Dolan and the Church are so busted. Obviously, that institution was never all that committed to helping the poor and instead want to hold that sector hostage if the Cardinal doesn't get his way.

BTW I didn't realize that Catholic Charities is receiving government funds, let alone $2 billion. That support sounds unconstitutional on the face of it..
My recent post Christian and Islamic Misogyny: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Many of the "headliners" or "professional" (I prefer the term "prominent") atheists were pioneers who took a lot of crap and dealt with risk to their careers but persevered. IMO they deserve their moment in the sun.
My recent post Christian and Islamic Misogyny: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Makes sense. After all, the Internet has been as much of a boon to Orthodox Jews and Chasidim as to any other religious group. Why on earth would they want to ban the hand that feeds them? The Orthodox rabbi here in Manila has a Facebook page and occasionally promotes various sites which he feels are worth visiting.
My recent post Christian and Islamic Misogyny: Two Sides of the Same Coin

One of my goals for being a better atheist is to support those who have taken a position advocating free thought / secularism when doing so poses a physical or professional risk. such as Lady Gaga.

I admire the way she stood up to the Church here in the Philippines. Catholic leaders accused her of blasphemy and linked her with the devil and promotion of promiscuity and homosexuality. http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/lady-ga...

But she told them in effect to go fuck themselves.and performed the controversial numbers in her concert . If anything, her detractors' attacks backfired by drawing more interest and support from her fans and from those who who felt that the Church and religious demonstrators had gone to ridiculous lengths in their reaction to her.

Some might say that Lady Gaga is just a singer, but (no pun intended) every voice matters when it comes to taking on Christian privilege.

My recent post Christian and Islamic Misogyny: Two Sides of the Same Coin

"...38% of voters indicated that politicians are talking about religion "too much," an all-time high in the last 10 years."

In my lifetime, may I see that 38% become 51% or greater.
My recent post Christian and Islamic Misogyny: Two Sides of the Same Coin

When vjack begins a narrative with the oxymoron "Baptist university", you know that whatever the institution did, it has to be egregious. In that regard, the story that followed didn't disappoint.

Yet, as serious an impact as the mass resignation may have on the students, at least maybe it taught them a real life lesson about integrity.
My recent post An Unconventional Atheists Convention

No need for bewilderment. Did you notice the state that where this school is located?

My recent post An Unconventional Atheists Convention

President Obama has broken a string of promises, so it's not surprising that reforming the OFBCI was one of them. Still, the existence activities of this department cut to the heart of separation of Church and State. Hopefully, if Obama wins a second term, he can focus on making good on his word on some of his 2008 campaign pledges since he won't have to worry getting reelected again.
My recent post An Unconventional Atheists Convention

Makes sense to me.
My recent post An Unconventional Atheists Convention

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when a Catholic priest is charged with child molestation, isn't it only the archdiocese that faces civil litigation? If so, I wonder whether the Vatican itself , as the central authority of the Church, could be sued instead. This seems to be the case with Florida Baptist Convention's failure to properly vet one its pastors.
My recent post An Unconventional Atheists Convention