Atheists rarely announce their presence. So when the Lancaster group Atheism Skepticism Knowledge announced an open house, it was a bit like coming out of the closet.

The open house was from noon-3 p.m. Saturday at Manheim Township Public Library. The idea simply was to allow people to meet other atheists or skeptics in an open setting, said Karen Sloane, president of ASK.

“We have some members who said they had never met another atheist” prior to joining ASK, she said.

“We wanted to reach out, to let people come and meet with some of our members in a low-pressure atmosphere.”

ASK members were there to support, encourage and offer assistance to any and all nonbelievers as well as to those questioning their faith.

Information also was available about group activities and about the American Humanist Association, Hispanic American Freethinkers, Black Non-Believers, Ex-Muslims of North America, and the Secular Coalition for America.

Cautious approach

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In the past, the nonprofit group has taken a cautious approach to its gatherings.

Its Facebook page is private — open only to members — and its meetings are not advertised. Those who wish to join can make requests on the Facebook page. They are then vetted to avoid potential confrontations.

The organization also has a code of conduct.

“We are anti-hate and anti-shame,” Sloane said. “We are not anti-religion.” Nor, she said, do they worship the devil. Instead, they attempt to foster encouraging freethinkers and open discussion.

“I was very fortunate to be raised as an atheist,” Sloane said, “because where others felt guilt or shame,” she did not.

The event was not designed to coerce people into joining the organization but to let them know it exists.

“People can become a member,” or they could just come to meet and greet others, Sloane said.