About FSGP

The Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia (FSGP) was founded in 1993 by Margaret Downey. Today, FSGP's community outreach efforts have changed the hearts and minds of many citizens who never met or talked to an atheist. FSGP sponsors activities, events and speakers to educate the public about the nontheist life stance. FSGP's efforts to keep religion out of government and government out of religion ensure Constitutional protection for theist and nontheist citizens alike.

What does FSGP advocate?

We advocate reason, rationalism, freethought and humanism. To this end, FSGP provides forums in which freethinkers can gather for informational and educational meetings, and for fun events and social networking with like-minded individuals.

Why Join?

A membership with FSGP is an investment in the nontheist movement. We look forward to continuing to providing educational programs, social events, outreach and advocacy for freethinkers in the Delaware Valley region, but we can't do it without support from individuals like you.

Monthly Program Meetings

To better meet the needs of our members, FSGP has recently begun to vary meeting days, times and locations. Check our web site for the most up-to-date information on monthly program meeting speakers and topics.

Monthly meetings are a great way to introduce yourself and make new friends. After the meeting a group often goes to a local restaurant to socialize and discuss ideas raised by the speaker.

 

 Welcome!

Please refer to our mission statement and brief history on the right-hand sidebar of the page for details about the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia (FSGP).

May

  Join the Freethought Society for an evening of fun and music featuring

ROY ZIMMERMAN, Real American

Roy Zimmerman is a singer and satirist. He’s performed for over twenty years in clubs across the country, sharing the stage with George Carlin, Bill Maher, Kate Clinton, Dennis Miller, and Andy Borowitz. The Los Angeles Times said, "Zimmerman displays a lacerating wit and keen awareness of society's foibles that bring to mind a latter-day Tom Lehrer."

Roy Zimmerman took his satirical songs to Real America last year, driving 12,000 miles and flying 12,000 more to do 107 shows in 47 states before the election. “Real American” is 90 minutes of Zimmerman’s funny songs about ignorance, war and greed, featuring new material infused with his on-the-road experiences and driven, as always, by the headlines.

More information about Roy can be found on his website: http://www.royzimmerman.com/

Donation: $10 per person

Maggie O'Neill's
Irish Pub & Restaurant

Pilgrim Gardens Shopping Center
1062 Pontiac Road
Drexel Hill, PA 19026


TIME: 7:30 to 10 PM


Phone: (610) 449-9889
Fax: (610) 449-2323
Email: info@maggieoneills.com

Presented by the Freethought Society

 

 

 Downey speaks on Boy Scouts

Atheist speaks out against scouts

By: BILL DEVLIN The Intelligencer

With the Bucks County Boys Scout headquarters just stone's throw away, a noted Chester County atheist Tuesday night tossed a few verbal grenades at the organization that ousted her 12-year-old son nearly two decades ago.

Speaking at the Bucks County Free Library in Doylestown, Margaret Downey, 59, the founder of the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia, called the Boys Scouts "despicable and dangerous" of what she said is the organization's discriminatory policies.

It was message that Downey has delivered for 19 years, ever since her son, Matthew, was banned from participating in the Scouting movement because his family didn't believe in God.

"He loved being a Boy Scout," Downey, whose soft-spoken, gentle manner belies her message, told those gathered at the monthly meeting of the Bucks County branch of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.

"He had been a member of a Scout troop in New Jersey, but when we moved to Pennsylvania he was not allowed to join the troop because of our (religious) practices."

From that moment on, Downey has made it her mission "to expose" the Boy Scouts of America for discriminating against "atheists and gays."

And she won't back down. --- Continue reading this article Atheist speaks out against scouts.

 Atheists meet with White House

Atheist Group Heralds 'First Time in History' Policy Briefing with White House Officials

Freethinkers Help Haiti

Margaret Downey has set up a system to send money to the Free Thinkers of
Haiti. The Freethought Society (FS) will acknowledge donations (for tax
purposes) that are earmarked to send to the Free Thinkers of Haiti. The
president of that group (Billy Alamoza) will use the money to help the homeless
and the injured through  his group activities.

Send money donations to: Freethought Society, P. O. Box 242, Pocopson, PA 19366 or use www.FtSociety.org.


 

Cottage Available!

Freethought Society is the recipient of a week in St. Croix - at a private cottage which can host up to four people. A fantastic deal is offered and it's a great way to support the Freethought Society! Please contact Margaret Downey if you are interested.

 

 

Check out the Calendar for more upcoming events!