One thing we hear over and over is the need for social groups for the non-believers. Missing some sort of social structure with regular meetings is what a lot of atheists say they miss when leaving their churches. The Unitarians can and do provide a lot of ceremonial gatherings and they do not have a religious theme and all are invited. Still, there is a need/want and I applaud any group that tries to fill this want. We need to find ways to attract more people to our cause and doing so in a fun and socially attractive manner is great. besides one doesn't need to be identified as a religious organization to get a tax relief. The most common way is to file as a 501 3 tax exempt organization. I am on the board of several local organizations that are in that category and it's no big deal.

I simply do not like the "church tag" put on things. In fact, look backwards into bible days and try to imagine a "church" if you will. People of like mind met up but the term "church" must have came out of 1611 or earlier so ones reading the scripture would have an idea of what it meant. What was a church over 2000 years ago. Chances are it is not remotely close to what we think one is today.

It seems like there's a lot of negative comments about organized Atheist groups here. I for one am very happy to have found a local Humanist, Free Thought group and have been a core member for seven years. We meet twice a month for scientific discussion, evenings out at local eateries and pubs, museums and general camaraderie. We celebrate the winter solstice rather than xmas and in the summer we celebrate with a live band, volleyball and mix with our neighbors of all religions. It has made me a happier and more fulfilled person.

The Humanist Association represents a large sub class of none believers, so large in fact that it probably includes most of us, and it does a good job at taking on the churches at their own game I believe. It is hard though, since the big advantage that churches have of course, is that they have a coffee shop and art gallery, where they play their own propaganda music, on every high street.

We still have a lot of catching up to do, but there are more and more secular charities with shops on the high streets and an increasing need for helpers, and one day some great composer will write the science oratorio, and there will be a Michelangelo's Newton and a Darwin by Leonardo.

An athiest church make about the same amount of sense to me as a pet supply store for people that have no pets.

I like the idea of a secular, agnostic/atheist, charitable organization. I do not like the idea of atheism being linked to a church or counted as a religion--because it isn't.

I would think Atheist is easier than anarchist to assemble a council. A church of Atheist would not make sense because they are not for Religion.

Where in Toronto would you find these Atheist churches?

I’m personally not for unifying as an atheist group...we are already accused of being just another religion, I suppose they think we have a kind of belief in non-belief if you like. This of course is nonsense, but I think uniting in a organised way would confirm that accusation. It would mean electing leaders and having a constitution, meeting together (congregations) in some kind of buildings (churches)...do you get my drift here? It’s definitely not for me, as I don’t feel the need to discuss my atheist views with others, especially others with the same views...that to me is just a talking shop. I am sure, however, that others may like the idea, it’s entirely up to the individual.

beware as soon as a "Church" tag is added... the road to 'Hell' goes through Church....