We can only hope that the US government steps back from the brink of this sickening erosion of decency and civilisation. And also hope - this may be the only time I ever say this – that JD Vance is right.
Humanists UK
@humanists.uk
We advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail.
Every human life has value, and a just society should aim to reform and protect rather than take life in retribution. The moral example of execution is degrading and even worse is to turn this act of degradation into a spectacle.
No one should minimise the suffering caused at Fort Hood, and survivors, bereaved families, and the whole of society need to see justice done. But execution is not justice. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
JD Vance casts doubt on firing squad execution and says he won't watch it
The planned execution of Nidal Hasan by firing squad would be the first military execution in more than 60 years.
bbc.co.uk
In 2024 the Government created a loophole in the law that would allow new 100% religiously selective faith schools to open. They said 'Don't worry, it won't be used in practice'. But now it's happening. Children of different backgrounds should be educated together, not divided by others' religions.
Faith schools could pick every pupil under Hackney plan, warns humanist charity
Humanists UK says a council proposal to move independent Charedi schools into the state sector would let them select every pupil by faith
hackneycitizen.co.uk
Blasphemy laws can NEVER be justified. Sign our petition. Blasphemy laws are used to ban words or symbols that are ‘offensive’ to religion. They’re used to violently suppress and attack religious and non-religious minorities worldwide.
She wrote all that code by hand and it landed on the moon. Such an iconic photo. Here’s to Margaret Hamilton (1936–2026). What an incredible and pioneering woman for science. An inspiration to us all. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Margaret Hamilton, whose software helped land Apollo 11 on the moon, dies at 90
Pioneering computer scientist led the development of the software for Nasa's Apollo mission and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
bbc.co.uk
For humanists, caring for nature isn't left to a higher power. It's down to us – because we're part of nature, not apart from it. This idea, as outlined here by our patron @zionlights.bsky.social, is the second of seven humanist foundations in Andrew Copson's new book. #HowtoBeaHappyHuman.
Every story on this page comes from New Humanist, and every issue since 1884 is digitised and fully searchable. A subscription gets you the new magazine four times a year, plus the whole digital archive. Subscribe today, and start hunting for ghost stories. newhumanist.org.uk/subscribe/
Humanists UK@humanists.uk · 3d agoHumanists don't believe in ghosts, but myth-busting 'paranormal' activity is something @newhumanist.bsky.social writers have been doing for over 140 years. Here's a quick look at the human fascination with all thing spooky, and the the evolution of horror. humanists.uk/2026/10/07/a...
Humanists don't believe in ghosts, but myth-busting 'paranormal' activity is something @newhumanist.bsky.social writers have been doing for over 140 years. Here's a quick look at the human fascination with all thing spooky, and the the evolution of horror. humanists.uk/2026/10/07/a...
All things spooky! A history of humanism, rationalism, and things that go bump in the night
As the spooky season gets under way, and ahead of our In Conversation With… Deborah Hyde event on 21 October, we’ve blown the cobwebs off the archive to tell the story of the supernatural – and how hu...
humanists.uk
Thanks to @humanists.uk for featuring my analysis in this article, which argues that Northern Ireland's Integrated sector must update its statement of principles to reflect an increasingly plural and secular society. humanists.uk/2026/10/07/o...
Only two of NI’s 1,000 schools meet Givan’s integrated education target
Only two of Northern Ireland’s approximately 1,000 schools currently meet the 40:40:20 pupil-mix aspiration promoted by the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) as the target for ...
humanists.uk
One for skeptic fans of the BBC Uncanny podcast, surely! Deborah is a leading expert in the history of belief in all things spooky. By taking the 'human' aspects of paranormal beliefs seriously - be it witchcraft, ghosts, or werewolves - she uncovers a lot about human nature and human societies.
Understanding Humanism@humanismedu.bsky.social · 4d agoOn 21 October, in preparation for Halloween, why not join our online Humanist Heritage event on the history of supernatural beliefs and the sceptics and humanists who set out to debunk them. humanists.uk/events/in-co...
Save Anojan! Help us write to Foreign Secretary calling for Anojan's release. Sign our petition. Anojan Sivarasa has been condemned to die because of a post made on Facebook, and time is running out. humanists.uk/2026/10/07/s...
Sarah and Will wanted a wedding where everyone had fun, not just the two of them. Our celebrants can help you find ways to involve every guest, from personalised vows to surprises only you know about, so your ceremony feels like you. humanists.uk/ceremonies/w...
Our President Janet Ellis is joining BBC Two's Pilgrimage next year, walking a pilgrim route with six fellow famous faces to explore life's biggest questions. We're delighted she'll be sharing her humanist outlook! Spring 2027 on BBC Two and iPlayer. humanists.uk/2026/10/02/j...
Human beings are part of nature, not separate from it. It is our home. Carl Sagan's 'Pale Blue Dot' speech gave us a powerful reminder of this: seen from billions of miles away, Earth is a tiny speck suspended in the dark, and everything we have ever known exists on it.
Three billion years of life on Earth, and you're the latest chapter! As humanists, we recognise that human beings are part of nature, not separate from it. With this in mind, spending more time in nature is one of the best things we can all do to promote happiness and wellbeing. #Howtobeahappyhuman
On 21 October, in preparation for Halloween, why not join our online Humanist Heritage event on the history of supernatural beliefs and the sceptics and humanists who set out to debunk them. humanists.uk/events/in-co...
In conversation with Deborah Hyde
humanists.uk
A very happy 50th birthday to our patron Tim Minchin. Thank you for the music, the laughter, and these really lovely words on living, happiness, and finding meaning in the here and now. Happy Birthday, Tim!
Curious about humanism? Explore our free, highly-rated online course! Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, and deepen your understanding of humanism. Get started today ⬇️ courses.understandinghumanism.org.uk/courses/intr...
Introducing Humanism: non-religious approaches to life, with Sandi Toksvig
Learn about how humanists approach life's big questions
courses.understandinghumanism.org.uk
Over the last ten years, just 2% of the just under half a million applications submitted to the European Court on Human Rights concerned immigration. Of those, the Court ruled against states in just 6% of cases. humanists.uk/2026/10/06/h...
Find out how to plan an inspiring, stress-free micro wedding with a Humanist Ceremonies celebrant. OP photo credit instagram @beckypaynephotography. humanists.uk/ceremonies/f...
Find a celebrant
Every human story is unique, and every significant moment deserves a ceremony that resonates with timeless human values. At Humanist Ceremonies, we help you connect with celebrants who understand the…
humanists.uk
A micro wedding can still have BIG scenery. It could be just what you're looking for. With fewer guests, you can focus on your partner, your closest people, and the moments that matter most to you, and choose a setting that wouldn't work for a larger crowd.
How to be a Happy Human: Seven Humanist Foundations for a Better Life is the new book on living well by our Chief Executive Andrew Copson, out 19 November. #Howtobeahapyhuman
After an air attack on Kyiv, a girl on the subway blows on a yellow and blue pinwheel. Underground, it won't spin. Sergey Maidukov on how war changes everything, yet day after day can feel as if nothing changes at all. newhumanist.org.uk/articles/chi...
Children in time
A Ukrainian writer reflects on childhood in wartime
newhumanist.org.uk
13.8 billion years of cosmos. 4 billion years of life Earth. All of it led here, to you.
Humanists don't believe in an afterlife. But for us, that makes this life more precious, and gives us every reason to act now. We have one life, and we want to use it to create as much happiness as we can, for ourselves and for others. #HowtobeaHappyHuman
Hey, Suella, leave them kids alone. A school's job is educate children, not force them into religious worship. Keep Christian Nationalism OUT of assemblies, classrooms, and the curriculum. Agree? Sign our petition today 👇 humanists.uk/action/keep-...
Keep Christian Nationalism out of our schools
Reform UK wants to force every school to sing Christian hymns – and says there will be ‘consequences’ for schools that refuse. Add your name and help us defend inclusive education. Reform UK has unvei...
humanists.uk
Are you a humanist? A good communicator? Enthusiastic about helping young people learn about humanism? If so, you could apply to be a Humanists UK school speaker! Join us next Tuesday 13 October, for an informal online taster session, to find out more. Info below ⬇️ humanists.uk/school-speak...
School Speaker Training
Are you committed to a humanist approach to life? A good communicator? Enthusiastic about using your knowledge and personal experience to help young people learn about humanism? If the answer is yes,...
humanists.uk
Well put, Stephen! As humanists, we don't believe in any kind of afterlife. But that doesn't mean nothing of us lives on: we are remembered in the people we love, the work we do and the world we leave behind.
