Springdale, Ar. (KFSM) -- The group American Atheists says they have put up a billboard in Springdale, Arkansas that depicts a little girl writing to Santa saying that all she wants for Christmas is to skip church because she's too old for fairy tales.
The billboard is part of a "firebrand-style" campaign launched in multiple Bible Belt cities including Memphis, Nashville, St. Louis and Springdale, according to a post on the American Atheists website.
A statement from American Atheists initially said the billboard was in Fort Smith. However, the billboard actually stands just off of Interstate 49 in Springdale, north of Wagon Wheel Road, according to KFSM.
American Atheists said in the post, "The billboards are aimed at in-the-closet atheists who are pressured to observe religious traditions during the holidays."
They also advertise for the annual American Atheists National Convention in Memphis scheduled for April of 2015, according to the post.
"Even children know churches spew absurdity, which is why they don't want to attend services. Enjoy the time with your family and friends instead," said American Atheists President David Silverman. "Today's adults have no obligation to pretend to believe the lies their parents believed. It's OK to admit that your parents were wrong about God, and it's definitely OK to tell your children the truth."
The group was unsuccessful in one Bible Belt city, though. American Atheists was unable to get their billboard put up in Jackson, Miss. due to push-back against the billboard's content from local residents, according to the post.
"Area lessors rejected the design due to content," the post states.
Public Relations Director Danielle Muscato said, "The fact that billboard companies would turn away business because they are so concerned about the reaction by the community to a simple message that not everyone goes to church and not everyone believes in gods shows just how much education and activism on behalf of atheists is needed in the South."
The billboards will remain on display from Dec. 1 until Dec. 24, according to the post.
