American Atheists Missouri

C-Street “Christian Mafia,” Mega-Church Pastor need to “come clean” on backing for Uganda death penalty for gays proposal

An Atheist public policy group today called up lawmakers linked to the Christian group supporting a Uganda death penalty for gays proposal, and a mega-church pastor who delivered the invocation at President Obama’s inauguration to speak out about the controversial proposal.

Lawmakers in Uganda — where homosexuality is already punishable — have crafted legislation that would stiffen penalties and include even the sentence of death. The measure has been proposed by an official linked to the international Christian group that operates the notorious house on C-Street in Washington, DC which is a spiritual retreat and residence for key religious-right members of Congress. Journalist Jeff Sharlet exposed the group in his best-selling book “The Family.”

Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists, has encouraged an official government probe into the activities of the C-Street politicians, dubbed “the Christian Mafia.”

“We need to hear where these officials stand on this outrageous legislation, and whether they intend to continue their close personal and political involvement with the Christian organization behind the C-Street residence,” said Buckner.

Buckner also called upon Rick Warren, the mega-church pastor who delivered the invocation at President Obama’s inauguration. Warren, who has a record of anti-gay statements, has been trying to alter his public image and be seen as a more tolerant and moderate preacher.

“So far, he has backed off about making any definitive statement on the Uganda death penalty plan,” said Buckner.

Dave Silverman, Communications Director and Vice President for American Atheists, suggested that the C-Street politicians — a list which includes Reps. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn.; Bart Stupak, D-Mich.; Jim DeMint, R-S.C.; Mike Doyle, D-Pa.; and Sens. John Ensign, R-Nev. and Sam Brownback, R-Kan.– need to clarify where they stand on the proposed Uganda legislation, and how this might affect their votes on gay rights legislation for Americans.

“If ‘The Family’ continues to support this strident anti-gay agenda, these American lawmakers — who took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States — should consider resigning, and speak out against this kind of bigoted sentiment,” said Mr. Silverman.

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.
PO BOX 158
Cranford, NJ 07016
Tel.: (908) 276-7300
Fax: (908) 276-7402

American Atheists is incredibly proud to announce a new Affiliate!

Please take the time if it so pleases you to contact this new Affiliate and welcome them to the Affiliate program. American Atheists continues to be proud of the Affiliate program and the individual Affiliates that make the program work!

If you have a local group that is interested in affiliating with American Atheists, or if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the Affiliate program, please contact Blair Scott, the National Affiliate Director, at bscott@atheists.org or visit the Affiliate Web Page at http://alabamaatheist.org/naod.

Southwest Asia Freethought Association (379th AEW)
http://swafreethought.jimdo.com
swafreethought@gmail.com

SWAFA is part of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing stationed somewhere in Southwest Asia. For operational security (OPSEC) reasons, the location of the 379th AEW cannot be disclosed. Military members attached to the Wing or in support of the Wing will know its location.

(Cranford, NJ). ‘Tis the season for celebrating, and we should all
rejoice, according to American Atheists, Inc. As President Ed Buckner
notes, “Claims abound that both Thanksgiving and Christmas are Christian
in origin, but in fact both are grounded in non-Christian ideas and
rituals that the churches have co-opted for their own purposes.

CHRISTMAS -  Christianity is not the first, nor even the tenth religion
to co-opt the Winter Solstice as their own holiday.  For example, the
Pagan festival of Yule (as in ‘Yuletide’) was a celebrated winter event
centuries before Jesus’ alleged birth.  Indeed, nearly every tradition
currently associated with Christmas has non-Christian roots.  As an
educational organization, American Atheists urges all Christians to ask
their ministers why December 25 was chosen to celebrate Jesus’ birth
(enjoy the hemming and hawing).

WINTER SOLSTICE   the celestial event that started it all has been
measured and celebrated since man first looked up.  The solstice affects
all life on earth, and the human traditions surrounding it are rich and
plentiful.   While Christmas is a Christian holiday, the Solstice is the
real ‘reason for the season’, and it belongs to everyone.

A small, well-funded, and vocal minority of Christians are unhappy with
the fact that their holiday has not totally eclipsed all others.  They
want all  other celebrations squashed out, in an effort to make the
season uniquely Christian,  and organize protests and boycotts against
any company which promotes an all-encompassing tolerant attitude (”Happy
Holidays” vs “Merry Christmas”).  American Atheists acknowledges that
such views are only shared by an ignorant and bigoted minority of
Christians, but at the same time we look to the more tolerant Christians
to quell this attitude.  As it is with Islam, the health and growth of
Christianity depends on those within the church.

Atheists and others who demand strict separation of church and state
seek only to prevent government agents from deciding, for anyone,
whether or how to celebrate the season. The multitude of seasonal
celebrations underscores the importance of the government’s neutrality.

Atheists enjoy parties, celebrations, presents, and life.   To those who
celebrate America’s diversity, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a
wonderful season.  To those who selfishly try to claim the whole season
as their own, we wish a lousy one.

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.
PO BOX 158
Cranford, NJ 07016
Tel.: (908) 276-7300
Fax: (908) 276-7402

By all accounts Skepticon II at the Missouri State University campus in Springfield MO was a huge hit. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on the conference. I had a great time and met a lot of wonderful people.

Now it’s on to next year!

-Greg