American Atheists, Inc.
P O Box 140195
Austin, Texas 78714-0195
(512) 458-1244
http://www.atheists.org


                           PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release:
March 11, 1997

               ATHEISTS CHARGE THAT CARDINALS VIOLATED
                         TAX EXEMPT STATUS

    American Atheists today charged that Roman Catholic Church officials
violated their privileged tax-exempt status by reading a letter in parishes
throughout the nation urging President Clinton to sign a so-called "partial
birth" abortion ban.  Legislation which would prohibit specific late term
abortions was introduced last week in Congress.

    Ms. Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, charged that the
Cardinals "had moved beyond the area of discussing 'issues' and were now
using their pulpits to support specific pieces of legislation, specifically
the disingenuous Partial Birth Abortion Ban."  Johnson noted that as with
other issues, the Church was "reaping the benefits of a tax exempt organiztion
while behaving like a political body."

    Mr. Ron Barrier, National Media Coordinator of American Atheists, said
that Sunday's open letter constituted "a clear attempt to manipulate
legislation which should prompt authorities to reexamine the church's tax-
exempt status."  He added: "The Church also wants more than just a late-term
abortion ban.  If the Cardinals had their way, legislation would be on the
books banning all forms of abortion."

    Ms. Johnson noted that Church officials "were becoming increasingly
arrogant in flauting regulations and laws pertaining to nonprofit religious
groups."  "It's part of a disturbing nationwide trend that American Atheists
continues to monitor.  Religious themes -- and religious groups -- are
becoming increasingly active in the political process, and jeopardizing
state-church separation in America."


For more information please contact:
Ms. Ellen Johnson, President    (201)334-4033    Email: ej@atheists.org
Mr. Ronald Barrier, NMC         (718)356-8658    Email: rbarrier@atheists.org