American Atheists' Next Chapter: Nick Fish on Collaboration, Equality, and Real Religious Freedom

Glass City Humanist

Nick Fish is our guest. He is the fourth president of American Atheists in its 60-year history. We discuss his journey to the organization, the strategic plan for the next 60 years, the current climate of religious freedom in the U.S., and how groups can collaborate to uphold secular values.

Nick shares his background as a civil rights activist and his path into the secular movement. His frustration with partisan politics led him to focus on issues where religious intrusion impacts various social areas, such as LGBTQ rights, abortion access, and public education.

The conversation shifts towards the introduction of a new strategic plan by American Atheists aimed at fostering community, advocating for equality, and fighting for secularism in government. Nick outlines the importance of emphasizing religious pluralism while centering the voices of atheists in national discourse.

Nick expresses concerns about the health of religious freedom in the U.S., especially regarding the rising influence of Christian nationalism. He criticizes the misleading narratives regarding religious freedom propagated by some groups that actually seek religious supremacy rather than equality.

Nick also gives his thoughts about Released Time Religious Instruction programs like LifeWise Academy in Ohio, where public school students are allowed to leave campus for religious instruction, emphasizing that this practice detracts from actual education and can ostracize non-religious students.

Throughout the interview, Nick highlights the importance of collaboration among secular organizations and the need to build local-level activism.

Nick finally shares details about the upcoming national conference scheduled for Easter weekend in 2025, taking place in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis–Saint Paul.

Full Show Notes

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