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Building Community Beyond Belief, Exercising Progressive Values, and Defending Separation of Church and State

Oct 2025 Separationist Header

South Carolina is #1 in state mandated book bans. This month we are focused on pushing back against Christian nationalist infringement on our freedom to read.

Here is what is in the issue:

From the Epicenter of Book Banning
The present campaign to remove books from libraries is part of a larger Christian nationalist strategy aimed at destroying public education.

This month with SHL
A brief glance at our calendar of events for October, including our regular monthly activities:

September Photo Album
See what your humanist friends have been up to over the past month.

Are some book bans justifiable?
For our Freethinker’s Forum we will discuss whether or not a strong stance against book bans holds for books we might consider harmful.

Money, Lies, and God
Katherine Stewart’s new book chronicles the strategic success of Christian nationalism in tearing down American democracy.

FFRF Convention
Join your humanist friends at the Freedom From Religion Foundations’ annual convention being held in Myrtle Beach, October 17–19. 

The Good News
We’ve got a fun story about the health benefit of hanging out with dogs, several bright spots in the fight against Christian nationalism, and a great science story about medical advances for diabetes. 

Humanist Commitment: Responsibility
I will be a good person—even when no one is looking—and own the consequences of my actions.

We’ve Got Shirts for Pride!
Show your pride with two great new shirt designs.

No Kings Protest
The next nationwide mobilization to stand up to the authoritarian takeover is Saturday, Oct 18th.

Volunteer Opportunities
This month we have several opportunities to fight food insecurity.

Q4 Charity of the Quarter: The Sustainability Institute
We announce our choice for the final Charity of the Quarter for 2025.

Looking Forward to November
A quick look at what is coming next month.