Humanists included in Remembrance Service

Bmth War MemorialThe thousands of people who attended this year’s Remembrance Service at the Bournemouth War Memorial may have been surprised to see Humanists included in the Order of Service alongside representatives of the Christian and Jewish communities. This is the very first year that Humanists have been included. David Warden, Chair of Dorset Humanists, took part in the service to represent the UK Armed Forces Humanist Association and the thousands of service men and women who do not subscribe to any religious faith. He said he was ‘delighted and privileged to have taken part this year’ and that ‘Bournemouth has shown national leadership by including people of no religion in this service’. 

The 2011 Census showed that 30 per cent of people in Bournemouth do not subscribe to any religion. Humanists are atheists and agnostics who base their ethics and values on reason and our common humanity. Dorset Humanists is a Partner of the British Humanist Association.

These are the words read by David:
Peace begins with respect. If we cannot accept a world of human difference we will never enjoy a world of peace.

Peace needs humility. If we are willing to see our own faults then the bridges of trust can be rebuilt.

Peace needs co-operation. If we realise that most of what we desire cannot be secured by ourselves alone we will cultivate friendship.

Peace needs compromise. It needs a willingness to tolerate a world that is less than perfect.

Peace requires justice.  We must be willing to share the world's resources fairly.

Peace is hard work. There are no laws of history that will guarantee its arrival.

So let our tribute to those of all beliefs who have suffered and died in conflict be our resolve to work for peace. 
Adapted from Celebration: A Ceremonial and Philosophical Guide for Humanists and Humanistic Jews (2003) by Sherwin Wine.


Witchcraft, Superstition and Global Humanism

Global Humanism PosterSaturday 14th December 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW

Humanists and rationalists in many parts of the world are engaged in dangerous struggles against witchcraft, superstition, and fanatical religion. In August, a leading campaigner against superstition in India was shot dead by gunmen, and in May, a young Humanist teacher was abducted by a Maoist group and forced into marriage. 

In this talk, Bob Churchill will be outlining the international work of the IHEU, with a special focus on projects in Uganda where witchcraft, child sacrifice, extreme homophobia and AIDS present major challenges to development.

Bob Churchill  is Communications Officer for the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU). Having worked professionally for national Humanist organisations in Britain, Uganda, and lately at IHEU itself, he has a unique perspective on organised Humanism around the world and will explain how it is expressed in different regions, and discuss the most significant challenges it faces going forward.

“Discover how international Humanism is fighting superstition and fanatical religion, and helping to create a better world”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

November Bulletin

DW 6298984 (crop) Check out this month’s bulletin for a roundup of our latest news, and details of our excellent events lined up for November. This Saturday, Dr Heather Meacock will be exploring whether there is any justification for teaching religious education in our increasingly secular society. This will be followed by an update on our Dorset Humanists Schools Education Project. Later in the month we'll also be investigating Islam, Islamism and Islamophobia when Martin Holst will be taking a respectful look at the religion, and helping us to unravel the complexities of these terms. 

Please also support me at the Bournemouth Remembrance Service if you can - a truly historic occasion when the non-religious will be formally represented for the first time. Please let us have your feedback on Dorset Humanists’ contribution to the service, if you attend. 

There's also a new pub meeting for Dorset Humanists and anyone interested in real beer and intelligent conversation.  See inside the November Bulletin for details. 

We look forward to seeing you soon.

David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists