I would like to dedicate this week’s Music Monday to a very special friend of mine who will go unnamed. A little while ago this person informed me that they received their official letter from their church announcing that thier request to be removed from the church was granted. It is a weird that such a move is so important (who needs a letter to be allowed to not participate in something like that?), but I know that this action is a very profound and almost spiritual experience for some.

Today, I decided that the readers at the CFI blog Freethinking needed an update on how the CFI On Campus affiliates are doing. You all work hard to organize and coordinate events, support groups, volunteering projects, and much, much more. I'm posting this information here, too, both as a thank-you to everyone for their hard work, and as inspiration for other students. I'm sure that I've missed some groups who have also put on awesome events this month. I'm sorry that I couldn't remember everyone, but if you'd like to update us on what you've been doing feel free to email us or add our email to your listserv/newsletter.

I first learned of Doe v. Acton-Boxborough in early September after attending a meeting of the Greater Worcester Humanists. Dave Niose, president of the American Humanist Association (AHA), was in attendance at the meeting. When he spoke to the group, he mentioned that AHA was filing a lawsuit against the town of Acton over the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterwards, I told Mr. Niose that I was from Acton and inquired about the lawsuit. He gave me a brief overview of the case and the kind of arguments they were going to make in court. Needless to say, I was pretty surprised to find out that my town was going to be at the center of such a potentially historic case.

It just so happens to be the day before Valentines day. So how about a love song for this week's Music Monday? Perhaps a song about loving reality and how that might affect how you love others? I can't think of a better song that fits this criteria other than The Flaming Lips' song "Do You Realize??"

Hey everyone! So things have been as busy as ever for us at CFI Transnational over the last few weeks. You may have seen the new African Amhericans for Humanism website and campaign launch, including billboards and ads all over the United States. Plus, we're still doing last-minute registrations for students who want to attend the Moving Secularism Forward conference, all while helping to sponsor ReasonFest and Darwin Week! Whew! But there is one thing I don't want you to miss.