APRIL 11, 2000
PRESS RELEASE
AMERICAN ATHEISTS
TEXAS STATE DIRECTORS OFFICE

http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org


   REPORTS OF ABUSE RAISE QUESTIONS ABOUT BUSH "PARTNERSHIP" SCHEME,
                     RELIGIOUS MONITORING AGENCY

   American Atheists charged today that reports of possible abuse at a home
operated by a Corpus Christi religious group raises serious questions about
Gov. George W. Bush's plan for a "partnership" between government and
sectarian organizations to administer social services.  Alleged incidents
at the People's Baptist Church -- founded by the late controversial "Bible
discipline" evangelist Lester Roloff -- should also be grounds to examine
the role played by the Texas Association of Christian Child Care Agencies
Inc., a private corporation founded by Bush.
   "It's outrageous that Gov. Bush is gutting the oversight process for
schools and other institutions like the 'home' operated by People's Baptist
Church," said Dick Hogan, Texas State Co-Director for American Atheists.
"This private group has investigated and licensed only one facility, and it
is the one where police have arrested church officials on suspicion of
abusing youngsters in their care."
   Last week, Nueces County Sheriff's deputies raided the compound and
arrested the church superintendent.  Also held for failing to comply with a
warrant was the pastor of the church.  People's Baptist has a long history
of resisting lawful orders, and cooperating with investigators monitoring
the health and welfare of youngsters at homes operated by the ministry.
   "We should be very suspicious of Gov. Bush's call for a 'partnership'
between government and sectarian groups when it comes to administering
social services and especially meeting the needs of children," Hogan added.
   State Co-Director Randall Gorman of Ft. Worth suggested that the policy
of permitting the private Texas Association of Christian Child Care
Agencies Inc. to function as a state licensing agency was constitutionally
suspect.  "The real ploy here is to insulate religious groups from any sort
of oversight and supervision by the state, even when children are involved."  
   "It's time to do something about religious groups that justify beating,
whipping and other forms of Old Testament - style punishment when it's
directed at youngsters.  The wall of separation between church and state
did not protect slavery when it was justified on Biblical grounds, and it
shouldn't be used to justify and protect child abuse," Gorman added.

   American Atheists is a nationwide organization dedicated to defending
the civil rights of atheists, and the total, absolute separation of
government and religion.

For more information contact:
Dick Hogan, Texas State Director          817-596-9520  
   Email dhogan@atheists.org
Randall Gorman, Texas State Co-Director   817-281-7390
   Email rgorman@atheists.org