This Saturday in London saw the 2012 Annual Meeting of humanist representatives on Standing Advisory Councils for Religious Education (SACREs). The British Humanist Association (BHA) administers the large and growing network of humanists on SACREs and Agreed Syllabus Conferences (ASCs), with the number of the 173 SACREs having a humanist member or a humanist applying to join increasing over the past year from almost half to about two-thirds.
This year’s meeting was chaired by BHA Trustee (and Camden SACRE rep) Alice Fuller, with the guest speaker being RE consultant Roger Butler providing a fascinating overview of the history of the subject, and of religion in schools in general, under the title ‘Religious Education in State Schools: Whence? Where? Whither?’
BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson updated members on the Religious Education Council (REC)’s RE Subject Review. Andrew is a Trustee of the REC, and is on the Steering Group for the Review. Education Campaigner Richy Thompson discussed other policy developments to occur over the past twelve months, such as consultations the BHA responded to, support for teaching Humanism in RE, and ongoing progress in increasing the number of humanist SACRE Reps. Finally, Head of Education and Promotion Sara Passmore discussed recent work by the BHA in improving education about Humanism, through providing resources and training speakers for schools.
Finally, the reps present were able to discuss the situation in their areas, and share success stories and areas of challenge faced in the hopes of benefiting all.
The meeting received good feedback from those in attendance.
Interested in becoming a SACRE Rep?
The BHA currently has Reps on about half of all SACREs, but would like to see every SACRE have a humanist present. In particular, a number SACREs without a humanist have told us that they would like a humanist to join. If you are interested in becoming a SACRE Rep, or would like to find out more about the role, please email Richy Thompson at richy@humanists.uk.
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For further comment or information, please contact Richy Thompson on 020 7462 4993.
Read more about the BHA’s campaigns work on Religious Education, Collective Worship, and about its educational work.
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.