The British Humanist Association (BHA) has today commented on the installation of Vincent Nichols as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, describing his appointment as out of touch with modern society.
Naomi Phillips, BHA Public Affairs Officer, said, ‘The appointment of Vincent Nichols shows that the Roman Catholic Church has no desire to become more progressive or more in tune with today’s society. Despite talking of the need for real dialogue in his homily, this will mean little to humanists, whose values such as the desire for a secular society he has so often deeply criticised and condemned. Such a society is, of course, a society based on equality and rights.’
Ms Phillips continued, ‘Vincent Nichols was the lead player in forcing the Government to back down on plans to require state-funded “faith schools” to accept at least a minority intake of pupils from other religious or non-religious backgrounds. The damage to social cohesion by rising religious segregation and the growth in social inequalities caused by discriminatory admissions by such schools is something that most of us are deeply concerned with.’
‘Vincent Nichols has also campaigned against equal rights for gay people and against much-needed measures to promote safer sex amongst young people. That the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church’s views are out of touch with most of society’s is no surprise. What is worrying is the continued influence of the unshared values of the Roman Catholic Church on our government, our education system and even what we watch on TV.’
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For further comment or information, contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.
The British Humanist Association represents and supports the non-religious. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief, and for a secular state.