"I do feel that I should be able to at least MENTION my religion in public without being castigated ...

Of course! I know many of religious persuasion who regularly note various things about their belief, and remind ME of such things as needed to schedule an event to avoid some religious holiday, etc. I see no need to complain and berate and castigate them for having their beliefs. It is just one of the things we learn about each other.

I know Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Quakers, Jews, Baptists...and several brands of others... with whom I co-exist and cooperate on a regular basis.

I am sad if some DO go out of their way to denigrate anyone's religion on some general principle of 'not liking it'.

I am also sad when I have to watch Jews and atheists feel supremely uncomfortable and leave the room when the 'majority' of a group (whose basic purpose has nothing to do with religion) always begins a meeting by a long supplication to Jesus. A number of these members are adamant, rigid Christians, and have NO inclination to respect those who are not.

It ain't easy...............