1 Autumn 2008 £2.50 umanitie H The Humanist Society of Scotland Magazine Scaling the Heights of Humanist Weddings!

Our intrepid celebrant Ken McMillan got into training to marry Samantha Hobbs and Stewart Campbell on the summit of Ben Nevis on 26 July 2008.

Ken says, “It was a spectacular, magical day - it stayed dry with little wind, but a bit misty on top. The ceremony was lovely and included a hand fasting, exchange of gifts and drinking from a quaich! The vows, exchange of rings and signing were all done on the summit and everyone was so happy and delighted that the day had gone so well.”

Press coverage of the wedding appeared in Lochaber News, Daily Record and The Edinburgh Evening News. Humanism hits the headlines The release of The Registrar General for Scotland’s figures in July provoked a lot of media coverage – here’s just some of what the papers had to say. Ringing the changes in how Scots More Couples Decide To Tie choose to get married The Knot With Humanism Weddings up 64%” is probably the most The growth of humanist weddings in recent unlikely headline of the year, but add one word years has been so great that if they continue to and it’s completely true. expand at such a pace there will be more of them That word is “humanist”. in Scotland by 2011 than those carried out by A Special Celebration Catholic Church. It is debatable whether this Julian Baggini There were no hymns, no prayers, indeed will happen, but it is startling to discover that The Herald humanists already marry almost as many couples very little that anyone would recognise as the Scottish Episcopal Church. from a regular church wedding. “It was a much more intimate occasion,” Rise of the humanist wedding said Mrs Wheatley. “Our vows felt like something we believed in, rather than Catherine Salmond words we were repeating because that’s The Scotsman IT used to be that a church or register office was the only choice when deciding how to marry. But latest figures show the way it’s always done. I know a lot of more and more couples have opted for humanist weddings people commented afterwards on how since they were granted legal status in 2005. They are now relaxed and right it all felt.” the fourth most popular way of tying the knot outside a register office, says the General Registrar Office of Scotland. Morag Lindsay, Press & Journal

Craig McQueen, The Daily Record Humanitie Autumn 2008 | 3 Letter from the Editor C ontents This issue is much preoccupied with Death. Our cover Letters to the Editor 4 features Highlander Allan Douglas, the 99th British serviceman to be killed in Iraq. The artist Steve McQueen hopes The The HSS goes to Washington 5 Royal Mail will issue this and 137 images of service men and women Derek Young reports on a worldwide gathering of humanists who lost their lives in the conflict as postage stamps. Mary Wallace and Christopher Brookmyre share plans for their Remains of the day 6 final farewell, Tim Maguire interviews one of our most popular Stuart Ritchie investigates the adversaries of science celebrants, Joe Hughes, Stuart Ritchie investigates life after death and Nigel Warburton explores the undying popularity of “My Way”. A place in the sun 8 Much as I miss Nigel Bruce’s Radical Readings, I am delighted he How the HSS helped to create a perfect life continues to contribute his challenging crossword. In his place, please welcome two new columnists, The Friendly and The Not Quite So My funeral 9 Friendly Humanists. Derek Young reports from IHEU’s conference Two humanists envisage their own final farewell while Malcolm McGonigal goes to The Theatre. I am very grateful for those of you who have been in touch to say how The kindest gift of all 10 much you are enjoying the magazine. Designer Derek Green and I find How you can still be useful even after your death each issue more rewarding than the last but it was an occasion of great sadness that brought us together. Derek writes about the death of his Queen and country 11 partner Ken and how they planned the celebration of his life. I hope that Steve McQueen’s work makes us think about war and after reading his article you’ll agree that Humanism is certainly about individual sacrifice the things that unite us. Wee stories 14 Juliet Wilson, Editor A theatre troupe challenging children to think for themselves

Humanitie The Humanist Society of Scotland Magazine My name is Joe 16 Vol.1 No.4 ISSN 1756 - 3313 A profile of HSS celebrant Joe Hughes

Editor: Juliet Wilson | Sub Editor: Tim Maguire The Friendly and Not Quite So Friendly Humanists 18 Design: Derek Green; www.derekdigital.com Our new columnists share their thoughts on life and death Contributors: Derek Green, Stuart Ritchie, Mary Wallace, Mike Williamson, Christopher Brookmyre, Malcolm McGonigal, Tim Maguire, Derek Young, Peter Local Group News 19 Sas, Dr. Finlander, Nigel Warburton, Timothy Mills, Nigel Bruce and Juliet Wilson Board of Trustees’ News 20 The Editor would like to thank: Steve McQueen, Lorna Fletcher and all at The Art Fund, Henry Cummins, Peter About The HSS 21 and Elizabeth Fenwick, Tiffany Jenkins, Wee Stories Theatre Company, Peter Sas from NHS UK Transplant, Dr Finlander and Tara Womersley from Edinburgh Crossword 21 University, Nigel Bruce and Joe Hughes. My warmest thanks go to Diane and Walter Douglas for allowing us to use their son Allan’s image on our front cover Virtual Philosopher – Nigel Warburton 22 and for agreeing to be interviewed. I did it my way...

We warmly welcome articles from HSS members and non-members alike. If you The ‘Society’ Page 23 are interested in writing for Humanitie, please contact the editor to discuss your idea before submitting your article: [email protected] HSS Merchandise 24 Humanist Society of Scotland | 272 Bath Street | GLASGOW G2 4JR 0870 874 9002

Letters to the Editor: Writers’ names and addresses will be published unless otherwise requested. All letters must include the names and addresses of their authors, as anonymous letters will not be published.

Articles published in Humanitie represent the opinions of their authors and not necessarily the views of the Society.

Humanism is a diverse movement with ancient roots that reflects the views of millions of people around the world. Stated simply, Humanists believe that we can lead good and worthwhile lives guided by reason and compassion rather 272 Bath Street | Glasgow G2 4JR than religion or superstition, and that there are more things that unite humanity 0870 874 9002 | www.humanism-scotland.org.uk than divide it. Or, as we say in Scotland, “We’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns” - we’re all the same under the skin. Recognised as a Charity by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. Scottish Charity No. SC026570 Cover Image: From Queen and Country, Steve McQueen. Lance Corporal Allan Douglas, The Highlanders, died 30 January 2006, aged 23 w Printed on recycled paper 4 | www.humanism-scotland.org.uk Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Dear Editor,

I think I was about twenty years of age when I decided that the idea of Three triumphs in a row. Humanitie has got to be the best presented, god, any god, or Jesus or any thought of life after death was simply not colourful and most intelligent magazine in Scotland. I disagree within my range of thought Now seventy one years of age I have not with both John Brownlee (Letters, Humanitie Spring 2008) and seen or heard anything that would change my mind. with Alice Watson (Letters, Humanitie Summer 2008). The title is both linguistically apt within the Scottish literary tradition and I have spent quite bit of time in the rest of my life trying to persuade journalistically eye-catching as a one-word summation of what others to accept people as just people without trying to fit them into humanism is about. a box. It is surprising how often people like to make people into one group or another. Sometimes this has met with some success and some Eye-catching too are the front page illustrations as well as the layout times not. I would be the first to say that not always have I managed to of the contents, with good use of material that is challenging as well do this but I do try. as being relevant to the issues of the day that are important to HSS members active in their communities. Humanitie is more than a house With all of this in mind and with what I had read about Humanism I magazine though, with the quality of the articles and the calibre and thought that some of my views would be similar to your organisation high profile of various contributors putting this publication in the and that was what made me decide to apply for membership and the award winning bracket. start of this year Best of all in my estimate is that the Editor and her team have turned On being accepted I received my first edition of your magazine, around what was a lacklustre production before into a magazine that Humanite (sic), what a title, for Spring 2008. we can be proud of. It could do with some trenchant wit, perhaps a regular column on the Scottish scene from the point of view of In this edition was an article about “thought for the world” and someone with an eye on the foibles of ‘humanitie’, a Hogarthian/ amongst the contributors to this, to my utter and complete surprise Swiftian touch, but otherwise and for my money, Humanitie is a was a group called the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association. professional wonder. Long may it last. PIGEON HOLING OR WHAT? Terry Martin, Convenor, Perth Humanists On reflection I thought that before the time comes for me to renew my membership, or not, I had better explore the prospects of your having some hidden group to which I could be a member. Dear Editor,

A few of the possibles might be, I would not expect the Society to engage in party political niggling. I’m Ex life boys HSS therefore uneasy about the Salmond cartoon on the front cover of the Ex Cameronian Scottish Rifles HSS Summer edition and the reasons for putting it there. Ex textile manufacturers agent HSS I wear my watch on my right wrist but I am not left handed HSS. In the first place I’ve always thought it nonsense that the PM in My wife is a member of the Church of Scotland but I am not HSS. Westminster and the FM in Holyrood should be expected to answer Or lastly, questions on every topic. Where possible public questioning should be We’re a’ Jock Tamsons bairns or we’re not HSS. of the responsible Minister.

Mr. K .Gray, Glasgow It was good to see the response of the various parties and we as individual members can make up our party-political-minds on that basis. If we were to be in the business as a Society of entering the party Iain McWhirter’s piece on Margo McDonald (Humanitie Summer political debate, then a more appropriate Cover cartoon would have 2008) was well worth reading, however, his charge that “humanism is been Wendy Alexander looking dopey and scratching her head! seen as an intellectually rarefied way of thinking...” is not justified. The television programme centering on Ms. McDonald’s courageous stance Keith Ferguson, Fife on Voluntary Euthanasia showed that the late Hugh Bowman (a former convenor of the Glasgow group) took a strong stand on the VE issue. Indeed, several members of the HSS were involved in the struggle If you agree or disagree with any of the issues raised in Humanitie we to try to have this issue given more prominence at a time when Ms. would love to know why. McDonald had not thought about it. The fact that this did not come to the attention of the public, or to Iain McWhirter, is not because we Please email: [email protected] were intellectually rarefied, but because we were not newsworthy. Or write to: John Clunas, Aberdeen Editor Humanitie Humanist Society of Scotland 272 Bath Street Glasgow G2 4JR. Humanitie Autumn 2008 | 5 The HSS goes to Washington Words: Derek Young

As candidates spend billions of dollars as an apostate from Islam, received praise for Philip Pullman also accepted an award for campaigning to become the next American her work to encourage people from Muslim humanist of the year. The most intriguing President, many eyes have turned to communities to think critically about the winner, though, was astronomer Carolyn Washington DC, the seat of American power injustices wrought by the faith they have Porco, who led the Cassini imaging team to and a symbol of freedom around the world. been brought up with, and her Council of Ex- unlock the mysteries of our solar system. The I was delighted, along with Clare Marsh, to Muslims in Britain became an IHEU member. stunning image of a total eclipse of the Sun be sent to Washington in June to represent One of the highlights was an address by the behind Saturn wowed the audience. Scottish humanists at a worldwide gathering. author and critic Christopher Hitchens, who Many Americans were shocked to hear Several events ran alongside each other: spoke out against theocracy, blaming “the stories about religious observance within the alongside the General Assembly of the parties of God” for imposing fanaticism and Scottish school day, and our government’s International Humanist and Ethical Union suffering around the world, not only in Iran plans to have ever more religiously founded (IHEU), ran the triennial World Humanist and Iraq, but also in Israel and the Palestinian state schools. But the Americans were eager Congress, which involved over 500 humanists territories, and savaging the teaching of to listen and learn, never more so than when from over 20 countries, including not only “intelligent design” in American science Clare and I were invited to take part in a Britain and the US, but also the Netherlands, classrooms. podcast discussion on humanism in Scotland, Norway, Romania, Thailand and Brazil. This issue was also raised by Judge John and our wedding and funeral ceremonies, for Despite important work being done to E Jones Jr, a committed Christian and the Institute of Humanist Studies, which can establish humanist schools in Africa, their Republican supporter, appointed by President be heard or downloaded from their website. representatives were refused entry to America George W Bush. He attracted fury among On the final morning, the Secular Coalition because of stringent immigration rules – a sign religious conservatives for ruling that a for America asked humanists to visit their of the times. school district could not allow the teaching of Senator or Congressman on Capitol Hill to The main theme was e pluribus unum – “intelligent design” in science classes, because lobby them on some of their campaign issues, or reclaiming humanist values. The 60th it wasn’t science at all, and his judgement was a including government funding for religious anniversary of the Universal Declaration of devastating critique of the sham arguments in schools in Washington DC, and proselytising Human Rights was noted by IHEU President favour of teaching creation science. religion by military chaplains within the Sonia Eggerickx, but also that much work armed services (which is illegal, but which still remains to be done on persuading the happens). So it was that I found myself lobbying international community to accept, promote the Chief Legislative Director of Senator Ben and defend individual freedoms. Her Cardin of Maryland – even though I wasn’t a predecessor Roy Brown described the US citizen, had never paid American taxes and miserable scenes at the UN Human Rights had only been in the country for a few days! Council in Geneva, where a coalition of This was typical of the hospitable Muslim-led countries and sympathetic States environment the Americans laid on, despite conspired to prevent any criticism of religious a heatwave of over 100 degrees outside, which doctrine, especially Shari’a Law, despite its made seeing any more of Washington hard often horrendous consequences for women work. But we left with renewed spirit for and non-believers in these societies. our important humanist work, and stronger In other conference sessions, Ana Lita, contacts in other countries, and looking Director of the IHEU Bioethics Center, Americans do love their award ceremonies. forward to the next gathering in Norway in spoke movingly about international efforts Alongside gongs for US Congressman Pete 2011. to stop organised organ traffickers coercing Stark, who became the first elected national Top: Carolyn Porco and the Cassini Imaging Team’s poor people into selling their kidneys for politician to declare that he didn’t believe in Total Eclipse of the Sun behind Saturn. transplantation in richer countries. Maryam God in a country where 85% of the public Left : US Congressman Pete Stark addresses the Namazie, who has faced the threat of death profess religious faith, the children’s author American Humanist Association. 6 | www.humanism-scotland.org.uk Remains of the day Stuart Ritchie investigates the adversaries of Science.

Science makes a lot of enemies. The usual our own deaths and communicate with loved accurate in remembering it than one would rogue’s gallery of creationists, homeopaths ones from beyond the grave. expect. If this is the case, Fenwick says, we and astrologers pop up at every opportunity The extremely affable Dr. Peter Fenwick have evidence that the mind and the brain are to put the boot in – and responding to them is a world-renowned expert on disorders of separate. is enormously important (not to mention fun). the brain such as epilepsy as well as strange There are, however, many reasons to believe Nevertheless, it may be interesting to examine phenomena like near-death experiences. It is, that NDEs are simply a result of abnormal brain some lesser-known adversaries of science. For among other things, his study of the latter that function. Aside from odd inconsistencies with this reason, I interviewed some academics has led him to his dualist position. ‘Normally the stories (which point toward the NDE being who informed me about two separate attacks we don’t think of death as a process,’ he says. a kind of hallucination) in some NDE studies on science from very different standpoints. ‘In the two weeks before dying, a whole new such as people who encounter living relatives, The first, an explicit criticism of modern set of phenomena start to kick in.’ The process or people who see flying horses and other views, questions the materialist outlook of Fenwick talked about, and describes in detail mythological creatures, research has been done the world as offered by contemporary science. in his new book co-authored with his wife which shows a phenomenon strikingly similar The second is far more subtle, and questions Elizabeth Fenwick, The Art of Dying, starts off to an NDE can be induced by placing people the very use of science altogether. As we’ll see, with what he calls ‘deathbed visions’. When in the kind of centrifuge used to train fighter both views have a certain appeal, as they both on your deathbed, Fenwick told me, you will pilots. This starves the brain of oxygen and relate to that most mysterious and alluring of often ‘see a dead relative who says “I have come subjects it to extreme stress due to the high-Gs all topics: death. to collect you”. For the dying person this is experienced, and about 20% of experimental Since well before Descartes, the debate over enormously reassuring and comforting’. participants report a similar sensation to those the Mind-Body problem has been raging. How Exactly how often does this happen? As reported by people having NDEs. If an NDE can the mere workings of our neurons give rise part of his research for his book, Fenwick can be induced in a controlled situation which to the enormous range of sensations, thoughts, interviewed a number of carers in hospices, is nothing to do with death, the idea that it’s emotions and experiences we experience palliative care nurses and relatives of dying caused by the soul leaving the body seems very every moment of every day? In other words, people, and came to the conclusion that these unlikely indeed. how does the brain give rise to the mind? The experiences are fairly common. ‘It seems Fenwick is calling for nothing less than ‘mainstream’ neuropsychological position on you are given a time to die – the relatives a paradigm shift in science. ‘With our these matters is that these experiences will say they’ll come back in a fortnight, or reductionist science, and with mind and be found to be reducible to the (incredibly tomorrow,’ and the dying person then starts brain being absolutely synonymous, there’s no complex) firings of neurons in patterns in to use ‘journeying language – I’m going on way that we can explain [these experiences].’ our brain. Of course many psychologists, a journey, they’re coming to collect me’. The Fenwick sees his evidence from near-death neuroscientists and philosophers have a next stage in Fenwick’s process is deathbed experiences ‘standing apart from scientific problem with this pure materialism – they coincidences. Remember that story about theory’, and that we need a radically new look upon our subjective consciousness (what grandfather’s grandfather clock stopping just theory which takes into account subjective is it like to be you?) as either forever insoluble as he died? Well, that’s the kind of thing. An experience. In The Art of Dying, Fenwick talks by scientific inquiry, or a ‘Hard Problem’ that example, which Fenwick talks about, is ‘an of the scientific establishment being a closed will take some unpredictable discovery of the intensely meaningful dream where you see shop, completely impenetrable to those with future to understand. Some of these ideas the person who’s dying give you a message’. It new ideas, in a way that actually reminds me of could be referred to as a dualism of sorts (they would have been a dereliction of my duty as a proponents of Intelligent Design or Alternative propose that we can’t understand consciousness Humanist not to have challenged Fenwick on Medicine. Is Fenwick’s point any different? simply in terms of brain function), and these assertions, and I did so. Can you really As previously noted, there are huge gaps in they are perfectly legitimate scientific and test scientifically whether these experiences our scientific knowledge. But surely science philosophical positions. It goes without saying are real or not? Surely since we know that isn’t so resistant to new ideas - the acceptance that the thinkers supporting all the positions the brain can be fooled so easily by unusual of once-ridiculed hypotheses such as plate mentioned thus far would take the position situations or strong emotions, we should be tectonics or the origins of the eukaryotic cell that there is no evidence whatsoever that our very careful about taking on board anecdotal into mainstream scientific canon immediately consciousness survives after we die. reports as evidence? Fenwick replied that it’s gives the lie to this proposition. The initial The idea of true Cartesian dualism, however science that’s broken, not his evidence – a reception of ideas such as these was derisory, – that there is a ‘ghost in the machine’ – some point which we will return to after discussing but the evidence for them was so great that kind of force, spirit or soul that interacts with Fenwick’s main line of evidence. scientists were forced to accept there was our brain tissue to give us our consciousness ‘There are people who leave their bodies, something in them. They and many, many – has few scientific proponents these days. watch their own resuscitation, and then other examples prove an important point: Imagine, then, how taken aback I was when an go down the tunnel and have a near-death science is open to new ideas if the evidence for eminent neuropsychiatrist told me that he has experience,’ says Fenwick. He points to them is sufficient. not only found evidence that souls exist, but evidence that people who claim to have seen Whatever Fenwick’s criticisms of the that he’s also fairly sure that the we can survive their own resuscitation seem to be more history of the scientific investigation into Humanitie Autumn 2008 | 7

consciousness, it seems to me that his evidence could have told us, if only we were allowed to The Art of Dying by Peter and Elizabeth is highly speculative and subjective; his reports ask?’ Fenwick, Continuum Books, £9.99 are based far too much on anecdote (the plural There can be no doubt that certain native of which, as memorably noted in a wonderful communities have been terribly damaged though un-attributable quotation, is not ‘data’); by colonisation and the impact of Western and are tantamount to advocating a major step values, but is giving them back their remains backward in an area of science which should really the best way to help them? ‘Scientific be enormously proud of its achievements in professionals seem to have a terribly romantic, exorcising the ghost in the machine. Recent ‘Noble Savage’ idea of these communities’ says discoveries in cognitive neuroscience are Jenkins. ‘They think “well, we’re not sure what pushing back the boundaries of our knowledge we believe in any more, but these people are so about consciousness – for example, recent let’s help them.” This view is entirely parasitic neurophysiological research into visual neglect, – using these groups to make themselves feel synesthesia and schizophrenia along with a better, and it’s patronising as well. Aboriginal whole host of other psychological conditions is communities are in a very bad way, and throwing light onto some very deep questions. returning old skulls is probably not the way www.tiffanyjenkins.blogspot.com Jumping to conclusions where evidence is to help.’ If the organisations campaigning for unsteady, to say the least, goes against not only repatriation really wanted to help, they would the careful argument-building of philosophy put their money and efforts into regeneration but also the step-by-step evidence-gathering schemes for these native groups and campaign of the scientific method. for their rights in today’s society, not those of It is this evidence-gathering that is under their long-dead ancestors. Doing so aids both attack on a different front. Tiffany Jenkins, the groups and the progression of our scientific a sociologist at the University of Kent at knowledge. Canterbury, is researching a little-known Jenkins also worries that a kind of but highly illustrative phenomenon – that misanthropy afflicts our society. ‘We seem to of human remains and their position in have a very anti-human sentiment,’ she told museums and other public institutions. These me. ‘Humans are seen to have far more capacity human remains have become, as Jenkins for destruction than creativity or an ability to says, ‘symbolic objects of a kind of crisis of help.’ Science is attacked because it is seen to be authority’ in museums – and by extension in unnatural and a challenge to traditional ideas science as well. Jenkins notes that, because about reality. ‘This is where a positive view of of the repatriation of these remains we are humanity has to be put forward very strongly missing out on pristine evidence of human - and this is why Humanism is so important’. migratory patterns and evolution as well as Jenkins sees Humanism as a movement that the history of various diseases. Museums seem can fight back against this. to have retreated from ‘an empirical, rational Perhaps what we can learn from Peter approach that prioritises an open attitude and Fenwick’s investigations of life after death is dedicated towards knowledge’, as Jenkins and Tiffany Jenkins’ study of the meaning of puts it. human remains, is that we have to make more I a sked Jen k i ns i f she t h i n k s t he problems a re of what we have now. Worrying about the a result of religious or spiritual beliefs or other remains of the past, or indeed life after death factors. ‘It’s partly because of the influence of cheapens our present existence. It also distorts post-modernism – the idea that there is no such our understanding of the world. The sciences thing as truth,’ Jenkins laments. It seems that of human history and of human consciousness museums, especially those that do research on are being misrepresented because of mistaken the human remains and artefacts they display, beliefs about the soul and about connections to are coming under a huge amount of pressure the past. Not only that, but science is attacked from various directions. This leads to the for being a worthless enterprise, or only one unfortunate situation where we are missing way among many of getting at the truth. out on the observation and study of important Science needs defending from these attacks if relics of our past, simply to pander to irrational we are to jettison retrospective superstition and beliefs (those of the postmodernists and of the needless sentimentality, and live lives based on descendants). As Jenkins says in one of her the immense human capability for progress, articles – ‘who knows what [these remains] exploration, and - above all - understanding. 8 | www.humanism-scotland.org.uk A place in the sun Words : Derek Green

I will never forget the response my partner As autumn dissolved into winter our attention could make Ken’s life celebration inclusive for gave to being told he had inoperable and turned towards the small, intimate, civil everyone. For me the conversation Ken and terminal colorectal cancer. “Oh!” He said. It partnership ceremony we had planned. The I had with Tim was so important. It was the was so typically Ken. Completely unphased by change in UK law was perfectly timed, and the catalyst which enabled us both to say some the devastating news that had just be delivered. 29 December was about celebrating the twenty rather beautiful things to each other. Thirty- His next words were more measured. “How years we had shared together. six hours later Ken died in my arms at home. long have I got?” The oncologist could only At the beginning of the new year The sun shone and the temperature soared give us an average life expectancy. So we left medication started again but the side-effects as family and friends gathered at Warriston the hospital conscious that we had embarked were more dramatic. Loss of weight and hair Crematorium. They wore bright and light on a journey with cancer and not knowing were now visual signs to others that things coloured clothing. No black. Which is what when it would end. weren’t right. In April Ken made an incredibly we’d asked. Tim was the most excellent We decided we wouldn’t tell anyone about brave decision. Enough was enough. He humanist celebrant. He used all the themes Ken’s condition. He didn’t like fuss nor did asked for all chemotherapy to be stopped and from our conversation a week earlier and he want to become the centre of attention. It to let nature take its course. As we sat in the captured the essence of Ken’s life brilliantly. meant we didn’t have to provide daily updates oncologist’s consulting room, he once again Personal thoughts and memories read by his on how his radiotherapy treatment was asked the question “How long have I got?” This sister, brother and brother-in-law, together progressing. When chemotherapy was added time the reply was direct. “I think you have with music which Ken and I had chosen, into the medical mix, we were both delighted weeks rather than months.” We knew it was made everything perfect. As one friend said to to discover that none of the prescribed drugs time to tell family and friends. I also decided me later, “It feels more like a wedding than a had a hair-loss side effect. This meant family it was time to talk to the Humanist Society of funeral.” Which is what we wanted. and friends came to visit and left us completely Scotland. Back on the south coast of Crete I was unaware of our situation. I called the HSS number I found in the unsure where to scatter Ken as we hadn’t really When Ken felt well enough we continued to telephone directory. After explaining our chosen an exact spot. As I headed up an old do the things he loved. This mainly consisted situation to Ivan Middleton he said “I know donkey-track to a village in the hills behind of travelling to warmer and sunnier European the perfect person.” During breakfast the the town, I turned to look at the amazing view. destinations. In September 2005 we returned following morning the telephone rang. It was A woman, walking down, stopped beside me to the south coast of Crete and a village we had Tim Maguire and we arranged for him to visit. and said “Isn’t this the most perfect place.” been visiting for 12 years. One evening as we Two days later he arrived and immediately put She was right. It was. And so this was where I strolled along the harbour wall he turned to me us at our ease. I was surprised to learn that this decided Ken should be. and said, “You know, I’ve never been happier was the first time Tim had spoken to anyone Recently I remade my will and decided than I am here.” My reply was immediate, about their life prior to their death. I thought to include the GPS Satellite Navigation co- “Then why not stay here forever?” By accident that what we were doing was the norm. Over ordinates of this Cretan location. It was we had started to discuss the important topic a couple of hours Tim asked us questions important for me to know, that at some point of death and what his wishes were for his final about Ken’s life, made suggestions for poetry in the future, Ken and I would once again share resting place. and readings, and discussed ways in which we our place in the sun. Humanitie Autumn 2008 | 9

You can never plan too far ahead! My funeral Two humanists tell us how they envisage their own final farewell. Mary Wallace Christopher Brookmyre

I began conducting funerals for the Humanist Society in 1999 and In my experience, no matter how gentle or expected the passing, funerals although I’m not planning to pop my clogs any time soon, this work are thoroughly engulfed in grief. This is, of course, as it should be. Grief does get you thinking. is good. We need an occasion to vent all of the emotions that everyone I am crystal clear on quite a few things – I want to be cremated and has necessarily been forced to contain. But for all of that, a funeral is not it will, of course, be a Humanist ceremony (and therefore an uplifting about the dead; it is - and should be - about the pain of the bereaved. It celebration of my life). But which Funeral Director? And which is not the time to be remembering the deceased: it’s just too painful to Celebrant? I have so many wonderful colleagues and friends in both do so at that point. All you can think about is that they’re gone, about categories that I’ll have to leave the family sort that one out! what they have lost, about what you have lost. It is the hardest time to Back to the things I’ve decided on – a wicker coffin; absolutely no think about who you have lost, what they meant to you, who they were black to be worn; a damn good party afterwards. I’ve also stipulated that and why you loved them. under no circumstances is anyone to spend a penny on flowers. Instead, Therefore, in prog-rock concept-album style, I’d like a funeral in I’d like folk to bring a wild flower or something from their own garden. two parts. The first, in dealing with the practicalities such as disposal, The coffin should be in place before the ceremony and as people arrive, should be entirely about the people I’ve left behind. There should be no they can put their flowers into a vase beside it (and say their own private struggles to retain dignified composure. I want them all to have a good goodbye if they want to). Afterwards the family can take the flowers greet: heaving, convulsive, cathartic sobs. I want mascara running down home to enjoy them for a few days. every face; even the guys. Let it all out. Sausage rolls will be compulsory. As for music Van Morrison’s ‘Brown Eyed Girl’, Eva Cassidy’s ‘Fields There are sausage rolls at every Scottish funeral, and I think the sheer of Gold’ and Fauré’s ‘Pavanne’ are all contenders. One thing I definitely presence of them helps precipitate grief by association, even to those want is Ossian’s fantastic dance tune ‘St Kilda Wedding’, since that’s who have never eaten one in their lives. where I met my lovely husband 21 years ago. Another definite, for a bit Then, a few months later, I would like a memorial gathering, when of a laugh, is Brain Perkins reading his spoof version of the ‘Shipping people feel robust enough to think about me rather than about the lack Forecast’. For my kids, I’d like the Celebrant to read an extract from of me; when they are ready to really let the memories flood in. The Ewan MacColl’s ‘The Joy of Living’. format and content of that occasion, I’d leave up to the participants. Let And finally, a massive thanks to all of the people I’ve had the privilege them play music that makes them think of me, rather than music I wish to know and love during my life. That’s it really – one funeral ceremony to be remembered by. My only stipulation is that on this occasion, there for Mary Wallace, done! must be no sausage rolls. Happy food only. Friday night food. A Friday night atmosphere, no matter what day of the week. I want everybody there to think of what I can’t do anymore and thus remember that the world is their weekend.

Mary Wallace is a registered Humanist Society of Scotland celebrant Christopher Brookmyre is a celebrated author and the Honorary and is responsible for all our ceremonies training. It comes as no surprise President of The Humanist Society of Scotland. His latest novel to those of us who know her that she has already planned her own A Snowball in Hell is in all good bookshops now. funeral. www.brookmyre.co.uk 10 | www.humanism-scotland.org.uk The kindest gift of all No matter what you’ve made of your life, you can be useful after your death. NHS UK Transplant and the School of Biomedical Science want your body. Organ Donation: The Gift of Life Body Donation: A Gift for Mankind

Words: Peter Sas, Communications Officer, NHS UK Transplant Words: Dr Gordon Findlater, Edinburgh University

ORGAN donation can save or transform lives. Each year, almost 3,000 Anatomy is the cornerstone of medical education and is still one of people in the UK benefit from an organ transplant. the principle subjects that all students must study on entering medical However, at the same time, more than 9,000 people a year need an school. organ transplant to save or dramatically improve their lives. Sadly, The teaching of Anatomy has always relied on a ready supply of bodies around 1,000 people die every year before a suitable donated organ for dissection. In Edinburgh, the earliest record was in 1506 when the becomes available, while many more lose their lives before they get on Barber Surgeons approached the Town Council “for the provision of a to the transplant list. body of a criminal for the learning of anatomy”. The request went as far The NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) is literally a lifesaver. A as King James IV who duly gave it royal assent. confidential, computerised database, it carries the names and wishes of Since those days, the demand for bodies has continued, although it more than 15.5 million people who have said they want to leave a legacy was not always legitimately met. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, of life by donating their organs to help others after their death. students of anatomy, and others quick to recognise an easy way to make The death of a loved one is a tragedy, but it is a double tragedy if that a not inconsiderable sum of money, took to robbing graves of recently person could have donated their organs to save the lives of others. Every buried bodies and selling them on. William Burke and William day, this chance to save lives is lost simply because people have never got Hare, however, took things further and over the space of about a year round to telling their relatives of their wishes and joining the ODR. murdered fifteen people whose bodies they sold to the anatomy school Families are always consulted if there is a possibility of organ of Dr Knox. When caught, Hare turned King’s evidence against Burke donation. Although approximately four out of ten families decline who was condemned to be hung, dissected and for his remains to be put permission, relatives will virtually always support donation if they know on public display; they can still be seen in the museum of the Anatomy that’s what their loved one wanted. Department of Edinburgh University. Maxine Walter, the UK Transplant Head of Communications, said: Today, bodies are as essential as ever. The number required varies, “Not only does organ donation save lives, but donor families say it gives but is in the region of twenty to forty per year, per medical school. them some comfort to know that their loved one, although no longer Potential donors need to put in writing their wish to leave their body to a with them, has helped to give life to someone else.” medical school at the time of their death. This can be done by putting it The Government is planning a radical overhaul of organ donation in a will or, preferably, by asking the nearest school for a Bequest Form. procedures to improve the current system. A Department of Health These are easy to complete and must be witnessed. The donor retains Organ Donor Taskforce has made 14 recommendations, which the one copy, one is lodged with their executor and the other returned to the Government has approved. local anatomy department. Prime Minister Gordon Brown says he favours the UK adopting an All anatomy departments are governed by the Human Tissue Act opt-out or ‘presumed consent’ system similar to the one used in Spain (2006) which is overseen by her Majesty’s Inspector of Anatomy. The and other countries. The Taskforce has been asked to look at the ethical, Act requires that permission be given by the family or nearest living moral and professional issues surrounding presumed consent and to relative or executor of the deceased’s estate before parts can be retained publish a report later this year. for medical education. It also requires that bodies must be either Meanwhile, UK Transplant is encouraging more people to join the cremated or buried, according to the wishes of the family or nearest NHS Organ Donor Register under the existing legal framework. living relative or executor within a three-year period from the time of death. The options available are cremation without further reference to • 801 Scottish residents need a transplant. Of these, 739 need a kidney, the family, in which case the ashes are scattered in the grounds of the 13 kidney/pancreas, 1 pancreas, 7 heart, 14 lung(s), 27 liver crematorium, return of the ashes to the family who can then do as they • Sadly, since March 2004, 220 residents died while on the transplant wish with them or the return of the remains for a private funeral. list (seven since March this year) Most anatomy departments hold an annual memorial service to • So far this year (since March 2008), 65 Scottish residents benefited which the donor’s family and friends are invited. Also invited are the from a life-saving kidney or kidney/pancreas transplant (including students who have benefited from the donation. These services are 14 living kidney donors). There have been one heart transplant, five highly regarded within the medical school as they allow both students lung(s) transplants, 20 liver transplants (including two living liver and the school as a whole to show their gratitude and appreciation to the donors) – overall total 91 organ transplants families and friends of the gift of their loved one’s body. • A further 65 people had their sight restored/improved with a cornea/ For the relatively small numbers of bodies that we receive, many sclera graft. students benefit. Medicine as we know it would not be where it is, were it not for the generosity of those willing to leave their body so that others You can help others after your death might learn to the benefit of all mankind. • By signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register. You can pick up a form at your local GP surgery, call the NHS Organ Donor You can help others after your death Line on 0845 60 60 400 or visit the UK Transplant’s website at • By contacting your local medical school and asking for a bequest www.uktransplant.org.uk form. • By telling your family what you’ve done and making sure they • By making a note in your will about your intentions for your body to understand your wishes. be donated to a medical school after your death. Humanitie Autumn 2008 | 11 Queen and country Words: Juliet Wilson Artist Steve McQueen has created a work that makes us think about war and individual sacrifice and he wants you to buy it for 36p

For many artists the completion of a work involves an element of sadness: the art they have made no longer belongs to them once it is in the public sphere. Whether a work of art is inspired by an artist’s darkest hour or a moment of whimsy, as a viewer, our interpretation of a work gives us an element of ownership. The nurturing process is over and like a fledgling adult art must stand alone and take its place in the world. 12 | www.humanism-scotland.org.uk

“it is my profound hope that these portraits will be issued as stamps”

Steve McQueen’s installation Queen and the camaraderie of the service men and women the faces of these men that I had known Country is incomplete. Official war artist and he met there. The resulting exhibition has personally on stamps that I was about to use. Turner Prize winner, McQueen collaborated spawned a campaign to have the stamps issued Our younger son has just retired from the RAF with 137 families who have lost loved ones in by the Royal Mail with over thirteen thousand after serving in Sierra Leone, Kuwait, Iraq and Iraq. Facsimiles of postage stamp sheets bearing signatures on the on-line petition so far. Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot, in some multiple portrait images of a deceased service “I’m encouraged to learn of the weight very hairy situations. If he had been killed I man or woman fill a cabinet which is currently of support behind these stamps as it is my would have liked him to be commemorated in being displayed at the Barbican in London to profound hope that these portraits will be some way but, again, I would not have wanted coincide with the run of the highly acclaimed issued as stamps and will in this way enter him staring up at me from the corner of an National Theatre of Scotland production Black the lifeblood of the country. This work is envelope.” Watch. The exhibition will hopefully tour the particularly important and meaningful for The cover image of this magazine shows country and the next stop will be St George’s me as it is a collaboration with the families of Lance Corporal Allan Douglas as he is featured Hall, as part of the 2008 Liverpool Biennial. the deceased and potentially with the whole in Queen and Country. Allan, from Aberdeen, So far, so good: the exhibition has provoked nation.” was killed by a sniper in the Maysan province debate amongst critics, thinkers and the Although the work may appeal to the of Iraq in January 2006. He was serving with public, but as far as McQueen is concerned the many UK citizens opposed to the war in Iraq, the 1st Battalion The Highlanders when he work will not be finished until the individual McQueen insists Queen and Country is not a became the 99th British serviceman to be elements of it are ‘displayed’ on some of the protest piece: killed in Iraq. His mother Diane Douglas 80 million items of post the Royal Mail deliver “It is neither pro-war nor anti-war. It is a recalls the letter from McQueen’s researcher every year. work of art that helps us reflect upon the many asking her if they could use Allan’s image in “An official set of Royal Mail stamps struck complex feelings we have about war. It seems, Queen and Country: me as an intimate but distinguished way of for those who are against the war, my project “I was over the moon – it’s an honour to see highlighting the sacrifice of individuals in is regarded as a good thing. For people who his face on a stamp and the rest of the family defense of our national ideals.” Says McQueen, support the war, it is regarded as a good thing are chuffed to bits about it.” “The stamps would focus on individual too. This work is like a sphere – roll it this way, She says that Allan wanted to be in the experience without euphemism. It would form roll it that way. In the end, it’s an art work – army from a young age: an intimate reflection of national loss that a tribute to the deceased and a reflection on “At nursery he always went for the army would involve the families of the dead and the validity of war, the structure of power and hat when they were dressing up. When he was permeate the everyday – every household and notions of national identity.” old enough he said that he was off down to the every office.” But for some the idea seems distasteful. Alan army office to sign up.” McQueen is best known for his work on Richardson, a Humanist Society of Scotland Perhaps this memorial is more poignant film but Queen and Country was created in celebrant, doesn’t support the campaign: to the Douglas family because of Allan’s own response to a visit he made to Iraq in 2003 “Many, many years ago I assisted at five feelings about the Iraq war: following his appointment by the Imperial War funerals in Cyprus for troops who had been “He enjoyed army life but the war in Iraq Museum’s Art Commissions Committee as an killed by EOKA terrorists (or freedom fighters should never have happened as far as he was official UK war artist. Although he spent only - depending on your point of view). I would concerned. If it had been a different war we six days in Iraq he was immediately struck by have been very upset if I had then come across could have accepted his death differently.” Humanitie Autumn 2008 | 13

Far Left: Staff Sergeant Sharron Elliott, Intelligence Corps, died 12 November 2006, aged 34 Left : Corporal John Rigby, The Rifles , died 22 June 2007, aged 24

According to The Art Fund, the UK’s leading independent art charity that bought the work and donated it to London’s Imperial War Museum, more than two thirds of the British public do not think enough is done to recognise the sacrifice made by UK troops who have lost their lives in Iraq. The Art Fund has undertaken to tour the work and it will be shown at galleries, museums and art centres across the country. Allan Douglas was one of three soldiers Allan Douglas was serving under the Royal Cummins cites two existing memorials that serving under Henry Cummins who appear in Scots Dragoon Guards at the time of his death, have an emotional connection for him: the exhibition. For Cummins the sense of loss Henry Cummins, secretary of the UK Armed “The Cenotaph is moving in its presence but is still poignant, as close relationships are built forces Humanist Association was the second there are no names there, whereas The Scottish inside a regiment: in command of the unit. National Memorial at Edinburgh Castle is “You have fathers, sons, brothers and “Allan was a really good sparky chap,” particularly good as it lists all the names.” cousins working alongside each other. It’s a he says, “He was a great physical training He feels that Queen and Country will create close knit society that is also a great source of instructor who had a glint in his eye and the same resonance: strength.” incredible energy: the kind of soldier you “It brings a personal context of the realities I convey Diane Douglas’s feelings about the always look for: an all round good egg.” of war closer to people who are not exposed exhibition to Cummins: Cummins joined the Army in 1986, and to them. Art is a really powerful medium for “Allan was a really special chap, he stood The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in 1987. His a transfer of sentiment surrounding an issue out. I’m really pleased that this exhibition has operational service includes multiple tours in and this is a really good example of the way art brought comfort to Allan’s family. If that’s all the Balkans and Middle East. He became an could be used in a modern way.” it achieves it has been worth it: even if that’s atheist as a result of his experience of sectarian Like it or not, if the campaign is successful, the only thing.” and inter-ethnic violence in Kosovo between it will become a war memorial we interact If you would like to support, find 1999 and 2001, and discovered Humanism with as part of our everyday lives. Whether out more or question Steve McQueen shortly thereafter. He is supportive of the we choose to stick these stamps on our letters about the Queen and Country campaign: Queen and Country campaign: or find ourselves approaching the thud on the www.artfund.org/queenandcountry “It would be fantastic to see this work as doormat with a sense of foreboding, we won’t actual stamps and it would bring the human be able to deny that McQueen’s work will make aspect of war into everybody’s homes. Seeing us think about the issues surrounding the Iraq their faces on your doormat every morning war on a regular basis. Diane Douglas agrees: To learn more about the UK Armed Forces would keep fresh in people’s minds the “If these images are released as stamps it Humanist Association: sacrifices that service men and women are will make people think that it is time to bring www.armedforceshumanists.org.uk making on a regular basis.” these boys home.” 14 | www.humanism-scotland.org.uk Wee stories Words : Malcolm McGonigle

HSS member Andy Cannon challenges children to think for themselves.

Wee Stories is a small theatre troupe with very big aspirations. Take their latest production One Giant Leap for instance. It can’t be easy to devise a multi-layered entertaining drama around the conflicts of superstition and science across a 400 year span - especially when a large chunk of your prospective audience is children. But Andy Cannon co-writer/director/actor/manager of the company doesn’t let the gravity of the subject matter wear him down. ‘We have a bit fun with it. Our challenge is to create work that speaks to and contacts everyone. An audience should be able to access it at various different levels but there’s also a shared experience. We’re all here together.’ ‘We create wondrous stories,’ he chuckles. ‘Which we hope will trigger deeper thinking and different perspectives on the world. It’s theatre for everyone. Sometimes the marketing people will say ‘who is this aimed at?’ And we say: ‘it’s aimed at everybody’. Andy is keen that the group is seen as child friendly but not ‘children’s theatre’. ‘There is a difference,’ he says. ‘In our opening scene of Treasure Island we had an alcoholic pirate dying in the first few minutes.’ ‘There’s occasionally laughs that adults get before the children but they should be able to explain to the kids why it’s funny. Often we’ll say a joke and the adults will laugh then few seconds later there’s another big laugh because the parents have explained it to the young people. But the kids can often surprise us. Sometimes what we’ve thought would be an adult laugh gets a big roar from the kids’. Wee Stories work up their narratives in an urban fairy tale setting – a chaotic loft space strewn with props, furniture and chalkboards perched at the top of the Kings Theatre in Edinburgh. The room is suffused with a fevered creative atmosphere and aptly feels like stumbling into a fictional thespian world. They use the common language of myths, history and legend to create new narratives for a contemporary age. One Giant Leap is co-authored by Andy and his colleagues Iain Johnstone and David Trouton who writes and produces the music. The company have a ten-year heritage and grew out of a children’s theatre group. ‘But we’ve moved up a level now,’ says Andy. ‘And our audience has grown up with us. They recognise our style and passion so we want to stimulate the adults in the audience too.’ Two major scientific anniversaries coming round in 2009 have inspired the new production, which is co-produced by the National Theatre of Scotland. It’s nearly 400 hundred years since Galileo first took a peep at the dark night through his home-made telescope and came to the disquieting conclusion that the moon wasn’t a celestial body but a hulking great rock floating round the Earth. It took another 360 years of mayhem, struggle, industrialisation, evolution and revolution to develop the scientific method to the point where Neil Armstrong could clamber down the steps of his Eagle module and put the first human footprint on the Sea of Tranquillity. By co-incidence the 40th anniversary of the lunar landing also swings round next year. Wee Stories have made creative connections with both giant leaps and built a new interpretation of the complex story of scientific progress interwoven with tales of heretics and heroes. ‘It’s probably the most honest piece that we’ve ever done, in that it’s about ourselves and our interests and what matters to us. We’re all fascinated and inspired by science and the scientific method from the point of view of wonder and awe and celebration. Like the Dawkins view in Unweaving the Rainbow – if you know what a rainbow really is it doesn’t take away from its wonder – it actually adds to it’. Humanitie Autumn 2008 | 15

Andy, who is a HSS member is well versed in the works of Dawkins, Harris and Hitchens and describes his dawning awareness of atheism as a kind of ‘coming out.’ ‘I had a religious upbringing,’ he says. ‘My dad was a cleric but he encouraged a very liberal approach. When I was thirteen I told him I was an atheist and it didn’t seem to upset him at all. In fact he seemed genuinely interested that I was questioning things. He was very encouraging.’ At the same time Andy’s uncle, a scientist, stimulated his interest in all things experimental and astronomic. ‘He seemed so passionate about his subject.’ As Andy reminisces he pats a silver globe of the moon bequeathed to him by his uncle, a personal reminder that will be pressed into use in the new production. ‘One Giant Leap is really the story about how superstition became science. In Galileo’s time we had the gods of the gaps. People invented

Andy agrees. ‘While we were researching this show we found a web- site where somebody was seriously arguing that the earth is actually at the centre of the universe. Try putting something pertaining to a heliocentric system into Google. You think that you’re going to come up with science? What appears is lots of creationist web-sites.’ In the historic moon landing Wee Stories have hit on an ideal lightning rod to expose the conflicting dramas of superstition, religion and science. Even in 1969 there was a secular/Christian divide in the way lunar activities were being conducted. Madalyn Murray O’Hair, a prominent atheist, had filed a lawsuit against NASA demanding that the various crews stop broadcasting Christian quotes and partaking in religious activities while in space. That’s why Buzz Aldrin, Lunar Module co-pilot chose this reflective speech very carefully after the Eagle landed, unlike previous missions who read freely from the bible: ‘I’d like to take this opportunity to ask every person listening in, whoever and wherever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in his or her own way’. But the wily Buzz, whose mission was only made possible by the application of evidence based physics built on theories which for centuries had been rejected by the church, wasn’t going to let the secularists get the last word on this one: He secretly took communion after Eagle craft landed on the moon. He later admitted that he had stashed a ‘communion kit’ prepared by his pastor Rev Dean Woodruff in the lunar module. The Webster Presbyterian Church still proudly displays the chalice that went to the moon. It’s an episode that points out the confusions unleashed by the progress of science where massive steps forward can be followed by three cultural steps back. But where will the next giant leap come from? David Trouton isn’t sure we could handle it. ‘Our hearts haven’t caught up with our heads,’ he says. ‘Astronaut Alan Bean in Apollo 12 said the space programme came two hundred years too early. We’re not ready for it yet. We haven’t recovered from Galileo’s leap. So much of the world is still flat’. the answers to the big questions. But the curiosity was there. To tell the The group are about to take their vigorous thought-provoking new story about Neil Armstrong landing on the moon the real breakthrough show on the road, taking in Shetland, Fort William, Glenrothes and moment was 400 years before when Galileo pointed his telescope and Inverness while an upcoming Christmas project named Bad King said ‘The moon is actually a lump of rock and by that definition we Wenceslas promises a equally radical re-reading of familiar Yule could go there.’ myths. David Trouton, the musician of the team explains some other Next year our valiant humanist thespians hope to further develop motivations. ‘One of the driving forces behind this production is being the theme of One Giant Leap and create a glittering celebration for affronted’. He says. ‘Affronted at psuedo-science, alternative medicine the 40th anniversary of the 1969 Lunar Landing that will get everyone and all that supernatural stuff. Some of our generation of adults assume discussing the issues. these things are on the same footing as science. We are trying to make clear that for Apollo to go to the moon mankind had to get its head around how the universe really worked. Nothing else would have got Dates for the One Giant Leap tour can be found on the Wee Stories it there and back safely. The Mumbo Jumbo had to be sorted out from web site: www.weestoriestheatre.org the facts’. 16 | www.humanism-scotland.org.uk

Words: Tim Maguire

My name is Joe Paisley’s Woodside Cemetery is a paradigm of high Victorian sepulchral and Christian Name and thinking out loud “What’s this crap?” when a art. Built mostly by Freemasons and modelled on Paris’s Père Lachaise, colleague, Robin Wood, overheard me. “I take it you’re non-religious,” every aspect of it is coded with meaning, like a location from the says he. “How would you like to join the Humanist Society?” to which I Da Vinci Code. The shady path winds uphill past pillars and angels, replied, “What’s the hell’s the Humanist Society?” obelisks and mausoleums to the classically styled crematorium in its “It turned out Robin was secretary of the HSS at the time, so I went to sacred north-east corner where as I arrive, the oppressive atmosphere a meeting and that was me a Humanist. Which was strange, because I’d of doom and gloom is swept away in gusts of laughter and outbreaks of been an atheist since I was 12 and I never saw myself as joining anything. spontaneous applause. Joe Hughes is celebrating a life and the Grand Seven years later, in 1995, when I was thinking of retiring and taking a Masters must be spinning in their crypts. part time job in a pub or a post office to pay for the occasional pint Joe Hughes calls himself a Luddite, but he’s really more of a maverick; and a round of golf, George Rodger, who had taken over from Robin as a non-conformist, a dissenter. He can’t drive, won’t use a computer, and secretary, called up to ask, “how would you like to do funerals?” writes out his scripts longhand. He begins every ceremony by saying “Back then there were no training courses, celebrants were paid only ‘My name is Joe Hughes’ and goes on to tell jokes, smile at people and a nominal fee and some even refused to take it. I learned from Robin sing along during the contemplation. Despite, or more likely because of and a wonderful woman called Anna McLaren. My very first ceremony this, he conducts more funerals than any other celebrant in the Society was for a Chinese family at Linn crematorium. I remember that I’d been and in a territory that stretches from his home town of Johnstone down advised to begin the ceremony by going in and standing at the lectern, to East Kilbride and across the river to Clydebank, he enjoys a low-key, so I did but it just felt wrong and from that day on I decided to come in self-effacing celebrity. After the ceremony, as I wait for him to say his ahead of the coffin. Robin watched me doing a few ceremonies, gave me farewells to the family, I overhear three women talking excitedly – it the green light and that was me started.” turns out that one of them asked him what the poems were and he gave “In those days, there were only about a dozen humanist celebrants in them to her. She clutches the hand-written pages as her friends huddle to whole of Scotland and I was at the bottom of the pecking order; I got to read over her shoulder. “What a ceremony,” one says, as the others nod do a funeral about once a fortnight. I went everywhere – all over Glasgow vigorously. “It was pure brilliant!” Kieran, the Co-Op Funeral Director and as far as Ayrshire, Cumbernauld, Falkirk and East Kilbride. For a sums it up. “How could you not like him? He’s a man of the people.” long time I was better known there than at home but slowly but surely Joe hands his jacket and tie to Archie Donnelly, the attendant - he I was asked for more in Renfrewshire and then it became difficult to maintains a capsule wardrobe at Woodside - and as Archie makes the do justice to the families in East Kilbride. Thankfully we found more sign of the cross over us both, we head downtown for a drink. Joe’s state people who wanted to become celebrants and we’ve got three around pension came through last week so it’s time for a small celebration. there now.” A life-long Civil Servant who took early retirement after 33 years of Now that humanist ceremonies are so much in demand, it’s hard to service, Joe was a staunch trade unionist. One of five sons, born in the believe it was ever any other way, but Joe’s been able to observe the sea Gorbals in Glasgow in June 1943, he did well at school but on the advice change. “In the old days, whenever I did a funeral, 99% of the time it of his father, Pat, took a safe job rather than apply to University. Pat was would be for a person who described himself or herself as a committed a Red Clydesider who frequently lost his job as a painter and decorator humanist or atheist. But over the last seven or eight years, I’ve found because of his communist sympathies but he never gave up his socialist that most people don’t have a strong view, other than that they’re not principles. “I really admired my dad,” Joe told me. “And when he died in into organised religion. And back then, I found that certain friends and the year 2000, it was a privilege to conduct his funeral; a real celebration.” even some members of my extended family showed a latent disapproval; When Joe’s older brothers died in the years that followed, their widows I think they felt I was making money out of peoples’ tragedies, and that asked him to do their funerals too. If it’s a tough call speaking at a family was wrong. But again over the years, that’s changed and the same people member’s funeral, conducting it calls for something else altogether, but are now proud of what I do and are happy to be associated with me.” surprisingly, Joe had no sense of vocation about this work. That’s not all that’s changed in Joe’s world. When he began, the Co- “I was given a job during the late 1980s to bring Civil Service Forms Op in the West of Scotland used to give an annual ‘Clergy Luncheon’ up to date and I was looking at these forms that asked for Surname where they would round up all the ministers, priests, and the Sally Humanitie Autumn 2008 | 17

Army in Paisley, Johnstone and Glasgow and treat them to a free meal Joe’s manner is deceptively casual, but like every celebrant, he’s and a drink. The HSS was still relatively unknown in those days and Joe often taken by surprise by the emotions that surge up unbidden during told me that would be invited along as ‘The Token Atheist’ and always a ceremony. “Nine out of ten times, I get a wee lump in my throat and looked forward to the debates with the priests. “About 8 year ago, the sometimes I almost break down but you’ve got to get over it, get through dinner was at the Glynhill Hotel in Paisley and this minister came up it and keep it together. It can be hard.” to me all smiles, saying, “Ah, you must be the humanist chappie! We’re For himself, he’s surprisingly unconcerned with the details of his so glad that you’re here now, because we’re so busy! It’s wonderful that own funeral. “As long as there’s no religious words said over me, I you’re taking up the slack with all these non-Christians!” couldn’t care less. Funerals are for the living, not the dead.” He takes “Three years ago, I bumped into one of the Funeral Directors from his work seriously, but there is undoubtedly a lot of fun to be had doing a local firm and we were having a chat and he said, ‘I met that minister ceremonies the Joe Hughes way. at Morrison’s yesterday; remember him that tried to put you down? He “Family meetings are always interesting. I remember I went to see a said he was on his way to a meeting of the Elders and the first item on the family in Castlemilk in my early days and there were fourteen of them agenda is - Why is Joe Hughes and the Humanist Society getting all our sitting there on their best behaviour, waiting for the ‘humanist minister’. funerals?’ I’m dying to meet that minister again up at Woodside!” One of them said “would you like a coffee or a tea? Would you like an There’s no doubt Joe’s work has driven the growth of humanist orange juice? And I said, “Well, actually I was thinking of going for a funerals in what used to be the wholly sectarian West of Scotland. pint afterwards”, and they all laughed and went over to the cupboard, Gordon Powrie at the Paisley Co-Operative puts it even more strongly; and there were fourteen half-drunk drinks in it.” he says families come in and ask for “a Joe Hughes” – and they’re often “This work takes you from the sublime to the ridiculous. For instance, prepared to postpone the ceremony to get one. Joe appreciates the I’m the only humanist ever to have conducted a ceremony in Glasgow compliment but he knows not to get complacent. Cathedral. And I’m also the only humanist to have fallen into a grave. “Obviously as a celebrant you’ve got your typical way of doing things Luckily it was an empty one, not the one I was officiating at, but that and it’s easy to get in a rut. You’ve got to remember that the Attendant at family still call me ‘One Foot in the Grave!’ the Crematorium listens to all of your ceremonies. Well, I’d been using Having conducted three or four ceremonies a week for a decade, Joe the Herbert Read piece about “The Tree Of Life” and one day I came out is a weel-kent face in ways that surprise even him. I asked him, somewhat after the funeral and Archie said to me, ‘Joe, if I hear any more about mischievously, if he feels he has ‘a parish’ and he smiles. that tree of life, I’ll cut it down.’ I try to remember to keep looking for “I suppose I do have a parish, in a sense. For more than ten years I’ve new quotations, to keep it fresh.” been going here, there and every where. I can go into pubs all round So what does Joe get out of doing this work? Renfrewshire and people go, ‘You did my old man’s funeral’, but the best “I get a great kick out of the knowledge that I’m helping families in one was when I was supposed to be visiting a family in Renfrew and I got their hour of need. When I walk into their home, it’s usually all a bit lost. I was walking down the street and it was bin day and this wee boy uneasy but within five minutes, they can be rolling about with laughter, about twelve years of age was dragging this huge wheelie bin out of the remembering the happy times they’ve shared and when I leave they’ll close and I stopped and asked him directions. The wee boy looked at me always say ‘We were a wee bit tentative, but you put our minds at ease.” strangely - like he knew me but wasn’t sure how. But then it clicked. He “Of course it’s not all a bundle of laughs. When you get a difficult paused, looked up, and then he said to me, “My name is Joe Hughes!” funeral, like the death of a child or a suicide, you have to brace yourself and give the family the space to be upset. It’s not easy to sit there with To find out more about our celebrants please view their profiles at people with tears running down their cheeks and just keep on listening humanism-scotland.org.uk and taking the notes when you feel you might break down yourself.” “When I deliver a ceremony, I put everything into it and I can see their faces reacting in surprise when they hear the stories they’ve told me coming back to them again. No matter where they go on to afterwards, the bit they remember of the funeral was the ceremony.” 18 | www.humanism-scotland.org.uk

THE FRIENDLY HUMANIST

Life After Death were uneasy at times, I do not think anyone in the utmost respect is shown to donated our group regretted the experience, nor failed bodies. But, as in the days of the Edinburgh In April, I went with the local student linguistics to appreciate the gravity of the choices and grave robbers, there is always a shortage. club to the anatomy lab of a teaching hospital. events that made it possible. Universities are forced to exploit alternative I have studied the physical and psychological Because of that trip, I have decided to means of anatomical instruction - sometimes processes of speech for ten years, but I had donate my body. ingenious, but never quite as good as the real never before seen the speech organs in place; I’ve heard (and can imagine) many reasons thing. never seen everything connected as it is in life. for not donating one’s body. They range from The gift of one’s body suits every bit of That visit greatly enriched my education. the superstitious - “What if my spirit can’t humanist philosophy: care for others, value If the anatomy lab is so helpful to a linguist, move on because my body was not put to rest for education, and a dedication to reality imagine the benefit to medical students and to properly?” - to the self-conscious - “Do I want over superstition and wishful thinking. I those whose lives they will go on to save. so many young medical students peering into can think of few better epitaphs than on the It’s not all learning and delight, though. my body?” These worries are real; but can they marker of the plot used to inter the remains Stepping into the room, seeing the tables with compete against the undeniable and tangible from the anatomy lab I visited: “To those far- the unmistakably human forms under sheets, benefits the gift of one’s body provides? sighted people who have contributed to the I felt a stab in my heart - the visceral tragedy of Simply put, yes. People’s fear in advancement of medical science & research.” death. Students of anatomy must acknowledge contemplating such donations is immediate The decision is deeply personal, and I do and respect the humanity - the sacredness - of and profound. The fear of death cannot be set not condemn those who choose differently the bodies being studied, while remaining aside with a quick dose of reason; the prospect from me. But I do ask that you think about detached enough to learn what there is to of having their body (or the body of a loved one) it. (Perhaps many people don’t donate their learn. Afterwards, one of my fellow students treated other than how they wish after death bodies because it just doesn’t occur to them.) asked, “Did anyone else feel sad after the visit?” can cause true emotional distress. I would be a Ask yourself which option accords best with Yes, we did. This knowledge we had gained, poor humanist indeed if I were to ignore such your values and your beliefs. this understanding, was only possible because pain just because it isn’t rational. Contact your nearest medical school to find people had died. Nevertheless, medical students still need out more about arranging the donation of your But the choice before us is not between human bodies to learn from. The days of the body. their life and our knowledge. The choice is Resurrection Men, and the grisly Burke and what to do when death comes. Though we Hare murders, are well behind us. Today, http://friendlyhumanist.blogspot.com

THE NOT QUITE SO FRIENDLY HUMANIST

The Journey of Life illuminating, and one that many believe to be This in turn is a contributing factor to people literally true. You could say it is to alleviate our dying unnecessarily on transplant lists and to and Death own fear of death, but upon further thought a lack of bodies available for medical study and that doesn’t make sense to me. I would much research. Furthermore, a belief in some kind There are two sayings that my mum can’t stand. rather have my life end after a contented of judgement to come after death is often cited One of them is ‘a rollercoaster of emotions’ and existence and leave it at that, than have it carry in favour of the death penalty. Martyrdom and the other is ‘I’ve been on a journey’, both very on and take a gamble which might (probably thoughts of the afterlife help suicide bombers common on the TV makeover shows she often will) leave me in eternal torment. I’m sure by go through with their threats. There are many insists on watching (personally I’d also add ‘a the time I’m 90 years old and well into my other examples. catalogue of errors’ and the infuriating ‘Error second childhood, unable to walk up the stairs Anthropologists like Malinowski, as well 404. Page cannot be found’). But this image or remember my own name, I’ll be gagging for as general clever-sods Bertrand Russell and of a track or some kind of journey is most it all to end! Let’s not forget that we’ve all spent Einstein, suggested that our fear of death prevalent when we’re talking about death. I’ve billions of years in ‘oblivion’ before we were could be a major reason for the existence been to funerals where there’s been talk of born; it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds! of religious belief about an afterlife in the ships passing over the horizon or water flies This idea of a journey or another life after first place. Until we can conquer this fear, passing through the surface of a pond. Even death would be harmless if it didn’t influence it’s likely that religious superstition will Hamlet (and a certain Klingon in Star Trek VI) people whilst they lived. The Romans believed be sticking with us for some time to come. described death as “the undiscovered country, that the body must be intact and hold a coin from whose bourn no traveller returns.” in its mouth for the soul to take its ferry ride http://notsofriendlyhumanist.wordpress.com/ But why do we use this journey imagery across the River Styx. Similar beliefs about an to talk about the unknown, when really it’s afterlife in the Romany community, as well as lots more likely to be the end of anything we the beliefs of some Christian denominations might call ‘life’? It’s a metaphor that doesn’t about the rapture, prevent organ donation or To comment on these articles please visit the really strike me as particularly factual or the donation of bodies to science after death. columnists’ blogs. Humanitie Autumn 2008 | 19 Local Group News There’s lots going on in our Local Groups and you’re very welcome to join in. Contact their Honorary Secretaries for more information or visit the Local Group pages on the website. Glasgow Highland Aberdeen & Grampian Words: Steve Clarke Words: Marion Richardson Words: Robin Wood By the time you have read this, our summer In June Joan Gibson gave a fascinating talk Earlier this year a student member had outing to Abbotsford will have taken place on the philosophy of Confucius, whom she had to leave Aberdeen and return to his and we hope to have a good sociable event. described as ‘the first humanist’. Yes, 2,500 fundamentalist Muslim community. We are The 21 September meeting is a history of the years before Monty Python, Confucius glad to have had his safety confirmed for the society given by Robin Wood and a report of wrestled with ideas about the meaning of life! time being. the 17th IHEU world congress given by Clare On 20 July, Katie and Roy Nelson hosted a most In June we enjoyed our much-postponed Marsh. October is still being planned but in enjoyable summer social at their home on the discussion on blasphemy. Based on a paper November we’re sponsoring a film at GFT Black Isle. There was even a little sunshine – by Stuart Hannabuss, the discussion was and a speaker will talk about philosophy in eventually – to help us enjoy the magnificent wide-ranging and concluded that in Scotland, schools. December is our Yuletide bash; in sea views from their beautiful garden. Our God - not being specified as a ‘reserved’ issue January a debate on Intelligent Design versus membership continues to grow, but almost a - must be a devolved one. June saw the first Evolution will celebrate the 150th anniversary quarter of our members would have to travel of a series of personal accounts of members’ of Darwin’s book. 15 February is our annual over six hours to attend a meeting in Inverness. routes to Humanism; the input of Jack Lavety Frances Wright lecture when a speaker from As Confucius said, “To have friends come and John Clunas was much appreciated. the Thomas Paine Society will mark the from afar is happiness, is it not?” All will be Chaplaincy was a July topic and thought was bicentenary of his death. We look forward to most welcome at our next meeting, on Sunday given to what outreach might be managed by seeing you in the new session 14 September, which will discuss “Atheism or interested group members to others in the Agnosticism?” an issue, which seems to have area unable to attend meetings. Contact: Clare Marsh captured the imagination of members. [email protected] Meetings: Third Wednesday of every month; 0141 633 1378. Meetings: Take place on the second Sunday 16 September – John Clunas on Voluntary of every month at 2pm. Euthanasia. Venue: Kingsmills Hotel , Culcabock Road, Venue: The Skene House Hotel, 6 Union Dundee Inverness IV2 3LP Grove, Aberdeen AB10 6SY Words: Frances McDonnell Contact: Steve Clarke Contact: Marion Richardson [email protected] [email protected] At our last meeting we were treated to an 01463 230662 01888 562 237 immensely interesting talk by our newest member, Sam Brown, PhD in Philosophy and a philosophical counsellor. Sam pointed out that Edinburgh Perth equally intelligent and moral people can hold Words: Cathy Crawford Words: Sonya Murphy conflicting perspectives, and that alternative views can be genuinely moral and defensible In July Helen Kay from the Peace and Justice In May, a lively discussion followed Claire positions. June saw a few intrepid folk setting Centre introduced 2009’s centenary march Marsh’s talk on Evolution v Intelligent Design up a stall at ‘The Dragon’ in Dundee city for the Gude Cause, (the right for women to and in June, Peter MacDonald gave us insights centre. For a flavour, see the Dundee Group have the same voting rights as men). In the into the Police Force. In July we discussed our blog. Another promotion is planned for 20th discussion led by Jack Gold, women’s rights, group Constitution and in August our EGM September, and we intend to hold more. This the peace movement and the female vote were ratified it before learning much about Orang month, a day of warmth and sunshine, nice all hotly debated. Utans. Our September and October meetings food and friendly company rewarded those In September Catherine Harper from are club nights while November’s will be a who attended the planned Camperdown Scottish Women Against Pornography will Choice Night when some of us will go to a picnic. Regular meetings will recommence talk about their campaign. We continue the restaurant in Perth! on Monday 15 September, and details will be monthly informal pub night at the Barony posted on the website. Bar, Broughton Street where members can Meetings: 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm on the fourth chat about their different interests and topical Thursday of each month Meetings: 6pm, on the third Monday of events. This, the Philosophy Group and the Venue: The Gateway, North Methven Street, every month film programme at the Filmhouse will resume Perth PH1 5PP Venue: Dundee Voluntary Action, in September, while our October meeting Contact: Margaret Sutherland 10 Constitution Road, Dundee DD1 1LL offers the chance to question neuroscientist [email protected] Contact: Frances McDonnell Roger Redondo about the brain. 01786 461 379 [email protected] 01337 842 352 Meetings: 7.30 pm unless otherwise stated. Venue: The Quaker Meeting House, Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2JL. Contact: Cathy Crawford [email protected] 0131 620 0552 20 | www.humanism-scotland.org.uk Board of Trustees’ News G2 4JR by 30 September 2008. After that date it is our intention to post Ceremonies Report only to those who register their interest. However, if you do have an email address then please advise me Words: Gordon Ross accordingly in order that our records can be updated. We, as a Board, strive to keep down costs, plan ahead and have The Ceremonies work continues apace. We are now at the busiest period introduced a finance sub committee to deal with budget planning, of the year for our wedding celebrants, with some celebrants having spending etc for 2009 and beyond. every weekend booked out between July and September. The members section of the website where you as a member will be The “league table” showing how many marriages we conducted as able to peruse such documents as the minutes of the meetings of the against the various religions has now been published for last year; we are Board of Trustees etc will be up and running well before the deadline of fourth, just pipped out of third place by the Scottish Episcopal Church. 20 October 2008. You will receive a separate notification of this inviting you to register in the near future. It is my intention to visit all local groups, to make myself known and Marriages By Denomination Scotland 2007 of course be on hand to answer any questions. Church of Scotland 7685 [email protected] Roman Catholic Church 1953 Scottish Episcopal Church 758 Community Humanism Report Humanist Society of Scotland 710 Assemblies of God 631 Words: Ron McLaren Methodist Church 564 Community Humanism encompasses local community involvement in Baptist Union 326 health, education and human rights and can make such valuable input Followed by 33 other smaller religious groups across Scotland. In health, the 3 year programme of work of revision Source Table 7.7 of the Annual Statistical Report of the GRO Scotland of NHS Scotland’s Spiritual Care policy was duly completed and was launched in July. The policy guidance document is available for scrutiny on the When we started doing legally recognised marriages in 2005 we were website. This dealt with the so-called ‘specialist’ caregivers (chaplains) twelfth in this table, 2006 we were sixth, now we’re fourth next year and the generic structure of the activity in all health boards. More we’ll make third. hospital visitors are now in place in Tayside, as it continues to lead in We are also looking to expand our sphere of influence and recruit matters SpC, whilst nationally, SpC development now moves onto the celebrants in the remoter parts of Scotland. There are already applicants ‘front line’, involving all NHS staff, and we are involved in the steering from Lewis, Orkney and Shetland, but we would like some from Skye, group for that. Mull, and the remoter edges of the mainland. We routinely take part in programmes of nurse education and are Applicants should initially contact the National Ceremonies Co- contributing to health related curricular developments in the tertiary Ordinator Gordon Ross at 0141 636 6633 or gordon.ross@humanism- sector. Our members routinely input to health focused consultations scotland.org.uk. and for Edinburgh and two of Glasgow’s universities, pastoral care now includes a humanist. The opportunity to input to Freshers’ Weeks activity will also be Secretary’s Report seized. For human rights there is ready acceptance for humanist input to local authority equalities partnerships and that can provide the Words: Peter Macdonald opportunity for our life stance and our members to become firmly embedded into the local scene, with introductory presentations as that It is my pleasure to report on my first three months as secretary. already arranged with Glasgow group. Through recent press releases and the work of the celebrants our society Nationally, we are stakeholders in the EHRC, and that, along is becoming more and more accepted in Scottish society. This of course with benefits arising from our long standing NHS ‘all faiths & none’ has resulted in an increase in the daily enquires received from our committee involvement has brought direct engagement with equal virtual office. The new Board of Trustees have met twice since the AGM, opportunities, community cohesion/inclusion and faith & belief work discussed many things as we plan ahead and all members will have groups, the latter requiring a national definition of key words, provided received either by email or post the constitutional amendments made by us, so that all understand exactly what it is we’re dealing with when on 20 April 2008. we talk of the divisions in society, and how they might be addressed. An evaluation process is ongoing in respect of our sub committees, It is pleasing that we have ‘Common Humanity’ firmly lodged as our databases etc as we ensure that we obtain best value for money and the opening statement in the ‘Vision for Scotland’, shortly to be rolled also that we adhere to guidance from the Office of the Scottish Charity out for consultation across the country. We have been asked in recent Regulator. days, for a humanist presentation to Strathclyde Police Equalities and In an effort to keep down costs I have asked members, not on email, Diversity programme. In all of these things, the emphasis increasingly to write to me to register for future mailings by post. The Board of is for volunteers to take part. Please contact Ron or Terry. Trustees have agreed that members, who do not have an email facility, can still receive future communications such as newsletters and minutes [email protected] by post. To do this you must register your interest by writing to me at [email protected] The Secretary, Humanist Society of Scotland, 272 Bath Street, Glasgow. Humanitie Autumn 2008 | 21

all of humanity. Humanism recognises HSS represents the views of people in that reliable knowledge of the world and Scotland who wish to lead good and About the HSS ourselves arises through a continuing worthwhile lives guided by reason and process. of observation, evaluation and compassion rather than religion or WHAT IS SECULAR and technology must be tempered by revision. superstition. Humanists aim to create HUMANISM? human values. Science gives us the an open and inclusive society, so we Humanism is the outcome of a long means but human values must propose 6 Humanism values artistic creativity campaign for a secular state and for tradition of free thought that has the ends. and imagination and recognises the secular education. At a local level, our inspired many of the world’s great 3 Humanism supports democracy transforming power of art. Humanism groups provide an opportunity to attend thinkers and creative artists and gave and human rights. Humanism aims affirms the importance of literature, talks, film nights and lectures and rise to science itself. at the fullest possible development music, and the visual and performing discuss moral and ethical issues with of every human being. It holds that arts for personal development and other free-thinking people. The fundamentals of modern democracy and human development fulfilment. Humanism are as follows: are matters of right. The principles Our network of trained, registered of democracy and human rights 7 Humanism is a lifestance aiming celebrants provide a range of dignified, 1 Humanism is ethical. It affirms the can be applied to many human at the maximum possible fulfilment personal ceremonies to mark life’s main worth, dignity and autonomy of the relationships and are not restricted through the cultivation of ethical and events that are civil, legal and extremely individual and the right of every human to methods of government. creative living and offers an ethical popular. Humanist weddings have been being to the greatest possible freedom and rational means of addressing the legal in Scotland since June 2005, and compatible with the rights of others. 4 Humanism insists that personal challenges of our times. Humanism can people now travel from all over the world Humanists have a duty of care to all of liberty must be combined with social be a way of life for everyone everywhere. to marry in one of our ceremonies. humanity including future generations. responsibility. Humanism ventures Humanists believe that morality is an to build a world on the idea of the free Amsterdam Declaration 2002 The HSS is a registered charity, run by a intrinsic part of human nature based on person responsible to society, and Board of Trustees elected from among its understanding and a concern for others, recognises our dependence on and THE HSS TODAY membership. Membership (currently over needing no external sanction. responsibility for the natural world. Faith groups increasingly demand to 3,000) is open to all those who share our Humanism is undogmatic, imposing be heard in public life. They want to life stance and support our aims. 2 Humanism is rational. It seeks to no creed upon its adherents. It is thus influence our politics, our schools and use science creatively, not destructively. committed to education free from our cultural life. But who represents Distinguished Supporters Humanists believe that the solutions indoctrination. the interests of the growing number of President : Christopher Brookmyre to the world’s problems lie in human ethically concerned but non-religious Iain Banks, Professor Richard Dawkins thought and action rather than divine 5 Humanism is a response to the people in Scotland? The Humanist Stephen Fry, Professor A C Grayling, intervention. Humanism advocates the widespread demand for an alternative Society of Scotland (HSS) does. Sir Ludovic Kennedy, Professor James application of the methods of science to dogmatic religion. The world’s Lovelock, Claire Rayner OBE, Polly and free inquiry to the problems of major religions claim to be based on Humanism is a diverse movement Toynbee, Iain McWhirter human welfare. But Humanists also revelations fixed for all time, and many that broadly represents the views of believe that the application of science seek to impose their world-views on millions of people around the world. The

ACROSS DOWN HUMANIST CROSSWORD 1 Source of new knowledge about our 2 Person of good taste, from the name of a Compiled by Nigel Bruce brains and human nature itself. (12) Greek Humanist philosopher (7) 9 Aquatic athlete.(7) 3 Crucible of Christianity and home to the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 0 Castle which we connect with quality Vatican. (4) 8 French wines. (7) 4 The good and faithful man in the parable 11 and 24 Across. Leading Humanist of the talents. (7) 9 10 philosopher, founder of the journal Free 5 “……. thine ear” prayed the psalmist to Inquiry (4,5) his god.(7)

11 12 13 12 and 13 Across. Great philosopher, great 6 Captain of the Ark, still worshipped by Scot, great Humanist. (5,4) the Vatican. (4) 14 15 1 6 Repeat the performance, or the 7 Inflict capital punishment. (7)

16 17 legislation. (7) 8 Belief in which distinguishes religious 1 7 Near, Middle, or Far geographical area. folk from Humanists (12) 16 (7) 9 Irrational belief, famously attacked by

18 19 20 21 22 1 8 Setting for great plays and great sports. 11ac. (12) (7) 1 4 Swiss theologian who became famous 2 1 Display of rank on officers’ shoulders. (7) for his writings in WW 2. (5) 23 24 25 23 Traditionally the party of squire and 1 5 Indian Province, source of fine teas. (5) parson. (4) 1 9 Ware baked by the potter. (7) 26 27 2 4 See 11 Across 20 To follow another’s example.(7) 28 29 25 Sub-title of the Archbishop of York. (4) 2 1 To beg or implore. (7) 28 Tragic victim of Hamlet’s psychopathy. 22 Mediterranean state now torn apart by (7) Sunnis, Shiites, Jews and Christians. (7) 30 29 Meaningless term attached by Christians 26 Psychologist’s term for the rewarding both to life and truth (7) pursuit of meaningful goals. (4) Solution on page 22 30 The Christian Koran. (3,9) 2 7 Group of human and other animals who pull together.(4) 22 | www.humanism-scotland.org.uk Virtual P hilosopher Words: Nigel Warburton I Did It My Way…

Why is it that when humanists are dying they so not expected to die so soon. Celebration can be an frequently choose Frank Sinatra singing ‘I did it my attempt to deny tragedy. Yet the ability to accept the way’ to be part of their funeral ceremony? It has become finality and inevitability of death are admirable qualities the equivalent of Psalm 23 for Christians. that the song reinforces. Is it because all lives ultimately fall short of their For most of us at a funeral listening once again to My potential and hence the ‘regrets, I’ve had a few’ rings Way crackling out through dodgy speakers, the song has true? As death approaches, who can say that they’ve an extra poignancy. It focuses us on the uniqueness of achieved everything they set out to, or even a small part the person who has died. When you love someone, there of what they once dreamed they would do? Perhaps. It is are no substitutes for their loss. It’s no good someone surely part of being human to make our own mistakes, trying to console you by saying ‘There are plenty of other to take a few wrong turnings. John Stuart Mill went intelligent, beautiful, difficult women very like your late further than this in On Liberty: he argued that being wife out there – I’m sure you’ll meet someone who will free to fail in our own way was a better state of affairs be everything to you that she was.’ The point about love than having those who claim to know better shaping and friendship is that they feed on the uniqueness of our lives. We flourish by doing it our way, not theirs. other people. It is the person who has lived this way that Choosing “My Way’ as funeral music is perhaps, too, you love and miss. No one else, however superficially a statement of agency at the very point when someone similar, has made these particular choices, had these is losing all power to choose what they are and do, an experiences, shared these times with you. assertion that the choices that person made were for Perhaps what we need to do, then, is formalise the the most part their choices. This fits very well with the playing of My Way: make it a standard part of the funeral humanist outlook, that we decide how we live rather ceremony, like the ‘Dust to dust’ in the Christian burial than simply accept a life off the peg that was designed service. That would give it the power of ritual and poetry to fit someone else. We are not passive victims, but have that humanist services are always striving for, but do the chance to make something of it, or accept that we not always achieve. On the other hand I feel I’ve heard regret losing our way. it a few too many times already. It’s been overplayed. So The song also embodies a recognition that the end if you come to my funeral, don’t be disappointed if it’s of life has come, the final curtain, but looks back not not on my playlist. Personally, I’d like my body to go out with deep regret, but an air of celebration indicated to Jascha Heifetz playing the Bach Chaconne for solo by the crescendo in the music. Again that fits with the violin…but only if the speakers are up to scratch humanist outlook that at a funeral celebrates rather than just mourns a life lived. For me the celebratory element sometimes comes too soon, at a time when it seems more human to focus on loss and grief; this is www.virtualphilosopher.org particularly so when the death is of someone who was www.nigelwarburton.typepad.com.

HUMANIST CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS : ACROSS 1 Neuroscience 9 Swimmer 10 Chateau 11 and 24 Paul Kurtz 12 and 13 David Hume 16 Re-enact 17 Eastern 18 Theatre 21 Epaulet 23 Tory 25 Ebor 28 Ophelia 29 Eternal 30 New Testament DOWN 2 Epicure 3 Rome 4 Servant 5 Incline 6 Noah 7 Execute 8 Supernatural 9 Superstition 14 Barth 15 Assam 19 Earthen 20 Emulate 21 Entreat 22 Lebanon 26 Flow 27 Team

50:50 CLUB WINNERS: 50/50 Club Summer 2008 Winners 1 William Ellis, East Kilbride – £ 134.00 2 Alan McLellan, Glasgow – £67.00 3 Alison Archibald, Bridge of Allan – £22.25 The ‘Society’ Page Here are some of our Humanist Society of Scotland celebrants in action

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1 Jess Fitzgerald married Caroline Scade and Graham McMillan at 8 Amanda West and Jonathan Butler were married in the Culcreuch Castle, Fintry. Photograph: Trevor at Silver Photography. regal setting of Balgonie Castle by celebrant Gillian Stewart. 2 Rosy and Dom were married by Linda Britton in July at House for Photograph: scottishphotographer.com) an Art Lover, Glasgow. 9 Baby Grace Walker on her Naming day on 15 June with her mum 3 Katherine and Adrian tied the knot under an ancient Oak Tree in and dad, Amanda and Gareth and HSS celebrant Mary Wallace. Glentrool. Gerrie Douglas Scott was their celebrant. 10 In March Nicola and Ross were married at Pollok House by Gerrie 4 Linda Britton married John and Fiona in August at The Renfrew Douglas Scott Ferry. 11 Shuana Crocker and Steven Bharatia were married in a beautiful 5 Ian Crowther and Julie Morrison were married by Mary Wallace at ceremony by Bob Johnstone Pollokshields Burgh Hall in May. 12 Claire and Andrew were married by Linda Britton in August at 6 In June Stella Potter married Tatiana and Paul in the Groom’s Burgh Hall in Pollokshields family garden. Photograph Neil Blair. 7 Jess Fitzgerald performed a Civil Partnership for Kathryn Hilland and Sandra Malcolm in May at the Sisters Restaurant in Glasgow. HSS Merchandise Order on-line: www.humanism-scotland.org.uk

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Tamson’s Bairns Peter Macdonald and Nan Byers and Sandy Edwards Elaine Campbell Ross Wright

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