An atheist’s view on the school prayer issue

By Guest

Dear Editor:

I read with great interest two recent letters decrying the removal of prayer from the Canton High graduation ceremony. I had quite a different response. We are a family of proud American atheists, and I am one of many who feel alienated when prayer is part of public ceremonies, including school events and town meetings. How many of us are atheists? Well, it’s difficult to say with precision. Since the label comes with quite a bit of stigma, it is not hard to imagine that many under-report in surveys. Conservatively, one in 10 Americans are atheists, but a recent study suggests it could be as high as 29 percent (fivethirtyeight.com/features/way-more-americans-may-be-atheists-than-we-thought/).

The numbers, however, are not the issue. The issue here is separation of church and state. I believe that both institutions are healthier when there is a robust separation. I have no interest in dislodging anyone’s faith. I only ask that my lack of faith be respected as well. Please understand that this is a well-considered position just as, I am sure, your religious beliefs are. There can be no freedom of religion unless we are free to not believe at all.

During the years that my children were in the Canton schools I remained silent because I did not want to expose them to threats and bullying. Unfortunately, when atheist parents have raised these concerns in other communities, it has resulted in persecution up to and including death threats. Not exactly a shining moment for the faithful!

So if you want to thank God on your child’s graduation day, please do so! It just doesn’t need to be a part of the ceremony.

Sue Harrington

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