Americans United,

Seattle Chapter Newsletter


Volume 3

Online at http://www.auseattle.org/newsletter

March-April 2008


First Freedom First Simulcast

On March 26, First Freedom First held a very successful simulcast event. Broadcast simultaneously in cities all across America, the event brought together high-profile celebrities and church-state activists in support of the Wall of Separation. In Seattle, the event was held at Pacific Place Theater. Both the Eastside and Seattle chapters of AU were well represented.

The simulcast featured actor Peter Coyote as host, as well as entertainers including Kevin Bacon and Michael J. Fox. The most poignant stories, however, were delivered by “ordinary” Americans with great courage who became heroic citizens. These included a high school student who exposed proselytizing by his history teacher, as well as a Wiccan widow of the Afghanistan war who prevailed upon the federal government for a proper headstone for her husband who died in a helicopter crash. The important legal work of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation headed by Mikey Weinstein was highlighted. Church-state issues including stem cell research, creationism, and state involvement in the right to die were discussed by our own Barry Lynn, Executive Director of Americans United, and Welton Gaddy, President of The Interfaith Alliance Foundation. The full simulcast can be found at firstfreedomfirst.org.

Thanks to everyone who turned out and helped make this event a success!

AU-Seattle Activities

AU-Seattle at Town Hall

In February, AU Seattle sponsored an excellent talk at Seattle’s Town Hall by Mikey Weinstein, director of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (militaryreligiousfreedom.org). Mikey spoke to a capacity crowd about the religious indoctrination faced by many within the Armed Forces, as well as the personal experiences of his own family. Mikey and his family are featured in the upcoming movie Constantine’s Sword, in theaters this Spring. Thanks to Town Hall, Elliott Bay Books, and everyone who came to this great event.

Become a Board Member!

Martin, the President of our chapter, is moving out of the country. His leadership has brought us from humble beginnings to some impressive successes. We wish him well in his travels!


Martin leaves some big shoes to fill, but we know that our chapter is up to the task! In our April meeting (details below) we will decide who will be doing what on the Board after Martin leaves. If you have a passion for the work that we do, please come to our April meeting! We have exciting plans for the future, and plenty of opportunities for activism.

Next Meeting: April 17

Our next board meeting will be at 6:30PM on Thursday, April 17, at Capitol Hill Library, 425 Harvard Ave. E. We will determine the composition of the new Board in light of Martin’s looming departure. All are welcome to attend!