RNS-ATHIEST-CONGRESS

Pete Stark, the only openly atheist member of Congress, was defeated Tuesday, but newly elected Arizona Rep. Kyrsten Sinema will take his place — representing what atheists, humanists and other nontheists hope is a new wave of nonreligous lawmakers. RNS photo courtesy Pete Stark’s office

Pete Stark, the only openly atheist member of Congress, was defeated Tuesday, but newly elected Arizona Rep. Kyrsten Sinema will take his place — representing what atheists, humanists and other nontheists hope is a new wave of nonreligous lawmakers.