British Humanist Association

"The Humanist view of life is progressive and optimistic, in awe of human potential, living without fear of judgement and death, finding enough purpose and meaning in life, love and leaving a good legacy."

Polly Toynbee - President of the BHA

Job Opportunity at the BHA

The British Humanist Association is seeking to appoint a part time (17.5 hours per week) project officer on a short term contract ending March 2009 to coordinate a project funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission to increase understanding of issues of 'religion or belief' in the context of equality and human rights within the voluntary sector, media and general public via research, conferences, guidance documents and media work.

Click here for more information and how to apply.

The Embryology Bill debate

The BHA's Andrew Copson has appeared on BBC News 24 to debate an opponent of the Embryology Bill . The Bill is supported by leading medical charities including the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research, but is under concerted attack from some "pro-life" groups including leading Catholic figures.

Watch Andrew on BBC News 24

New Education Resources Website

HumanismForSchools.org.uk is the new website from the BHA.

The Government and QCA recommend that humanism be studied as an example of a secular philosophy. Humanism For Schools offers a number of free downloadable toolkits and videos for teachers to use when explaining the background and core values of humanism. Read more

The Voltaire Lecture 2008

Raymond Tallis , a Distinguished Supporter of the BHA, asked "Is Human Freedom Possible?"

The Volatire Lecture was held on April 10th at University College London. Download the talk

Blasphemy Laws are on the way out

"Blasphemy" charges in the UK should fade into history now that the House of Lords has passed the amendment to abolish these outdated laws.

Thank you to over 1000 BHA supporters who recently contacted their local MPs asking them to support the amendment. We've been applying pressure for years on this issue and now it looks set to pay off.

Humanist Ceremonies

The BHA is the foremost provider of humanist and non-religious weddings and civil partnerships , baby namings and funeral ceremonies in England and Wales. We train, accredit and support a national network of officiants. Search for an officiant.

Campaigns

The BHA devotes much of its time to campaigning and lobbying on behalf of humanists and others who hold similar views. We present expertly argued reports to Parliment, submit evidence to enquiries, respond to consultations, provide research for decision-makers and influencers and conducts media campaigns. ( Media enquiries )

Humanist Groups

There are affiliated Local Humanist Groups and Student Groups up and down the country. Find a Group! (To discuss starting a new Group email Bob )

The list also contains our Special Interest Groups, such as the BHA Science Group , Vegetarian Humanists , party-political Humanist Groups, and others.

Darwin Day Lecture 2008

The sell-out Darwin Day Lecture, 12th February, was "Charles Dawin: A Philosophical Naturalist?" by Tim Lewens, chaired by Richard Dawkins, Vice President of the BHA.

Audio now available

Who thinks like a humanist?

17 million in Britain (36%) share broadly humanist values! Read the figures from our Mori poll on humanist beliefs and also on the influence of religious groups and leaders .

(If you were a hitherto unwitting humanist - why not join us now ?)

Celebrating Linda Smith, Comedy Tour

Fellow performers will pay tribute to Linda Smith , late President of the BHA, reuniting audiences with Linda's comic genius. The national tour (March-May 2008) will raise awareness and money for Ovarian Cancer Action.

Book now! Tour dates

Bishops in the House of Lords

The Government continues to give the Church of England the right to put Bishops in the House of Lords ( here they are ). And there are new Church powers to choose exactly which Bishops. With our supporters in Parliament we have been campaigning for reform to remove this "right".

Act now! Write to your MP, or e mail them with a pro forma email (which you can edit). See the BHA briefing on Bishops in the Lords

Humanist Thoughts For the Day

Have you listened to the Humanist 'Thought for the World' podcast from the HSS , (including "Thoughts" by BHA staff Andrew and Hanne ).

BBC Radio 4's 'Thought For The Day' has long given unfair privilege to religious voices in a prime time slot. It's time to see and hear a new 'Thought for the Day' (please feel free to distribute this video).

The BHA e-bulletin

You can keep up to date on news, events and ways to support the work of the British Humanist Association.

Sign up today for the BHA e-bulletin

If your worldview means...

that human ethics, morality or principles should be based on human social nature and shared reality
that we can take responsibility for our actions rather than deferring responsibility to supernatural realms
that the world is amenable to our rational curiosity

And if you are concerned about...

the rise of fundamentalism and other claims staked on dogma or intuition

the growing influence of religious groups in politics

the segregation of children in religious and sectarian schools

... Then you can help do something about it.

Join the BHA

Make a donation to the BHA

Express your support (it costs nothing!)

Volunteer with the BHA

Media enquiries