Dean R. Hoge was a professor of sociology at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. His books include, as co-author, Pastors in Transition: Why Clergy Leave Local Church Ministry (Eerdmans, 2005). Read a 2003 speech he co-authored, posted by Pulpit & Pew.

James E. Dittes is a professor emeritus of pastoral counseling at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., and has researched clergy calling. His books include, as author, Re-Calling Ministry (Chalice Press, 1999).

The New York Times has gathered basic information and an archive of its stories regarding atheism on a “Times Topics” page.

Freethoughtpedia is an online repository of information and commentary about the freethought movement. As with any open-source site, reporters should confirm anything found there before using it in stories.

Beliefnet’s page on secular philosophies includes a number of forums and features for nonbelievers.

BBC’s atheism page gives an overview of the movement and information on its history, rites and rituals.

The Secular Seasons website provides information about secular holidays and secular/humanist ceremonies. Upcoming observances include Freethought Month (October) and Freethought Day (Oct. 12). The site also offers examples of secular invocations and graces.

The National Day of Reason is held each May as a counterpoint to the National Day of Prayer.

HumanLight is a nontheistic alternative to Christmas and Hanukkah. The late-December holiday celebrates humanists’ hope for a future “in which all people can identify with each other, behave with the highest moral standards, and work together toward a happy, just and peaceful world.” Festivities marking the 2009 holiday were held in more than two dozen U.S. […]