This issue explores where humanism stands and where it might go next. The views clashing whilst grappling with relevance, action, belief, and belonging. How can humanism reach the growing number of “nones” and prevent a drift back to religion by disillusioned secular thinkers? Does it matter? The message is clear humanism needs to listens and fulfil real human needs if it is to survive.

By Sophy Robinson Why are some of the world’s most famous critics of religion now speaking about faith, tradition and Christianity? Drawing on the voices of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Richard Dawkins and Tom Holland, Sophy explores what this moment means for humanism — and whether a non-religious worldview can offer both truthfulness and comfort in times of crisis. Sophy is a former trustee of Humanists UK. I n recent years, several high-profile, outspoken former atheists have attracte

By Maggie Hall In this article, Maggie considers the future of organised humanism at the local level, questioning whether campaigning and discussion are enough – or whether humanist groups need to find new, more practical ways to serve their communities. Maggie is a retired teacher of speech and drama, a former Chair of Brighton Humanists, a member of the Humanists UK Dialogue Network, and a Humanists UK School Speaker. I have no doubt that humanism itself does have a future.

Like most local humanist groups we have struggled to grow our humanist group. Anthony explores why the growing millions of “nones” in the UK are not joining their local humanist groups and why this might pose a threat to Enlightenment values.

By David Warden David reports on the launch of Humanist Café in Bournemouth. Humanist Café is a deliberate attempt to move beyond traditional 50-minute lectures – which now have niche appeal – to something more engaging and communal. The response so far has been very encouraging. In her main article for this issue of Humanistically Speaking , Maggie Hall has honestly expressed a widespread concern about the future of organised humanism at the local level: ‘What I do have doub

By Dr James Croft James is University Chaplain and Lead Faith Advisor at the University of Sussex, and a former Leader at the Ethical Society of St Louis in Missouri. In this article, he argues that humanism is entering a period of profound challenge, as political polarisation, rising nationalism and cultural conflict put humanist values under pressure. He calls for a more confident, activist humanism that is willing to defend dignity, pluralism and secular democracy in an un

By Dr Mike Flood Mike has worked hard to provide a forensically-detailed survey of the health of the humanist movement in the UK and around the world. His findings serve as a sobering reality check. He concludes that humanist organisations are not currently in touch with the ‘spirit of the age’ and that our core concerns look ‘increasingly parochial’ when set against the big ethical and existential challenges of our day. Mike is Chair of Milton Keynes Humanists and Humanism f

By Jeremy Rodell What should humanist organisations campaign on – and, just as importantly, what should they not? In this wide-ranging article, Jeremy Rodell takes a close look at the realities of humanist campaigning, from assisted dying and education to climate change and culture wars. Along the way, he challenges assumptions about mission creep, public support, and the future role of organised humanism in a plural society. Jeremy is Co-Chair of South West London Humanists,

By David Warden I was invited to give a talk on this topic to South Place Ethical Society in London in 2003. The text from which I spoke is reproduced below, together with a subsequent exchange with Don Johnson of the Ethical Society of St Louis, Missouri. It ’ s good to know that, 23 years later, we ’ re still here so humanism did have a future. But to what extent do I agree with my 44-year old self? What has changed since those pre-smart phone days and what has stayed the s