Seattle Atheists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jerry Schiffelbein
Seattle Atheists
P.O. Box 283, Seattle, WA 98111-0283
(206) 826-0770
treasurer@seattleatheists.org
www.seattleatheists.org

SEATTLE ATHEISTS HOLIDAY SIGN ON CAPITOL GROUNDS

Seattle, WA, Dec. 5 2009 — Seattle Atheists has applied for a permit to display a sign on the state capitol grounds from Dec. 12 to Dec. 29, 2009. The sign will read:  “In this holiday season let us remember that kindness, charity and goodwill transcend belief, creed or religion. Happy Holidays, Seattle Atheists”

Last year, the Wisconsin organization, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), displayed a sign in the capitol rotunda which read, “Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” Seattle Atheists shares many opinions with the FFRF regarding the separation of church and state, and about the harm that can be done in the cause of religious belief. However, we feel that the message was needlessly provocative and inappropriate for the context of the capitol rotunda.

We feel that it is appropriate for a local organization, rather than a national organization, to have a voice in this matter in the form of our own display. We place a high value on the separation of church and state, and supported the removal of all private displays from the capitol rotunda, religious or not. We feel that the approval of religious displays gives the appearance of state sponsorship. Additionally, the state decides which displays are appropriate and which are not, which can be interpreted as an infringement on the free exercise of religion.

Seattle Atheists felt that a seasonal gesture of goodwill and equality would be more appropriate, while serving as a reminder that the wall of separation between church and state is a critical doctrine which serves to protect the rights of citizens to practice any religion they choose, or none at all.

Seattle Atheists is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to serving the atheist community in the Seattle area. We strive to promote understanding and respect toward all freethinkers by providing information, creating a sense of fellowship, actively opposing discrimination, and above all, emphasizing reason, critical thinking over supernaturalism, and the separation of church and state.

CONTACT:
Jerry Schiffelbein, Seattle Atheists, (206) 826-0770,
treasurer@seattleatheists.org

# # #

Amanda News Holidays, Media, News, Press releases

We’re getting support from both non-religious and religious on this issue. Thank you for your e-mails of support. If you have any comments of questions regarding the capitol sign, please e-mail us at seattleatheists@seattleatheists.org.

I just read how you guys are asking for a display at the Washington Capital.  I live all the way in Illinois but I just wanted to say how you have my full support.  I do not want to see religion destroyed but want it out of our government.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, please know that you have my full support for your sign in Olympia – I appreciate it – and its message.

Amanda News Holidays, Media

Board member Wendy reports that she heard a story about Seattle Atheists on NPR this morning. Tune in to 88.5 FM at the top of the hour to hear it again.

They said a Seattle Atheist group and a Jewish group have applied to put a sign and a menorah on the capital grounds for the holiday season. The Seattle Atheist signs says, “In this holiday season let us remember that kindness, charity and goodwill transcend belief, creed or religion.” He quoted our entire message which sounded awesome!!

They said that no Christian groups have yet requested displays.

Amanda News Holidays, Media

Seattle Atheists members will answer phones for the KUOW pledge drive on Saturday, Oct. 11th from 10:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In addition to raising money for public radio, if we send six volunteers, Seattle Atheists will get an on-air mention! If you’re interested in volunteering, contact us. It’s a lot of fun, and there’s free food!

Jami Events Media, past, Past Events, Volunteer