Atheists use images of Santa, reindeer to promote gathering

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Santa is helping deliver a national atheist group’s message promoting its upcoming convention in Oklahoma City.

The American Atheists organization says advertising with Christmas imagery on billboards in ‘the buckle of the Bible Belt’ will reach atheists whose voices may be muted in the conservative state.

One billboard features an image of Santa flying his sleigh over the Oklahoma City skyline and reads, “Just like Santa Claus, the atheists are comin’ to town!”

American Atheists leaders told The Oklahoman the billboards are meant to encourage dialogue.

The convention is March 30-April 1.