sign in sign up
<<
Home , Humanism

BHA news BHA news www.humanism.org.uk Issue 6 2011

'A wise man proportions his to the evidence.' — , An Enquiry Concerning Understanding, 1748 300 Years of David Hume November saw the BHA’s ninth annual Bentham Lecture, which this year celebrated 300 years since the birth of renowned Scottish philosopher David Hume. The sell-out lecture was given in London on 24 November by Peter Millican, Professor of at Hertford College, Oxford University. Millican presented a thought-provoking lecture on this fascinating Enlightenment figure who wrote on a broad range of subjects including history and economics, but is best known for his philosophical writings. Millican noted that Hume’s influence has been extensive and ‘still inspires new thought even in disciplines unheard of in Hume's own day’. Examples of this included Charles Darwin, who was reading Hume’s Treatise of Human at the time of developing the theory of evolution, and , who was inspired by Hume's work when developing the theory of relativity. The lecture provided an opportunity to defend the study of the history of philosophy, showing that not only can it bring greater understanding to current issues, but also provide a window into insights that may have been lost as fashions and trends in thought and Jonathan Wolff of University College London, chair Peter Cave of philosophy move on. the Humanist Philosophers' Group, and lecturer Peter Millican Introduced by Philosophy Professor Jonathan Wolff of University College London and chaired by Peter Cave of This free is held in conjunction drinks reception hosted by the university the BHA's Humanist Philosophers', the with the Humanist Philosophers’ and was held and provided an opportunity for Bentham Lecture is one of the annual the Philosophy Department at University the guests and attendees to informally series of lectures the BHA organises. College London. Following the lecture a discuss the lecture over a glass of wine. Humanism, education, equality, and mutual understanding As many of you know, we have an organisation is eligible for the legal meetings we’ve argued that the Human been long campaigning to have the and tax status of a charity depending Rights Act and equality law (which makes advancement of non-religious beliefs on analogies with the types of activity differential treatment of people on the for the public benefit accepted as one listed in the preamble to the Statute ground of religious and non-religious of our charitable Objects. As of October of Charitable Uses of that year. In the beliefs unlawful) should mean that the we have finally achieved this goal and nineteenth century a judge categorised advancement of non-religious beliefs we are pleased to announce our new charities into four categories (relief of was just as charitable in theory as the charitable Objects. The new Objects sit poverty, advancement of education, advancement of other beliefs). Until that above our Aims and although they are, by advancement of , and happened, humanist organisations could necessity, written in the sort of legalistic other purposes). win charity status only by qualifying under language which is not always the most In 2005, the Government produced some other heading, such as education. inspirational, they represent an excellent a Charities Bill with a new thirteen- The revised Objects, including our consolidation of all of our work. fold categorisation, with the last still a aims and strategies, are available on our The law on charity dates back to catch-all ‘other purposes’. Over five years website at www.humanism.org.uk. 1601, with court decisions on whether of consultations, correspondence, and

Save the date! BHA Annual Conference, 8 - 10 June 2012, Cardiff

BHAN-2011-issue6.indd 1 15/12/2011 10:37:07 From the Chief Executive

This week I gave evidence to the the national remembrance day service; All this work is intended to have a real committee on House of Lords reform our education campaigner has been impact in the lives of the millions of non- calling for the end to the privileged supporting local campaigns to stop the religious people in this country trying to position Church of England bishops growing number of ‘’ state schools live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis have in Parliament. It was an excellent that can discriminate in admissions and of and humanity and still often opportunity and a testament to the in employment; we have a pilot project facing extraordinary obstacles in doing hard work of our campaigns team that to offer non-religious pastoral support so. Only last week I received a letter we were the organisation chosen to to vulnerable adults in prison; and have from a 14 year old from a religious family, represent this point of view. But it was been responding to the Government’s educated in a religious school, also a somewhat frustrating , consultation on personal, social, health, asking for advice on ‘how I can escape with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the and economic education to ensure that religion without being socially outcast and previous witness, taking up much of all young people receive relevant and offending my family’. We get emails and the time that had been allocated to balanced sex and relationships education. letters every day from people wanting to us. Nonetheless, I think that we were There is a lot of activity on a number know that there are other like-minded able to communicate our argument for of fronts, and as the end of this year people out there who share their values, a state without religious privilege and approaches, we are already preparing and who are overjoyed when they find discrimination, and members for 2012, which will see a new push that there is a whole organisation that of the committee have since contacted on getting speakers into schools and does so. us for more , which is very developing our educational resources, You are the people who make that encouraging. as well as the implementation of our possible so I want to say thanks to all our Meanwhile, we have been pushing for plans to offer more support to members and supporters reading this, the non-religious to be represented at local groups. Season’s Greetings and a happy New Year.

Celebrating Celebrants at the Ceremonies Conference

Eighty celebrants from around the their own work and the importance of country came together in October to ceremonies work to the BHA. Ceremonies share expertise, attend workshops, and have become an essential part of the to meet old friends and get to know new work of the organisation, and that was recruits. The ceremonies conference has made very evident by Andrew Copson’s become an important milestone in the address. year: a chance to take stock and plan for A highlight of the weekend came from the future together, with no small amount Matthew Engelke, whose anthropological of revelling thrown in for good measure. study of Humanist Ceremonies has seen BHA ICT officer Andrew West wowed him meet and interview many of the us in the evening with a laugh-strewn network during 2011. His work formed the show that included absolutely basis for a keynote address and as one no real magic, guaranteed. BHA staff celebrant in attendance put it: ‘always members were there in strength with nice to hear about yourself! We are Chief Executive Andrew Copson, Head of endlessly fascinating’; Matthew proved Public Affairs Naomi Phillips, and Head of to be a big hit. We all eagerly await the Matthew Engelke presents an anthropological Education and Promotions Sara Passmore book that will follow his study. study of Humanist Ceremonies all on hand to talk to celebrants about Conspiracy theories conference On 25 September the Centre for Inquiry speaking on ‘The of Belief UK, a relatively new section of the BHA in Conspiracy Theories’; Karen Douglas which aims to apply and reason exploring the social psychological to questions regarding religion and the perspective on conspiracy theories; and , held a day conference Jamie Bartlett and Carl Miller on ‘ focussing on conspiracy theories. The and The Net’. The day also included a day aimed to investigate why people are presentation from the less sceptical side drawn to conspiracy theories and what of the investigation, with Ian R Crane, a holds them captive, what are warning self-proclaimed ‘campaigner for political signs of a questionable conspiracy theory, truth and integrity’ who presented what conspiracy theories are actually on ‘Conspiracy Theory versus Deep Conspiracy theory display outside credible, and why. Speakers included Geopolitics - A Matter of Perception’. Conway Hall, London Chris French and Robert Brotherton

BHAN-2011-issue6.indd 2 15/12/2011 10:37:10 News in brief

Massive success celebrated as Isle of Wight community school avoids closure Weston Community Primary School, the only inclusive primary school in the west of the Isle of Wight, has avoided proposals for it to close by converting to an . Local parent Jeremy Cangialosi, who campaigned to save the school, commented, ‘I don't think our confidence would have held up so well without all the support and advice we got from the BHA.’ Students of Weston Community School join the fight to ensure inclusive school remains open BHA supports new Accord campaign to end religious Proposed creationist Free BHA vows to fight proposed discrimination in Voluntary School bid rejected ‘faith’ Free Schools Controlled admissions In October, Everyday Champions Church’s The ‘second wave’ of Free Schools, bid to open a Free School was rejected scheduled to open in 2012, have been In early November the Accord Coalition, solely due to concerns about . announced. Twelve of the 63 are ‘faith’ a coalition of groups that campaign for Michael Gove said that ‘He was unable schools, along with one Steiner school. inclusive education, launched a new local to accept that an organisation with However, the schools still need to hold a campaign initiative to stop Voluntary creationist beliefs could prevent these consultation before they can open, and Controlled ‘faith’ schools from religiously views being reflected’ in the school. In the BHA is supporting local campaigners discriminating in admissions. The BHA is a September, the BHA garnered significant opposing the plans at this stage.You founding member of Accord and welcomes press when it launched its ‘Teach can find out more at: http://tinyurl. the initiative, and we're encouraging local evolution, not creationism!’ campaign. com/2012freeschools. humanists to lend their support. Unlike other types of ‘faith’ school, Voluntary Controlled (VC) schools, which Launch of the new Three hundred Celebrants make up 37% of all ‘faith’ schools, are not TM Humanist Ceremonies In October we said a very grateful in control of their admissions but have the goodbye to David Pack, our outgoing local authority their admissions policy. Badge Ceremonies Training Officer. David left to About three quarters of local authorities From this autumn you might spot the concentrate on his own ceremonies work, do not let their VC schools religiously Ceremonies badge gracing but not before we reached a significant discriminate in admissions, however the lapels up and down the country. The milestone in the growth of ceremonies remainder do. For those living in one of badge allows families and clients to provision. The network now numbers over these 43 authorities, the local campaign identify their BHA accredited celebrant, 300 celebrants, having grown by more initiative presents a unique opportunity at a glance, as a highly trained, than 50% over the last five years, and to work through democratic channels at a committed professional, part of a David’s excellent work in developing our local level to open up ‘faith’ national network of celebrants who share training programmes has enabled this – school admissions. a passion to provide the very best thank you David. You can find out more at: non-religious ceremonies possible. http://tinyurl.com/VCcampaign.

This House that BHA at the Battle of Ideas God is not a Delusion In October the Institute of Ideas held its annual Battle of Ideas, a two-day festival BHA Chief Executive, Andrew Copson, which includes social, political, scientific, spoke at the Cambridge Union Society at academic, and cultural discussion. As well a debate on the question that 'This House as sponsoring a panel titled and Believes that God is not a Delusion'. curiosity: do we make stuff up or find it Participants in the debate included out? which featured Dr Ken Arnold, head lecturer Dr Arif Ahmed from the Faculty of public programmes at Wellcome Trust, of Philosophy at Cambridge University and BHA Distinguished Supporter Professor speaking against the proposition, and Ray Tallis, Andrew Copson represented speaking for the proposition American the BHA on a panel titled ‘Has the gay evangelical Christian apologist William rights movement triumphed?’ and one on Lane Craig who was in the UK on the the controversially titled panel ‘Through ‘Reasonable Faith’ tour, and Peter a glass darkly: why do atheists love the Williams, a philosopher from the Christian King James Bible?’ which marked the charity The Damaris Trust and author of A quadricentenary of the publication of the Sceptic's Guide to : God is David Pack, Retiring Ceremonies King James Bible. Training Officer Not Dead.

BHAN-2011-issue6.indd 3 15/12/2011 10:37:14 TAKE ACTION! Faith Schools Campaign needs your help

We’re currently raising money so we can support of SACREs and Humanism in continue to employ our ‘faith’ schools RE; working on the Education Act; and campaigner. Since 2007, the BHA has working on the BHA’s response to the employed the only person working full PSHE Review. time to end ‘faith’ schools, and we would We need to raise £40,000 to continue very much like to continue. this vital work. Our fundraising drive has Since the last issue, Richy Thompson passed the two-thirds mark, but there is has been working to oppose creationist further to go. Please visit and other ‘faith’ schools; working in www.humanism.org.uk/donate. Richy Thompson, 'Faith' Schools Campaigner

Humanist SACRE The Rise of in Uganda Representatives On the 12th of October the BHA hosted small band of fellow sceptics offer an a talk by Kampala's James alternative rational view to the people hold 2011 Annual Onen on the Rise of Skepticism in of Kampala. James has offered 2 million Uganda. James spoke for over an hour shillings to anyone who can prove that Meeting and explained that the deep social and witchcraft can work. The money has thus economic problems in this beautiful far gone unclaimed. November saw the 2011 Annual Meeting but very poor country has meant that You can listen to this talk at: of humanist representatives on Standing many Ugandans have to turned to http://tinyurl.com/UgandaSkeptic and Advisory Councils for Religious Education the emerging forms of Christianity or lots more at The Pod Delusion: (SACREs). The BHA supports humanists on traditional witchcraft. www.poddelusion.co.uk. SACREs and Agreed Syllabus Conferences This has led to one bizarre situation (ASCs), with almost half of the 151 where a school was shut down due to SACREs in England and 22 SACREs in ‘demonic possession’ of the students. Wales having a humanist representative. Perhaps more seriously, the rise of a Thirty-four reps attended – a substantial new form of Charismatic Christianity has increase on previous years. seen the worrying domination of political The meeting was chaired by BHA institutions by various Churches, which Trustee David Pollock, and featured an has led to attempts to introduce a law update from Andrew Copson on how the through the Ugandan parliament that national picture for RE has developed would make homosexuality a capital over the past year, and the work the BHA crime. James also explained how many is undertaking. John Keast, Chair of the spiritual leaders have advised followers Religious Education Council of England to stop taking their Anti-Retro Viral drugs, and Wales was the guest speaker, and vital for treating HIV, in a country where reps had ample opportunity 1.2 million people live with the virus. for discussion. James talked about what it is like If you’re interested in a to be a sceptical atheist in a very SACRE Rep, please email Richy Thompson superstitious country and discussed at [email protected]. his radio programme where he and a Janes Onen, Freethought Kampala Ray Tallis presents the 2011 Holyoake Lecture This year’s Holyoake Lecture, presented by Professor Ray Tallis, author of Michelangelo's Finger: An Exploration of Everyday and Aping Mankind: Neuromania, Darwinitis and the Misrepresentation of Humanity, explored arguments against biologism. Chaired by Professor John Harris, philosopher, bio-ethicist, and Distinguished Supporter of Humanism, Tallis argued that ‘the degrading image of man as just another animal is not only inaccurate but contrary to the spirit of Humanism’ and went on to state that increasingly, it is assumed that human are best understood in biological terms; that, notwithstanding the apparent differences between and their nearest animal kin, people are, at bottom, organisms.’ A video of the event including the Q&A can be found on the BHA’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/BritishHumanists. Author and Holyoake Lecturer Professor Ray Tallis

BHAN-2011-issue6.indd 4 15/12/2011 10:37:16 The BHA hosts the Group Donate Representatives Annual Meeting On Saturday 26 November local humanist Humanists on their experience of running groups from across the UK came to successful stalls, and Jeremy Rodell from London for the Group Representatives the South West London, who has been Annual Meeting. The meeting aims to leading the BHA through the consultation share experience and best practice across process that has led to the development groups, offer training, support, and of the ‘working better together’ group advice, and to update everyone about the structure. The day concluded with a We’re currently raising money so we work of the BHA. training session on marketing and public can continue to employ our ‘Faith’ Sessions included Philip Veasey from relations, presented by former councillor Schools Campaigner. Since 2007, the West London Humanists presenting on and committed humanist, Paul Blanchard. BHA has employed the only person how to run an ethical jury, practical Papers and presentations from the day working full-time to end ‘faith’ advice from Penny Jaques, Joseph are available on request from schools, and we would very much like Trakalo, and Graham Pierce of the Oxford [email protected]. to continue. We need to raise £40,000 to Right to Object new humanist continue this vital work.

philosophers publication launch You can donate online at www.humanism.org.uk/ At the beginning of November the BHA exemptions from equality laws in order launched its newest publication from to be representative, David Pollock donate the Humanist Philosophers' Group – Right opened up the discussion by explaining to Object? Conscientious Objection and why the question of whether people You can also donate by telephoning Religious Conviction. should have the right to have exemptions 020 7079 3580 with a credit or debit The launch event held at Portcullis from the law is both important and card, or by returning this form with House included a panel discussion chaired relevant. He went on to describe religious a cheque made payable to ‘British by Peter Cave, Chair of the Humanist organisations that Humanist Association’ and send to Philosophers'; with Professor Richard claim exemptions on behalf of religious ‘British Humanist Association, 1 Norman, Emeritus Professor of Moral belief, but when challenged on their Gower Street, London WC1E 6HD’. Philosophy, University of Kent; The Right discriminatory behaviour, claim Reverend the Lord Harries of Pentregarth, persecution and religious discrimination. Peer and Former Bishop of Oxford; Dr He suggested that a distinction should Alan Haworth, Senior Research Fellow, be made between situations where and Social Research allowing an exemption would have little Institute; and David Pollock, President of effect to those where it could cause I enclose a donation of £______the European Humanist Federation. significant harm. His third criterion was The pamphlet looks to philosophy that an exemption should be allowed to the British Humanist Association and to explore matters including where a person is part of a group of which , equality, rights and religious the fundamental identity necessitates Your Name: ______conviction, and applies those to such an exemption. He gave the example contemporary examples of religious, of the Quakers, whose long-standing Address: ______moral, and conscientious objections. policy of non- gives them The introduction to the pamphlet exemption from military service. ______includes the statement that ‘the concept The Q&A included a debate on of conscientious objection acquires its whether burqas should be banned and Post Code: ______problematic character from the conflict a point made by an openly gay Roman between two powerful, but diametrically Catholic audience member that the opposing, moral requirements. One is church's doctrine on homosexuality is the requirement to obey the law; the third level teaching and therefore people other, the requirement to follow the could choose whether to accept it. dictates of one’s own '. This If anyone is interested in reading went on to form much of the debate on more about humanist perspectives on [ ] I would like all donations I’ve the evening of the launch. conscientious objection, the pamphlet is made in the past 4 years and all Following an introduction from Alan now available to buy on the BHA website donations in the future to be Gift Haworth, and input from Richard Harries at www.humanism.org.uk/shop. Aided until I notify you otherwise. which, though liberal, did defend religious Using Gift Aid means that for every £1 of your donation, we can claim an Right to Object? Conscientious Objection and Religious Conviction extra 25p from the Inland Revenue, publication launch helping your money go further. For example, if you donate £20, this is worth £25 to us. All you need to do is complete this form—we do the rest and it costs you nothing!

To qualify for Gift Aid what you pay in income tax or capital gains tax must at least equal the amount we will claim in the tax year.

BHAN-2011-issue6.indd 5 15/12/2011 10:37:16 Humanist service in Oxford In November Andrew Copson delivered a the chapel choir singing secular lyrics by humanist ‘sermon’ at Somerville College Tagore and and readings from in Oxford. Somerville Chapel is unique Charles Darwin and . in the University as being an inclusive, Andrew said, ‘It was a slightly stranger progressive chapel with no religious experience but enjoyable and many of the affiliation and Andrew’s address was students came up afterwards to say how given as part of an evening that included much they shared the humanist approach.' BBC Standing Conference on Religion BHA People and Belief A regular feature introducing Andrew Copson attended the BBC attend in a personal capacity and not some of our staff, volunteers, and Standing Conference on Religion and as representatives of a religion or Distinguished Supporters. Belief, the point of liaison between the organisation and meetings are held under BBC and people from the major faith Chatham House rules. and belief groups, as well as Humanism. The meeting focused on the future Sara Passmore Though the conference is independent of the BBC's services and attendees Head of Education and Promotion of the BBC, it acts in an advisory and from the BBC included Director-General consultative capacity and provides a Mark Thompson, the BBC's Head of News forum where the BBC Executive can listen Gathering, Fran Unsworth, and BBC's What first interested you to religious groups and also humanists. Head of Religion and Ethics, Aaqil Ahmed. about the BHA? Delegates to the Standing Conference

I have always respected the rational Mike Leigh joins the BHA and clear message from the BHA that focuses on human rights and human We are pleased to announce that values. I became more interested in acclaimed writer and director Mike Leigh the organisation after attending a is the newest Distinguished Supporter of humanist funeral which was a really the British Humanist Association. thoughtful service that celebrated Writer-director Mike Leigh was born in someone's life rather than focussing 1943 in Salford. He trained at the Royal on an . Academy of Dramatic Art, Camberwell and Central Art Schools in London, and What is your average day like at the London Film School, of which he in the BHA office? is now the Chairman. He is best known for his pioneering technique of using I am responsible for a number of extensive improvisation and collaboration areas of work, including the content during the rehearsal period. on our websites and organising events A prolific writer and film-maker, we including the Annual Conference and are delighted to welcome Mike Leigh as a Mike Leigh, film-maker our series of lectures. However, the new supporter of our work. most interesting part of my work for me is the education side of it. I have BHA responds to PSHE Review a background in running educational projects which includes helping The government’s out making PSHE education as a whole volunteers in the classroom. Over the review of a statutory subject within the National next year I am going to be working Personal, Social, Curriculum.’ This is hugely disappointing, closely with humanist volunteers Health and especially given that proposals under who can help teachers with the more Economic (PSHE) the previous government to make PSHE, difficult aspects of the curriculum. Education, including SRE, a part of the National We will also be developing new including Sex and Curriculum received widespread support resources and training materials to Relationships Education (SRE), concluded which included all major parties, all help have a real impact on children's in November, and the BHA submitted a PSHE and SRE practitioners as well as learning and development. detailed response before encouraging the Church of England and the Catholic members and supporters to do likewise. Education Service for England and Wales. What do you think is the In responding to the review, we However, given the strength of our most important thing about worked closely with other groups such as belief in the importance of statutory SRE working for the BHA for you? the Sex Education Forum, of which we and the overwhelming level of support are a member, and the PSHE Association. for this position in the last review, we For me it is about making sure that We contributed to their responses, chose in our response to call for SRE everyone understands how important and used their work to inform our own in its entirety to become statutory. it is that we recognise our shared separate response. We believe it is We asked that statutory sex education human values, and that we all vital that every young person receives in maintained secondary schools be respect and each other. We comprehensive, age-appropriate PSHE, extended to be comprehensive, to also only have this one life and we should including SRE, with no opt-outs for cover and Free Schools, use it to ensure that everyone is able parents or for ‘faith’ schools. to primary schools and to include to enjoy it as much as possible. The government set out in the remit relationships education. of the Review that it had ‘already ruled

BHAN-2011-issue6.indd 6 15/12/2011 10:37:17 From the Chair

to it and the within it. On the same day I was at the BHA/ UCL Annual Bentham Lecture on David Hume, the great Scottish philosopher of the 18th century, much of whose In late November I was in the City of work underwrote the enlightenment London talking to young technology and development of humanist thinking. National Federation of entrepreneurs. Afterwards I walked No doubt he would be a member of to the Central line tube at St Pauls. the BHA Humanist Philosophers' if he Atheist Humanist and There, alongside the major symbol were alive today, but as a realist about Secular Student Societies of the Church of England, supported humanity he would not be surprised at by tourists and City finance, was the the Occupy movement and the greed protest camp of the Occupy London that it is protesting. Non Prophet Week movement. Amongst the protesters The December BHA Board of were many young people who are Trustees meeting is considering the The National Federation of Atheist making a different commitment to policy agenda that the BHA follows, Humanist and Secular student the future, not just their own, but and we will need to think about societies (AHS) held its second everyone’s.The church has not covered the overarching moral compass in annual charity drive recently. itself in glory as the champion of the society, how humanists examine the Entitled 'Non Prophet Week', the examination of the moral issues around assumptions and the positions that they AHS encourages student societies to this movement and its very symbolic take and how the BHA might take a lead arrange sponsorship and fundraising occupation of their territory. I think in the key public ethical debates for events and donate to a charity with that we need to be part of this debate the non-religious community. a secular ethos. President Jenny and show how Humanism operates by What else is the Board doing? At this Bartle commented 'Non Prophet addressing issues within our community. time of year we go through processes Week' has been really successful at Perhaps humanists, supported by of appraisal of the executive team uniting our members in suffering and the BHA, should address the sense against the strategy objectives and humiliating themselves for the good of moral outrage at the way the financial budget, and have been looking of charity, which is an important financial system is both more risky for at the plans for the coming year. 2011 thing for any organisation to achieve. the investments of the majority of has been a very good year and the Everyone really embraced the society, but at the same time delivers board has been delighted that the BHA opportunity to join in, which made it extreme rewards to the tiny number under our Chief Executive’s excellent all the more fun.' of bankers using other people’s money leadership it is now looking to the New Highlights of the week included to play in the lottery that is the world Year in a stronger position, financially, Leicester university's 'egg an atheist', of investment banking and finance. organisationally, and reputationally Oxford university's 'sponsored puritan' We should examine questions of the than ever before. week and Bradford university's ethics not just of individuals, but of the I wish you all a happy holiday season 'movember' (sponsored mustache financial system as a whole and how it and a fulfilling 2012. growing) which made £500 - the affects governments that are beholden Robert Ashby highest total for one event. Bartle said 'We were very pleased with the variety and creativity shown by North West Humanists inaugural members this week. Everyone who participated worked really hard conference a success and I can only hope they rewarded The North West Humanists held its Feedback from the conference was themselves with the cakes left over inaugural conference in early October overwhelmingly positive, with one from all the bake-sales! Non-religious focussing on Humanism in the 21st attendee stating that, ‘As a relative people are often not seen as the first Century. Sessions included smaller newcomer to the BHA it was good to have people to give to charity, so I am very discussion groups on Humanist ethics and the opportunity to meet other members happy we did so well'. , ‘humanly essential’ pursuits, of local groups.’ And that they ‘found how humanist groups should provide a the whole event both stimulating and vision of a good person and a good society enjoyable: well organised and chaired’. – and a goal of goodness, and how we set Many thanks and congratulations to the about ‘delivering’ Humanism. conference organisers. Education Bill becomes Education Act

The Education Act 2011 has received to contribute to further entrenchment royal assent, having completed its of religious discrimination in the passage through Parliament. The school system. BHA repeatedly expressed concern During the passage of the Act, that changes to the rules about how the BHA worked with peers to table new schools are set up will result in amendments on PSHE, compulsory further expansion of the proportion Worship, community of ‘faith’ schools in the state sector. cohesion, ‘faith’ school employment

Unfortunately, despite much hard work and admissions, and preventing ‘faith’ Michael Paynter, AHS Secretary by humanist Peers, the new law is likely Academies and Free Schools.

BHAN-2011-issue6.indd 7 15/12/2011 10:37:18 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 4th January 2012. 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] Naomi Phillips (Head of Public Affairs) 020 7079 3585 [email protected] Richy Thompson (Faith Schools Campaigns) 020 7462 4993 [email protected] Ben Siegle (Head of Ceremonies) 020 7079 3582 [email protected] Win! Win! Win! Ceremonies Training We have an autographed copy of Raymond Tallis's book 020 7462 4991 [email protected] Vanessa Ashbee (Ceremonies Assistant) The Kingdom of Infinite Space: A Fantastical Journey 020 7079 3582 [email protected] Around Your Head to give away to the first person Sara Passmore drawn out of a hat who correctly answers the question: (Head of Education & Promotion) 020 7079 3586 [email protected] According to Aristotle what is the function Bernard Halter (Head of Operations) of the brain? 020 7079 3587 [email protected] Email your answer to [email protected] or Andrew West (IT, Web and Database Officer) post to ‘Editor, BHA News’, 1 Gower Street London 020 7462 4995 [email protected] WC1E 6HD by 4th January 2011. Tamsin Van Dyken & Blakeley Nixon (General enquiries and orders) 020 7079 3580 [email protected]

Courses in Humanism PRESIDENT From January 2012 Conway Hall is running Polly Toynbee evening classes developed for a general VICE PRESIDENTS audience by members of the Humanist Professor Simon Blackburn, Baroness Blackstone, Philosophers’ Group. Mary Honeyball MEP, Professor Richard Dawkins FRS, Professor AC Grayling, Dr Evan Harris, • Exploring Humanism: a six-week basic Lord Hughes of Woodside, Professor Richard introduction to Humanism. Norman, Dr Harry Stopes-Roe, Baroness Turner of Camden, Baroness Whitaker, Jane Wynne Willson, • Aspects of Humanism: an eight session, Professor Lewis Wolpert CBE FRS 16 hour in-depth course on the history and BOARD OF TRUSTEES philosophy behind Humanist beliefs. Robert Ashby (Chair), Patricia Rogers (Vice • : a five-part look at Chair), John Woolhouse (Treasurer), John Catt, differing approaches to moral thinking and Blaise Egan, Alice Fuller, Allan Hayes, Michael action throughout history. Imison, Iain Paterson, David Pollock, Mary Porter, • Death and Dying: Four sessions exploring David Savage the significance of death, from murder and suicide to terminal illness, the meaning of The British Humanist Association is is life and immortality. the national charity working on behalf Each course will run twice and be tutored of non-religious people who seek to live by members of the London School of ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis Philosophy. The first sessions will take place of reason and humanity. from 24 January to 22 March, with the second round running from 1 May until British Humanist Association 19 June. 1 Gower Street, London WC1E 6HD Each session is £10, or £7 per session if you book on two whole courses. Telephone: 020 7079 3580 Fax: 020 7079 3588 To make a booking or for more information www.humanism.org.uk please email [email protected] Registered Charity or call 020 7061 6744. 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.

BHAN-2011-issue6.indd 8 15/12/2011 10:37:20