BHA news BHA news www.humanism.org.uk Issue 3 2011
Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles. What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other?— Attributed to George Eliot Keeping public services fair, inclusive, and secular The BHA is at the forefront of the to provide those services through its campaign to keep public services ‘Poppy Project’. The Salvation Army, an shared, inclusive, and secular. Since we evangelical organisation, has previously published our report and policy paper declared to parliament that it would on public service reform, Quality and be ‘impossible’ for it to be ‘religiously Equality: Human Rights, Public Services neutral’ in the provision of public and Religious Organisations (http:// services. The Salvation Army’s position tinyurl.com/Q-EReport) in 2007, we have statement on homosexuality also details been working hard for legal and policy homosexual behaviour as ‘self evidently changes to ensure that religious groups abnormal’ and condemns gay people to a cannot discriminate when they provide life of celibacy. public services. We’ve also been trying We believe that it is deeply to publicise the issues at stake, which, ones. In fact, many religious groups which concerning that the government has in light of more public services being wish to take on the delivery of public considered it appropriate to stop contracted to religious organisations, are services may be particularly conservative, contracting with an organisation specialist getting evermore serious for employees, evangelical, unrepresentative, or in working with victims of sexual service users, and the public alike. internally discriminatory, causing trafficking, motivated solely with regard Fairly provided and fairly distributed particular problems with contracting to to the wellbeing of those women, and has public services of a good quality are an religious organisations that do not exist handed over control of those services to essential foundation of a healthy, happy, with secular ones. There is no evidence a church motivated by a clear mission to and good society. We believe that public to show religious organisations are evangelise. services can promote the wellbeing of better able to reach vulnerable people The BHA, which is a member of the individual citizens and enhance their in communities, in fact if they are End Violence Against Women coalition, social capital, that their full availability is discriminatory, such as having a men-only met with Eaves Housing to discuss how essential for full citizenship and equality board, or are homophobic, they may be we could work together in the context of for all and essential for greater social less accessible to the wider community. the BHA’s wider work on public service cohesion. The BHA makes no judgment So we reacted with deep concern reform. As we have already seen with the on the desirability of a mixed economy when the government awarded a divisive ‘faith’ schools system, without policy in the provision of public services. contract to provide vital services for measures in place to ensure equality of However, we are clear that trafficked women to the Salvation Army, all before services are contracted, there commissioners must not assume that withdrawing funding from pioneering is a real risk of permanently entrenching religious organisations will be better able women’s charity Eaves Housing, which religious division and discrimination in to serve the local community than secular had previously been commissioned public services. Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins talk ethics in Oxford
On 12 April in Oxford the BHA, Richard religion can be counter to ‘avoiding the assumption that science has nothing to Dawkins Foundation, Oxford Univerity worst possible misery for everyone.’ say about right and wrong. Atheists, Humanists and Secularists, In this first joint public appearance, Audience members challenged doing Project Reason, and Blackwell Bookshops Harris and Dawkins went on to discuss the away with moral philosophy and the fact/ hosted a discussion with neuroscientist scientific tools and methods that may be value distinction, instead focussing on and philosopher Sam Harris about how used to determine moral values. In cool questions of principle which, perhaps, he locates morals and truth within the tones and clear language, Harris worked science can’t necessarily resolve alone. A context of science. The discussion was hard to undermine the conventional fascinating evening. chaired by CFI UK provost Stephen Law. Harris was joined on stage by BHA Vice President Richard Dawkins. Harris began by stating that without a universal moral framework humanity will lose its way. However, with reference to his latest publication The Moral Landscape, he argues that religion isn’t where we find universal morality, and that often Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins morality and behaviour dictated by
Please find your 2011 BHA AGM papers enclosed
BHAN-2011-issue3.indd 1 09/06/2011 10:28:36 Seeking equality in need to be replenished, and there are News in brief government policy also still areas where we need celebrants to set up new practices, so the training is In May we responded to a consultation a vital part of continuing our central aim BHA welcomes... concerning the government’s plans for the of reaching all those who wish to have From the Chief Executive ‘Community Right to Challenge’, a new a non-religious ceremony. The demand Sara Passmore initiative introduced under the Localism for such ceremonies will surely continue is our new Head Bill which seeks to open up innumerable to increase, and alongside this, so must Andrew Copson of Education and local services to ‘community groups’, the strength of the Humanist Celebrant Promotion. Sara including religious groups. We also shared network, which already numbers three Under the last government, we present government that these misguided how that goes in the next BHA News! studied Education and our work with the All Party Parliamentary hundred. repeatedly warned that the way was policies are now bearing their fruit, with I’m really pleased to be able to English Literature at Humanist Group (APPHG) and encouraged We are seeing an incredibly high being paved for the effective end of our the shocking award of the public contract welcome three new members of staff this the Victoria University its members to make their own responses. standard of intake of new celebrants this secular public services in this country for working with trafficked women to spring, about whom you can read more of Wellington, New The response formed part of the BHA’s year, with lively discussion of humanist through changes in the law to allow for the Salvation Army, the consequent de- on page 3. Sara Passmore and Andrew Zealand and has since led on multi-million wider campaign to keep public services issues to the fore during training sessions, the contracting out of public services funding of secular women’s charity Eaves, West take over from the work of Bob pound educational programmes across shared and secular. and a real passion for the work among to third parties, and government policy and with the awarding of a local contract Churchill, who has left after three years the UK as a projects manager at pfeg The ‘Community Right to Challenge’ new graduates. The range of ages which explicitly favoured religious for children’s services in Richmond with us to undertake voluntary work in (Personal Finance Education Group). — a key reform under the government’s and backgrounds represented is also groups for those contracts. One of the to the same Catholic agency which Africa. They are both excellent additions In her spare time Sara helps run SCI- ‘Big Society’ plans — gives ‘community encouragingly wide: 2011 looks set to first events that Polly Toynbee chaired refused to consider a same sex couple as to our small and dedicated staff team FI-LONDON, the London International organisations’ a ‘right’ to bid to run be a promising year for new Humanist for us when she became president in adoptive parents. With the rhetoric of and their vital work will ensure that we Festival of Science Fiction and Fantastical public services in local areas, on behalf Ceremonies celebrants. 2007 was the Westminster launch of our the ‘Big Society’ all of a piece with these have the members, money, and technical Film. She has responsibility for promoting of the state. We emphasised that the If you’re interested, you can find out report on public service reform, ‘Quality developments, we can expect to see more infrastructure to face the challenges understanding of Humanism, including issue at stake is not one of wishing to more about training on the BHA website, and Equality’. That report highlighted of the same. Our excellent public affairs ahead. I’m also happy to welcome Richy through an educational setting, and for discriminate against religious groups, including information about the key areas the ways in which, through exemptions team is working on these issues as they Thompson as our new campaigner on promoting the BHA to diverse audiences. rather it is one of ensuring that all where we really need new recruits. from employment law, from equality law emerge and I’m pleased to say that our ‘faith’ schools and other education issues. providers are required to work to the and from the Human Rights Act itself, strong policy work in this area has been He has interned with us for over a year same high equality standards, to ensure Why dying matters by BHA the seeds were being sown for a system recognised, and I will be giving evidence and is well placed to take these important Richy Thompson that all public service employees are trustee Alice Fuller that could plunge us back to a time of to the House of Commons committee campaigns forward. So, three reasons is the new Faith treated equally regardless of their parochial schools and church-run social looking at the ‘Big Society’ in a few to be cheerful, in spite of these current Schools and Education personal beliefs, and to ensure that Dying, death and bereavement are topics services and away from the notion of weeks time, where I will make our serious difficult times! Campaigns Officer. Richy public services continue to be provided to we rarely talk about. Are humanists universal secular provision. It is under the objections clear. Look out for a report on graduated last year from all, without illegitimate and unnecessary better than anyone else in addressing this Oxford with a degree discrimination. very real part of life? BHA thanks Bob Churchill in computer science. This is a question that I often ponder While a student there Children’s counselling in my dual role working for the National he founded and was service handed to anti-gay Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) and as From having been our ICT and Web Officer Andrew Copson, in saying goodbye to the first President of Oxford University an active BHA trustee and member. At for two years, Bob Churchill went on Bob said, ‘Bob has been a BHA stalwart Atheists, Secularists and Humanists, and Catholic group NCPC we’ve been working with the Dying to be our first Head of Membership and for three amazing years. He has improved also coordinated the first Oxford Think Matters coalition’s 15,000 members, Promotion at the beginning of 2009 and our ICT systems beyond recognition, he Week. He subsequently became Press In the same week as a specialist including the BHA, to get more people became very well known to members and transformed our website as the online Officer of the National Federation of women’s organisation working with talking about their end of life wishes. supporters through his responsibility for face of the BHA and moved it to the point Atheist, Humanist and Secular Student victims of trafficking lost their public This isn’t easy: according to new ComRes local groups as well as for membership. where it is now the source of the majority Societies (AHS), and last July was elected service contract to the Salvation Army, a research for Dying Matters, two-thirds A three year itch has taken Bob away of our new memberships and donations, as the third President. He simultaneously missionary church, a London Council has of us say Brits are still uncomfortable from us as he intends to go travelling and he ran an expanded programme of became a campaigns intern at the BHA awarded a tender to provide counselling discussing dying and death. More people and volunteer in Africa for a period, events for us. We will miss him but it is and the European Humanist Federation, services to teenagers on issues including are scared of dying in pain (83%) than of hopefully in work with a distinctly great that he intends to stay involved in Bob Churchill before getting the job as Faith Schools contraception, unwanted pregnancy, and being told they are dying (67%), and most humanist flavour. promoting Humanism.’ and Education Campaigns Officer. homophobic bullying, to the Catholic of us are terrified of dying alone (62%) Children’s Society. The Catholic Children’s or in hospital (59%). Yet just a third of Conference brings together humanists from across Europe Society famously gave up working with us have discussed with our partner the Andrew West new adopters after the Equality Act sort of funeral we’d want. That’s why is our new ICT, Web, (Sexual Orientation) Regulations came the Coalition ran its second ever Dying Representatives from humanist and other the conference, at which Professor AC Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) which and Database Officer. into force in 2007, which meant that they Matters Awareness Week from 16-22 May, secularist organisations from across Grayling spoke on the importance of a bring like-minded organisations from Andrew has been would no longer be able to discriminate with events up and down the country. Europe came together for the European liberal education. across the globe together. Through our volunteering with the against gay couples wanting to adopt. I was struck when I attended the BHA Humanist Federation’s (EHF) general At a special meeting, the Mayor membership we can support initiatives, BHA for two years This is another example of the risk to Humanist Ceremonies conference by how assembly and annual conference in of Genoa addressed the EHF General such as promoting dialogue between as Photographer- secular, inclusive, and comprehensive receptive celebrants were to my message Genoa, Italy, from 5-8 May. Each year a Assembly. She welcomed the delegation, the European institutions and the non- in-Residence. He public services. Counsellors have to work that we must increase awareness of end different member organisation of the EHF and spoke at length about how the city religious in Europe, as there already also ran his own in line with a ‘Catholic ethos’, which may of life issues: if more people talked about hosts the events, and this year it was the had a long history itself in standing up for exists for religious groups, or such as IT company for be in conflict with the views and needs of the funeral they want there would be less turn of the Italian Union of Atheists and freedom and for civil and legal rights. The the projects working to protect people nine years before those young people from the community confusion, fewer family disagreements Rationalist Agnostics. The BHA hosted the Mayor also said that the Italian ‘Atheist against violence caused by superstition in joining the BHA this May. Andrew is they are working with. and fewer inappropriately religious events in London in 2009. Bus’ (inspired by the BHA’s Atheist Bus certain cultures. now responsible for managing the BHA funerals. I’m not convinced, though, from Representing the BHA, Chief Executive Campaign!) not only had been in Genoa — In August, the BHA will be represented office computers, as well as our various Graduating Celebrants my conversations at socials and lectures Andrew Copson and Head of Public but that Genoa was the only city in all of and speaking at the World Humanist websites. He recently completed a that this topic is discussed amongst Affairs Naomi Phillips, who is also a Italy to permit it! Congress in Oslo, a three-yearly event part-time photography degree, where he This year we hope to train over 40 new humanists generally. The fact we only live director of the EHF, took an active The BHA’s interests are focused mostly which may be the biggest ever gathering spent four years trying to teach his tutors humanist celebrants at the BHA, alongside and die once should surely mean that we part in the General Assembly and the on domestic issues — but, as humanists, of humanists from across the world. That the difference between ‘humanist’ and many established celebrants who will be care as much about how we die as how conference. Naomi gave a presentation we do of course have an international is another chance for us to promote our ‘humorist’. He also represented the BHA converting to new disciplines, whether we live. Planning for this inevitability of on the BHA’s successful Census Campaign focus too. We are proud to be members successes to an international audience. on the Fourth Plinth. weddings and partnerships, namings, or life can help us to enjoy the one life we and Andrew chaired the final session of of the EHF and of the International funerals. As celebrants retire, the ranks have and have fewer regrets.
BHAN-2011-issue3.indd 2-3 09/06/2011 10:28:37 BHA views shaping public debate Natalie Haynes gives Voltaire Lecture Donate
Andrew Copson and Naomi Phillips have performance during his mini-interview some forceful points on the debated Radio and TV regular, comedian, author, been putting forward the BHA’s views on with Skinner, and at the same time topics, including teaching creationism in and BHA Distinguished Supporter Natalie In these tougher economic times, a range of issues — and to a wide managed to highlight the more serious schools and the Census Campaign. She Haynes presented this year’s BHA Voltaire the BHA needs to fight harder to audience — through appearances on points of the campaign, asking people to also took part in an hour long special on lecture on 20 April at Conway Hall with a defend our regular income as well national television programmes. One of think carefully about their religion before the separation of church and state. Naomi focus on how ancient history makes our as to raise the additional money we the BHA’s key aims is to have humanist ticking a religious box. You can watch made the case for disestablishment, the lives better. need to expand our work. We receive perspectives shaping public debate, so Andrew’s section of the programme on need to get rid of the right of Bishops to Chaired by BHA President Polly no grants or contracts from local or when we were invited on to two very YouTube, and as the clip has some of the sit in the House of Lords, and managed Toynbee, the lecture aimed to make national government or other sources Polly Toynbee, Natalie Haynes, popular shows (both attract well over one highest views of any of the Opinionated to have the final say on ‘faith’ schools, direct links between our modern life and Andew Copson for our work in promoting Humanism million viewers per episode) to represent shows, it’s an indication of how much highlighting that qualified non-religious and what we know of the ancient past. and are entirely dependent on the BHA, we accepted! public interest there is in Humanism. teachers, or teachers of the ‘wrong’ But Haynes did more than just that. An the donations of members and Andrew appeared on Frank Skinner’s Naomi appeared on BBC One’s The Big religion or denomination, are barred engaging speaker with quick wit, over that we are able to unpick the national supporters. Opinionated to talk about religion and Questions two weeks in a row in April, from applying for jobs in a third of our the hour she presented a very vivid ethos. Haynes stated that trying to piece Your cash gifts are what allow us the BHA’s Census Campaign which we ran speaking about some of the BHA’s most schools simply on the grounds of their picture of a period of history by relating together what life was like in ancient to continue promoting our vision of until March. Andrew gave an entertaining important campaigns. Naomi argued personal beliefs. our understanding and assumptions to times from one source would be like a world where non-religious people surviving texts, and most interestingly, trying to work out what Barbara Streisand are confident in living ethical and the comedies, plays, and satire of Rome was like if your only source for her was fulfilling lives on the basis of reason BHA and Centre for Inquiry host public debate and Greece. her monstrous portrayal in the US comedy and humanity, and where no one is She argued that we live in a time TV show South Park, but by using multiple discriminated against or privileged when Classics is barely taught in schools, sources she was able to present a very because of their religious beliefs. Herman Philipse and Richard Swinburne ground — not whether God exists, but as whether the orderliness of the universe and is decried as elitist. But we are convincing argument about how people have very little they can agree on, but how wonderful it is that we do. points to a designer and if discoveries depriving generations of people of what at the time coped with grief and war, and You can donate online at when they get in the same room to On 10 May the BHA co-hosted the in neuroscience, cosmology, and other Classicists have known all along — that laughed at themselves, and understood www.humanism.org.uk/ debate whether science supports the first public debate organised by CFI branches of empirical science reveal much of our politics, our legal systems, their world and place in it. donate belief in God, they do find some common UK, a new section of the BHA, with an evidence of the hand of God. While the our beliefs, our culture, our very The theme of the lecture followed audience of 500. The evening, chaired audience was a relatively tough crowd language are derived from the ancient on from Haynes’ latest publication The You can also donate by by Stephen Law, Provost of CFI UK and for Swinburne (Philipse began by polling Greeks and Romans. Ancient Guide To Modern Life, which telephoning 020 7079 3580 with Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Heythrop the audience about their beliefs with During the lecture Haynes highlighted shows us how little civilisation and our a credit or debit card, or by College, University of London, brought an outcome of mostly atheist), there how Greek playwright Aristophanes used social institutions have changed over returning this form with a cheque together two of the world’s most powerful were some points on which the speakers comedy to address contemporary issues the millennia. Video footage from the made payable to ‘British Humanist and respected thinkers from either side could find common ground — ie. that the and how we can use this to gain a greater lecture can be found on the BHA YouTube Association’ to ‘British Humanist of the theism/atheism divide — Herman universe is a wonderful place for us to be. understanding of how society at the channel: http://www.youtube.com/ Association, 1 Gower Street, London Philipse, professor of philosophy at The debate was filmed and will be time operated. It is through its comedy britishhumanists WC1E 6HD’. Utrecht University in the Netherlands made available on the BHA YouTube and author of the Atheist Manifesto, channel. Look out for an announcement and Richard Swinburne, professor of in the ebulletin, or check our FaceBook BHA at forefront of LGBT equality philosophy at the University of Oxford and or Twitter. The BHA would like to thank influential proponent of natural theology. Conway Hall for making the event As an organisation working on the equality is by no means a battle that has I enclose a donation of £______Herman Philipse, Stephen Law, and Richard Swinburne These philosophical heavy-weights possible. frontline of equal rights campaigning, already been won. spent the evening debating questions such the BHA was proud to be involved in the To mark the day, we issued a to the British Humanist Association tabling of an Early Day Motion (EDM) this statement from BHA Chief Executive month which called on the government Andrew Copson: ‘Anyone who recognises Your Name: ______Religious slaughter labelling returns to EU to recognise the International Day Against the conclusions of modern science Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). accepts that same-sex attraction is Address: ______Together with the Gay and Lesbian a natural part of life, anyone with a In April, the issue of labelling of meat star, but on our food’. Naomi said, ‘To and using social network sites asked all Humanist Association (GALHA), we raised humane approach to ethics recognises ______slaughtered without pre-stunning came compare the proper labelling of meat our members and supporters to write initial awareness of IDAHO by asking that what free and consenting adults back into the European Parliament, after from religious slaughter methods with to their MEPs. Thankfully, the European Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Gilbert to do in private is nobody else’s business. Post Code: ______amendment 205 (which called for meat the Nazi requirement for all Jews to wear Committee for Environment, Public table the EDM (1780), which had cross- Humanists will recognise both these which had not been pre-stunned to be yellow Stars of David is grotesque and Health and Food Safety voted in favour party co-sponsorship, and has attracted facts and more than that, we celebrate labelled) fell at the European Council false. Giving consumers the information of the amendments and we now lobby many signatures from other MPs. This the diversity of ways of living that are a last year. Many MEPs were surprised when to make ethical choices about the meat MEPs ahead of the vote of the European impressive reaction is in no small part consequence of human freedom.’ Scottish MEP Struan Stevenson tabled they buy through labelling does not Parliament in early summer, where it will down to the help of our members and In the evening, Naomi Phillips similar amendments to the EU ‘provision prevent Jews who wish to from buying then go on to the European Council. supporters who wrote in droves to their chaired an event held by the Cutting [ ] I would like all donations I’ve made since 6 April 2000 and all of food information to consumers’ this kosher meat.’ The regulation of methods of slaughter MPs urging them to support it. Edge Consortium, a coalition of religious donations in the future to be Gift time around. Stevenson’s amendment However, the BHA did not support of animals for food is predicated on a So for those of you who missed and non-religious groups campaigning Aided until I notify you otherwise. asked for a label stating, ‘This product this particular amendment — we thought public policy of minimising the suffering this, what is IDAHO? Held annually on against religiously inspired homophobia comes from an animal slaughtered by it was unnecessary to state ‘halal’ and of animals — slaughtering should be 17 May, IDAHO is a day to promote and transphobia. The event, called Using Gift Aid means that for every £1 of the Halal method’ and ‘This product ‘kosher’ and would be misleading as humane and cause the least suffering anti-homophobic and anti-transphobic ‘Educating for LGBT Equality & Diversity’ your donation, we can claim an extra 28p comes from an animal slaughtered by the some halal slaughterhouses do pre-stun. and pain possible. Stunning is generally messages on a global level. The aim of included panelists from teachers unions from the Inland Revenue, helping your money go further. For example, if you Shechita method.’ Stevenson acknowledged his amendment agreed to go some way towards this IDAHO is to increase awareness of the and lesbian and gay Christian groups, and donate £25, this is worth £32 to us. All you This was not without some controversy was misleading, withdrew it, and instead objective and is mandated by law. problem of worldwide homophobia and discussed LGBT equality threats in the need to do is complete this form—we do however. BHA Head of Public Affairs, supported two similar amendments At present legal exemption is given transphobia, and to provide a platform new Free Schools programme. the rest and it costs you nothing! Naomi Phillips was quoted in The (353/359) which called for a label stating for slaughter for religious reasons to for activity at all levels in the fight Thanks to everyone who wrote to Observer newspaper, responding to claims ‘meat from slaughter without pre- provide the demand for kosher and halal against discrimination and persecution. their MPs, and if you would like to find To qualify for Gift Aid what you pay from a Jewish campaign group, Shechita stunning’. meat. This is despite the Government’s It’s a really important day for people to out more about IDAHO please visit their in income tax or capital gains tax must at least equal the amount we UK, which claimed the measure was the The BHA was fully supportive of this acceptance that this method causes very stop and focus on the ongoing campaign website at: www.dayagainsthomophobia. will claim in the tax year. ‘21st-century equivalent of the yellow new wording and wrote to various MEPs, significant pain and distress. and remember that worldwide LGBT org
BHAN-2011-issue3.indd 4-5 09/06/2011 10:28:39 Alliance for Secular Europe update From the Chair
Reactionary religious interest groups united in its opposition to the improper past months for working more closely remain influential within European politics exercise of religious interference to with and supporting the UK Armed and are becoming increasingly active, the undermine the freedom of others. Forces Humanist Association (UKAFHA), recently established Alliance for Secular Through the Alliance, groups will be the National Federation of Atheist, Europe has warned. able to issue alerts and seek assistance on Humanist and Secular Student Societies The Alliance, of which the BHA is a issues where a secular approach in Europe The BHA calendar for the next two (AHS), and the Centre for Inquiry UK. founding member, aims to bring together is in danger, and co-ordinate resistance in months is one of the busiest that This is the kind of joined up working a broad variety of organisations in its the face of reactionary and often highly we have ever had — a vibrant set of together that will really reinforce the Local and groups work, including those campaigning for organised groups attempting to impose an meetings and events that I am sure common purposes that we have. equality on the basis of gender and sexual overtly religious agenda. will enable the strengthening of our Similar principles apply to the review BHA People orientation, organisations concerned with The Alliance is calling for all movement by refreshing the network of work that is going on now to develop family planning, abortion, and assisted organisations whose work is affected by contacts we have, both in the UK and stronger models for our relationship A regular feature introducing dying, religious groups in favour of these issues to consider joining in order to internationally. with the local groups around the Local groups and some of our staff, volunteers and reform, human rights organisations, and ensure that important voices are heard at In particular I am looking forward to country. Local groups are diverse and distinguished supporters humanist and secularist groups. Though a European level. the Annual Conference in Manchester have differing programmes, but all local schools varied in its composition, the Alliance is on 17-19 June, an opportunity to renew combine fellowship, debate on key Ben Siegle friendships and make new ones. The issues, and action in support of local Every year Lewisham College, a large BHA Head of Ceremonies Aggressive secularists again... yawn Humanist Philosophers conference on and national campaigns. I know that inner-city general further education ‘Religion in Public Life’ on 16 July will there are many members of the BHA college in London, holds a culture What first interested you examine the place that religion has who are not members of a local group, week for its students. As part of the about the BHA? Someone was always going to use his Quoted in The Guardian, Andrew taken in public life and how that should but actually have one quite close to week this year it held a ‘Faith Fair’ Easter sermon to denounce secularists, Copson said, ‘Ill informed attacks on be inclusive of both a range of religions, home. Of course you don’t have to join, giving an opportunity for students I have always felt that the BHA is an atheists, or other non-religious “aggressive” or “militant” secularists are without any privilege, but also include but if you are thinking about it, why to experience and ask questions organisation that punches above its ‘militants’! As if by clockwork, in steps rapidly becoming an Easter and Christmas the non-religious on an equal footing. I not find out more? All the local group about the range of faiths and groups weight; a progressive charity that Cardinal Keith O’Brien, the leader of perennial from archbishops and cardinals. know that there are key public events, contact details can be found on the BHA that make up their community. The has clearly grown hugely in both the Catholic Church in Scotland. The What these attacks ignore is that such as the Remembrance Services website, or you can call the office for Lewisham Humanists Group were its professionalism and influence Cardinal used his Easter sermon to ‘warn’ campaigners for secularism in our public around the country every November, their details. there to offer an alternative view over the past 10 years. The breadth Christians that they faced a threat of life are overwhelmingly motivated, not by and particularly at the Cenotaph in One other change that is imminent to young people and support those in the scope of its activities, and persecution, citing cases which have been anti-religious prejudice, but by a positive London, where many people believe is the departure of our president Polly of no religion. According to reports particularly how these encompass widely discredited including by Christian desire for equality and an equitable that the non-religious members of the Toynbee. We have had enormously the humanists were met ‘with lots ceremonies activity, makes it an groups, and which have already been public sphere. These alarmist speeches, armed forces, both now and who served valuable help and leadership on key of curiosity and quite a few keen to appealing employer. rejected by the courts for their failure to designed to stir up the faithful and foster in the various wars of the past century, issues from Polly, who has been our know more.’ demonstrate any discrimination against a false narrative of persecution, are should be represented explicitly. President for the past four years, during What is your average day like Christians. Misrepresenting any call divisive and sectarian. They obscure the The Humanist Philosophers times of considerable change at the BHA Choir on in the BHA office? for a secular state as ‘aggressive’, the reality of the situation, which is that the conference, like so many of our recent BHA. The Board of Trustees owes a Cardinal urged Christians to be united in churches are seeking to defend a level successful events, is being held in great debt of gratitude to Polly, and World Service We process ceremonies enquiries their ‘awareness of the enemies of the of influence and privilege totally out of association with the South Place Ethical thank her for her time. I look forward from the public and Funeral Christian faith’. proportion to their significance.’ Society. It seems to me that this kind now to working with our new president On 17 May, the BHA Choir was Directors and deal with problems of cooperation between the various in continuing to build our organisation represented on the BBC World encountered by celebrants, from the Evolution and creationism in schools: humanist and secular organisations and promoting Humanism within our Service by their Conductor, Chloë technical to broader professional must be a principle of our humanist new strategy. Clifford-Frith, in a debate about challenges, which can be anything next steps activity. In this vein, the Board of Stephen Hawking’s recent remark in from legal queries to more nuanced Trustees is delighted that we have been Robert Ashby The Guardian newspaper that heaven questions about acceptable practice able to come to arrangements over the was ‘a fairy story for people who are around quasi-religious content in The BHA is leading the campaign to have in those or any other school. Although afraid of the dark.’ ceremonies. We’re very lucky to have evolution taught as a compulsory subject the 2007 Government Guidance on the In the World Have Your Say the support of excellent volunteers in both primary and secondary schools Place of Creationism and Intelligent Ancestors Trail debate, listeners heard Chloë explain and staff who make the office a very and, as we reported in the previous Design in Science Lessons is clear that that humanists believe we only get lively and interesting place to be. edition of BHA News, we met with the these approaches have no scientific On 30 May, the BHA walked The Ancestor’s one life and that it is therefore all Schools Minister Nick Gibb MP to discuss underpinnings whatsoever, it is not Trail in Somerset. Inspired by Richard the more precious and meaningful What is the most important our work. We also discussed the growing statutory and, further, it only applies to Dawkins’ similarly-titled book, the Trail — which is why the choir meet each thing about working for the threat of creationism and intelligent national curriculum science. It is not clear is an annual ‘biological pilgrimage’ week to sing and celebrate. Although BHA for you? design, not least in the new religious Free whether it might also apply to science across the Quantock Hills, a metaphorical the opposing panelist, Rabbi Brad Schools and Academies being created. lessons in Free Schools and Academies journey back to the dawn of life on Earth, Hirschfield, and all but one of the I know that humanist values provide Since our meeting, the government has which do not have to follow the national with the winding footpaths representing callers did not agree with this, a strong backbone to my life. By included a clause in its Free Schools curriculum. Moreover, it does not apply branches on Darwin’s tree of life. Radio 4’s Ramblings came along for there was one point of agreement supporting those wishing to live application pack that ‘Creationism, to ID being presented as science in other Representatives from the BHA, the the morning. Presenter Clare Balding after two young callers from Nairobi non-religious lives the BHA is doing intelligent design and similar ideas must subjects, including RE. This is a problem AHS, the BHA Choir and The Pod Delusion interviewed walkers to see why evolution described their fear of hell. Chloë vital work. Whether that’s through not be taught as valid scientific theories’. compounded by the fact that evolution all took to the trail which started with held a special place in their hearts. remarked with sadness that ‘If discussion of what Humanism While that is welcome, it does not and natural selection is not a compulsory walkers representing modern humans. By the end of the walk each step heaven is a fairytale then hell is means, campaigning against ‘faith’ go far enough. As published in the part of the primary curriculum or early Spirits were high as all of recorded history represented a million years (and felt like a nightmare’ and that teaching schools or providing fitting naming, Times Educational Supplement, the secondary curriculum, meaning pupils in passed in the first half-metre, and before it), while the merging ramblers began to people such terrifying things can wedding, and funeral services for BHA’s concerns are as follows: The some schools are at risk of never learning long the main body was joined by walkers represent sponges, fungi, and, eventually, seriously affect their lives. Rabbi those who need a reliable alternative government has stated it will not accept about the ‘real science’ of our origins. from the Chimp trail. The devolution bacteria. Finally the Trail ended at fossil- Hirschfield agreed. to religious provision, helping openly creationist groups running state- We have written again to the continued for 13.5 miles, with prominent lined Kilve beach, where the BHA Choir Although the choir didn’t get to strengthen the fabric of lives maintained free schools but that does not Minister requesting a further meeting intersections marked by trail organiser performed their full composition, and 100 to sing on international radio, a lived without religion seems most sufficiently tackle issues of creationism to discuss in detail our concerns with Chris Jenord describing the evolutionary walkers eagerly awaited their bowls of high spirited rehearsal followed, important to me. or ID being taught as science or fact him or his officials. highlights of the period. ‘primordial soup’. practising two new pieces.
BHAN-2011-issue3.indd 6-7 09/06/2011 10:28:42 Upcoming Events BHA news Humanist Philosophers’ Day Conference: Religion in Public Life This issue edited and designed by Cynthia Scott-Clark and staff editorial team. Please send contributions for the next issue — news, The BHA in association with the South Simon Barrow, Ekklesia views, quotes, and cuttings of interest to other Place Ethical Society will be hosting a Nick Spencer, Theos humanists — marked ‘For publication’— to Humanist Philosopher’s Day Conference The Conference will take place on 16 [email protected] or ‘The Editor, BHA’ by on ‘The Place of Religion in Public July from 10-4pm Conway Hall, 25 1st July 2011. Life’. The aim of the conference is Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. It ISSN 0953 1327 to promote discussion of the place will try to identify misunderstandings, Printed on recycled paper of religion in public life between areas of agreement, and any areas of by Rap Spiderweb Ltd, 0161 947 3700 people with different religious and intractable disagreement, as well as to non-religious beliefs. Chaired by Peter define more precisely what is meant by STAFF Cave, the Chair of the BHA Humanist the rival claims that religion should not Andrew Copson (Chief Executive) Philosopher’s Group with presentations be ‘privatised’ and that it should not 020 7079 3584 [email protected] from: be ‘privileged’. Cynthia Scott-Clark Andrew Copson, BHA Chief Executive The conference will close with (Assistant to the Chief Executive) Professor Richard Norman a panel discussion on ‘The Place of 020 7079 3584 [email protected] Nasreen Rehman, British Muslims for Religion in Public Life’. Further details Naomi Phillips (Head of Public Affairs) Secular Democracy and tickets available at the BHA 020 7079 3585 [email protected] Richy Thompson (Faith Schools Campaigns) Dilwar Hussain, Islamic Foundation website or call 020 7079 3580. 020 7462 4993 [email protected] Ben Siegle (Head of Ceremonies) 020 7079 3582 [email protected] Win! Win! Win! David Pack (Ceremonies Training) 020 7462 4991 [email protected] We have a copy of Robert Rowland Smith’s book Driving Vanessa Ashbee (Ceremonies Assistant) with Plato to give away to the first person drawn out of a 020 7079 3582 [email protected] hat who correctly answers the question: Sara Passmore (Head of Education & Promotion) ‘Of which ancient city was Socrates a citizen?’ 020 7079 3586 [email protected] Bernard Halter (Head of Operations) Email your answer to [email protected] or post 020 7079 3587 [email protected] to ‘Editor, BHA News’, 1 Gower Street London WC1E Andrew West 6HD by 1st July 2011. (IT, Web and Database Officer) 020 7462 4995 [email protected] Tamsin Van Dyken & Blakeley Nixon (General enquiries and orders) 020 7079 3580 [email protected]
Remembrance 2011 PRESIDENT Polly Toynbee VICE PRESIDENTS Last year, at least 13 humanist Professor Simon Blackburn, Baroness Blackstone, groups throughout the UK laid Mary Honeyball MEP, Professor Richard Dawkins wreaths to remember all those FRS, Professor AC Grayling, Dr Evan Harris, Lord Hughes of Woodside, Professor Richard who fell on our behalf. It is Norman, Dr Harry Stopes-Roe, Baroness Turner of important to many humanists that Camden, Baroness Whitaker, Jane Wynne Willson, the remembrance ceremonies that Professor Lewis Wolpert CBE FRS take place all over the UK do not BOARD OF TRUSTEES continue to be exclusively religious. Robert Ashby (Chair), Patricia Rogers (Vice Chair), John Woolhouse (Treasurer), John Catt, Over the next few weeks, every Allan Hayes, Alice Fuller, Michael Imison, Josh BHA-affiliated Humanist Group will Kutchinsky, Iain Paterson, David Pollock, Mary receive an email from UKAFHA’s Porter, David Savage Chaplain, David Brittain, inviting them to participate at their own The British Humanist Association is local ceremony this year, and will a registered charity which exists to offer advice on how to set about promote Humanism and support and it. But if you have already decided represent people who seek to live to participate, you can let him good lives without religious or know now, by emailing him on superstitious beliefs. [email protected]. We hope to include more British Humanist Association humanist groups this year and one 1 Gower Street, London WC1E 6HD day persuade the Government to Telephone: 020 7079 3580 reverse its decision to refuse BHA Fax: 020 7079 3588 representation at the cenotaph www.humanism.org.uk in London. Registered Charity No 285987
DISCLAIMER: Humanists do not agree about everything and some readers will disagree with some views expressed in this newsletter. The opinions of individual humanists are always interesting but are not, of course, necessarily BHA policy. On occasion we include inserts with BHA News. Many of these are part of reciprocal arrangements that allow us to send our leaflets to other organisations’ subscribers. We only accept inserts we think may be of interest to some of our readers, and will not include material promoting causes we oppose. Please do not assume that inserts imply BHA involvement with the cause or campaign, unless otherwise stated.
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