Obama inauguration: Non-believers part of U.S. "patchwork heritage"
“For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers,” Obama said in his speech.
In a news release, Ed Buckner, president of American Atheists Inc., said atheists and others who could be labeled as “non-believers” should routinely be acknowledged by elected leaders as “the good, patriotic, taxpaying and contributing citizens we have always been.”
However, before Obama’s speech that acknowledgement has rarely been offered, the atheists organization said.
Buckner said Obama’s forthright acknowledgement is appreciated.
“President Barack Obama finally did what many before him should have done, rightly citing the great diversity of Americans as part of the nation’s great strength — and including ‘non-believers’ in that mix,” Buckner said in his statement.
Buckner also alluded to Obama’s mother, who was an atheist.
“His mother would have been proud, and so are we. Congratulations and best wishes on your presidency, Mr. Obama. And thanks for including us all, right from the start.”
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
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