St. Louis had the largest continent (six) of any Chapter of AU at the annual National meeting in Washington, on October 29 and 30. It was an informative and inspirational experience, featuring our new President and CEO, Rachel Laser (in the middle of the picture).  Highlights of the meeting can be found in the December issue of Church and State. A new video that gives a succinct view of what AU stands for is now available:  Click here to watch it!

We had a chance to greet our long-time Executive Director, Barry Lynn, who was looking healthy after his heart attack last year.

Article VI, Clause 3 of the constitution guarantees that citizens are not required to have a specific set of religious beliefs, or any at all, in order to exercise their rights.  Nevertheless, Americans have an aversion to atheists in public life, as is described a thoughtful review, “Without a Prayer: Why are Americans Still Uncomfortable with Atheism” by Casey Cep in the October 29 New Yorker of two books: “Godless Citizens in a Godly Republic: Atheists in American Public Life”(Norton) by Cornell Professors R. Laurence Moore and Isaac Kramnick and “Seven Types of Atheism” (Farrar, Straus & Giroux) by philosopher John Gray. If you don’t get to the books, the review is well worth reading. Click on the article link above.

We had a small group on Wednesday, May 23, to see the new documentary about Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “RBG” at the Frontenac Cinema. We know that many of our members have already seen the show, or are planning to soon.  It is an inspirational film, well worth the price.  After the showing we had very nice dinner at Canyon Cafe, a nice “southwestern” restaurant downstairs.

Our annual meeting was held at the Center of Clayton on Thursday, April 26. Vice President Rudy Pulido presided as we accepted the Treasurer’s Report (we are in excellent shape financially), and re-elected three Board members whose terms expire this year – Treasurer Helene Sherman, Vice President Hal Harris, and Board member Ann Pollack.  Board member Chris Guinther introduced our keynote speaker, political activist and former Missouri legislator Jeanette Mott Oxford, who is now Executive Director of the Missouri Association for Social Welfare. She presented an inspiring talk that was both personal history and political insight.  About twenty members attended.

Richard Haar and Carol Bartell on Sunday

AU St. Louis was represented at both weekend days of “Earth Day – 2018” in St. Louis, in Forest Park. We had a selection of pamphlets, decals, and

 

bumper stickers to give away.  As usual at these events, we had friendly conversations with people wanted to know more about church/state issues, and many came by to express their support for what we do.  We collected e-mails from those who would like to be informed about our activities and become more involved in AU.  Saturday had reasonably nice weather, but Sunday was pretty chilly.

Journalist Katherine Stewart was AU’s “Person of the Year” in 2014.  She has written widely and deeply on issues of church and state, including her most recent book, “Good News Club: The Christian Right’s Stealth Assault on America’s Children“, that was reviewed here shortly after it came out.  On April 17, 2017, her op-ed entitled “When Is a Church Not a Church?” was published in the New York Times. Use the link to read her thoughtful comments.

While the attempt to exclude repeal of the Johnson Amendment, which prevents churches and other 501(c)(3) charities from campaigning in elections, from the sweeping tax “reform” law was successful, there are numerous bills in the Senate that are attempting to do just that.  Please help us to prevent this from happening by calling your Missouri Senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blount, or Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth. (202-224-3121 is the Congressional switchboard -ask for the Senator by name).  You can also ask for a Representative’s office at the same number. See the AU blog on this issue!