Secular Humanists do not believe in the existence of any god or gods who direct or influence human minds or the world at large; no afterlife, no heaven, no hell; when you're dead and gone you're dead and gone! Life is for living now, and the happier and healthier it can be for everyone so much the better. Morals and ethics do not depend on religious belief.

It is understandable that beliefs in gods, and the rite and ritual of the religions that were built around them, would have arisen in the early development of human beings whose lives were so closely dependent on the vagaries of the natural world.

With the benefit of hindsight it can be seen that much evil has been perpetrated in the name of religion, crusades, inquisitions, witch-hunts, genocide and wars. And today it causes conflict (directly or indirectly); and contributes to, makes worse, or prevents rational, negotiated solutions to political problems. It is involved in conflict around the world, and causes personal and family strife. Prejudice and discrimination based on scriptures causes untold unhappiness, ill treatment and death in many countries around the world.

The rise of Secular Humanism over the last hundred years, with its moral rational, humanitarian approach to life, and the rejection of superstition has enabled progress on many fronts - political, scientific, and intellectual. Women can be fully educated and trained, they can vote and participate in the decision making of government and administratio Gays do not have to hide their sexuality as they did in the past. Women can control how many children they have, and infertile couples can have children thanks to scientific advances.

Secular Humanists challenge the doctrines that prevent the use of condoms in HIV/AIDS and population control. Most support moves to allow carefully controlled voluntary euthanasia; promote sound sustainable environmental policies, fair trade, and rational treatment of offenders, and campaign for peace. We are against 'faith' schools and biased teaching of religion, and against all forms of animal cruelty, and many are vegetarian or vegan.

*Outlines all three positions is on www.c.s.e.freeuk.com/TeachingAtheism.htm

If you want to make contact with the local group:-
Ring 01959 574691 : e-mail slhg.adm@freeuk.com : Web-site - www.slhg.adm.freeuk.com