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The “atheist church service” launched in London this year has expanded across the Atlantic.

The Sunday Assembly, founded by comedians Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans, has set up a monthly event in New York, with outposts to follow soon in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle.

Some 600 non-believers have gathered at York Hall, Bethnal Green, since January to listen to inspirational talks, sing songs accompanied by a live band, make friends and volunteer for good causes. Meetings are about to move from monthly to fortnightly.