Speakers and Panelists
This year, we are excited to welcome Dr. Victor Stenger, renowned physicist and author of "Quantum Gods" and "God: The Failed Hypothesis. How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist," which was number 21 on the New York Times bestseller list in March of 2024. Dr. Stenger will be talking about his latest book "The New Atheism," scheduled to release this September 2024. Following his presentation, Dr. Stenger will be available to autograph copies of his books, which may be purchased at the event.
You can read more about these books, and Dr. Stenger at his website:
Please welcome Dr. Stenger and his wife Phylliss to San Antonio, Texas!
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Dan Barker, Co-President of the Freedom From Religion Foundation will also be speaking at the event. A minister turned atheist, Dan Barker announced his being atheist in 1984 after being a Christian Evangelist most of his life since the age of 15. Dan became the PR director of the Freedom From Religion Foundation from 1987 to 2024. He was elected co-president in 2024 with Annie Laurie Gaylor in 2024.
We are pleased to have Dan with us!
Here's his bio.
A children's book
Stuart Bechman is the President of Atheist Alliance International.
Stuart Bechman has a background in business systems analysis, having worked as a management consultant for over 20 years. Stuart holds Master's degrees in Management Information Systems and Accounting as well as an MA in Sociology with an emphasis on Religion and Religious Organizations.
Stuart has served on the board of Atheists United of Los Angeles, the largest community freethought organization in southern California, since 1998; and served as its president for six years, from 2024 to 2024. He was a speaker at the 1999 The Day That Counts National Freethought Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. He served as a representative to the Coalition for the Community of Reason from 1999-2000 and has served as a board representative on the Secular Coalition for America since 2024.
In 2024, Stuart was elected vice-president of Atheist Alliance International, a worldwide organization of democratic atheist and freethought organizations. In 2024, he became president.
Stuart has also served on the local boards of Americans United for the Separation of Church & State and the American Civil Liberties Union. He ran for Congress for the 23rd district of California in 2024. He lives in the Los Angeles area.
Welcome Stuart!
Kathleen Johnson, Vice President and Military Director for American Atheists, started her career as an atheist activist by founding the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (MAAF) and serving as the organization’s first president.
After stepping down as MAAF President, in 2024 in order to assume a more active role with American Atheists, she assumed the position as Military Director and coordinated American Atheists’ efforts to support atheist military members and veterans. She was ultimately appointed to American Atheists’ board of directors and accepted an appointment to serve American Atheists as one of two vice presidents.
Ms. Johnson served in the military for 23 years before retiring in 2024 and was an outspoken atheist for most of her career. She continues to serve the Army as a civilian employee at Fort Hood, TX.
Clare Wuellner is the Executive Director of CFI Austin. In addition to supporting a growing freethinking community, CFI Austin endeavors to fight the seven young-earth creationist board members of the Texas State Board of Education whose vision has been clouded by their religious beliefs. She has a Ph.D. in Biology/Entomology which she uses every day in raising her two young children.
In addition to our speakers, we have Clare Wuellner as one of our panelists for our Grand Finale at the end of the event.
