Hello. My name is Jenn. I have just returned from visiting your atheist web site. I am writing to thank you for keeping it. I am sixteen years old and living in a tiny little town that has about a million churches, and a disproportianate number of self-righteous teenagers. I really appreciate the stories of other atheists that you offer. I need that kind of support.

Here is my story:

I was raised in a semi-religious house. My Dad is somewhat agnostic (he doesn't talk about it) and my Mum is Christian (United Church of Canada. As a child I was taken to church on occasion, but here's the thing of it: I've never believed in God- any god. People have tried to "save" me (from what? Happiness?), and many kids at school mock my lack of Youth Group. Every weekend, without fail, the Jehova's Witnesses visit my house; or used to, that is. After being greeted by my sock puppet "Atheist Al" a few times, they declared me a lost soul.

I know now to keep quiet in certain situations; mentioning my faith- or lack thereof- at family fuctions usually results in projectiles. I am going to live my life to he fullest, because this is all I've got.

Jenn