Atheists have a voice in Washington DC

June 1, 1:26 PMAtheism ExaminerTrina Hoaks

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In an e-mail letter I received today from Herb Silverman, President and Founder of the Secular Coalition for America (SCA), some very encouraging news was delivered. Atheists and the like now have a voice in Washington DC.

According to Herb, "Last Thursday, the nontheist movement achieved a new milestone when the Secular Coalition for America had its first individual meeting with White House officials. The Secular Coalition has met with White House officials before, but Thursday's meeting was unique. It was not a coalition meeting with other organizations, but a special meeting between White House staff and representatives of the Secular Coalition."

He went on to say, "We have made clear to White House officials that our coalition of nine national nontheistic organizations represents a full spectrum of nontheists. As the broadest, most diverse advocacy group for nontheists in Washington, D.C., we have the credibility to explain our political and cultural interests to our nation's leaders and provide them with a window into what nontheists across America are thinking and doing in their communities." And, "More importantly we are becoming an influential and increasingly organized constituency, and elected officials want to take our concerns into account."

This certainly is good news for atheists across the nation who have long been concerned that we have had no voice. Finally, it seems, we are being given the opportunity to be heard so that our concerns can be addressed. It is great that we have the continued efforts of those at the SCA. "The goal of the Secular Coalition has always been to increase the visibility of and respect for nontheists in America. Thursday's meeting was one small step for the Secular Coalition, but an even more significant leap for nontheists everywhere."