Do Faith Schools Have a Place in Modern Society?

Saturday 11th September 2.00pm
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown BH9 1TW
Do Faith Schools Have a Place in Modern Society?
“Yes”: David Warden
“No”: Chris Street
Come along to our debate on this very topical and controversial subject.  The last Labour Government increased the number of 'faith schools' and Coalition plans for 'Academies' looks set to increase them still further.  David Warden, Chair of Dorset Humanists, will argue that faith schools do have a place in societies which respect human rights and fairness.  Chris Street, Education Officer of Dorset Humanists, will argue against faith schools as divisive and discriminatory.  This promises to be a very lively and contentious meeting. Don’t miss it!




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Meeting 12th June: Humanism in the 21st Century - Andrew Copson, BHA

In the UK today, many people are sceptical about religious truth claims and millions of people hold values which are broadly Humanist. There is a growing community of people who explicitly use the term 'Humanist' of themselves. In doing so, they refer to their positive affirmation of life and our place within the natural world. Against a backdrop of increasing Humanist activity in the past few years, Andrew will reflect on what Humanism means today and for the future. A talk by Andrew Copson, Chief Executive Director of the British Humanist Association

When: Saturday 12th June 2.00pm

Where: Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth, BH9 1TW

Teaching Humanism at Bishop Wordsworth School, Salisbury

Right to left: Dorset Humanists Terry Milton & Angela Joynson with Richard Green (Salisbury Atheists) & other speakers. Nuala Power (7th from right) Head of RE organised the day. Photo: Chris Street

On 18th May 2010 Dorset Humanists were invited to explain Humanist beliefs to pupils at the Church of England Bishop Wordsworth Grammar School in Salisbury. One of the aims of the RE department is "to broaden our pupils’ understanding of diverse belief systems and the impact these have on chosen lifestyles".

Chris Street, Angela Joynson & Terry Milton jointly took four one hour classes to explain Humanist beliefs to sixty 15 year old boys. Richard Green from Salisbury Atheists also spoke. Other speakers were from Seikh, Islam, Hindu & Bahá'í faiths.

Third of Anglican clergy have doubts about the existence of God

Research by Professor Hijme Stoffels in Holland suggests that one in every six clergy no longer believe in God "in a traditional way".

Five years ago, a study among clergy of the Church of England carried out by researchers from Bangor University found that almost a third of Anglican clergy have doubts about the existence of God. Eight out of ten believed in the bodily resurrection of Jesus, and two thirds in the Virgin Birth. BBC website, sent in by Dorset Humanist Sheena Nayton.

source: bbc

Live in Dorset but only express your Humanist views in internet forums? For £1 a month support our vital work and join Dorset Humanists for one year of monthly meetings in Bournemouth.

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Atheists & Agnostic - a big swing!

source: Times April 2, 2010.

In Britain religious belief is in freefall, according to the most recent figures from the National Centre for Social Research. Over the past two decades the number of people describing themselves as atheist or agnostic has risen to 37 per cent, while those identifying themselves as Christian has dropped from 66 per cent to 50 per cent.



Live in Dorset but only express your Humanist views in internet forums? For £1 a month support our vital work and join Dorset Humanists for one year of monthly meetings in Bournemouth.

Number of Adults

One adult - £12.60 Two adults - £18.90

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Join or renew your annual membership to Dorset Humanists

For around £1 a month please support Dorset Humanists. Join or renew your subscription to Dorset Humanists for one year of monthly talks & lectures in Bournemouth, 12 monthly bulletins by post and other events &  discussions.

Annual Membership to Dorset Humanists is £12.60 online using PayPal (click 'Pay Now' below). For two people living in the same household, the subscription £18.90 online.

Number of Adults

One adult - £12.60 Two adults - £18.90

Existing or New member?