Legal Director Patrick Elliott of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), will be the featured presenter at the Minnesota Atheists’ Day of Reason event at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda on Monday, May 4th from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

The annual Day of Reason gathering will bring together secular advocates, community members and legislators under the theme “Rally for Secular Government.” Speakers will address the importance of maintaining the constitutional separation of state and church and promoting evidence based public policy.

Elliott will discuss FFRF’s ongoing legal efforts to uphold secular government and protect the First Amendment rights of all Americans. Additional speakers, including legislators and secular advocates, will participate in the program.

The event will take place from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda in St. Paul, located at 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155. The event is free and open to the public.

FFRF works nationwide to defend the constitutional principle of the separation between state and church and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.

Join Dan Barker, Co-President of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), as he speaks at a public meeting hosted by the Austin Chapter of FFRF on March 14, 2026, in Austin, Texas.

Barker will present a talk titled “The Battle of Church and State,” examining the ongoing constitutional and cultural debates surrounding the separation of religion and government in the United States. Drawing from his experience as a former evangelical minister turned atheist activist and his decades of work advocating for secular government, Barker will discuss why maintaining a clear boundary between church and state remains vital to protecting religious freedom for all.

As Co-President of FFRF, Barker works to uphold the constitutional principle of separation between religion and government through education, advocacy, and legal action. During the event, he will share insights from FFRF’s work challenging church-state violations across the country and will engage with attendees during a discussion period.

The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Little Walnut Creek Branch of the Austin Public Library, located at 835 W Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78758. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Barker’s perspective on current church-state issues and learn more about FFRF’s efforts to defend the First Amendment.

Dan Barker, Co-President of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), will participate in The Anatomy of Purpose, a live public debate exploring questions of truth, morality, and human purpose, on April 16 in Central Niagara.

The Anatomy of Purpose brings together two prominent voices who have traveled markedly different spiritual paths: Dan Barker, former preacher and current atheist, and Abdu Murray, former Muslim and now Christian apologist. Through a structured and open dialogue, the speakers will examine foundational questions about reality, good and evil, morality, and the meaning of human existence.

As Co-President of FFRF, Dan Barker will contribute to the evening’s conversation by offering a secular perspective on ethics, belief, and purpose, and by engaging directly with attendees during the live Q&A session.

The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. CT (7:00 p.m. ET), with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET). The program will feature an opening introduction, a moderated discussion between Barker and Murray from 6:00–7:45 p.m. CT (7:00–8:45 p.m. ET), and a 45-minute live audience Q&A followed by closing reflections. Attendance is limited to 300 guests, and advance registration is required. Please click here for more information about the conference.

Sammi Lawrence of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) will present to the Freethinkers of Colorado Springs and their guests on Wednesday, March 25th, at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Lawrence’s presentation will focus on combating Christian Nationalism in public education, examining how religious ideology is influencing public schools. The talk will address the importance of community advocacy in defending secular public education.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in person at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. It is open to members of the Freethinkers of Colorado Springs and their invited guests.

FFRF regularly works with local chapters and community groups across the country to educate the public about nontheistic viewpoints and to uphold the constitutional separation of state and church.

Sammi Lawrence of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) will participate in a panel and networking event hosted by the Women Law Students Association at the University of Wisconsin Law School on Wednesday, March 11th.

The event will bring together attorneys and current law students for a discussion on authenticity and identity in the legal profession. Panelists will share insights from their professional experiences, addressing how personal values, background, and identity intersect with legal practice, as well as offering guidance to students preparing to enter the field.

The program will begin at 12:00 p.m. and will be held in person at the University of Wisconsin Law School. The event is open to current law students and participating student groups.

FFRF regularly engages with student organizations and academic institutions to support conversations  about constitutional principles, professional ethics, and the role of personal conviction in the practice of law.

FFRF is a proud co-sponsor of the Thomas Paine Memorial Association’s 2026 annual celebration of Thomas Paine’s birthday, an online event celebrating Paine’s life and legacy. The celebration will begin at 6 pm CST on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Opening remarks will be given by Reps. Jamie Raskin and Victoria Spartz (with a special appearance from Benjamin Franklin portrayed by actor Brian Patrick Mulligan). The keynote speaker is acclaimed historian Jack Kelly, whose book “Tom Paine’s War” explores Paine’s experiences during the Revolution. Award-winning actor Ian Ruskin will perform a dramatic reading from “The American Crisis” synchronized with a slideshow. A veteran will talk, a video showcasing Thomas Paine’s Cottage in New Rochelle, N.Y., will run, there will be musical selections from The Crossing, and cosponsor messages of support.

The event will be co-hosted by TPMA President Margaret Downey and TPMA Board Member Christopher Cameron.

Register now to attend the free event.

Kyle Steinberg, Anne Nicol Gaylor Legal Fellow at the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), will speak to students at the University of Minnesota Law School on Monday, February 2, as part of a lunchtime event hosted by the school’s newly formed Secular Law Society.

Steinberg will discuss the mission and work of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the religion clauses of the U.S. Constitution, and current legal challenges surrounding the push for religious charter schools. The talk will explore how church–state separation issues are playing out in courts and legislatures, with a focus on the implications for public education and constitutional law.

The event will take place from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Law School. This event is open to any students of the University, as well as members of the Secular Law Society. No RSVP registration is required. 

FFRF regularly engages with student groups and academic institutions to promote understanding of the constitutional principle of separation between church and state and to encourage civic engagement on related legal issues.

Freedom From Religion Foundation Co-President Dan Barker headed west in early January for a multi-city series of public events across Washington state, Northern California and Utah, with stops in Olympia, WA, San Francisco, CA, Palo Alto, CA, Sacramento, CA and Salt Lake City and Murray, UT. Audiences can look forward to an energizing mix of thoughtful commentary, live music, and engaging freethought conversations as Barker meets with local communities. All events are open to the public, and everyone, members, friends, and newcomers alike are warmly invited to attend. The events will be hosted by FFRF member Darrell Barker, the San Francisco Bay, Greater Sacramento, and Salt Lake Chapters of FFRF, with the Palo Alto event co-sponsored by the Atheist Community of San Jose and Humanist Community of Silicon Valley. We look forward to seeing you there! See the event details below:

Event Details

Salt Lake City: Saturday, January 24, 2:00 p.m.
An Afternoon with Dan Barker
Sandy Library — Large Conference Room
10100 Petunia Way, Sandy, UT
Hosted by the Salt Lake Chapter of FFRF
Questions: [email protected]

Salt Lake Oasis Network: Sunday, January 25, 11 a.m.
Music and Discussion with Dan Barker
Parker Theater Studio
3601 S. State St, in Murray, UT
Hosted by Salt Lake Oasis

You are invited!

Watch the live stream of FFRF’s 2025 Winter Solstice celebration!

Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025
1:30 p.m. EST/12:30 p.m. CST/10:30 a.m. PT

You’re cordially invited to view the live stream of Freedom From Religion Foundation’s annual Winter Solstice celebration, via Facebook and YouTube. The program will start at 12:30 p.m. CST on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.

Special musical guest Kristin Lems, a Midwest topical songwriter, performer and freethinker, will join FFRF Co-President Dan Barker, a talented pianist and songwriter, for a warm and convivial Winter Solstice concert.

The program will kick off with brief remarks from FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor about the real reason for the season, honor the anniversary of the Bill of Rights — and divulge the results of FFRF’s recent membership poll on how members celebrate (or not) the season.

Simply go to FFRF’s Facebook page or YouTube Channel on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 12:30 p.m. CST to watch!

The staff of the Freedom From Religion Foundation wishes you a serene Winter Solstice Season and a bright New Year.

Please come on October 11, 2025 for a presentation by Dan Barker, Co-President of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Dan is a former minister now an atheist and advocate for secularism and church state separation. He will be discussing the current and future efforts and actions of the FFRF and he may give a short talk on his conversion from religion. If you want more detail about him go to ffrf.org or pick up his book “Godless“. This WILL be a fascinating meeting!

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called “Going to HCCO” and we still like to think of it as our flagship event.

Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk.

Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online.

Join Zoom Meeting

(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1)

Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812

One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC)

The formal presentation will start at Noon-3pm EDT, 11am-2pm CDT

Columbus Metropolitan Library: Parsons Branch
1113 Parsons Ave
Columbus, OH
43206

The Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania will host a free webinar, Why Courts Matter, on Thursday, September 25, at 6:00 p.m. (EST). The event will explore the critical role of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court, with a special focus on environmental issues and the upcoming retention vote on Tuesday, November 4, when Pennsylvanians will decide whether to retain several justices on the state’s highest court.

Featured speakers include Ryan Jayne, Senior Policy Counsel at the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), who will discuss the court’s role in protecting civil rights and upholding science-based laws.

For more details and to register, click here.

Faith-based groups are ramping up efforts to gain power and influence by undermining the First Amendment, warns the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). To shed light on these developments, Patrick Elliott, FFRF’s Legal Director, will present an upcoming talk to the HumanistsMN, examining the growing threats to the separation of state and church at the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 3 p.m.

Elliott will outline how religious organizations are pursuing lawsuits and lobbying for legislation aimed at injecting religion into public schools and public life. His presentation will highlight what he calls a “power grab” by Christian nationalist movements, as well as recent high-profile cases that illustrate the risks to constitutional freedoms.

The event will also spotlight the legal and advocacy work that FFRF is doing nationwide to defend secular government and protect individual rights. This is a free event open to the public.

To see the event page, and to learn more about HumanistsMN, visit their website.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is pleased to announce that Co-President Dan Barker will be presenting virtually to the ACCRA Atheists as part of their Reason Rising Monthly Series this September.

Barker’s presentation, titled “From Evangelical Priesthood to Atheism,” will explore themes of humanism, science, human rights, and critical thinking. A former evangelical minister turned leading atheist advocate, Barker brings a unique perspective on the journey from faith to reason.

The event will be held virtually from 5:00–7:00 p.m. GMT (Noon–2:00 p.m. CT).

To learn more about the ACCRA Atheists and their Reason Rising series, please visit the ACCRA Atheists Facebook page.

Join FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott for a compelling discussion on recent threats to the constitutional separation of state and church. Elliott will shed light on how religious organizations are advancing their agendas through the courts and legislation—particularly efforts to insert religion into public schools.

The talk will examine key legal cases and the growing influence of Christian nationalism, as well as the work FFRF is doing to protect secular government and First Amendment freedoms.

This free, in-person event is open to the public. No RSVP is required.

Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT (Doors open at 9:40 AM)

Location: The Craftsman Inn & Suites, 7300 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066

Join Upstate New York Freethinkers for their 2nd Annual Chapter Gathering! This exciting event is open to the public (tickets required) and features a stellar lineup of speakers from the Freedom From Religion Foundation and beyond.

Throughout the day, you’ll have opportunities to meet and chat with our distinguished speakers, including Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker!

Featured Speakers:

Annie Laurie Gaylor: FFRF Co-President

Dan Barker: FFRF Co-President

Kate Cohen: Author of “We of Little Faith”

The day’s agenda includes insightful presentations, a delicious hot buffet luncheon, and tours of the historic Matilda Joslyn Gage museum (a short drive from the conference). Attendees will also have the opportunity for book signings with the featured speakers.

Optional Saturday Evening Dinner: An optional dinner is available on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Craftsman Wood Grille and Tap House (at participant’s expense, ticket RSVP required).

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow freethinkers and engage with leading voices in the movement!

IFT = I Love Freethought

For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit: unyft.org/go

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM, the Austin Area Chapter of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) will host Mickey Dollens, FFRF’s Regional Governmental Affairs Manager and Oklahoma State Representative, for a public talk at the Austin Public Library’s Pleasant Hill Branch, located at 211 E. William Cannon Dr., Austin, TX 78745.

Dollens will provide updates on FFRF’s legal efforts in Texas, discuss national legislative trends, and offer strategies for effectively engaging with state lawmakers.

A Q&A session will follow the presentation. This event is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending are encouraged to consider joining the Austin Area Chapter of FFRF. For more information, please send an email to chapter leader Andrew Bushard.

Sammi Lawrence, Staff Attorney at the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), will participate in an upcoming career panel hosted by Common Wealth Development as part of the Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program. The panel is designed to introduce local high school interns to a diverse range of professional career paths and insights from Madison-area professionals.

The Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program is a competitive summer initiative that provides more than 25 Madison youth—primarily from BIPOC communities—with hands-on work experience, mentorship, and skill development. One of the program’s cornerstone events is its annual career panel, which offers interns an opportunity to engage directly with professionals from various industries.

While the event is free to attend, it is not open to the public. For more information about the program or how to get involved, click here.

Sammi Lawrence was promoted to FFRF Staff Attorney in September 2024, following her work as the Anne Nicol Gaylor Legal Fellow beginning in June 2022. A native of Southern Wisconsin, Lawrence earned her B.A. in English Literature, magna cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 2017. She later received her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2022, where she also served as a legal intern for FFRF.

In addition to her legal advocacy work, Lawrence enjoys hiking, baking, and painting.