TUPELO, Miss. — Despite projections that Christianity might be a minority by 2045, a new study from the University of Nebraska revealed that many atheists feel an unfair amount of social alienation despite their burgeoning numbers in the US. According to the study, female atheists complained about being perceived as “sexually immoral.” Atheists in general residing in small towns apparently experience fear of violence more than atheists in cities, despite the few reports of “hate crimes” against atheists for their beliefs.

American Family Association (AFA, www.AFA.net) Executive Vice President Ed Vitagliano said now atheists know something of what Christians are experiencing in the US, noting that those afraid of religious persecution — no matter their personal beliefs — must work together to fight for the God-given freedom of religion in America.

“Part of the blessings inherent in our constitutional republic is freedom of religion, but that also means freedom to not believe in something,” Vitagliano said. “However, our culture is so angrily divided among so many fault lines, Christians can certainly understand how atheists in small town America feel somewhat alienated. In fact, many of us would say to atheists, ‘Welcome to our world.’ Christians have the same sense of anxiety in big cities, Blue states, inside many corporations, and certainly on college and university campuses. One could also point to the outright hostility shown to Christians by the so-called ‘New Atheists’ for the last 20 years. Such anger and refusal to allow people to believe and say what they want –– without fear of being ‘canceled’ –– is destroying the Public Square. We would welcome well-meaning atheists to join Christians in the fight against the authoritarians who want to crush dissent and, with it, our Republic.”

For over 40 years, AFA has operated within the mission to inform, equip, and activate individuals to strengthen the moral foundations of American culture and give aid to the church here and abroad in its task of fulfilling the Great Commission.  Founded in 1977, AFA has long been on the front lines of America’s culture war. Today, AFA is one of the largest and most effective pro-family organizations in the country, with nearly a million online supporters and approximately 110,000 subscribers to The Stand (formerly known as the AFA Journal), the ministry’s monthly magazine.  Find AFA Action Alerts here.  In addition, AFA owns and operates nearly 180 radio stations across the country under the American Family Radio banner. 

View the media page for AFA here. For more information on American Family Association, visit www.afa.net or follow AFA on Facebook or Twitter @AmericanFamAssc.       

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To interview an AFA spokesperson, contact [email protected], Beth Harrison, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102.  