Atheists launch Christmas campaign urging people to skip church

The secular organization known as the American Atheists have installed two billboards in different cities to encourage passersby not to go to church on the holiday season.

The billboard on Interstate 25 past Venetucci Boulevard reads, "Atheist Christmas: The More The Merrier!" Denver 7 reported.

It shows a mother looking over the shoulder of a young woman who sends a friend a text message that she would not be going to church this Christmas.

Another billboard, which will be up in Colorado Springs and seven other cities, puts a pun on President-elect Donald Trump's famous campaign slogan and encourages passersby to skip church. The billboard reads: "MAKE CHRISTMAS GREAT AGAIN, Skip church!"

Nick Fish, national program director for American Atheists, believes that the billboard campaign will become a starting point for conversations that would help remove the stigma against atheists.

"The only way to remove the stigma is to show our friends and family that we are the same kind, loving and compassionate people they've always known us to be," said Fish.

The organization cited a survey from Public Religion Research Institute which revealed that almost 40 percent of young Americans are either atheists or non-religious.

"It is important for people to know religion has nothing to do with being a good person, and that being open and honest about what you believe—and don't believe—is the best gift you can give this holiday season," American Atheists President David Silverman said in a statement.

"More and more Americans are leaving religion, but we still have work to do when it comes to fighting the stigma many atheists face," he continued.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) also launched a campaign to counter the religious displays on government property. The organization encourages atheists to install banners and displays in order to "provide some secular balance."

The FFRF offered to supply the banners as well as its controversial Bill of Rights "nativity" display, in which the baby Jesus is replaced by the U.S. Constitution. The group is also offering a "nontract" that provides information on the true meaning of the event known as Winter Solstice, which the group claims was overtaken by Christmas.