Update: <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/09/panelists_at_discussion_on_ath.html">Panelists at discussion on atheism: No faith, no problem

GRAND RAPIDS – Leaders of an atheist group that gained notoriety last month by renting a billboard along U.S. 131 that proclaimed "You don't need God – to hope, to care, to love, to live," plan to speak of their experiences in West Michigan's religious culture during a Wednesday panel discussion.

The talk, set for 7 p.m. at the Women's City Club, will explore the reactions and objections members faced when declaring their beliefs. The club is located at 254 E. Fulton St.

Jennifer Beahan, the Center for Inquiry-Michigan assistant director, said as many as five members will sit on the panel and a question and answer session will follow the chat.

The center is a non-profit group that “encourages evidence-based inquiry into science, pseudoscience, medicine and health, religion, ethics, secularism, and society.”

“This is focused on living without religion in a highly religious area,” Beahan said. “There are issues that come up and the panelists can share how they handled those experiences.”

Beahan said the public gathering can lead to critical thought and is open to people with differing beliefs.

“We expect people to respect others freedom of thought,” she said.

Group leaders say survey surveys indicating 16 percent of Americans have no religious affiliation and about 10 percent reject belief in God.

The billboard that went up near Hall Street prompted a highly charged debate on the merits of the group, religious beliefs and tolerance of opposing ideas.

E-mail Nate Reens: nreens@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/natereens