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 CONDEMNS CHURCH BOMBINGS, BUT SAYS "NO WAY!"
FOR CLINTON LOAN PLAN.

    American Atheists today criticized a plan by the Clinton
Administration to establish a special $10 million loan guarantee
program to subsidize the rebuilding of churches believed to have
been targets of arson.
    Ellen Johnson, President of the organization, was also
skeptical of Clinton's proposal for a meeting next week to involve
state governors in possible aid efforts to the churches.  At the
same time, Ms. Johnson condemned the bombings as possible acts of
bigoted intolerance.
    "As wrong as any arsons may be, the Constitution specifically
enjoins the government from aiding or subsidizing religion.  In
light of Mr. Clinton's remarks concerning the importance of
worship and religious belief, it is clear that in proposing this
taxpayer-funded program to aid churches, he is clearly promoting a
religious agenda."
    American Atheists also criticized ministers and church
groups who were protesting the scope of the federal investigation.
Religious leaders have complained that agents have been interrogating
church members and ministers for information.  Ms. Johnson remarked
that "So far, evidence does not suggest that the 'conspiracy theory'
so popular in certain religious circles, has much basis in fact.
Investigators need to be able to do their jobs in these cases,
wherever the evidence trail might lead."
    American Atheists is a nationwide movement founded by
Madalyn Murray O'Hair for the advancement of Atheism and to defend
the absolute, total separation of state and church.


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