'New Atheism' focus of conference

Thor, mighty Thor.

Son of Odin.

Lord of Thunder, protector of mankind, kind to oak trees.

As real as Jebus, but with more muscles, and a better film franchise. 

I could not disagree more with the comment that atheists offer only "straw man" arguments.
Anyone who has read Dawkins, or Hitchens, for example will be aware of the cogent relevance of their philosophical positions.
Indeed, for points of view that are rational, objective and thought provoking, you really won't find better.

Events of this kind indicate a healthy society and it is 'right' that this subject should be opened up to scrutiny. Too many of the world's religious denominations use the principle of 'capture at birth', and brain-washing during the child's most formative and impressionable years either creates an adherent for life, or produces someone who repudiates every shred of it at an age when he/she becomes more aware.

Religion, or abberrations of the intent of it,  have been responsible for many of the ghastliest acts ever perpetrated by mankind. Its 'handbook' is based upon vague recollections, years later, of events which it is questionable ever took place, or at least in the way described. All people, should be given the freedom to weigh up the pros and cons of religion in adulthood, not  be recruited, on the whims of their parents and others, as infants.

At least, atheism, is a sign that some people out there are capable of 'thinking' for themselves.

[Abridged] 

I don't see any conflict between, on the one hand, being intelligent, using your brain and taking on board the discoveries of science and, on the other hand, counting yourself a member of the Christian Church - even if you call yourself 'theologically liberal'.

IMO, many, if not all, of the arguments from 'militant atheists' against Christianity (and other faith traditions) are 'straw man' arguments. In other words, it's easy to set up a ridiculous version of what you claim someone else believes and demolish that.

So for a Christian group to get together to seriously consider the objections of militant atheists and find good counterarguments is good IMO for everyone who is seeking peace of mind and a standard to live by, as is tolerance.

Will this mean a return to the Christians burning people at the stake?

When I was at school in sixties as a young atheist I remember being punished by the strap because I refused to pray.

If we are not careful it will be a return to the bad old days...