Press Release

(Washington - September 14, 2001) Civilized people everywhere are stunned by the recent acts of terrorism in our nation. The unprecedented loss of life is simply too much for our staggered imagination to absorb. It is a tragedy we are not yet ready to face, yet confront it we must if our nation's compassionate perspective is not to be overwhelmed by irrational vengeance. In the emotional atmosphere of retaliation, we need a response born of reason.

Tony Hileman, executive director of the American Humanist Association (AHA) reacts to the recent tragedy: "Freedom itself has come under attack and our collective anger is understandable and justified. But reason, not anger, must be our guide and we must take care not to tear down the components of freedom in our effort to secure it. Our civil liberties and rights, and our open society, must not be compromised in the defense of freedom. Governments and guns alone cannot maintain freedom. Nor can the tactics of terrorists destroy it. Only we, the citizens of the world, can choose to do either.

"The truest defense of a civilized society is a compassionate culture that respects the worth and dignity of each person while taking into consideration the needs of all. The reasoned principles of consideration and compromise are anathema to those of absolutist views, yet we must coexist harmoniously with those unlike ourselves if we are to preserve hope for a better world.

"Rev. Jerry Falwell's recent statement on the 700 Club that secular groups share the blame for this tragedy by evoking 'God's anger against America' is precisely the kind of closed-minded finger pointing that we must turn away from. "Rather than righteous blame, let us address cultural and economic causes as well as effects. Rather than revenge, let us set our efforts toward bridging ideological differences. Rather than being dragged down to the level of others, let us rise to the height of our own ideals."

Edd Doerr, president of the AHA, says that Falwell went too far in saying to all "who have tried to secularize America-I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen.'" In stating that God allowed us to be given what we deserve, Falwell comes dangerously close to declaring the terrorists to be agents of God. Doerr goes on to say, "I am confident that the people of our county will recognize this demagoguery for what it is and that Americans of all persuasions will unite to address this attack on freedom and humanity."

The American Humanist Association is the oldest and largest Humanist organization in the nation. The AHA is dedicated to ensuring a voice for those with a positive outlook, based on reason and experience, which embraces all of humanity.