Guided by voices that sound like their own

[rug]

By Lori Gilbert
Record Staff Writer
April 01, 2012 12:00 AM

When they met at last week's Reason Rally on Washington's National Mall, the 20,000 atheists, secularists, free thinkers and others conducted the largest gathering of its kind in America. That it was 3,000 miles away from San Joaquin County, which by one count has 277 churches, doesn't mean the region wasn't represented.

Some area residents attended, but those unable to make the trip still have an outlet to share their beliefs.

Stockton Area Atheists and Free Thinkers has been around since 2009, formed after the disbanding of Lodi United, a group of nonbelievers and believers who were opposed to the city's tradition of offering a prayer before its City Council meetings.

"After the council decision (to allow unrestricted prayers or secular remarks before meetings), there was no need for Lodi United," said David Diskin, Lodi United's founder. "Atheists and nonbelievers wanted to stay together. We felt a sense of community, coming together to support the Constitution and the First Amendment, and getting to know each other."


http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120401/A_LIFE/203310308

[longship]

1. Good for both atheists and theists

More groups should be formed like this to fight the freaking madness of an increasingly theocratic political party.

Kudos to them.