An atheist at Christmas Mass

[no_hypocrisy]

1. 1989

I attended a Christmas Eve service in rural Virginia. The minister propounded that there are no atheists on a maternity ward.

He provoked a letter in response from me.

I beg to take issue with your promoting inaccurate information with your parishoners.

"There are no atheists on a maternity ward." There was an atheist in the congregation on Christmas Eve, myself. * * * Your statement reflected that you have not had many conversations with atheists, freethinkers, humanists, etc. and/or you haven't visited many maternity wards. Having a baby does not promote a belief in a God and miracle-making myths. It is a biological reality.

* * *

In closing, I ask that you refrain from repeating this atheist-maternity ward assumption until you have completed more research and have amended your outlook before you share it again with people who consider you to be an authority. You need to give your flock the truth, not an assumption.

Otherwise, you gave an outstanding Christmas service.