04.28.2008 4:44 pm
Even atheists need a spiritual home
Special to the Post-Dispatch
The current New York Magazine has an article on the desire of some atheists for a community of their own that would serve the functions of a “church,” the way the Ethical Society of St. Louis does. The article talks about the Ethical Society in Manhattan, in New York City; the author doesn’t seem to know that the largest Ethical Society in the nation is here in St. Louis–But that’s New Yorkers for you. (I can say that as I was born there.)
Kate Lovelady, 38, of Dogtown is the Leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis, which was founded in 1886 and is currently the largest Ethical Society in the nation. Kate's life partner, Billy Dechand, is a local musician. Kate's hobbies include vegan baking and riding her 49cc scooter. 
Kate - write a letter to the New York Magazine editor pointing out their failure to look beyond the Hudson.
We often forget that people attending church often go for the community, support, and the opportunities to contribute to their society. Congregations are centers of many activities in the United States, and atheists, humanists, and agnostics must create similar venues for people who would like to unite for companionship, discourse and social action. The Ethical Societies are a great place to meet and discuss issues of critical importance to our society. There are Ethical Societies in many major cities, and they require no set of beliefs or opinions on the existence of a god or gods to visit or be members.
We need more Ethical Societies, and more alternative communities, for those who wish to move beyond creed.