Introduction
AoF supports a naturalistic worldview and church-state separation to ensure freedom of conscience for all.
Why "Atheists and Other Freethinkers"?
The open right to believe or not believe in a deity is a basic right of conscience afforded to every American by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. But our society has a certain cultural bias against persons whose worldview is naturalistic. Those openly “deity-free” are marginalized and labeled “nonbelievers,” despite having sincere convictions, while “persons of faith” find acceptance as full participants in our society.
AOF affirms the right of an individual to hold a worldview free of supernatural belief and to express it without discrimination or penalty, and without denial of a citizen’s full participation in American life.
One need not be an atheist or a freethinker to be a member of AOF, but one must support the stated purpose of the organization and pay annual dues. Supporters of AOF recognize the need to have a strong wall of separation between church and state that prevents religious intrusion into government (and vice versa). To protect liberty of conscience for all citizens means ensuring freedom from, as well as of, religion.
What is a Freethinker?
A freethinker is a person who forms his or her opinions independently of tradition, authority, or established beliefs. Freethinkers reject dogma and creeds. When weighing the evidence for religious tenets put forth by others, they reject the supernatural and rely on logic combined with empiricism.
What is an Atheist?
Atheism signifies a lack of belief in deities, with many atheists viewing the existence of a god as unlikely. Due to the historical absence of credible evidence for supernatural beings, atheists maintain a skeptical stance, holding those who claim a god exists accountable for providing proof.
AOFers and Friends
Members self-identify differently (atheist, agnostic, secular humanist, rationalist, skeptic, bright, etc.). An AOF member does not search for understanding through religion. Purpose and meaning are found in a life lived free of supernatural beliefs. AOF offers members camaraderie and opportunities to make fuller contributions to society.
The Atheists and Other Freethinkers organization …
Our Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the nonprofit organization Atheists and Other Freethinkers is to promote the civic understanding and acceptance of atheists and freethinkers in our community. Through its educational programs, project, and publications, AOF extends atheistic perspectives concerning the separation of church and state and the right to think and speak freely on these perspectives.
AOF was established in 1993 in Sacramento, California. Initially a nonprofit educational association with bylaws, officers, and a board of directors, it became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation in 2002.
AOF is a member society of Atheist Alliance International. Additional affiliations include American Humanist Association, American Atheists, the Council for Secular Humanism, and Sacramento Coalition of Reason.