challenging religious privilege Bulletin Summer 2009

Issue 42 www.secularism.org.uk Our debaptism certificate Hospitalchaplain causes international stir researchstarts or many years the NSS has American radio and on TV and radio nationaldebate been providing a free in Britain. F download of a jokey When we launched an attractive ith the help of nearly forty “debaptism” certificate, the brain new certificate printed on volunteers from around the child of former President Barbara parchment paper, available for a Wcountry, NSS member Smoker. It was clear from the modest cost, the office struggled to Dennis Penaluna used Freedom of statistics that it was one of the keep up with demand. Then Time Information legislation to discover most popular items on our website. magazine also took up the story, how much the National Health But then the BBC suddenly took which became the most read article Service is spending on its an interest in it, and also in John on its website for several days. This chaplaincy services. Hunt, who, with the help of the NSS, sparked another wave of interest to The final annual salary cost of was trying to get himself officially the point that the Macmillan £32 million is equivalent to around debaptised by the Church of Dictionary website made £40 million when all the associated . “debaptism” its word of the week. expenses are taken into account – When the BBC featured this – on Especially in the USA, Christian sufficient to pay a further 1,500 TV, radio and on-line – the bloggers and commentators saw nurses or 2,300 cleaners. Especially certificate became the focus of debaptism as another sign of an in times of stringency, the priority worldwide attention. The Press increasingly secularised Europe. must be front line services. Association then took up the story Britain’s Premier Christian Radio The churches should pay for and within days it was in media even felt the need to start a rival whatever level of chaplain provision around the world. President Terry campaign calling on Christians to they wish; or they may decide it is Sanderson was interviewed on sign up to make a more economical to send local declaration of their priests to hospitals on request. faith. Terry Sanderson and Keith While some are Porteous Wood took part in dozens concerned that the of broadcasts, including the Today certificate implicitly programme, about the findings. This imbues baptism with caused the Church of England, who unwarranted supply most of the chaplains, to go significance, others into maximum defence mode, value it as a symbol arguing that chaplains are of their personal “essential” and “irreplaceable”. rejection of the church. As we have come to expect The Church of England insists however, the BBC deliberately gave that it does not use baptismal the impression that the NSS was figures as a basis for membership calling for an end to the chaplaincy Church of England statistics, but ’ Ruth service, when we were solely Newspaper Gledhill has established that the questioning: “should the NHS be top story CofE has submitted these figures to paying for them?” The dice were from March 27 2009 continues on page 2, col 1 3 continues on page 2, col 2 3

The Bulletin can be read online at www.secularism.org.uk/bulletins.html BulletinOnline Stories marked with a have hotlinks to additional information. Visit the new-look NSS website at www.secularism.org.uk and join Friends of the NSS on Facebook 7 “Debaptism” continued 7 “Hospital chaplains” continued secure extra places on the World further loaded by the BBC coming to Nurses are not Council of Churches. Also, in 2000, the aid of chaplains in several pastors the “Wakeham” Royal Commission programmes, while conspicuously report included a disingenuous avoiding any dissenting voices. The NSS was the only claim that the CofE had nearly 25 As with debaptism, this story organisation to support the right million members in the UK (based started a national debate; many of North Somerset Primary Care on baptism) in an attempt to justify people were surprised that it was the Trust to discipline Nurse Caroline the retention of bishops in the NHS rather than the churches paying Petrie for asking a patient in their House of Lords. the clergy’s wages. They had been own home if they would like to under the impression that chaplains pray. The Trust faced a barrage were simply local vicars and priests of condemnation from Christian who came into hospitals as part of groups and even the Justice their normal duties. The viciousness Secretary. The controversy gave of comment in the religious press rise to countless media and the extent to which we have interviews and significant press been misrepresented suggests we coverage for the Society. have struck a nerve once more. AREYOUGETTINGITEVERYWEEK? Newsline’s editor Terry Sanderson hopes you are all receiving our weekly email newsletter. There have been some email distribution problems which can be overcome if you contact us. If you would like Newsline but are not receiving it, please contact the office. As seen on the Macmillan website Tribute paid to our Human Rights work ttacks on freedom of expression and attempts to responsible for Human Rights, and her team. Gratifyingly, undermine individual universal Human Rights are she paid tribute to IHEU’s work both on the floor of the Abecoming commonplace at the United Nations UNHRC, and to the way it had raised the international Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. profile of concerns over freedom of expression and the This is why the NSS has teamed up with the International disturbing direction the UNHRC is taking. Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) to do whatever we can The First Secretary agreed with Keith Wood’s analysis of to assist their courageous efforts to stop the erosion of the complex challenges facing both the Council and free expression and other Human Rights. The IHEU team at Western Governments steadfastly committed to upholding the UNHRC is led by NSS Member Roy Brown. Human Rights. Further regular meetings are planned. Most of the attempts to undermine Human Rights come Keith was accompanied at the meeting by an MP on the from countries that are part of the Organisation of the Foreign Affairs Committee that oversees the Foreign Islamic Conference (OIC). Other countries vote with the OIC Office’s work. The meeting was set up following a out of self-interest, forming a bloc that can command a conversation between Keith and Mark (now Lord) Malloch majority at the UNHRC. Brown. He is now a Foreign Office minister but is the Repeated resolutions are being passed by this voting previous Deputy Director General of the United Nations. bloc proposing the outlawing of what they term Keith later attended a diplomatic reception at Lancaster “defamation of religion”. The clear intention is to create House to mark the launch of the Foreign Office’s Human some kind of super blasphemy law that would apply Rights Report for 2008. The NSS made a detailed internationally to prevent any criticism of Islam, the only submission about the 2007 Report suggesting that the religion specifically mentioned in the resolutions. problems at Geneva should be given a great deal more Keith Porteous Wood requested a meeting at the Foreign analysis and prominence in the next Report. We are and Commonwealth Office with the First Secretary pleased that they have been. Royal Marriages and Succession to the Crown (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill Over the Christmas break, Keith introduced sought to eliminate both though he was in South America. carried out some detailed research religious and sex discrimination Keith was in the Commons Chamber for Evan Harris MP on the above from the line of succession. The for the five-hour debate. Justice topic on the very outside chance Queen had to be consulted before Secretary Jack Straw wound up for that Evan would win a private the Bill could be debated. Due to the Government accepting the members’ ballot to table a bill about the level of public interest, the validity of the aims of the Bill and it. Against the odds, Evan won a Prime Minister commented about it indicating that Government would place in the ballot. The Bill he on the Today programme, even consider taking them forward.

2 Bulletin Summer 2009 Equality Bill NSS meets community A new Equality Bill has started its passage through Parliament, replacing existing piecemeal minister Sadiq Khan legislation. It applies to England, Scotland and Wales. Some time The NSS was invited to set out its concerns to before its publication, NSS Vice Sadiq Khan, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of President Anna Behan and State at the Department for Communities and Executive Director Local Government in a private meeting. The Keith Porteous meeting was attended by Vice President Anna Wood met with Behan and council member Peter Vlachos as the senior civil well as the Executive Director. The NSS set out servant its philosophies and broad concerns. responsible for The greatest of these concerns relates to drafting the Bill. the excessive attention paid by Government to While one religious groups, and especially their leaders. recommendation Anna Behan To us this appears to go beyond merely they made has reaching out to vulnerable sectors of the been incorporated, other important community: it extends to giving them privileged Sadiq Khan ones have not. The NSS was input into Government policy. Similarly, the advised by a top civil servant Government has set up a Faith Communities about the broad content of the Bill Unit, despite the fact that the majority of the population has little or no time in advance of its publication. Keith for religion. was invited to the reception given A stumbling block was the extent to which publicly-funded services by the minister responsible, the Rt should respond to religious demands, for example, for religious Hon. Harriet Harman MP, to mark circumcision on the NHS. the introduction of the Bill to There was clearly much more common ground over the plight of those in Parliament. The Society will minority ethnic/religious families whose basic liberties were denied, and obviously be doing everything it the growing pressure being brought to bear on Muslims – especially women can to influence this Bill. – to use Sharia “remedies”. Wilders: NSS NSS in only protestors Europe The Government took the extraordinary step of A tough assignment was taken on by refusing entry to Britain to Geert Wilders, a Dutch Geert Wilders Elizabeth O’Casey , representing the parliamentarian who, as far as we are aware, has NSS at the European Parliament’s not been found guilty of any criminal offence. Mr Wilders was coming to Religion & Politics Working Group a screening of his controversial film Fitna at the Palace of Westminster. meeting on Religion and Democracy This refusal was almost certainly because of Muslim objections. in Europe. Her criticism of the costs According to the Pakistan Daily Times : “The decision to cancel the of chaplains in hospitals being met showing was taken when Lord Nazir Ahmed held a meeting with the from public funds (following on from Government ....” the NSS study reported on pages 1 In fact, the film was screened, once for parliamentarians and later as and 2) proved to be controversial. part of an international press conference. Keith Porteous Wood spoke Elizabeth at both screenings. He criticised the Government for caving in to She also spoke O’Casey pressure rather than standing up for freedom of expression. It was on a panel at the irrelevant whether or not we agreed with Wilder’s views. UNISON National Keith’s comments at the press conference were broadcast live on Black Members' national television just minutes after Terry Sanderson, who had been Conference about taking part in a studio discussion on the same topic. faith and cohesion The NSS was the only organisation in the workplace. protesting at either event in Parliament. She attended The President wrote to the Home a WAFE Secretary protesting about the decision to (International deny access to Geert Wilders and asking her Federation of Women Against to reconsider this. Article 19 later issued a Fundamentalism and for Equality) Title sequence from the film press statement in a similar tone. meeting on Sharia Law and made a comment from the floor.

Bulletin Summer 2009 3 EDUCATION Government minister General Teaching Council Code challenged on schools of Conduct The NSS made its presence felt at the Fabian Society Winter Conference NSS President Terry Sanderson when, in a packed plenary session, Keith Porteous Wood challenged wrote to the General Teaching Government minister Ed Miliband about Council for England (GTC) to counter “faith schools”. Keith pointed to the what appeared to be an outrageous legalised discrimination in orchestrated campaign by the religious schools against non-religious Christian Institute opposing aspects employees and pupils. He also attacked the of a new GTC Code of Conduct that lack of integrity of the consultation process aimed to protect gay children from on new religious schools, where even bullying by prejudiced teachers. He overwhelming opposition by the local congratulated the GTC on a humane community is disregarded. Keith’s and balanced code and urged them contribution drew warm applause, to the not to be swayed by the special obvious embarrassment of the Minister. pleading of religious groups who Meanwhile NSS President Terry Sanderson argue that Christian teachers should was on hand throughout the conference to retain the right to make life difficult discuss secular issues with speakers and for children who may be struggling delegates at our stall. Ed Miliband with their sexuality. INVOLVEMENT IN LOCAL CAMPAIGNS We’re always happy to try to support members who Swindon wish to become involved in local education campaigns. A bid was made by an Islamic foundation with no However, it is far more effective for local people appropriate educational experience to take over a themselves to voice their objections on school issues primary school being built in a residential affecting their area. Occasionally though, local issues neighbourhood in Swindon with few Muslims. arise which have potential national consequences. Two Clearly we objected in principle to the opening of such cases have arisen recently: another religious school, as well as to the implications Swanage: faceless men in grey suits for community cohesion. An additional disturbing factor was that the bid appeared not to have been prepared from the diocese by those who proposed to run the school, and gave Dorset County Council has proposed the closure of the unconvincing “text book” answers to every question. well-regarded Swanage First School, the only community We wrote a letter to the local Council detailing primary school in this remote area of Dorset, which numerous reasons why the bid should not be accepted. would leave the area with only faith schools. We are pleased to say that it was eventually turned Keith Porteous Wood attacked the County’s down. proposals roundly on television. He was up against an (Please also see our story in the Scotland section official who was clearly taken aback by the strength of opposite on our support opposition. Keith has also taken the matter up for a change in the law for forcefully with the County Council. He has made it clear discrimination against non- to them that the scale of discrimination is sufficient to Catholic teachers.) constitute a Human Rights issue, something he has even raised in Parliament and at the Equalities and Human Rights Commission. There is little doubt that the County is astonished by the vehemence of the opposition and are thinking again. If you live in Hampshire and want to complain, please call the office.

So what motivated this reorganisation so detrimental to the non-religious? A local spy tells us that two men in suits, unknown even to the headteacher, attended one of the reorganisation meetings. When asked to identify themselves, they were reluctant to declare who they represented. Only under pressure did they admit they were from the diocese.

4 Bulletin Summer 2009 NSS in Scotland influence over public bodies in this NUT sidesteps religious part of Scotland. Our opposition was Stop discrimination against covered in the press. schools issue teachers by RC schools – The NUT delegates tabled motions at NSS has supported a call for the their AGM for action against Scottish Government to change the NSS in Wales religious schools. One called for law to force Catholic schools to Welsh Assembly Lorraine the Executive to “Campaign employ staff of different religions or Member Lorraine Barrett actively against the opening of none. The call comes in the form of Barrett hit the news any future schools that are a motion tabled for the Education when she took former controlled or sponsored by Institute of Scotland (EIS) AGM in Archbishop of religious organisations.” Perth in June. EIS is the largest Canterbury, George The Society’s support for these teaching union in Scotland. Carey, to task over and similar motions was reported President Terry Sanderson’s his suggestion that in the press, but as we feared, support was quoted in the Express religious leaders had they were placed so far towards on Sunday: "I think it is absolutely a “vital role to play in the end of the order paper that disgraceful that this kind of holding politicians to account” and they were not even voted on. We discrimination is being funded by there was a “critical as well as remain convinced that a public money. It would be illegal in creative relationship” between faith significant majority of their other fields to say we will only and politics. Identified as an members would support the above employ a person of a particular Honorary Associate of the Society, amendment, given the chance. religion, but schools are exempt she was quoted in the Western from equality legislation. When are Mail: “I think a church leader calling we going to bridge the gap between on the Prime Minister to apologise different faiths if we carry on with is totally out of order and LibDem Education this type of discrimination? overstepping his jurisdiction. He’s The Society was pleased to be The crude discrimination which clearly not speaking for me”. For able to provide technical and led to the creation of Catholic good measure, she added that she drafting assistance to the schools in Scotland is no longer did not think bishops should retain Humanist & Secularist Liberal current. We are looking for a their right to seats in the Lords. completely secular education Democrats in connection with Vice President Carla Revere secularising amendments to the system, where all kids mix together in the playground every day." represented the Society at a debate Party’s education policy which at Lampeter University on whether a were debated at their conference Strathclyde should not have secular state can legislate for in Harrogate in March. The caved in – The Society condemned religious citizens, and was heavily amendments were not as Strathclyde Fire and Rescue out-numbered in this remote successful as we had hoped, but service’s out-of-court settlement to religious setting. this did not stop the Church Times a Catholic firefighter disciplined for She was taken aback when the from claiming that the LibDems discriminating against homosexuals. chief legal advisor to the Welsh have drifted towards militant He had refused to hand out safety Assembly argued that there was no Secularism. Nevertheless, the leaflets at a gay pride march, need for Human Rights and anti- Libdems’ education policy remains claiming it would contradict his discrimination law because it was all the least discriminatory and religious beliefs. Historically, the covered by the age-old principles of secular of all three major parties. Catholic Church has a significant the Courts of Equity. Out and about The Society has been involved in the following external Polly Toynbee – and Mary Honeyball MEP also came. activities recently: Keith Porteous Wood formally represented the Society. We wish them well. One Law For All (drawing attention to concerns about Sharia law) – Terry March for Secular Europe (expressing concerns about Sanderson was one of the speakers growing Vatican influence in Europe). The NSS took part at a rally in Trafalgar Square followed in this protest which concluded outside the Italian by a march to Red Lion Square and a embassy in ’s Grosvenor Square where Terry Terry Sanderson at meeting in Conway Hall where Vice Sanderson was one of the speakers. Trafalgar Square President Carla Revere spoke. Modern Liberties Convention – this was an The National Federation of Atheist, Humanist and encouragingly well-attended convention of people from all Secular Student Societies – We were delighted to take walks of life and a wide coalition of groups concerned part in the launch of this organisation at Conway Hall in about our liberties. It proved to be a good opportunity London where Tessa Kendall and Stephen Evans ran a for awareness-raising about the NSS. Council members stall. It was addressed by Honorary Associates Anna Behan, Terry Sanderson and Peter Vlachos ran a Professor , Professor A C Grayling and stall together with Keith Porteous Wood.

Bulletin Summer 2009 5 Secularist of the Year a great success

he 2009 Irwin Prize for declined the cash prize and were Ware were lauded as volunteers of Secularist of the Year was won presented with a plaque and trophy the year. Tjointly by Dr Evan Harris MP representing a golden ammonite. As the party was also a and Lord Avebury for their work in Also in attendance were fellow celebration of the 200th anniversary bringing about the abolition of the Honorary Associates, Lord (Dick) of Charles Darwin’s birth, the blasphemy laws. Taverne, Baroness Turner of entertainment recreated the famous At a splendid party in London – at Camden and Martin Rowson. We debate between Thomas Huxley, which 200 guests enjoyed a great were also delighted to be performed by Derek Lennard, and lunch – the prizes were presented by celebrating with the former BBC the then Bishop of Oxford, “Soapy Professor Richard Dawkins. The long- newsreader Anna Ford, scientist and Sam” Wilberforce, performed by time sponsor of the £5,000 annual writer , Dr Ben Goldacre NSS President Terry Sanderson. award, Dr Michael Irwin, was warmly and comedian . A special You can watch the presentations applauded for his generosity. On this prize was awarded to Ariane Sherine and acceptance speeches on occasion however, the recipients – for her excellent “atheist bus” YouTube and see more photos being honourable politicians – campaign. Barry Thorpe and Stewart on Flickr.

Richard Dawkins Vice President Carla Revere

Worthy winners: Dr Evan Harris MP (seated) and Lord Avebury It was a full house!

Bishop/President Sanderson Derek Lennard Ariane Sherine Simon Singh

6 Bulletin Summer 2009 NSS secures Parliamentary MEDIA Since the last Bulletin we have debate about West Midlands had numerous stories covered by the newswire services, principally The Press Police and Undercover Mosque Association and Agence France Presse (the oldest and one of The West Midlands Police sought to the largest news agencies in the prosecute the makers of a Channel world) which ensures they are 4 programme revealing extremism sent around the globe. in mosques, rather than prosecute We have had stories (often the extremists themselves. Having multiple mentions) in: failed to prosecute the production International/political opinion company, the Police then made a formers – The Economist, New series of complaints to OFCOM, all Statesman and Time magazine, of which were rejected. Several Nationals – Daily Express, Daily complaints by the NSS to the police Star, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, and regulatory authorities about Independent, Mail, Morning Star, police conduct were judged Scotland on Sunday, Scotsman, A scene from Undercover Mosque inadmissible because we were not Sunday Times, The Times – and personally involved. Subsequently, Times Educational Supplement. the Police and Crown Prosecution and, from the Conservative There were many more local, Service issued a joint apology and benches, Baroness Warsi. regional and international compensation was paid. Unusually, the Government came mentions. (The debaptism story The NSS wanted more done to very close to saying “it’s a fair was covered in: France, expose this example of justice cop”. Denmark, Italy, Poland, Pakistan, going into reverse, apparently to Lady Scotland said, in summary, India, Singapore, Taiwan, appease religious extremists, and “I reassure the noble Lord, Lord Province of China, Macau, to remind the authorities of their Thomas of Gresford, that we Australia and the USA.) duty to protect freedom of absolutely understand the expression. We are most grateful to importance of freedom of speech. It Radio and TV the LibDems for assisting us to is fundamental to our liberty and pursue these issues so effectively our democracy and forms part of BBC Radio 4, 5 Live, Wales and in Parliament. the standards that we apply when Northern Ireland; BBC Asian NSS Honorary Associate Paul looking at all matters. Network, ten local stations and Holmes MP raised a long list of “ ... the implications and effects the BBC Website. concerns with the Justice Secretary, of the Human Rights legislation Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, following a must be considered in all cases. I comprehensive briefing from the am very happy to look at any Executive Director. Apart from a further ways in which we can multiple exchange of letters, we reinforce that ....” know from independent evidence “It is a sad thing to say that that Jack Straw took this issue very mistakes happen; I assure the seriously indeed. House that this was one of them. It Dr Evan Harris on BBC1’s Breakfast The LibDems’ Justice was a bad one, and it was one for spokesperson in the House of which both the police and the CPS On the cost of chaplains, Lords, Lord Thomas of Gresford, apologised. ... It is a lesson from Honorary Associate Dr Evan considered the matter sufficiently which they will learn and have Harris kindly appeared for us on disturbing to make it the subject of learnt. the BBC1 Breakfast programme a debate in its own right. This took “... the Crown Prosecution while Terry Sanderson was being place on 20 April 2009, with Service and the police together will interviewed on the Jeremy Vine Stephen Evans of the NSS continue to do their duty without Show on R2 and Keith Porteous attending. The Government clearly fear or favour ... and I hope that I Wood was speaking on another thought the matter important as the have been able to explain ... with radio programme. Terry Government Minister selected to due humility, the mistakes that Sanderson was also interviewed respond was no less than the were made and the fact that on the Today programme and the Attorney General herself, Baroness everyone has learnt from them.” Vanessa Feltz programme on Scotland of Asthal. And we expect The NSS has been the only BBC London. that they were glad that they did. campaigning organisation opposing International: Dutch national For Lord Thomas and Lord Dholakia the actions of the Police and CPS radio and TV, Laura Ingraham really laid into the Government over the Undercover Mosque show in America mercilessly, as did a cross bencher programme.

Bulletin Summer 2009 7 The Secular Medical Forum The Lawyers’ The SMF campaigns for a secular approach to medical and health care practices. It seeks, for example, an end to religious interference with Secular Society people’s bodies, working with partners including the Lawyers’ Secular Society to end religiously-motivated surgery on The Lawyers' Secular Society has children’s genitalia. They continue to work towards launched its new website at decriminalising assisted dying in accordance with www.lawyerssecularsociety.org. the majority UK population view, but against the Membership is open wishes of the bishops in the Lords. to all lawyers, In March, the Pope inaccurately claimed that practising and non- condoms increase the problems of HIV/AIDS practising, and to infection. Such factual distortion highlights the need for policy-makers to students and guard against unfounded faith-based views being granted undeserved academics. privilege – sometimes with serious adverse consequences. Membership forms For further information or speaker requests please visit the website are available on the www.secularmedicalforum.org.uk where SMF documents are now accessible. website. The LSS offers a wealth of Alternatively contact the SMF Co-ordinator Dr Antony Lempert, by email information and research resources on many issues relating to religious [email protected] or phone the NSS office. discrimination. Since its launch in 2008, the LSS has worked with DONATIONS many related organisations and individuals to assist them with the We would like to thank all of our members who have made donations, legal aspects of anti-discrimination particularly one of £2,500 and two of £1,000. The NSS is also grateful claims. For example, it is working to members and supporters who remember us in their wills; we have with the Southall Black Sisters in a received several generous legacies, including one of £95,000. project to advise on the way courts The NSS Council and Executive Director are grateful for all the deal with consent orders in family donations received, of whatever size. They wish to place on record cases where there has been their especial thanks to the growing number of members who have religious mediation/arbitration. It started standing orders, as this gives us a firm basis on which to also works with the Secular Medical make plans for the future. Forum giving lectures on topics such If you would like to make a donation, start a standing order or as whether religious conscience include us in your will so that the NSS can carry on its vital work into should be accommodated in UK law the future, please click the Donate button on our website. Or, if you and advising on the legal aspects of prefer, please contact the office for details. their campaign to outlaw non- medically required religious genital mutilation. These exciting projects VOLUNTEERS have brought together groups of solicitors, barristers and academics, The NSS Council would like to thank the following people for their much- all of whom provide their expertise appreciated time and effort: free of charge. To join the LSS or BRAD DAVIS of WhiteLight, designer JAMES DOESER for assisting with request advice, please log on to the of the Bulletin, Annual Report, consultations. website or email the LSS at leaflets and much more. RODNEY BREEN for assistance on [email protected]. SEAN CLARK and ANTHONY information gathering. DICKENS at cuttlefish.com for NICK PULLAR and NIKOLAI SEGURA hosting and serving our website, for representing the NSS in debates. and distributing Newsline. Bulletin GERARD PHILLIPS and RAY NEWTON BARRY THORPE for his excellent for assistance in planning. Issue 42 Summer 2009 research work. DENIS PENALUNA, RODNEY BREEN, NICK LANSLEY for his visual ALAN ROGERS and DES MOORE for 25 Red Lion Square, services at our events. their magnificent work collating the London WC1R 4RL CLAUDINE BAXTER and ALISTAIR research for our report on hospital Telephone: (020) 7404 3126 BANTON for their tireless work in the chaplains, ably assisted in this Fax: 0870 762 8971 office and at our events major undertaking by 40 other www.secularism.org.uk volunteers. Executive Director Keith Porteous Wood FCCA NSS President Terry Sanderson gave two sell-out performances of his [email protected] popular Marlene Dietrich retrospective in February, raising almost Senior Office Staff £2,000 for NSS funds. He also gave a talk on secularism at Leicester Tessa Kendall and Stephen Evans Secular Society, which can be seen on YouTube. [email protected]

8 Bulletin Summer 2009