User:WaitingforGodot/atheist clergy
An atheist clergy is either a clergy member of an established religion who has over time, become and atheist but has chosen to remain in the clergy, or it means a clergy or clergy-like person for atheists and other non-believers.
Clergy who have become atheists[edit]
Clergy for the atheist community[edit]
Why would an atheist need clergy? There are no rituals or codified believes involved in being atheist that would require someone lead the spiritual life of the community, is there? That being said, clergy are trained in helping a community and individuals deal with spiritual and emotional things. They can help organize a funeral along with various rituals a person might want to share at his or her funeral; they can help with coming of age ceremonies, adoption ceremonies, and generic "it's that Happy Holiday season and I want to do something, but what?" type questions. As the atheist community grows, the need for people who are skilled in these kinds of things can be a help for the community.
Additionally, many states in the United States, and several countries, require an ordained minster or clergy person to perform weddings. Having people self-identify as "clergy" allows non-believers to have formal ceremonies that do not require the religious trappings but still fulfill the needs of the law.