A group of atheists who are angry the chancellor of Troy University sent an e-mail that says democracy works in America because people know “they’re accountable to God” are demanding an apology.

“Atheists are overwhelmingly ethical and upstanding people. It is not true that religion is necessary to keep people from becoming criminals,” wrote Americans Atheists’ President David Silverman in an open letter sent to Jack Hawkins Jr. on New Year’s Eve. “In fact, in the United States, in states with the highest percentages of atheists, the murder rate is lower than average. In the most-religious states, the murder rate is higher than average.”

The message from Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. read: “As we approach a new year I am reminded of the blessings we enjoy within a democracy which is the envy of the world,” wrote Hawkins. “For your pleasure — and as a reminder — I am sharing with you a 90 second video which speaks to America’s greatness and its vulnerability.”

The video link was Harvard Business School professor Clay Christensen saying a visiting Chinese scholar told him about the importance he saw of religion in American democracy and life.

A spokesman for Troy University sent a statement to the Christian Post about the email.

“The purpose of this email was to spur introspection and encourage thoughtful discussion as we transition from the challenges of 2014 to the opportunities ahead in 2015,” read the statement. “This message and video were shared to provide the university community with information and insights for healthy consideration and debate about our country’s democracy, the role it plays in the world and the challenges America faces going forward.”