U of M study finds atheists are least trusted; Non-believers rank at the bottom as Mosaic study gauges how views of diversity are evolving in America.(SOURCE)(FAITH & VALUES)

Byline: Pamela Miller; Staff Writer

For one of Minnesota's most prominent atheists, a newly released study that found atheists are the least-trusted group in the United States has created a teachable moment.

"Most people do trust atheists - they just don't know it," said August Berkshire, the spokesman for Minnesota Atheists. "That trusted family member, friend or neighbor might very well be an atheist."

The 2003 study, spearheaded by Penny Edgell, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Minnesota, found that atheists rank below several other minority groups, including immigrants, gays and lesbians, conservative Christians, Jews and …