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.

 

View FSGP events plus all the PhillyCoR member group events (Atheist MeetUp, Humanist Association of Greater Phialdelphia, Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia, and the Secular Society of Temple U) on the PhillyCoR Calendar.

 

Combating Superstitions

- a speech by Margaret Downey

The Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County
687 Larch Avenue
Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-836-5187
Start Time:
 Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 11:00am
End Time:
 Monday, January 25, 2010 at 12:30pm
Location:
 Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, Teaneck, NJ
.
Please RSVP HERE

For more information see:

Ethical Culture Calendar description: http://tinyurl.com/yawojdb

Bergen Record Calendar: http://calendar.northjersey.com/venue.aspx?venue_id=51013

Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/EthicalFocus/calendar/12123264/

Craig's List: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/eve/1524830094.html
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February Protest Against the Boy Scouts

Event: Candlelight Vigil to protest discrimination on the Boy Scouts of America's 100th Anniversary

What:  Protest Against Discrimination

Start Time: Saturday, February 6 at 5:30 pm

End Time:  Saturday, February 6 at 9:30 pm

Where: Cradle of Liberty Council BSA Headquarters at 2130 Winter Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1027
 
Details: Eagle Scouts are encourage to turn in their badges in protest. People harmed by the discriminatory policies are welcome to speak.
For more information and/or to register for this event, please visit the FSGP Facebook Page.

A letter from Margaret Downey

Dear members,
 
I write to ask your support in protesting the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) bigoted membership policy by attending the candlelight vigil scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2010.
 
This event is schedule to coincide with vigils being held across the country. This event is endorsed by Scouting For All. Please see the Scouting For All website to find out why protesting at the Philadelphia BSA office is important:
 
 
Nineteen years ago, my complaint against BSA was brought to the attention of the local media and the publicity for that case brought many freethinkers together. It was from those contacts that the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia started. While nontheists are still banned from BSA, we can object to the prejudice. We can object to BSA having free use of the building on Winter and 22nd Streets as they boldly violate Philadelphia anti-discrimination statutes.
 
We can acknowledge that while discrimination against nontheists is a vile and unethical policy, the consequences of prejudices against the gay community is a situation of highest concern. There are many recorded suicides in the gay community that are a direct result of being discriminated against. The horrendous results of BSA prejudices goes even further. Few people know that Matthew Shepard was killed by an Eagle Scout. See:
 
 
Please also see:
 
 
It is surprising to learn that some people involved in the nontheist community have not heard about BSA's discriminatory membership policy. It appears that this issue must continue to be exposed and written about least we forget that BSA is not an organization of honor. It is now, instead, a private organization determined to separate themselves from atheists and gays -- all the while getting public assistance, gratuities, free use of buildings, access to public schools and city officials turning a blind eye to violations of anti-discrimination laws.
 
You can learn more by attending the February event listed above.
Margaret Downey
Founder and President
The Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia
Phone: (610) 793-2737 
Fax:     (610) 793-2569
Cell:     (610) 357-9432  
Email:  Downey1@Downey1.cnc.net

 

 

Upcoming Events

Will YOU be the lucky winner of this fantastic WEEK LONG vacation time-share in exquisite St. Croix? A local doctor has donated his entire week in Unit 6 to the Freethought Society to help raise funds and to give one lucky bidder a fabulous week in St. Croix.
You can see a slideshow of the Chenay Bay Beach Club with 3 60 degree views of the beach, the club, the rooms, etc. here: http://www.travelcontentsolutions.com/affiliates/af1005.asp?hotelId=95&pageType=hotel&cid=53&order=1

Check it out and BID at the Freethought Society's new website, http://www.ftsociety.org! Bidding begins tomorrow!
The opening bid is $1000. Can't bear the idea of anyone but you winning this? Be assured of winning - the FIRST person to bid $2010. will automatically win.

(Number of people room can accomodate and closing bid date and other information will be announced shortly on the FTSociety.org website.)