An excellent, well written article. Like the author, I too am a godless geek; an atheist, like most atheists I know, with ethics.

another great piece from Chrys; as always her work is direct and honest without being unfairly judgemental-highly commendable!! thanks for pointing out all of the volunteer work that goes into this movement for change. we should never forget the unpaid work of Chrys and all of other secular activists and spokespeople...individually and collectively we can all make a difference to the world, thanks Chrys! she also has a blog that many are following: "Gladly, the Cross-Eyed Bear" at: http://thatsmyphilosophy.wordpress.com

Chrys is a real voice of reason and highly regarded and respected by many!

keep writing Chrys, we are listening!

Wow, it sounds like a wonderful and worthwhile meeting. I will make to the next one no matter what. As for being a Nazi I am not Catholic like Hitler so I don't see the connection at all, and I am very tried of stupid statements that have no foundation from people like Pell. My life, which is godless, is full of purpose and caring for others, I don't need a god to tell me how to be "good". As for the the Stop the Austrian Vaccination Network, they are true HEROES. My friend had a baby this year and info had been past to her about the AVN and she was reconsidering if she should have her son vaccinated. It was at this time that I post some things from Stop the AustralianVaccination Network on my Facebook page and she realised that what the AVN was saying was insane. This helped her to inform her first mum's group, which means that is 10 babies were saved from AVN insanity.
Finally Chyrs this article as always is interesting and provides so much great info. Thanks

Another beautifully written, reasonable and well-reasoned piece from Chrys.

Cardinal Pell?

Surely no one outside the the staff of The Australian would even waste five seconds on this unxtian character?

Pell seems to believe that, outside of the Vatican's evil grip on people, organisations like the Salvo's are the way to go:
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/salvation-army-says-sorry-for-abuse-20101207-18o2c.html

There are not too many non-believing groups who can outshine the religious for their thoughtful expressions of the Jesus True Love.

This is what the Generalissimo, flown out all the way from the UK, in a tightly controlled media event, had to say about the 'everyone loves the Salvos' efforts:

"In the event that was closed to the media, the Salvation Army acknowledged the 'rigid, harsh and authoritarian' environment inside many of its homes.

"Many children did not experience the gentleness of love that they needed," the apology, later distributed to media, read.

"Some children suffered abuse and deprivation. As a result their stories are full of hurt, rejection, discouragement and a failure to realise potential"

Yes, Cardinal Pell and his Jesus Prayer Warriors would know ALL about 'love' and 'tolerance' wouldn't they?

Which is why the latest nonsense to promote religion in state schools, in WA, is so dangerous and upsetting:

http://www.bunburymail.com.au/news/local/news/general/bunbury-chaplains-take-on-disaster-support-role/2019197.aspx

Here is Youthcare on the NSCA list..
http://schoolchaplaincy.org.au/about-nsca/

What they get away with in WA via the NSCP..
http://www.youthcare.org.au/Inner-Text/chaplaincy.html

Brilliant summation of the meeting Chrys.