I know that Brian probably doesn't want my input, but considering that this discussion has become somewhat of a community discussion, I do have a couple of things to say. Naturally, Brian can do what he wants, but I don't think it's wrong for other atheists to give their opinions on his plans, because we atheists are often misunderstood and judged harshly. It matters to me how other atheists represent. us. I have two major issues to state.
1. Were you invited to debate this group, or did you take their invitation as an invite to debate? My point is that if debate isn't openly permitted at this conference, then I feel it would be very rude of you to force yourself on this group. If debate isn't welcome, will you display good manners and listen to what they have to say? I get invites to religious things, but since I don't believe in proselytizing as an atheist and since I already spent years during my youth, considering other metaphysical positions and world religions, I'm a strong supporter of personal investigation of religion/atheism. When someone comes to this site, they are asking for debate and discussion. That is different from what you plan to do. When I'm at an atheist meetup, the last thing I want is for a Christian to come and try to convince us to become Christians.
2. As a couple of other posters have mentioned, religion often brings a lot of hope, joy, community and hopefully, the development of good moral guidelines etc. Extreme religious fanatics are harmful, as are extreme secular fanatics. I'm going to gift an article that I saw today in WaPo. Evangelicals are beginning to get it now when it comes to climate change. We need people to work together if we want to leave a livable world to future generations. If Evangelicals are becoming more enlightened regarding climate science, let's celebrate that, even if they view it as Biblical. Most theists are decent people, just like most atheists are decent people. I have many Christian friends, most know I'm an atheist. It's our shared values that bond us, not our different perceptions of the supernatural.
I assume you are going to attend this conference. I hope you will meet some nice people, who may be willing to learn that atheists are also good people, who enjoy doing positive things. Sorry the thread didn't go exactly how you hoped, but you should know by now, that a lot of us are going to post how we feel about something like what you plan to do. Whatever you decide to do, I hope it goes well.
Here's the article from WaPo:
https://wapo.st/3QlBS8e
The National Association of Evangelicals has unveiled a sweeping report on global climate change, laying out what its authors call the “biblical basis” for environmental activism to help spur
fellow evangelicals to address the planetary crisis.
10 steps you can take to lower your carbon footprint
“Creation, although groaning under the fall, is still intended to bless us. However, for too many in this world, the beach isn’t about sunscreen and bodysurfing but is a daily reminder of rising tides and failed fishing,” reads the report’s introduction, penned by NAE President Walter Kim. “Instead of a gulp of fresh air from a lush forest, too many children take a deep breath only to gasp with the toxic air that has irritated their lungs.”
But the authors admit that convincing evangelicals is no small task, considering the religious group has historically been one of the demographics most resistant to action on the issue.
I've already said too much. I won't judge you for doing this, but I hope some of our comments might help you find satisfaction in finding common values with some members of the group instead of trying to offer an alternative to what they find satisfying. There will always be people who leave Christianity and other religions. The US is becoming less religious, without the help of us atheists.