GRAND RAPIDS – An atheist group is proclaiming its message of religious tolerance to West Michigan residents next month by renting a billboard along U.S. 131.

“You don't need God – to hope, to care, to love, to live,” says the billboard near Hall Street SE. The campaign by the Center for Inquiry is being brought to seven U.S. cities.

“We want to let non-religious people in the community know that they’re not alone,” said Jefferson Seaver, Executive Director of CFI–Michigan in a news release. He cited surveys indicating 16 percent of Americans have no religious affiliation and about 10 percent reject belief in God.

“Almost everyone in the United States knows someone who is nonreligious — whether they realize it or not,” Seaver said. “We are your neighbors, co-workers, and family members. We lead meaningful lives filled with hope, joy, love and compassion.”

The billboard campaign has not been without controversy. Seaver said one billboard company in Grand Rapids refused to rent space for their message, saying it conflicted with their religious beliefs.

In Knoxville, Tenn., another company refused to rent to CFI, saying it would offend too many of the community's residents, Seaver said.

“It’s disappointing,” said Jennifer Beahan, Assistant Director of CFI–Michigan. “Having hope, caring, and loving others are values that aren’t exclusive to religious believers.”

Beahan said GR Outdoor Inc. refused to rent them space. CFI will not challenge the decision, Beahan said. “They're a private company. They have the right to decide who they display and who they don't.”

The billboard campaign is funded in part to a $10,000 donation from Todd Stiefel of the Stiefel Freethought Foundation and a $5,000 gift from the Andrew Norman Foundation.

E-mail Jim Harger: jharger@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JHHarger