Request for Humanist membership of the Surrey SACRE

1. Request for Humanist membership of the Surrey SACRE Jennie Johnson Farnham Humanists - affiliated to the British Humanist Association 23/11/5

2. What is Humanism? • an approach to life based on reason and our common humanity • living good and ethical lives without religious or superstitious beliefs • thinking rationally about right and wrong e.g. treating others as we would like to be treated ourselves • using the scientific method to understand the world • inspiration and fulfilment from the natural world, the arts, other people

3. The British Humanist Association • Biggest UK organisation • Very positive about RE - e.g. full time education officer • Rights of passage e.g. Humanist funerals • Wide range of tried and tested education materials available • Support network for SACRE representatives • BHA and Surrey’s other local groups fully support this application

4. International Humanism • Ancient China and India ~3000 years ago • Classical Greek Philosophers ………... • Today - 100 Humanist organisations across 30 countries • IHEU - Amsterdam Declaration 2002

5. Humanism in Surrey • Last census 15% adults non religious (5x as many as other non-Christian religious beliefs put together) • Young People in Britain survey 2003 - 65% 12 to 19 year olds did not regard themselves as belonging to any religion • Learning about morals and ethics from a non-religious point of view as well as religious

6. Summary Why there should be a Humanist on Surrey SACRE • Non statutory 2004 framework recommends study of “secular philosophies such as humanism” • To be in common with other SACREs • To reflect the belief nature of Surrey : it is vital that the growing number of young un-believers do not find themselves in a moral vacuum