Billboards draw criticism from religious community

Oralandar Brand-Williams / The Detroit News

Detroit -- A series of controversial billboards recently displayed throughout Metro Detroit is drawing curious stares and criticism from the local faith community.

The seven billboards read "Imagine No Religion" and "Praise Darwin: Evolve Beyond Belief" with a stained-glass window motif. They are sponsored by the Madison, Wis.-based Freedom from Religion Foundation, a nonprofit group that touts itself as the largest free thought association in the nation.

The billboards, at various Detroit locations, are part of a monthlong campaign aimed at provoking debate about the role religion plays in daily life and public policy, said Annie Laurie Gaylord, co-president of the foundation.

Gaylord said Metro Detroit and Michigan are targets of their national campaign because of the large numbers of people who have religious affiliation here. The group has put billboards in more than 30 other cities

"We are aware there tends to be a lot of religion in Detroit," said Gaylord. "Michigan has been neglected (in our campaign). Normally, we don't spend this kind of money (on a campaign)."

Gaylord said religion "causes a lot of problems" and the goal of the $4,200 campaign is to get people to realize that "dogma is in our laws."

"The fight against gay marriage is a religious fight," said Gaylord. "The fight against abortion is a religious crusade. In this country we must question religion."

But many in the local religious community consider the billboards offensive.

"I understand that they are more about the issue of separation of church and state, rather than bashing people of faith. I certainly agree with this mission," said Gail Katz, the president of the organization, WISDOM (Women's Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in Metro Detroit). "However, I still think there are better ways to get their message across than these billboards, which can be totally misconstrued and found offensive."

The Rev. Charles Green, the pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Roseville, said the billboards will prompt him to step up his efforts to "save souls."

"The billboards don't bother me. It's their choice. I don't mind as long as they are not trying to keep me from worshiping."

The Freedom from Religion Foundation has 14,000 atheist and agnostic members across the country, including more than 400 in Michigan.

bwilliams@detnews.com (313) 222-2027