Are you one of the 27 million? That's how many people in America describe themselves as Atheists, Agnostics, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists -- people who are non-religious, or have serious doubts about religious deities, teaching and practices. Now, federal and state faith-based initiatives would impose a Religion Tax, and compel us to open our wallets and purses in order to fund faith-based social programs across the country.

It's time that we "closed ranks" and let our voices be heard on this important public policy issue. Up to now, the "debate" over public funding of faith-based programs has been monopolized by religious groups who quibble over details, and often ignore the important constitutional and public policy issues involved.

Some are eager for public funding, but only if other religious groups are excluded. Others have no problem confiscating our tax money for their creed-based outreaches, and worry only about government "entanglement" and possible financial accountability. There are 27 million of us, however. That's more people than are counted as members of most leading religious denominations in the United States. Isn't it time that Congress and the White House paid attention to US? That's why we are launching a new campaign, THE DAY THAT COUNTS. on July 10, 2001, we invite representatives from the nation's atheist, freethinker and humanist groups to speak out at a press conference in Washington, DC, and send a message to the White House and Capitol Hill -- we oppose public funding of faith-based social programs! on July 17, 2001, we ask that letters, phone calls and faxes flood Congressional and Senate offices in our nation's capital expressing opposition to the faith-based initiative! While American Atheists has organized THE DAY THAT COUNTS campaign, we invite other atheist, freethought and humanist groups to join us in Washington, DC on July 10, and lend their names in endorsing this effort.

We also invite individual atheists, freethinkers and other persons-of-no-belief to endorse this action, and "sign" our statement of support. For more information on THE DAY THAT COUNTS campaign, visit our website. Join us as America's nonbelievers speak out to make their opinions count on Capitol Hill.

--Chris Allen