If these bishops were even remotely in touch with the society in which they claim leadership status, they might have seen in advance that such comments would create a PR disaster. A pox on them and their ilk for their insulting accusations. Many atheists who previously were quite happy to let them get on with their ridiculous work, as long as they didn't interfere with our lives, have now been galvanised into action, swearing to actively oppose them at every possible opportunity.

Quite a rational article. Hardly a crusading one.
It does no more than point out the fundamentals of the old-old-story: that it is not one of "peace on you whatever your belief", but the antediluvian diehards' dictum of "Peece on you for not having my belief" .

If the author can't see evolution is indoctrination of pseudo science then he is either blind or ignorant. Frauds, twisted observances and even deceit surpass that of climategate and that is saying something. Wait for all the zealots here to defend their 'faith' and you will get the drift.

Oh runner, good on you. I think you have just well supported the article's argument. Thank you.

If 'evidence' is required, then surely there can be no atheists: rather, we must all be agnostic!

Yes, Gorufus, most of us are agnostics.

Agnosticism is to knowledge as atheism and theism are to belief. Which is why labeling one’s self as an “agnostic” is most unhelpful and says very little really.

Either way, the onus is on the believers to provide the evidence. Non-believers are not obliged to look for evidence to disprove gods or religions as it is the religious making a claim, not atheists. Atheism is simply a response to the claim.