Atheists decry lowering of flags in Pope's honor

(RNS) Two atheistic groups have found fault with the government's decision to lower the American flag in honor of the late Pope John Paul II.

The president of American Atheists called on President Bush to rescind his order that flags at the White House and other public buildings be flown at half-staff.

"It's inappropriate for the American flag to be lowered as a salute to a foreign religious leader," said Ellen Johnson, head of the Parsippany, N.J.-based organization, in a statement.

"The flag should represent all Americans, and not all Americans believe that the pope deserves such a special, government-sponsored recognition."

Bush's order, which said the flags should be lowered "as a mark of respect," applied to a wide range of public buildings and grounds, including military posts, naval stations and vessels and U.S embassies abroad. It ended at sunset April 8.