THE POPE IS COMING to AMERICA… And We?ll be Ready to Protest the Vatican?s Oppressive and Theocratic Agenda for Our Country and the Rest of the World! http://www.atheists.org/temp/popeVisit2008.html——————————————————————————–POPE BENEDICT, a/k/a Joseph Ratzinger ? formerly head of the Holy Inquisition and now Pope of the Roman Catholic Church ? is coming to visit the United States/ Leading clerical and political figures ? including President George W. Bush ? will be meeting in him during papal visits to Washington, DC and New York City.AMERICAN ATHEISTS will be hosting peaceful demonstrations in both cities to protest the papal agenda for cultural, social and political hegemony. We invite all Atheist, Freethought, Secular Humanists and other nonbelievers to join us in speaking out. Whatever label you use to describe your nonbelief and opposition to clerical authoritarianism of all denominations ? whether you?re a Rationalist, a Bright, a Humanist, Agnostic, Atheist, or a strict Separationist ? we welcome you!WASHINGTON, DC.April 16, 2008The Pope will join Bush for a reception on the south lawn of the White House. Join us beginning at 10:00 AM across the street from the White House in Lafayette Park. Bring signs and banners conveying a polite but firm message in opposition to the Vatican/Ratzinger agenda. There will be a brief program of speakers including: ELLEN JOHNSON, President of American Atheists ARLENE-MARIE, President of Michigan Atheists and State Director, AA MARGARET DOWNEY, President of Atheist Alliance FRED EDWORDS, Director of Communications, American Humanist Association CHRISTOPHER ARNTZEN, President, Gay and Lesbian Atheists and Humanists RICK WINGROVE, Capitol Hill Representative, Virginia Director, American Atheists Lafayette Park is convenient to the McPherson Square station of the METRO.For further information, contact RICK WINGROVE at rwingrove@atheists.org.NEW YORK CITY, NY.April 18-20, 2008The pope is scheduled for two days of events in New York City, and so far the police have not announced specifics on when or where demonstrations will be permitted. We will post that information as soon as we have it.In the meantime, stay in contact with KEN BRONSTEIN of NYC Atheists. Reach Ken through NYCATHEISTS@aol.com.(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.)