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

http://www.atheists.org                               For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE                                         Sept. 2, 1997

             Atheists To Hold First Amendment Conference,
               Demonstrate During Promise Keepers Rally
                  Oct. 2-4, 1997 Washington, D.C.

    American Atheists will hold a conference on first Amendment rights, and
a demonstration during the Promise Keepers "Million Man March" October 2-4
in the nation's capital.
    Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, said that the weekend
events will include a seminar on state-church separation, lectures on related
topics and activist workshops.  On Saturday, October 4, beginning at noon,
American Atheists will picket at the intersection of Constitution and
Louisiana Aves. (between 1st and 2nd Aves.) near the Capitol Mall in
opposition to the Promise Keepers rally.
    The theme of the American Atheists weekend is "DEFENDING THE WALL...NO
SUBMISSION."  The demonstration will be announced in a display ad appearing
in USA TODAY prior to the conference.
    "This is a historic statement," declared Ms. Johnson.  "We are giving
voice to millions of Americans who are declaring their independence from
religious intrusion into government and into their private lives."  She
cited as examples censorship, attempts to outlaw abortion, voucher schemes,
and "the government's penchant for granting 'special rights' to the religion
industry."
    Ron Barrier, National Spokesperson for the group, pointed out that the
American Atheist demonstration, to be held on Oct. 4, has nothing to do with
the Promise Keeper's right to freely assemble or practice their religion.
"That's their right.  Our purpose is to protest the extreme Reconstructionist/
Dominionist theology behind the PK movement.  This agenda poses a very real
threat to the Bill of Rights and to democracy."
    The "DEFENDING THE WALL...NO SUBMISSION" conference will be held Oct. 3
at the Key Bridge Best Western Hotel in Arlington, VA.

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