vegan option ___ no. of vegan ter the death of the original plaintiff. Gluten-free dinners required on above selections Total: ______• Mitch Kahle, founder of Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of State and * Meal prices include 21% gratuity and 6% sales tax Church, to be named Freethinker of Reserve ____ ticket(s) to tour Mark Twain home, afternoon of Fri., Oct. 7. the Year for persuading his state Sen- (FFRF will bill you later. Tour will take place if enough members respond.) ate to drop prayers. FFRF will arrange for a shuttle and reserve the historic Mark Twain Home Name(s) Please include names of all registrants for nametags and Museum for a staggered group tour on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 7, before the convention opens, if Address enough FFRF convention-goers ex- press interest. (The Twain home is not accessible via Hartford’s free shuttle.) City/State/Zip Please include phone/e-mail (in case we have a question about your registration) Registration opens late Friday after- noon. The formal program begins at 7