The American Atheists' National Convention Will Take Place In Atlanta Easter Weekend

FULTON COUNTY, GA — About 500 atheists are expected to gather in Atlanta over Easter weekend for the 2022 American Atheists' National Convention, according to the group’s website.

The New Jersey-based nonprofit will hold the convention April 14-17 at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel at the Cobb Galleria Center.

Atheists don’t believe in the existence of God or gods.

Nick Fish, president of American Atheists, said in a statement on the organization’s website that he hopes the convention will energize and empower atheists to engage in their communities.

“In Georgia and elsewhere, white Christian nationalists are working to restrict voting access, undermine public education, and make abortion illegal,” he said. “We cannot allow them to succeed.”

In 1963, Madalyn Murray O’Hair founded the organization, describing herself as “the most hated woman in America” for her anti-religion activism. O’Hair advocated for the separation of church and state.

This year’s speakers include Mandisa L. Thomas, founder and president of the Atlanta-based Black Nonbelievers, a nonprofit that promotes itself as being a safe space for Black people who are “living free from faith”; and Dave Warnock, a former evangelical pastor and author.

The event kicks off Thursday with a Charity Game Night benefiting Access Reproductive Care–Southeast, a nonprofit that offers reproductive care including abortion services.

On Easter Sunday, atheists are scheduled to come together for the “Two Hands Working” Service Project. This volunteer project is named after O’Hair’s famous quote, “Two hands working can do more than a thousand clasped in prayer.” During the event, attendees will pack 50,000 meals for people in need in the Atlanta area.

“Doing good work through service and activism is at the heart of our convention,” said Debbie Goddard, vice president for programs. “And community is essential. People who leave religion can feel isolated. At our convention, attendees experience a sense of togetherness and learn ways to better get involved in their communities — all without having to go to church.”

Tickets are available online until April 9, and limited tickets will be available at the door. Area residents receive a special discounted admission rate of $99 for the weekend. For more information, visit convention.atheists.org.