• To receive the entire 12-page printed newsletter, three issues free for your evaluation, send your postal address with your request to Communications Director.
  
  
  NO NEWSLETTER IN AUGUST. NO MEETINGS OR FIRESIDE CHATS IN JULY & AUGUST. SEE ARTICLE BELOW FOR WHAT WE WILL DO INSTEAD.
  
  
  Our next Fireside Chat will be Friday, 19 September. In memory of comedian George Carlin, who died on 22 June, we will show the irreverent movie "Dogma," in which he played a cardinal. About the movie, Carlin said, "I always like taking a good, clean shot at the Catholic Church, and that movie certainly was that."
  
  
  HAPPY HOUR EVERY MONDAY, 5-6:30 PM. Ol' Mexico restaurant, Roseville. Discounted drinks & appetizers. Call Paul Craven for more info: 763-788-8918.

• Join AFHR's July-August Internet Discussion of Major Plans for Outreach & Expansion. Will They Work? Help Us Decide.
  The Atheists For Human Rights board has been working on new ideas for promoting atheism, expanding its influence, and creating a social/political environment in which atheists -- as atheists -- can contribute a secular moral balance to discussions of public policy. Some of our closely involved members have joined in these initial discussions and have provided valuable ideas.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Report: Our Tenth Public Forum
  Despite a reduced turnout due to June 15 being Fathers Day, our public forum with Dr. Goparaju Vijayam was well attended. Dr. Vijayam, executive director of the Atheist Centre in Vijayawada, India, gave a presentation on the work -- honored by the Indian government -- that the Centre has been doing in social reform, disaster relief, scientific understanding, critical thinking, and freeing minds of superstition and blind belief.
  Read more ...
  
  
• A visit to an interfaith gathering
  Marie Castle and Randall Tigue are delegates from AFHR to a regular interfaith gathering ("Developing relationships around mutual respect and common action for the common good") sponsored by Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, who was our public forum speaker in July 2007.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Indivisible day?
  We talked with Rep. Ellison about having the interfaith gathering submit a proclamation for July 4th as "Indivisible Day" (which we provided) to Gov. Pawlenty.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Letter from Dr. Vijayam: We received the following email from Dr. Vijayam, too late for inclusion in the July-August newsletter:
  Read more ...
  
  

• The Hedonists of Power
  By Chris Hedges
  Washington has become Versailles. We are ruled, entertained and informed by courtiers. The popular media are courtiers. The Democrats, like the Republicans, are courtiers. Our pundits and experts are courtiers. We are captivated by the hollow stagecraft of political theater as we are ruthlessly stripped of power. It is smoke and mirrors, tricks and con games. We are being had.
  Read more ...

• An example of dysfunctional religion
  While waiting in the doctor's office, I decided to pass the time by perusing NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and came across a striking example of why religion is dysfunctional.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Shroud of Turin easily debunked
  Will the media ever stop promoting the Shroud of Turin as possibly authentic, as in your Aug. 23 article? Here's all anyone needs to know to debunk claims of authenticity:
  Read more ...
  
  
• Evangelicals asked to pray for rain at Barack Obama nomination
  Evangelical Christians have been asked to pray for "rain of biblical proportions" to fall on Senator Barack Obama as he accepts the Democratic nomination.
  Read more ...
  
  
• In defense of women
  Republican candidates proclaim their "prolife" position loud and clear, but Democrats tip-toe around the issue, as with Obama saying that determining the "human rights" of a fetus is "above my pay grade." As an abortion rights advocate, just once I'd like to hear Obama (and Franken, and all prochoice candidates) say something like this:
  Read more ...
  
  
• A strange conscience
  Medical professionals who cannot put the wellbeing of patients ahead of their irrational religious beliefs should find another line of work.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Secular sanity vs. a faith based world
  During the Inquisition in the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church -- dumb as a rock when it comes to moral standards -- set the rules for determining heresy, then turned those deemed guilty over to the government for torture and execution.
  Read more ...
  
  
• The hostage host
  Prof. Paul Z. Myers and that kid who threatened to hold a consecrated communion wafer hostage had better be careful. The history of what happens to people who question Catholic doctrine does not make pleasant reading.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Religious scams
  Once again we read of people losing a great deal of money to a religious con artist.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Abandoning religion for morality
  St. Joan of Arc's priests and members are making a heroic effort to retain their Catholic beliefs along with their humanity and it isn't working.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Vatican says aliens could exist
  What I find amusing about this article is that the box that the church keeps "God" in keeps getting smaller and smaller.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Boulder students protest 'under God' in Pledge Of Allegiance
  Some Boulder High School students protested Thursday over having to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Are Darwin's theories fact or faith issues?
  In January PZ Myers (Associate Professor at University of Minnesota, Morris) debated Jeffrey Simmons (a medical doctor and Senior Fellow with the Discovery Institute) on KKMS radio. At the last minute the topic of the debate was changed to "Are Darwin's Theories Fact Or Faith Issues?".
  Read more ...
  
  
• Way of the Master
  A couple of nights ago I was going through the channels on my TV out of boredom and I came across "Way of the Master". I am familiar with Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron so I thought I would watch it for its "entertainment" value.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Vandals egg house of local atheist
  Here is a sad story of bigotry, threats, vandalism and terror perpetuated by "Christians". I wonder what part of the Bible condones this action?
  Read more ...
  
  
• Pope's exorcist squads will wage war on Satan
  When I read this story in December 2007, I thought it was something from the ONION at first glance. It shows that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Huckabee: Amend Constitution to be in 'God's standards'
  This to me was very disturbing. I wonder whose version of God Huckabee would like to use. Even among evangelical Christians such as Huckabee there are variations on beliefs.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Steve Chapman on religion in politics
  On 2 January, Star Tribune columnist Steve Chapman wrote a surprisingly positive piece in support of state-church separation and fairly tolerant of atheism. (At least we didn't get bashed.) We sent the following letter in response, but it was not printed.
  Read more ...
  
  
• Archbishop Niensted and sexual morality
  Archbishop John Nienstedt is making dogmatic claims about the morality of, and family complicity in, homosexual relationships. Since this is causing considerable mental anguish among his followers and/or their families, and is an issue affecting all of society, it is appropriate to question those claims.
  Read more ...

• EVERY MONDAY, 5-6:30 PM
  Richard Dick Memorial Happy Hour
  A gathering of positively happy atheists.
  Discounted drinks & appetizers.
  Terrace tables by the fireplace.
  Location: Ol' Mexico Restaurant, on Lexington,
  at end of strip mall, two blocks north of Larpenteur, Roseville
  Contact: Paul Craven at 763-788-8918
  
  

• 1ST & 3RD MONDAY, 6:30 PM
  Freethought Toastmasters Club
  Location: Larpenteur Estates Party Room,
  1276 Larpenteur Ave W, St. Paul
  Contact: George Kane at 651-488-8225

• 1ST TUESDAY, 11:30 AM
  Lunch Social
  Location: Old Country Buffet,
  Ct Rd B2, Roseville
  Contact: Bob/Marilyn Nienkerk at 612-866-6200

• 3RD WEDNESDAY, 11:30 AM to 2 PM
  Charley French Memorial Lunch
  Atheists and Humanists get together to socialize and exchange opinions.
  Private Room
  New Location: Dragon House, 3970 Central Ave. NE, Columbia Heights
  Contact: Bill Volna at 612-781-1420 or 612-781-1322

• 3RD FRIDAY, 19 SEP, 6-9+ PM
  Fireside Chat
  Our next Fireside Chat will be Friday, 19 September. In memory of comedian George Carlin, who died on 22 June, we will show on 60-in.HDTV the irreverent movie "Dogma," in which he played a cardinal. About the movie, Carlin said, "I always like taking a good, clean shot at the Catholic Church, and that movie certainly was that."
  Food served.
  Non-members are welcome!
  Location & contact info: Hub of Atheism
  

• 4TH SUNDAY, 12-2 PM
  AFHR Open Board Meeting
  Except in July and August
  Food served.
  Location & contact info: Hub of Atheism

• OTHER SUNDAYS, 12-2 PM
  AFHR Membership Meetings
  Open to members only.
  Coffee and conversation.
  Explore our atheist library.
  Please call first.
  Location & contact info: Hub of Atheism

• VARIOUS TIMES & PLACES
  All-Atheist Meetups
  Connect on Internet at: atheists.meetup.com to socialize at various times and places.
  Contact: Scott Muir at videoman@atheistsforhumanrights.org
  or 612-386-8821

• CNN invites us to discuss whether "God" exists -- and stacks the deck by Marie Alena Castle
• How judge John E. Jones put intelligent design on the path to extinction by Burt Humburg and Ed Brayton (eSkeptic's report)
• No legal protection for kids in faith-healing families: why most states sanction religion-based child sacrifice by Marie Alena Castle
• Elk Grove v. Newdow Elk Grove Amicus Curiae Brief (in PDF format)
• The two words that don't belong by David Hetterick
• Damned if we do, damned if we don't: the atheist dilemma by Marie Alena Castle
• Your money and/or your life: mugged by the mythmakers -- the price we pay for religion by Marie Alena Castle
• 600+ years of fakery: the Shroud of Turin by Marie Alena Castle
• God and country: from the Pledge to Armageddon by Marie Alena Castle

• Americans United for Separation of Church and State
• Atheist Alliance International (AAI)
• Atheist Foundation of Australia Inc
• Campus Atheists & Secular Humanists (CASH)
• Children's Healthcare Is a Legal Duty, Inc (CHILD)
• ERGO -- Euthanasia World Directory
• Final Exit Network
• Freedom From Religion Foundation
• Friends Free of Theism
• Humanists of Minnesota
• The Infidel Guy Show
• Minnesota Atheists
• Pharyngula

Welcome to the Hub of Atheism

Atheists For Human Rights has a geodesic dome as its headquarters. This unique architecture was developed by Buckminster ("Bucky") Fuller (1895-1983), an atheist, architect, environmentalist and inventor. His ambition was to use science to help solve human problems and to find ways to do more with less. The tragic death of his young daughter inspired him to find "what a single individual can contribute to changing the world and benefiting all humanity." The epitaph on his tombstone says, "Call me trimtab," referring to a small but critical aircraft part that holds a stabilizing component in position. Much of Fuller's philosophy is expressed in the goals and strivings of Atheists For Human Rights.

Take I-94 to the 53rd Ave exit on the north edge of Minneapolis and go west through the alphabet streets to Newton Ave, then go left (south) 1 & 1/2 blocks to the dome home on the dead-end street. (The 53rd exit is more direct than 49th.) Call 612-588-1597 if you need directions.

New/occasional visitors: To verify schedule has not changed:
Contact: 612-529-1200 or 1-866-ATHEIST
Or e-mail: Communications Director.

Entrance	Sign beside entrance
Meeting Room (View 1)
Meeting room (View 2)	Library
Fireplace	60 in. HDTV

Atheists For Human Rights has a geodesic dome as its headquarters. This unique architecture was developed by Buckminster ("Bucky") Fuller (1895-1983), an atheist, architect, environmentalist and inventor. Read more ...

Our Philosophy

• Atheism accepts the natural world as all there is.
• To live without god beliefs is intellectually stimulating.
• To find one's own purpose and be responsible for one's own life is exciting.
• To be free of the imagined surveillance of good and evil spirits is liberating.
• To seek a peaceful world through work, friendship, and civic action is life-affirming.

Thomas Jefferson hated religious autocracy: "... [T]here would never have been an infidel if there had never been a priest," he wrote in a Letter to Mrs. Harrison Smith on 6 August 1816.

True enough. Nontheists would be as irrelevant as nonastrologists if all religions were benign. This has never been the case. Religious wars persist and religious authoritarians undermine our freedoms, harming people and hindering scientific research and education.

In this environment, atheists have an obligation as citizens to provide a secular moral balance to public discussions of social issues.

Atheists For Human Rights was founded to provide this moral balance in an effort to preserve our civil liberties and human dignity. We add our voice to other groups challenging the social agenda of religious authoritarians. We oppose all bigotry and discrimination and advocate for a world where human welfare is not compromised by religious dogma.

During India's struggle for independence from Britain, Mahatma Gandhi had a term to express the Free India movement's philosophy: satyagraha. It means "to insist on what is true as a social obligation." This is also our philosophy as we struggle to overcome the religious authoritarian influences on our society.

Join Us!

Atheists For Human Rights is proud to be among those people identified by 2008 Nobel Prize winner in Economic Science, Leonid Hurwicz, as "interveners" in society -- those who behave ethically simply because it is the right thing to do. Our unique Moral High Ground project stands uncompromisingly in support of the victims of inhumane religious doctrines. We find no "gray area" that justifies the harm done to women, gays, children, the hopelessly ill, and human progress by dogma-based laws and policies.

Atheists For Human Rights welcomes you to join us! Membership is open to all who reject supernatural beliefs and support the principles and policies of this organization. We thrive on new ideas and welcome everyone who shares our goals. We have a long history of atheist activism, both as founders and charter members of freethought groups. We are a member society of Atheist Alliance International (AAI), a national organization for which we provided a decade of leadership during its critical startup years.

Our dues are minimal to enable as many as possible to become involved; however, they cover only basic operating expenses. Because our outreach projects are sometimes quite expensive, but extremely important, we must rely on additional donations from those who can afford it. We have no paid staff, so all income goes to office expenses and visibility projects. It's a pay-as-you-go system. We can do only what our supporters enable us to do. Please be generous. You can make payments on this web site with PayPal. It's fast, free, and secure! THANK YOU!

Our Gift to you:

DVDs

• "Evolution Made Easy," which explains evolution in an entertaining and easy-to-understand way. A great DVD to show anyone who is unclear on the concept, including hard core religionists, "cafeteria" religionists, and atheists new to the controversy.
• "The Truth about Religion," which totally demolishes any credibility religion is thought to have historically or philosophically or even applying a little common sense.
• Biologist PZ Myers' illustrated presentation on evolution, at our July 2006 Public Forum.
• Michael Newdow's entertaining, informative presentation about his challenge to "under God" in the pledge of allegiance at our Nov 2006 Public Forum.
• Former Minnesota State Rep. Andy Dawkins speech about civic projects legislation and the necessity of atheism at our Mar 2007 Public Forum.
• Cong. Keith Ellison's (first Muslim elected to Congress) forceful speech in defense of state-church separation at our July 2007 Public Forum.
• Dan Barker's speech, "Beyond Iraq: The Threat to Freedom of an Imperial Presidency," at our Nov 2007 Public Forum.
• Civic leader and internationally known feminist Arvonne Fraser's speech on "The Common Good: Human Rights for All" at our March 2008 public forum.
• A three-part series of talks by Dr. Goparaju Vijayam, executive director of one of India's leading social reform organizations, Atheist Centre, taped while Dr. Vijayam was here for a June 2008 public forum.
• Richard Dawkins' BBC film, The Root of All Evil?
• Sam Harris's discussion of his best seller, The End of Faith.

BOOKLETS:

• India's Atheist Centre: Where Atheism Works, an 8" x 11" full color account of "the crown jewel of atheism," honored by the Indian government for its extensive social reform projects and educational work in science and critical thinking.
• May the Farce Be With You, April Pedersen's 20-page booklet, a humorous look at religious claims, with many illustrations and cartoons.
• All About Gods, our own illustrated, full color, 36-page booklet, a concise, entertaining presentation of facts to challenge religious mythologies. Includes bibliography.

Out of the Rocking Chair,
into the Fray!

The great majority of the U.S. adult population call themselves Christian: 160 million adults. But what group takes second place? Jews? No. For all their formidable electoral clout, the 2.8 million Jews are massively outnumbered by the nearly 30 million non-religious or secular Americans. . . . [I]f the unbelievers of America could only get their act together a tenth as effectively as the legendarily powerful Jewish lobby, what might they not achieve?
-- Richard Dawkins, discussing his best-selling book, The God Delusion

Atheists For Human Rights definitely has its act together and continually works at new and better ways to do it. Our objective is to be publicly and proudly visible with an atheism that is confidently held, morally active and socially involved in promoting the common good.

Visible Atheism in Action

It is the role of unbelievers to force religions to be benign.
-- Lutheran theologian Martin Marty
From keynote speech, Religion in Public Life symposium for 100 civic leaders, Minneapolis MN, 28 April 1998, to which Marie Castle was invited to represent atheism.

• We sponsor well-advertised public forums regularly with well known speakers on topics related to the common good and maintaining a secular government.
• We run high-visibility "bold & proud" ads for our activities in mainstream newspapers and on radio.
• We produce atheist videos for our website video outreach project and also make them available on CDs.
• We submit letters and commentary articles to the media that are frequently accepted.
• We meet with media people to discuss our concerns and encourage fair and balanced coverage of atheism.
• We meet with public officials to make them aware of the secular community and express our concerns about the intrusion of religion into legislative action and to stress the importance of state-church separation.
• We wrote a proclamation declaring 4 July 2002, "Indivisible Day," which was signed by Gov. Ventura on our behalf, causing an uproar by "Christian nation" fundamentalists that was front-page news in the St. Paul and Minneapolis papers.
• Our visibility generates invitations to debate religious-right radio talk show hosts on their political/social agenda and state-church separation.

We are unique among atheist organizations in that, as a matter of official policy, we oppose the religious right's assaults on our freedoms and come to the aid of its victims. We do this with reason, civility, pride, and a passion for truth and justice.

We provide a strong and effective voice for human rights within the atheist community and are developing a national network of citizens who seek the social and political right to be religion-free. We walk the talk. Our board consists of activists willing to help with the tasks of our organization. Our bylaws impose a high level of ethical standards. We operate openly and honestly at all times.

Membership is open to all who reject supernatural beliefs and support the principles and policies of this organization. We thrive on new ideas and welcome everyone who shares our goals.

Public Forums

• Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State
• Dr. PZ Myers, biologist from the University of Minnesota-Morris
• Susan Sackett, personal assistant to the late Gene Roddenberry, creator of the humanist-oriented "Star Trek"
• Michael Newdow, who took his challenge to "under God" in the pledge of allegiance to the Supreme Court
• Andy Dawkins, former state representative who works to strengthen families and create livable communities
• Dr. Robert Price, the noted biblical scholar who lectures on the non-biblical roots of democracy
• Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim to be elected to Congress, and strong advocate of state-church separation
• Dan Barker, co-president of Freedom From Religion Foundation, which litigates against government funding of religious organizations
• Arvonne Fraser, noted civic leader and international advocate for women's rights and human rights
• Dr. Goparaju Vijayam, executive director of India's Atheist Centre, whose social reform work has been honored by the Indian government with a commemorative stamp

Moral High Ground Project

The Moral High Ground project has chosen the following funds to provide support and protection for these groups and to counter the efforts of religious zealots to impose their religious doctrines through law (other funding mechanisms may be added as resources increase):

Philanthrofund scholarship

Like the other Moral High Ground funding projects, it is unique in the freethought community. Each year since 2002 AFHR has donated $500 to be awarded to a GLBT openly atheist student at Pfund's major awards ceremony. This has created visibility and respect for AFHR within the GLBT community.

Grants to poor women to help pay for abortions

At least $200 each is given annually to funds such as the Women's Medical Fund, administered by Anne Nicol Gaylor from Freedom From Religion Foundation in Madison, Wisconsin, and through the North Dakota WIN (Women In Need) Abortion Access Fund, administered by the Red River Women's Clinic in Fargo. These funds serve poor women in areas where religion-generated abortion laws are irrationally restrictive and punitive.

Support for physician aid in dying

As opportunities arise, we support efforts by physician-aid-in-dying organizations so the terminally ill who want to die with dignity on their own terms have the legal right to do so.

Protection for children harmed by faith healing

As opportunities arise, we support the efforts of CHILD (Children's Healthcare Is a Legal Duty) to protect children from harm where state laws define faith healing as healthcare and exempt parents from prosecution when they allow children to die by substituting prayer for medical care.

Outreach Activities

Atheists for Human Rights is focused primarily on reaching out to the public in morally active ways to advance the atheistic worldview. Our projects include:

Philanthrofund Scholarship

This is part of our Moral High Ground project. Like the other MGH funding projects, it is unique in the freethought community. Each year since 2002 AFHR has donated $500 to be awarded to a GLBT openly atheist student at Pfund's major awards ceremony. This has created visibility and respect for AFHR within the GLBT community.

Charitable Outreach

Every December, as part of our winter solstice celebration, we collect gifts and money for the at-risk teenagers being cared for by secular non-profit Katahdin Program for Youths and Families. Cash donations have increased from $130 in 2003 to $610 in 2007. This has been due to enclosing colorful gift tags in the newsletter and inviting distant members to send them back signed and with a check for warm clothing. The project was started in 1998 by Marie Castle for the freethought community, with Paul Craven providing the slogan, "You Don't Need a God to Have a Heart."

Highway Cleanup

In 2005 we took on an Adopt-A-Highway cleanup project. The work is done three times a year in spring, summer and fall. Large highway signs identify AFHR as the cleanup crew for a 4-mile stretch of highway in Lakeville that passes many churches.

May Day Festival

AFHR member Joe Watercott represents us every year at this popular Minneapolis festival. Dressed in a colorful jester costume, he goes along the parade route with his equally colorful cart, collecting litter and telling little jokes to the kids, giving a cheerful image of atheism.

Minnesota Alliance Of Peacemakers

We joined MAP and have participated in several of their events urging peaceful solutions to world conflicts. MAP is a coalition of churches and secular organizations working together in the cause of peace.

Interfaith Dialogue

AFHR is represented by invitation at regular interfaith gatherings hosted by Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, to find common ground in our common humanity to address the causes of social conflict and stress.

Speakers Bureau

Since 2004, about three times a year, we have been invited to give presentations on atheism to educational and social service agencies for their diversity training programs.

Fireside Chats

These monthly discussions about atheist issues are occasions for socializing as well as developing ideas for further activism.