Dual nationality and zero religiosity

Here's the deal... I have been living in England for over twelve years, but apart from a single instance caused by an administrative slip-up in Exeter, I have not been able to vote in national elections, because I do not hold British citizenship. I would like to apply, but there are two problems:

1. Britain does not have a problem with dual nationality, but the Dutch Ministry of Justice website rather unhelpfully states that Dutch citizens taking on another nationality kan lose their Dutch nationality. I have sent them an email asking for clarification and am awaiting a reply (promised within 10 days from yesterday).

2. The citizenship ceremony. Thank you, David Blunkett. It consists of all sorts of nonsense that I don't have a problem with (including light refreshments), but somewhere in the process you have to swear an oath (goddammit!), an affirmation (yeah right!) and a pledge (which I can never find... I spent half an hour yesterday looking for the Pledge).

I have taken the liberty of lifting them from the special Home Office website and have filled in my name. Here goes...

Oath of allegiance

I Mark Johan Alexander Claessen swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.

Affirmation of allegiance

I Mark Johan Alexander Claessen do solemnly and sincerely affirm that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.

Pledge

I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.

First of all, I am an atheist, so I do not see how I can truthfully allege myself to almighty god. Second, I'm not exactly a royalist, and I would like to allege many things about the queen, but not myself to her. I have no problems with the pledge, depending on what they mean by uphold (v 1: keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last; 2: stand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals 3: support against an opponent; Source: WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University); see, I am a proponent of electoral reform, so 2 & 3 are fine, but 1 is out.

However, and here comes the flipside of this rant. I am counted by the Catholic church as one of its sheep. Several years back I tried to deregister, ultimately unsuccessfully. I called various parishes, or dioceses, or whatever they're called, and when I finally tracked down where I was registered, I was told by the priest that catholicism is a gift from god, given at the time of your baptism, and that it is non-refundable.

Oh really? Ever since, I have been thinking it would be very interesting to be actually excommunicated. Maybe if I rant against the catholic church long enough on this blog and other outlets, this might happen. So watch this space.