Obama and the non-religious

I've been a pretty hopeful supporter of Obama's for some time, despite recognizing his shortcomings in addressing church-state separation (especially in keeping Bush's Office of Faith-based Initiatives) and civil rights (DADT, indefinite detention) to the extent I would like. But he has made historic references to the non-religious and been inclusive in his language, which has made me happy.

This meeting encourages me more:

Last week, the Secular Coalition for America, an atheist advocacy group, held its first-ever individual face-to-face with the White House. Ron Millar, the coalition’s acting director, told POLITICO that he met with Paul Montero, Obama’s religious liaison in the White House Office of Public Engagement.

Obama “is opening a little door to include us in, which we are very appreciative of,” says Millar, who says he anticipates a number of additional such meetings with the administration.

Among the concerns Millar says he touched on was proselytizing in the U.S. military: “That is something we really want to follow up with this administration, because we have not seen much there.”

In April, Joshua DuBois, the Pentecostal minister who now heads Obama’s faith-based office, met with representatives from the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination. Van Pelt, who was among the participants, says that she and others relayed their concerns over the discriminatory hiring practices of faith-based institutions receiving federal funds.

“We have stated what our position is,” Van Pelt says. “But, frankly, we’ve been told that they are listening. They have not been imparting much information to us. So it is kind of a wait-and-see attitude [on our part].”

Steve Benen's take is accurate:

There have been organizations representing atheists around for decades, but I don't recall ever hearing about one being invited to the White House for a chat. Given that White House officials have also recently engaged plenty of religious groups and communities, from across the theological spectrum -- even a Focus on the Family representative extended generous praise -- it's only fair that they also sit down with an atheist advocacy group.

That said, this seems like an encouraging development concerning the interests of atheists. Historically, administrations would keep a group like the Secular Coalition for America at arm's length. What's more, a meeting like this, not too long ago, may have sparked a controversy.

That this meeting occurred, the group raised legitimate concerns, and no one freaked out about their discussion, looks like a positive development as it relates to diversity of spiritual thought.

From Obama's Cairo speech:

There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples - a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

More of this, please.