American Atheists -- Ohio

Ellen Johnson to Leave Post as President of American Atheists

To Members and Supporters of AMERICAN ATHEISTS...

Dear friends,

I want to take this opportunity to tell you about some of the important
changes now taking place at American Atheists.

Following over 13 years of outstanding service to American Atheists and the
cause of State-Church Separation, Ellen Johnson is leaving her post as
President of the organization. Her tenure in this position was marked by
some of the most amazing and historic events in our movement's history.



She stepped in following the tragic disappearance of our founder, Madalyn Murray O'Hair and her family, and oversaw the relocation of the American Atheist Center and Charles E. Stevens American Atheist Library and Archives (CESAALA) to New Jersey. She organized the Godless Americans March on Washington, and brought together our nation's diverse and sometimes fractious community of Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists and other nonbelievers. She testified twice before the National Commission on Civil Rights, and made hundreds of media appearances on prime time and cable news TV programs. Ellen also mobilized Atheists and other secularists throughout the nation to speak out on the vital First Amendment issues of our time.


And with all of this, she managed to coordinate the hectic daily activities
here at the American Atheist Center.

In the spirit of obtaining all that she (and any other Atheist) can from one
life the elegant, energetic and outspoken Ms. Johnson will now focus her
passions on a new adventure. Just what that might be we do not yet know.
We know, however, that it will be something splendid!

Ellen, who will remain on the Board of Directors, is succeeded by long-time
member Frank Zindler.

There have been three presidents of American Atheists since its founding
over four decades ago -- Madalyn Murray O'Hair; her successor and son, Jon
Garth Murray; and since 1995, Ellen Johnson. They left, as the saying goes
"big shoes to fill." We are confident that Frank is fully prepared for this
new challenging role. He has a distinguished academic career as a former
biology professor, linguist and bible-era historian. He has authored
numerous books and articles dealing with a wide range of subjects,
everything from the alleged historicity of Jesus to the on-going controversy
over teaching creationism in our public schools. His tenure as an activist
with American Atheists goes back over 30 years. Frank is a
nationally-recognized speaker and debater, and has served as an eloquent
spokesperson for our organization.

Frank Zindler will serve as President Pro Temp until a suitable replacement
for this office is found. The day-to-day operations at the American Atheist
Center will continue -- and so will our activism!

Other Officers and Directors will be staying on as well. Dave Silverman,
who has done an outstanding job as our Communications Director, will
continue to be the "public face" of American Atheists, working closely with
Frank to make sure that our message gets out to the media and others who
shape public opinion. Board member Edwin Kagin will remain in his important post as National Legal Director. The American Atheist magazine and all of the other benefits of membership will continue. And so will our efforts to represent you in the important fight for state-church separation, Reason and the civil rights of Atheists.

We're hitting the ground running, folks! The baton is passed -- and we'll
continue our all-important work.

Thanking you in advance for your support!

The Board of Directors, AMERICAN ATHEISTS

Defend International Free Speech, Right to Question and Criticize Religious Ideologies!

American Atheists Action Alert
October 29, 2006

Defend International Free Speech, Right to
Question and Criticize Religious Ideologies!
http://www.atheists.org/action/alert-29-oct-2006.php
<http://www.atheists.org/action/alert-29-oct-2006.php>


Across the world, religious groups and their supporters are attempting to
muzzle any remarks which criticize, question or "mock" their beliefs.  They
cite a number of disingenuous rationales -- everything from combating "hate
speech" to the claim that we must "respect" religious opinions.

The Romanian Humanists (http://www.humanism.ro/ ) are asking for
international support in their campaign to stop the latest effort by
government and religious authorities to muzzle criticism of religion.  That
country's Chamber of Deputies may soon adopt a rule that stipulates: "Any
form, means, act or action of religious defamation and enmity, as well as
any public offense against religious symbols, shall be prohibited in
Romania."

An information release from the Romanian Humanists warns: "Should this
article be adopted by the Chamber of Deputies, it would impose serious
limitations on the fundamental liberties of the human being of freedom of
speech and freedom of conscience.  Books, works of art, movies, plays,
concerts and rock groups could then be easily banned.  To all those who
treasure the freedom, the critical intellect, and religious tolerance of
values which have become dominant in Europe after centuries of religious
conflict and persecution, this new censorship is unacceptable."

To defend free speech, the Romanian Humanists have launched a campaign known
as "Solidarity for Freedom of Conscience."  They are asking for
international support, and request that e-mail be sent to :
freedomofconscience@gmail.com

Among the US supporters of the campaign is Dr. Fred Whitehead, Vice
President of the International Committee to Protect Freethinkers
(fredwh@swbell.net).  He has sent the following statement:

"I fully support the current protest the proposed law in Romania, which
would prohibit any defamation of religion or public offense against
religious symbols.  This runs directly contrary to norms of freedom of
press, speech and conscience, widely adopted in all civilized countries."

SPEAK OUT NOW!

American Atheists urges you to join this international campaign! Express
your support of the Romanian Humanists  against this attempt to muzzle
freedom of expression and inquiry.  Send your messages to
freedomofconscience@gmail.com, or visit our Action Alert page which includes
an easy-to-use form at http://www.atheists.org/action/alert-29-oct-2006.php


(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for
Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses
issues of First Amendment public policy.)

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.

http://www.atheists.org

STUDY OF "MOST DISTRUSTED MINORITY" UNDERSCORES NEED FOR GOV'T TO STOP
PROMOTING RELIGION -- ATHEIST GROUP

Reacting to a study by the University of Minnesota, a nationwide Atheist
civil rights group today said that by promoting religion, government is
partly to blame for the negative perceptions of nonbelievers in American
Society.

Researchers found that "Americans rate atheists below Muslims, recent
immigrants, gays and lesbians and other minority groups in 'sharing their
vision of American society.' Atheists are also the minority group most
Americans are least willing to allow their children to marry." Dr. Penny
Edgell is quoted in a U. of M. press release adding that Atheists "offer a
glaring exception to the rule of increasing social tolerance over the last
30 years," and suggests that today's Atheists"play the role that Catholics,
Jews and communists have played in the past."

Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, said that one reason for the
findings is the unconstitutional promotion of religion by government and
political leaders. "Politicians have draped themselves in the mantle of
religiosity, and shamelessly promote the myth that religious belief is the
basis for ethical, sensible behavior."

The survey found that "acceptance or rejection of atheists is related not
only to personal religiosity, but also to one's exposure to diversity,
education and political orientation . . . "

Dave Silverman, Communications Director for the group, said that educated
Americans were more likely to accept Atheists. He added that the study may
indicate that the growing activism and visibility of Atheists may be
responsible.

"Nearly 30 million Americans profess no religious belief," said Silverman.
"A smaller number may use the term 'Atheist,' but over the past five we've
been building coalitions, lobbying in Washington and forming political
action committees. Controversy and hostility are always the first steps for
any group fighting for its rightful place in society, whether it's people of
color, women, or sexual minorities."

"We're just the last group, the 'last minority' to be speaking out," said
Silverman. "Americans are generally a tolerant group. I think in five or ten
years, studies will show that Atheists are being accepted in our culture
just like everybody else."

AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for
Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses
issues of First Amendment public policy.
American Atheists, Inc. P. O. Box 5733 Parsippany, NJ 07054-6733

Tel: (908) 276-7300 Fax: (908) 276-7402

ELLEN JOHNSON TO DEBATE CHRISTIAN COALITION DIRECTOR -- SHOULD
TAXPAYERS PAY THE BILL FOR KATRINA, OTHER "RELIGIOUS CHARITY" ?
Internet, RNN TV (NYC Metro Area) Friday, October 7, 2005

ELLEN JOHNSON, President of American Atheists will be a guest this Friday (October 7, 2005) on the popular "Richard French Live" program carried on New York City metro cable television systems and the Internet.

Johnson will be taking on Rev. Bill Banuchi of the state Christian Coalition. The topic is whether taxpayers should reimburse religious "charity" and other social outreach groups in the wake of disasters like Hurricane Katrina. Legislation has been proposed in Congress that would force all Americans -- including Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists and other nonbelievers -- to pick up the tab for faith-based rescue and relief operations that often blend religion and proselytizing with their charitable activities. Is this right? For more background on this issue, visit http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/katrina2.htm .

The program can be watched on all NYC Metro systems through RNN carried on the Time Warner Cable. You can also view this debate on the Internet. Just visit http://www.rnntv.com and click on the "Watch RNN" navigation button at the top.

The program will air this Friday, October 7, 2005 on the Richard French Live show from 7-9 PM ET. The debate segment MAY begin at 7:30 PM, but we suggest you tune in early in case the slot has been moved.

WHO & WHAT: ELLEN JOHNSON, President of American Atheists debating taxpayer reimbursement for faith-based "emergency" programs.

WHEN: This Friday, October 7, 2005, 7:30 PM, "Richard French Live" program

WHERE: Internet, RNN TV segment carried on NYC-Metro/Time Warner cable

MORE INFO: http://www.rnntv.com

(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.)

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

For more information, please contact:
Ellen Johnson, President (973) 625-6900
Dave Silverman, Communications Director (732) 648-9333

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 24, 2005

          BUSH WHITE HOUSE NEEDS TO DO MORE OVER INFLAMMATORY
            REMARKS, ACCESS BY ROBERTSON SAYS ATHEIST GROUP

The Bush administration needs to do much more in speaking out about
calls for the assassination of foreign heads of state by television
preacher and Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson, an Atheist civil
rights groups urged today.

On the Monday, August 22, 2005 broadcast of his "700 Club" program aired
nationwide by the Christian Broadcasting Network, Robertson called for a
gang-land style hit on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

"If he thinks we're trying to assassinate him," declared Robertson, I
think we really ought to go ahead and do it.  It's a whole lot cheaper
than starting a war..."

Robertson's statement has been criticized by the U.S. Department of
State.  Even allies on the religious right including the National Clergy
Council have distanced themselves from Robertson's  violent remarks.

The White House has been silent, however, and Defense Secretary Donald
Rumsfeld dismissed the call for assassination, saying "Private citizens
say all kinds of things all the time."

"President Bush needs to distance himself and our government from Pat
Robertson's call for violent and illegal activities like
state-sanctioned assassination," said American Atheists President Ellen
Johnson.  "This careless remark by a powerful evangelical preacher with
close ties and access to Mr. Bush and the Republican Party is sending a
negative image of the United States to other nations, putting Americans
at risk, and jeopardizing our status in the world."

"If a Muslim leader made such a call, I'm sure that President Bush would
have no trouble condemning it," said Johnson. "And whatever happened to
'Thou shalt not kill'?"

Dave Silverman, Communications Director for American Atheists, said that
if Robertson considers illegal "hits" a good tactic for foreign policy,
"we can only wonder how he wants to deal with 'enemies' at home who
disagree with his opinions about state-church separation, abortion
rights for women, gay marriage, free speech and other issues."

Silverman also praised Rev. Rob Schenck of the conservative National
Clergy Council, Rev. Jackson and other religious leaders who condemned
Robertson's thoughtless remarks.

"The fact that even many religious leaders consider these remarks to be
inappropriate is another reason why Mr. Bush needs to immediately
distance himself from Pat Robertson," declared Silverman.

American Atheists is a nationwide movement which defends the civil
rights of nonbelievers, works for the separation of church and state,
and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.

    American Atheists, Inc. P. O. Box 5733 Parsippany, NJ 07054-6733
                 Tel: (908) 276-7300 Fax: (973) 625-6901

This is to be expected of Bush, yet it is also disgraceful.

Press release follows ...

============================================

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

For more information, please contact:
Ellen Johnson, President (973) 625-6900
Dave Silverman, Communications Director (732) 648-9333

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 2, 2005

BUSH CALL TO TEACH "INTELLIGENT DESIGN" IN PUBLIC SCHOOL SCIENCE
CLASSES ILL-INFORMED, UNCONSTITUTIONAL SAYS ATHEIST GROUP

President Bush should not be encouraging efforts to have so-called "intelligent design"
taught in public school sciences classes since it is unscientific, would promote
religious belief and violate the First Amendment, an Atheist civil rights watchdog group
charged today.

In a press conference Monday, Mr. Bush remarked that he thought "intelligent design"
deserved equal treatment in schools along with scientific teachings about evolution
and the origin of life. While Governor of Texas, he also called for "creationism" to be
part of the school curriculum. "Intelligent Design" posits that a creator or deity is
responsible for the complexity of the universe and the emergence of life.

Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, said that Bush is confusing the issue,
and promoting religious bias.

Johnson pointed out that the National Academy of Sciences, the American Association
for the Advancement of Science and other reputable groups oppose introducing
creationism and "Intelligent Design" (ID) propaganda into classrooms.

"Creationism, Intelligent Design and other religious doctrines may be taught in the
public schools," added Johhnson, " but only comparative religion classes along with
all the other religious origin theories like the Chinese egg or other creation mythology.
It should not be taught in science classes and that distinction has to be made."

Dave Silverman, Communications Director for American Atheists, said "Not all
opinions are of equal value, and we need to teach science -- not religion -- in our
science classes. We wouldn't teach astrology in astronomy courses, or give flat-earth
teachings 'equal time' in the geography class."

American Atheists is a nationwide movement which defends the civil rights of nonbelievers,
works for the separation of church and state, and addresses issues of First Amendment
public policy.

American Atheists, Inc. P. O. Box 5733 Parsippany, NJ 07054-6733
Tel: (908) 276-7300 Fax: (973) 625-6901

ATHEISTS URGE THOROUGH SCRUTINY OF NEW BUSH SCOTUS NOMINEE

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

For more information, please contact:

Ellen Johnson, President (973) 625-6900
Dave Silverman, Communications Director (732) 648-9333

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2005

ATHEISTS URGE THOROUGH
SCRUTINY OF NEW BUSH SCOTUS NOMINEE
John G. Roberts argued against Separation while working
for presidential administrations

A national Atheist civil rights organization today called upon
the U.S. Senate to not "fast-track" the nomination of John G.
Roberts to a seat on the Supreme Court, citing "red flags"
over the prospective justice's position on state-church
separation.

"There isn't much to go on, which is why Bush may have
nominated John Roberts in the first place," said Ellen Johnson,
president of American Atheists. "But we have concerns over his
record as Deputy Solicitor General where he argued a position
that would have seriously eroded the application of the First
Amendment's establishment clause."

President Bush announced the nomination of Roberts to the
nation on Tuesday night. While he is believed to have broad
support on Capitol Hill, American Atheists and other advocacy
groups are already urging lawmakers to carefully scrutinize his
record and ascertain how he would perform if named to the U.S.
Supreme Court.

"Any nomination, particularly one that could someday reverse
decades of positive civil rights, state-church rulings needs a
thorough and considered hearing," said Johnson.

She cited Roberts' role as the co-author of two legal briefs
that would have permitted a greater role for religious
proselytizing in public schools. In LEE v. WEISMAN (1992)
where the high court struck down the practice of allowing paid
clergy to deliver invocations at high school graduation
ceremonies, Roberts argued that such activities should be
permitted. Another brief involved access for religious
groups to public school facilities.

"We need to know more about where Judge Roberts stands on the
important culture-war issues of the day," said Dave Silverman,
Communications Director for American Atheists. "It is
important that all Americans get a clear and accurate picture
on this nominee's position, and especially how this may affect
the separation of church and state."

American Atheists is a nationwide movement which defends the
civil rights of nonbelievers, works for the separation of
church and state, and addresses issues of First Amendment
public policy.

American Atheists, Inc.
P. O. Box 5733 Parsippany, NJ 07054-6733
Tel: (908) 276-7300 Fax: (973) 625-6901