Here is some exciting news for all of us who believe in the separation of church and state, and the importance – not only of freedom of religion – online dissertation but also freedom from religion.
Americans United for the Separation of Church and State is a national nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, founded in 1947, that works for these values through grassroots, legal and legislative activism. A local chapter of A.U. is being formed right now for Orange and Durham counties!
This is a great opportunity for those of us in Ethical Culture and Humanism to work together on these issues, not only with fellow agnostics, atheists and other freethinkers, but also with those in mainstream religions who share our commitment to secularism.
Last month I attended an organizational meeting for the new Orange-Durham chapter. We heard from staff members in A.U. at the national level, and I was fortunate to meet up with some of the most progressive local religious leaders in the area, and others, who want to work together to protect our Constitutional rights. Among these were Robert Seymour, former minister at a liberal Baptist church – Yes, there is such a thing! – in Chapel Hill famed for his early involvement in the civil rights movement. And a key figure in this organizational effort is Rollin Russell, a retired minister in Hillsborough.
Another meeting is scheduled for this coming Monday, September 16th at 2:00. The meeting will be in at 202 Saponi Drive in Hillsborough. I am sure Rollin will welcome any of us from the Ethical Humanist Society of the Triangle. I told him all about us, and he can see that we share a common cause.
For more information about Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, check out their Web site at https://www.au.org
DIRECTIONS to 202 Saponi Drive in Hillsborough: From Chapel Hill, go north on SH 86, pass Home Depot, cross over I-85 and turn left at the light onto Bus US 70. Then take the first right at Morelanda Dr., left on Claytor Dr. and right on Saponi. 202 is at the end of the cul d’ sac. From Hillsborough, go south on Churton St., cross the river and turn left on Bus US 70, then take the first left on Tuscarora Dr., then left on Saponi Dr.
