host for the popular ABC network program "Good Morning America" said this evening that he will be issuing an on-air retraction over the weekend for remarks made earlier this month that stated: "There are no Atheists in Foxholes or hurricane zones."

   Mr. Bill Weir contacted American Atheists President Ellen Johnson and said that he regretted the statement made on September 4, 2005 at the close of a program segment about Hurricane Katrina and the devastation along the Gulf Coast.

   American Atheists launched a phone, E-mail and letter-writing campaign encouraging members and supporters to contact Mr. Weir and the ABC network to demand a retraction. Earlier this week, the campaign was expanded when people were asked to contact Mr. George Mitchell, Chairman of the Walt Disney Company which owns ABC.

   In a statement to the media, Ms. Johnson said that the organization is "delighted by Mr. Weir's gracious handling of this matter."

   "I think it takes someone of character and integrity to do this, and we have nothing but praise for him and the Good Morning America weekend show."

   Johnson added that the willingness of ABC and Mr. Weir to issue such a retraction indicates that major media is slowly becoming more sensitive concerning a segment of the American population which, for too long, has been "ignored, marginalized and stereotyped."

   "Surveys show that about 13% of Americans have no religion," said Johnson. "Remarks that stereotype us or any other segment of people in this country are often inaccurate, unfair and hurtful."

   Johnson pointed out that American Atheists is hosting the "Atheists in Foxholes" Rally in Washington, DC, on Veterans Day, 2005 and has been actively raising money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

   Dave Silverman, Communications Director for American Atheists joined in congratulating Mr. Weir for his forthcoming retraction. "He's doing the right thing, and he deserves our thanks for taking back his early on-air statement. This is a testament to his integrity as an individual and a leading electronic journalist and public personality."

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