FFRF’s convention was inspiring, enlightening
By Sara Tetzloff
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s 47th annual convention in Denver was a weekend filled with passionate speeches, enlightening presentations and an unmistakable sense of community among secular freethinkers. From the welcoming address on Friday, Sept. 27, to Saturday’s closing on Sept. 28, attendees were treated to a series of engaging events, celebrating the mission of FFRF while also addressing some of today’s most pressing issues regarding the separation of church and state.
The convention kicked off with a warm welcome from Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker, co-presidents of FFRF. In true FFRF fashion, Dan serenaded the crowd with “Die Gedanken sind frei,” a historical freethought anthem, setting the tone for a weekend dedicated to celebrating the freedom of thought. Sadie Pattinson, FFRF’s events manager, welcomed attendees from all over the country (and world!) with a spirited state roll call, encouraging everyone to cheer for their home states. Denver residents certainly made their presence known as the host city’s attendees greeted fellow members with enthusiasm.
Throughout the weekend, a series of notable speakers addressed issues at the heart of FFRF’s mission. To kick off the convention, sociologist Ryan Cragun presented data on secularization and the causes of religious decline, drawing from his latest book, “Goodbye Religion: The Causes and Consequences of Secularization.” His engaging presentation challenged the often-claimed superiority of religious people in terms of happiness, civic engagement and morality, presenting compelling evidence to the contrary.
Washington Post columnist Kate Cohen, highlighted the increasing influ ence of Christian nationalism in U.S. politics, particularly its impact on public education and reproductive rights. Cohen’s remarks emphasized the challenges posed by religious groups seeking to erode the separation of church and state, making a powerful case for ongoing vigilance and activism.
New York Times opinion columnist Michelle Goldberg’s talk on “The Rise of Christian Nationalism” dug into how Christian nationalism is reshaping politics in the country and beyond. New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow warned of a growing threat to American democracy in his speech, linking Christian nationalism, white supremacy and systemic inequality.
In the afternoon, state legislators Judy Amabile, Brianna Titone and Mickey Dollens discussed their experiences navigating the intersection of religion and politics. They shared their motivations for running for office, challenges faced from religious influences on legislation, and efforts to uphold the separation of church and state. Despite facing opposition, they emphasized the importance of grassroots activism, bipartisan collaboration, and practical, science-based approaches to governance.
To close out the first night, Ron Reagan spoke with a mix of humor and urgency about the fragile state of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism. He criticized slow responses to global issues like climate change while emphasizing the need to protect democratic values. Reagan stressed that authoritarianism thrives on division and bigotry, and he called for collective action to defend democracy. His message to the audience is clear: Vote, participate and don’t take democracy for granted because the future depends on it.
Launching the second day of the convention, Bradley Onishi’s speech tackled the rise of Christian nationalism and how it threatens American democracy. Professor and author Josh Cowen then spoke out against school voucher programs, warning that they undermine public education and exacerbate inequality. Author and investigative reporter Katherine Stewart’s speech emphasized the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state, particularly in the face of rising Christian nationalism. Brandon Wolf, national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, gave a moving speech that touched on his journey as a queer Black man and his fight for equality and acceptance. Best-selling author Bonnie Garmus humorously reflected on her journey from a skeptical child in a Presbyterian choir to becoming an atheist.
To close out the convention, actor and atheist Jon Huertas delivered a witty and thought-provoking speech, “Blacks and Latinos: Unshackling Ourselves from Holy Handcuffs,” where he humorously explored the role of religion in Black and Latino communities. He reflected on the irony of these communities holding on to a religion once forced on their ancestors through colonization and slavery. Through personal stories, like his childhood in a Catholic family and amusing encounters with religious hypocrisy, Huertas emphasized the importance of breaking free from these religious chains. He argued that instead of defending outdated doctrines, these communities should focus their energy on education, economic independence, and political engagement. With humorous anecdotes and a call to action, Huertas urged the audience to rethink religious control and embrace a future shaped by inclusivity, progress and freedom from dogma.
A major highlight of the convention was the announcement of FFRF’s continued growth. The organization, which had a modest 1,800 members in 1987, now proudly boasts nearly 40,000 members. Dan Barker emphasized the importance of this growth, with a goal to reach 50,000 members.
FFRF’s legal team members gave an update on their ongoing battles to maintain state/church separation, showcasing their impactful lawsuits against unconstitutional religious displays and practices in public schools. The convention-goers learned about the success of the FFRF’s efforts to remove religious symbols from public spaces and the importance of continuing to challenge religious overreach in government institutions.
FFRF also emphasized the importance of media and outreach in its work. Popular weekly programs, “Ask an Atheist” and “Freethought Matters,” continue to air, reaching a growing audience on YouTube and in major cities across the country. The “Vote Like Your Rights Depend on It” voter awareness campaign was announced, rallying members to participate in the upcoming elections to safeguard secular values.
The convention wrapped up with a powerful reminder of the importance of the FFRF’s work. A reimagined ad by Ron Reagan, proudly stating “Lifelong atheist, not afraid of burning in hell,” was once again played to much applause. As Dan and Annie Laurie closed the event, they reinforced that freethought is essential in defending freedom and democracy.
The 2024 convention was a celebration of secular activism, filled with education, camaraderie and a shared commitment to ensuring that reason, not religion, guides public policy. FFRF’s members left inspired, ready to continue the fight for a secular government and to push back against religious encroachment in public life.
Editor’s note: FFRF will be publishing the transcripts of the convention speeches in this and future issues of Freethought Today.
