BHA news BHA news www.humanism.org.uk Issue 6 2012

When a scientist gazes up at the sky he sees these enormous suns and galaxies and magnetic fields and the turbulence and the heat and the cold and the molecules in the space and the endless distances and great mysteries. And you have the feeling if you are a scientist that you see a lot more.’ - Joan Feynman, Astrophysicist Jim Al-Khalili named new BHA President Physicist, author, and broadcaster Jim will enjoy a period of equal growth and Al-Khalili has been appointed as the success and hope he enjoys his time as next President of the British Humanist President of such a wonderful and sorely Association. He succeeds journalist, needed institution.’ broadcaster, and social justice Jim Al-Khalili, accepting the campaigner Polly Toynbee to take up the appointment, said, ‘I am excited to position from January 2013 and will serve be the BHA’s next President. It’s a real a three-year term as the Association’s honour and I hope I can do the position 11th president. justice, especially when I look back on The son of an English practising- some of its illustrious past Presidents. Christian mother and Muslim father, Jim Following from Polly Toynbee is a was born and raised in Iraq, but left the particularly daunting prospect as she has country with his family in 1979 to come Jim Al-Khalili, 11th President of the BHA been such an influential and respected to England at the age of 16. His academic voice in British intellectual life over career has been in theoretical physics but advances accessible to millions. It is this several decades. Her uncompromising he is best known publically as a popular capacity in particular that makes him a stance on secularism and social and accomplished science communicator, perfect choice to speak to the millions democracy have been exemplary and I whose books have been translated of British people who share a humanist know she leaves the post with the BHA into over 20 languages. In spite of his approach to life. We look forward to his stronger than it has ever been in its parentage and his descent from an Iraqi time as president enormously.’ 116-year history.’ Ayatollah, Jim has been a humanist since Welcoming her successor, outgoing ‘My scientific training has given me a his teenage years. President Polly Toynbee said, ‘It has been privileged rationalist view of the world Welcoming Jim’s appointment, our a joy to be president at a time of such and I have dedicated my life to trying to Chief Executive Andrew Copson said, prominent activity and unprecedented understand the workings of nature and ‘As well as being an academic scientist growth for the Association. From the our place in the universe using scientific at the forefront of humanity’s quest to Atheist Bus Campaign, to the massive reason. This has engendered in me a know the universe, Jim is also a brilliant increase in our education and ceremonies strong sense of awe and wonder in the communicator. His popular broadcasts work and our increasingly dynamic world, which my cells are so fleetingly and books have made some of the most advocacy work, we have gone from a part of, that goes far deeper than cutting-edge and complex scientific strength to strength. I know that Jim anything religious faith can offer.’ Case on religious discrimination in new school dismissed In November, we joined Richmond The case centred on two highly The Council repeatedly said the schools Inclusive Schools Campaign (RISC) in discriminatory Voluntary Aided Roman were needed, launching a consultation by taking to the High Court the first ever Catholic schools which the Diocese providing ‘a full background as to why a legal challenge against proposed new of Westminster proposed to set up in Catholic secondary school is necessary in schools on the grounds of religious Richmond-upon-Thames. Sometimes this borough’. discrimination. This unprecedented stand schools are proposed in a process In September, Education Secretary was complicated when the Government whereby different organisations compete Michael Gove intervened, arguing that if decided to intervene; disappointingly, the to run a school and one of these the Council thought Catholic schools were case was subsequently dismissed. proposals is accepted. However, in this needed it would not have to follow the case the Diocese proposed to set up the law on competition. schools without competition. From the The judge ruled in favour of the start the Council collaborated with the Council and Mr Gove and once the Diocese to bring the plans to fruition, judgement is published we will decide spending £10 million on the site which our next steps. the schools are to be located. In May the However, a new ComRes survey Council approved the plans. showed that the British public opposes We judicially reviewed the decision religious discrimination in school because a new law says that if a Council admissions by over four to one. We thinks a school is needed, it must seek believe that such unilateral establishment The BHA and RISC team outside proposals for a more inclusive type of of more faith-based schools is wrong; we the Royal Courts of Justice school through a form of competition. will continue to fight to end this practice.

BHAN-2012-issue6.indd 1 10/12/2012 10:17:20 Inequality: The Enemy Between Us Kate Pickett, Professor of Epidemiology at the University of York and Distinguished Supporter of the BHA, is co-author of The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone. In October she presented the fourth annual Holyoake Lecture in Manchester on the theme of Inequality: The Enemy Between Us. Professor Pickett’s lecture attracted a record audience of over 150 attendees and presented the findings of her research undertaken with Richard Wilkinson. Focusing on the effects of inequality and the far-reaching impact it has on everyone, regardless of wealth or status, the event was both informative Kate Pickett presents the 2012 Holyoake Lecture and sobering. The lecture presented data showing that more equal countries (those with to inequality levels, leading Professor seem an important statistic, research less of a gap between the richest 20% Pickett to quip that ‘if you want “the starkly highlighted some shocking effects compared to the poorest 20%) do better American Dream” you should move this seems to have. For example, in in measurements like life expectancy, to Denmark’. the UNICEF index of child well-being welfare, education, working hours, Key findings presented during measured against income inequality, the mental illness, and feelings of trust. the lecture made for uncomfortable UK ranked bottom among Their research stressed the negative listening. For example, in the UK the wealthy countries. impact of an unequal society: for richest 20% are 7.2 times richer than The 2012 Holyoake Lecture is example, imprisonment rates, social the poorest 20%; in Sweden, they are available on our YouTube channel at mobility, and homicide rates all correlate four times richer. While this may not www.youtube.com/BritishHumanists. Initiatives for Change Celebrants’ Conference The BHA Humanist Ceremonies Network and marketing for weddings and namings, As freelance professionals, it isn’t often Annual Conference 2012 took place as well as workshops on presentation and that celebrants are able to get together in Warwickshire in October. Focussing voice skills. Training was also offered on and share experiences, learning from on Initiatives for Change – the Next 5 making the most of interviews with the each other. The weekend was highly Years, the two-day conference included family, and how to use Humanism as a acclaimed; we look forward to seeing workshops and master classes on a competitive strength. even more of our incredible celebrants at range of topics and themes. It attracted The conference also gave celebrants the next one. Humanist Celebrants from across the UK, the opportunity to talk about assisted To find out more about Humanist and some from even further afield. dying, out-of-the-ordinary Humanist Ceremonies or about becoming a Topics addressed over the weekend Ceremonies, and coping with celebrant, please visit our website at included an update on trends in funerals difficult ceremonies. www.humanism.org.uk/ceremonies. For All Who Serve - we won’t give up! With humanists yet again not being given This argument is particularly weak, as for an end to this blatant discrimination representation at the Cenotaph at this we know that an addition to this year’s — and that is what it is. It is denying all year’s Remembrance Ceremony, our ceremony was a representative of the secular service men and women, past campaign to rectify this is far from over. Zoroastrian community, another group and present, a representative when, if Hundreads of you have written to your which had previously been excluded, they had been religious they would have MPs; and a number of Peers from the and a group representing a much smaller been allowed one. All who serve should All Party Parliamentary Humanist Group number of service people than UKAFHA. be remembered: secular, undecided, (APPHG) have tabled questions on this We were pleased to have been unaffiliated, or religious. This is not a issue. We have been receiving pretty contacted by the family of the late Major request for anything more than that we standard replies, some supportive and Sidney Excell, a committed atheist best be included.’ some rather offensive. One of the most known as the man who arrested Head of We will be following the campaign up common reasons given for not including the Gestapo Heinrich Himmler. His family with the Department for Culture, Media the United Kingdom Armed Forces is appalled at the government refusal to and Sport, as well as relevant ministers. Humanist Association (UKAFHA) at the include a humanist at the wreath laying ceremony is along the lines of: ceremony on Remembrance Day. Their ‘We do get representations from public statement said: time to time from a range of groups, but ‘It is devastating to know that actual representation at the ceremony a man who played not a small role is severely restricted by constraints on in history not be [appropriately] space, so it is, regrettably, not possible remembered by the country he so loved. to include additional representation. Any It is disgusting that the Government change to the current representation has consistently denied requests for a would require the agreement of the Royal humanist representative to be placed Household and other stakeholders.’ with religious representatives. We call

BHAN-2012-issue6.indd 2 10/12/2012 10:17:20 and would like to hear from any Four student groups News in brief practising teachers who want to get awarded grants involved in developing new resources on Humanism for schools. If this sounds Since the last newsletter four university Humanist Jacob Bronowski like you, please email Sara Passmore at student groups — Durham, Edinburgh, honoured with blue plaque [email protected]. Goldsmiths, and Liverpool — have been awarded grants to support them Humanist, scientist, and broadcaster Religious Education Council to promote their activities from the Jacob Bronowski has been honoured with subject review National Federation of Atheist, Humanist, a blue plaque in Hull, the city where he and Secular Student Societies (AHS). The once taught. The unveiling of the plaque An extensive review of the National AHS supports over 40 student societies follows a campaign by the Hull and East Curriculum is taking place. Changes in across the UK; it aims to have an atheist, Riding Humanist Group to celebrate Dr curriculum and assessment arrangements humanist and secular student group in Bronowski’s achievements. for many other subjects have implications every UK university. Dr Bronowski is best known for for Religious Education (RE). As part of If your local university does not have presenting the 1973 acclaimed BBC its Strategic Plan, the RE Council (REC) a member group you can find instructions TV series The Ascent of Man. Born in has undertaken to carry out a review of on how to set one up on the AHS website: Poland in 1908 to Jewish parents, his RE, following a similar pattern to that www.ahsstudents.org.uk. family moved to Germany during the adopted by the National Curriculum First World War, and then to England in Review. The BHA is a founding member The BHA at The Battle 1920. His intellectual interests ranged of the REC; we are delighted to be of Ideas widely, straddling the divide between the involved in the subject review, which sciences and the humanities. has gained support from the Department In October, we sponsored and for Education (DfE), in that Ministers participated in The Battle of Ideas, the affirmed that the REC is ‘well placed’ to annual weekend festival of political, carry out such a review. cultural and social debate at London’s Barbican Centre. Our Chief Executive Giant’s Causeway Victory Andrew Copson spoke in a panel session titled Religious or Spiritual or Neither, The National Trust have removed the with writer and philosopher, Dr Piers part of their Giant’s Causeway exhibit Benn; associate fellow of the Institute which appeared to endorse creationism, of Ideas, Dolan Cummings; director of following our letter-writing campaign on Theos, Elizabeth Hunter; and professor Andrew Copson, Dr Bronowski's daughter the issue: Thank you to everyone of sociology of religion, Linda Woodhead. Lisa Jardine, and Hull and secretary of the who wrote in. The exhibit now states that Meanwhile, our Head of Public Affairs, Hull and East Riding Humanist Group Tim Stephenson attended the unveiling. ‘the National Trust supports the Pavan Dhaliwal, spoke on a panel scientific view of the formation of the discussing the Myth and Reality of Free North West Regional Giant’s Causeway’. Schools. Conference Reading University Atheist, Ritual slaughter The North West Regional Conference took Secularist and Humanist consultation place in Preston in November, focussing on Humanism for a Better World. BHA Society removed from In October we responded to a Defra Vice President Professor Richard Norman Freshers' Fayre consultation on Welfare of Animals at delivered the key note address. Other the Time of Killing, in which we urged speakers included Philosopher Julian To promote an upcoming event on the the Government to ban ritual slaughter Baggini, Professor of Religious and topic Should we respect religion? the without pre-stunning, with no exemptions Cultural History Callum Brown, our own Reading University Atheist, Humanist, for religious groups. Head of Public Affairs, Pavan Dhaliwal, and Secularist Society (RAHS) at October's Without pre-stunning, animals and Skeptic Martin Poulter. Freshers’ Fayre displayed a pineapple experience considerable additional pain with the label Mohammed on it to and distress at the time of slaughter. Humanism: A Short Course encourage discussion about blasphemy. - Free PDF eBook Giveaway Following complaints to the Fayre Accord Coalition holds organisers, they were made to leave event on inclusivity We gave away 6000 electronic copies the venue. of Humanism: A Short Course by asking in schools people to pay with a Tweet or a Facebook Cameron’s controversial share. Supporters of the promotion speech on faith and the The Accord Coalition, of which we are a included Tim Minchin, Jim Al-Khalili, and founding member, held a parliamentary Zoe Margolis. ‘Big Society’ event in November on Faith, Inclusivity To get your free copy visit and Segregation in Schools: Problems and www.humanism.org.uk/humanism-short- We have raised concerns over a recent Solutions. Speakers included Professor course-ebook. speech by Prime Minister David Cameron, Ted Cantle of the Institute of Community in which he suggested that faith-based Cohesion, the Director of the Centre for REonline Update charities could take over public services. Studies on Inclusive Education, and a We have pointed out that this policy former Director of the Runnymede Trust. REonline, pitched to teachers as ‘your creates the risk of discrimination against The event included groups from across starting point for Religious Education on public service users and employees, and the religion and belief spectrum, as well the Web’, is undergoing a redesign. undermines the secular nature of the as trades unions, educationalists, and We have been asked to contribute welfare state. human rights organisations. new and updated resources for teachers

BHAN-2012-issue6.indd 3 10/12/2012 10:17:22 Take Action! As ‘Holy Redundant’ as ever — campaign to abolish privilege

organisation by refusing women the right Mark Harper MP, Parliamentary Under- to hold the highest leadership positions; Secretary of State at the Cabinet Office, it therefore should not be allowed revealed on 23 May that, of all the letters automatic seats in the House of Lords, received by the Government on Lords as this clearly does not comply with Reform, the majority had concerned the the spirit of UK equality law. An online abolition of the Bishops. petition has been set up, calling for a The Government’s intention of debate in Parliament on this issue. While retaining the Bishops was also heavily we wholly support the online petition we criticised during Parliamentary debate still argue for the reserved places to be in July, with one in every five speakers abolished whether women are allowed to referring to ending the role of the Lords be bishops or not. Its latest decision yet Spiritual in a reformed House. TAKE ACTION! Write again to your MP again highlights how unrepresentative Visit www.holyredundant.org.uk to today to oppose reserved seats for and archaic the church is. to take action. Bishops in the House of Lords. During the short-lived passage of the In response to public demand, we House of Lords Reform Bill, thousands of have reactivated the Holy Redundant people wrote to their MPs through the campaign. Following the Church of Holy Redundant site and ensured that the England’s 20 November vote not to allow issue of Bishops was high on the agenda. women bishops, we urge people to email their MPs against there being reserved places for Bishops in the House of Lords. Lee Chalmers, equality campaigner and board member of the Fawcett Society, led the arguments, stating that the Church has chosen to be a sexist

SACRE Reps and GRAM Annual meetings for humanist the BHA Local Representatives project, information on how to set one up please representatives on Standing Advisory which will extend the work of our local visit www.humanism.org.uk/groups. If Councils for Religious Education (SACREs) development volunteers’ programme. you are interested in becoming a SACRE and of the local humanist group We appreciate the work of everyone Representative please email Richy representatives took place in November. involved in our networks and groups. To Thompson at [email protected]. These meetings provide training and find out details of your local group or for development opportunities for humanist representatives, as well as the chance to share experiences and examples of best practice. The SACRE Reps’ meeting highlighted that about two-thirds of SACREs (173 in total) have a humanist member or a humanist applying to join. Chaired by BHA Trustee (and Camden SACRE representative) Alice Fuller, the guest speaker this year was RE consultant Roger Butler, who provided a fascinating overview of the history of religious education in England. The Group Representatives Annual Meeting (GRAM) was attended by over 50 representatives. The day-long meeting had a packed agenda. Topics included: effective campaigning (using the recent Richmond Inclusive Schools Campaign as an example); and debating (covering whether we should and what we aim to Richy and Alice at the 2012 SACRE Reps Meeting get out of it). The meeting also launched Community dialogue, Humanism, and local groups

Our community dialogue volunteer, ensure that a humanist voice is heard; to ensure that all faiths and beliefs, Rory Fenton, has been working with many humanists have been making steady including Humanism, are considered when Local Humanist Groups to ensure that inroads into interfaith and belief groups, advising and making decision that affect Humanism is well represented in local networks, forums, and committees. With the whole community. To find out more government, equality committees, and the help of Rory we are now better able about this work email Rory at faith and belief networks across the UK. to ensure that we have representation [email protected]. It is by no means a small task to on these groups and work with them

BHAN-2012-issue6.indd 4 10/12/2012 10:17:26 Non-Prophet week 2012 Donate The National Federation of Atheist, Humanist, and Secularist Student Societies (AHS) organised its third Donate today to help us Non-Prophet Week (NPW). The week of achieve our aims fundraising for humanitarian causes is an for 2013 opportunity to show that, just like many driven by religious motivation, atheists, Spending cuts and sympathetic humanists, and secularists also often politicians are making it easier for support charitable work. evangelical groups to influence our Every year, AHS student societies AHS President, Jess Vautier, schools, our public services, and even around the country are given a chance completed a sponsored swim our legal system. to support their own or the AHS's chosen charity, by raising money through Dozens of the AHS member student Our work to fight religious whatever means they feel summarises societies participated in universities discrimination is more who we are and why we want people to around the country, from Southampton's important than ever. donate. This year, NPW has raised over group going vegan for a week, Bristol's £1,700 for many good causes, including film screening, Bradford's festive We don’t receive any funding from Survivors’ Voice Europe, a group that Halloween face painting, to Reading's government and are wholly reliant on fights for the recognition and well-being stall with an insult and compliment our supporters to fund our work. of victims of the Catholic Church’s jar. During the week AHS President, Jess institutionalised child abuse. Vautier, swam six miles. Every single donation we receive is vital. BHA Annual Conference: Tickets now on sale! If you’d like to support us, please Tickets are now available for our 2013 Tickets include entry to the send your donations to: Annual Conference taking place at conference including the Friday night BHA, 1 Gower Street, London Hilton Leeds City Hotel from Friday 7 — entertainment, refreshments, and lunch WC1E 6HD (making cheques out to Sunday 9 June 2013. We have lined up on the Saturday, and attendance at the ‘BHA’). Or you can donate with a internationally-renowned speakers and three-course gala dinner on Saturday credit or debit card by telephoning performers, with more still to evening to be held within the historic 020 7079 3580 be announced. Leeds City Museum. or going to: Join us to explore through the lens Visit www.bhaconference.org.uk to of Humanism how human imagination find out more, or telephone us on www.humanism.org.uk/donate extended the boundaries of creation and 020 7079 3580. our impact on the world around us.

Humanist volunteers for schools – how you can I enclose a donation of £______get involved to the British Humanist Association We are developing a training course In February, we will run pilot courses for volunteers who want to work with in London and Manchester. We plan then Your Name: ______teachers in schools: both to increase to roll out training to local humanist students’ understanding of Humanism, groups in preparation for the 2013/14 Address: ______and have an impact on how teachers academic year. It is an ambitious task, deliver Social, Moral, Cultural, and we need help from local humanist ______and Spiritual development for young groups and members to ensure that the people. This is linked to both Religious programme is successful. Post Code: ______Education, Citizenship, and to Personal, For more information about how you Social, Health, and Economic can get involved in the programme visit education (PSHE). www.humanism.org.uk/schoolvolunteers.

New ceremonies leaflets available [ ] I confirm I have paid or will pay an We have produced new ceremonies’ amount of Income Tax and/or Capital marketing leaflets, in consultation Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 with our newly established Humanist April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Ceremonies Marketing Committee. Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I With the aim of highlighting donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that non-religious, highly personalised tax year. I understand that other taxes ceremonies, the new leaflets promote the such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 28p highly professional service provided by of tax on every £1 that I gave up to 5 April humanist celebrants. 2008 and will reclaim 25p of tax on every The leaflets are available from our office £1 that I give on or after 6 April 2008. and a stock of them have been sent to Local Humanist Groups for giving out at Using Gift Aid means that for every £1 of your donation, we can claim an extra meetings and events. 25p from the Inland Revenue. All you If you would like any additional need to do is complete this form — we leaflets or flyers please email do the rest and it costs you nothing! [email protected].

BHAN-2012-issue6.indd 5 10/12/2012 10:17:26 Galha - the LGBT section of the British Humanist Association conference This year has been momentous for both BHA. And the future does indeed look the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association good. The attendance for this year’s (Galha) and the British Humanist Galha’s conference was fantastic, and Association. Having worked closely bodes well for our ambitions to spread together for the last thirty years, we are the word of Humanism. Following a proud that Galha has become the LGBT speech by our Chief Executive, Andrew section of the BHA, forming a unified Copson, the conference goers moved on voice for Humanism. to Manchester University and its Alan The 2012 Galha Conference took Turing exhibition. Here we were offered place over a weekend in October in private glimpses inside the University historic Manchester, a historic city with where Turing worked. The dinner that a long history of involvement in the night had as its guest speaker Councillor BHA People gay movement. The conference also Paul Fairweather, a prominent figure in celebrated the birth centenary of the late Manchester gay rights. On the last day A regular feature introducing mathematician and humanist Alan Turing, there was a guided walk, exploring some some of our staff, volunteers, and a pivotal figure in computer science and of the gay history of Manchester. Distinguished Supporters. one of Manchester University’s most famous figures, but whose homosexuality Carol Armstrong in an intolerant society was probably a UK Armed Forces Humanist major factor leading to his suicide. Association Volunteer As well as commemorating the past, Membership Secretary the conference also looked to the future, as Galha enters a new era as part of the What interested you about volunteering for UKAFHA? Party Conference Round-up The non-religious do not have a voice At all three party conferences this year Our discussion at the Conservative in the Armed Forces. I see UKAFHA we hosted lively fringe events that conference was on the question Is Britain as one way to provide a voice for attracted hundreds of delegates and a Christian Country? It was chaired them. In my retirement from the tackled important current issues by Henry Bonsu of Colourful Radio, Army I have a bit of time to offer for humanists. with Andrew Copson, Lord Sheikh of and I hope that my small supporting The Liberal Democrat conference, the Conservative Muslim Forum, and role assists current serving members our joint event with the Humanist and Christian commentator Anne Atkins as of the Armed Forces who are not Secularist Liberal Democrats, was on the speakers. Andrew argued that Britain is religious to be treated with the same subject A Place for Bishops in a Reformed not a Christian country because only a recognition and respect as those who House of Lords? It featured our Chief minority of British people now identify hold religious beliefs. Executive Andrew Copson, on a panel as Christian. Lord Sheikh argued the with Dr Evan Harris and Lord Palmer, opposite case, on the grounds that the How has being a humanist chaired by Councillor Arnie Gibbons; Queen is both head of state and head influenced your life? all argued against the presence of the of the church. Anne Atkins then claimed Bishops in Parliament. that it is not possible for any nation to be I came to Humanism as an Our No Prayer Breakfast at the defined as a Christian country, because organisation very late in life but have Labour conference was held with Labour the concept is contradictory. probably lived my life on humanist Humanists on the theme of Militant The party conferences gave principles, even when I was a Secularism, and addressed topics such opportunities for much lobbying and doubting church-goer. Without really as ‘faith’ schools and the need to keep enabled us to extend our links with realising it at the time Humanism public services secular. The event politicians. We are continually trying to has helped me come to terms with featured Andrew Copson, with our strengthen the All Party Parliamentary bereavements in my family in a way President Polly Toynbee, journalist Sunny Humanism Group (APPHG): do contact which religion could never have Hundal, Kelvin Hopkins MP, and Angela your MPs to encourage them to join! done. I have an acceptance that we Eagle MP, with Naomi Phillips of Labour all only have one chance at this life Humanists as the chair. and it must be lived in the best way possible.

What do you think is the most important thing about being a humanist?

There is no dogma! I am allowed to think for myself and make my own mind up on issues. I loved it when someone asked, ‘What is the humanist line on ….?’ There is no humanist line, we all think for ourselves.

An excellent turn-out for the No-Prayer Breakfast www.armedforceshumanists.org.uk

BHAN-2012-issue6.indd 6 10/12/2012 10:17:29 From the Chair

As we draw implemented by the management towards the team, while our internal processes and end of 2012 systems are becoming stronger all the and I review time, as confirmed by our auditor’s the BHA’s year, annual reviews. I have realised that this has been a Despite various types of challenge very challenging year, in which there to our fundraising activities, we now have been some key successes, but also understand how we need to operate Local and groups continuing concerns over government and programme our income to meet the approaches to many of our campaigns needs of the campaigns and activities review on humanist principles. in furtherance of our strategic aims The economic environment has for Humanism. The Board, which has made things a challenge financially; the itself grown stronger over the past few Local Groups round up government has intervened directly in years, has been developing processes our key campaign for the rule of law for looking at the range of skills and and equality in schools’ set-up rules; expertise we need from Trustees, to North Yorkshire Humanists changes in staff have meant increased make sure there are no areas that workloads across the BHA team. But are not covered. One other relatively North Yorkshire Humanist Group challenges, according to Nassim Taleb, recent change has been having recently hosted an event focussing author of The Black Swan, are what distinguished supporter Martin Rowson on the work of the Uganda Humanist make us stronger; we need them to on the Board. This has prompted us Schools Trust, which helps a number make us ‘antifragile’, or survivors in the to start work on other activities to of schools in Uganda who are face of uncertainty and random events, strengthen the links between the working to offer liberal, humanist as Taleb claims in his new book, To various stakeholders in our humanist education to needy children. Live in a World We Don’t Understand**. project — working towards a more Founded by Ugandan Humanists and Humanism is, by definition, about coherent whole and building stronger run as charities, the schools are reality rather than fantasy, and so links so everyone feels that they are inclusive and do not discriminate on the challenges of reality are what we involved and working together. grounds of religion, social, or ethnic must relish and engage with, using the So, despite the continuing background. Please visit principles of science, evidence, and challenges I am looking forward to 2013 www.ugandahumanistschoolstrust.org openness to achieve solutions for the with some optimism that it will see for more information. good of all. We are the stronger for the the BHA continuing to achieve growing challenges, acknowledging them and recognition for itself and Humanism. Taunton Humanists dealing with them, as individuals and as I hope that you have an enjoyable an organisation. and refreshing holiday, whatever you Taunton Humanists are arranging On the other side, there have been call it, and challenges in 2013 that you a humanist exhibition at Taunton challenges addressed and dealt with will meet and make you stronger. Library on 4-8 February 2013, successfully. The Board is positive ** Note that Taleb’s book is not without to highlight human discovery, about the changes in the organisation its critics, see The Guardian review by David art, invention, and progress. and structure in the BHA Ceremonies Runciman, on 21st November. The group aims to accumulate Network and local groups during — Robert Ashby appropriate tracts, articles, models, 2012. We are very comfortable with and artefacts. If any group or the financial control and policies individual has anything to lend Taunton Humanists this would help considerably. Please contact John James Hemming Essay Watts on 01934834664 or by email on Prize Announced [email protected]. The The James Hemming Essay Prize for 2013 James Hemming North Devon Humanists has been announced and we would like to encourage all secondary schools and Essay Prize In October, North Devon Humanists colleges to get involved. Chairman Keith Denby gave a The question for 2013 invites presentation, tracing the origins of a discussion of the quote from the WIN £1000 Humanist philosophy from Confucius renowned humanist, philosopher and and valuable books for your school or college by and the Ancient Greeks through writing a captivating essay around the topic of: mathematician, Bertrand Russell, that ‘A to the Age of Enlightenment in good world needs knowledge, kindliness 'A good world needs knowledge, kindliness and the seventeenth and eighteenth courage. It does not need a regretful hankering after and courage; it does not need a regretful the past or a fettering of the free intelligence by the centuries. During the event he hankering after the past or a fettering of words uttered long ago by ignorant men.' explained the influence of later the free intelligence by the words uttered - Bertrand Russell philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham years ago by ignorant men’. and the effect of the nineteenth Runners up will receive prizes of £500 and £250, plus free one year The deadline for submissions is 1st subscription to New Humanist. century Counter-Enlightenment.

April 2013. Entries should be no more To enter you must be aged 19 or under and studying at A2,AS level He contrasted this with the ideas 1,500 words long. Submissions are or equivalent on the entry deadline of 1st April 2013. of reason, experience, and shared welcomed from young people under the Find out more and print out your entry form at: human values. age of 19 on 1st April. Details can be found on the website at www.hemmingprize.org.uk www.hemmingprize.org.uk.

BHAN-2012-issue6.indd 7 10/12/2012 10:17:40 BHA news This issue edited and designed by Sara Passmore and staff editorial team. Please send contributions for the next issue — news, views, quotes, and cuttings of interest to other humanists — marked ‘For publication’— to [email protected] or ‘The Editor, BHA’ by 11 February 2013. ISSN 0953 1327 Printed on recycled paper by Rap Spiderweb Ltd, 0161 947 3700

STAFF Andrew Copson (Chief Executive) 020 7079 3584 [email protected] Cynthia Scott-Clark (Assistant to the Chief Executive) 020 7079 3584 [email protected] Pavan Dhaliwal (Head of Public Affairs) 020 7079 3585 [email protected] Richy Thompson (Faith Schools Campaigns) 020 7462 4993 [email protected] Ceremonies Training 020 7462 4991 [email protected] Win! Win! Win! Vanessa Ashbee (Ceremonies Assistant) We have a signed copy of The Spirit Level by Richard 020 7079 3582 [email protected] Sara Passmore Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, to give away to the first (Head of Education & Promotion) person drawn out of a hat who correctly answers the 020 7079 3586 [email protected] question: Bernard Halter (Head of Operations) Who are the founders of the Equality Trust? 020 7079 3587 [email protected] Andrew West Email your answer to [email protected] or post (IT, Web and Database Officer) to ‘Editor, BHA News’, 1 Gower Street, London WC1E 020 7462 4995 [email protected] 6HD by 11 February 2013. Tamsin Van Dyken & Blakeley Nixon (General enquiries and orders) 020 7079 3580 [email protected]

PRESIDENT Polly Toynbee VICE PRESIDENTS Professor Simon Blackburn, Baroness Blackstone, Mary Honeyball MEP, Professor Richard Dawkins FRS, Professor AC Grayling, Dr Evan Harris, Lord Hughes of Woodside, Professor Richard Norman, Dr Harry Stopes-Roe, Baroness Turner of Camden, Baroness Whitaker, Jane Wynne Willson, Professor Lewis Wolpert CBE FRS BOARD OF TRUSTEES Robert Ashby (Chair), Patricia Rogers (Vice Chair), John Woolhouse (Treasurer), Paul Blanchard, Blaise Egan, Alice Fuller, Allan Hayes, Guy Otten, Alan Palmer, David Pollock, Mary Porter, Martin Rowson, David Savage

The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity.

British Humanist Association 1 Gower Street, London WC1E 6HD Telephone: 020 7079 3580 Fax: 020 7079 3588 www.humanism.org.uk 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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