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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]St Marks Episcopal on Capitol Hill is full of atheists -- the former priest was a non-believer.

However, they do the regular Episcopalian service and now have a pastor who is a believer.

St. Columba's in Tenley DC also has a fair share of non-believers and no one cares what you believe -- and they have lots of activities.[/quote]

I'm an Episcopalian, and have worshipped for many years at St. C's.  It's true that nobody there would ask you what you believe and that you and your family would be welcome to participate in all activities, but I have to wonder whether an atheist would feel comfortable praying, singing -- or even listening to -- hymns of worship, reading the Bible, etc.  I mean, these are liberal congregations and many of us engage quite openly with our questions and doubts, but most of the time, most of us believe there's a God.    [/quote]

+1. I’ve attended St. C’s on occasion. I wonder what pp is going on when she claims “many atheists” at any church. Does she go around coffee hour—at the multiple church she lists, no less—asking people?

It seems odd to me that somebody would want to spend their mornings praying and singing hymns and listening to homilies if they don’t believe. If it’s a sense of community and/or good works, take your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The homeless still need to eat on Sundays. Or sign the fam up to volunteer at a creek cleaning. So many group volunteer possibilities.

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You don't necessarily have to ask people -- they will tell you.[/quote]

Sure, many people (you said “full of atheists”) at each of these churches came up to you and told you they were atheists. Totally believable. [/quote]

perhaps they told pp in the context of a conversation -- not that they just approached him/her with this info.[/quote]

Sure[/quote]

actually, I've heard of that sort of thing happening in liberal churches -- even with pastors.  Not believing or doubting is considered perfectly OK.  Some people are struggling with their beliefs, hoping to get them back.  Others are accompanying their believing spouse.  Still others may be going mainly to socialize and don't mind the god talk.
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Maybe 1-2 people. The claim of churches “full of atheists” coming up to pp to declare their atheism stretches credulity. [/quote]

It's been pointed out a couple of times, that people did not come up to "declare" being atheist, but mentioned it in conversation.  And yes, one church is or was "full of atheists" -- St Mark's on Capitol Hill, when it had an openly non-believing pastor who welcomed non-believers.[/quote]

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