A M E R I C A N A T H E I S T S
#884 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2/14/01
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A Service of AMERICAN ATHEISTS
"Leading The Way For Atheist Civil Rights
And The Separation Of Church And State
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In This Issue...
* Kansas makes it official, evolution back in the schools
* Petition to the President -- stop the Religion Tax!
* Legislation being prepared for Faith-based social programs
* Desert Regional Atheist Meet is this Sunday!
* Indianapolis church seized for tax payments
* Maybe you should join American Atheists...
* Resources
* About this list...
KANSAS BOARD VOTES TO RESTORE EVOLUTION IN TEACHING STANDARDS
Reversing an August, 1999 decision, the Kansas Board of Education
voted 7-3 today to restore evolution as a unifying concept in the
state's science curriculum.
The decision came following hotly-contested elections in November that
saw voters reject two of the six religious conservative board members
who had crafted standards shunning evolution as the preeminent
explanation for the origin of life and the universe. A third member
of the board resigned, and only Steve Abrams from Arkansas City won
re-election.
Today's reversal deals with three areas of the curriculum, including
the nature of science, evolution and theories regarding the origin of
the cosmos. Under the earlier standards, science was described as a
"human activity seeking logical explanations." The new draft replaces
"logical" with "natural," a move which offended the remaining
religious conservatives on the board.
"There is no doubt that we are strengthening science by our action,"
said board member Sue Gamble just minutes after today's vote. Carol
Rupe, a member from Wichita agreed, and told the meeting "I believe
now that we have science standards that the rest of the world could
look up to."
Joining them in affirming the new, pro-science standards were Board
Chairman Sonny Rundell, of Syracuse; Val DeFever, of Independence;
Bill Wagnon, of Topeka; Janet Waugh, of Kansas City; and Bruce Whatt,
of Salina.
Casting votes against the new standards were Steve Abrams, of Arkansas
City; John Bacon, of Olathe; and Harold Voth of Haven.
At today's session, Abrams continued to argue against the new
standards, and insisted that evolution was a flawed theory. He also
denied that he was advancing a religious doctrine. "What I do espouse
is that this (the new standard) is not good science."
John Bacon, referring to naturalist Charles Darwin, denounced the new
guidelines as "too restrictive in allowing only one view of man's
origin to be taught."
Ms. Gamble rejected their arguments, and countered that the updated
standards "restored the basic definition of what science did.
"It is the investigation of the natural world. It is not the
investigation of the supernatural world."
Board member Janet Waugh challenged Abram's contention about not
teaching a sectarian doctrine, and declared: "I don't want my
children's biology teacher talking about religion."
The vote may end what Kansas Gov. Bill Graves labeled an
"embarrassment" to the state. The decision to weaken evolution
standards in the classroom drew criticism from educators and others
who charged that the move threatened to deprive students of a complete
knowledge of scientific principles, and how the universe operated.
Dr. John Starver, a Kansas State University professor who chaired the
science writing committee that drafted the latest standards, was
relieved over today's vote. He told the Kansas City Star, "This has
been probably the single most frustrating experience of my entire
professional career."
Education Board Chairman Sonny Rundell agreed. The Syracuse
Republican said, "I want to get past this -- badly do I want to get
past this, and there's a lot of other things we need to be working
on."
"ID" Advocates Launched Final Plea
Leading up to this morning's vote, though, anti-evolutionists were
still pressuring the Board in hopes of either defeating the new
guidelines, or amending them. Involved in that effort were members of the
Intelligent Design Network, an organization formed in 1999 that rejects
natural selection as an explanation for the origin of life. The
group's managing director, John Calvert, presented the Kansas board
with suggested revisions of the draft standards. Last Thursday,
Calvert claimed that a group of over 100 scientists, philosopher,
attorneys and educators had endorsed the revisions.
The standards committee rejected the Intelligent Design or "ID"
changes, though, in a statement reading: "To adopt a science
definition not anchored in the natural world would make these
standards the first to invite nonscience into the science classroom."
Despite today's lopsided vote, most observers do not expect the
contentious issue of creationism to go away. Eugenie Scott of the
National Center for Science Education in California said that her
group watched the Kansas imbroglio with considerable interest, and is
also tracking similar controversies about evolution in Pennsylvania
and Alabama. School Boards in states, such as Arizona, Illinois, New
Mexico, Texas and Nebraska have attempted to weaken or remove state
guidelines on evolution, or find other ways to de-emphasize
evolutionary concepts, and instead suggest religious "alternatives."
"It's a perpetual problem," declared Scott.
For further information:
http://www.atheists.org/bone.pit
(A comprehensive archive of articles concerning evolution and creationism)
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/evol10.htm
("Creationists hit capitol hill for congressional briefing," 5/25/00.
Background on the Discovery Institute, a leading "Intelligent Design"
advocacy organization.)
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/evol12.htm
("Report grades evolution in states, draws fire from 'Intelligent Design'
advocates,"
10/3/00
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/evol7.htm
("Kansas poll reveals strong creationist beliefs, but majority support
teaching evolution,"
10/8/99)
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/evol11.htm
"Evolution survives in Kansas as voters reject extremist creationist
candidates," 8/2/00)
**
SIGN THE PETITION: LET BUSH KNOW THAT YOU OPPOSE THE
RELIGION TAX, FAITH-BASED PARTNERSHIP PLANS
On Saturday, February 24, 2001, American Atheists will hold a peaceful
demonstration outside the White House in Washington, D.C. The event
will also include presentation of names from our on-line petition
speaking out against President George W. Bush's effort to expand the
role of sectarian groups operating social services at public expense.
The petition charges that Bush's "White House Office of Faith-based
and Community Initiatives" threatens the First Amendment separation of
church and state, promotes faith-based regimens and "turns the 'armies
of compassion' into publicly funded 'armies of conversion.' "
We encourage you to join this protest and add your name to the growing
list of petitioners. The petition will be presented to White House
Liaison Officers. The event will also include a media conference on
Friday, February 23 at the National Press Club.
Learn more about this historic weekend, and consider signing the
Petition to the President. Visit
http://www.atheists.org/action/defwall-wh2001.html for further
information, and to add your name to this important document.
**
"RELIGION TAX," FAITH-BASED FUNDING LEGISLATION BEING
PREPARED FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Bills in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives are
being readied to fund President Bush's White House Office of
Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
According to a report from Cox News Service, the legislation could be
introduced later this week or next week. The measures would greatly
expand the role of religious groups in the operation of social
services and make federal funds more available. The provisions also
include expanded tax breaks for those giving contributions to
non-profit charitable groups.
On January 29, Bush signed two Executive Orders creating the new White
House office, and spoke of unleashing the "armies of compassion" in
order to address social problems such as drug and alcohol abuse,
prison rehabilitation and poverty. Critics say that the measure
violates the separation of church and state, and could even endanger
the independence of religious organizations which accept government
money.
U.S. Rep. Tony Hall, who represents Ohio's third congressional
district, is reportedly working with Oklahoma Republican J.C. Watts
Jr. on the House version. In the Senate, an identical measure is
expected to be introduced by Sens. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) and
Rick Santorum (R-Pa.). As a candidate for Vice President during the
year 2000 election campaign, Lieberman frequently showcased his
religious faith and supported "partnerships" between government and
sectarian groups.
Dismissing First Amendment concerns, Hall said: "As long as we're not
funding worship services or shoving religion down people's throats ...
why shouldn't (churches) be allowed to compete? If we're trying to
overcome poverty and trying to rebuild lives and neighborhoods, if
we're going to develop the political will to do it, it's got to
include everyone."
American Atheists President Ellen Johnson warned that Hall was
"putting a disingenuous spin on one of the most significant violations
of the First Amendment to ever come out of Washington D.C."
Johnson added,"If Bush, Hall and others really wanted to overcome
poverty, they would support the programs that are already in place to
do this. But this is about promoting religion, and you can't do that
without violating the separation of church and state."
Rep. Hall is reportedly including what he calls a "Good Samaritan"
tax credit for food donations. He also wants Mr. Bush to open an
office of faith-based charity within the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. When he established the White House Office of
Faith-Based and Community Initiatives last month, Bush also ordered
five other government agencies to set up programs to include churches
and other religious groups in their operations.
For further information:
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/faith4.htm
("Bush promotes faith at prayer breakfast; bipartisan support for new White
House Office,"
2/3/01)
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/faith3.htm
("Transcript of Executive Order establishing the White House Office of
Faith-based and
Community Initiatives, 1/31/01)
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/faith1.htm
("Bush signs Executive Orders for Faith-Based programs," 1/29/01)
http://www.atheists.org/public.square/charitablechoice.html
("Charitable Choice, Faith-Based Partnerships, and the Public Funding
of Religion")
http://www.atheists.org/action/defwall-wh2001.html
(Petition to President George W. Bush, information about this weekend's
picket at
the White House)
**
Hitch your wagon and join us This Sunday, February 18, 2001 for
THE ARIZONA DESERT REGIONAL ATHEIST MEET
Phoenix, Arizona
The Regional Atheist Meet hosted by American Atheists comes to
Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday, February 18. Join us for a full day of
exciting lectures, discussions and social events, all at the luxurious
Crowne Plaza Hotel in Metrocenter. Speakers for the RAM include...
-- ELLEN JOHNSON, President, American Atheists
-- DR. ALAN HALE, Astronomer, head of the Southwest Institute for
Space Research and co-discoverer of the spectacular Hale-Bopp comet.
-- BRIAN BARNARD, Utah Legal Clinic, prominent First Amendment
attorney speaking on the need for separation of church and state.
-- DR. VICTOR J. STENGER, Astronomer, University of Hawaii and
Visiting Fellow in the department of Philosophy, University of
Colorado. In addition to his talk, Dr. Stenger will be signing
copies of his book, "Not By Design, the Origin of the Universe."
-- DR. SETH ASSER, medical Director for California Children's
Services, speaking on children's rights versus religious dogma.
-- STEVE BENSON, Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist for the
Arizona Republic on "Tooning Out Religion"
-- CONRAD F. GOERINGER, Editor, AANEWS on "Their Name Was Legion: The
Roman Catholic Church and Censorship in the Modern American
Experience."
-- Introductions by MONTY GAITHER, Arizona State Director for American
Atheists and BART MELTZER.
Come one, come all! Registration at the door is $25 for members of
American Atheists, $30 for non-members. Join AA, and get in at the
special member registration price!
WHAT: The Arizona Desert RAM
WHEN: SUNDAY, February 18, 2001 beginning at 9:00 a.m. sharp
WHERE: The Crowne Plaza Hotel at Metrocenter, 2532 W. Peoria Avenue,
Phoenix, AZ 85029. Phone (602)-943-2341.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, visit http://www.atheists.org/ram
**
FEDERAL MARSHALS SEIZE INDIANAPOLIS CHURCH PROPERTY
OVER TAX DISPUTE
A small army of U.S. Marshals seized an Indianapolis, Indiana church
earlier today in order to satisfy a $6 million tax debt. It is the
first time such an action has been taken.
Last month, the U.S. Supreme court rejected the church's appeal that
its decision to not pay federal employment taxes was protected under
the First Amendment. In INDIANAPOLIS BAPTIST TEMPLE v. U.S., the
church had argued that as an instrument of God, it was exempt from
complying with regulations concerning payment of social security,
Medicare and other income taxes for its employees. When lower courts
rejected the church's plea, parishioners began maintaining an
around-the-clock vigil in the main building.
Pastor Greg Dixon told reporters, "God's judgment will be on these
nine justices at the Supreme Court level. They will pay a price, and
God will deal with that in his own time."
The church had expected that with President Bush in the White House,
the government would not seize the property to collect on $3.5 million
in missing taxes, plus penalties. Rev. Dixon told reporters that he
had a "promise" from the president that today's action would not be
taken. According to the Indianapolis Star newspaper, U.S. Rep. Roy
Blunt (R-MO) wrote to a church member last month expressing concern
over how the government was handling the case.
"It seems to shake the very foundation of the First Amendment to hear
that a court has authorized an agency of the federal government to
seize a church sanctuary and sell it to pay taxes," Blunt wrote. "I
will certainly be keeping this situation in mind as (budget) bills for
these agencies come before Congress later this year."
"They were going to dismiss the case," Dixon told reporters. "We had
a deal and they welshed (sic) on the deal." As the Marshals
approached him during the morning raid, Dixon went limp and had to be
carried from the premises.
"Resistance" Included Support By Religious Extremists
Rev. Dixon, 68 was a founding member of televangelist Jerry Falwell's
Moral Majority group in the early 1980s. The two were schoolmates at
Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Miss. Dixon went on to become a
leading figure on the religious right, and was in charge of the
Indiana Moral Majority group. He also worked closely with Korean cult
evangelist Rev. Sun Myung Moon in founding the Coalition for
Religious Freedom in 1984. That group was energized with a $500,000
contribution from Moon; Dixon sat on the CRF board along with Falwell,
Jimmy Swaggart, Rex Humbard, D. James Kennedy and others.The
Coalition was active in defending Moon, who would later serve time for
tax fraud, and a slew of cases involving church-affiliated schools in
the Midwest that declared themselves "independent" and ran afoul with
state agencies over issues such as zoning license, tax, and health and
safety codes.
In 1984, Dixon announced that his Indianapolis Baptist Temple was no
longer a church according to government guidelines, and would stop
filing any income tax returns. After revoking the congregations
incorporation status, Dixon established what he called the
Unregistered Baptist Fellowship.
His son, Rev. Gregory A. Dixon, 45, assumed management of the Temple
several years ago. Numerous groups including the Ku Klux Klan and
various militia movements had attached themselves to the cause
surrounding the Temple, but the younger Dixon asked that they not
participate. Terry Horne of the Indianapolis Star notes, "This
holdout was about religious liberty, the separation of church and
state, he (Dixon, Jr.) repeatedly said, as he discouraged supporters
from making issues out of other beliefs -- their fear of one-world
government or the legality of income taxes in general..."
Local Clergy React
The Temple's confrontation with the government did not appear to
attract the type of support from the country mainline denomination
which other issues have. Reacting to today's raid by the Marshal's
service, several Indianapolis clerics expressed sadness, but did not
embrace Dixon's cause. Rev. Karen Snyder of the Augusta Christian
Church told reporters, "They have an obligation to pay taxes when it's
appropriate, and I think it is when you have employees. I don't think
it's fair to avoid doing so based on religious principles."
Rev.Judith Fackenthal of the Greenfield Park Baptist Church said, "As
a Baptist, I believe strongly in the separation of church and state.
But I believe that scripture is clear -- that we are still in a
relationship with civil society."
Ironically, a local Muslim leader, Imam Michael Saahir was more
emphatic. "As I watched events unfold, I was saddened because it
seems like there remains too much confusion with the issue. The
Dixons have talked about religious liberty, but they have also talked
about politics and talked against the government. There are enough
persons turned off of religion for personal reasons. They don't need
to see this."
Denouement
Despite earlier stories linking the Temple with militia groups,
militant anti-abortionists and Klansmen, today's action was relatively
low key. Eighty-five agents swarmed onto the property beginning at
about 8:45 AM. Media had been tipped off about the raid earlier this
morning, and camera crews and newspaper reporters were already on the
scene. A Marshall read the court order, and officers proceeded onto
the property, taking control of the church and several other buildings
on the 22-acre site. No guns were drawn, no shots fired, and there
were no arrests.
The displaced church members then assembled at a local restaurant to
discuss the future of the church. One declared, "I haven't given up
yet. God's still on the throne. We still can be vindicated."
Another congregant identified as Ed Chandler said that the Temple
"will have to go on as an underground church now as soon all true ...
Christian churches in America will."
Rev. Dixon told supporters that there would be "another day in
court," although legal appeals have now been exhausted.
**
WE CAN THINK OF A COUPLE OF GOOD REASONS WHY YOU
SHOULD CONSIDER JOINING AMERICAN ATHEISTS...
How about "George W. Bush" and "John Ashcroft"? Why be stingy,
though; let's include charitable choice, faith-based partnerships,
vouchers and U.S. Supreme Court decisions!
Your membership in American Atheists gives you a positive, pro-active
voice in the fight for Atheism and the separation of church and state.
It also comes with benefits and privileges, such as a discount on all
American Atheist Press books and products, and registration at the
annual National Convention, Regional Atheists Meets and other events.
Why not check it out? For information -- or to join on line using our
secure transaction server -- just visit
http://www.atheists.org/membership.html Or, send mail along with your
name and postal mailing address to info@atheists.org -- we'll rush you
a complete membership information packet! Consider joining today...
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much more. Contact the Moderator, Margie Wait, through
mdwait@atheists.org
ABOUT THIS LIST...
AANEWS is a free service from American Atheists, a nationwide movement
founded by Madalyn Murray O'Hair which defends the civil rights of
nonbelievers, and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.
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