The Philippine Atheism, Agnosticism, and Secularism Inc. (PATAS) is a nonprofit organization for the public understanding of atheism and agnosticism in the Philippines.[2] It serves to educate society, and eliminate myths and misconceptions about atheism and agnosticism.[3] It speaks against discrimination of the non-religious, and for equal opportunities as Filipino citizens. PATAS encourages harmonious information exchange among its atheist and agnostic members, and encourages its members to come out and speak for their lack of religious beliefs. The society was founded in February 2011 by Jose Juan Paraiso, who served as the first chairperson and president, respectively.
 PATAS logo | |
| Founded | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jose Juan Paraiso |
| Purpose | To promote public understanding of atheism and agnosticism; To eliminate myths and misconceptions about atheism and agnosticism; To promote social responsibility by replacing superstitious imperatives with rational secular solutions, grounded in lack of supernatural beliefs.[1] |
| Method | Education, outreach, advocacy |
Formerly called | Philippine Atheist and Agnostics Society (2011–2017) |
First Atheist and Agnostics Convention
editOn April 21, 2012 PATAS organized the First Atheists and Agnostics Convention in the Philippines. It was a one-day learning event and social gathering of Filipino nonbelievers.
The convention, with its theme: "Filipino non-belief—are you ready for this?", also served as a venue for the public exposure for socially-involved and organized community of Filipino nonbelievers.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Admin (2011-05-19). "About PATAS". Philippine Atheism, Agnosticism, and Secularism. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
- ^ Duke, Barry (2011-04-28). "The Pope's gonna have a cow. Catholic Philippines gains its first atheist society". The Freethinker. Archived from the original on 2011-07-01. Retrieved 2011-06-09.
- ^ "Pinoy atheists and agnostics to have 'coming out' event". ABS-CBN News. 2011-03-19. Retrieved 2011-06-09.