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Faith groups increasingly demand to be heard in public life. They want to influence our politics, our schools and our cultural life. But who represents the interests of the growing number of ethically concerned, but unreligious, people in Scotland? The Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) does. Humanism is a diverse movement that represents the views of millions of people all over the world. HSS represents the views of people in Scotland who wish to lead good and worthwhile lives guided by reason and compassion rather than religion or superstition. Humanists aim to create an open and inclusive society, so we campaign for a secular state and for secular education. Locally, our groups provide an opportunity to attend talks, film nights and lectures and discuss moral and ethical issues with other free-thinking people.
Our network of trained, registered Celebrants provide a range of dignified, personal ceremonies to mark life’s main events that are civil, legal and extremely popular. Humanist weddings have been legal since June 2005, and people now travel from all over the world to marry in one of our ceremonies.
HSS is a registered Scottish charity (SC 026570) and a Scottish Company limited by guarantee, registered under Company Number 413697.
Membership is open to all those who share our life stance and support our aims.
www.humanism-scotland.org.uk
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NEWS, POLICY AND CAMPAIGNS PAGE 4 Important current events relating to HSS introductions and updates to HSS ethical and moral campaigns and policies.
DAY OF THE DEID PAGE 8 Tim Maguire looks at our last taboo, death, and looks at how we can celebrate the lives of the dead.
HANDS ON HUMANISM PAGE 9 The column continues to inform us how we can get involved in bringing humanism into our lives.
FAMILIES ROUND THE TABLE PAGE 10 We ask a number of families
how they live their lives with humanism. And get some fascinating answers.
LETTERS – RECOVERING FROM RELIGION PAGE 14 In a letters special – Ruth Haydock explains how she is getting over religion.
BETTER TOGETHER PAGE 16 Tim Maguire talks to the people behind the Better Together campaign to see how keeping the UK together is relevant to humanists.
CHAPLAINCY – THE C WORD PAGE 24 Humanist chaplaincy is becoming more widespread – we see how.
Front cover image and images in families article photographed by Gavin Hill 2
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