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 has again called on officials of
the National Park Service to remove a religious plaque
erected at the Statue of Liberty last month by followers
of Hindu religious cultist Sri Chinmoy.
    In a letter to Marie Rust, Field Director of the Service
and Diana Dayson, Superintendent of the site, American Atheist
President Ellen Johnson stressed "the importance of government
agencies following the letter of the law concerning the First
Amendment and state-church separation."  Ms. Johnson also
stated that the government had entered into a situation of
"excessive entanglement with religion" by permitting the plaque.
    "American Atheists asks that your agency consider the
possible legal violation by allowing this plaque to be erected...,"
said the Atheist leader.
    American Atheists is a nationwide movement founded by
Madalyn Murray O'Hair for the advancement of Atheism and the
total and absolute separation of government and religion.


                              * * *

American Atheists, Inc.
P O Box 140195
Austin, Texas 78714-0195
(512) 458-1244


September 10, 1996

Ms. Marie Rust
National Park Service
US Custom House
200 Chestnut Street, Room 306
Philadelphia, PA  19106

Dear Ms. Rust:

    American Atheists is concerned about the Park Service decision
to allow the installation of a plaque by followers of Hindu
religious leader Sri Chinmoy in the lobby at the Statue of Liberty.
As an organization dedicated to the First Amendment separation of
government and religion, we are distressed to hear that this device
was dedicated in a ceremony on August 27, and included a presentation
by your agency of a cake to commemorate Chinmoy's birthday.
According to the New York Times, the decision to install a so-called
"Peace Blossom" plaque at this national monument was made by the
Superintendent of the site, Ms. Diana H. Dayson.  The circumstances behind
this move are disturbing.
    First, according to the Times, Ms. Dayson was "approached" by
followers of Sri Chinmoy a mere six weeks before the August 27 date, and
shown a video ostensibly about this Hindu religious leader.  Included
in this video were a number of questionable claims, and even a
segment which supposedly depicted the guru lifting several thousand
pounds with one arm (one of the many miraculous and amazing feats his
followers insist he is capable of).  While Ms. Dayson expressed some
skepticism about that she nevertheless thought that the theme
of "world peace" was "apolitical and universal".  The Times noted that
"there had been questions about the group's orientation but they had
been addressed."  In truth, this plaque is simply another publicity
stunt by Chinmoy and his followers.  Nevertheless, we learned from
The Times that to avoid any possible appearance of impropriety, Chinmoy
was to be referred to as a "student of peace" instead of a guru, "holy
man," "religious leader" or avatar, supposedly "to avoid unpleasant
implications."
    American Atheists suggests that one very definite "unpleasant
implication" is that there has been not only an exercise in official
gullibility by public officials, but a constitutional violation of
the First Amendment's Establishment clause.  In providing space for a
plaque to Chinmoy and his followers, conducting a ceremony (complete
with a cake) and public press releases publicizing this event, the
National Park Service has entered into a situation of "excessive
entanglement with religion."
    Chinmoy is a self-admitted religious guru, a Hindu avatar who
espouses the tenets of that religion including re-incarnation.  The
issue of world peace, while certainly admirable in a different context,
is simply a ruse to gain official recognition for Chinmoy and his followers.
Indeed, they have pulled this stunt in popular tourist venues
throughout the world, including the opera house in Sydney,
Australia, Mount McKinley and the Grand Coulee Dam.
    We recognize the right of Mr. Chinmoy and his followers to
practice their religion.  But we also stress the importance of
government agencies following the letter of law concerning
the First Amendment and state-church separation.  It is our
contention that this "Peace Blossom", and the context of its
dedication, constitutes a violation of said separation.
    American Atheists asks that your agency consider the possible
legal violation and implications of allowing this plaque to be
erected, and maintained in the lobby of the Statue of Liberty.
I would be most willing to discuss this matter further with you.

Sincerely,


Ellen Johnson
President, American Atheists