Atheism

Helen will present this topic in August 2015.

Americans trust Atheists less than any other group, with the exception of Muslims.

http://www.pewforum.org/2014/07/16/howamericansfeelaboutreligiousgroups/

I couldn’t find a similar poll for Australia, but 22% ticked the no religion box in 2011 census

http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/CO61

Nonetheless, this large sector of society are not provided for in our secular society, with ethics classes being hidden from parents in secular public schools;

http://www.abc.net.au/news/20150605/sparrowscripturelessonsbystealth/6525006

private schools and social justice charities mostly religiously affiliated and wishing to impose their religious beliefs, despite receipt of public money and tax free status

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/christiangroupasksvictoriangovernmentforrighttodiscriminateongayadoption201503281m9mx6.html

Problems for Atheists

Representatives who are characterised as aggressive Richard Dawkins

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/10998498/RichardDawkinsinstormovermilddaterapetweets.html

Lack of Infrastructure

Solutions

Richard Dawkins (before his public downfall) on “Militant Atheism” or “Why be a proud Atheist”

http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_dawkins_on_militant_atheism?language=en#t1555634

Ways Atheists have attempted to organise

Atheist Foundation of Australia

Sunday Assembly

http://www.smh.com.au/goodweekend/sundayassemblyacongregationwithoutgod2014121211w491.html

But Sunday Assembly has already succumbed to a schism

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2014/01/04/afteraschismaquestioncanatheistchurcheslast/