The 2026 World Humanist Congress in Ottawa explored how humanists can resist oppression, discrimination and religious supremacy without compromising critical thinking, intellectual independence and openness to debate. This special issue of Humanistically Speaking brings together international perspectives on rational hope, human progress, Christian nationalism, sectarianism, misinformation and human rights. Read the full issue and join the conversation!

The 2026 World Humanist Congress in Ottawa concluded with a keynote address by philosopher A. C. Grayling. Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, Grayling made the case for a form of hope grounded not in wishful thinking but in reason, human solidarity and practical action. The final session of the World Humanist Congress, held under the theme Humanism as Resistance, was chaired by outgoing Humanists International Vice President Roslyn Mould. Introducing the distinguished

At the 2026 World Humanist Congress in Ottawa, held under the theme Humanism as Resistance, American philosopher and author Rebecca Newberger Goldstein offered an ambitious and original interpretation of humanism. Drawing on the philosophy of Spinoza and the science of thermodynamics, she argued that humanism is part of life’s fundamental struggle against disintegration, ignorance and despair. Photo credits: Humanists International Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, recipient of th

By Ralf Schöppner When should humanists seek dialogue and compromise, and when must they resist? Drawing on Germany’s political history and contemporary challenges, philosopher Ralf Schöppner argues that balance, pluralism and openness are essential humanist virtues, but not without limits. This article, adapted from his address at the World Humanist Congress in Ottawa, explores when to build bridges and when to draw boundaries. Professor Dr Ralf Schöppner is a German philoso

By David Warden From warnings of an authoritarian threat at the World Humanist Congress in Ottawa to a lively discussion at Dorset Humanists, David Warden investigates Christian nationalism in America and Britain. Is it a growing danger to secular democracy, or are different political movements being gathered under one alarming label? And what might a factfulness approach reveal? David is Editor of Humanistically Speaking magazine and Chair of Dorset Humanists, which has been

By Janalee Morris Canada has long prided itself on tolerance, stability and quiet progress. But is complacency becoming dangerous? Reflecting on the World Humanist Congress in Ottawa, Janalee Morris explores the challenges facing Canadian humanism, from religious nationalism to secular community-building, and calls for resistance rooted in action, solidarity and joy. Janalee is Executive Director of Humanist Canada. Polite, modest, and down-to-earth, Canada has always been th

By Even Gran Humanism is about more than just campaigning for recognition and equal rights. Across Europe, humanist organisations are joining forces to develop practical services, from weddings and pastoral care to education and youth activities. Even Gran explains how the European Humanist Services Network is helping to build a more mature international movement. Even is Senior Adviser for Politics and International Affairs at the Norwegian Humanist Association (Human-Etisk

Leo Igwe at the World Humanist Congress in Copenhagen, August 2023. Photo by David Warden. By Dr Leo Igwe Across Africa, accusations of witchcraft and beliefs in supernatural powers can have devastating consequences, including persecution, imprisonment and murder. Nigerian humanist campaigner Leo Igwe describes the human cost of religious dogma and harmful superstition, and explains why humanist resistance, grounded in reason, evidence and compassion, is urgently needed. Leo

By Jiří Müller When a much-loved progressive café in Prague faced closure, Czech Humanists saw an unexpected opportunity. Jiří Müller tells the story of how a small group of determined volunteers transformed a daunting financial commitment into Hnízdo (the Nest), the city's first humanist community space, bringing people together through shared values, friendship and practical cooperation. Jiří is Chair of Czech Humanists I started Czech Humanists in 2022, after returning fro

By David Warden At the World Humanist Congress in Ottawa, calls for resistance raised a troubling question: can political mobilisation undermine the intellectual freedom humanism seeks to defend? David examines the dangers of groupthink, the need for political pluralism, and why critical inquiry must remain central to the humanist movement. The 2026 World Humanist Congress in Ottawa adopted Humanism as Resistance as its theme. It was an impressive gathering, bringing together

By Maggie Hall From misconceptions about asylum seekers and transgender people to Holocaust denial, anti-vaccine campaigns and climate change scepticism, false beliefs can shape public attitudes and sometimes cause real harm. This article explores some persistent modern myths and asks why evidence, reason, and a willingness to question our own assumptions matter more than ever. Maggie is a former Chair of Brighton Humanists, a Humanist School Speaker and a member of the Human

Is Britain becoming a more sectarian society? Drawing on his experiences in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in Britain, Anthony highlights the dangers to social cohesion when different ethnic and faith communities lead separate, parallel lives with little interaction. To counter this systemic segregation, he advocates reducing immigration to sustainable levels, introducing a structured integration programme, and establishing a national secular Citizens’ Charter to promote shar

By David Warden Few subjects provoke such fierce disagreement and heated emotion as Israel and Palestine. But can humanists discuss this seemingly intractable conflict without resorting to anger and denunciation? Drawing on a challenging but constructive encounter with a Dorset discussion group, David explores competing historical narratives, allegations of genocide, and the possibility of disagreeing well without abandoning our convictions. David is Editor of Humanistically

By Baluku Shafik Siriwayo In a world increasingly dominated by technology, productivity and instant answers, are we losing the art of truly understanding one another? Ugandan humanist Baluku Shafik Siriwayo explores the quiet power of empathy, curiosity and attentive listening, arguing that genuine human connection offers its own form of resistance to dehumanisation. Shafik is Vice President of the Humanist Club at Isaac Newton High School and Chief Editor of The Pulse, the s

Leslie Allan Book review by David Warden In his new book, Harari’s Humanist Wars of Religion, Australian philosopher and humanist Leslie Allan challenges Yuval Noah Harari’s controversial portrayal of liberalism, communism and Nazism as rival forms of humanism. Allan studied philosophy and history at La Trobe University and is a director of Humanists Australia. A former vice-president of Humanists Victoria, he writes extensively on philosophy, religion and humanism. He lives

Ageing Gently: Reflections on Living, Loving, and Letting Go (2026) by Wendy Goddard. Reviewed by David Warden. In Ageing Gently, retired English teacher and Adlerian therapist Wendy Goddard reflects with candour, humour and wisdom on bereavement, solitude, physical decline and dependence. Her book offers no formula for successful ageing, but something more companionable: an invitation to remain curious, connected and fully human as life’s horizons narrow. Wendy lives in Bour

By Dr Mike Flood Mike is Chair of Milton Keynes Humanists and of Humanism for the Common Good. Mike chairs Milton Keynes Humanists and Humanism for the Common Good, an independent project helping people respond to threats including misinformation, AI and climate breakdown. The project is developing Humanist Response Guides exploring major moral challenges of the 21st century. This article summarises one such guide: examining our responsibilities to future generations. “The mo

By Maggie Hall Andrew Copson on The Moral Maze Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, has frequently taken part in the BBC Radio 4 programme The Moral Maze as a guest “witness”, but on 26 August he made his debut as a member of the panel. This meant that he was able to be an interviewer rather than an interviewee. The issue under discussion was the proliferation of data centres. His fellow panellists were Giles Fraser, Mona Siddiqui and Ella Whelan. The “witnesses” t

A lucky accident, the book explains, a chance, perhaps a trillion to one. Consider how you came, oh lucky man, and bless your luck before the farce begins. Absurd proceedings (oh, and futile too): the book’s precise about the pantomime that entertains a lucky man all day en route to where he started, earth to earth. A substance (natural or chemical) that mixed with earth promotes fertility: can this be all a lucky man expects, his due when summoned out of nothingness? Though

By Tod Lundy A mischievous apple fight in small-town America in 1950 lands eleven-year-old Tod Lundy and his friends in trouble with the police. More than seventy years later, Tod reflects on the compassion of a judge who gave them a second chance, and the very different consequences of juvenile justice today. This is the fifth in a series of personal reflections from Tod, drawing from his own experience of life. He is a retired architect living in Astoria, Oregon, and is the