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

http://www.atheists.org                               For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE                                         December 15, 1997

          ATHEISTS: "CHARITABLE CHOICE" ENDANGERS SEPARATION,
              COMPELS NONBELIEVERS TO SUBSIDIZE RELIGION

    American Atheists today criticized a proposal from the "liberal"
religious group Call To Renewal which would grant churches more of a role in
administering taxpayer funded social welfare programs, and involve religious
organizations in a "partnership" with the state.
    "This is as bad, if not worse, than what the Christian Coalition wants
to do," said American Atheists President Ellen Johnson.  "The constitution
says that churches and government should be separate -- not partners.
Involving religious groups in what should be secular programs is a dangerous
violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment."
    Ron Barrier, National Spokesperson for American Atheists, accused Call
To Renewal of "jumping in with the religious right for a midnight raid on the
public treasury."
    "This proposal to 'religionize' welfare and other social programs would
compel millions of Americans who are atheists or nonbelievers of some kind to
subsidize religion."  He also cited "dangerous" changes in American welfare
laws which now make it easier for public monies to flow into religious coffers
under the veneer of "charitable choice."
    "This makes Uncle Sam a tax collector for religious organizations," said
Mr. Barrier.  "It undermines the real meaning of charity, and sets up a scheme
which compels Americans to support religious activities."
    "Does anyone really believe that churches, mosques and temples will
separate their religious message from any social welfare activities?" asked
Ms. Johnson.  "And what happens when Muslims, wiccans, Scientologists or some
other religious group wants a piece of the public pie?  Should atheists -- or
anyone else -- be forced to pay?"

For more information please contact:
Ms. Ellen Johnson, President      (973)334-4033    ej@atheists.org
Mr. Ronald Barrier, Spokesperson  (718)967-6453    rbarrier@atheists.org