Obama said:

We know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and nonbelievers.

Decius wrote:

I believe that is the first respectful public reference to atheism by an American President. Reply if you know of another example.

They're talking about this at NYT, too.

From the archive:

Noticing is important! It's really where everything begins.

RE: Obama's Inaugural Address