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Vol. 29 No. 7 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. September 2012 FFRF’s ‘Spotlight on Freethought’ on public TV

A short first-of-its-kind feature spot, cast. “Spotlight on Freethought and the This is believed to be the first First Amendment,” produced in con- such segment featuring discussion of the name of religion than by any other on-camera: junction with the Freedom From Re- freethought, atheism and focus on the institutional force in human history. “The United States of America was ligion Foundation, started airing Aug. specific dangers of mixing state and So with such wildly contrasting beliefs the first nation where our founders 18 on select national public television church. The description sent to affili- in this country, why aren’t we at each did not claim a pipeline to a divin- affiliates. ates reads: other’s throats? Here’s why. It’s our ity. It was a revolutionary act that they The spot is guaranteed to air 500 “America has more diversity, faiths, Constitution and its very core of free- created a secular and entirely godless times in the next three months and religions and cultures than any other dom from religion. Our country was Constitution whose only references to reach an estimated 3 million people. country in the world. And yet we all founded in part by refugees seeking religion are exclusionary, that there A four-minute version and one of 5:30 seem to get along pretty well. Only in freedom, seeking to escape centuries shall be no religious test for public of- will run interchangeably. When and a country where we can be free of reli- of religious persecutions, holy inquisi- fice. The founders were aware of the where the short program, used as filler, gion in our government can we then tions, witch hunts.” inquisitions and the pogroms and the will run can’t be announced before- be free to practice our own or choose The four-minute version talks about religious wars and the terrors in Eu- hand. Public TV affiliates decide which not to follow any faith. the benefits of the United States’ rope, and the persecutions in many fillers are needed on the day they run. “This segment focuses on our free- secular form of government, defines of the individual colonies — and they If you catch one of the spots on your dom to practice our faith, or no faith “freethought” and includes brief in- wanted no part of that. And so they local public TV affiliate, please be sure — exactly as we want.” terviews with FFRF Co-Presidents Dan erected what Thomas Jefferson called to contact the affiliate promptly to say The narrator says, “More wars have Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor. thank you and to encourage rebroad- been waged, more people killed, in Gaylor, a co-founder of FFRF, says Continued on next page Second ‘War of Northern Aggression?’

FFRF’s major successes in ending tracting the attention of the Religious Attorney Andrew Seidel’s Aug. 21 and state.” entrenched illegal prayer practices in Right. letter detailed allegations that FFRF FFRF is alarmed over Mariakis’ at- many Southern public schools are at- Bryan Fischer of the American had received over several egregious tendance at a Sept. 9 “Rally to Pray” Family Association, a Christian group sports/church entanglements at Ridge- held to “keep prayer in the practices based in Tupelo, Miss., charged in a land. Most notable was the coach tak- and before games.” Seidel said, “It rambling broadcast Aug. 22 that FFRF ing public school football teams to pre- seems to send a message that he is un- Inside This Issue has launched a “second War of North- game church meals where prayers are repentant and hostile to First Amend- ern Aggression.” (The term is used by recited. ment limitations on his proselytizing.” some Southerners to describe the Civil It was also alleged that Mariakis reg- FFRF wants the district to investigate School Ten War.) ularly prayed with his teams, had pres- the coach’s remarks and the rally and Commandments Fischer’s remarks came after public- sured students to attend a “Christian to “ensure that Mariakis understands lawsuits loom ity over FFRF’s complaint that persuad- football camp” and that the team had he cannot use his position as coach to ed a Mississippi public school to obey adopted a “team chaplain.” ‘share the Gospel’ with his team and Page 3 the law and stop broadcasting prayers Superintendent Damon Raines other public students.” over its P.A. system before football responded Aug. 30 that “the district FFRF also noted that it appears that games. Fischer mused about FFRF’s le- will not have a team chaplain nor will school buses are taking players, coach- gal strategy, imagining it to be, “Let’s school officials or employees, includ- es and staff from the school to church- get rid of every trace of religious lib- ing coaches, organize, lead or par- es for meals. FFRF further requested a College essay erty in the South, and we can do it be- ticipate in any prayers. Staff will also response to an unanswered allegation winners cause these people will not fight back. refrain from participating in the [Fel- from its original complaint that the announced And again the Freedom From Religion lowship of Christian Athletes].” The football program has used the bible as Foundation, based in Wisconsin, and district said pregame meals will no lon- a motivational tool. Pages 12–14 this is the second War of Northern ger include “religious references.” FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Aggression and they’re winning this Seidel replied Sept. 11 that “taking Gaylor added, “When a public school thing.” public school teams to church still in- district has permitted unconstitutional FFRF has also followed up on Walk- volves constitutional concerns.” Quot- practices to flourish for years, it creates er County Schools’ response to FFRF’s ing legal precedent that bars public a climate of intolerance. We see that in- European request to investigate unusual consti- schools from holding graduations in tolerance in the community’s reaction atheist tutional violations by Ridgeland [Ga.] churches, he argued that regardless to our reasonable request to ensure convention High School football coach Mark Mar- of the purpose in choosing to have a that student rights of conscience, and scrapbook iakis. Although praising the superin- pregame meal in a church, “the sheer Supreme Court precedent, are hon- tendent’s “commitment to upholding religiosity of the space create[s] a like- ored in Walker County schools.” Page 23 the Constitution,” the response raised lihood that high school students . . . See nearly 30 new FFRF legal victo- lingering concerns. would perceive a link between church ries, pages 8–9. Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012 Photo: Andrew Seidel FFRF ‘Spotlight’ on public TV affiliates

Continued from front page Watch for little “cameos,” including appearances by Darwin, Einstein and the ‘wall of separation between church Susan B. Anthony, shots of some me- and state,’ and that protects all of us. mentos at FFRF’s office, Freethought It has prevented the bloodshed and Hall, a powerful quote by Mark Twain warfare that we see in so many parts of about the witch hunts, photographs of the world where religion is involved in the Reason Rally crowd by Staff Attor- government.” ney Andrew Seidel and of FFRF Staffer Barker adds, “There are some be- Katie Daniel giving the Westboro Bap- lievers that don’t see the difference tists thumbs down when they picketed between neutrality and hostility. They an FFRF event. think efforts of groups like ours to “We warmly thank members who keep the government neutral are also contributed to our PR Campaign Fund Above us only sky, Maddy Ziegler logically imagines. a hostile act against their faith, when as part of the spring membership ap- we’re not asking for the government peal, whose generosity made possible to be pro-atheistic either. If the gov- the filming and airing of this first-of-its- Intern foils crank mailer ernment stays neutral, the government kind segment,” said Gaylor. stays secular, then everybody’s an insid- Only the first three months of airing er, nobody’s an outsider.” are monitored by Neilsen Ratings, but Name: Maddy Ziegler. online complaint form, taunting us The longer spot features a bonus: an “Spotlight On” segments often run far Where and when I was born: Janes- that his restaurant gave free meals to interview with Pitzer College professor longer. The program is not offered as ville, Wis., Sept. 7, 1989. Christians and daring us to find him. Phil Zuckerman, a leading expert on any part of any PBS national program Family: Parents, two sisters, 21 and However, he included his email ad- “secularity” and how secular societies service. 19, and a brother, 17. dress, so another intern and I were measure up favorably to religious na- FFRF has been venturing into televi- Education: I majored in English able to track him down immediately tions. Zuckerman is an FFRF member sion this year with nationally airing ads, and political science at the University online, figuring out his name, restau- and author of many books, including including one featuring JFK endorsing of Wisconsin-La Crosse. I’m about to rant, P.O. Box and phone number in a Society Without God. the separation between church and start my second year of law school at matter of minutes. We’re still thinking As a bonus, a version that is over state, and one by actress Julia Sweeney UW-Madison. of the best ways we could put this infor- seven minutes — including additional defending contraception from attack My religious upbringing was: I was mation to use. interview footage of Dan talking about by Catholic bishops. raised Roman Catholic. My legal interests are: Still being freethought, morality and purpose in If you’d like to see more TV ads and How I came to work as an FFRF le- figured out, but include constitutional life ­— has been posted at FFRF’s web- segments, you may make a tax deduct- gal intern: I had been an admirer of law, environmental law and family law. site and can be viewed now on FFRF’s ible contribution at: FFRF for a few years, so I applied first My legal hero is: Ruth Bader Gins- homepage at ffrf.org/. ffrf.org/get-involved/donate/ thing when I saw their advertisement burg. for summer interns through the UW These three words sum me up: Intel- Law Career Services. ligent, snarky, optimistic. What I do here: I research com- Things I like: Books, good TV, poli- plaints and legal issues and draft letters tics, the Green Bay Packers, playing the FFRF welcomes to people violating the First Amend- violin, cats, indie music, living in Madi- ment. son, concerts, Wisconsin beer and fall What I like best about it: Gaining weather. 17 new ‘Lifers’ legal experience while working toward Things I smite: Irrationality, the something I’m passionate about. crickets infesting my apartment and Something funny that’s happened people who chew with their mouths at work: Someone wrote us a piece of open. The Freedom From Religion Foun- Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New “anonymous” crank mail through the dation is delighted to announce and Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Or- welcome its newest Lifetime Members. egon, Texas and Wisconsin. They are: Individual Lifetime Memberships Glen Arensmeier, Erwin B. Clahas- are offered for $1,000, designated a Elvis’ bible fetches $94,000 at auction sey, Cathy Deutsch (gift from Adam R. membership or renewal of member- Rose, also a new Lifer), Kenneth Fahr- ship, ensure nary another renewal no- enholtz, Sam George, Michael Hanau- tice, go into a safe endowment for the A bible belonging to Elvis Presley judge a man by his weakest link or er, George E. Jacklin, James Kirkland, future of FFRF and are deductible for with his annotations and name em- deed is like judging the power of the Jerry Moulder, Adam R. Rose, Jamile income-tax purposes for the generous bossed in gold on the front brought ocean by one wave.” Sims, Michael Smar, Sigrid Smith, Jef- donor, as are all dues and donations to £59,000 (about $94,000) at auction The presale estimate of the bible’s frey Stock (via a Microsoft Match for FFRF. Sept. 8 in Manchester, England. It was value was between £20,000 and £25,000. his wife Sonya Newlyn’s $1,000 Life- Our warm thanks to Reba, Jim, part of a memorabilia auction marking The winning bidder is reportedly an time Membership in May), John Tor- John, Sonya and Jeffrey, Sigrid, Mi- the 35th anniversary of his death Aug. American man living in the U.K. rent, Jim Wallis and Reba Boyd Wood- chael, Jamile, Adam and Cathy, Jerry, 16, 1977. One item that didn’t sell was a pair en. James, George, Michael, Sam, Ken- The book was a gift from his Uncle of soiled underpants he wore at a 1977 States represented are: Arizona, Cal- neth, Erwin and Glen! Vester and Aunt Clettes for his first show, which were acquired from his fa- ifornia, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Christmas at Graceland in 1957, the ther Vernon. Bidding for the drawers BBC reported. reached £5,000 but failed to meet the On one page, Presley wrote, “To reserve price of £7,000.

A Note to Members Send Us Your Freethought Today published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. Your address label shows the expira- Address Change P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 tion date of your membership in FFRF, which includes your subscription to Promptly! (608)256-5800 • FAX (608)204-0422 Freethought Today and “Private Line.” [email protected] • ffrf.org Don’t miss a single issue! If you If your label shows September or ear- Editor: Bill Dunn move, notify us directly and lier, your membership has ex­pired. Your Executive Editor: Annie Laurie Gaylor prompt re­newal ($40-single member­ ­ promptly. The Post Office does ship; $50-household; $100 sustaining; not forward third-class mail. Contributing Editors: Dan Barker, Katie Stenz $25-student) saves us time and post­ FFRF cannot be responsible for re- Production Editor: Scott Colson age, and is tax-deductible. Free­­­thought placing back issues if we have not Contributors: Philip Appleman, Chance Campbell, Patrick Elliott, Today is published 10 times a year, with been notified prior to your move. Rebecca Market, Bailey Rahn, Stephanie Schmitt, Andrew Seidel combined issues in Jan/Feb and Sep- Back issues, while they last, may September 2012 tember. Send to FFRF, Box 750, Madi- be ordered for $2 each. son WI 53701. The only freethought newspaper in the United States September 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3 FFRF to Pennsylvania schools: Thou shalt honor thy First Amendment!

The Freedom From Religion Foun- rick Elliott first contacted last March. dation has announced its intention to The similar granite bible monument sue two Pennsylvania school districts in prominently displayed at Valley High federal court after neither met a dead- School is at the school entrance. It sits line to remove illegal Ten Command- between two footpath bridges leading ment markers on school property. from the parking lot to the main en- FFRF had warned both districts that trance. without notification by Sept. 7 that they “The permanent display of the Ten were removing the monuments, FFRF Commandments in front of a New would sue. FFRF has hired Pennsylva- Kensington-Arnold school violates nia counsel and has parent plaintiffs the Establishment Clause of the First “on the grounds of a public school, in both districts. Attorney Marcus Sch- Amendment. Courts have continu- where, given the impressionability of neider of Pittsburgh wrote the districts ally held that public schools may not the young, government must exercise Aug. 29 on behalf of FFRF, noting that display religious messages or iconog- particular care in separating church the Ten Commandment monuments raphy,” wrote Elliott. He cited the Su- and state.” “will not withstand judicial scrutiny.” preme Court decision (Stone v. Gra- “The school districts deserve an In response, the Connellsville Area ham, 1980) that ruled posting the Ten ‘F’ in civics,” says FFRF Co-President School District grudgingly agreed to Commandments in schools violates Annie Laurie Gaylor. “Instead of pro- remove its 5-foot-tall monument near the Establishment Clause: “The pre- tecting the freedom of conscience of the Junior High School East auditori- eminent purpose for posting the Ten students, they are sending a message um entrance. The district placed ply- Commandments on schoolroom walls that the First Amendment is trumped wood over the front of the monument. is plainly religious in nature.” by the First Commandment. Contrary rently suing over the declaration by After some in the community raised a The New Kensington marker is a to the First Commandment, a school the Pennsylvania House that 2012 is fuss, the school board declined to vote Catholic version of the Ten Command- district has no business telling students “the Year of the Bible.” That federal Sept. 12 to remove the monument, so ments (with no reference to “graven and their parents which god to have, suit is being brought by attorney Rich- a lawsuit is imminent. images”). how many gods to have or whether to ard Bolton behalf of FFRF and its 700 A suit is also being prepared against His letter also cited Justice Stephen have any gods at all!” Pennyslvania members, including 41 New Kensington-Arnold School Dis- Breyer’s observation that Ten Com- FFRF has more than 18,500 nonre- named state members, and its chapter, trict, which FFRF Staff Attorney Pat- mandments displays have no place ligious members nationwide. It’s cur- Nittany Freethought. FFRF parish exemption case clears hurdle

A district court in Madison, Wis., exemption in district court in Sacra- Clause of the First Amendment. FFRF pose of showing standing.” gave the green light to the right of mento in 2009 with 21 FFRF members is asking the court to enjoin the tax The exemptions permit clergy to FFRF’s nonbelieving directors to chal- named as federal taxpayers in a case benefits exclusively given for ministers deduct from their taxable income lenge the parish exemption giving destined for the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of the gospel under 28 U.S.C. § 2201 housing allowances furnished as part preferential tax benefits to “ministers of Appeals. A ruling on taxpayer stand- that 26 U.S.C. §107. of compensation. Congress in 1954 of the gospel.” ing in an unrelated Supreme Court “Because it is clear from the face of amended the tax code to permit all U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb, ruling forced FFRF to withdraw the the statute that plaintiffs are not enti- clergy to exempt their housing costs Western District of Wisconsin, issued a suit in 2011. tled to the exemption, I see no reason from their taxable income. U.S. Rep. strong 20-page opinion and order Aug. FFRF then refiled in Wisconsin, to make their standing contingent on Peter Mack, author of the amendment, 29 granting standing to FFRF’s plain- challenging the statute’s injury to the futile exercise of making a formal declared: tiffs to pursue their challenge of the FFRF’s paid directors, who receive part claim with the IRS,” Crabb ruled. She “Certainly, in these times when 1954 law. Plaintiffs are Co-Presidents of their salaries designated as a hous- wrote that “there is no plausible argu- we are being threatened by a godless Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor ing allowance, yet are unable to benefit ment that plaintiffs could make that and antireligious world movement and President Emerita Anne Gaylor. from it as ministers are. they qualify as ‘ministers of the gos- we should correct this discrimination FFRF v. USA was filed in September “We’re very pleased that the court pel,’ so it would be pointless to require against certain ministers of the gospel 2011. FFRF first challenged the parish has acknowledged our injury and right plaintiffs to jump through the hoop of who are carrying on such a courageous to sue over this,” said Barker, ironi- filing a claim to prove that they are not fight against this foe. Certainly this is cally a former minister who previously entitled to the exemption.” not too much to do for these people qualified for and used housing allow- She dismissed as “another straw who are caring for our spiritual wel- ance benefits. Barker is not accorded man” the government’s characteriza- fare.” the same privilege as director of an tion of the FFRF directors’ injury as The statute defines the gross in- Include FFRF atheist/agnostic organization, which mere “disagreement with the govern- come of a minister of the gospel as not In Your Estate shows governmental favoritism of reli- ment’s claim.” Crabb wrote, “It is un- including “the rental value of a home gion over nonreligion. Barker calls the doubtedly true that plaintiffs object to furnished to him as part of his com- Planning statute a subsidy rather than an accom- §107 because they believe it violates pensation,” or “the rental allowance modation of religion. the Establishment Clause and that paid to him as part of is compensation, FFRF seeks a declaration that the this may be the primary reason they to the extent used by him to rent or Arrange a bequest in your will or federal statute creating the parish ex- filed the lawsuit, but that is not the in- provide a home and to the extent such trust, or make the Freedom From emption violates the Establishment jury plaintiffs are alleging for the pur- allowance does not exceed the fair Religion Found­ation the benefi- rental value of the home, including ciary of an insurance policy, bank furnishings and appurtenances such as account, or IRA. It’s easy to do. a garage, plus the cost of utilities.” For related information The exclusion can be used by minis- (or to request a bequest Freedom From Religion Foundation ters for virtually all of the costs of home brochure), please phone P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • ffrf.org ownership, including down payment Annie Laurie Gaylor at on a home; home mortgage payments, (608) 256-8900. including interest and principal; real FFRF What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? estate taxes; personal property taxes; P.O. Box 750 fire and homeowners liability -insur Madison WI 53701 Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics), the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state ance; rental payments and cost of ac- and church separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. quiring a home (i.e., legal fees, bank fees, title fees, etc.). Freedom Depends The Foundation’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Please include your Crabb’s ruling means FFRF’s lawsuit name and physical mailing address with all e-mail correspondence. on Freethinkers will go forward to be argued on its mer- Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action its. FFRF is being represented by attor- alerts” and “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. ney Richard L. Bolton Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012 Heads Up A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman

The Tennis Player Waits For What Waits For The Tennis Player

In the slippery swelter of asphalt, in a blistering backhand return, you wait every June, every August for that stabbing of fate in the elbow, that first sharp knifing of fact; Overheard and because it comes with a certain I don’t have any atheist friends or any- Thaddeus Schwartz, officer of Secular smug angle of the sun, thing. So I would like to maybe make a Life, Nashville, Tenn. and because it comes with a bird couple of friends that live near me that WBIR Knoxville, 7-24-12 I could actually go to their house and turning transparent as truth, have dinner [and] not have to pray be- In my country where it’s considered and because it comes with a cry fore eating. I can actually be the same highly controversial, more controver- like preaching in the wind — as them and not have their parents sial with the bishops than it is in Eu- hate me or whatever because I’m an rope, 82% of Catholics believe con- you know you are becoming atheist. traception is morally acceptable. So one of the pure, pale Chandler Garry, 11, a participant in let the women in Africa decide. The Others; and you call back Camp Quest Northwest near Seattle choice is up to them. ABC “Nightline,” 8-23-12 Melinda Gates, a practicing Catholic, all the grubby friends speaking at the London Family Plan- of childhood, and command them I say to the grownups, if you want to ning Summit on the Gates Foundation to surround your skin with singing. deny evolution and live in your world, leading a drive to raise $4.3 billion to in your world that’s completely in- provide access to contraception © 1996 Philip Appleman consistent with everything we observe Forbes, 7-12-12 Reprinted from New and Selected Poems, 1956—1996. in the universe, that’s fine, but don’t make your kids do it because we need The Boy Scouts of America just the oth- Philip Appleman is Dis­tinguished Pro­fessor Emeri­tus at In­dia­na them. We need scientifically literate er day reaffirmed its policy of banning Uni­ver­si­ty. His published volumes of poetry in­clude Perfidious voters and taxpayers for the future. openly gay boys from being members. Proverbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look at the Bible (2012), Bill Nye “the science guy,” online post The organization also continued its Darwin’s Ark (new 2009 edition) and Karma, Dharma, Pudding titled “Creationism Is Not Appropriate ban on gays or lesbians serving as lead- & Pie (2009). His nonfiction work in­cludes the widely used Nor- For Children” ers. The Scouts, in other words, came ton Critical Edition, Darwin, and the Nor­ton Critical Edition of youtube.com, 8-23-12 down squarely in favor of homopho- Malthus’ Essay on Pop­ulation. His poetry and fiction have won bia, which is a form of bigotry. many awards, including a fellowship in poetry from the Na­tional This isn’t a marriage made in heaven. Columnist Richard Cohen, “A merit En­dow­ment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award from the Poetry Society of America, the State Assembly member Tom Ammia- badge for bigotry?” Humanist Arts Award from the American Humanist Association and the Friend of no, D-San Francisco, who is gay, on the Washington Post, 7-18-12 Darwin Award from the National Center for Science Education. His work has appeared­ Vatican naming Salvatore Cordileone, in Har­per’s Magazine, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, The who led the 2008 fight against gay mar- Sue Paterno had been quoted as saying Paris Review, Partisan Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review.. riage in California, to head the Arch- Joe was not a saint. That made this dif- He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both “Afterlife” Members of diocese of San Francisco ficult decision easier for me to execute. the Freedom From Religion Foundation. They recorded an excerpt of “Noah,” New and San Francisco Chronicle, 7-27-12 Artist Michael Pilato, on why he paint- Selected Poems, which is available for sale from FFRF for $23 ppd, The Norton Critical ed out the halo above former Penn Edition, Darwin, is $22 ppd., Karma, Dharma, Pudding & Pie, $27 ppd., Darwin’s When I asked them specifically, “Will State head football coach Joe Paterno Ark, $23 ppd., and Perfidious Proverbs, $20 ppd. (ffrf.org/shop/). you [agree] to make the city whole?” after revelations about Paterno’s role they wouldn’t do it. If they aren’t go- in the Jerry Sandusky child rape scan- ing to make the taxpayers whole, why dal should we be putting a million dollars MSNBC, 7-16-12 Recruit a Member into the collection plate of the Catho- lic Church when we have demonstra- The Israeli edition of Forbes magazine Send a sample issue ble needs? published a first-of-its-kind ranking last Send $2 with the name and address of each person you Steve Kozachik, Tucson City Council, month of Israel’s 13 richest rabbis. In wish to receive a sample copy of Freethought Today to: voting against an appropriation of $1.1 the No. 1 spot was 36-year-old Rabbi FFRF, P.O. Box 750, Madison WI 53701 million, which passed 5-2, to remodel Pinchas Abuhatzeira from Beersheba, a Freedom depends upon freethinkers the Catholic Marist College blue-collar southern desert city, whose (Please specify whether the individual is a freethinker.) Arizona Daily Star, 7-11-12 wealth is estimated at $335 million. News story, “Israel’s richest rabbis be- It’s too easy for straight allies to think come savvy businessmen” of gays and lesbians as separate from Associated Press, 7-13-12 Your Weekly Antidote to the religious right us. They need rights we already enjoy. They face bigotry we deplore. But it I believe that lots of people only follow TUNE IN TO happens to them, not us. Chick-fil-A a religion because of parental and cul- has performed a miracle. I’m a middle- tural pressure and that they would be FREETHOUGHT RADIO class white guy in America, and Chick- happier if they could be true to them- fil-A has finally made me feel what it’s selves and lead godless lives. Belief in produced by the like to be discriminated against. Also, I god is not something that comes natu- Freedom From Religion have lost my appetite for those chicken rally to all of us; many of us find it im- Foundation Hosted by Dan Barker and biscuits. possible to believe in god and it can be Annie Laurie Gaylor Twice-married columnist Jason Stan- liberating and life-enhancing to fully ford, commenting on Chick-fil-A’s reli- embrace this lack of belief and live our Broadcasts and streams Saturdays at 11 a.m. Central, Progressive Talk The Mic 92.1 FM, Madison, Wis., and over several other stations. gious proscription against divorce lives without religion. Bennington Banner, 7-26-12 Alom Shaha, a London science teacher iTunes or podcasts archived at: ffrf.org/news/radio and author of The Young Atheist’s Hand- I teach my kids the same things that book: Lessons for Living a Good Life With- Slightly irreverent views, you do about how to treat other peo- out God news, music & interviews ple. I simply believe in one less god The Commentator, 7-16-12 than you do. September 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5

Irish atheists feed hungry Wisconsinites FFRF stops Milwaukee civil rights abuse

Milwaukee Irish Fest organizers Elliott followed up with a letter Aug. suing complaints Fest officials noting that 43% of Irish announced Aug. 16, in response to a 9 to Kathy Pratscher, interim executive against those ille- identify as nonreligious and another complaint by the Freedom From Reli- director, on behalf of a local complain- gal practices. 10% as “convinced atheists.” gion Foundation, that they would drop ant, who has been bothered for years FFRF Co-Pres- Nugent added, “Thank you for end- a religious promotion that violated by the discrimination. ident Annie Lau- ing the discrimination in admission civil rights laws. Under Wisconsin law, it’s illegal to rie Gaylor noted charges against non-Catholics attend- This year the annual event was Aug. “Deny to another or charge another a that dropping ing your Irish Fest this Sunday, and for 16-19 at the city-owned Henry Maier higher price than the regular rate for the practice will reflecting the reality that Irish identity Festival Park. A Catholic Mass is held the full and equal enjoyment of any also help ensure today transcends our various religious near the entrance to Irish Fest one public place of accommodation or the Hunger Task or nonreligious beliefs. Michael Nugent Sunday a year at 9:30 a.m. The fest’s amusement because of sex, race, color, Force, recipient “As a small token of our gratitude, website said, “Guests who donate non- creed, disability, sexual orientation, na- of the food drive, we are sending $100 to the Freedom perishable food items prior to the lit- tional origin or ancestry.” will receive more contributions: “The from Religion Foundation to buy some urgy are admitted to the festival free of Elliott discovered the Catholic Mass reward was a disincentive to char- food items to donate to your collec- charge after the Mass.” All others were practice is widespread in Wisconsin. ity, since three-fourths of Wisconsin tion. Perhaps you might allow free ad- charged $15. Oshkosh Irish Fest offered free admis- citizens aren’t Catholic.” mission to some people who otherwise The catch was that the Fest did not sion to Mass attendees in 2009 and Given their history, you’d think the could not afford the entrance fee.” open until 11 a.m. 2010. Polish Fest in Milwaukee offers Irish would be more sensitive about FFRF Co-President Dan Barker FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott reduced admission to Mass attendees. discrimination in the U.S., including noted, “Milwaukee remains one of the wrote to Irish Fest, “This means that German Fest in Milwaukee hosts a religious discrimination. poorest cities in the U.S., so this com- only those who would conceivably at- Mass in the Marcus Amphitheater and Showing it knows a thing or two passionate contribution by Irish secu- tend or want to attend the Catholic promotes it by saying, “All church at- about tolerance and charity, Athe- lar citizens was really heartwarming Mass can receive this major benefit. tendees receive free admission to the ist Ireland donated $100 to the Hun- and welcome.” Therefore, you are discriminating on Fest.” Festa Italiana offers this promo- ger Task Force to reward Irish Fest’s FFRF sent the donation directly to the basis of religion.” tion: “FREE admission to Festa when change of heart. the Hunger Task Force. FFRF sent its first letter of complaint you attend High Mass at 11 a.m. in the Michael Nugent, chairperson of about the discount in 2010. Marcus Amphitheater. ” Elliott is pur- Atheist Ireland, wrote a letter to Irish Big Spring makes big decision — drops school board prayer

The Freedom From Religion Foun- asked Wolf and the board in an Aug. lishment Clause permits.” protect freedom of conscience,” said dation has successfully removed prayer 17 letter to discontinue the “practice of Markert added that nearly 1.5 mil- FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gay- from the Big Spring School Board scheduling prayer.” lion Pennsylvanians identify as nonre- lor. meetings in Newville, Pa. Markert pointed out several appeals ligious. “A school board should be model- Board President Wilbur Wolf an- court rulings, including a decision last Wolf attributed the board’s change ing respect for secular education and nounced Aug. 28 that “prayer will be year in the 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of in policy to high legal costs and told a 60 years of firm Supreme Court prec- removed from future meeting agendas Appeals (which is binding in Penn- local newspaper that ending prayer “is edent against religion in the schools. to avoid the potential cost of legal ac- sylvania), have struck down prayer by the prudent thing to do.” He publicly Whatever reasons the board gives for tion against the board and Big Spring public school boards. In the recent Doe stated that “We regret having to make stopping the prayers, we are pleased to School District.” v. Indian River School District case, the this decision.” see this egregious violation ended.” A local resident had asked for FFRF’s Supreme Court let stand the appeals “It’s disappointing that a school FFRF sent letters to three other help in stopping the unlawful prayer court ruling that school board prayer board president would send a message Pennsylvania school boards in August. before every twice-monthly meeting. rose above “the level of interaction be- that essentially undermines principles Octorara Area School Board in Atglen Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert tween church and state that the Estab- that require secular education and has suspended its usual recitation of the Lord’s Prayer until further review of FFRF’s request. Greencastle-Antrim School Board in Greencastle has gone to a moment of silence for the mo- Ohio paper censors FFRF ad ment. FFRF is awaiting word from East- ern Lancaster County School Board in criticizing Catholic Church New Holland. It would be an America in which access to birth control would be controlled by people who never use it. A full-page, prepaid ad by the Free- and “nominal” Catholics, asks: Georgetown University law student dom From Religion Foundation, which “Do you choose women and their Sandra Fluke, speaking to the Demo- had been accepted more than a month rights, or bishops and their wrongs? In cratic National Convention about al- before to run on Aug. 25, was summari- light of the U.S. Conference of Catho- legedly celibate Catholic bishops who ly refused a few days before publication lic Bishops’ war against women’s right oppose the contraceptive mandate in by the Daily Standard in Celina, Ohio. to contraception . . . Why are you aid- the Affordable Care Act FFRF was contacted Aug. 20 by ing and abetting a church that has re- CBS, 9-5-12 Frank Snyder, publisher, and its pay- peatedly engaged in a crusade to ban ment was refunded. contraception, abortion and steriliza- I wasn’t elected to be a spiritual lead- The ad had been suggested and un- tion, to deny the right of all women er. I was elected to fill potholes. I was derwritten by a generous Celina FFRF everywhere, Catholic or not, to decide elected to analyze budgets. member. The donor noted that the whether and when to become moth- City Commissioner Adam Stern, Liv- newspaper had accepted and published ers?” ingston, Mont., voting against meeting a full-page ad by a religiously motivat- FFRF receives “a disproportionate prayers and a moment of silence ed, anti-abortion group on June 6. The number of state-church complaints Livingston Enterprise, 6-12-12 ad encouraged Ohio Senate President from Ohio residents unhappy with re- Pro-Tempore Keith Faber, from Celina, ligion in Ohio government,” said FFRF After an 18-month consultation, the to pass a fetal “personhood” bill. Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “It’s Girl Guides revealed they will no lon- The signature ad, “It’s Time to Quit hard to educate or make headway with ger swear a 43-year-old promise to “do the Catholic Church,” has run in The such obvious and blatant favoritism my duty to God, to serve the Queen New York Times, The Washington Post, and censorship. What happened to the and my country” and will instead USA Today and the Los Angeles Times, vaunted marketplace of ideas?” promise “to be true to myself and de- generating a lot of dialogue on Catho- The generous donor is on the look- velop my beliefs.” lic bishops’ interference with contra- out for a billboard or other venue for On the new wording in the pledge that ceptive coverage for U.S. women. an ad promoting FFRF. Australian Girl Guides (Scouts) recite The ad, an open letter to “liberal” The Telegraph, 7-6-12 Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012 It’s FFRF’s ‘Just Pretend’ vs. the Gideons

A nonreligious Canadian family has other religions to distribute books to them to apply reason to any idea, fairy been battling distribution of Gideon children. But the board refused Ch- tale, myth or religion. bibles in their Ontario public schools ouinard’s request to distribute Just Pre- “We would consider the bible X-rat- by asking the schools to distribute Just tend or Barker’s book for adults, Losing ed and totally unsuitable reading for Pretend: A Freethought Book for Children, Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist, young children,” noted Annie Laurie written by Dan Barker and published also published by FFRF. Chouinard’s Gaylor, who co-directs FFRF. “But Just by the Freedom From Religion Foun- intent, as he told media, was not actu- Pretend is written with the respectful dation. ally to distribute freethought books to premise that children should be free It was announced in early Septem- children, but to force the school board to decide what to think about religion ber that the family’s complaint against to stop distributing bibles. for themselves when they are mature the District School Board of Niagara Niagara school officials told him enough to understand the concepts.” will be heard by the Ontario Human they had consulted the Ontario Multi- U.S. Supreme Court actions and Rights Tribunal in February. Rene Ch- faith Information Manual, which lists First Amendment law bar Gideons ouinard says his family is being discrim- diverse religions but does not mention from entering U.S. public schools to inated against “due to creed.” atheism or secular humanism. Choui- distribute bibles. Nevertheless, the Rene and Ana Chouinard of Grims- nard noted that the manual doesn’t list predatory evangelical Protestant men’s by, Ontario, had complained several the Gideon Society, either. organization is continually flouting the years ago after a permission slip to dis- “If all points of view are not allowed, law, with the help of religious princi- tribute Gideon bibles was sent home then Ontario’s vaunted respect for pals. with their middle child, then in fifth equality and diversity is ‘just pretend,’” “It takes constant vigilance to keep grade. Their complaints prompted the commented FFRF Co-President Dan the Gideons out of public schools,” principal to drop the practice. By the Barker. said Gaylor. time their youngest child entered fifth Just Pretend is an illustrated book FFRF has produced two “bible 6-9. Gideon reputedly murdered thou- grade in 2010, bible distribution had suitable for elementary school-age chil- warning labels” to combat ubiquitous sands for worshiping “false gods.” resumed. The school district has been dren (or “children of all ages”) that ex- Gideon bibles in hotel rooms, includ- Listen to an interview with Rene Ch- permitting Gideon bible distribution plores myths like Santa Claus and com- ing one, “Gideon Exposed” written by ouinard (second half of Freethought since 1964. pares them with claims of the existence Ruth Green, author of The Born Again Radio broadcast, Sept. 8) at: In March 2010, after Rene Choui- of a god. In an entertaining and fun Skeptic’s Guide to the Bible, which urges ffrf.org/news/radio/ nard complained again, the school way, Just Pretend introduces children people to judge Gideon for them- board amended its policy by inviting to the tests of reason, and encourages selves after reading Judges, chapters

Theocracy Alert!

Vote for the American! not from government. That’s right. and women who wrestled with the big As an ordained United Methodist min- Marquee message at Pleasant Valley That’s who we are, that’s how we built questions: What is fair and what is just? ister, I am here to attest and affirm that Baptist Church, Chico, Calif., placed this country. Over time, a commonly held sense of our faith in God is central to the Amer- by from Pastor Tim Ruhl, who refused U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., speech at right and wrong developed, which was ican story and informs the values we’ve to say what it meant the event announcing him as Mitt Rom- then enacted into law by, yes, govern- expressed in our party’s platform. In Enterprise-Record, 8-30-12 ney’s vice presidential running mate ment. addition, President Obama recognizes Real Clear Politics, 8-11-12 Matt Rothschild, atheist editor of The Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and America, America is just more than a Progressive, Madison, Wis. our platform should as well. place, though. America is an idea. It’s No, these human rights — and the The Progressive, 8-30-12 Ted Strickland, former Ohio gover- the only country founded on an idea. ideas and the ideals that conceived nor and Democratic platform drafting Our rights come from nature and God, them — came from the minds of men I’m a Catholic deer hunter. I’m happy chair, introducing a resolution Sept. 5 to be clinging to my guns and my reli- to insert “God” into the platform gion. New York Times, 9-5-12 Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., campaigning for vice president in Pittsburgh We need a government that stands up Associated Press, 8-22-12 for the hopes, values and interests of Is Kansan gaming the working people and gives everyone Most of all, almighty God we thank willing to work hard the chance to you, for the great gift of our beloved make the most of their God-given po- country. For we are indeed one nation tential. [Italics added] parsonage exemption? under God, and in God we trust. Dear Democratic Party platform plank God, bless America. You who live and “passed” after a Christian Broadcast- reign forever and ever. Amen. ing Network blogger and Fox TV be- FFRF is asking a Kansas appraiser off to what appears to be a misuse of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, closing words gan berating Democrats for “remov- in Sedgwick County to investigate mis- a charitable tax exemption. Staff At- to his prayer to the Republican Nation- ing God” from the platform and not use of a church parsonage exemption torney Patrick Elliott wrote an Aug. al Convention in Tampa, Fla. affirming Jerusalem as Israel’s capital claimed on the home of a state Senate 21 letter to County Appraiser Mike CBS, 8-30-12 (Los Angelos Mayor Antonio Villarai- candidate. Borchard: “We request that Grace Bap- gosa called for a voice vote requiring Michael O’Donnell II told the Wich- tist Church or Mr. O’Donnell pay the Thus do we praise you for the gift of a two-thirds majority three times and ita Eagle that he “lives where he says he appropriate amount of current taxes, life. Grant us to defend it. Life, without declared the resolution passed even lives,” which is a home owned by Grace back taxes and penalties owned.” which no other rights are secure. We though the “nays” sounded louder Baptist Church in Wichita, a home Elliott added that “taxpayers should ask your benediction on those waiting than the “yeas.”) that should be exclusively used by an not have to pay more taxes because to be born, that they may be welcomed Associated Press, 9-5-12 acting minister who regularly conducts a church and its leaders have falsely and protected. religious services. O’Donnell’s father is claimed an exemption.” Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s prayer de- senior pastor of the church and lives in After FFRF’s complaint was report- livered right after President Obama’s a neighboring city. It does not appear ed in the news, O’Donnell recanted speech accepting his party’s nomina- that the parsonage has been lived in by his earlier description of his housing tion for a second term a practicing pastor in some time. arrangements and said that he “mis- ABC, 9-7-12 Losing Faith In Faith: County records show that the spoke.” O’Donnell said in August on From Preacher To Atheist church-owned home has been exempt multiple occasions that he paid rent to We need a government that stands up by Dan Barker from property taxes since 1996. The the church. for the hopes, values and interests of “An arsenal for skeptics. Wichita Eagle reported that O’Donnell In September, he recanted that ac- working people and gives everyone A challenge to believers.” has been a registered voter at his resi- count and claimed that he continues willing to work hard the chance to dence since 2007 and uses it as “his of- to work for the church by taking care make the most of their potential. HB, 342 pp., with photos ficial address on campaign filings and of the facilities and grounds and is pro- Plank in the Democratic Party plat- Member price: $20 for his position as a Wichita City Coun- vided free housing in return. The Ap- form approved Sept. 4 at the national FFRF,Nonmembers: PO Box 750, $25 Madi- son WI 53701 cil member.” praiser’s Office has yet to make a rul- convention in Charlotte, N.C. ffrf.org.shop/books/ A local complainant tipped FFRF ing on the exemption of the home. CNN, 9-4-12 September 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7

In the News

Muhammad movie ue.” In an interview with St. Louis TV sta- trailer sparks violence tion KTVI, Akin, when asked why he Religious rage spurred in part by a opposes abortion in nearly all cases, 14-minute American-made online trail- replied: er for a movie that mocks the prophet “People always want to try and make Muhammad as a buffoon, woman- that as one of those things, well, how izer, child molester and ruthless killer do you, how do you slice this particu- sparked violence in at least six Muslim larly tough sort of ethical question. It nations and is being blamed by many seems to me, first of all, from what I for the murders of four Americans in understand from doctors, that’s really Benghazi, Libya. rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female Killed in the U.S. Consulate on Sept. body has ways to try to shut that whole 11 were Ambassador Chris Stevens, 52, thing down. “ and three others. Akin, a member of the Presbyterian In an interview with the Wall Street Church in America, sponsored legisla- Journal, the filmmaker characterized tion to name 2008 “The National Year his movie, now called “Innocence of of the Bible” and to promote greater Muslims,” as “a political effort to call recognition of the Ten Command- attention to the hypocrisies of Islam.” ments. Akin has also decried the re- and insurers cite religious reasons in 27. The actual identity of the filmmaker moval of “God” from government. order to be exempt from mandatory Nematullah Khan, governor of was unclear due to numerous aliases Akin, with a master’s degree from insurance coverage for abortion, con- Musa Qala, said it was unclear if the he’s believed to have used. He was Covenant Theological Seminary in St. traception and sterilization. victims had been shot dead before be- identified by some media sources as a Louis, home-schooled all six of his chil- Critics of the law said a 2001 Mis- ing beheaded. Coptic Christian. dren. He participates in bible studies souri statute already requires birth An elder from the area, Juma Khan, CNN reported thousands of rioters and prayer groups. control prescriptions to be covered said, “Unfortunately, the young men and demonstrators in the streets for If sustained by faith, Akin is also in- under policies with drug benefits. That do this sometimes. They had a party Friday prayer Sept. 14. A crowd in Su- formed by faith. His claim that rape vic- law also lets insurers offer policies with- with music and dancing and they were dan set the German embassy on fire. tims don’t easily get pregnant dates to out contraception coverage for those behaving badly with the women.” Crowds in Cairo tried to storm the U.S. a 1985 book by a leading anti-abortion- who object. embassy. ist, Dr. John C. Willke, who is Catholic Claims filed in Four people were arrested in con- and former president of the National Snake-handling pastor’s nection with the attack that killed the Right to Life Committee. Willke, 87, baptismal pool death four Americans. But those arrested insists “way under 1 percent” of rape resolution fails were not directly tied to the attack, said victims get pregnant. The parents of the 1-year-old boy Monem Elyasser, chief aide to Libyan One of the few peer-reviewed stud- The Campbell County Commission who died earlier this year after drown- Prime Minister Mustafa Abushagur. ies, dating to 1996 and published in in Jacksboro, Tenn., voted 10-2 in July ing in a baptismal pool at a day-care the American Journal of Obstetrics against a resolution calling for the le- ministry in Indianapolis are suing and Gynecology, estimated 5% of rapes galization of snake-handling. a state agency for negligence. Juan ‘Legitimate rape” rep result in pregnancy. The proposal came from Andrew Cardenas and Maricela Serna filed sustained by faith Hamblin, the 21-year-old pastor of a suit earlier against the ministry, As- Tabernacle Church of God, who told sembly of God, and its umbrella orga- U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., who Legislators override gov WBIR that the state law restricts how nization, Indiana District Assemblies of was urged to withdraw from his U.S. on birth control he worships. “My main thing is to see God. Senate race against incumbent Demo- lost people saved. I’d love to do it un- Juan Carlos Cardenas drowned Feb. cratic Sen. Claire McCaskill by many in Missouri legislators voted Sept. 12 der the anointment of God with two 22, after apparently wandering off dur- his party after his comments on rape to override Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of a rattlers in my hand!” ing lunch. became a national scandal, says his bill expanding religious exceptions for However, Tennessee state law pro- The claim alleges the Indiana Fam- faith won’t let him quit, according to insurance coverage of birth control. hibits anyone from owning venomous ily and Social Services Administration The New York Times on Aug. 22. The override in the House got just the snakes ­­— making Hamblin’s practice “negligently inspected” the facility be- He said in a radio interview that number of votes required — 109-45. during services illegal. fore and after the drowning. A Novem- recognizing “a creator, God” has been The override passed the Senate by 26- After the vote, Hamblin said, “We’ll ber 2011 agency inspection showed missing from the debate, and “That’s 6. pray harder, seek the Lord a little that Praise Fellowship had violated 18 the reason why we’re going to contin- The law lets individuals, employers longer and we’ll come back and try it health, safety and sanitation standards again.” and was issued citations. “The bottom line is the state of In- diana was sanctioning this unlicensed Taliban blamed for 17 day care,” said attorney Stephen Wag- Church Bulletin Round-Up party beheadings ner. “If they had done a good job of inspecting the day care, they would’ve Taliban militants in Afghanistan shut it down sooner.” Restaurant frames tion offering half-price seats for people beheaded 15 men and two women for Praise Fellowship closed voluntarily with church bulletins. holding a late-night party, Afghan of- after the agency pulled out of a vouch- FFRF complaint letter A team attorney replied Aug. 9: “In ficials told the U.K. Telegraph on Aug. er program. Blue Ridge Mountain BBQ in Blue actual practice, the Whitecaps accept Ridge, Ga., stopped a preferential any secular publication, such as school 10% discount for churchgoers after newsletters, community recreation gettomg Staff Attorney Stephanie department fliers, apartment and Schmitt’s June 26 letter. The restaurant home association newsletters, munici- In Memoriam also offered free meals for pastors din- pal newsletters, and trade association ing with a paying customer. newsletters and publications. . . . If a On July 5, FFRF received confirma- patron brought an FFRF newsletter, Dr. Irving N. Wolfson, 1919–2012 tion that not only had the sign offering they would be given the same discount the church discount been removed, as a patron bringing a church bulle- FFRF member Dr. Irving Norman NAACP and Freedom From Religion but it had been replaced by a framed tin.” Wolfson, 90, Worcester, Mass., died Foundation. He was an FFRF member copy of FFRF’s letter of complaint. peacefully at home in his sleep July 8, since 1989. Irving’s son, Charles, sent FFRF letter ends 2012. word of his death and said his dad died FFRF adds ‘nones’ to He was born July 20, 1919, in New “still a strong atheist.” Georgia discount York City. After graduating from Co- He was preceded in death in 1983 ‘All Faiths Day’ lumbia University, he received his by Annabel Kreider Wolfson, his wife A 20% church bulletin discount at M.D. from Yale in 1943, then served as of 37 years. Survivors include three The West Michigan Whitecaps base- Las Banderas Mexican Restaurant in an Army medical officer in India and children: Richard (Artley) Wolfson, ball team, which plays in Comstock Valdosta, Ga., was ended after Staff At- China in World War II. He later prac- Middlebury, Vt., Helen (Eric Thomas) Park, Mich., decided after getting torney Stephanie Schmitt complained ticed internal medicine and cardiology Wolfson, Durham, N.C., Charles Wolf- FFRF’s complaint that any publication Aug. 16. The owner agreed in a phone in Worcester and held many leadership son, Westborough; six grandchildren; would qualify for an “All Faiths Day” call Aug. 22 to end the discount and positions in the medical community. a great-grandchild: and his sister, Flor- promotion. Staff Attorney Stephanie remove the promotion from the res- As an activist and humanist, he sup- ence Howitt, Westport, Conn. Schmitt wrote the team president July taurant website. ported Amnesty International, UNI- FFRF offers its sincerest cond- 18 about the discriminatory promo- CEF, American Civil Liberties Union, olences to the Wolfson family. Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012

FFRF Legal Victories

Church trailer removed FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote May 23 to Dougherty County from school Schools, Albany, Ga., to point out con- FFRF filed a complaint in July to stitutional violations by a Fellowship of Maury County Public Schools (Colum- Christian Athletes member who gave bia, Tenn.) about a trailer from Well- postgame prayers for football teams in Spring Christian Church that was per- Albany. manently parked next to the sign for FCA rep Bill Cox gathered the Spring Hill Elementary. The church team and coaches told them to kneel. uses the school for Sunday worship Prayers included several references to servicesy. Jesus’ crucifixion “fiction,” including Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- “Thank you Lord Jesus for dying on ert wrote that it “is inappropriate for the cross to save us from our sins.” the District to permit advertisement of Superintendent Joshua Murfree religious organizations or churches, replied Aug. 23 that Cox’s activities especially a permanent advertisement, “are inconsistent with the practices of The WellSpring Christian Church trailer parked by the sign for an elemenary on school property. Even if allowed to the school system, and I have issued school in Columbia, Tenn. rent district facilities to churches, a instructions that, because of his activi- public school should not allow any ac- ties, Mr. Bill Cox is not to be permitted way has been made aware of the Agen- been removed.” tivity that would give the appearance of to come upon school property or to at- cy’s grievance policy.” promoting or supporting religion.” tend school-sponsored functions.” FFRF stops Community A school attorney responded July 19 Murfree “reiterated to our athletic FFRF blocks school that “The church has been informed employees our practice of not permit- College violation that this trailer, along with any other ting prayer at athletic functions.” soccer prayer advertisement it utilizes, may only be Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- upon school grounds immediately be- Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a ert wrote April 4 to the Peralta Com- fore and during the time in which the FFRF stops Alabama complaint letter July 31 about the Ala- munity College chancellor in Oakland, church utilizes the school facilities.” graduation prayers bama High School Athletic Association Calif., about a staff member using “BY (AHSAA) hosting a soccer tournament GRACE ALONE THROUGH FAITH A graduating senior who’s an atheist that included prayer. Video showed a ALONE IN CHRIST ALONE” as his FFRF ends Kentucky reported to FFRF that East Limestone Fellowship of Christian Athletes mem- email signature. The staffer had sent a graduation prayer High School in Athens, Ala., had grad- ber praying. system email to all district employees uation prayers listed in the program AHSAA responded Aug. 6 that “we inviting them to join a “prayer at the An invocation and benediction were for which the student leading the in- certainly appreciate your concerns and pole” event. given at the 2012 Mercer County High vocation and benediction asked every- take very seriously our duties and ob- The college’s general counsel re- School graduation ceremony in Frank- one to bow their heads and pray. ligations under federal and state law. sponded Aug. 22 to say that the em- fort, Ky. Both prayers, also listed in Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel first To that end, we intend to fully comply ployee is no longer sending emails the official program, made reference wrote the school board June 4 and sent with all constitutional mandates.” with religious content. to Jesus Christ and one ended with a two follow-up letters. The superinten- genuflection. dent replied Aug. 21 that schools “have Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- been informed of the law and have FFRF stops daily FFRF stops Ohio ert wrote June 8 to remind the school taken appropriate steps to ensure that prelunch prayers graduation prayer that “the Supreme Court has continu- religious prayers will not be scheduled ally struck down prayers at school- or endorsed as a part of the graduation The Tishomingo County School Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- sponsored events, including public ceremonies or any other school-spon- District will no longer allow teachers to ert’s three letters of complaint about school graduations.” sored events.” lead students in prayer. 2011 graduation prayer in Mogadore, On July 20, the school district’s at- Iuka Elementary School teachers in Ohio, have borne fruit. The prayer torney wrote, “I have advised that Iuka, Miss., will stop leading students given by the class treasurer was listed there should not be any prayers as part Georgia bible in prayers before lunch. Staff Attorney in the program. of the ceremony.” He added, “While distribution halted Stephanie Schmitt wrote the school The district has responded that planning for the graduation ceremony May 3 about the illegal practice. “Field High School will not have prayer in the spring of 2013 has not yet oc- Thomas County School District, Superintendent Ben McClung wrote at graduation ceremonies and has en- curred, it is my understanding the Thomasville, Ga., stopped allowing July 23 to say “we understand that acted policies prohibiting prayer at School District representatives intend Gideons to distribute bibles after a teachers cannot encourage students to graduation.” The letter included a to make the necessary changes to next March 23 letter from Staff Attorney pray or lead students in prayer.” copy of the new policy. year’s graduation so that this is no lon- Stephanie Schmitt. A middle school ger an issue.” principal had announced over the intercom that the bibles were being Texas FCA adviser Pregame prayers halted handed out. played active role in South Dakota FFRF letter halts Superintendent George Kornegay Christian assemblies Jr. replied July 16 that bible distribu- A coach at Hutto High School in The Castlewood [S.D.] School tions “will not occur in the future in Texas can no longer play an active role District will no longer hold pregame Thanks to a July 26 letter from Se- the Thomas County Schools.” in the school’s Fellowship of Christian prayers after an FFRF complaint May nior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert, Athletes chapter. The coach/club ad- 23 and follow-up letters by Staff At- Signal Mountain Middle/High School, viser was sending emails to staff pro- torney Andrew Seidel. A video posted Chattanooga, Tenn., is on notice that Senior center agrees to moting FCA events and listing himself on YouTube showed school personnel future school assemblies cannot use obey law as the contact person. leading prayers before sporting events. warnings about alcohol as a pretext for Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt Superintendent Keith Fodness re- Christian proselytization. Employees at Peach County Senior complained in February. On Aug. 8, a sponded Aug. 14: “Our coaching staff FFRF’s local complainant detailed Citizens Center, Fort Valley, Ga., were school attorney replied that the district has been briefed on the case law per- an assembly speech by Dave Walton, al- regularly leading residents in prayer would offering training on constitu- taining to prayer as it relates to the situ- legedly an expert on substance abuse. before meals, playing Baptist hymns tional issues and “will also ensure that ation described in your letter and have But a cursory search of his website, on the piano and reading from the this club is truly student-initiated and been instructed to act within those braggingforjesus.org/, reveals ulterior bible to celebrate any event or special student-run.” guidelines.” motives. day, according to FFRF’s senior citizen The attorney for Hamilton County complainant. Schools wrote Aug. 1 that many faculty Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote Complaint gets cross Florida probes ‘In God members were also concerned that the a letter July 26 to the center director taken down We Trust’ plates presentation was inappropriate and noting that because it receives federal that the presentation resulted from a funds, it is subject to federal law which FFRF received a complaint last In May, FFRF contacted four Florida “gross failure” to screen the speaker. “is explicit and unequivocal in its pro- spring from a New Yorker who re- state agencies about an apparent “scam The attorney called the situation “a hibition on religious activities.” ported that a science teacher at Public in God’s name” involving a policy al- good story for training.” The center responded August 9: School 76 in Queens displayed a cross lowing drivers to buy specialty license “[W]e have discussed this matter with on the wall next to the blackboard. plates for an additional fee which goes the participants to educate them that The display included the words “love to the group sponsoring the plate. Georgia school bans our staff cannot/will not initiate, en- god.” Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel noted football prayer-giver courage, or participate in any religious Markert wrote a letter of complaint in several letters that the “In God We based activity. Any participant that ob- May 8 to the principal. The principal Trust Foundation” had collected over On behalf of a local complainant, serves staff promoting religion in any responded July 18 that “the item has $630,000 and distributed nothing to a September 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9

Indiana discovers the Morrow added, “Not only was the Constitution! plan unconstitutional, it was not suc- cessful. Attendance was low.” According to publicity, Indiana Dunes State Park appeared to be host- ing and co-sponsoring a 5-kilome- God’s help out in San ter event with St. Patrick’s Catholic Francisco Church, with proceeds going to the church’s school. In a March 15 letter, The San Francisco Assessment Ap- Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt chas- peals Board removed “so help me God” tened state officials. from the oath used to swear in parties A June 29 response confirmed that testifying at board hearings after get- FFRF didn’t fall for KidStand while a flier mistakenly stated the event ting Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt’s A North Joshua [Texas] Elementary School assembly was hosted by KidStand, was co-sponsored, the Division of State February letter and follow-up letters. a Christian group that stages school assemblies and targets “children with the Parks did not sponsor it. The church Board Administrator Dawn Duran Gospel of Christ before the window of opportunity diminishes greatly.” Staff was required to obtain a special event wrote on Aug. 14 that the religious Attorney Stephanie Schmitt warned the district in February about the group. permit to use the park. oath is out and has been replaced by, A school attorney responded July 30 that the KidStand performance was “Do you solemnly swear or affirm that against district policy and that disciplinary action was taken. “[T]is type of the testimony you are about to give assembly will not occur in the future at Joshua ISD.” FFRF stops Alabama will be the truth, the whole truth, and religious emails nothing but the truth?” charity for children which it claimed to of class, which were held in his church. be supporting. Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote An Alabama Medicaid Agency em- The Department of Highway Safety to the court July 16 to ask for correc- ployee used her official email account Census unlinks to and Motor Vehicles replied Aug. 27: tion of the theological bent of the secu- to ask recipients to help ban an up- Catholic ‘research’ “Our department is aware of the al- lar class. coming film depicting Jesus as a homo- leged noncompliance regarding the The court responded a month later sexual. Her email included a quotation FFRF was contacted by a curious re- distribution of funds from sales of the that the minister was told that “the is- from the bible and urged recipients, searcher in November 2011 who “want- In God We Trust specialty license plate. sue of his religious faith and his min- “Let’s stand for what we believe and ed to look up religion statistics and As this is an ongoing investigation, we istry have no place in the teaching of stop the mockery of Jesus Christ our tried www.census.gov/,” the U.S. Cen- are not at liberty to divulge related in- this curriculum and we have instructed Savior.” sus website. The census stopped col- formation.” him to discontinue references to his Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt lecting religious statistics in 1936, but The letter added that due to the background such that gives the appear- sent the agency a letter June 20. provides links to “more information.” probe, “our department has not dis- ance that the Court is promoting reli- Acting Commissioner Stephanie These links included the Hartford tributed any funds to the IGWT Foun- gion over nonreligious beliefs.” The McGee Azar agreed in a July 13 let- Seminary and the Glenmary Research dation.” court will “monitor this issue with all” ter that the employee violated policy, Center (GRC). of its instructors. adding that “appropriate disciplin- The link to the GRC in fact linked Did ‘man in sky’ see The response noted that the court is ary action” was taken against her. to Glenmary Home Missioners, a mis- complaint coming? also “actively looking for locations out- sionary organization “dedicated to es- side of church property where we can Religious narrative out tablishing a Catholic presence in rural FFRF’s objection about a teacher hold classes.” areas and small towns of the United at a Mandarin language immersion in Ohio States where the Catholic Church is elementary school in the San Mateo/ FFRF stops prayer at The Antwerp [Ohio] School Dis- not yet effectively present.” Foster City [Calif.] School District was Michigan school trict will no longer include religious Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote successful. messages in school assemblies after a to Census Bureau Director Robert A local complainant told FFRF that Hastings Area School District in complaint last fall from Staff Attorney Groves on May 22 about the links. the teacher told students that the “man Michigan refrained from including a Stephanie Schmitt. Several follow-up letters and phone in the sky can see everything you do, prayer in its 2012 high school gradua- A Veterans Day assembly had includ- calls ensued. Seidel suggested the Pew but you can’t see him because he is tion ceremony after receiving an April ed recitation of “The Meaning Behind Forum on Religion & the Public Life camouflaged.” 13 complaint letter from Staff Attorney the Folding Ceremonies of the Flag,” would be a better source. Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote Stephanie Schmitt. For at least 10 years, a discredited religious narrative which The Census’ Web and Social Media to the district May 22 about the allega- Hastings High School has included an explains the “meaning” of each of the Branch reviewed all the links to reli- tion of proselytization of a captive au- illegal invocation in its official gradua- 12 folds of the flag. The “meaning” of gious information, and as of July 2, re- dience of children. tion program and selected a student to the 12th fold, e.g., is to represent and moved them all. The Census also now The school district informed FFRF lead the prayer. glorify “God the Father, The Son, and links to the Pew Research Center. Aug. 16 that it “has reminded its em- In a July 17 reply, Superintendent Holy Ghost.” ployees of the District’s policy of not Todd Geerlings assured FFRF that, On Aug. 9, school attorney Kimball [teaching] religion in schools.” “there were no prayers said at the Hast- Carey told FFRF that the principal who Football prayers forced ings High School graduation ceremo- organized the assembly wasn’t aware of to ‘take a knee’ Court now offers ny on May 25, 2012.” the content of the presentation, and 12-step options said it wouldn’t happen again in Ant- FFRF was victorious against pre- Mississippi teacher werp schools. game football prayer at the University After an FFRF letter, the Rocky oversteps bounds of Tennessee-Chattanooga, where sec- River [Ohio] Municipal Court will of- tarian prayer led by the Fellowship of fer secular alternatives to Alcoholics A U.S. history teacher in Raymond, ‘Faith & Family Night’ Christian Athletes had been a home Anonymous. The court had required Miss., who brought “Truth for Youth fan draw dismal game staple since 2010. some offenders to either attend Alco- Bibles” to class for students to take will Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt holics Anonymous or be jailed. no longer do so after a May 23 letter California University of Pennsylva- initially wrote to UTC Chancellor Rog- Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote from Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt. nia, a public school in the borough er Brown on May 15: “While students, on March 16 to the court’s probation The teacher also asked her students to of California, Pa., agreed after getting athletes, and athletic event attend- department, pointing out that courts raise their hands if they “believe that Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt’s ees may choose to gather privately in have consistently found AA and other women who have abortions are going complaint that it’s unconstitutional to prayer, a public university has no place 12-step programs to be “religious pro- to hell.” offer reduced admission to basketball in encouraging or endorsing religious grams for purposes of First Amend- While the teacher was present, a stu- games for those who mention their ritual.” ment analysis.” dent was allowed to ask classmates who church affiliation. Schmitt also noted that a 1997 deci- Chief Probation Officer Judy Nash were “saved” to raise their hands. “Faith and Family Night” last Jan. 6 sion, Chaudhuri v. State of Tenn., by the responded Aug. 1 that the court will of- Superintendent Stephen Handley offered $3 admission for people who 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals held fer offenders other options, including replied Aug. 8 that “the teacher was mentioned their church affiliation. that sectarian prayers at public univer- information on Rational Recovery and given instruction and counseling on Churches also were allowed to set up sity events violate the Establishment Secular Organizations for Sobriety. her role as a teacher in our district and informational tables in the new basket- Clause. the requirement of neutrality with re- ball arena. After several months of indecision, spect to religious issues.” Legal University counsel Jacque- Brown announced Sept. 10 that “the God hates divorce line Morrow replied Aug. 20 that she right decision for the university” was in Missouri? told administrators on the day of the to offer a moment of silence in lieu of FFRF deletes religious event that the promotion was uncon- prayer. FFRF received a complaint about recording stitutional. “The University adminis- Brown told the Chattanooga Times a Missouri pastor who appeared to trators responsible for the event were Free Press that “we need to make sure hijack required Family Court educa- The recorded message of the Li- apologetic, and because the game had there is never anybody that goes away tional programs on divorce in Jackson cense Office in Rolla, Mo., no longer already been advertised, we decided from our campus, our stadium, our County by talking about himself and ends in “God bless you.” Staff Attorney that the available cure would be to arena or classroom or work, that feels his faith for most of the three-hour pe- Stephanie Schmitt’s letter resulted in make sure that everyone that attended like they have been excluded or feel riod. The pastor also handed out fliers it being changed to “Have a wonder- the event would be charged the same, uncomfortable in any way.” offering his religious services outside ful day.” lower price.” Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012

2012 Michael Hakeem Memorial College Essay Competition FFRF awards $7,800 to college students

The Freedom From Religion Foun- University of California at Berkeley. ern Iowa. endowed by his bequest. He was a dation has awarded $7,800 to 10 stu- Second place ($2,000): Savannah Leah Aeby, University of Wisconsin- well-known sociology professor at the dents in this year’s college essay com- Roland, College of Charleston. Stevens Point. University of Wisconsin-Madison, an petition. Third place ($1,000): Casimir Klim, Lukas Deem, University of Central FFRF officer and active atheist. FFRF Students were asked to describe Columbia University. Arkansas. also extends special thanks to members “Why I am an out-of-the-closet athe- Fourth place ($500): Anna Biela, Michaelyn Everhart, University of Dorea and Dean Schramm for provid- ist (freethinker)” in 750 to 900 words. Purdue University. Kansas. ing each student with a $50 bonus. Five top placers plus five honorable Fifth place ($300): Eric Ouellet, Omar De Los Santos, Yale Univer- Look for the college honorable mentions received awards. Essays be- Carleton University. sity. mention essays in future issues. Next gin on page 12. Honorable mentions ($200 each): This year’s awards were made pos- month: 2012 graduate student essay First place ($3,000): Laila Shalikar, Kate Heetland, University of North- sible by the late Michael Hakeem, winners will be announced. Copyright Don Addis. All rights reserved. State/Church Bulletin

Embryonic stem cell Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz issued a document that included what research upheld NBC on Aug. 22 called the first time In Shirley v. Sebelius, the U.S. Circuit the Air Force has “laid down the law on Court of Appeals for the District of Co- religious proselytizing by leaders.” lumbia upheld a lower court decision Included in the 27-page Standards Aug. 24 throwing out a suit that chal- of Conduct directive are: lenged federal funding for embryonic Government Neutrality Regarding stem cell research. Opponents claimed Religion. “Leaders at all levels must the National Institutes of Health was balance constitutional protections for violating the 1996 Dickey-Wicker law an individual’s free exercise of religion that prohibits taxpayer financing for or other personal beliefs and the con- work that harms an embryo. stitutional prohibition against govern- The Washington Post reported a mental establishment of religion. For three-judge panel unanimously agreed example, they must avoid the actual or with a lower court judge’s dismissal of apparent use of their position to pro- the case. This is the second time the mote their personal religious beliefs to appeals court has said that the chal- their subordinates or to extend prefer- lenged federal funding of embryonic ential treatment for any religion. Com- New hearing for ing a protest against President Vladi- stem cell research was permissible. manders or supervisors who engage in pregnancy center case mir Putin in Moscow’s main Orthodox such behavior may cause members to cathedral, an act Judge Marina Syrova doubt their impartiality and objectivity. The full 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Ap- called “blasphemous.” D.C. court backs The potential result is a degradation peals on Aug. 15 ordered a new hear- Syrova found the women guilty of contraceptive mandate of the unit’s morale, good order, and ing in the case of Baltimore’s truth-in- hooliganism motivated by religious discipline. advertising ordinance requiring crisis hatred, reported Reuters. Nadezhda In Wheaton College v. Sebelius, the Dis- 2.12.1. “All Airmen are able to pregnancy centers to post signs saying Tolokonnikova, 22, Marina Alyokhina, trict of Columbia federal district court choose to practice their particular reli- they don’t provide or make referrals 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, on Aug. 24 dismissed for lack of stand- gion, or subscribe to no religious belief for abortion or for comprehensive stood watching in handcuffs in a glass ing and ripeness a challenge by Whea- at all. You should confidently practice birth control services. courtroom cage. ton College in Illinois to the mandate your own beliefs while respecting oth- The order struck down a June deci- The Associated Press reported Sept. issued under the Affordable Care Act ers whose viewpoints differ from your sion voiding down the ordinance, the 12 that Prime Minister Dmitry Medve- requiring group health insurance poli- own.” first of its kind in the nation. A Dec. 6 dev said the women should be freed cies to cover contraceptive services for Mikey Weinstein of the Military Re- hearing date was set. when their cases are appealed Oct. women. ligious Freedom Foundation, was un- The Center for Reproductive Rights 1. “In my view, a suspended sentence Religion Clause reported that “Be- impressed by the directive, calling it “a joined the city of Baltimore to defend would be sufficient, taking into ac- cause the Department of Health and belated response to MRFF’s continual the ordinance in June 2010 against a count the time they have already spent Human Services has announced a one- exposure of [Schwartz’s] scandalously lawsuit filed by the Archbishop of Bal- in custody.” year enforcement safe harbor for non- nonconfrontational approach to the timore and a local parish. profit groups whose religious beliefs Christian extremist predators within are violated by the mandate, the court the USAF who flout their oath to sup- concluded that Wheaton does not face port and defend the U.S. Constitu- Rehearing ordered for Correction imminent enforcement action.” tion.” Florida decalogue The 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Ap- Wisconsin board OKs Hawaii judge rules peals ruled Aug. 15 that a 5-foot-high SCOTUS appeal against gay couples Ten Commandments statue could stay at the entrance to the Dixie County The Elmbrook [Wis.] School Board U.S. District Court Judge Alan Kay Courthouse in Cross City, Fla. A lower voted 5-2 on Aug. 21 to ask the U.S. ruled Aug. 8 against two Hawaii cou- court ordered the granite monument Supreme Court to decide if the district ples who want to get married instead of removed in 2011. violated the Constitution by holding entering a civil union. Kay sided with The American Civil Liberties Union graduation ceremonies from 2000-09 Hawaii Health Director Loretta Fuddy first sued in 2007 on behalf of a “John at Elmbrook Church. and Hawaii Family Forum, a Christian Doe” client. The 11th Circuit ruled The vote came after a July 7th Cir- group that was allowed to intervene in that U.S. District Judge Maurice Paul cuit U.S. Court of Appeals court ruling the case. failed to consider conflicting evidence that reversed a decision to not hold The women, Natasha Jackson and on whether Doe has standing to sue, the district liable, reported Brookfield Janin Kleid, argued they need to be the Wall Street Journal reported. The Now. married to get certain federal benefits. case goes back to Paul’s court. The case was brought by Americans Co-plaintiff Gary Bradley wants to mar- Last month, Nicole’s essay, United. ry his foreign national partner to help “A Difference Beyond him change his immigration status. Ap- Russian PM: Free Pussy Distance,” featured the wrong peals are planned. Riot Oct. 1 picture. FFRF apologizes. Air Force officially bars Religious lobbies have opposed Congratulations, Nicole! proselytizing marriage equality in Hawaii. A judge sentenced three members of Russian feminist punk band Pussy Shortly before retiring as Air Force Riot to two years in jail Aug. 17 for stag- September 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11 Meet a Member ‘I never fell for religion’

Name: Arik Posner. planets. I also watched the broadcast Where I live: In the northern Virgin- on German TV of the series “Cosmos” ia exurbs of the nation’s capital. by Carl Sagan and his colleagues. All Where and when I was born: In 1968 of this spurred my interest in science, in Wilster, a small town near the North which early on I decided would be my Sea coast in northwestern Germany. career choice. My parents run a small massage thera- Where I’m headed: Help the kids py business in the area. After finishing grow up well and inspire them and my degree I got an offer and immigrat- other young people about science as ed to the U.S. to pursue scientific in- others inspired me. Isn’t it the greatest terests. In 2008, I became a naturalized adventure there is? Maybe I’ll still have U.S. citizen. some time to find out new things in the Family: My wife Wendy, a profes- years ahead. sional violinist and FFRF Lifer; and our Person in history I admire and why: Wendy and Arik Posner carry an FFRF banner at the 2010 Rally to Restore children, Linus, 7, and Darwin, 5. My The scientists we named our children Sanity in Washington, D.C. eldest son Kelvin, 16, lives in Germany after [Linus Pauling and Charles Dar- with his mom. We see him as often as win], and Christopher Hitchens. I ad- never fell for religion, although a class- wherever new knowledge has contra- possible on both sides of the pond. On mit to getting teary-eyed when I heard mate in public school, a son of mission- dicted its tenets, whether it be stem our cross-country road trip this sum- last December that he had died. His aries, tried everything to lure me in. My cell research, evolution, family plan- mer, Kelvin and I swung through Madi- bravery and the way he was able to school tried this as well during religion ning and prevention of STDs. Even the son and toured Freethought Hall. use words against all forms of tyranny instruction, as to date there is no sepa- lightning rod was opposed when it was One of our recent adventures was could hardly be surpassed. ration of state and church in Germa- introduced. attending the Reason Rally together. A quotation I like: “We would be ny. (The German Constitution, which Most tragic is that women in theo- We marched to it alongside Dan Bark- 1,500 years ahead if it hadn’t been for was drafted with American “help” af- cratic countries are excluded from er and a few dozen other members, the church dragging science back by its ter World War II, does not explicitly educational options and full partici- carrying an FFRF banner. At the rally, coattails and burning our best minds state anything about this question, but pation in society. Just recently, Iran’s we encountered members of the West- at the stake.” (Catherine Fahringer). it contains the infamous Article 140, mullahs decided to ban women from boro Baptist Church. They had the We met her regularly at freethought pointing to the relevant statutes of the pursuing degrees in science and engi- audacity to remark to Wendy, “What a (FACT) meetings while living in ultra- pre-war Weimar Constitution that are neering. terrible way to raise your kids.” Ironi- religious San Antonio. She is another still in place. These statutes are respon- Ways I promote freethought: I wish cally, one of the main speakers at the person I admire greatly for her courage sible for the ongoing entanglement.) I could do more. I participated in the event was Nate Phelps, the Westboro and outspokenness. I’m so happy that When I was about 15, I read Arthur Secular Coalition’s Lobby Day for Rea- founder’s estranged son, reporting on FFRF carries an award in her name. C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, which son, stunning some congressional staff- the terrible way he was raised. These are a few of my favorite has an atheist poem as a foreword. This ers who apparently had never talked to Education: Diploma in physics from things: Chinese stamps (yes, I’m a bor- was the moment I found out that I was an atheist before. I enjoy publicly read- the University of Heidelberg and a ing philatelist); Scrabble (competing not alone in my nonreligiosity. It is so ing Freethought Today, in particular doctoral degree in science from the with Wendy is tough); Xiang Qi (Chi- important that this confirmation hap- while commuting on the bus and met- University of Kiel. nese chess); and an instrument on the pen early in life, before one succumbs ro. I wish there were more large-font, Occupation: I work in science man- Curiosity rover, RAD, that I originally to self-doubt. I think FFRF has helped stirring captions on the back page to agement for the nation’s space agency. designed. It measures radiation in many young people in this important make it more visible. It is exciting, fast-paced work. You nev- preparation for the human explorers way. I’ve already made friends on the er know what will come up the next day who will one day land on Mars. Why I’m a freethinker: I firmly be- bus (greetings, Woody!), and I had a or even the next hour. These are not: In Germany: Church lieve that education and scientific Mormon hand me a pamphlet and im- How I got where I am today: When I taxes. You become a member of a state- progress are good for humanity. Reli- mediately “run off” the bus at what I was growing up, I followed the reports accredited church through baptism, gion has stood in the way of progress, presume was his stop. and images from the Voyager mission which customarily happens before in a quite chaotic and random way, uncovering the mysteries of the outer one has formed one’s opinion about it. I only became aware of this when I turned 18 and received my first pay- check, which was reduced by church Overheard taxes. I immediately went to the gov- ernment office (where I was yelled at) Because there is no cosmic point to the It’s too easy for straight allies to think in order to cancel my “membership.” life that each of us perceives on this of gays and lesbians as separate from My grandmother was not so lucky. At distant bit of dust at galaxy’s edge, all us. They need rights we already enjoy. her most vulnerable, immediately fol- the more reason for us to maintain in They face bigotry we deplore. But it lowing the loss of her husband, she proper balance what we have here. Be- happens to them, not us. Chick-fil-A was talked into a church burial by the cause there is nothing else. No thing. has performed a miracle. I’m a middle- pastor. A few months later, the church This is it. And quite enough, all in all. class white guy in America, and Chick- contacted her to inform her that she Gore Vidal (Oct. 3, 1925-Aug. 1, 2012), fil-A has finally made me feel what it’s owed her husband’s “unpaid” back author, playwright, commentator like to be discriminated against. Also, I church taxes of several decades, which National Public Radio, 8-1-12 have lost my appetite for those chicken she was asked to pay on the spot. It biscuits. turns out that my granddad never at- This isn’t a marriage made in heaven. Twice-married columnist Jason Stan- tended church himself. But he didn’t State Assembly member Tom Ammia- ford, commenting on Chick-fil-A’s reli- have much say in the matter anymore, no, D-San Francisco, who is gay, on the gious proscription against divorce as he was already dead. Since there Vatican naming Salvatore Cordileone, Bennington Banner, 7-26-12 was no evidence that he had ever re- who led the 2008 fight against gay mar- nounced his church membership, my riage in California, to head the Arch- The Gideon bible is full of referenc- grandmother and my dad got stuck diocese of San Francisco es to sex and violence, although it’s with a significant bill. The ruthlessness San Francisco Chronicle, 7-27-12 written using more formal language. and shamelessness of church leaders James’ book is easier to read. victimizing a widow is astounding to When I asked them specifically, “Will Hotel manager Wayne Bartholomew, me. you [agree] to make the city whole?” Crosthwaite, U.K., on replacing bibles The other one is U.S. politicians — they wouldn’t do it. If they aren’t go- in guest rooms with copies of the erotic in particular, presidents of late, wear- ing to make the taxpayers whole, why Fifty Shades of Grey ing faith on their sleeve. One reason I should we be putting a million dollars Westmorland Gazette, 7-19-12 ultimately came to the U.S. was to be- into the collection plate of the Catholic come a (secular) voter and thus make Church when we have demonstrable I teach my kids the same things that a difference in the world. I admire needs? you do about how to treat other peo- Arik Posner in Cocoa Beach, Fla., on John F. Kennedy for his insight. I hope Steve Kozachik, Tucson City Council, ple. I simply believe in one less god Nov. 25, in front of the Atlas V rocket that we will in the future have another voting against an appropriation of $1.1 than you do. that carried the Mars rover Curiosity president who respects the Establish- million, which passed 5-2, to remodel Thaddeus Schwartz, officer of Secular into orbit the next day. It landed Aug. ment Clause of the First Amendment. the Catholic Marist College Life, Nashville, Tenn. 6 on Mars. My doubts about religion started: I Arizona Daily Star, 7-11-12 WBIR Knoxville, 7-24-12 Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012 First place: Michael Hakeem Memorial Award Breaking chains, welcoming change

FFRF awarded Laila a $3,000 scholar- On the other side, my father’s Af- Britney Spears. It has nothing to offer ship. ghan family pressured him to make The idea of me. It stands in the way of progress, in- me attend Islamic classes at the local conforming just adequately explains the nature of life mosque, which he staunchly refused to and is the main source of many global do because he never appreciated peo- because others did conflicts today. ple forcing their religion down others’ One day, as I stared at Carl Sagan’s throats. repulsed me. famous “Pale Blue Dot” picture from Voyager 1 showing Earth as an in- Whose god is right? finitesimal blip against the vastness of with solutions to many of our world’s space, I realized how fragile life is. I Being pulled in these two polar op- ills? Why do people proclaim war in am sure that this is the only life I have. posite directions filled me with endless the name of religion when its tenets This is the only world I have. Now is the questions and turmoil. Whose god is preach peace? When the 2004 Indian only time I have. right? Is it all arbitrary? Then my father Ocean tsunami struck Asia and killed Now, instead of wasting time ques- stepped in. 250,000 people, I stared in disbelief tioning beliefs others forced upon me Now a freethinker, “Baba Jan” was at survivors on TV fervently thanking and feeling incomplete, I embrace free raised a practicing Muslim. Not until God for sparing their lives. Why did thought and reason. The process of his first year of college was he exposed God send a tsunami in the first place, abandoning my childhood faith made to evolutionary theory and other scien- especially to such a poor region? But me develop as an individual, changed tific views that directly contradicted his the only response I received was, “It’s the way I see the world and is an inte- religious beliefs. God’s will. His reasons are such that gral part of my identity. He then rigorously examined his we cannot comprehend.” Dissatisfied faith and subsequently abandoned Is- with such vagueness, I turned to some- Laila Shalikar, 20, Riverside, Calif., is lam. When I was 13, he told me I was thing I can always count on: education. in her third year at the University of Califor- By Laila Shalikar mature enough to find my own way, I devoured various books investigating nia at Berkeley pursuing majors in political a notion that delighted me because I monotheistic texts and was shocked by science (international relations emphasis) was tired of simply going through the the often violent, oppressive history of and media studies. She’s traveled to 34 motions. The idea of conforming just religion. It blew my mind that the sa- countries already and says: “I have had a I let out an exasperated sigh as I because others did repulsed me. cred books I spent hours poring over vested interest in humanitarian efforts and stare at the mound of photos scattered My curiosity and skepticism peaked as a child were simply man-made com- foreign service in the global community, at my feet. I had been jumping up and at this age. I wondered how men in the pilations of unverifiable fairy tales and especially in my father’s homeland of Af- down in the storage closet, struggling Old Testament lived to be 900, when in unfounded “facts.” ghanistan, which is sadly a nation utterly to grasp an umbrella when I knocked this day and age of advanced science My research and discoveries were ruined by the noxious influence of religion. down an old cardboard box filled with and medicine, many people are lucky liberating. I was freed from the chains The Philippines, too, is struggling with hundreds of family photos spanning 20 to reach 90. of convention, dogma and disillusion. extreme levels of poverty, mainly caused by years. Why do fundamentalists oppose It struck me that I had outgrown re- overpopulation due to the Vatican’s barbaric “Laila! Hesus Maryosep! Do you al- contraceptives and stem cell research ligion, just as I outgrew Barbies and aversion to contraception.” ways have to be so clumsy? Pick those up — quick!” my “Nanay” hollers at me. I grimace and bend down to col- lect them, but stop as one catches my Second place: College student essay competition eye. I blow the dust off of it and hold it up to the light. It is me, standing in front of the church of Our Lady of I once was blind, but now I see Perpetual Help on the day of my First Communion 12 years ago. I chuckle at my poufy white dress and the ridicu- lous garland of artificial flowers crown- FFRF awarded Tori a $2,000 scholar- my sins. How I longed for uncondition- ing my head. ship. al love and acceptance! I was so excited I witnessed the But there is more to this photo than to begin this journey! hate and judgment just how silly the 8-year-old version of And so I called myself a Christian. myself looked. Scrutinizing it further, it I followed Caroline to church every emanating from is clear I did not exude the same hap- Wednesday and Sunday. The teen pro- piness as the rest of my classmates. I gram often offered free pizza and soda, Christians. note the slightly sullen expression in and there were so many other kids to my eyes and my close-mouthed “smile.” hang out with! I had never been to a Until seven years ago, religion had rock concert, and then the church always played a large role in my life. My brought in a rock band! Freaking focused on political issues, like how very first trip out of the U.S. was at age awesome! I was addicted to all of the the conservative Christians needed 3, when my mother abruptly spirited joy and excitement at this wonderful to stay in power to keep the U.S. on me away to her native Philippines so place. the right track. Sometimes the pas- I could be baptized into the Catholic I began to attend Bible Club meet- tor would preach directly from “The faith without her disapproving hus- ings at lunchtime at my public school. Good Book,” which was often fright- band’s knowledge. Instead of having to eat the awful ening. God seemed overly emotional, Upon returning home, instead of school lunches, we got to eat Papa demanding, angry, power-hungry. This attending the elementary school with John’s pizza. It was so good to be a was a peaceful, loving God? my neighborhood playmates, she sent Christian! My brother, who had not I often ate dinner with Caroline and me to a Seventh-day Adventist school been saved, was angry that he did not her parents. It started with a prayer, the an hour away. Classmates gawked at get Papa John’s for lunch. prelude to frequent arguments, usually me for eating meat and suggesting we One day he asked the head of the about whether Caroline’s mother Sally By Savannah “Tori” Roland study evolution. meeting for some pizza. The response should get up from the table to fetch In third grade, I went to a Catholic was, “You have to be good to get pizza.” something for Caroline’s father Rich- school for the sole purpose of receiv- Occasionally, Caroline and I attend- ard. ing my First Communion. That year ed Sunday sermons at church. They Richard often read bible passages was absolute torture. I did not have My name is Tori. I once was were not always so happy and uplift- to prove his assertion that women are the slightest clue about the Seven Sac- blind, but now I see. This is my story. ing. The pastor often preached about men’s servants. Sally’s argument was raments or the countless prayers the As an adolescent, I felt lost, hopeless the people who would burn in hell — quite reasonable: She had already nuns forced me to memorize. I never and alone. I searched for something to some for not truly believing in God, cooked and served the meal. Now she had a say in any of this. I was brain- take away the pain. Caroline, a Chris- some for worshipping the wrong God, would like to sit down and enjoy it. washed at an early age before logical, tian neighbor, leapt to my rescue. She some for not being baptized, some for rational thought even had a chance to told me that if I accepted Jesus as my being homosexual. Out of the closet develop. lord and savior, He would forgive all of Around election time, sermons In my freshman year, I moved to a Continued on next page September 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13

Third place: College student essay competition In the hot seat: Atheist in firehouse

FFRF awarded Casimir a $1,000 schol- brutal honesty. If I couldn’t tell them That we are educating their children? arship. the truth about myself, how could they I needed to prove Policing their streets? I don’t think so. trust me to watch out for them inside a We nonbelievers are represented in burning building? that my atheism myriad aspects of American society. We “I — I’m not anything. I’m not reli- need to start standing up and saying so. gious,” I said cautiously. did not affect my Initially, it was difficult to be forth- I hoped it would blow over, but abilities or my coming about my lack of faith to my these were not people to take contro- peers. But in the end, it was a valuable versy lightly. They reacted with genu- morals. and eye-opening experience. They ine shock, which quickly gave way to were shocked at first, but it wasn’t long relentless mocking over the eternity I before we were back to eating steaks, would surely spend in hell. To succeed tinued to serve as a great friend and watching TV and waiting for “the big as a firefighter, one must have thick adviser. one.” We found common ground in skin, and I didn’t mind getting kidded I was also pleasantly surprised to our work protecting the citizens of our about the “religion thing.” find other members of the department city. It could just as easily been about my who lived upstanding lives without My time as a firefighter showed me big ears or Midwestern accent. The jok- any form of religious faith. These kin- the importance of “coming out” as a ing was easy to take in stride. What re- dred spirits also happened to be some freethinker and atheist, regardless of ally hurt was seeing the face on one of of the best firefighters I have worked one’s profession or location. If non- my mentors fall as I professed my lack with. Many of them were equally, if not believing professionals make their po- of faith. more, morally scrupulous than their sition known, it will start to erode the He, it turned out, was extremely religious peers. view that atheists lack morality and do devout. He looked both surprised and Watching them cheerfully face long not share the values held by their fel- saddened by my proclamation. I won- shifts with no sleep reinforced my ob- low Americans. dered if our relationship would ever be servation that morality does not come If enough of us speak up, we will be By Casimir Klim the same. To bridge this new divide, I from God. These brave men and wom- recognized as the ethical and responsi- vowed to be the best firefighter I could en risked their lives to help others, not ble members of the society that we are. be. I needed to prove that my atheism for a reward in the afterlife, but be- I feel that this simple step will help us Unlike many of my fellow non- did not affect my abilities or my mor- cause they felt it was simply the right to move closer to a tolerant, inclusive believers, I faced no backlash for my als. thing to do. and rational society. atheism until years after I had “come The acceptance I eventually felt out” to my family and friends. Growing Earning acceptance from my firefighter brothers and sis- Casimir Klim, 24, says his experiences up in a relatively secular household, I ters does not, apparently, translate to as a first responder helped him discover a was encouraged to think critically and As time went by, my hard work paid the rest of society. A recent study by passion for health care. That led him to draw my own conclusions about life. off. When I proved I could successfully the University of Minnesota found make the difficult decision to resign from the Although my parents were somewhat triage patients at a multi-car pileup that nearly 40% of Americans feel that fire department and return to school. He’s spiritual, they never forced their be- and competently work the nozzle in a atheists “do not at all agree” with the a freshman at the School of General Stud- liefs on me and understood when, as burning bedroom as flames rolled over vision that they have of society. ies, Columbia University’s undergraduate a young man, I rejected religious faith. our heads, the issue of where I went on Would they still think so, knowing school for nontraditional students. He’s As a child and teenager, I was not Sunday went out the window. My men- that atheists are running into burning pursuing a neuroscience degree and plans made to feel like an outsider because tor put the issue behind him and con- buildings to search for their families? to apply to medical school. I refused to believe unscientific expla- nations for existence. That all changed when I chose to become a firefighter and moved from Ann Arbor, Mich., to El Paso, Texas. I once was blind, but now I see After high school, I had decided to forgo college in favor of a career in the fire service. The choice satisfied both Continued from previous page cal secular groups and frequented sec- be an elementary school teacher, and I the desire I felt for adventure and the ular blogs such as The Friendly Athe- will use this opportunity to teach chil- inclination to help others that my fam- different school. It was here that I met ist. Learning that I was one of millions dren to use their noodles. ily instilled in me. After training in gay and bisexual students. I witnessed of nonbelievers helped me to feel less I imagine a future where atheists are Michigan, I encountered a struggling the hate and judgment emanating alone. regarded as moral and intelligent hu- economy where most municipalities from Christians. A boy slammed my I was appalled to learn that atheists man beings. I imagine a future where were laying off public safety workers. friend Josh into a locker, proclaiming are distrusted and hated by the vast individuals seek truth via scientific Being passionate about my career him “fag” as he did so. Other students majority of Americans, which causes study and critical thinking, rather than choice, I accepted a position in El Paso laughed and jeered. This motivated many atheists to remain closeted. How through the bible. and began working as a firefighter/ me to become involved with the LGBT to overcome the negative stereotypes? I dream of a future where politicians paramedic at the age of 22. club and to take a very close look at my There is power in numbers, so athe- can openly express atheist beliefs and I had not considered what a large Christian friends and their beliefs. ists must come out of the closet and still have a fair chance of becoming role religion played in the fire service. I had seen Christians treating peo- band together. We must be active in president of the United States. I dream At the training academy, I saw a large ple of alternate faiths with scorn. I secular groups and visible and help- of a future where individuals who were number of cross necklaces and tattoos had seen God used as an excuse to jus- ful in the community. With a large, once blindly faithful can attain 20/20 on my classmates and teachers. But my tify hatred and discrimination against visible presence and a new, positive vision. real wake-up call occurred at the din- women and gays. I had seen Satan used reputation, people who question the ner table a few months after I had fin- as an excuse for alcohol abuse, drug existence of God will no longer fear be- Savannah “Tori” Roland, 18, grew up ished training and began station work. abuse and adultery. I had allowed a ing ostracized by society, or fear being in Charleston, S.C., where she’s a sopho- In fire stations, crews work 24-hour group of Christians to tell me what to struck by a lightning bolt hurled by an more at the College of Charleston, majoring shifts and traditionally eat breakfast, believe and how to live my life. enraged God. in elementary and secondary education. lunch and dinner together. Close I had seen no evidence to prove the Sadly, critical thinking is sorely ne- quarters breed familiarity, and almost existence of God. I started calling my- glected within the public school sys- no topic of conversation is off limits. self a nonbeliever and came out of the tem. Far too much emphasis is placed As the “new guy” from out of town, I closet to family and friends. on memorization. In three years, I will was a bit of a curiosity. During a lull in My mother and stepfather, who conversation, the question of my faith are atheists, were thrilled. My father arose: “Hey Klim, you Catholic? What and stepmother, who are evangelical religion are you?” Christians, exclaimed, “You will burn I was taken by surprise. It was a in hell!” and “I will pray for your soul.” What Is a Freethinker? question I had never been asked point My Christian friends proclaimed, “You blank before, let alone in a room full of can’t believe in nothing!” Even my free-think-er n. A person who forms opinions other people. I could, of course, have brother, who was never religious, was about religion on the basis of reason, independently declined to answer. But fire crews value appalled. of tradition, authority, or established belief. a type of trust that is only fostered by I began attending activities with lo- Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012

Fourth place: College student essay contest Gaining my freedom from religion

FFRF awarded Anna a $500 scholar- gious and pro-gay rights. She respond- Googling me. ship. ed very matter-of-factly, “I can think The welfare of The pastor of for myself, and I think that everyone the aforemen- By Anna Biela deserves love.” people trumps tioned church It made something click in my mind. religious idealism. had misquoted A very simple truth emerged from the and vilified jumbled mess of religion in my mind: me during his Seven years ago, I was a Catholic The welfare of people trumps religious Non-Theists turned my de facto athe- Sunday ser- who was starting to ask the important idealism. She was the first person I told ism into activism. They gave me the vice, leading questions and to put words to the I was an atheist. She smiled and said, courage and support I needed to be members of doubts that plagued my childhood. “It’s about time.” open and proud. Since joining, I’ve his congrega- I spent years trying to work through In high school I met Joseph through worked with them to raise money for tion to harass all the cognitive dissonance and the a friend who thought he could help charity, build relations with other cam- us. It has creat- shame religion taught me. me. He was the first self-labeled atheist pus groups, staff countless Ask an Athe- ed a huge bar- It was one of the most difficult and I ever met. He never told me what to ist tables and coordinate trips to vari- rier between my parents and me, and freeing things I’ve ever done. Now I’m believe, just asked questions and point- ous conventions and the Reason Rally. I’ve lost too many friends. the president of the Society of Non- ed out flaws in my logic. Last spring I was elected Non-The- But every time I doubt, I realize that Theists at Purdue University. I’ve been He made me realize that I was, in ists president almost unanimously. I those are the exact reasons why being on the local evening news standing fact, an atheist already, but I was afraid was expecting a summer off, but ended out of the closet is so important. I had up for separation of church and state. of what giving up my god would mean up spending a month fighting a pro- four amazing people to stand with me And I’m happier than I’ve ever been. for my world. I was afraid, and he posal for the city of West Lafayette to and guide me. Now I have a duty and I wish I could say that I got here by taught me that fear wasn’t a reason to subsidize a church project by issuing the ability to help any other young per- my own willpower, but there were four dismiss the truth. For the first time, I $7 million of economic development son with doubts. I will make the Soci- people that made it possible. They’re was taught the radical notion of “good revenue bonds. ety of Non-Theists strong for everyone why I’m an “out” atheist, and they’re without god.” Our work changed the original 6-1 who comes after me. I will fight for my inspiration and motivation. Then, in college, I met Kacey and vote to a very close 4-3 in favor of the equality and rights. Rachel has been my friend since Ben, respectively the former vice presi- church, which wasn’t quite a success, I will stand up for anyone else who middle school. When we first met, dent and treasurer of the Society of but we made a difference. We con- finds themselves the victim of religion. she was going to a fairly conservative Non-Theists. They encouraged me to vinced two council members and made Religion hurt me, taught me self-loath- church, though she was never really come to meetings and made me feel the city stop and think, all while estab- ing and repressed me. Atheists helped into it. While I was still struggling with welcome at a university swarming with lishing our presence in local govern- me, taught me the value of my voice my own sexuality, she was actively ad- campus ministries. Before I knew it, ment. [FFRF also got involved.] and helped me find an ounce of truth vocating gay marriage. She was the I had found myself a home with hea- To be completely honest, I’ve had in this crazy, beautiful universe. window that gave me a glimpse of the thens in the middle of conservative In- my moments of doubt, wondering if world beyond my sheltered Catholic diana. my activism is worth it, considering Anna Biela, 20, was born in Michigan childhood. the prevalent bias against the nonreli- City, Ind., and is a junior majoring in nu- One of my most vivid memories was Civic engagement gious. Any potential employer can eas- clear engineering at Purdue University. when I asked her how she could be reli- Kacey, Ben and the other amazing ily discover my position in the club by Fifth place: College student essay contest Time to stop respecting religion

FFRF awarded Eric a $300 scholarship years, religion began to anger me. I of the idea perpetuated by society that defenders online try to use the same for his essay. became angry at the way Christians it’s good and noble to be religious. tactics as atheists. For example, one seemed so certain about things they Thomas Jefferson once said, “Ridi- posted a picture of an obese teenager had no way of knowing, the way they as- cule is the only weapon which can be at a computer with a caption calling sumed they were morally superior and used against unintelligible proposi- atheists “fat fucks with no life.” that the best way to raise children was tions.” Every week, politicians are ridi- Imagine the reaction if something by brainwashing them. culed in editorial cartoons and on sa- like that were said about Christians. Slowly, my mother began to suspect tirical TV shows, but for some reason, Rather than feel insulted, which was that I had rejected Christianity. When it’s unheard of to ridicule the most ri- the intent of the childish picture, athe- I was 13, I was reading A Short History diculous beliefs of all. ist commenters “agreed” that atheists of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson and Religion’s unmerited respected sta- are fat because they eat so many babies. telling my younger sister how the an- tus is the only thing that truly sustains It’s difficult to attack atheists be- cient Greeks calculated Earth’s circum- it. After all, it’s fairly obvious that most cause they don’t have any ridiculous ference. Mother said to me, “Keep in religious people don’t believe as they beliefs that require defending and mind, scientists don’t have all the an- do because they’ve evaluated all the therefore generally don’t feel the need swers.” possibilities and come to the conclu- to resort to tribalism. That angered me enormously and sion that their faith makes the most The stigma associated with criticiz- By Eric Ouellet to me meant, “You can learn about sci- sense. ing religious belief does not apply to ence if you want, but always remember They believe because those around any other belief, whether it is political, that God is the real answer to every- them believe the same thing and no scientific or otherwise. It’s impossible When I was young, my Christian thing.” I didn’t say anything. In fact, I one seems to question it. One of the to know the exact numbers, but I sus- mother would read bible stories to me. didn’t come out to my mother until I reasons it’s so important for atheists to pect that a large portion of supposedly She would take me to church occasion- was 16. Thankfully, she didn’t disown come out and become vocal is to abol- religious people don’t truly believe the ally and lecture me about god. Like any me. ish the dangerous social custom of not claims of their faiths. Thankfully, the child, I believed all of it. In fact, she doesn’t really seem to questioning ridiculous beliefs. rise of the Internet has been unkind to As I grew up, I fell in love with sci- care that I am a nonbeliever (which The atheism section on the social unjustified claims, and as a result, non- ence books at the library, particularly makes me question whether she really news website Reddit has over 730,000 belief appears to be accelerating. books about space. Christianity’s claims believes the claims of Christianity her- subscribers. It’s sometimes criticized I believe that religion will be elimi- soon seemed completely nonsensical. self, because if she does, she ought to for posting too much silly content nated in my lifetime, but when that hap- By the time I was 9, I had rejected re- be concerned that I will be tortured for mocking Christianity and Islam rath- pens depends on nonbelievers having ligion and the idea of a God but told eternity). er than discussions. But in my view, the courage to come out. no one. Zombie Jesus pictures and the like are I remember feeling that no mat- Deserving of ridicule extremely valuable in that they help Eric Ouellet, 18, lives in Mississauga, ter what I believed, religion merited destroy the assumption that religion Ontario. He’s in his second year at Carleton respect, and it was wrong to question Why did it take me so long to come deserves respect. University in Ottawa, studying computer another person’s beliefs. But over the out of the closet? It was largely because I’m always amused when religious science. September 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15

Honorable mentions: high school essay contest

Hey teach, look at minded. They’ve said I’m one of the “How many of you are with Jessica?” My 14, my life took a turn for the worse. only freethinkers they’ve ever met. My hand shot right up as did a few others. They couldn’t believe it. They tried me now nonreligious views bewilder them. I But one shocked me, someone I knew getting me to read the bible over and strive to make them think critically. to be very religious and very conserva- over, took me to psychiatrists and sent My middle school teacher would be tive. I couldn’t believe it. me to Christian summer camps. I surprised to learn her explanation of Even though we were outvoted, I quickly became depressed and thought the continents motivated me to speak still had an effect on this classroom. that nobody loved me. My embarrassed out against the encroachment of reli- parents wouldn’t let me talk about my gion in society. Jarrett Browne, 18, Vandalia, Ohio, is views, read books by atheist authors attending Wright State University in Day- and didn’t care to hear about my life. Amedee Marchand Martella, 18, Spo- ton to major in mechanical engineering. I felt worthless but stood my ground. kane, Wash., is attending the University of Then I had an epiphany that changed Colorado-Boulder to major in evolutionary everything. I realized that I was an im- biology and political science. Planting seeds portant person with a purpose. I was kind and passionate and had ideas of doubt and knowledge that nobody could ever Not afraid to take away. I seemed to love and sup- port people more than my “Christian- speak up ly” parents did. It was then I knew that lack of reli- gion doesn’t make me a bad person. I By Amedee Marchand Martella realized that even if I was considered a heathen, I was proud of myself. I am nonjudgmental, amazed by the won- Ever since I heard my middle school ders of science and the universe and science teacher say the hand of God have a thirst for learning that nothing was responsible for separating the con- could quench. It was all so beautiful to tinents, I knew I was going to be a free- me. thinker who promoted the separation Soon after, I began to tell anyone of church and state and the teaching of who would listen about the restraints science in public schools. I wondered of religion — comparing beliefs, point- how a science teacher could make such By Jarrett Browne ing out flaws and contradictions in the a declaration without evidence to sup- bible. Although my success was limited, port it. I still found joy planting little seeds of In high school, my expository de- I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m doubt in the minds of the indoctrinat- bate topic was on the Flying Spaghetti atheist. I’m one of the few people at ed. Monster, which I chose to illustrate my school who has no religion, so it Four years later, I’m proud to say why creationism should not be taught. can come as a shock to people. They By Kaitlin A. Holden that I’ve stayed true to myself and my My coach said if I wanted to do well in act surprised, as if I had just told them nonbelief. I look back on my 14-year- competition, I should probably choose that I had two Bengal tigers guarding old self and smile, knowing I’m in a a less controversial topic. my house at night. Growing up in the South, religion better place now than I would be with- I said I wanted to make people One day in government class, my is one of the most vital aspects of your in the confines of religion. I taught my- think, so I decided to keep my topic on teacher asked for an “adult discussion” life. From birth, you are indoctrinated self to reason. I shall be a freethinker church-state separation and the impor- about 16-year-old Jessica Ahlquist’s ef- by every adult who raises you. I’m the for life. tance of teaching evolution in public fort to get a prayer banner removed child and grandchild of ordained min- schools. I won local competitions but from her school. While people were isters. Ever since I can remember, I’ve Kaitlin Amber Holden, 18, Murrells In- received low scores in northern Idaho. saying how stupid Jessica was, I raised been taught that betraying “God” is let, S.C., is attending Winthrop University I made the state finals but lost. my hand and was recognized. an unforgivable sin. When my parents in Rock Hill to major in premedical biology My coach gave me the judges’ feed- “Many of you have no idea where found out that I was an atheist at age and political science. back. One said the topic was too ab- this girl is coming from, but I do. I’m surd to be true and that I had made atheist, and one of the very few here up Pastafarianism to bash religion at Butler. Our school system is horrible (even though it’s based on principles about keeping religion out of public of Christianity). I knew my efforts were schools, and I feel unwelcome here at worth it when I heard an older couple times. Even if this prayer isn’t directed 2012 Herbert Bushong High School Essay Contest say my presentation was their favorite toward any particular religion, it’s di- because it made them think. rected toward religion in general and One particular teacher was an evan- it goes against separation of church gelical Christian. We frequently got and state.” FFRF awards six into heated debates over religion. The Many students just stared at me like last conversation we had was about deer in the headlights. “But it’s not faith versus scientific evidence. Anoth- harming anything,” said the girl sitting honorable mentions er teacher told my class that atheism behind me. “Having a banner in the was a belief system. I explained why it auditorium isn’t prayer in school! This The Foundation printed first- and to Dorea and Dean Schramm, wasn’t and brought him an article just girl’s being ridiculous!” By now she was through fifth-place essays in its Florida, for providing each student to reinforce my point. standing up and shaking with emotion. high school contest in the August with a $50 bonus. In my digital media class, an assign- “I agree,” said a guy in the back who Freethought Today. In this issue, Honorable mention awardees ment was to make a stop-motion video. was going to Notre Dame on a full-ride several essays (excerpted for space) each received $200: I made one entitled “Santa versus Je- athletic scholarship. “If most of the from honorable mention awardees Abigail Dove, Swarthmore College. sus: A Race to Determine Who Is Fact school’s Roman Catholic, they should are printed. Others will appear in fu- Amedee Martella, University of and Who Is Fiction.” Concluding there have this up for the students.” ture issues. Colorado-Boulder. was not definitive evidence for either, I “But it’s offensive to some students,” A total of $11,250 in scholarships Cheyenne Tessier, The George ended with an evolving set of figurines I told him. “No, we need it up because were awarded to 13 college-bound Washington University (Cheyenne and Darwin coming out of nowhere to it agrees with my religion!” he insisted. seniors, who were asked to “describe will defer her university enrollment win the race. In another class, I wrote “What makes you better than a cou- a moment when they stood up for for a year to do humanitarian service and had published a letter to the edi- ple of atheist teenagers?” I asked. He freethought and/or that made them in Senegal with Global Citizen.) tor about how “under God” should shut up and didn’t return to the de- proud to be a freethinker.” Jarrett Browne, Wright State Uni- be removed from the Pledge of Alle- bate. Herbert “Harry” Bushong of Tex- versity. giance. My letter sparked debate in the “I’m with Jarrett now,” a girl said. as once again generously endowed Kaitlin Holden, Winthrop Univer- community. “Yeah, I don’t think they should keep this year’s contest. FFRF would also sity. All of my friends are religious. I it up if it makes some students uncom- like to extend special thanks to Cali- Zach Gowan, University of South appreciate the fact they continue to fortable,” said someone else. fornian John Moe for endowing the Carolina Upstate. be my friends and are relatively open- “OK, let’s vote,” said our teacher. honorable mention awards of $200 Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012 Religious rehab: Fishing for the weak

By Bailey Rahn terviews on drug treatment. and Chance Campbell References Miller, William R. Forcehimes, Alyssa. O’Leary, Mary J. LaNoue, Marnie D. “Spiritual Direction in Addiction “My name is Will and I am Treatment: Two Clinical Trials.” an alcoholic.” 2008; 35(4):434-442. http://www. Those words carried the 19-year- sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ old to what he hoped would be early S074054720800038X redemption for a self-admitted addict. Arnold, Ruth M., S. Kelly Avants, Ar- The faces looking back at him were thur Magolin, David Marcotta. aged and weathered by years of pain, “Patient attitudes concerning the reflecting a desperation that was only inclusion of spirituality into ad- just taking root in him. Alcoholics diction treatment.” Journal of Anonymous with its bolstered reputa- Substance Abuse Treatment. Vol- tion was the first option that came to ume 23, Issue 4, Pages 319-326, mind. December 2002, http://www. Then again, it was the only option journalofsubstanceabusetreatment.com/ that came to mind. article/S0740-5472(02)00282-9/full- Will only attended two AA sessions text before walking out, disgusted by its Narcotics Anonymous covert conversion methods: “No one http://www.na.org/?ID=PR-index there would admit that AA was reli- Bailey Rahn Chance Campbell The Fix gious. They claim that they do not http://www.thefix.com/content/nar- hold you to the Christian God, only grams. vulnerable individuals, rehabilitation conons-big-con?page=all that they hold you to some higher pow- The results were surprising: Not programs should prioritize patients’ Narconon.org er. They claim it can be another god. A only were secular programs more ef- needs. http://www.narconon.org/about-nar- rock. An abstract, an ideal. ... It would fective in treating substance abuse, pa- Not everyone needs religion to re- conon/ be one thing if they had meant it ... But tients of religious programs reported cover. The dishonest use of religion SMART Recovery they didn’t. If the higher power could higher levels of anxiety and depression has caused more than one person to http://www.smartrecovery.org/intro/ be anything we wanted, then why did than those without spiritual guidance. walk out of treatment, but the larger “Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey we end each meeting with the Lord’s In light of these discoveries, Miller problem may lie in the many people of Prison Chaplains” Prayer?” concluded, “What we came away with too desperate to realize they’re swal- http://www.pewforum.org/Govern- Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcot- was the sense that we had been naïve to lowing a force-fed God. ment/religion-in-prisons.aspx ics Anonymous are centered around think of spiritual direction as an acute Bailey Rahn and Chance Campbell are William R. Miller, Ph.D. the 12-Step program. According to intervention for early treatment.” editors at AllTreatment.com, a resource http://www.williamrmiller.net/Spiritu- 12-Step, addicts are incapable of escap- But why did graduates of religious which provides information on treatment ality.html ing addiction without God’s help. Nar- rehab programs register higher rates programs nationwide and articles and in- conon, the rehab empire with over 180 of anxiety and depression? Miller spec- treatment centers worldwide, grounds ulates that it’s simply timing; with reli- its program in the writings of L. Ron gion’s excess of moral codes and guilt- Hubbard, founder of the Church of enforced modes of conduct, religious Scientology. But don’t count on them treatments only augment addicts’ Overheard admitting that before you hand over stress. If that is true, what do secular the $27,000 for admission. programs offer that lead to lower levels The Israeli edition of Forbes magazine Christian Right worldview. A loose net- Nowhere does Narconon’s website of anxiety and depression? published a first-of-its-kind ranking last work of right-wing charismatic Chris- mention its religious affiliation. Likely, One secular rehab program, SMART month of Israel’s 13 richest rabbis. In tians called the Transformation move- they’re avoiding association with Sci- (Self-Management and Recovery the No. 1 spot was 36-year-old Rabbi ment joins them in fanning the flames entology because of the bad rap it’s Training), focuses on teaching self-em- Pinchas Abuhatzeira from Beersheba, a of the culture wars over homosexuality developed. But let’s be real: This is the powerment and self-reliance. Simple, blue-collar southern desert city, whose and abortion by backing prominent same group of people pitching you right? SMART’s techniques also evolve wealth is estimated at $335 million. African campaigners and political lead- their handbook called “Integrity and alongside addiction recovery science. News story, “Israel’s richest rabbis be- ers. Honesty.” In fact, these are common practices come savvy businessmen Report titled “How the U.S. Christian AA openly states its spiritual foun- in most secular rehab programs. By Associated Press, 7-13-12 Right is Transforming Sexual Politics dation, but its introduction pamphlet restoring addicts’ agency through self- in Africa” advertises an open-minded front: “All empowerment techniques, recover- Our banners will hang in the stadium publiceye.org, 7-25-12 the great faiths are represented in our ers graduate with the knowledge that and we will rename the team the “Mr. Fellowship, and many religious leaders self-control comes from within. This Paul Aints,” The team will wear Mr. CNN . . . assumes from the outset the have encouraged our growth. There prepares them to stay off drugs in the Paul Aints jerseys during the game, existence of some “god,” in order to are also atheists and agnostics among future and lead more productive lives. which will be auctioned off as a fund- ask where he “was,” at the time of the us. Belief in, or adherence to, a formal With these outcomes, reductions in de- raiser for us. crime, as if CNN wants god to provide creed is not a condition of member- pression and anxiety are inevitable. Announcement by Minnesota Atheists an alibi. Naturally, the most logical ap- ship.” The greatest distinction between about sponsorship of a St. Paul Saints proach is to reject the premise, and But take a look at AA’s fundamental religious and secular treatment pro- baseball game Aug. 10 with it the existence of things for which 12-step curriculum. By Step 2 the ad- grams is the source from which addicts Sports Grid, 7-12-12 there is no physical evidence. dict submits to a “Power” that is great- are encouraged to derive their will to Michael Luciano, PolicyMic editor, on er than him. This cleverly ambiguous quit. In 12-step and other spiritual pro- It’s further evidence of this era’s move CNN Belief Blog’s question, “Where higher Power is left open to the inter- grams, patients must sacrifice them- toward Balkanization in the United was God in Aurora massacre?” pretation of the addict, but in any case selves to an external entity, accepting States. It’s no longer sufficient that they policymic.com, 7-30-12 the addict must surrender his agency that they cannot recover alone. Addicts have shared norms among themselves, and independent strength. But wait, effectually replace their dependence they are increasingly trying to impose This case exemplifies the absurdity and hold on: Who says conversion can’t be on substances with a dependence on a their norms on the rest of the culture. tragedy of the blasphemy law, which an effective treatment method? (real or imagined) higher power. Marci Hamilton, Cardozo School of is an instrument of abuse against the Rather than dependency replace- Law, on strict Hasidim dress codes for most vulnerable in society. Miller’s research ment, secular rehabs shoot for depen- all shoppers at stores in Brooklyn Ali Dayan Dasan of Human Rights dency cessation, treating the aspects of New York Post, 7-22-12 Watch, commenting on the arrest of As a lifelong Christian, Dr. William addicts’ lives that caused them to seek Within the past five years, the Roman a Christian girl with Down syndrome R. Miller at the University of New Mex- external affirmation in the first place. Catholic Human Life International, girl for allegedly burning a religious ico thought spirituality would surely While spirituality has provided sup- the Pat Robertson-founded American textbook about the Quran in Pakistan, benefit recovering addicts. To test the port for many recovering addicts, that Center for Law and Justice and Family where there are at least 100 blasphemy validity of his assumptions, he conduct- doesn’t excuse the oversaturation of re- Watch International, led by a Mormon, prosecutions ed a study that compared religious and ligious rehabs in the treatment market. have launched or expanded their work New York Times, 8-21/8-29-12 secular rehabilitation treatment pro- Rather than subversively proselytizing in Africa dedicated to promoting their September 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17 Marquee Madness

Newport, Ohio FFRF’er Rich Lane writes, “My reaction when I first saw this marquee was, Caveat worshiper ‘Keep telling yourself that.’ Personally, I’m more inclined to agree with “It’s just a mile down the road from me,” writes Montanan Ralph Scott. “Well, I Richard Dawkins’ description of the central doctrine of Christianity as ‘vicious, thought, what a ‘bargin,’ but the doors were closed so I couldn’t get any details sadomasochistic, repellent, and barking mad.’” (like ‘estimated time of arrival’). It was certainly a shock, since I thought I was already in ‘heaven’ when I moved here on this wonderful patch of prairie over 12 years ago!” Cranksters to FFRF’ers: ‘Get packing’ Below, a small but representative sampling FUCK YOU — Stacy Storey, Ft. Worth, Texas of disturbing emails recently received by FFRF from “loving” Christians, usually in response to Prayer at football games news coverage of FFRF’s state/church work. Your a bunch of fithy fucking pigs pushing Grammar and spelling are uncorrected. Warn- you stink ass way of life on others. — Gary Wil- ing: Language and suggestions are commonly liams X-rated. You People Eat Cock Freedom of Religion Mind your own fucking business you stupid Once we win in Nov, the Conservative move- fucks. — Your Mother ment is going to ship all you assholes to Europe where you can be governed by the Muslims. — You Project much? Weldon Warren, Lubbock, Texas You freaking ignorant disgusting human fe- Missive mailed to FFRF by a secret admirer: “I am not signing my name because ces. — Mickey Mathis, Brownwood, Texas scumbags I don’t want you idiots to send me your garbage in the mail.” Why don’t you evil anti family, baby killing Suit homo sexual loving worms crawl back into the You stinking shit eaters. You mother fucking it my life’s work to watch your organization burn Violation hole you came from and leave Americans alone. asshole eaters and the scum of the earth. — to the ground. (Figuratively) — Youmomas Ass You!!! are the ignorant jelous people. I will There are many country’s who would love to Kevin Kerr have you as residents in there freedom loving pray for you. Just think if you end up in hell thats country. China, Russia, Cuba is close enough. I Church feeding a football team internity. Just go end your wasted life if your that You people are pure scum BURN in hell assholes, you are satan’s fol- unappreciated to god. — Mark Curtis will pay for your tickets if you can’t afford them. you people are nothing more than the scum lowers, I hope for the worst to happen to every Please leave. — Jay Mac run of off the ACLU.yes i say you all are no good member of this scum organization. — David Haralson County football worthless scum. — Gary Hummel, Allen city, Gregg I hope everyone associated with your group YOU Mich. dies a long, slow, agonizing, very painful death Why don’t you unhappy fucking Jews go find because your group deserves it. — James a country where you’re not DESTROYING other your fucking head GO AWAY If you suceed in making us believe that there Simms, Tuscaloosa, AL peoples’ cultures? YOU FUCKING FILTHY NA- I am from the liberal northeast and i have is no god,then we can blow your fucking head TION DESTROYERS! Do you ever wonder why seen what you miserable fucks can do to a soci- off and not lose any sleep.Fuck you perverted you’ve been kicked out of every fucking country ety. The best thing people in Tn could do would bastards — up your ass, Niles, Ohio Gun Mouth Trigger Pull World Better you’ve ever lived in? — Joe Blow be run you out on a rail. — David Tolassi, Dun- All you assholes should do the world a favor lap, Tenn. by sticking guns in your mouths and blowing the go fuck yourself Prayers for you I wanted you to know that I pray for your or- backs of your god damn heads off. Please give go fuck yourself. just go fuck yourself. Fucking cunts like you ganization in the name of our Lord and Savior, Mrs Sweeney a really big gun as she is the big- Leave. Leave this beautiful that was founded on I hope you fuckers get your belief system Jesus Chris. It is so sad that you deny the true gest god damn retarded asshole of your group. a Christian foundation that you fuckers enjoy. proven for you individually real soon. What a and living God and I am truly saddened by your You people are so god damn stupid it makes my Get the fuck out of my Country. — Gerald Miller, wonderful world this would be without you cunts actions. Our founding fathers recognized God dick hurt. Please just drink the koolaid the world Oregon, Wis. and your dirtbag children. — Steve Marzano for what he is and your denial is absolutely mind will not miss you one bit. — John Rossi, Warner boggling. Your organization may stop public Robins, Ga RI FIREHOUSE CROSS & WWII MEMO- Georgia High School prayer but I assure you millions of Christians will RIAL You people need to have your fuckin heads continue to pray for your organization. — In the Greetings America has had ENOUGH of your at- examined. You people are a bunch of douche- love of Jesus Jeff Lick my ass. I hope fucking Al Qaeda blows tacks on religious rights and our memorials in bags. Your parents are weeping for you. — Fuck you fucktards up. — Jim Smith this country. SHUT THE FUCK UP, YOU BAS- You Thank you TARDS! You don’t like what we represent in this Just wanted to thank your foundation for be- Morans country, then GET THE FUCK OUT, you NAZI’S feeding kids ing the biggest bitches next to green-pease and I am 74 but I will do all I can to see your or- SCUMBAGS!!! Keep pushing us. — James Tro, I PRAY that you are the next target for radi- liberals in general. Who gives a shit if a church ganization destroyed.Your tactics show that you Philadelphia cal muslims wanting to destroy something! You feels like serving student meals before there are basicly very insecure and unhappy people. are ridiculous and against everything REAL games. I swear I hope you guys get shut down, By the way I will go out of my way to support Americans believe in ! — Paul O’Brien your company is part of the reason this great Chick Fil A!!! Heres to your end!! — M Kellar Fuck you all nation has fallen so far from its roots. — Bob yea, and how about if you pack up you shit- Leave the Coach Alone. Sagat phobia heads and take your circumsized asses back to You need to back the fuck off that coach in You have a serious case of Christianphobia. israel? — Jovan Vidovic Georga. I mean really you have nothing better god You should really seek treatment for the disor- to do than act like trolls and drag everyone un- C’mon out in mormon country and fuck with der. — Darren Moser, John 3:16, Heaven Compliment der the bridge with you? I myself don’t actively us. You’ll lose. and why are all atheists ugly. — YOU MOTHER FUCKING SCUM BAGS go to church but your organization by nature of- Gary Kole, Victor, Idaho CAN LICK THE SHIT OUT OF MY DOGS AS. fends me. From this point forward I plan to make Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012

Black Collar Crime Blotter Compiled by Bill Dunn ‘Sometimes boys will Arrested / Charged be boys.’ Matthew C. Davis, 26, Seattle: Communi- cation with a minor for immoral purposes. Da- — Statement attributed vis, a volunteer youth pastor at Grace Church, to Bishop Robert Finn, is accused of sending sexual messages to a 15-year-old girl. allegedly excusing clergy Court documents said Davis started sending romantic email to the girl early this year and of- sex abuse fered to leave his wife to start a new life with her. Source: seattle.com, 9-5-12 James Napier, 60, Alfred, ME: Possessing child pornography. Napier, who operated New 8-9-12 Beginnings Christian Mission, allegedly had Peter Petroske, 57, Dearborn, MI: Suspi- over 100 illegal images on his home computer, cion of drunken driving and indecent exposure. including what appeared to be children younger Petroske, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Par- than 12 having sex. Source: Morning Sentinel, ish, was driving naked in a VW Passat when 9-5-12 he was arrested. He told police he was hot. His Sherman Brown, 70, Des Moines, IA: 1st- blood alcohol content was 0.09. Source: Detroit degree theft and dependent adult abuse by Free Press, 8-8-12 financial exploitation. Brown, a pastor and vol- Guy A. Ritter, 92, Salem, VA: Crimes unteer police chaplain, is accused of taking at against nature and 5 counts of taking indecent least $10,000 from a dependent adult male for liberties with a child. Ritter, an ordained Luther- whom he held power of attorney. Source: Des an minister and former Roanoke College pro- Moines Register, 9-4-12 fessor, is charged with alleged offenses in the Shantaram Gaikwad, 48, Amboli, IND: 1970s and in 1958. (The earlier charge is what Assault or criminal force with intent to outrage the offense was called then.) Source: Roanoke modesty and intentional insult with intent to pro- dercover ranger in the park. Wichita Eagle, 8-16-12 Times, 8-8-12 voke breach of the peace. Gaikwad, a priest at a A statement from the Archdiocese of San Basil Princewill, Abuja, NIG: Conspiracy, Kenneth Hagins, 40, Tavares, FL: Sexual Hindu temple in Andheri, is accused of sexually Francisco said Mofan has been on “reduced criminal impersonation, criminal intimidation battery against children and lewd and lascivious abusing his 17-year-old daughter. ministry” since 1999 due to a stroke. Source: and assault. Princewill, apostle and general acts on an elderly or disabled person. Hagins, a A police officer said the girl’s mother alleges Marin Independent Journal, 8-24-12 overseer of Mountain Movers Fire Ministries youth pastor at Promise Land Ministries, is ac- she “walked in on them and saw what was go- Richard H. Craft, 68, Thornton, CO: Pos- Church, is accused of sexually assaulting two cused of assaults at Pat’s Kidz World Develop- ing on.” They have reportedly moved out of their session and distribution of child pornography. 14-year-old girls. Source: Daily Times Nigeria, ment Center and at a group home for vulnerable home. Source: Mumbai Daily News, 9-4-12 Craft, former interim pastor of Family of Christ 8-16-12 adults, where he worked. Richard McCormick, New Rochelle, NY: 5 Presbyterian Church in Greeley, is accused of Angel A. Perez, 46, Woodburn, OR: 1st- Six potential victims have been identified. counts of rape of a child. McCormick, a priest the offenses from 2007-09. degree sexual abuse, abuse of a child in the Pat’s Kidz World has surrendered its license. and former head of the Catholic Salesian order, Daniel Saperstein, Family of Christ execu- display of sexually explicit conduct, 3 counts Source: tbo.com, 7-22-12 is accused of sexual abuse of a victim, then 11 tive presbyter said, “We are saddened and con- of furnishing alcohol to a minor, tampering with and 12 years old, in 1981-82 in Ipswich, MA. cerned by the news of the federal indictment evidence and driving under the influence of Attorney Mitchell Garabedian said McCor- of Richard Craft.” He said Craft most recently intoxicants. Perez, pastor at St. Luke Catholic Pleaded / Convicted mick has a long history of alleged abuse, includ- Leib Glanz, 57, Brooklyn, NY: Pleaded served at First Presbyterian Church in Loveland Church, is charged with assaulting a 12-year- guilty to tenant fraud. Rabbi Glanz, a jail chap- ing nine civil cases, but had never been crimi- in March to June 2010. Source: KDVR, 8-24-12 old boy who was sleeping over at the priest’s nally charged until now. Source: Boston Herald, lain, admitted lying to the federal government so Etheridge Moore, Kentwood, MI: Embez- residence. he could occupy a subsidized duplex. Cost to 8-31-12 zlement. Moore, senior pastor at Heritage Bap- “Father Angel touched me in my privates” Brian Eppley, 56, Conemaugh Township, taxpayers was about $220,000. tist Church, is accused of embezzling at least while he was sleeping, the boy told his sister, “The statement was false, and I knew it PA: Unlawful restraint of a minor and corruption $100,000 from the church. Court documents according to an affidavit that said he woke to of minors. Eppley is a deacon at Maple Spring was false,” he said in Manhattan federal court. show the head deacon contacted the sheriff’s find his shorts and underwear around his knees Source: N.Y. Post, 9-4-12 Church of the Brethren, a school board member office to say Moore had confessed to church and Perez with a cellphone camera in his hand. and longtime teacher. He’s accused of forcing Patrick Edouard, 42, former pastor at Cov- officials. Source: Wood TV, 8-24-12 A couple later encountered the boy at midnight enant Reformed Church in Pella, IA, was con- a boy to remove his shoes and place his feet in Mark Huba, 55, New Port Richey, FL: Fraud. running away in the street from a man clad only Eppley’s face inside the church. victed on 4 counts of sexual exploitation by a Huba, pastor of Upper Room Apostolic Church, in a Speedo swimsuit. Source: Oregonian, 8-16- counselor or therapist and acquitted of 3 counts Police said the inappropriate contact also allegedly used the identities of 2 dead parishio- 12 happened at other locations, including the Lions of 3rd-degree sexual abuse. He was accused of ners (for whom he conducted funerals) to boost Andrea Lewis, Shreveport, LA: 3 counts of forced sexual contact on at least 3 women. Club and Historical Society. More charges stem- his earnings in a pyramid scheme. molestation of a juvenile. Lewis, pastor of Act ming from contact with other alleged victims Prosecutors said Edouard pursued vulner- Huba sells GBG liquid vitamin supplements, on Faith Ministries, allegedly had sexual rela- able women in his congregation during a 4-year are expected. Eppley resigned from the school a multilevel marketing operation in which lead- tions with 3 different underaged females. After board and was asked to step down from church period that ended in December 2010, when a ers get a commission on goods sold by their he posted bond, 2 more alleged victims came husband came home early and found the pas- leadership roles. Source: WJAC, 8-30-12 sales reps. Source: Tampa Bay Times, 8-24-12 forward and he was rearrested. Source: KTBS, Gussie Smith, 77, Omatilla, FL: Drug traf- tor’s van in the driveway in the middle of the Bennit Ezell Hayes, 65, Houston: Engag- 8-14-12 day. Source: Daily Iowegian, 8-27-12 ficking. Smith, pastor at the Church of Jesus, is ing in organized criminal activity. Hayes, pas- Mark Broussard, 56, Lake Charles, LA: accused of selling oxycodone. At least 16 others Kenneth L. Miller, 46, Stuarts Draft, VA: tor of Gloryland Missionary Baptist Church, is Sexual battery, 2 counts each of rape, aggra- Guilty by jury of aiding international parental were arrested. Source: News One, 8-31-12 accused with 3 others of illegally dispensing vated sexual battery and aggravated oral sexual Walter H. Yocum, 35, Street, MD: 3rd- and kidnapping. Miller, an Amish-Mennonite pastor, hundreds of thousands of controlled prescrip- battery and 3 counts of molesting a juvenile. was convicted of helping Lisa A. Miller (no rela- 4th-degree sexual offense, sexual abuse of a tion pills at a clinic. Source: Houston Chronicle, Broussard, who left the Catholic priesthood in minor and 2nd-degree assault. Charges stem tion) flee to Nicaragua with her daughter in 2009 8-24-12 1994, was booked on 224 counts, but the 10 to avoid court-ordered visits with Ms. Miller’s from alleged incidents with a 15-year-old girl Steven E. Hicks, 57, Twentynine Palms, counts in the indictment were the first brought to in July during vacation bible school at Calvary former partner in a Vermont civil union. CA: Sexual harassment, indecent conduct, as- a grand jury. They allege he molested 3 boys in After splitting with her partner, Janet Jen- Baptist Church in Bel Air, where Yocum is a sault and fraternization. Hicks, a Catholic priest 1986-91. Source: American Press, 8-13-12 youth pastor. Source: The Aegis, 8-30-12 kins, in 2003, Miller declared herself a born- and Navy lieutenant commander, was removed Kris Gowdy, 42, Newcastle, ONT: Luring again Christian and tried to strip Jenkins of her Eleftherios Stavrakis, 73, New Milford, from his assignment as a chaplain and is be- a child online. Gowdy, a former youth pastor CT: Disorderly conduct and domestic violence. parental rights. Whereabouts of mother and ing charged under the Uniform Code of Military at Lakeview Church in Saskatoon and other daughter remain unknown. Source: N.Y. Times, Stavrakis, a Greek Orthodox priest, is charged Justice. churches, is charged with trying to solicit a per- with striking a 58-year-old employee in the face 8-15-12 A San Diego judge granted a temporary son he allegedly believed to be a 15-year-old Joseph T. Hackett, 31, Asheville, NC: Con- at his home. restraining order to an enlisted sailor who al- boy for sex. Police said the smell of what the woman was spiracy to commit health care fraud. Hackett, leges Hicks tried to rape him. Hicks, a San An- Police said in 2009 Gowdy admitted to being owner of Access Regional Taskforce and pastor cooking apparently set him off. Stavrakis was gelo, TX, native, became an Air Force chaplain diagnosed as HIV-positive and that he used the convicted in 1988 of trying to bribe an under- of the Leviticus International Network, pleaded in 1993 and transferred to the Navy in 1995. name “college toy 20-33” on social media sites. guilty to fraudulently billing the Virginia Med- cover IRS agent to avoid paying taxes. Source: Source: Marine Corps Times, 8-20-12 Source: CTV News, 8-12-12 News-Times, 8-28-12 icaid provider $1.57 million when he lived in Alfred Idonije, 70, Egor, BENIN: Rape. Darrell Cashdollar, 59, New Brighton, Richmond. Katsutoshi K. Shimada, 56, Littleton, CO: Idonije, pastor at an undisclosed church, is ac- PA: Simple assault and harassment. Cashdol- Unlawful sexual contact with force against an Hackett admitted he billed Medicaid for ser- cused of raping a 10-year-old orphan. The girl lar, pastor at Paris Church of the Nazarene in vices that did not address mental health issues, at-risk adult. Shimada, chaplain at Exempla testified at the arraignment that he raped her 3 Burgettstown, is charged for assaulting his Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette, is used unqualified employees and provided care times after sending her to buy noodles and lur- adult daughter in a state park. Helicopters were to children not in need of the services. Source: charged in connection with an alleged incident ing her into his room. called to the scene. Cashdollar’s wife was also May 23 involving a 56-year-old woman in her Times-Dispatch, 8-14-12 The girl’s grandmother testified she saw the present. Source: Post-Gazette, 8-12-12 James R. Harris, 64, Belle Glade, FL: Guilty apartment. rape through a window of the pastor’s home. Anthony L. Thibodeaux, 36, of Mexia, TX: The woman had met him at the hospital of lewd and lascivious battery, lewd and lascivi- Source: allafrica.com, 8-19-12 Sexual assault of a child and indecency with a ous conduct, sexual activity with a minor, show- when he was working, a police press release Anthony L. Smith, 47, Rialto, CA: Suspi- child. Thibodeaux, pastor of Fairfield Missionary said. Source: Denver Post, 8-28-12 ing obscene material to a minor and 2 counts of cion of committing lewd and lascivious acts with Baptist Church, allegedly molested a 15-year- promoting sexual performance by a minor. Salvatore Cordileone, 56, San Francisco: a child and sexual assault. Smith, pastor at Jeri- old girl about 3 weeks before his arrest. Source: DUI. Cordileone, currently bishop of Oakland Harris, an evangelical pastor, was charged cho Baptist Assembly in Compton, is charged KWTX, 8-10-12 with performing sex acts on a 15-year-old boy and scheduled to become archbishop of the with molesting 2 girls, starting when they were Efrey Guzman, 46, Sandy, UT: Aggravated San Francisco Catholic Diocese on Oct. 4, was and making a video of the boy masturbating 11. The alleged victims are now 29 and 17. sexual assault, aggravated burglary, sexual while watching a porn movie. He was also found arrested at a sobriety checkpoint near San Di- Source: Daily Bulletin, 8-17-12 abuse of a child and forcible sexual abuse. Guz- ego State University at 12:30 a.m. guilty of recording his godson, age 16, and the Robert Coles, 71, Eastbourne, UK: At- man, branch president of a Latino Church of Je- godson’s girlfriend, 14, having sex. Source: His blood-alcohol level was above the 0.08 tempted buggery, 3 counts of buggery and 25 sus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation, is legal limit, but Officer Mark McCullough declined Palm Beach Post, 8-10-12 counts of indecent assault. Coles, a retired An- accused of sexually touching a 13-year-old girl. David and Bridget Montgomery, Humble, to say by how much. “He was a driver that was glican priest, is alleged to have committed the When the girl’s mother intervened, Guzman obviously impaired, but he was quite cordial and TX: Guilty of conspiring to impair and impede offenses on 3 boys age 10-13 between 1978- allegedly attacked her and ripped her shirt off. the IRS. The couple, co-founders of Restoration polite throughout.” Source: AP, 8-28-12 82. Source: Chichester Observer, 8-16-12 The girl’s brother, age 20, came in. Feliciano T. Mofan, 58, San Rafael, CA: Temple Church of God in Christ, shorted the Kelvin B. Lambert, 39, Platte City, MO: “While he tried to get the defendant off Treasury about $600,000 by underreporting in- Suspicion of indecent exposure, soliciting Attempted invasion of privacy and trespass. his mother, the defendant grabbed his penis a lewd act and nudity in a state park. Mofan, come from their construction business in 2003- Lambert, pastor of Second Baptist Church, al- through his boxer shorts and bit his penis, caus- 06. Source: KHOU, 8-9-12 priest-in-residence at Church of St. Isabella in legedly stood on a plastic lawn chair to peek in ing severe damage that required surgery,” said Terra Linda, allegedly solicited sex from an un- Shawn Ratigan, 46, Kansas City, MO: a woman’s house, a witness told police. Source: the arrest affidavit. Source: Salt Lake Tribune, Pleaded guilty to attempting to produce child September 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

pornography and 4 counts of producing child Church in Kailua. He also al- the government by bringing sham Hindu priests pornography. Ratigan, a Catholic priest, was leges when he told Fr. [later to the U.S. District Judge Rudolph Randa cited charged with taking indecent photos of 5 girls Bishop] Joseph Ferrario, he risk Haldar might flee to his native India before as young as 6 in 2006-11. was forced by Ferrario to per- sentencing. A computer technician found a photo on form oral sex in a building on The prosecution showed that over 2 years, Ratigan’s laptop of a 6-year-old with her vagina the church grounds. Haldar filed 25 visa applications with the State exposed. Misdemeanor charges and civil law- Both priests have been Department to bring people from India to work suits are pending against Bishop Robert Finn accused by others of sexual at his temple. They were more like indentured and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph for abuse and both are dead. servants than religious workers and paid up to failing to report child abuse. Source: USA Today, Hawaii’s new law now allows $30,000 for Haldar to arrange their entry, said 8-8-12 claims that were barred in the Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad. Richard Nachajski, 66, York, PA: Pleaded past due to the statute of limi- Source: Journal Sentinel, 9-5-12 guilty to theft for stealing money from St. An- tations. Source: Hawaii News Dennis Carey, 65, has been receiving treat- thony of Padua Catholic Church, where he was Now, 8-23-12 ment for child pornography addiction at St. John pastor from 1997 to 2009. Nachajski, who’s A girl, 16 at the time of the Vianney Center in Downingtown, PA. Carey, no longer a priest, admitted taking more than alleged offense, and her fa- pastor at St. Paul in Chains Catholic Church in $100,000 but denied it was more than $400,000 ther, A.F., are suing Keith J. Waterford, CT, was arrested in July for posses- as alleged. Source: Reading Eagle, 8-7-12 Boyd, 44, Covington, LA, and sion of child pornography. Source: theday.com, the Open Door Apostolic 9-4-12 Church, claiming Boyd “used An arrest warrant was issued for Laurence Sentenced his position of power and influ- Soper, 68, a British Catholic priest who failed Denis Lyons, 78, Orange County, CA: A ence as pastor” to coerce her to show up for a hearing on a charge of suspi- year in jail, 5 years’ probation and 400 hours into having sexual intercourse cion of historical sexual assault at St. Benedict’s of community service after pleading guilty to 4 after bible study in 2010. School/Ealing Abbey in London, where he was counts of lewd acts with a child under 14. Lyons, Boyd was convicted of abbot from 1991 to 2000. It’s believed he may a retired priest, was charged with molesting a carnal knowledge of a juvenile be in Italy. Source: The Telegraph, 9-2-12 grade-school boy at St. John the Baptist Cath- and indecent behavior and The Chicago Archdiocese reinstated olic School in Costa Mesa in the 1990s when was sentenced to 6 years in Thaddeus Dzieszko as pastor at St. Constance the boy was between 7 and 9 years old. Pros- jail, with 3 years suspended, Catholic Church after the Cook County state’s ecutors said Lyons assaulted the boy in Lyons’ the complaint said. Source: attorney announced it wouldn’t bring criminal room in the church rectory and sacristy. Source: Courthouse News Service, charges against Dzieszko on allegations he ex- L.A. Times, 8-26-12 8-22-12 ploited a 93-year-old parishioner by becoming Mark S. Bullock, 47, Towson, MD: 1 year Janet Jenkins filed a civil trustee of her home. in jail (suspended), 3 years’ probation, $557.50 Racketeer Influenced and The priest claimed he took control of Wale- fine and costs ($250 suspended) for indecent Corrupt Organizations (RICO) ria Krzemien’s property to make sure she could exposure. Bullock, pastor at Church of the Im- suit in U.S. District Court for keep living there. maculate Conception, was charged for expos- ting a church pension, said Bud Bunce, church Vermont against Mennonite pastor Kenneth Cook County Public Guardian Robert Harris ing himself in a public area at Bush River Books spokesman. “All of these priests who have been Miller, Stuarts Draft, VA, who was convicted of said he was disappointed by the reinstatement & Movies. relieved of duty or retired, they still have to live,” aiding an international kidnapping by helping decision but glad that Dzieszko agreed to give He was observed sitting on a couch with “his Bunce said. Source: The Oregonian, 8-23-12 Jenkins’ former domestic partner flee the U.S. up his trustee role as trustee and deed Krze- pants completely off,” said a police report: “Bull- U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mosman Jenkins also named former partner Lisa mien’s home back to her. Source: Chicago Tri- ock was not wearing any underwear and [was] ruled in a case first filed in 2002 that the Vati- Miller, Liberty University School of Law and bune, 9-4-12 exposing his penis.” Source: Baltimore Sun, can’s Holy See doesn’t employ priests and Thomas Road Baptist Church, the latter two 8-24-12 thus isn’t liable for clergy abuse. A Seattle-area founded by the late Jerry Falwell in Lynchburg, Grant Storms, 55, Metairie, LA: 3 years’ man had sued, alleging Fr. Andrew Ronan re- VA. Removed / Resigned probation for obscenity after a guilty verdict in a peatedly molested him in the late 1960s. James Nowak, 75, retired pastor of Sts. The suit seeks return of the child to the bench trial. Storms, a “Christian patriot” pastor “There are no facts to create a true employ- Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Naperville, U.S. and actual and punitive damages. Where- whose marches against homosexuality at New ment relationship between Ronan and the Holy IL, was placed on leave during investigation by abouts of Lisa Miller and the child are unknown. Orleans’ Southern Decadence festival made See,” Mosman ruled in dismissing respondeat the Diocese of Joliet of an accusation he sexu- Source: LGBTQ Nation, 8-16-12 him notorious, was charged for exposing him- superior claims. Claims against Ronan’s reli- ally abused a minor more than 20 years ago. Two “John Doe” plaintiffs in their early 20s self while masturbating in a public park. gious order are pending. Source: AP, 8-21-12 Source: Chicago Tribune, 8-30-12 filed separate lawsuits in Cook County Circuit In a 2011 statement, Storms admitted it was Secondo Casarotto, 70, was removed as The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA, Court against the Archdiocese of Chicago, the third time that week he’d masturbated in pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, placed an unidentified 63-year-old priest on claiming defrocked priest Daniel McCormack Lafreniere Park. At trial, his lawyers argued he Buffalo, NY, as part of a settlement in a 2009 leave from St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Par- molested them in 2003 when he was pastor and never exposed himself, a necessary element of suit filed by a female parishioner, now 37. ish in Mount Union after receiving a 3-decade- basketball coach at St. Agatha Catholic Church. the charge. Source: Times-Picayune, 8-22-12 Attorney Adam Horowitz announced the old allegation of sexual misconduct involving The suits allege the abuse happened on par- Allen K. Scheer, 50, Salina, KS: 6 months’ settlement with the Diocese of Buffalo and minors. The priest has been moved from the ish property and that the archdiocese failed to probation after pleading no contest to misde- the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo. parish. restrict McCormack’s access to children while meanor sexual battery. Scheer, rector at Sacred Casarotto allegedly grabbed the woman against Bishop Mark Bartchak says he’s praying for knowing he’d molested minors in the past. Mc- Heart Cathedral, was charged with touching an her will and took her into his bedroom while she the alleged victims. The church’s website has Cormack pleaded guilty in 2007 to abusing 5 adult male “with the intent to arouse or satisfy was in the rectory praying with him for a fam- no pastor listed under “staff” but has a photo of children while he was at St. Agatha. Source: sexual desires.” He’s on leave from the Diocese ily member’s medical recovery. Another woman Bartchak. Source: AP, 8-27-12 Sun-Times, 8-13-12 of Salina. Source: Salina Journal, 8-13-12 has since made similar claims. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles sus- Scott A. Hoppe, 38, Racine, WI: 7 years in “Jane Doe” said this in a statement to the pended Fr. Peter Valdez after a widow in his prison and eight years’ extended supervision af- Civil Lawsuits Settled public: “I too respected Father Secondo. How- congregation at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in ter pleading guilty to 1st-degree sexual assault Carolee Horning, 41, agreed to settle her ever, he violated my mind and body at a time Palmdale accused him of stealing $284,000 of a child younger than 13. Hoppe, former assis- suit with the Catholic Archdiocese of Portland, when I was most vulnerable and sought his from her. tant pastor at Grace Church in Burlington, ad- OR, for a $480,000 settlement and a public guidance.” Source: WGRZ, 8-16-12 Michalena Jones, 79, alleges in a lawsuit mitted he molested 2 infant relatives in 2000-02. apology to her read by Msgr. Dennis O’Donovan that after her husband died in 2003, Valdez per- “I used the baby for my own sexual gratifica- for being groomed for sex and then molested suaded her to give him $150,000 to buy a home tion. I’m so sorry. It was so wrong,” Hoppe said for years by Fr. Edward Altstock, starting when Legal Developments and add his name to her checking account, Sagarsen Haldar, 32, Milwaukee, was re- in court. He has 6 children, who live with his wife she was 15. Horning insisted her name be used which he used to make mortgage payments. manded to custody until his Oct. 25 sentencing in Colorado. She’s filing for divorce. in court documents and in the apology. Source: L.A. Times, 8-25-12 on his 2011 conviction for conspiracy to defraud Hoppe admitted the abuse while serving 3 Altstock lives in Beaverton and will keep get- Mark Gruber, 57, a Benedictine priest and years in prison after being convicted in 2008 of professor at St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA, child enticement and sex with a child over 16 was has been permanently banned from the years old. She was a church member. The girl ministry. Child pornography was found on his testified the relationship lasted about 2 years computer in 2009. He maintains he’s innocent and said Hoppe told her his marriage was a mis- and sued the college for defamation but later take and he wished his wife would get in a car Bishop Finn’s historic conviction dropped the suit. accident. Source: Journal Times, 8-9-12 For the first time in U.S. history, a Roman and shoot lewd photos of girls for another The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine John T. Vine, 68, Nashville, TN: 22 years in Catholic bishop — Robert W. Finn — was five months. Ratigan was even caught plac- of the Faith found him guilty of possession of prison for solicitation of a minor and 2 counts of convicted of failure to report suspected child ing his camera under a dining room table to child pornography, production of materials that aggravated sexual battery. Vine, pastor at sev- abuse of a pedophile priest. Finn was sen- photograph his hosts’ daughter during dinner, gravely injure good morals, abuse of the sacra- eral Baptist churches, repeatedly molested an tenced to two years of court-supervised pro- according to a federal indictment of Ratigan. ment of Confession (but not of violating the seal 11-year-old girl whose family he’d befriended. bation by Judge John M. Torrence in Jackson Other church officials finally reported Ratigan of Confession) and defamation of a legitimate The single mother has 4 other children. County Circuit Court on Sept. 5. He was or- to authorities in May 2011, without Finn’s ap- superior. Source: Post-Gazette, 8-15-12 During the trial, another female victim came dered to start a training program for diocesan proval. Finn met with priests after Ratigan’s forward with similar allegations. Source: Ten- staff to detect early signs of child abuse, to arrest and, according to testimony, told them nessean/WSMV, 8-8-12 Other train them in what constitutes child pornog- he had wanted “to save Father Ratigan’s Polish authorities said they were “99% sure” Stanley V. Levitt, 66, Brighton, MA: 10 raphy and obscenity and to create a fund of priesthood” and said his problem was “only a charred body found in a cemetery in Lopiennik years’ probation for 4 counts of indecent assault $10,000 to pay for victims’ counseling. pornography.” Nadrzeczny was that of a Catholic priest, iden- and battery on a child. Charges stemmed from Finn, 59, bishop of the Diocese of Kansas Court records show Finn’s apparent in- tified only as Boguslaw P., who was recently 1975-76 when Rabbi Levitt worked at the Mai- City-St. Joseph (Mo.) since 2005, was found difference. In a sworn deposition by Julie charged with sexually abusing 2 teen boys 10 monides School, where the 3 alleged victims guilty on one misdemeanor charge. He was Creech, diocesan information systems man- years ago in Turka. He was also accused of were sixth-graders. found not guilty on a second charge of fail- ager, she told of a conversation she alleged molesting an altar boy in Germany, where he Prosecutors said assaults occurred at Lev- ing to report a priest who’d taken hundreds she had with Finn about her concerns over worked in 2004-05. itt’s home and at Boston Children’s Hospital, of pornographic pictures of young girls. The the lewd images. “He did indicate that, you The body was found by the grave of his par- where one of the boys was hospitalized. judge also dropped two charges against the know, sometimes priests do things that they ents. Source: AP, 8-8-12 “He should have served jail time,” said Mi- diocese. The bench trial lasted less than two shouldn’t, and he said, you know, he said, Email: [email protected] chael Brecher, 49, who testified Levitt groped hours and no witnesses were called to testify. ‘Sometimes boys will be boys.’ ” him at the hospital. In May 2010, a Catholic principal sent a Ratigan pleaded guilty in August to federal Leavitt had similar charges lodged against memo to the diocese reporting that Fr. Shawn child pornography charges and is awaiting him in Philadelphia after he left Massachusetts, Ratigan had put a girl on his lap during a bus sentencing. ‘Sexual history’ where he pleaded no contest and received 5 ride and encouraged children to grab candy Finn and the diocese still face 27 civil suits, There is something about me that is happier years’ probation. from his pockets. Girl’s underwear was dis- four involving Ratigan. Parishioners such as when accompanied by a small boy. Perhaps be- Attorney Mitchell Garabedian said he will covered in a planter outside Ratigan’s house Mary Helm, 53, are sticking by the bishop: sides the sexual element, the child in me wants pursue a civil suit against Levitt and the school. Finn was aware that pornographic photos “He’s a good bishop. . . . You can’t expect Source: Boston Globe, 8-2-12 a playmate. apparently taken by Ratigan were found on his absolute perfection in everybody, except for Part of a recently released 27-page “sexual laptop, including close-ups of a naked toddler. God.” history” written in 1993-94 by Robert Van Ratigan attempted suicide after the discovery. Finn joins a growing list of bishops and Civil Lawsuits Filed Handel, now 65, a defrocked California Fran- Instead of turning him into authorities, Finn re- archbishops from other countries who have Mark Pinkosh, 48, Los Angeles, has sued ciscan priest who was molested himself as a assigned Ratigan to live in a convent and or- been prosecuted and found guilty for failure to the Catholic Church of Hawaii, alleging he seminarian by a priest who told Van Handel was raped as an altar boy when he was 8 or dered him to stay away from children, without report child abuse, and worse. Source: New his ministrations in the infirmary would draw 9 in the 1970s by Fr. Joseph Henry (aka J. publicly warning others. York Times, 9-7-12; St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the fever out by making him sweat Michael Henry) in the choir loft at St. Anthony Ratigan continued to attend church events 9-11-12; Kansas City Star, 8-30-12 Associated Press, 6-1-12 Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012

Letterbox

Kudos from members, And a 12-year-old shall Life and otherwise lead us Keep up the great work at FFRF! We atheists ignore, cringe or laugh We’re grateful for your important work at most of what is in the bible, because and are planning to see you all at the we recognize that tome for what it is: A convention in Portland. collection of ridiculous stories written Len and Karen Eisenberg by superstitious people who lived thou- Oregon sands of years ago in a barbaric world. Editor’s note: FFRF thanks the Eisenbergs However, when I read “Maia, 12, tells for their support, which includes endow- county board to shape up” [Aug12], ing a student activist award and, most re- one of the bible’s passages, to me, cer- cently, donating dozens of evolution-themed tainly rang true. T-shirts. The words are simple and the mes- • • • sage is brief — and, dare I say, almost After enduring 36 years of bigotry, prophetic? This is what is written in I am joining the fight for the right not Isaiah 11:6, “. . . and a little child shall FREEST8 to believe in supernatural beings. En- lead them.” J. Frank Mercer writes: “A tip of my hat to fellow FFRF member Mr. Proto of closed is my Lifetime Membership. David Quintero Ohio for an idea worth repeating, and I extend the challenge to a member Lisa Morris California in each state. Though the application form stated that a plate request can be North Carolina refused if it’s ‘blasphemous,’ I had no problem getting this approved in secular • • • Members like ‘Spotlight Washington state. But ‘godspeed’ to those who try this in less-secular areas.” I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, but hearing the news of on Freethought’ your win over Whiteville [cross on Ten- I was watching the informative, well- told me she was going in the hospital admire them, but there’s a more im- nessee water tower] was the impetus to crafted YouTube video on the FFRF for an operation and she’d ask me to portant lesson. become a Lifetime Member. website, Spotlight on Freethought pray for her but she knew I didn’t be- When I was in college in upstate Your team never ceases to amaze (running on national public TV affili- lieve in that. I told her if she thought it New York (before the civil rights move- me. Congratulations! ates), and realized that a donation is would help, maybe I could sacrifice a ment got as big as it got), I wrote Jamile Sims long overdue! goat. She never answered. school newspaper columns about rac- Georgia Please use the enclosed check for ei- Please, please, call on me if you ism. A guy who had been in the Navy, • • • ther the advertising or legal fund. And need help here in southern California. who I really didn’t know, came up to I am happy to become a Lifetime as always, thanks so much for all your Mrs. Pat Hall me one day, almost in tears. He loved Member of an organization that pro- hard work! California his father, he told me, but he’d made motes rational thought and the separa- Tom Cara, Life Member friends with a black guy in the Navy. tion of church and state. I have been a Illinois City hall Christians an Now that friendship seemed on the closet atheist most of my life, but FFRF Editor’s note: To view FFRF’s “Spotlight verge of causing a permanent split be- has given me the confidence to open on Freethought and the First Amendment,” invasive species tween him and his father. up about my nonbeliefs. Thanks and visit http://ffrf.org/news/releases/ffrf-piece- I’m quite amused by Jesus statues. I don’t remember what I told him, keep up the good work! to-air-on-national-public-tv-affiliates/ Your concern, of course, is that they probably some encouraging words Mary Ann Stein • • • should not be placed on public land; about holding on to his principles. I Florida I just viewed “Spotlight on bravo. The humor is that no one knows left school soon after. I want to believe • • • Freethought and the First Amend- what Jesus looked like, if he ever were he and his father felt strongly enough As always, very best wishes. Keep do- ment” and think it’s superb! FFRF has an actual person. that they eventually reconciled. Even ing what you do so well. At 96, hand- done more to advance the freethought The current idea of Jesus’ looks toleration is a start. writing failing, but thankfully can still movement than anyone else. Keep up comes from later paintings conceived The reason I thought of this in rela- write a check. the good work! by artists. In other words, he and his tion to the heroic students is this: If one Herb Livingston Jim McCollum looks were both invented. So one has principles and stands by them, in California Arkansas could very well post a statue or picture the future some people will remember Editor’s note: We should all be so fortu- Editor’s note: Jim, now a Lifetime Mem- of Bozo the Clown and call him Jesus. the thoughts and principles that struck nate to be able to write in a hand as clear as ber, was a part of the landmark 1948 Su- I hope FFRF realizes that keeping a note. They may find themselves more Mr. Livingston’s at 96. preme Court decision, McCollum v. Board religion off government property is a influenced, and changed, than they • • • of Education, which has done more to keep never-ending battle. It’s like weeding a had anticipated. If people never hear Every time I read about what the religion out of public schools than any other garden: It never ends and they always about our (non)beliefs, how will they Freedom From Religion Foundation is court precedent. come back. learn? doing, I smile. A lot of your nutty opponents like to I have been changed and embold- Jim Wallis Friend turns down tell you that the majority rules. They in- ened by FFRF, and I deeply thank you, Washington sist that if you don’t like their religion, and Richard Dawkins, too. • • • sacrificial goat offer which they are forcing on you, then Incidentally, there’s a Catholic wom- Enclosed is a $500 contribution. After seeing your full-page ad in the you should live elsewhere. They obvi- an who lives in my building who told Please keep part of it in reserve for a Los Angeles Times on July 4 entitled ously don’t realize that, in this country, me I wasn’t the only atheist here, and I Dubuque billboard, when you have the “It’s time to quit the Catholic Church,” the majority does not rule. In this coun- said “Good! I want there to be others.” local contacts you need. Please use the I promptly visited your website and try, the Constitution rules. The rights (Her pet name for me, by the way, is rest for your other advertising. I am a requested more information. I just re- guaranteed by our Constitution cannot Amethyst because it sounds like athe- Life Member. I was very happy that you ceived my packet of information and a be usurped by majority vote. ist.) participated in the Reason Rally. I wish copy of your newspaper. I have sent off There’s also a concerted effort by Numerous people question me I could have come down to the event. my check for membership and can’t the Religious Right to restrict mar- about my nonbelief, and I want to Dr. John A. Wagner wait to read the next issue. riage to heterosexuals. My question is think I have perhaps eventual influ- New York I see from other letters that I am not “Why?” The marriage of two people, ence on them. • • • the only one who thought they were whatever their gender, has absolutely Jerry Weinberg You win. I am in my 80s and have alone in their beliefs. How refreshing no effect on anyone else. No one has Vermont jettisoned a lot of periodicals. It hurt to belong to such an erudite group! the right to use the power of govern- to drop Freethought Today, and I What a difference in the letters from ment to force their religious beliefs on Jesus: Universal have been on the edge of renewal for nonbelievers and those from believers! everyone else. months. Their vocabulary is very limited, isn’t Keep up the good, and needed, donor or recipient? But you sent me a few free final is- it? It’s scary. work. Following on your campaign to sues to keep up my interest, and in I write to newspapers, answer emails Bruce Lowerre, Life Member put women’s health before bishop’s the meantime I bought and read Dan and share, gently and knowledgeably, Florida wrongs, we should point out to Cath- Barker’s Losing Faith in Faith and found about nonbelief in a god or gods and olics that they could be doing a great it much more interesting and insight- religion. I am not trying to take some- service to the nation: As we are cur- ful than I had any right to expect. thing away from people but to give We’re all freethought rently involved in numerous “wars,” Good job, sir. them something better. Using hu- there’s a severe shortage of blood in And finally, your last free issue had mor helps, too, and really listening to ambassadors blood banks. an article by Barbara G. Walker, a favor- people talk about what their religion We should all be impressed by the All good Catholics should encour- ite of mine, so I had to renew. means to them and giving thoughtful, high school and college students such age their priests to speed up the pro- Fred Howard honest feedback. as Jessica Ahlquist and so many others cess of blessing red wine. Instead of Michigan I’ve received the usual taunts from who heroically have come out to fight consuming the newly created blood, it my friends and relatives. One friend for their rights as atheists. It’s easy to should be donated to the nearest blood September 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

Null hypothesis infantile and emotionally immature carries the day worldview. Their followers are told to believe fanciful tales and obvious un- Atheism is nonbelief that there is a truths and to see any other belief sys- god(s). How many people have been tem adherents as “infidels,” thus set- killed specifically in the name of athe- ting the stage for future conflict. They ism? None. exploit the trust they demand to raise Atheism has no dogma to defend funds, build empires and abuse their and no mandate to conquer, convert, worshippers, particularly the children. persecute, bully, dominate or enslave. In addition to an astonishing Atheism is not a belief system because amount of secretive sexual molesta- it does not even contain one belief. tion, there is the basic injustice of rais- Atheism is not a religion because it ing children in an environment that contains no beliefs, rituals, sacred ob- gives them no free choice and pun- jects, worship, reverence, “higher pow- ishes any doubts. Some religions quite er,” spirituality, devotion, faith or deity. openly advocate the murder of anyone Atheism is morally neutral. Its only who believes otherwise and also seek to relevance to morality is that morality impose their views on our legal system Life Members Karen and Len Eisenberg saw the dark humor in this message does not come from any god. It does for the entire population. in Talent, Ore., midway between Medford and Ashland. “Several other people not tell you what you should or should Many are deeply involved with gov- stopped to take pictures while we were there,” Len notes. not do. Atheism in itself cannot be ernment, try to influence policy and used as a reason for good behavior or support or undermine political candi- bank or hospital. Apart from the obvi- nonbelievers, much less outright athe- an excuse for bad behavior. dates. They do all this with an immunity ous benefits, we would learn of Jesus’ ists like me. The hypothesis is that there is at to regulation and at taxpayer expense. blood type, which would be even more Thank you for your organization, least one god. The null hypothesis Why they are allowed to erect magnifi- cast-iron evidence for his existence. your monthly publication and for re- is that there is no god. The failure to cent facilities and have sometimes lav- Steve Aldred minding me that I am not alone. produce any accurate and reliable evi- ish lifestyles while paying no taxes in a Tennessee Mary Byers dence that there is at least one god is secular democracy is a mystery. Arkansas 100%. Therefore, the null hypothesis It’s time to leave this childishness • • • is accepted. behind and “evolve or die.” Member reminds Ohio In the August Letterbox, a reader Paul Keller David Johnson said “Tennessee is a horrid home for Wisconsin Washington council of Constitution atheists.” I did a quick search for athe- This is a member’s letter to the Steuben- ist, secular and freethought meet-up Robertson again makes Jesus just another ville, Ohio, City Council: groups in Chattanooga, Nashville and Using a city government logo to Knoxville and there were quite a few. a fool of himself ignorant man? promote religion is something they Just do a Google search. Pat Robertson blamed atheists for If Jesus really had been a god, or the do in Pakistan, Iran, etc. Do the right Ben Hart the Wisconsin Sikh temple massacre. son of a god, and knew which fish in thing and comply with our constitu- Ohio His claim that atheists are mad at the sea had a silver coin in its mouth, tional separation of church and state. “God” fails by his usual lack of logic. he would have known that some day, It will infuriate the fanatics of the Re- Missed the crank mail How can someone be mad at some- Christians would want to burn scien- ligious Right if they are not allowed to thing they don’t believe exists? No one tists at the stake for insisting that the use their freedom of religion to deny in last issue is afraid of, or mad at, ghosts, unless Earth moved around the sun, then he others the right not to share their reli- I just received my Freethought To- you believe such fantasies are real. would have settled this problem right gious ideology. day and immediately looked for the Pat Robertson’s fantasies know no then. As government officials, you are hate mail section, as usual. It’s so enter- limits, and he keeps making money on He would have given us the germ sworn to uphold the tenets of our Con- taining. So, where’s the hate mail sec- gullible people sharing his heartless, theory and would have told people stitution. Don’t allow yourselves to be tion? Checked the paper three times. rambling nonsense. how to build a microscope and eye- bullied by ignorant fanatics who would I hope this was just an aberration and Jorg Aadahl glasses. He would have taught people stone us to death for “blasphemy” if will return in the next issue. California how to build a printing press, and he they could get away with it! This wouldn’t be an issue if you would have known that majority Chris- Charles Sparrow would publish the hate mail online. Double standard on tians would soon be killing minority Florida Love the paper and look forward to it Christians (heretics) and others who every month. issue of life disturbing disagreed with their theology. He Battling the bible in Peggy Pianalto Once again the Religious Right has would have included in his Sermon on Oklahoma raised the question of ‘When does life the Mount, “Do no harm to any person Austin, Texas begin’? because of what that person believed.” I just got this message from the in- 2nd Amendment To see the sincerity on the faces The fact that Jesus did nothing ben- famous American Family Association of people who are pro-choice when eficial for humankind proves that, if he claiming they will be handing out trumps 1st? discussing abortion (be it because of existed, he was just another ignorant 62,000 bibles to junior and high school Please keep your focus squarely rape, incest or women’s health) is re- man. students. I thought we had won that on defending our First Amendment markable, and I am surprised that it Robert A. Bloomer battle but guess we need to continue to rights. Based on the disingenuous car- does not break into a sobbing event. Kentucky fight the mythology and dogma. toon on Page 17 of the August issue, Where were these people when I also just got the latest Freethought you clearly do not grasp the signifi- thousands of Iraqi children were be- Today and will be sitting with it cover cance of the Second Amendment. ing killed by our bombs? Is it that they to cover before retiring for the night. Apparently, both you and the artist consider Iraqi “fetuses” as inferior to Accolades to all the staff. Keep up the fail to understand that politicians do American fetuses? Do they have any great work, and if you are ever in Aus- not worship the NRA’s guns. They live plans to reduce our defense budget tin, let me know so I can buy you a cool in fear of us 4.3 million members who, and cut down our efficient killing ma- one! along with our families and hunting chine? Of course not. Wayne Walczak buddies, do grasp the true meaning of Will any one of them have the cour- Texas the Second Amendment and vote to age to face grieving Iraqi mothers and preserve it. explain this “double standard?” Of Freethinkers It’s the Second Amendment that course not. guarantees the rest. If I have to choose G.M. Chandu are not alone between organizations dedicated to New York I’m almost through the August issue the Second or to the First Amendment, and want to thank you for reminding the former will retain my support. ‘Evolve or die’ is no me that I am not alone. I am a nontra- Danny G. Miller ditional college sophomore, age 35, liv- California laughing matter ing in northwest Arkansas and saw two Editor’s note: Mr. Miller notes that he’s An interesting thought experiment mentions of my area in the issue. One an NRA Life Member. The cartoon showed is to imagine the world free of tradi- was from one of my professors, and the U.S. House and Senate politicians bowing tional religion. Imagine if all the time other was a Lifetime Membership men- before a monument inscribed “NRA” and and effort spent on “studying” these tion of a gentleman in my own town. an assault weapon on top, “Our thoughts superstitions, myths and dogma over Thinking man’s cap I know that there’s a secular pres- and prayers are with the victims.” FFRF has the decades and centuries were in- ence in my area, but when school is always set its constitutional sights squarely stead devoted to community building, Taking time out from his FFRF out for the summer, I feel isolated in on the First Amendment, from which all oth- science, education and efforts toward staff attorney duties to do a little my small hamlet and do not have regu- ers stem. It will continue to do so by pub- world peace. It would be a very differ- modeling for an item from ffrf.org/ lar contact (other than Facebook) with lishing editorial cartoons with a viewpoint, ent and better world. shop/ is Andrew Seidel. (Member Len my secular friends. Bella Vista is partic- which is what editorial cartoons always do. Traditional religions focus on in/ Eisenberg was FFRF’s benefactor for ularly pious and not overly friendly to out-group thinking and encourage an this attractive headgear.) Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012

Meet a Member ‘The Antidote for Faith’

Name: Wayne Bartz. plishment came from spearheading a Where I live: Out in the sticks in California college faculty organization the Sierra foothills not far from Lake 25 years ago working for the separation Tahoe, Calif. We are frequently enter- of church and state. Our efforts even- tained by deer and raccoons, along tually resulted in invocations and clos- with mountain lions and coyotes. ing prayers being permanently banned Where and when I was born: Chi- from graduation ceremonies at more cago, long, long ago in 1938. I actually than 100 California community col- remember Hitler strutting around in leges. newsreels at the local movie theaters. Although it sometimes may not Family: I live with my wife, Linda, seem that way, once in a while we ac- and eight rescued feral cats. tually win one. Today I am encour- Occupation: Now retired, I began aged by the vociferous nationwide my career working the trenches as a out-of-the-closet atheist revolt, fueled clinical psychologist, then as a college by FFRF, Dawkins, Hitchens, Newdow, psychology professor (and also co-au- Harris, et al. As a retired educator, I am thored several self-help books). delighted by the younger generation’s Wayne Bartz rescued Bingo from the bushes outside a Sizzler restaurant. How I got where I am today: Today increasing rejection of religion, with I am a retired geezer, so I guess I got nearly a third now admitting that they Faith” and “Miracles, Healing and healers, hokey health practitioners and here mainly by surviving. Where I have discarded traditional beliefs. Health Hokum” point out how unsub- assorted gurus and cult leaders. am as a freethinker is not surprising, These are not: Nothing is more irri- stantiated beliefs can lead the faithful It concludes with a review of the since as a psychologist I spent most of tating to me than sanctimonious politi- to some very silly and sometimes dark skeptical views of the nation’s found- my professional life in the company cians (e.g., Rick Santorum) pandering places. Critical thinking is proposed as ers, noted scientists, contemporary of nonbelievers (80% of psychologists to the ignoramus Religious Right, not an alternative to faith, its implementa- public figures and entertainers. Philip reject supernatural explanations for to mention President Obama repeat- tion based on a step-by-step approach Appleman, Freethought Today poetry natural events, including human be- edly babbling publicly about Jesus. summarized by the acronym CRITIC. contributor, says that CRITIC method- havior). That’s embarrassing. The book also targets faith-based scam ology should be taught in every grade Three decades of training college My doubts about religion started: artists such as psychics, seers, faith school, high school and college. students to think critically and ques- When I was a kid, my family attended a tion authority eventually led to the Lutheran church where I experienced publication of my recent book, Critical an odd mixture of community soli- Thinking: The Antidote For Faith. darity, social events and high-minded Where I’m headed: Presumably to ideals, along with watching adults en- No Comment oblivion. I am pretty sure I am not des- gage in petty squabbles, hypocrisy and tined either for heaven or hell. political infighting. My favorite min- Person in history I admire: Carl ister, a brilliant speaker and thought- If God has chosen to bless this [rape made contact with her nose, she fell Sagan, with whom I was privileged to provoking pastor, was let go because victim] with a life, you don’t kill it. under the power of God. interact briefly on two occasions. He he failed to present simple hellfire and Sharon Barnes, president of the Re- Canadian Pastor Todd Bentley, Fresh was a warm and engaging scientist who brimstone in his weekly sermons. publican Women’s Club of St. Louis, Fire Ministries, who claims he can kick was able to lay open the mysteries of He tried to make the congregation defending the “legitimate rape” re- disease, even cancer, out of people’s science in a way understandable to the think, and they didn’t like it one bit. mark by U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo. bodies general public, He was replaced by a mundane stan- New York Times, 8-20-12 Croydon Today, 7-19-12 I most admired Sagan’s ability to dard-issue preacher who bored me to remain calm, pleasant and persuasive tears, even as a teenager. Our wonder- He would say things like, “I can’t un- The Truth for Youth consists of the en- in the face of hostile questions or igno- ful new pastor managed to alienate my derstand why you won’t obey me [and tire New Testament in the God’s Word rance-based preposterous claims. He parents by pulling a nasty fast-shuffle have sex], the other ladies can.” I al- Translation along with 100 pages of had that rare gift of keeping his cool in on me and my older brother. We had ways gave up. I was afraid not to. powerful, full color comic stories that situations where most of us would lose worked for a couple of years as church Testimony from an Ohio woman in the present the “absolute truth” about is- it, and that made him a great educator. custodians, being paid a few bucks for trial of Bishop Samuel Mullet Sr., ac- sues that young people are confronted A quotation I like: “Eternal suffer- our labors. cused of orchestrating hair- and beard- with, such as: Sexual Purity, Sorcery & ing awaits anyone who questions God’s One day the pastor notified me cutting attacks on fellow Amish Witchcraft, Homosexuality, Abortion, infinite love,” (the late humorist Bill that we were being fired for failing to Detroit Free Press, 8-31-12 Pornography, Drug Addiction, Drunk- Hicks). I also like comedian Rich Jeni’s properly do our job and then quickly enness, Peer Pressure, School Violence description of going to war over reli- appointed his newly retired father to People have this picture in their minds and Secular Rock Music. gion: “This involves two groups of peo- the position. We knew better because of a person planning to — a psycho- Statement by Revival Fires Ministries, ple willing to kill each other in order to my father, a serious German-style task- path — but that’s not the case. Sup- which wants to get a copy of the book determine who has the best imaginary master (a supervising chemist at Kaiser pose you have a man having a nervous to all “unsaved teenagers in America’s friend.” Steel), did a weekly white-glove inspec- breakdown, and a youngster comes af- public schools” These are a few of my favorite tion of our work every Saturday, mak- ter him. A lot of the cases, the young- thetruthforyouth.com, 8-14-12 things: My fondest freethought accom- ing sure that everything was 100% up ster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer. to snuff. He was not at all happy with Fr. Benedict Groeschel, 78, founder of [Plaintiffs] believe that the procreative the way his sons had been treated and the conservative Franciscan Friars of capacity of human beings represents eventually became alienated from the the Renewal, claiming that emotionally a precious gift from God by which in- church. He never spoke of it, but my needy children often seduce clergy dividuals are allowed to participate in parents quit attending and so did I. National Catholic Register, 8-28-12 God’s plan to share life and that, as a Why I’m a freethinker: The alterna- result, any acts of deliberate interfer- tive is unthinkable. Ask a Pastor: Is there sin in Heaven? ence with that procreative capacity Ways I promote freethought: I spent ANSWER: [Bible verses] seem to show bound up with acts of unitive human three decades teaching the scientific that evil (thus sin) has, like a slug’s love — including artificial contracep- method and honing college students’ slimy trail, even left its mark in Heaven. tion, abortion, and/or sterilization — critical thinking skills as a psychology Rev. R.A. McDonald, New Testament are gravely wrong and sinful. professor. Based on that work, I recent- Baptist Church, Safford, Ariz. Christopher and Mary Yep’s lawsuit ly wrote Critical Thinking: The Antidote Eastern Arizona Courier, 8-18-12 against the contraception mandate in For Faith. (It’s available from Amazon the Affordable Care Act and as an e-book from River’s Bend I was asked why the power of God Religion Clause, 8-24-12 Press at riversbendpress.com.) The book isn’t moving and I said it’s because I characterizes blind faith as a “toxic poi- haven’t kicked that woman in the face. Orthodoxy or death son of the intellect,” in sharp contrast The Holy Spirit spoke to me, the gift T-shirt slogan worn by praying, cross- to contemporary American society, of faith came on me, and said: “Kick toting protesters burning a Pussy Riot which enthusiastically endorses faith as her in the face, with your biker boot.” I poster as an “exorcism” a positive value. inched closer and I went like this [kick- New York Times 8-9-12 Chapters such as “The Folly of ing forcefully]. Bam! Just as my boot September 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23

Two brave ‘blasphemers’ Taslima Nasrin, who was driven out of Bangladesh by her country’s “holy men” after a fatwa was decreed against her, spoke at the conference with a fellow exile from Pakistan, Younus Shaikh, M.D. Nasrin recounted living in Germany 16 years ago, which welcomed her and offered her political asylum after being in hiding in “my country because Islamic fundamentalists wanted to kill me.” ‘The Atheist Perspective’ She called herself “a stranger in my own country, a stranger in neighborhing Tanya Smith, outgoing president of Atheist Alliance International, is shown India, and a stranger in the West. There is no place I can call my home, but I at the European Atheist Convention in Cologne (Köln), Germany, held May think I have a home, a home that consists of a family of people who bravely 25-27. The theme was “The Atheist Perspective & Our Future: National, oppose the forces of darkness and ignorance. There is no place in this world Regional, Global.” It was hosted by the International League of Non-religious that I can call home, but the people who support me, sympathize and express and Atheists. Smith, an Australian, has been living in France. The T-shirt slogan solidarity are my home.” “Evil Little Thing” is worn in solidarity with Jessica Ahlquist, the Rhode Island Dr. Shaikh was charged with blasphemy for a public statement in 2000 that teen who was called that by her state legislator after winning her challenge of Muhammad was not Muslim until he turned 40, since that’s when he invented a prayer banner at her high school. Speakers included PZ Myers, Dan Barker the religion. Sentenced to death in 2001, he appealed and was acquitted in 2003 and Annie Laurie Gaylor of FFRF, Rebecca Watson, Leo Igwe, Atheist Ireland’s and lives in Switzerland. Michael Nugent and many German activists. Snapshots – 2012 European Atheist Convention Mercure Hotel Severinshof Cologne, Germany

Dan Barker, Taslima Nasrin and Annie Laurie Gaylor.

Transcending borders Ingrid Matthaus-Maier (left), a freethinking German politician and jurist who has served in the Bundestag, chatting with Annie Laurie and Dan.

Fired for speaking up Journey of enlightment Valentin Abgottspon (left) became a state/church litigant in Switzerland after German activists recounted a summer adventure in taking a double-decker bus he was fired from his teaching job for complaining about a crucifix on his (essentially saying “there is no god”) around Germany. A short documentary classroom wall. He now teaches part time while pursuing his ongoing case. recorded the enlightening journey. He’s pictured with Annie Laurie and Dan in the pretty garden at the convention hotel. Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin September 2012

The Republican National Convention was greeted by Uncle Sam in Tampa, Fla. FFRF warns politicos against ‘God fixation’

A so-called “act of god” (Hurricane officials is: Get off your knees and get Ivan) didn’t stop the Freedom From to work!” said FFRF Co-President Dan Religion Foundation’s message from Barker. being posted the Thursday before the FFRF placed the same admonition Republican National Convention be- on two billboards in Charlotte in time gan in Tampa. for the Democratic National Conven- FFRF’s patriotic red-white-and-blue tion the following week. It included a message, depicting a finger-wagging hard-to-miss, 14x48-foot version near Uncle Sam cautioning that “God fixa- downtown Charlotte, at 1720 Freedom tion won’t fix this nation,” was placed Drive, and on a highly visible, 10x30- Florent Rizvanolli points to FFRF’s message to Democratic National Convention on Kennedy Boulevard. foot billboard on Interstate 77. delegates in Charlotte, North Carolina. FFRF’s election-year caveat was “The preoccupation with religion drawn by editorial cartoonist Steve by our nation and our public officials Benson, the grandson of Ezra Taft Ben- is holding back the USA scientifically, son, the secretary of the U.S. Depart- intellectually and morally,” added An- Last call to convention! ment of Agriculture under President nie Laurie Gaylor, who co-directs FFRF. Preregistration for FFRF’s 35th an- Oct. 5. Dwight Eisenhower who later became FFRF’s tradition of placing bill- nual national convention at the Hilton You may register at the door, but no president of the Mormon Church. boards at the national party conven- Portland & Executive Tower, Portland, meals may be ordered. Full informa- Steve Benson left the Mormon Church tions began in 2008. (Note: All FFRF- Ore., on the weekend of Oct. 12-14 tion on the convention and registrtion in the early 1990s. placed billboards are clearly identified closes on Friday, Oct. 5. The conven- online is available at: “Our equal-opportunity message with FFRF’s full name and website.) tion is headlined by Richard Dawkins. ffrf.org/outreach/convention/ to both political parties and all public FFRF must be in receipt of your meal Questions? Phone FFRF weekdays orders and registration no later than 9-5 Central at (608)256-8900.

New landscaping FFRF’s annual patriotic red, white and blue garden at its downtown office in Madison, Wis., drew an unusual number of compliments this year. It was planted and tended by FFRF Executive Assistant Katie Daniel (above). “We thank Katie for helping to beautify our jobs,” said Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president. “Kudos also to Bill Dunn, Freethought Today editor, for his dedicated watering throughout Madison’s summer of high heat and drought, even on weekends.” The Foundation added new roses, shrubs and trees last spring to keep the grounds attractive.