ATLANTA--A local chapter has been formed of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, a national organization concerned with defending Catholics in American pubic life.

Richard O. Perry of Tucker is the president of the Atlanta chapter and Daniel F. McMahon of Peachtree City, the executive director. Deacon Loris Sinanian is serving as chaplain for the group.

Headquartered in New York with local chapters in various parts of the country, the Catholic League was formed to respond to instances in which Catholics as a community or as individuals, experience defamation or discrimination because of their faith. The league works to safeguard both religious freedom rights and free speech rights of Catholics whenever they are threatened, the announcement of the Atlanta chapter said.

The Atlanta chapter address is 3651 Norwich Drive, Tucker, Ga. 30084. The number is (404) 491-7746.