Federal employees are given the option of saying "I so affirm" instead of "so help me god." I have used the affirmation in any instance when called upon giving an oath. Oath taking seems stupid to me anyway, I'd rather no one have to do it at all. One boss who was very strict about these rules raised his eyebrows when I used that, quite startled to find a heathen in his flock. Tough.

SRS