By Billie Sieg
I want to share this letter of rejection with you. My attempt to join this Elks Club was prompted by this widow lady’s desire to branch out socially. This is the only facility in this small town that has dancing, dining, and social activities. My application to join was sponsored by two of my neighbors. The application had the question, “Do you believe in God?”
In spite of the suggestion by several of my religious friends to obfuscate, I answered truthfully, hoping that it was an ancient requirement no longer observed.
I took it as a good sign when I was granted an interview. Despite what the letter states, I was only interviewed by one person–the Grand Elk himself. I passed the first question regarding citizenship so he moved on to The God Thing, which I answered politely. He wasted no time telling me, rather testily, that god belief was a requirement so my application was dismissed. I was so devastated I left the next morning on a 22-day Thailand vacation! There, much to my delight, I learned a new expression of exasperation–“Oh my Buddha!”
Foundation member Billie Sieg, an octogenarian, lives in Oregon, and would love to hear from freethinkers. She can be contacted through FFRF (address a letter to forward to: Billie Sieg, c/o FFRF, PO Box 750, Madison WI 53701). Billie writes: “Perhaps we can all meet at next year’s conference in Chicago!”
