BHA news BHA news www..org.uk Issue 2 2011

Misuse of reason might yet return the world to pre-technological night; plenty of religious zealots hunger for just such a result, and are happy to use the latest technology to effect it. — A C Grayling BHA announces new President Professor A C Grayling!

Philosopher, broadcaster, and author Humanist Association. He succeeds ‘It has been a joy to be President at Anthony Grayling has been appointed journalist, broadcaster, and social justice a time of such prominent activity as the next President of the British campaigner Polly Toynbee to take up the and unprecedented growth for the position from July 2011 and will serve Association. From the Atheist Bus a two-year term as the Association’s Campaign, to the massive increase in our eleventh President, and the first education and ceremonies work and our professional philosopher to hold the office increasingly dynamic advocacy work, we since A J Ayer in the 1960s. have gone from strength to strength. I Welcoming the appointment, BHA know that Anthony will enjoy a period of Chief Executive Andrew Copson said, equal growth and success.’ ‘Anthony is not just an academic Anthony Grayling, accepting the philosopher. He aims to bring the very appointment, said, ‘I am honoured and best of the humanist tradition of ethical delighted to be the BHA’s next President. thinking into the public sphere of political Humanism is about the value of things debate and into people’s daily lives and human. Its desire to learn from the past, his popular books and his wide-ranging its exhortation to courage in the present, advocacy of causes are a testament to and its espousal of hope for the future, this dynamic approach. His devotion are about real things, real people, real to the causes that humanists espouse human need and possibility, and the — in our public life, freedom fate of the fragile world we share. It is and human rights at home and globally, about human life; it requires no belief science and reason in our struggle to in an after life. It is about this world; it know the universe and humanity in our requires no belief in another world. It treatment of ourselves and others — have requires no commands from divinities, won him many admirers in Britain and no promises of reward or threats of around the world, humanist and religious punishment, no myths and rituals, either alike. We all look forward to his time as to make sense of things or to serve as a president enormously.’ prompt to the ethical life. It requires only Prof A C Grayling Welcoming her successor, outgoing open eyes, sympathy, and reason.’ President Polly Toynbee said,

BHA welcomes CFI as new section

From 2 April, The Centre for Inquiry, celebrants. With the addition of The London — the UK affiliate of the US- CFI UK as a section, the range and based Center for Inquiry (CFI) — ceased reach of the activities we sponsor trading and a new Centre for Inquiry UK and promote will be very beneficially (CFI UK) was inaugurated as a section expanded.’ of the British Humanist Association and Stephen Law, Provost of the new the sole UK affiliate of CFI. BHA Chief CFI UK, expressed his own delight Executive Andrew Copson welcomed the at the move, ‘Our popular talks establishment of the new section, ‘This and lectures at both Conway Hall is a positive development for Humanism, in London and at the Sunday Times skepticism, and reason in the UK. Oxford Literary Festival have been a Within our broader network we already highlight of our first two years as an support the national network for atheist, independent organisation. We look humanist, and secularist student groups forward to building on this great and the Humanist Ceremonies network foundation as a part of the British of funeral, wedding, and baby-naming Humanist Association.’

See page 7 for more on The Census Campaign

BHAN-2011-mar-apr.indd 1 06/04/2011 09:31 From the Chief Executive Andrew Copson

The Census Campaign has been a greater Another recent success has been the One of the manifestations of this success than even we had hoped, as you inaugural BHA Shelley Lecture, which was intention is the return of our annual can read further on. Thanks to all readers this year given by Ann Wroe and about conference. Starting this year, it will who distributed leaflets, raised money which you can read more elsewhere in move around the English regions and for local posters, promoted the campaign the current issue. The Shelley Lecture, Wales over the next decade. We are online, donated to the campaign, or which will focus on the literary and beginning in the North West and this otherwise supported it. In spite of the artistic aspects of Humanism, will be year’s conference, loosely themed around prohibition of adverts with our original an excellent complement to our annual the meaning of life and with a gala dinner slogan, we even received emails and Darwin, Voltaire, and Holyoake Lectures celebrating the work of Philip Pullman, letters of support from Christians who in the years to come. The Holyoake is being held in Manchester. There is an wanted to let us know they were not Lecture is held in Manchester and the incredible programme of speakers and offended by the slogan, and the media Shelley Lecture will be held in Oxford and it will be a great opportunity to meet coverage was overwhelmingly positive we hope to be able to develop a broader and socialise with fellow humanists and so I think we can congratulate ourselves programme of events in different parts of BHA staff and Trustees — I look forward on a campaign well run — whatever the the country in the coming years. to seeing you there! See page 4 for more eventual data turns out to be. details. Census Campaign a huge success!

The Census Campaign went from strength of much religious advertising, we found regularly attended religious services. to strength in the weeks leading up to these decisions pretty astounding. The results were revealing: whereas 27 March. Nonetheless, we were able to launch 61% identified as having a religion when With the funds raised from donations, a fantastic range of advertising material. asked the census-style question, only we were able to implement the Over 200 buses carried campaign posters 29% claimed that they were actually advertising phase of the campaign. As around major cities for the entire month ‘religious’. Even more revealingly, fewer many of you may be aware, we came of March, and digital posters appeared in than half (only 48%) of respondents who up against some resistance from owners shopping centres across the UK. We were identified as Christian believed that of advertising space, many of whom did also able to secure two flagship billboards Jesus was a real person who was the son not want to feature our posters because in Central London. of god and rose from the dead. The poll of their supposedly ‘religious’ content. In addition to these adverts, we results provide further evidence for our Furthermore, some extremely surprising commissioned a YouGov survey which central contention that the weak cultural advice was given by the Committee of aimed to clarify the difference in numbers affiliation measured by the census is a Advertising Practice to our media agency, between those who identified as having a far cry from actual religiosity: yet it is as claiming that our posters were liable to religion when asked a leading question, a proxy for the latter that census data is cause ‘widespread’ or ‘serious’ offence. and those who a considered themselves used in policy making. Considering the prevalence and nature religious, had religious beliefs, or (Article continues on page 7)

Humanist MPs and Peers discuss , evolution and ‘faith’ schools Addressing the All Party Parliamentary have severe effects, with many members those forwarding agendas with no basis Humanist Group (APPHG), Martin Johnson, of his union precluded from applying for in evidence, including homeopathy and deputy General Secretary of the ATL, the a large number of teaching posts in many astrology. The government has taken some education union, discussed his concerns schools. The BHA has briefed MPs on these measures to prevent groups with extreme regarding the government’s Education issues and more, and will be working agendas from setting up free schools, Bill and on religious discrimination closely with parliamentarians as the Bill which the BHA has welcomed, but we in particular. He said that abolishing progresses to amend it. have also cautioned that they do not go admissions forums, as the Bill proposes, Following discussion on the Bill, far enough. Dr Huppert built on that, would be a backward step, especially APPHG Vice Chair Dr Julian Huppert stating that the real threat of creationist when taken with the reduced powers for MP, spoke on the threat of creationism teaching comes from those schools and the Schools’ Adjudicator. He said there in schools and of the need to ensure teachers which are not so obvious in their was plenty of evidence on admissions and the proper teaching of evolution in all agendas, and so far harder to police, the tendency in ‘faith’ schools for poor schools. Dr Huppert said that he was inspect, and expose. practice. He also warned that the Bill one of the few scientists in the House The BHA provides the secretariat to which will allow wide and new religious of Commons and that he had been quite the APPHG, which has over 100 MPs and discrimination against all teachers shocked by the views since he had begun Peers as members from across parties. in schools with a religious character in Parliament. He said that there were a ‘converting’ to Academy status would number of pro-creationist MPs, as well as

BHAN-2011-mar-apr.indd 2 06/04/2011 09:31 and with control over their reproduction. RE and a former government adviser on News in brief Feminism is good for secularism too.’ RE. Ways forward included a change of name for the subject, a move towards The Ian Edwards Cancer national determination in place of local Meeting with Andy Burnham Break Trust syllabuses, and a broader approach in syllabuses to a range of philosophies and Chief Executive John Edwards, member of Birmingham worldviews. Feedback from the day will Andrew Copson was Humanists, has requested we alert be transmitted to the Religious Education part of a delegation members to the existence of the Council of and Wales to inform from the Accord Ian Edwards Cancer Break Trust. Ian their own ongoing policy work. Coalition, which Edwards’ 10 month fight against his T cell met with Shadow Lymphoma ended 5 months short of his Ugandan Humanists Schools Education Secretary 30th birthday. Like all patients suffering Photo Exhibition Andy Burnham on from a blood cancer, Ian had to spend 17 March. It was a much of his precious time in hospital. London’s Conway Hall is currently productive meeting, What helped make this bearable was hosting an exhibition by Andrew West, with Mr Burnham the ability for him to go away with his the BHA’s photographer in residence, of making it clear that the opposition shares family on mini-breaks of up to a week photographs he took on a recent visit to our concerns over the inability of local whenever the opportunity presented the Ugandan Humanist Schools. communities to have any say over the itself, sometimes at less than 24 hours imposition of a religious free school on notice. What better way to remember their area, and over the deregulation Ian than to help give those in financial of schools in ways that will damage need the opportunity to take a holiday community cohesion and educational or short break during one or more of the standards. brief intervals between treatments as a hospital inpatient? Debating at the RSA If you would like to help form and sustain the Trust that his parents hope Andrew Copson was a panellist at a will be a lasting memorial to Ian, you debate on religion in education at the can transfer funds directly to ‘The Ian RSA in London on 23 February. The Edwards Cancer Break Trust’ via Shirley debate was organised by Theos, the Bible Branch (sort code: 20-77-62 account Society’s think tank, around a pamphlet number: 9327 2176) or send a cheque they had published, Doing God in to IECBT, 157 Welford Road, Shirley, Education written by Trevor Cooling, Solihull B90 3HT. BHA makes stronger links who was also speaking. Andrew disagreed with the Cutting Edge with the claim, informing the pamphlet, Reading University Talk that because no person is personally Consortium neutral on all questions of ultimate Head of Education and Promotion Bob importance it is therefore impossible Churchill spoke for the Reading University Naomi Phillips has represented the BHA for individual teachers to aspire to Atheist Humanist and Secularist group on the steering group of the Cutting Edge objectivity in their teaching. at their joint debate with the university Consortium since its inception, and was Islamic Society on 23 February. The delighted to be elected as a trustee, Is secularism good for groups invited Bob and Hamaza Tzortzis strengthening the BHA’s links with the women? to debate the motion ‘ is the only group. The Cutting Edge Consortium is a rational choice’. Bob began by explaining unique coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, Head of Public Affairs Naomi Phillips that the motion he’d been asked to and transgendered groups, political social joined a panel to discuss whether women defend wasn’t necessarily the kind of justice activists, people of all religions need secularism, at an event hosted thing he’d go up to people in the street and none, trades unions, and professional jointly by the Central London Humanist and tell them apropos of nothing. But nor associations. The Consortium has already Group and the Women Worldwide did the motion need to be interpreted as undertaken much work on equalities, Advancing Freedom & Equality. Naomi churlish. It could just mean that atheism and plans to do more detailed work on was invited to speak specifically on was, in the speaker’s opinion, the right education issues in the coming year. reproductive rights, and she took the view to take, which after all is what we opportunity to speak from a more all presumably think of the views that Beyond Belief personal perspective. She said that we hold. Despite his opposition’s intent secularism does not guarantee women full to argue for the existence of God, Bob Andrew Copson was one of the panel rights and control over their reproduction focused on what it really meant to have a on Radio 4’s Beyond Belief show on 7 but that it is a necessary prerequisite rational view. February together with a representative because it creates and supports a rights- of the and Muslim enabling space. She also discussed BHA leads RE discussion schools, in a discussion about ‘faith’ how the biggest threat to women’s schools. Just a week later he was also a reproductive rights comes from religion, Together with the South Place Ethical panellist on the Politics UK show on the and emphasised a need for secularism. Society, the BHA organised a day of World Service, on the same topic. Turning the question around however, discussion on 19 March about how Naomi finished by stating that ‘a secular Religious Education (RE) should be Thank you Chris Roche state, where the state is neutral on reformed. The day kicked off with a matters of religion and belief, and people keynote address by Dr Mark Chater, BHA Member, Chris Roche recently ran the are treated equally regardless of belief, formerly responsible for RE, and was Bath Half Maraton and raised nearly £400 would be a much reduced state if women also addressed by the former Chair of for the BHA! Thanks for your tremendous were not equal to men, fully emancipated the National Association of teachers of effort and the support of your sponsors!

BHAN-2011-mar-apr.indd 3 06/04/2011 09:31 BHA Annual Conference 2011

The British Humanist Association is proud Mark Vernon, and BHA President Polly hear scientists and writers, philosophers to announce the return of the annual BHA Toynbee. Entertainment on the Friday and entertainers as they wrangle with residential conference. The 2011 BHA night features comedian Robin Ince and such subjects as boundlessly optimistic conference will run from the evening of Egghead C J De Mooi. A Gala Dinner on science, the meaning in life, bizarre Friday 17 June to midday on Sunday 19 the Saturday evening will include the beliefs and cognitive deficiencies, June at the Hilton Deansgate presentation of an award for services classical wisdom, secular narrative, and in Manchester. to Humanism. improbably, the virtues of religion! The BHA’s revived annual conference The conference is a chance to meet Tickets available from the BHA online will include talks, conversations and fellow humanists and discover more at: www.humanism.org.uk/shop/99 or open discussion with contributors Peter about life, the universe and everything by card payment on 020 7079 3580 from Atkins, Julian Baggini, Chris French, from a number of humanist perspectives. 9am-5pm Mon-Fri. For more information A C Grayling, Natalie Haynes, Stephen The programme is packed. Accessible visit www.bhaconference.org.uk Law, Richard Norman, Philip Pullman, to all levels of interest, delegates will See you there!

Accommodation Tickets do not include accommodation, but the British Humanist Association has blocked off rooms at the Hilton Deansgate.

Rooms at the Hilton can be reserved directly from the hotel at: http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/ Programme groups/personalized/M/MANDGHI- GBRIH-20110616/index.jhtml?WT.mc_ Friday: 7pm-10pm id=POG. Comedian Robin Ince entertains, and Egghead C J de Mooi swaps roles to play Quote the ‘British Humanist Association question master in our conference quiz. Annual Conference’ when you are booking for our special conference rates saving Saturday: 10am-10pm you nearly 50 percent! 10-10.30am Registration (tea and coffee included in price of ticket) 10.30-11am Welcome and introduction to the conference by Andrew Copson We’ve put together a guide of other 11am-12pm On being: The limitless power of science by Peter Atkins accomodation available in Manchester, 12-1pm What does religion have that we don’t? by Julian Baggini visit: http://tinyurl.com/3dzcfkb for 1-2pm Lunch (included in price of ticket) accommodation that fits any budget. 2-3pm Meaning in life: an armchair discussion between Polly Toynbee and A C Grayling 3-4pm Believing Bullshit by Stephen Law 4-4.20pm Tea and coffee (included in price of ticket) 4.20-5.20pm Meaning and Randomness: On Seeing Things That Are Not There Chris French 5.20-6.20pm Philip Pullman in conversation on meaning in life 7-10pm Three course Gala Dinner (included in price of ticket) including presentation of award for services to Humanism to Philip Pullman

Sunday: 10am-1.30pm 11am-12pm Ancient wisdom on the meaning of life by Natalie Haynes 12.30-1.30pm Meaning: made or discovered? by Richard Norman and Mark Vernon

BHAN-2011-mar-apr.indd 4 06/04/2011 09:31 British Humanist Association ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Saturday 23 July 2011 Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London WC1

Dear Member,

I hope that you will be able to attend our 2011 AGM to find out more about what the BHA is doing on your behalf, tell us what you think, hear our keynote speaker, and join trustees and staff for an informal drink. The morning is divided up into three forums, focusing on Ceremonies, Public Affairs, and Education and Promotion. Staff from these different teams will be reporting on their work over the past year and their plans for the future and you will get the chance to ask questions and make suggestions for future work. These will be over by 13.00. At 13.40 you will get to hear a performance by the BHA Choir, who have performed wonderfully in a variety of venues over the last year and are a great new asset for us. The formal business of the day will begin at 14.00 with the Chief Executive’s report, followed by the AGM which should finish by 16.00 and be followed by an address from a guest speaker. We hope that members will then join us for a glass of wine or soft drink to toast another successful year.

The programme for the day will be as follows: 10.30 – 13.00 Ceremonies, Public Affairs, and Education and Promotion Forums 13.40 – 14.00 Performance by the BHA Choir 14.00 – 16.00 Chief Executive’s report & AGM 16.00 – 16.30 Address by special speaker 16.30 – 17.00 Drinks with the trustees There will be a full AGM mailing with the next issue of BHA News, with the full agenda and any motions received.

1. Vacancies on the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees currently has twelve members, all of whom were elected. Elected members must stand down after three years, and one third of the Trustees must stand down each year. Josh Kutchinsky, Patricia Rogers (currently Vice Chair), David Savage, and John Woolhouse (currently Treasurer), who were elected in 2008, will therefore stand down. The trustees who remain in office are Robert Ashby (Chair), John Catt, Alice Fuller, Allan Hayes, Michael Imison, Iain Paterson, David Pollock and Mary Porter. This means that there will be a total of four vacancies on the Board, though all trustees standing down may stand for re-election.

2. Standing for election to the Board of Trustees

The BHA is a registered company and a charity, and to stand to be a member of the Board (and therefore a trustee and non- executive director), you must be a BHA member aged 18 years or over on 23 July 2011. Candidates for election to the BoT must each be nominated by five BHA members and must complete a nomination form. The nomination form can be requested from my assistant, Cynthia Scott-Clark, whom you can contact by email on [email protected], telephone on 020 7079 3584 or by post at the BHA address: 1 Gower Street, London WC1E 6HD. Completed nomination forms must be received by Cynthia at the BHA office by 10 June 2011 and receipt will be acknowledged. If you send in a nomination form but do not have its receipt acknowledged, please do contact us as we have previously had nominations lost in the post. The trustees welcome nominations of people who can think clearly and strategically and contribute constructively to decisions about policy and governance. Members considering standing for election to the Board are welcome to get in touch and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process of nomination, election, and what serving as a trustee entails.

3. Motions

Motions may be proposed by the Board of Trustees and by groups affiliated to the BHA without the need for a seconder. Motions from individual members must be proposed and seconded. Motions should be clear and concise, and must be submitted to me to arrive by 20 May 2011. After this date, only motions relating to matters of importance to the BHA that have arisen since the closing date (Emergency Motions) will be accepted. Motions received by 20 May will be published in the AGM mailing in May. Any amendments to motions will then need to be submitted by 23 June 2011.

Andrew Copson, Chief Executive and Company Secretary British Humanist Association, 1 Gower Street, London WC1E 6HD e: [email protected] t: 020 7079 3584

BHAN-2011-mar-apr.indd 5 06/04/2011 09:31 BHA Meets with Schools Minister

Andrew and Naomi secured a meeting core part of the primary science with the Schools Minister Nick Gibb MP curriculum. Mr Gibb said that he at the Department for Education, taking agreed that the teaching of evolution the opportunity to introduce the BHA should be compulsory and also said and its decades-long interest and work in that he and his department were education, before discussing in detail the robust in their response to requests BHA’s current work on ‘faith’ schools and from religious groups wanting the the curriculum. inclusion of creationism and ‘intelligent We got the answer we were design’ in science lessons, stating that expecting when the Minister said that creationism has no basis in science and the government did not agree with should not be taught as such. These are the BHA’s position on ‘faith’ schools, issues that the BHA has led on in recent nor on compulsory worship in schools. years, and we are actively working Interestingly, Mr Gibb stated that he felt with scientists, science organisations, there was already enough flexibility in educationalists, MPs, and others to

the system, with schools being able to have evolution taught properly in Nick Gibb MP apply for ‘determinations’ so that they all schools, and to fight against the do not have to have mainly Christian growing threat from creationist groups content in the worship. This is a point in education. that we briefed MPs on in the context The topic of RE was discussed, with Letter to the Editor of the Freedom Bill, making clear that particular reference to the inefficiency ‘determinations’ still require schools of RE syllabuses being locally determined BHA member, David Renwick, sent the to have worship and so are far from and the deleterious effect on the subject following article to me written by BHA satisfactory. because of that. The BHA argued that RE Distinguished Supporter Susan Blackmore We raised the issue of evolution in the should be included in the current review in the BBC Focus magazine. David’s curriculum, asking for the government’s of the curriculum being carried out by Mr comments follow: position on including evolution as a Gibb’s department. Are near-death experiences just hallucinations? Yes, but they’re compelling and often life-changing hallucinations. All over the New motion puts pressure on MPs to prevent world people who come close to death religious discrimination in public services report rushing down tunnels towards a bright light. This is caused by excessive We welcomed a new policy approved at on religious grounds against employees activity in the brain’s visual system, the Liberal Democrat Spring conference and service users. Such discrimination is and similar tunnels can be induced by which commits the Party to ensuring that unjustified, unnecessary and wrong. hallucinogenic drugs. religious organisations which provide ‘The BHA works closely with others, Some people find themselves looking public services may not discriminate in including religious groups, and we down on their body in an ‘out-of-body their employment or against service users know that our concerns to have fair experience’ (OBE), which is caused on religious grounds in the provision of and inclusive secular public services by disruption in the temporo-parietal those services. The clause was included are widely shared. The policy motion junction — part of the cortex that in the ‘Community Futures (Voluntary passed...reflects that shared commitment controls our body image. OBEs can Sector and Volunteering Policy Paper)’ to promote real inclusion of all people be induced by artificially stimulating and states: regardless of belief. We hope that this that spot. A few report visiting other c) Ensuring that public services is an issue that can be taken up and worlds that they interpret as Heaven or are delivered without unjustified supported by other political parties Hell, but these depend on the person’s discrimination against service-users as part of their policies. At present, culture. or employees, by amending equalities parliamentarians have an opportunity So Christians tend to see Jesus or legislation to narrow the exemption through the Localism Bill to make St Peter, Hindus see Ramdoots, and granted to organisations with a religious legislative changes that will rule out Buddists may report the ‘bardos’, ethos, and in the interim requiring public discrimination by religious organisations those transitional states between sector commissioners to include non- when they are working under public reincarnations described in the discrimination clauses in their contracts contract to provide services. Such moves Tibetan Book of the Dead. Many people with providers. would finally treat civil society groups believe that the soul leaves the body Peter Kunzmann, chair of the equally and fairly in practice.’ during near-death experiences and Humanist and Secular Liberal Democrats Mr Kunzmann said: ‘Public services survives after death, but in 20 years of (HSLD), spoke when the motion was being should be available to everyone who research on out-of-body and near-death debated in favour of the clause, and needs them — whatever their beliefs. experiences I never found any convincing urged delegates to welcome its inclusion. Ordinary Liberal Democrat members have evidence that this is so. Susan Blackmore Naomi Phillips commented: ‘It is given their party’s MPs an unambiguous As a young boy I recall having two, the BHA’s firm position that religious mandate to press for changes to the law, perhaps three, ‘OBEs’. I can picture organisations which are providing ensuring that religious groups who bid the scene right now. I attributed no public services on behalf of the state for public services cannot discriminate significance to them at the time but later — a policy the government is actively against service-users or their employees.’ in life supposed them to be due to some encouraging — should be held to the same The BHA works with groups across tansitory toxic or psychological state. equality standards as any other private the political spectrum and the Labour Now in my mid 70’s, my feet remain or state provider. That means that such Humanists, HSLD and the Conservative firmly on the surface of terra firma. organisations must not be permitted, Humanist Association (CHA) are all as they are at present, to discriminate affiliated to the BHA. David L Renwick

BHAN-2011-mar-apr.indd 6 06/04/2011 09:31 (Continued from page 2) the enthusiasm of our affiliated groups. The campaign received extensive Over 65,000 leaflets were ordered from press coverage; featuring in a number of the BHA headquarters and distributed BBC articles, two of which were on the as humanists around the country rallied front-page of the UK website; articles in together to give out leaflets in their local and Independent; mentions areas. Groups also raised money for and on television news on both the BBC and organised local advertising including ; and lots of local press. Radio posters on Stockport bins, banners across stations (including over 20 local BBC the Farnham high streets, and humanist stations) were lining up for interviews billboards. with BHA staff, often in planned The success of the campaign is discussion with an objector to the entirely down to the amazing support campaign: the resulting interviews were we have received from members and invariably interesting and entertaining! supporters. We would like to express Naomi and Andrew also put in television enormous gratitude to everyone involved: appearances on non-News shows, whether you displayed a window sticker, featuring on The Big Questions and Frank wrote to your local press or hit the Skinner’s Opinionated respectively. streets leafleting: we couldn’t have done Census Campaign Officer, Lizzie Rogers Finally, the campaign was it without you. strengthened greatly by

Members of Central London Humanist Group leafleting in London

BHA Staff and Volunteers

BHAN-2011-mar-apr.indd 7 06/04/2011 09:31 A Sunny March Saturday in Powys An afternoon spent in the glorious Cardiff celebrants have worked together Wales countryside in mid March was to launch a big screen advertising an opportunity for our New Head of campaign in their local registry office Ceremonies, Ben Siegle, to meet some that will run for two years; we will keep a of the Wales celebrants and learn more close eye on the results. about the particular challenges facing It seems that all in Wales work Humanist Ceremonies in the area. extremely hard to provide the vital Being such a large area, there were celebrant services in which they excel, contrasting needs to be met, taking in the and we hope that by providing support metropolitan and the remotely rural. A for local marketing initiatives, not just key difficulty for many in the area comes in urban areas, the BHA can help the in dealing with some of the small, very celebrants in waled to continue with the traditional funeral directors to whom important and very much appreciated Humanism is anathema. work they do. Competition from independent There remains a vacancy for a new celebrants was perhaps not as strong in celebrant in Aberystwyth, so if you’d like Wales as in other areas of the country, to join the team, all applications will be although this was clearly an emerging very gratefully received! (visit http:// concern, as was the increasing flexibility www.humanism.org.uk/ceremonies/ of Registry office staff and their celebrant-training or call 020 7079 3582) willingness to travel. To combat this,

Mutants! It must be the Darwin Day Lecture

The Darwin Day Lecture is a highlight of mutations are, of course, vital to the BHA’s annual lecture series. Every evolution, the ‘good’ ones are rare. year well over 400 people fill the floor The lecture explored whether it would and line the balconies of Conway Hall to be worth paying to have your genome hear a lecture on science, its impact on mapped — can we predict if mutations the world and on human affairs. Chaired we have will cause us ill or harm in our by for eight of its nine lives? And should you pay to have your years (every year since 2004) the Darwin lover’s genome mapped? Professor Leroi Day Lecture’s most recent appointed suggested that, at the moment, if we lecturer was TV’s Professor Armand Leroi, want to look at the genome in order to of Imperial College, UCL. make predictions about our health in Professor Dawkins introduced the future, it is uneconomical to analyse Professor Leroi as one of the leading those of us already walking around. But it scientists in his field, mentioning the would be efficient to look at the genes of plethora of publications and broadcasts our offspring. An embryo’s unique genome wealth on the BBC and Channel 4 that may have inherited recessive mutations he has done on the subject of human from both parents, with potentially mutations — and what to do about them. catastrophic results. Leroi made the case Leroi described human beings as that such examination could be both complex and almost ‘perfect’ machines, efficient and the ethical thing to do. so that when mutations happen they You can listen to the lecture in full at Prof Armand Leroi generally cause a detriment rather www.humanism.org.uk/darwin2011 and than have a positive effect. Although thanks to the Pod Delusion for recording!

Christians and Humanists criticise false ‘discrimination’ claims Claims that Christians are being about “Christianophobia”. But these is seeking to de-legitimise ‘discriminated against’ by human rights claims have no basis in reality. What or any other faith or belief. ... No one and equality legislation in the UK were they describe as discrimination and is seeking to give Christians, Jews or strongly criticised by the BHA and the marginalisation of Christians is in fact Muslims or, indeed, peoples of any faith, leading Christian think-tank Ekklesia. the proper upholding of human rights a second class status. On the contrary, The two organisations spoke out and equalities law and principles — a it is fundamental to our law, to our policy jointly after socially conservative group law which protects religious people from and to our way of life, that everyone Christian Concern (formerly Christian unjustified and illegitimate discrimination is equal.” Concern For Our Nation) launched a in exactly the same way as it protects ‘It is this equality which some petition claiming that people with people on other grounds like race and vociferous campaign groups are disputing. ‘mainstream Christian’ beliefs are sexual orientation.’ They want a privileged status in law for being barred by equalities legislation Simon Barrow, co-director of Ekklesia, their own particular prejudices, using ‘from different areas of public life and said: ‘The judgement in the recent Johns arguments which many other Christians employment’. foster case was very clear. It described find misplaced, misguided, and offensive. BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson claims of anti-religious discrimination as Far from “defending Christianity”, commented, ‘This petition is the latest a “travesty of the reality” and “wrong as petitions like this bring it into disrepute.’ in a series of increasingly desperate to the factual premises on which they are attempts to create a victim narrative based.” The judges added that “No one

BHAN-2011-mar-apr.indd 8 06/04/2011 09:31 AHS National Convention 2011 Donate

Head of Education and Promotion

Outreach and public understanding March saw the National Federation of many of the challenges facing the non- are crucial areas of our work and Atheist, Humanist and Secular Student religious in Britain . Soon to be BHA as a way of focusing on this the Societies (AHS) — which is facilitated and President A C Grayling discussed each of BHA is funding a new Education and supported by the BHA — hold its third atheism, Humanism, and secularism in Promotion role. This is an important annual Convention, in central London. turn, before the BHA Choir performed new way of balancing the BHA team The first day of the Convention opened a fantastic seven song set that had the and making sure that education is at with the ‘non-religious organisations fair’, audience cheering all the way. the forefront of some of our work. To with 15 stands from different national The second day just focused on help with this please donate what you organisations that campaign for atheist, students — either involved in societies, can by visiting: humanist, secular, and skeptical causes. or looking to be. Workshops motivated This was followed by a number of students in a variety of areas, and the www.justgiving.com/bha speakers — Lord Warner of Brockley, BHA Choir ran a choral workshop, leading chair of the All Party Parliamentary to the ‘AHS Choir’ temporarily being You can also donate by cheque made Humanist Group, talked about Humanism formed. Andrew Copson and BHA Trustee payable to the ‘British Humanist in Parliament; Gerard Phillips introduced David Pollock both pretended to be Association’ by returning this form the ; BHA Chief religious in order to run a hugely popular to ‘Education, British Humanist Executive Andrew Copson discussed the debating workshop. Association, 1 Gower Street, London, state of religion and belief among the Speeches from member societies were WC1E 6HD’. Or if paying by credit or young in Britain today, setting out the followed by an EGM, in which the AHS debit card, phone 020 7079 3580. work of the BHA and in particular The voted unanimously to expand to cover the Census Campaign. Republic of Ireland, as well as the UK. BHA Distinguished Supporter Robin Finally, the AHS held its Society Awards Ince then entertained the crowd with a for 2011, with the University of I enclose a donation of £______speech on the science that motivates his Atheist, Agnostic and Secular Society lack of religion. Johann Hari described winning Best Society overall. to the British Humanist Association

Your Name: ______Students around the UK hold ‘Think Week’ Events Address: ______This year saw five student societies, were usually free and open to the public. all members of the AHS, hold ‘Reason Bristol University held their inaugural ______Weeks’. A Reason Week is an intense ‘Thought Week’ in February, with Peter week of events, which seeks to expose Atkins setting a record attendance for the Post Code: ______the type of discussion and debate that society event. Simultaneously Durham AHS student societies offer to a wider held their second annual ‘Reason Week’ audience and raise the profile of the featuring a talk by A C Grayling. A week issues involved. They can serve to raise later, Southampton’s third annual ‘Reason awareness of social, political and moral Week’ featured Simon Singh and a live issues, recruit and retain members, and recording of the [ ] I would like all donations I’ve made since 6 April 2000 and all generate publicity for the society or for Pod Delusion, whilst donations in the future to be Gift their campaigns. The week-long events Oxford’s second Aided until I notify you otherwise. tend to involve a combination of lectures, annual ‘Think debates, panel discussions, workshops, Week’ included Using Gift Aid means that for every £1 of performances, and film screenings. Events Richard Dawkins your donation, we can claim an extra 28p and A C Grayling in from the Inland Revenue, helping your money go further. For example, if you discussion as well as donate £25, this is worth £32 to us. All you the BHA’s own Naomi need to do is complete this form — we do Phillips. March saw the rest and it costs you nothing! Leeds’ fifth annual ‘Reason Week’, To qualify for Gift Aid what you pay with a talk by BHA in income tax or capital gains tax must at least equal the amount we Chief Executive Prof Richard Dawkins and Prof A C Grayling will claim in the tax year. Andrew Copson. Naomi Phillips

BHAN-2011-mar-apr.indd 9 06/04/2011 09:31 First Annual Shelley Lecture Our annual event programme has expanded! A packed hall of 300 attended the inaugural BHA Shelley Lecture at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History on 29 March. Ann Wroe, herself an Oxford alumnus with a doctorate in medieval history, and now an editor at The Economist and a biographer of Percy Bysshe Shelley, spoke about the poet’s life and work. Principally Wroe’s lecture, entitled The Necessity of Atheism — Then and and was fascinated by fossils and the Now focused on Shelley’s anonymously- deep time they implied, seemed to issued pamphlet The Necessity of Atheism believe that science and reason were not and its wider meaning both socially and in only indefinitely progressive, but that the author’s own, short life. March 2011 civilization would rapidly answer every marks 200 years since Shelley’s Necessity question there was to be asked. It’s a BHA People of Atheism was printed, distributed view which the lecturer contrasted with around Oxford and, swiftly, burned. that of many modern scientists, citing A regular feature introducing Having begged religious authorities for BHA Distinguished Supporter Brian Cox some of our staff, volunteers, and proofs of the existence of God, which as an example, who seem very aware Distinguished Supporters were at best ignored, Shelley was that each scientific answer — as well eventually expelled from the university as genuinely explaining the world and Natalie Haynes for professing atheism. enlightening us in the process — does also Our chair for the evening was BHA bring new questions, new intellectual Author, Comedian, and Vice President Richard Dawkins, and as problems, new wonders to be examined. Distinguished Supporter of the BHA Professor Dawkins listened from the front Science’s great explanatory power, row, Ann spoke of the very real ‘fear’ that paradoxically, also makes us humble. What first interested you Shelley’s atheist publications induced in Wroe also expressed some sympathy about the BHA? his readers (including his daunted first for the later Shelley’s poetical notion of wife), pointing out that for all Shelley’s the ‘spirit of sweet human love’ which I think the BHA snuck up on me — self-conscious radicalism, the poet was the poet hoped would transform society Caspar Melville asked me to write for of course rather less ‘incendiary’ than and the world. Despite the way we might the New Humanist. Then there were some writers today on the subject of think about and characterise romantic Robin Ince’s Godless shows. Then theistic delusions! poets, it remains unclear whether Shelley there were the Pope protests. I think Wroe explained how Shelley held out a greater hope for spiritual in the end I just kept turning up at sometimes revelled in expressing his love, or for cogent reason, as the more things and you asked me to join. atheism, at times almost to the point transformative power. Either way, Wroe that it seemed he exaggerated his views lamented that Shelley’s glorious visions How has being a humanist for the sake of wild controversy. Shelley, of the future in many ways remain influenced/affected your who kept abreast of all the latest science distant ideals. work? Humanism is something I was BHA submits memorandum to parliamentary ‘Big interested in right from when I was doing my degree — I had an amazing Society’ Inquiry Ancient Philosophy teacher, and I was fascinated by Epicurus. I find I am The BHA has submitted a memorandum only contract services to groups and interested in writing about religion to the Public Administration Select organisations that do not discriminate from a non-religious perspective, Committee’s Inquiry on ‘Smaller on religious grounds in their employment which I think is the Classicist/ Government: “Bigger Society”?’ or in the way they provide services. humanist combination coming The submission outlines the BHA’s The BHA therefore reaffirms its position out — Christianity really doesn’t position on the government’s ‘Big that any public service reform should be seem markedly less peculiar to me Society’ proposals, stating that, although grounded in principles of equalities and than Ancient Greek polytheism or initiatives which encourage civil, social human rights, and be inclusive of people Mithraism or whatever. and political participation are in general regardless of background or belief. to be welcomed, the BHA is concerned Naomi Phillips, Head of Public Affairs What do you think is the most that the ‘Big Society’ will focus on commented, ‘Unless the ‘Big Society’ important thing about being a groups and communities rather than on and any related initiatives are secular, humanist? individuals. The BHA is critical of this that is, neutral on matters of religion approach as it treats people as members and belief, treating all people equally I think the most important thing of perceived or declared identity groups, regardless of belief, and without privilege about being a humanist is the most such as members of so-called ‘faith or discrimination, then it will fail to be important thing about being any groups’, rather than as equal, individual inclusive and may serve to divide rather noun — being a good person with a members of the wider community. than to unite society. It is also important moral code that you believe in and The submission states that if the that social and public policies focus practise. I think good Catholics or government wishes to meet its aim on the real needs and contribution of Communists or Teachers or Plumbers of creating accessible, inclusive and individuals and not the perceived needs should all be aiming for that. accountable public services, it should of specific identity groups.’

BHAN-2011-mar-apr.indd 10 06/04/2011 09:31 From the Chair

Once again, thanks for all your support accept the challenges of life within the Local and groups from my letter about the vital census boundaries of death — however mutable campaign — it will be interesting to man may be able to make them — our review see if the eventual results tally with existence as a species can have genuine the other data that we have on the meaning and fulfilment. However numbers of non-religious people in vast the darkness, we must supply The Accord Coalition the UK, and what the government our own light.’ does with the information when it is I like that concept of supplying our join South West London available next year. The campaign own light, and talking of which, the Humanists Catholic Faith has been one of our most successful, days are getting longer and spring is in School Campaign not just for the high media impact, the air. Whatever the natural world is but also for the level of campaigning doing, there is definitely a spring in the As reported in the local press commitment from all our supporters BHA’s performance and programme. under the slightly selective title, and members. The message of our We have our continuing series of ‘Religious groups urge council to campaign is not just to get the data lectures, which are selling out ditch Catholic school plan’, South right, but to build awareness of the gratifyingly, and also the upcoming West London Humanists’ campaign truth of levels of religious observance Annual Conference in Manchester in to stop Richmond Council giving one and how a privileged religious influence June looks to be unmissable. I look of its two new secondary schools could distort the delivery of all types of forward to meeting as many members to the Catholic Church now has government services, from education to as possible during the event. formal support from the Accord end of life care. Recently I have sent 87th birthday Coalition, co-founded in 2008 by Of course one of the purported greetings to one of our oldest friends the BHA. The group writes, ‘This arguments against atheism and and supporters — Harry Stopes-Roe, a will help us to defend against the Humanism is that it gives no purpose Vice President of the BHA. It was his inaccurate accusation that this is just to our lives, whereas religion does. I work in the 1970s and 80s to establish a campaign by an unrepresentative disagree and have been investigating the use of the phrase ‘lifestance’ that group of “aggressive atheists”.’ this recently. One of the more has contributed significantly to the Accord is a wide coalition, including surprising, but one of the strongest, growing understanding of Humanism, progressive Christian, Muslim, and statements about this turned up in an and its equal status to other beliefs. Hindu groups as well as human interview given to Playboy magazine There was before no simple expression rights groups, education unions, (no, wait) by Stanley Kubrick, director of what constituted the ‘package’ of and the BHA. of the movie 2001. He said: things of fundamental importance upon ‘The most terrifying fact about the which we base our lives, whatever our Birmingham Humanists universe is not that it is hostile but that belief. So thanks to Harry too. Celebrate VP’s 87th it is indifferent; but if we can come to terms with this indifference and Robert Ashby On 25 March the Birmingham Humanists put on an 87th Birthday Party for BHA Vice President Harry BHA gives evidence to Commission on Stopes-Roe. BHA trustee David Assisted dying Pollock was in attendance and spoke of Harry’s contributions to Humanism The BHA was called to give evidence to own lives. He said that the BHA’s position and presented him with a certificate the new Commission on Assisted Dying, was framed by two key issues, those of of gratitude on behalf of the BHA. which is an independent body set up to human dignity and of self-determination, investigate what system if any should and asserted that to help another who exist to allow people to be assisted to cannot help themselves is the moral and die and whether it might be possible to compassionate thing to do, and that introduce sufficient safeguards within principle applies to assisted dying. such a system to prevent abuse and Andrew said that he did not believe ensure that vulnerable people could not that reforms to make lawful assisted be pressured to choose an assisted death. dying would ‘devalue’ life more generally Andrew gave evidence on behalf of and nor would it put vulnerable people the BHA to the panel of Commissioners, at risk. He stated, ‘What is at issue is which was also filmed. Andrew outlined compassion, so a change in the law would the history of the BHA and the BHA’s be better, more compassionate’, and extensive commitment to promoting would also bring more openness, honesty humanist ethics, and particularly about and transparency on the issue. the BHA’s longstanding support for The BHA works on a number of legalisation of assisted dying for those scientific and ethical issues, providing an who wish it, for terminally ill people and evidenced and robust response to some people who are incurably suffering, and of the key contemporary issues, from a who are physically unable to end their distinctive humanist perspective.

Dr and Mrs Stope-Roe

BHAN-2011-mar-apr.indd 11 06/04/2011 09:31 Upcoming Events BHA news Voltaire Lecture Ancestor’s Trail This issue edited and designed by Cynthia This April the BHA will hold their A Shared Walk over the Quantock Scott-Clark and staff editorial team. Please annual Voltaire Lecture. Comedian, Hills in Somerset on Sunday 29 send contributions for the next issue — news, views, quotes and cuttings of writer, and BHA Distinguished May 2011. The Ancestor’s Trail is a interest to other humanists — marked ‘For Supporter Natalie Haynes will be secular celebration of our common publication’ — to [email protected] speaking on What the Romans and ancestry. Based on Richard Dawkins’ or ‘The Editor, BHA’ by 6 May 2011. Greeks did for us: how Ancient History book The Ancestor’s Tale, the Trail makes our lives better. Natalie will paths each represent a branch of ISSN 0953 1327 argue that if we want to be truly Darwin’s Tree of Life. Along the Trail Printed on recycled paper happy in the now, we could do much walkers will encounter a range of by Rap Spiderweb Ltd, 0161 947 3700 worse than looking to the past for scientific, philosophical, and musical advice, inspiration, and the occasional commentaries from Jonny Berliner STAFF jaw-dropping story. The lecture will (science singer-songwriter), the BHA Andrew Copson (Chief Executive) be chaired by BHA President Polly Choir, the Treefrogs (bio-Blues), 020 7079 3584 [email protected] Toynbee. The lecture will be held on and others. Humanists from across Cynthia Scott-Clark 20 April at Conway Hall, for tickets the UK are invited to enjoy a day of (Assistant to the Chief Executive) and more details visit www.humanism. celebration. You can book a place at 020 7079 3584 [email protected] Naomi Phillips (Head of Public Affairs) org.uk/meet-up/events bit.ly/i2pyvq. 020 7079 3585 [email protected] Jenny Pennington (Faith Schools Campaigns) 020 7462 4993 [email protected] Ben Siegle (Head of Ceremonies) 020 7079 3582 [email protected] Win! Win! Win! David Pack (Ceremonies Training) 020 7462 4991 [email protected] We have copies of BHA Distinguished Supporter Peter Vanessa Ashbee (Ceremonies Assistant) Atkin’s new book On Being and Philosopher Stephen Law’s 020 70793582 [email protected] Humanism: a very short introduction to give away to the Bob Churchill (Head of Membership & Promotion) first person drawn out of a hat who correctly answers the 020 7079 3586 [email protected] question: ‘Who was A J Ayer’s successor as president of Bernard Halter (Head of Operations) the BHA?’ 020 7079 3587 [email protected] Tamsin Van Dyken & Blakeley Nixon Email your answer to [email protected] or post to Editor, (General enquiries and orders) BHA News, 1 Gower Street London WC1E 6HD by 6 May 2011. 020 7079 3580 [email protected] PRESIDENT Polly Toynbee

VICE PRESIDENTS On sale now... Professor Simon Blackburn, Baroness Blackstone, Mary Honeyball MEP, Professor Richard Dawkins Chair of the FRS, Professor AC Grayling, Dr Evan Harris, BHA’s Humanist Lord Hughes of Woodside, Professor Richard Philosopher’s Norman, Dr Harry Stopes-Roe, Baroness Turner of Group, Peter Camden, Baroness Whitaker, Jane Wynne Willson, Professor Lewis Wolpert CBE FRS Cave, has just released his BOARD OF TRUSTEES new book How Robert Ashby (Chair), Patricia Rogers (Vice to Think Like Chair), John Woolhouse (Treasurer), John Catt, a Bat: and 34 Allan Hayes, Alice Fuller, Michael Imison, Josh other really Kutchinsky, Iain Paterson, David Pollock, Mary Porter, David Savage interesting uses of philosophy. How to Think Like a Bat takes the reader though 35 bite-size chapters The British Humanist Association is exploring how to think, how to a registered charity which exists to think about how we think, how we promote Humanism and support and conceive ourselves, how we possess represent people who seek to live a sense of right and wrong, and how good lives without religious or we find meaning in life. With highly superstitious beliefs. relevant and compelling philosophical questions accompanied by quirky, British Humanist Association colourful illustrations, this is a truly 1 Gower Street, London WC1E 6HD original new philosophy title. Be Telephone: 020 7079 3580 sure to pick up a copy at the BHA’s Fax: 020 7079 3588 amazon bookshop: http://astore. www.humanism.org.uk amazon.co.uk/britishhumani-21 Registered Charity No 285987

DISCLAIMER: Humanists do not agree about everything and some readers will disagree with some views expressed in this newsletter. The opinions of individual humanists are always interesting but are not, of course, necessarily BHA policy. On occasion we include inserts with BHA News. Many of these are part of reciprocal arrangements that allow us to send our leaflets to other organisations’ subscribers. We only accept inserts we think may be of interest to some of our readers, and will not include material promoting causes we oppose. Please do not assume that inserts imply BHA involvement with the cause or campaign, unless otherwise stated.

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