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| Secular Sunday Editorial Team |
These bodies never have to change their ways, because they can get away with giving lip service to equality, diversity, and inclusion and get lauded for it.
For example, in a recent WRC case, the Department of Defence claimed that it was necessary to be a Catholic priest to take up employment as a Chaplain in the Defence forces. Schools claim that they are inclusive, while giving preference to co-religionists.
The Charities Act includes the advancement of religion but not atheism as a charitable purpose, and presumes that a gift for the advancement of religion is of public benefit. The Civil Registration Act privileges religious bodies over nonreligious bodies, and privileges humanists over atheists.
A conscientious atheist cannot become President, a judge, Taoiseach, or take other high state positions, because we would have to swear a religious oath. Our parliamentarians start each day with a prayer which asks the Christian God to direct every action, word and work of theirs.
It is difficult to take privileges away from people who have known nothing else but that privilege. They might believe in diversity and inclusion. But when it comes to actually letting go of their privileged position, they will make up every excuse for how important it is for them to hold on to their position, and how well equipped they are for the position.
As always, you can help us to campaign on secular issues by joining Atheist Ireland as a member, or by asking anybody who you think may be interested in joining us to do so. We are an entirely voluntary body with no paid staff, and we depend on our members to continue our work. You can join Atheist Ireland here.
For example, in a recent WRC case, the Department of Defence claimed that it was necessary to be a Catholic priest to take up employment as a Chaplain in the Defence forces. Schools claim that they are inclusive, while giving preference to co-religionists.
The Charities Act includes the advancement of religion but not atheism as a charitable purpose, and presumes that a gift for the advancement of religion is of public benefit. The Civil Registration Act privileges religious bodies over nonreligious bodies, and privileges humanists over atheists.
A conscientious atheist cannot become President, a judge, Taoiseach, or take other high state positions, because we would have to swear a religious oath. Our parliamentarians start each day with a prayer which asks the Christian God to direct every action, word and work of theirs.
It is difficult to take privileges away from people who have known nothing else but that privilege. They might believe in diversity and inclusion. But when it comes to actually letting go of their privileged position, they will make up every excuse for how important it is for them to hold on to their position, and how well equipped they are for the position.
As always, you can help us to campaign on secular issues by joining Atheist Ireland as a member, or by asking anybody who you think may be interested in joining us to do so. We are an entirely voluntary body with no paid staff, and we depend on our members to continue our work. You can join Atheist Ireland here.
⏩ Follow Atheist Ireland on Twitter @atheistie
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