Adelaide’s first “Active” Atheism Group in 40 Years.
“Two central factors were the catalyst for giving voice to Adelaide’s real silent majority — that vast community who don’t believe in God, or practice any form of religion,” according to Brian Morris, President of the newly formed Atheism SA Inc.
“Non-believers — of all shades — have passively sat back for far too long while minority groups of religious fundamentalists have dominated the political debate on a swathe of important social-policy issues”
“It’s been more than 40 years since the national body — the Atheist Foundation of Australia — first started in South Australia, and while there are various ‘social groups’, there have been no other genuine ‘active’ organisations,” Mr Morris said.
He stated the newly incorporated association, Atheism SA Inc, would represent all those who had a non-religious stance, on a variety of current issues. The list includes; teaching Ethics classes in all schools, replacing school chaplains with professional counsellors, ending the annual $31 billion (est) tax and grant rort by religious businesses, and support for freedom of choice on such important and personal issues as same sex marriage and voluntary euthanasia.
He made the point that irrespective of whether policy was state or federal, South Australians need to be heard.
“Our aim is to impact on a raft of progressive legislation that — due to the political influence of church hierarchies — is constantly misrepresented to the general public, and consistently blocked by parliament,” he said.
A new website has been launched — www.atheismsa.org — which is the focal point for the organisation’s activities.
Mr Morris said all those interested in secular issues were welcome to contribute ideas and information, to write articles for the website, and to participate in scheduled activities. People of faith are also encouraged to make comment on website content.
“We will also host monthly Open Forums with films and prominent speakers. Through the website, people will suggest issues they wish to discuss — or take action on — and keep track of events organised by ASA.”
“Religion is no longer a sacred cow — it needs to be challenged openly and responsibly — the social and political ramifications are far too serious to allow Bronze Age dogma to hold sway, as it has for the past 2000 years.”
“With the wave of new critical thinkers like Dr. Richard Dawkins, Prof. Lawrence Krauss, et al, atheism has a clear and respectable voice that confronts religious myths and doctrines which undermine science, health and education,” Mr Morris said.
Brian Morris,
President
Atheism SA Inc.