AMERICAN ATHEISTS


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
ELLEN JOHNSON, PRESIDENT AMERICAN ATHEISTS
VOICE 201-334-4033, E-MAIL EJONBAND@AOL.COM
OR CALL AMERICAN ATHEISTS 512-458-1244


                           PRESS RELEASE


    American Atheists today called upon President Clinton to
withdraw his proclamation, establishing this Thursday, May 2, 1996
as a "National Day of Prayer", because it violates the First
Amendment.

    Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, said that
"Mr. Clinton should be president of all Americans, not just of
the religious.  Over 10% of this nation's citizens are Atheists and
millions more agree with us that government should not be
orchestrating sectarian worship services like a "Day of Prayer."

    President Clinton's April 3 proclamation mentioned "...our
country's spiritual roots" but failed to mention that America was
founded with the notion that government and religion should be
kept separate.  "The First Amendment gives all Americans freedom
of religion and freedom from religion; it says that government should
be neutral in respect to religious belief and cannot foster specific
religious rituals," said Johnson.

    Ron Barrier, American Atheist's National Media Coordinator,
said that the "Day of Prayer" was established as public law
during the height of the McCarthy hysteria.  "This isn't the 1950s.
Today, all of us, especially President Clinton, should recognize
the diversity of American society.  Not all Americans choose to
pray and that decision should be a private, personal matter, not
a declaration of government intent."

    Ms. Johnson added that American Atheist members are being
encouraged to contact local or state officials which are planning
to participate in the National Day of Prayer, asking them to
withdraw from this religious event.  Johnson also urged people
to contact the White House and ask the President to withdraw his
proclamation.

    American Atheists is a nationwide movement founded by Madalyn
Murray-O'Hair.  It supports the total, absolute separation of state
and church and works to defend the civil liberties of Atheists.


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