Cafe Babel: Atheist bus versus crucifix: Spain's crusade - by Caroline Venaille

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Atheist bus versus crucifix: Spain's crusade - by Caroline Venaille

Spain's crucifixes tremble as Barcelona's buses go past. God probably doesn't exist blaspheme the mobile ads in Barbie-pink. Below, in red and yellow Stop worrying and enjoy your life. Launched on 12 January, a week after banks, town halls and shops took down their nativity scenes at the end of the festive period, the campaign has not gone unnoticed. Whilst most are still wishing each other a happy new year at the beginning of January, the catalan union of atheists and free thinkers decides to launch a public debate. The slogan is simple, the reception as lively as the colours. Has the devil himself come to Barcelona? The campaign has crossed the channel and is spreading throughout Europe. It all started with an article in The Guardian by Ariane Sherine in June 2008. Irritated by a catholic association's adverts on the underground, she launched a counter-campaign.

The atheist buses carry their message across inhospitable terrain. Almost eight out of ten Spaniards call themselves catholic. Though the numbers are dropping significantly, statues of Christ are still present in some public spaces. As for ministers, they may be sworn in on the constitution, but they face a crucifix. Never mind state funerals, which include a liturgy. Spanish culture is thick with Catholic tradition, especially with regard to festive periods: the constant processions mean that agnostics get pretty tired of marching bands and their drum rolls.

Article 16 of the 1978 Spanish constitution, however, states that 'no faith shall be the state religion'. The third paragraph underneath, on the other hand, creates a certain ambiguity: 'The authorities take into account the religious beliefs of Spanish society, and so remain in a state of cooperation with the Catholic church and other faiths'.

Note EU-Digest: The Eurobarometer polling organization indicates that 52% of EU citizens believe that God exists; 27% prefer to believe in a spirit or a supernatural force, whilst 18% declare themselves to be atheist. It is also reported that 80% of the Scandinavians consider themselves to be Atheist.