Lewisham  Humanists

Sound Option

Catford/Lewisham, South London

Humanists do not believe in god and reject religion  as a basis on which to live their lives and order their communities. Some think religion is harmful others that it doesn't matter. They may be members of the British Humanist Association and/or the National Secular Society to which the group is affiliated.

We discuss all aspects of life public policy from an secular-humanist perspective. Religious attitudes and secular ethics are high on our agenda. Political activity is pursued through our chosen political parties, humanist activists work in many pressure groups with like-minded people especially on ethical and green issues.

 

 

Our HISTORY:

Our HISTORY: 2000 marked the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Lewisham Humanist Group. Initially formed as the South East-London Humanist Group, amongst the names of members in 1960 were Barbara Smoker, and Don Langdown. They survive as our chair and Treasurer respectively. Indeed Barbara was a force in starting the Group. For such long service in a voluntary organisation most people would have received a Crown award. but then, opposing the dark forces of superstition are hardly likely to be recognised by our government, as they have a vested interest in maintaining them. Perhaps Barbara should be recommended for an MBE - Making Believers Enquire - I dare say there are some less polite uses to which the letters can be put, but anyway, come along and join us as we celebrate both 40 years of Humanism in Lewisham, and take a look into the future on November 30th.

 

 

Past Items

 September 2005

We are still represented - as a co-optee - on the Lewisham SACRE -  the Lewisham Education department’s committee dealing with religious education in local schools. The Secretary attends these termly meetings but ideally it would be good if someone who was a humanist and a teacher  volunteered - any offers ?   An interesting statistic emerged; the new Crossways Academy in Deptford conducted a survey of faiths amongst its students: while about 49% claimed a Christian affiliation, the next largest group was ’atheist or non-religious’ 21%, with others much less,

Our President, Barbara Smoker, was honoured at the Sorbonne in Paris this summer. SEE HER  TYPICALLY BRIEF AND AMUSING ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

Barbara's Books

The International Humanist & Ethical Union (IHEU - to which we have given pecuniary support in the past)  chose her as recipient for an award - ’Distinguished Service to Humanism’.  Well done Barbara.  She was, of course, a founder of Lewisham Humanists and a new edition of her popular book Humanism was published this May. Copies available from us or at meetings.

Despite this,  Barbara was insulted by our local Mayor Steve Bullock; at the time of the death of Pope John Paul II  he wrote that people of all or no faiths felt a void in their lives at that time.

Humanists, freethinkers and secularists - and Barbara - spoke firmly against this. Pope John Paul II had offended many through his views on contraception, condom use, women, gay rights and sexual behaviour.  If he had applied  to Lewisham Council for a post, and indicated his views as clearly as he did, it is doubtful  if he would have been accepted!

However, all is not grim with our local Council;  they consistently rejected the change of use of the last remaining cinema in the borough -  the former Catford ABC  -  the United Church of the Kingdom of God  (notoriously associated with the death of Victoria Climbie) . The UCKG bought the cinema building and wanted to turn into a church and centre for their sect - at the time of writing it looks as though it may return to its former use as a place for showing films.

Our meetings have continued successfully each month and we have gained occasional press coverage; reminding folk that the Xmas originates as a winter solstice festival. And we have our own party near that time each year which gives a good boost to our funds while providing some enjoyment for members.  Maybe we should have a coffee morning from time to time - most of us are  retired ! But we do still hope to have ideas about encouraging younger humanists to come to meetings.

A summer event which gave pleasure to some of our members was joining a conducted walk around the Nunhead Cemetery on the Open Day there - we hope to have a similar get together at another venue next year - all suggestions welcome.

THE LEWISHAM HUMANIST GROUP IS AFFILIATED TO THE BRITISH HUMANIST ASSOCIATION, THE NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY AND THE GAY & LESBIAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION

 Some Past Meetings Titles