AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
                P.O. Box 140195  Austin, TX 78714-0195
                           (512) 458-1244

http://www.atheists.org                               For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE                                         July 1, 1997

                 American Atheists "Defend The Wall"
      D.C. Symposium and Counter-Demonstration Slated for October

    On October 3rd and 4th, 1997, American Atheists will hold a symposium and
counter-demonstration in Washington, D.C.  The Friday symposium, entitled
"Defending The Wall - No Submission," will be a day-long event featuring
guest speakers, workshops, activist events - all with an emphasis on Atheism,
state/church separation, Atheist civil rights, and intellectual freedom.
    The demonstration, to be held Saturday, is to "publicly and
unapologetically" reject the Promise Keepers movement and their accompanying
theme of complete submission and total obedience to mystical personalities.
   "'Defending The Wall' is about Atheists standing together, declaring their
unwillingness to play the religious game," commented Ron Barrier, National
spokesperson for American Atheists.  "We are law-abiding, employed, taxpaying
citizens.  We wish to be free from religion.  The government of the United
States should not be promoting the ideas and antics of ancient wizards,
ethereal beings, and alternate societies which supposedly exist in 'anti-
realities'.  With "Defending The Wall," we will declare our independence from
religion...we will demand that our voices be heard in the democratic process."

    "No freedom is more precious, more valuable, than intellectual freedom;
to hold any opinion regarding any issue; to explore any subject matter without
restraints, limitations, or reprisals.
    No right is more precious than the right to be free FROM religious
superstitions; to live productive lives without the unnecessary and stress-
producing intrusion of religion into personal decisions, intimate relationships
and government affairs.
    We reject the attempt by organized religion to instigate conformity of
thought in matters regarding religion and to manipulate the state as a partner
in this concerted attack on the civil liberties of Atheists."
  - Ms. Ellen Johnson, President, American Atheists

            COME AND JOIN US - DEFEND THE "WALL OF SEPARATION!"

    For More Information on "DEFENDING THE WALL - NO SUBMISSION - 10:3,4"
    contact American Atheists (512)458-1244 or Email - info@atheists.org
            Check out our Website - http://www.atheists.org