National National Secular Society Bulletin 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL Secular Telephone/Fax: (020) 7404 3126 Executive Director: Keith Porteous Wood Society Email Addresses: Executive Director: [email protected] Research Officer: [email protected] Website: www.secularism.org.uk Oct ISSUE 25 2003 EU Constitution and the Survival of a Secular Europe s we go to press, Ministers from included in the preamble to the around Europe are gathering to constitution. So far they have been Agive final consideration to the unsuccessful, but Catholic countries new European Union Constitution. The such as Italy, Ireland and Spain are draft was thrashed out over many threatening to reopen negotiations on months by a committee headed by this issue when ministers meet in Rome. France’s former president Valery Giscard The ailing pope, meanwhile, continues d’Estaing. to put pressure on politicians throughout Europe, perhaps trying to The Vatican and other religious bodies generate sympathy votes. have been agitating in recent months for a reference to God and Christianity to be Continued on p.2 Who will really be running Europe? NSS Meets the Minister ollowing protests about the advanced and would, in fact, soon be establishment of a committee to completed. Nor did she want to reopen Fconsult with “faith communities” the membership of the Group, which over government policy- making, Keith had taken much effort to negotiate. Porteous Wood, Executive Director of When we asked to be included in any the NSS, was invited to the Home Office ongoing group she assured us that there to meet Fiona Mactaggart, the minister were no plans for a continuing standing for Race Equality, Community Policy committee of religious representatives. and Civic Renewal on 24 September. Mr Wood emphasised the powerlessness Ms Mactaggart is the chair of a many non-religious people feel under recently established high-powered this government. Working Group involving faith The meeting was cordial and representatives (read more about it on constructive and the minister agreed to page 3). respond, after consulting with As she had already indicated in a colleagues, on some proposals Mr Wood letter to the NSS, the Minister was had made. She also made a number of helpful suggestions on the main and Fiona McTaggart MP unwilling to invite any non-religious wider issues that both her department representatives onto the Group, even as and the Society will be following up. observers. She justified this on the basis that the work of the Group was well Continued on p.3 & 4
NSS AGM — 29th November 2003 PRELIMINARY NOTICE See back pages See Page 3 for Index1 oenet&Religion Government &
“The pope has a very clear Continued from P.1 the ten new EU members - Poland, “Because of its religious Slovakia, Lithuania, Hungary, and Vatican Power-Seeking at agenda of reinforcing Survival of Secular Europe nature, the Holy See always Slovenia - are majority Roman Catholic. However, the controversy over the support for traditional The majority of Latvians and Estonians United Nations stresses the primacy of preamble could be seen as a distraction are Lutherans. The other three are the he Vatican has let it be known on in the developing world and retarding Catholic morality, expressed from something much more serious. progressive legislation aimed at peace. Because of its Czech Republic, Malta, and Cyprus. The Tthree occasions this year that it Religious bodies have already increasing the rights of women. in law in countries like Vatican has already negotiated intends to begin the process of seeking universal nature, it follows negotiated a significant privilege for full voting status at the United Nations. EU Constitution Slovakia before they move “concordats” with several of the former The NSS has joined together with with concern all the critical themselves in the constitution in the The Vatican currently enjoys permanent soviet countries that will give it others who are interested in stopping into the EU, because that is shape of clause 51, which reads: observer status, which allows it to attend situations in the world. powerful influence over most of their and speak at meetings, but not to vote in the Vatican’s power-seeking at the UN the way to preserve the 1. The Union respects and does not domestic institutions, including And, finally, because of its full plenary sessions of the UN. under the campaigning banner “See prejudice the status under national education, the military and the Christian tradition in Negative uses to which this power is Change”, and will continue to lodge humanitarian nature, it law of churches and religious government. directed include thwarting attempts to complaints with UN representatives Europe. The pope’s associations or communities in the insists that all proper Article 51 of the new constitution will make contraception and abortion easier when appropriate. member states. European agenda ... is to aid the pope in these ambitions. As measures be taken in favour 2. The Union equally respects the status Keith Porteous Wood wrote to Denis reinsert traditional Catholic Continued from P.1 of civil populations” - of philosophical and non-confessional MacShane: “Those wishing even to morality into a unified organisations. question State religions, religious tax- More Government Cardinal Sodano, making raising powers, medieval blasphemy Europe.” 3. Recognising their identity and the case for the Vatican’s laws, or perhaps even legal settlements specific contribution, the Union shall Involvement for Religion are likely to be barred from doing so by upgrade at the UN. Timothy Byrnes, a maintain an open, transparent and ensuring that Prison chaplaincy Article 51. The practical effect of Clause Background to our meeting regular dialogue with these churches provision meets the needs of inmates professor of political 51, therefore, will be to obstruct moves with the Minister and organizations. from many faith communities. It also towards secularity, which will almost by In a reply to a parliamentary question, science at Colgate complements the work my Department The NSS and other European definition mean also moves towards Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart, is doing to deepen engagement with University, secularist groups have been opposing greater democracy.” revealed that a new committee had been individual communities through this clause on the grounds that religions formed by the Home Office “to consider The NSS has joined together with its ministerial visits and meetings.” will use it as an excuse to interfere in the most effective means of achieving French counterpart Libre Pensée to issue secular law-making processes. Keith greater involvement of the faith This announcement, which no one a statement upholding the principles of Porteous Wood wrote to the British communities in policy-making and noticed until the NSS uncovered it, sent secularism in Europe. You can read it on Minister for Europe, Denis MacShane, delivery across Whitehall; to identify the shock waves through secularist circles. our website at http://www.secularism. asking him to oppose Article 51 and specific policy areas where this input The Observer picked up the story and org.uk/librepensee1.htm, or if you don’t resist a religious reference in the would be most valuable; to oversee the quoted the NSS’s letter of protest to have access to a computer, you can ask preamble. Keith pointed out that the agenda of the Working Group, and to Fiona Mactaggart at length. for a printed version by sending a Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan had comment on and monitor its work.” Ms stamped addressed envelope to: Joint NSS honorary associate Alice Mahon made clear that his country – Mactaggart said that the Group included Declaration, NSS, 25 Red Lion Square, MP wrote to the Prime Minister a number of Ministers from departments overwhelmingly Muslim but with a expressing her concern, saying: “I was London WC1R 4RL. with a particular interest, as well as a secular constitution - would prefer the deeply concerned to read the report by raft of religious appointees. EU to leave out all religious references Kamal Ahmed in Sunday’s Observer so that it did not become “a Christian Add Your Voice, She said that Prime Minister, Tony about your intention to allow Christian club”. This was a significant in Paris Blair “attaches considerable importance” organisations and other ‘faith groups’ a development, as Turkey is hoping to to the group, which included The NSS and Libre Pensée are central role in policy making at the open negotiations with the European representatives from the Evangelical organising a joint event to launch highest level of Government. Union with a view to becoming a Alliance, Catholic organisations, the this statement in Paris on 6th “One of the huge strengths of our member. Mr Erdogan said in Rome Muslim Council of Britain, National December. Members are invited to democracy has been the separation of recently: “If the concept of religion is Council of Hindu Temples, Network of INSIDE attend and support this initiative. If religion and politics and along with included in the constitution, it would Sikh Organisations, the Chief Rabbi, Page 5 Thought for you are interested in spending some many other democrats I believe this is a contradict those principles and centuries Baha’is and, of course, the omnipresent the Day time in the beautiful City of Light, in very dangerous path to take. Can I ask of progress on the continent.” The and mandatory bishop - on this occasion a country that is at the forefront of when this decision was taken, and by Page 6 President’s Society wrote to PM Erdogan to the Bishop of Leicester. the secularist struggle against whom? As this involvement in Labour Message encourage him not to back down on this religious ambition, ask for more Ms Mactaggart said: “It will lay the policy making is not included in our Page 7 Employment position. details by writing as soon as foundations for the effective long-term present manifesto, is there a proposal Regulations possible to: involvement of the faith communities’ going to Annual Conference to ask the Vatican Ambitions [email protected], or Page 10 NSS perspectives and needs in policy Party to endorse this major change? Meanwhile, the Vatican is working Paris Event, NSS, 25 Red Lion development across Government, Conference Paris 6th December - will hard to increase its influence as ten other “On behalf of the taxpayer, can I also Square, London WC1R 4RL. building on excellent work that is Page 11 NSS AGM 2you be there? countries join the EU next May. Five of already being done, for instance in ask who will be funding the expenses 3 Media
for what has been described as a ‘new religious people, unrepresentative of the high- powered ministerial grouping’? It population (and often even their own Consultation on is stated in the article that religion will ‘flocks’), and who are answerable to no be injected across Whitehall. Would you one, are being invited to give their - Paranormal Programming spell out the implications of this predictable - opinions on policy he Independent Television Commission and their claims to be contacting the dead or statement? When Parliament returns on proposals. They will also, we suspect, be Tlaunched a consultation on whether telling fortunes were not being presented as 8th September I believe it is vital that the called on to comment whenever there is programmes featuring mediums, psychics entertainment but as fact. Most people imagine that TV is regulated so that the PLP are given a full explanation of this a matter of ‘morality’ or ‘ethics’ on the and others claiming paranormal abilities, vulnerable are protected from charlatans and change of policy. Finally, as a member of agenda. No doubt they will be more should be more closely controlled. than anxious to impose their own conmen, but in the case of psychics and the National Secular Society, I feel very The NSS, in its submission, which was clairvoyants, ludicrous claims are being After the meeting at the particular doctrines on any proposed strongly that any privileges given to prepared by vice-president Terry Sanderson, permitted without challenge. laws or policies.” Home Office, Keith Wood religious organisations are anti- said that the present plethora of programmes We proposed that each appearance by a featuring alleged demonstrations of Government & Religion democratic. Mr Wood continued: “This is another “psychic” or “clairvoyant” be accompanied said: “We are frustrated that of Mr Blair’s little favours to his paranormal powers could disturb vulnerable by an on-screen notice warning that the TV “I would always defend the right for individuals and lead to exploitation. We religious representatives religious friends. He has made it clear company cannot guarantee that trickery or any believer of a religion to worship pointed out that television gave these often enough that he would prefer to psychological manipulation is not being used freely and without fear of interference “paranormalists” a spurious authority as part of the demonstration. seem to have almost have much more religious input in from the State. However, I also demand unlimited access to the right to live in a free and democratic policy-making. But who are these religious appointees supposed to be government departments society free from the value system of “Thought for the Day” another’s religion. This attempt to speaking for? Some of the religious and ministers and are devolve our democratic process to groups they supposedly represent Legal Battle Abandoned unelected, often unrepresentative, faith amount to a few thousand people. increasingly included in he NSS has withdrawn from legal action Apart from generating widespread, largely groups is irresponsible at best and “Our recent success fighting “It’s completely unacceptable that against the BBC over the Corporation’s positive, publicity, the legal action taken so downright dangerous at worst.” T policy making bodies, while they are right in the heart of government refusal to open up Thought for the Day to far did pressurise the Corporation into taking off the atheist lobby being invited to give privileged input the matter much more seriously. The BBC secularist representatives The NSS then wrote to Fiona secularists and other non-believers. The demonstrates that it is still into policy that potentially affects us all. commissioned a lengthy report and Mactaggart demanding a meeting to Council of Management considered it would considered the matter at a meeting of the full have to fight to be heard.” be a disproportionate use of the Society’s very much a religious slot.” discuss this development. (The outcome “We would much prefer that there Board of Governors, something that it had time and funds if the case were to proceed of the meeting is summarised on page were no such committee, but if there is previously avoided. We had hoped that these - Alan Bookbinder, Head through many more stages of the legal actions would cause the BBC to think again 1.) to be, it adds insult to injury for there to process. If unsuccessful, the Society would about the fairness of its stance. This of Religion at the BBC as be no representation for the non- Keith Porteous Wood of the National have faced a massive legal bill for the BBC’s optimism turned out to be misplaced. Secular Society said: “Why are ‘faith religious. If the religious are to have yet quoted in Daily costs, but if the BBC lost, the Society’s costs However, our campaign is not entirely groups’ being given a privileged access another voice (and they already have far would, of course, simply come out of the exhausted. We have new challenges for the Telegraph 23 July 2003 to the process of policy formation? more influence in parliament than can licence fee. BBC up our sleeve. Watch this space. Shouldn’t this be the province of be justified, including the bishops in the parliamentarians and civil servants? It is Lords), for the sake of balance, we disgraceful and dangerous that these should have some input, too.” Media he NSS has kept its usual high profile in NSS honorary associate Evan Harris MP Tthe media. Recent examples include represented us on BBC2’s day-time politics Newsline originating stories that were picked up by programme, talking about the rising he NSS’s weekly newsletter Newsline is next issue will be with you as soon as it is the Times (about the issuing of a book by influence of religion in politics. (He has also Tgarnering compliments from far and published. evangelical Christians advising religious asked a significant number of parliamentary questions challenging religious privilege - he wide, including an endorsement from If you don’t have a computer, but would employers how to use the forthcoming works closely with the Executive Director on Richard Dawkins and one from Nigel Sinnott like to receive a printed version, please send employment regulations to dismiss atheists these.) in Australia, who says that it is the best a supply of C4 or C5 stamped and addressed from their staff) and The Observer (about the service the NSS has provided for the whole envelopes (i.e. full or half A4 size) to formation of the religious advisory Barbara Smoker appeared on the Heaven of the forty years he has been a member! Newsline by post, NSS, 25 Red Lion Square, committee by the Home Office). We have and Earth programme on BBC1, describing the NSS as “the trade union for atheists”. Are you receiving Newsline and being the London WC1R 4RL. We’ll let you know also been quoted in the Times Educational Individual members around the country Supplement and have had letters published in first with the news of our campaigns and of when your envelopes are running out, and have also been active, writing letters to national and regional newspapers. relevant events from around the world? If then you can decide whether you want to editors and campaigning on local issues. The you are on-line, simply send a blank email send more to continue receiving the We have taken part in countless radio Leicester Secular Society has been putting up with “Subscribe to Newsline” on the subject magazine. This service is only available to broadcasts (often using the invaluable ISDN formidable opposition to the formation of a line to [email protected] and the members. equipment bought with members’ Christian-run (but taxpayer-funded) contributions). Academy in the city. New Secular Group in Plymouth Diary Date: new secular group has been formed http://plymouth-secularists.org.uk/ or The Humanist Philosophers’ Group discusses “Truth, Spin and Decision Making”. Ain Plymouth and is looking for new contact Jennifer Hynes for more details members. If you’re interested, please see One day conference on Sunday November 30 2003, 10 – 4 at the Literary and Philosophical 01752 516272. 4 their impressive website Society, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne. Details 0191 281 2808. 5 Employment
‘A Message from the President’ Employment Regulations ide-ranging exemptions in the new exemption does not apply to the Religion and Wemployment discrimination regulations Belief regulations, and was inserted solely Extracts from the into the Sexual Orientation regulations, and Do you remember Mary Whitehouse and the considerable exposure she had in allowing religious organisations to continue Debates on the the media over many years in her campaigns to “clean-up” and censor what BBC discriminating against non-believing and gay applies where employment is claimed to be listeners and viewers would hear and see? She had some victories; but overall she workers are under fire from unions, MEPs, “for the purposes of an organised religion”. Employment Any employer purporting to be “an did little to halt the move to free broadcasting from its Reithian influence. secularist groups, civil liberties and gay rights organisations. Those leading the organised religion” can require all its workers Regulations The BBC even lampooned her in a Radio One programme – “The Mary attacks in Parliament against the regulations to be heterosexual in order to “comply with were NSS honorary associate Dr Evan Harris the doctrines of the religion” or “to avoid
President’s Message President’s Whitehouse Experience”. There are lessons here for the NSS, which recently has conflicting with the strongly held religious achieved far greater prominence in the media than for a long time. MP in the Commons and Lord Lester of Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC: Herne Hill QC, ably assisted by Lord convictions of a significant number of the The membership and profile of the NSS is higher than for decades, as I Avebury, in the Lords. religion’s followers”. Which groups would be “I predict with the utmost proclaimed in our last Annual Report, and broadcaster Roger Bolton also suggested able to claim this exemption is unclear, and The Executive Director had briefed the solemnity—one does not lightly we were “on a roll at the moment”. the legality in EU law of applying such speakers and other parliamentarians and was criteria is questionable. This alarming blanket do so in public—as a practising But we also see the CofE score yet another privilege for employers in obtaining on hand throughout, almost taking up exemption in the discrimination regulations residence in the Houses of Parliament for the religious exemptions. Also a government working party has been set up to afford is being conceded to the very employers most lawyer of almost 40 years’ duration of the debates. “greater involvement of faith communities in policy making”. And our case to lift likely to discriminate, and has provoked the Thought for the Day has been rebuffed standing that the Government the ban on non-religious speakers to Radio 4’s Hopes had been high that the Government TUC to mount a judicial review to challenge it. by the BBC Board of Governors, with the comment that it is inappropriate for the would heed some of the criticism, especially will face ultimate defeat and a report by a parliamentary scrutiny non-religious to contribute. Employers claiming a “religious ethos” committee (following a complaint by the NSS (which could even include commercial firms) humiliation in the courts after These are just three examples - there are many others - to remind us that we and others) raising deep concerns about the are given another opt out if they claim jobs costly and effective litigation.” cannot rest on our laurels. Making a noise about infringements of secular rights is validity of the regulations under EU law. The have a “genuine occupational requirement”. one thing - getting something done is another! Despite reduced attendances and Committee had felt so strongly about this Jobs so defined could be denied to those of activity, the religious minority still wield considerable power and influence. At the issue that it had held a meeting in public for the wrong faith (or none) or sexuality if the first time in five years. At the meeting it Dr Evan Harris MP: “The NSS conference this summer, some of our members proposed that we need more employers could prove that being of a cross-examined Government officials in particular belief or sexual orientation “is a local action. To achieve this we not only need more money for our campaigns public. genuine determining occupational National Secular Society, which nationally, but also members who will be prepared to join their local secular- requirement and it is proportionate to apply has strong concerns about the humanist groups and ensure that action is taken on secular issues. Despite this the Government swept aside all opposition and the regulations were that requirement.” Denis Cobell approved by parliament and will come into The Society is now working on various impact of the regulations, both effect in December. other avenues of appeal and will keep for protection and lack of President members informed. Council member Anna One of the most contentious exemptions Behan and member Sue England (both of protection, has raised concerns included was demanded by the Church of whom have legal backgrounds) are working England’s Archbishops’ Council. They got hard on this, in conjunction with the with me... I should like to pass what they demanded, practically verbatim, Executive Director. and this was clandestinely inserted by the those concerns on to the Obituary — Colin McCall Government after the public consultation had We would like to place on record our deep closed, precluding the possibility of protest gratitude to Dr Evan Harris MP and Lords Minister.” he death at 84 of former NSS General As a talented writer, speaker and before the regulations were tabled. This Lester and Avebury. TSecretary Colin McCall on 27 June administrator he personified versatility removes from the scene a man who has and dedication. His encyclopaedic (Winding up) “We must ask the been an outstanding figure in the secularist knowledge and pleasant personality Employment Regulations - Guidance Notes movement. He was “born into” the NSS, opened many doors. He encouraged the Government why they did not his parents being activists in the involvement of academics like Margaret he Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration We expressed our unhappiness with an Manchester area, so not even in his youth Knight, whose two broadcasts on morality TService (ACAS) are preparing guidance example in the draft guidance implying it take the opportunity to did he have any involvement with without religion in the 1960s shook the on Employment Regulations in co-operation would be unreasonable not to employ a organised religion. churches and enlightened the public. with the Department for Trade and Industry Muslim in a large supermarket on the withdraw the amendments in and so will be widely used by employers and grounds that they did not want to “handle Colin McCall Colin was a man of contrasts. He was a Unsurprisingly with such talents, and light of unprecedented criticism employees. The guidance will influence how pork products”. It was not however clear polymath but was unassuming, gently perhaps weary of the internal politics, whether this referred to touching these spoken and modest. He was very well read Colin McCall became a full-time journalist, the regulations operate in practice. from several sources. It is not products (only likely to be relevant to work in science and the arts, but he was also doubtless also providing a better living for The Society made representations at an too late for the Minister to do so, keen on sport. He hated injustice or his young family. But from 1990 until early stage in their development which we on the meat or delicatessen counters) or whether it even referred to handling unfairness and would do anything in his shortly before his death he resumed believe have had a positive impact, if he feels that he cannot answer power to eradicate it, but he had a quiet writing for the Freethinker, having his own nevertheless some examples given in the packaged pork products. We made our view charm and encouraged others in the column and writing impressive book consultation draft are misleading and clear that the latter case was plainly some of the questions that will movement, especially younger successors. reviews. He also served on the NSS potentially harmful. unworkable. Council 1997-1998 when his wise counsel be raised because they are Following an impressive track record of The Society has made a detailed We were also disturbed by ACAS’s was greatly appreciated once more. suggestion that it would be reasonable to voluntary work for the Society, Colin was submission in response to the draft guidance, unanswerable…” appointed General Secretary in 1955, a post His passing is a great loss to the but was constrained by the regulations as deny jobs to “a waiter who is a Humanist, Sikh he held until 1963. From 1957 he doubled movement and our deepest sympathies are passed by Parliament, rather than as we or Secularist [who] may not be prepared to serve 6 as editor of the (then weekly) Freethinker. extended to his widow June. would have wished them to be. meat which has not been slaughtered in a manner 7 Education
he or she considers to be humane”. This may be regulations adopted in the ACAS example. Volunteers Thanks appropriate for kosher or halal restaurants. We understand that our interventions will Relentless March of Religion in Education We pointed out, however, that it would not The Society is very grateful for lead to the withdrawal of this example and be in a general restaurant that very an overhaul of the examples above. he Church of England is moving occasionally buys in a specialist meal for an the voluntary help given by quickly to carry out its plan to open a individual diner. We proposed major A further practical point arising from the T Fiona Weir in despatching our clarifications to both examples. guidance was that it seems that those hundred new secondary schools and is requiring vegetarian food for religious merchandise, to Peter Hearty We also criticised the implication that taking over community schools up and
Social Cohesion reasons will be in a better position legally to Christian schools would be at liberty to select down the country. The Government is so for sending out Newsline each require an employer to provide it in a canteen all teachers on purely religious grounds. keen to help this process that it is putting week and to Julian Blake for than those not doing so for religious reasons. Unacceptably, legislation already permits obstacles in the way of those who might this, but only for some posts. The regulations We pointed out how offensive this was, keeping our databases up to protest by making it more and more do not make it clear whether in practice their whether it follows from the regulations or date, and everyone who has effect will be to extend this permitted not. difficult to find out about these projects helped the Society. discrimination to all religious schools. This Maybe there will be a test case claiming until the brief mandatory “consultation” issue can only now be clarified in the courts, that vegetarianism is a religion for the period is over. Keith Porteous Wood would and we have protested about the wide purposes of the regulations – it would be According to the media, the CofE is like to thank the volunteers interpretation of the exemptions to the more logical than any of the others! paying next to nothing towards these have been working closely with schools despite giving the impression that him by lending their practical, BBC Preparing a History of Atheism it is spending millions of pounds. It is technical and professional ne of the NSS’s honorary associates, How much of what they filmed makes it applying discriminatory entry criteria at Cartoon reproduced with kind permission of cartoonist Martin Rowson Dr Jonathan Miller, is fronting a new into the programme and how much ends most of the Voluntary Aided skills. They include Tim Boyce, O (Honorary Associate of NSS) series being made for the BBC called, “A up on the cutting room floor will be in the establishments, rendering them almost Sue England, Dr Paul hands of the director, Richard Denton. History of Faith and Doubt” about “the private schools for Christians (or people is also a transparent untruth. What Stevenson, Barry Thorpe and subject of disbelief”. Sir Jonathan has The series is scheduled to be shown next purporting to be Christians), but paid for possible purpose can there be for a already interviewed Arthur Miller and year on the Corporation’s digital TV Liz Thompson. by those of all faiths and none. specifically Catholic or Anglican or Oliver Sacks in New York and, naturally, channel, BBC4. The BBC’s Religion Muslim school other than to promote those The Society would welcome has been making some of the documentary department appears to think that this will In the Times Educational Supplement on 19 in Conway Hall, where he filmed a long be sufficient to silence critics who say it September Rowan Williams was reported denominations and religions? additional volunteers for day- spends too much of its resources on discussion with Council members Jennifer to have called for Anglican schools to “act “Secular schools are not perfect (and to-day administrative tasks Jeynes and Norman Bacrac. Another of his religious programming and none on programmes for non-believers. It does not, as small churches” and “hold confirmation faith schools are no guarantee of success, visits there was to Barbara Smoker’s 80th and archiving. This is an office however, satisfy the NSS, which has been and communion services”. The Archbishop either), but at least children in community birthday party, where he interviewed not based volunteering job so pushing for more time for the non- said: “More is needed in terms of religion schools come to meet and befriend people only Barbara herself but also Keith religious viewpoint after the Thought for the in schools than clergy visits and choral of all races and beliefs during this ready access to central London Porteous Wood and Terry Sanderson. Day campaign. services in nearby churches.” He is formative time, and have the opportunity is essential and reasonable determined that church schools should to form some kind of relationship with travel expenses can be claimed. Social Cohesion have a “mission” and that any idea of a those who are from different backgrounds. Please phone the office 020 he Government considers the concept Education, Faith based Services and multi-religious ethos should be ditched. “Dr Williams is obviously trying of social cohesion to be an integral Religious Hatred Laws. This man, hailed to be of great wisdom, 7404 3126 or email T desperately to save the Church of England part of how they wish society to develop. It pointed out that giving privileges to maintains that this will make schools more from rapidly approaching oblivion. If [email protected] The ODPM: Housing, Planning, Local faith-based initiatives in these areas was “inclusive”. children will not go to church, then he will for discussion. Government and the Regions Committee has very likely to be divisive and The NSS has contradicted these ideas in bring the Church to them in a setting in been appointed by the House of discriminatory; it could be an which they are captive. This is an abuse of We would also like to hear Commons to examine the expenditure, infringement of freedom and freedom of the same TES article and several other administration, and policy of the Office of forums. Vice-president Terry Sanderson their rights. Religion should not be from members, whether within expression. The Society considered that Message Board the Deputy Prime Minister. It is a select the seemingly increasing interest of the wrote in the Times: permitted to perpetuate itself through our travelling distance of the office committee that has recently taken Government in encouraging faith-based education system. Schools are for teaching, A new message board has evidence about the way social cohesion is “The Archbishop of Canterbury’s or not, who have special skills initiatives under the guise of social not preaching.” been set up for secularists and defined and can be achieved. inclusion would in the long term defence of church schools was self-serving or knowledge from which they Further evidence that church schools The Society prepared evidence and adversely effect social cohesion. and as wrong as it could possibly be. To other interested parties to were engaged in proselytising was think the Society could benefit. submitted it to the Committee. The secular claim that such schools promote unity in Our own evidence is reproduced in full at communicate and converse divided communities defies logic. provided in a report by Canon Peter We are especially seeking nature of the way the Society would http://www.publications.parliament.uk/ define Social Cohesion was presented as Bruinvels, a member of the CofE’s general accounting, legal, educational pa/cm200203/cmselect/cmodpm/1060-ii/ “How will children from different on-line. If you are on the evidence noting in particular how synod. He recently told The Observer: “We 1060we05.htm religious backgrounds ever come to and team building skills. We important it is to consider the views of should be in our schools. They are today’s Internet and interested, find Largely because of the skills of specialist understand each other if they never meet are also hoping to improve our people of no faith. and tomorrow’s future. It’s all about out more at volunteers, the Executive Director was because they have been hived off to ‘faith fund raising and membership The Society provided practical examples frontline evangelism. As we close churches able to draw on a huge amount of relevant schools’?
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We have been natural habitat, particularly the sloths that time? colourfast and individually referring to this event as the first ever but started from South America before the There is a matching tea towel featuring all presentation packed. £4.99 each, we cannot be absolutely sure it is a world began, provoked much amusement. six “Heroes”. Manufactured to a high or two for £8.99 - a saving of 99p. complete innovation. standard in pure cotton, the art work makes Ref: HA9: Our fabulous notelets featuring a Charles Bradlaugh Empowering Afternoon Sessions this towel good enough to frame. montage of all the above can also The Conference was organised by The afternoon session was almost be used as greetings cards or for Our handy notelets are printed with the Women - A Council Members Ian Andrews and entirely made up of short presentations. sending special messages (when Jennifer Jeynes together with member Sue same design as the tea towel. They come in an email just isn’t sufficient), These included a rousing call to PCs by packs of ten with matching envelopes. Conference Lord and the NSS Research Officer. Sue Lord who described how the printed on high-quality paper and complete with envelopes. Pack of movement could and should be using IT to When ordering, please remember to The International Women’s Joan Smith Keynote Address include your name and address, the reference ten £4.99, or two for £8.99 - a get its message across. That some may still The organisers were delighted that Joan numbers and quantity of the items you are saving of 99p. not believe this cannot be due to a lack of Conference, organised by Smith, the celebrated columnist, polemicist ordering. Ref: PC: “Our Pagan Christmas” the NSS’s enthusiasm on Sue’s part, either in her talk and NSS Honorary Associate accepted ever-popular booklet by RJ the International Humanist or in the more individual tutoring given in Mugs cost £5.99 each (including postage their invitation to be the Keynote Speaker Condon about the pagan origins the library during the intervals. She and packing). and Ethical Union, will and that she proceeded to reveal, “I’ve of the festival that has now been provided an exhibition on one board of Ref: HA1: Charles Darwin, author of On the hijacked by Christianity. Would seen the Future and it’s Secular!” address needs expressed by secularism internet sites as did Ian Origin of Species. make an excellent alternative She concentrated on the importance of Andrews of related sites of interest on Ref: HA2: Richard Dawkins, the modern- greeting card for someone who Humanist women in the link between secularism and civil another. day proponent of Darwinism and needs to know the truth! £2.50 Notelets, Tea-towels and Mugs society - in the absence of the latter, an honorary associate of the NSS. (including post and packing). Europe, Africa, Asia and in Keith Wood then gave members an Ref: HA3: Carl Sagan, a well-loved defender especially in repressive regimes in the You can order these gifts either using our sport the same line drawings as interesting presentation on the of science and popular author. the Americas… Middle East, political dissent got diverted developments in Europe vis-à-vis secure online credit card ordering service at and distorted into religious extremism of Ref: HA4: Bertrand Russell, the philosopher www.secularism.org.uk/merchant.htm. Or, shown on this Notelet. secularism and religion, many of which and author of Why I am Not a 15th and 16th November the type represented by Osama bin Laden. send a cheque or postal order for the full must cause us concern. Christian. The aspiration to be engaged in and to amount, together with your name and Ref: HA5: David Hume who dared to 2003. Venue: the Library of shape society, through organisations like The current Acting Treasurer, Ian address and a clear indication of the quantity challenge religious hegemony. and reference numbers of the items you political parties and trades unions, she was Andrews, then gave the conference his Conway Hall, Red Lion considered views, based particularly on Ref: HA6: Charles Bradlaugh Radical MP would like to NSS Merchandise, 25 Red Lion sure was universal, as we could see from and founder of the NSS in 1866. Square, London WC1R 4RL. Square, London WC1R the risks people took to engage in them, demography, as to the future course of even in countries where they were banned Education in this country. He particularly 4RL. or non-existent. But in countries like Saudi pointed out the major impact that the current decline in the birth rate would NSS AGM - Saturday 29 November 2003 Arabia, where 15 of the 9/11/01 hijackers have on the school population across the The conference fee is £75 originated, the only channel for dissent at 2p.m. in the Library, Conway Hall, London WC1R 4RL country. This gloomy prediction did, was the mosque and the madrassa. Closing date for nominations and motions and the formal deadline is however, lead into an outline of how the Therefore we had to stand up for secular NSS and more particularly NSS members Friday 31 October 2003. 10 October, but IHEU has modes of affiliation and the right to free might respond to local issues. expression and assembly, if we were ever REFRESHMENTS - will be served at the AGM agreed to extend this to 24 to have a chance of getting rid of the wave The final presentation was from the NSS October. further details are of religious fundamentalism that was Vice-president Terry Sanderson and dealt ✁ currently making the entire world unsafe. with the media. Fortunately, this was available from IHEU, 1 before Terry chose to walk under ladders Within this broad message Joan Form of nomination for NSS Council member - 2003 Election for the benefit of a television item on the highlighted some specific issues, not least Gower Street, London prevalence of superstitions on Friday 13th, (Please complete remainder of form overleaf.) the situation in Uzbekistan, where flagrant so we were able to enjoy his informative Please use block capitals, except for signatures. NB The nominees’ section overleaf (in which the nominee WC1E 6 HD. Tel 020 7631 abuses of human rights were an everyday presentation. We were encouraged to use signifies their agreement to nomination) must be completed for nominations to be valid. 3170. occurrence despite, or perhaps because of, local media opportunities as often as we huge quantities of American aid. could. We, the undersigned, support the nomination of: (nominee’s name) ...... http://www.iheu.org/ This most stimulating address was An Open Forum question and answer for the post of: (e.g. Council member, Hon Treasurer, etc.) ...... EmpoweringWomen.htm. supported before and after by the great session with the speakers from the Proposer’s Name: (BLOCK CAPITALS) ...... Address: ...... and the good of the NSS, starting not least afternoon proved a satisfying ending. Sixty with the President’s opening remarks. persons attended and had enjoyed a ...... Postcode: ...... Before Joan spoke there had been a sandwich lunch for the modest £5 fee as Signature: ...... delightful interlude, described as “Secular well as intellectual nourishment. Council hors d’oeuvres”, when Derek Lennard was particularly pleased to be able to Telephone and email contact details (where possible) ...... provided recitations from the writing of invite the unseen volunteers that toil in the the American Freethinker, Colonel Robert NSS office so conscientiously during the Seconder’s Name: (BLOCK CAPITALS) ...... Address: ...... Ingersoll. Derek nobly struggled with a year...... Postcode: ......
Signature: ...... 10 Telephone and email contact details (where possible) ...... 11...... NSS AGM- 2003- Preliminary Notice
embers are advised that this year's The existing office holders (President extent to which they will be prepared to MAGM will be held on Saturday 29 Denis Cobell and Vice-Presidents Jim undertake campaigning or administrative November 2003 at 2 p.m. in the Library at Herrick and Terry Sanderson) have work as well as attending monthly Conway Hall, London, WC1R 4RL indicated their willingness to stand again Council meetings, which are held on a (Holborn tube). Only paid up members for office. weekday evening in London WC1. can attend. The Annual Report will be As notified in the last Bulletin, Alan It is a requirement that a proposer and circulated prior to the meeting. Those Lord stepped down during the year as seconder sign nominations. Nominees, wishing to submit motions for the Hon Treasurer and, consequently, Ian proposers and seconders can only be paid meeting, or nominations for Council Andrews (our Council member from up members. Nominations must also be members or officers, should do so in Rochdale), has been acting as Hon signed by the person nominated to writing. A proposer and seconder are Treasurer - covering the vacancy until the indicate that they are willing to stand for required for both nominations and AGM. Council is therefore now looking the relevant office or position. It would be motions, which must reach the Executive Director, NSS, 25 Red Lion Square, for potential candidates for this critical helpful if the names of nominees, London WC1R 4RL by 4 p.m. on Friday 31 officer role. proposers and seconders could also be October 2003 (see form below). Council members Jennifer R Jeynes shown in block capitals, preferably with (London) and Daniel Bye (Sheffield) are telephone numbers and (if available) email This date is necessary to enable addresses. preparation of the formal notices of the retiring by rotation and have indicated AGM that will be sent out well in advance their intention to stand for re-election. A “tear off” nomination form is of the meeting, which may need to be Barry Duke is also retiring by rotation provided below, although its use is not preceded by a meeting of the NSS Agenda and, due to increased business mandatory. Committee to consider motions. commitments following his move to Nominations (and motions) should be Brighton is not seeking re-election, but he sent to the Executive Director (who is also Council Resolutions and Motions is continuing as Editor of the Freethinker. Company Secretary) at NSS, 25 Red Lion In accordance with the discussion at the Dr. Anna Behan (a non-practising solicitor Square, London WC1R 4RL by post. They 2002 AGM, the Council will propose from London) was co-opted on to the NSS may also be faxed to 020 7404 3126 (if changes to the Memorandum and Articles Council during the year and, in necessary to meet the closing deadline), of Association so that references to accordance with the Articles, will offer but the originals of any faxed documents “he/him/himself” may be replaced with herself for election to the Council at the must also be sent concurrently by first gender-neutral references. These follow AGM. Other Council members who have class post. consultation with Dr A E L Davis. Full served throughout the year are Norman details will be sent with the formal Bacrac (London), Surendra Lal (London), As last year, members are invited notification of the AGM. Bill McIlroy (Brighton) and Malcolm Trahearn (Litchfield, Staffs.). to socialise over refreshments Nomination of Officers and which will be provided in the Members can nominate further officers Library after the AGM. Council Members or members of the Council. The Executive The Officers of the NSS comprise the Director will be happy to provide further President, up to two Vice Presidents and information and answer any questions an Hon Treasurer. They are elected from those considering putting their Dates To Remember annually. Together with the remaining names forward. He can be reached by AGM - Saturday 29 November council members (whose terms extend to telephoning the office on (020) 7404 3126. 2003 at 2p.m. in the Library, two or three years) they form the board of directors of the Society which is called the Council or officer nominations are Conway Hall, London WC1R 4RL Council. All are directors under the especially welcome from those who have Closing date for nominations and Companies Acts, under which the Society relevant knowledge or experience. motions Friday 31 October 2003 is registered. Candidates may be asked to indicate the ✁ Form of nomination for NSS Council member - 2003 Election (Please complete remainder of form overleaf.) (Please use block capitals, except for signatures. NB Nominations are not valid until the Proposers’ and Seconders’ section overleaf are completed.)
Nominee’s name: (BLOCK CAPITALS) ......
Post: (e.g. Council member or Treasurer) ……...... ………...... …………… Address: ......
...... Postcode: ......
Telephone and email contact details: (where possible) ......
Signature indicating your willingness to act: ...... Date: ...... 2003 Before putting themselves forward, we ask nominees to read carefully through the AGM - PRELIMINARY NOTICE printed in this bulletin. Completed slips should be returned to: Executive Director and Company Secretary, 12 NSS, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL by Friday 31 October 2003.