He said it out loud this week:  "I am a Unitarian who does not believe in a supreme being." His name is U.S. Rep Pete Stark (D.Calif).  He has been in Congress since 1973. He is perhaps the highest ranking public official to say --- out loud ---- that he does not believe in God. 

I think we should salute him for his honesty. Obviously, there are other non-believers in elected office, but only Stark has chosen to speak his mind. The fact is, he "represents" millions of Americans who make up a significant minority of our citizens. A University of Minnesota study estimated atheists at 3% of the U.S population; a Pew survey found 11% declaring "no religion", or agnostic; and a Harris Interactive poll put nonbelievers at 9% with an additional 12% expressing uncertainty (L.A. Times Editorial 3-15-07). So Pete Stark has lots of company.

I think we should salute him also for his courage. For the fact is that non-believers in America are the objects of profound prejudice and distrust. Consider how every political candidate these days must proclaim at least some vague belief in a higher power; and consider the millions of slanted "voter guides" sent to our churches telling us which  candidates are "really religious" and which are not. In a Gallup poll last month, 53% of individuals said they would not vote for an otherwise well-qualified atheist; and 47% said in a Pew survey in 2002 that religion is basic to being a good person. Such is the deadly divisiveness of much that passes for religion in American.

Yet our nation is increasingly diverse, and Congress reflects that diversity. This year in Congress there are Buddhists, as well as the first Muslim member.  And obviously there are other non-believers who don't admit it (and should not have to!). After all, our U.S. Constitution states that "no religious test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any office or public trust under the United States" (Article VI). The Framers had it right in 1787 ---  let's put our diverse religious preferences aside, and judge political candidates by their promises, their policies, and their political performance.