On 9-10 May, delegates from the British Humanist Association (BHA) attended the annual general assembly and annual conference of the European Humanist Federation (EHF) in Brussels. The BHA’s delegation consisted of Andrew Copson, Chief Executive; Pavan Dhaliwal, Head of Public Affairs; Sara Passmore, Head of Education and Promotion; Isabel Russo, Head of Ceremonies; and David Pollock, trustee.
This year’s annual assembly was the 24th such occasion, and brought together delegates from over 20 countries, including those with longstanding humanist movements such as Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as countries whose associations are new, such as Slovakia, Greece, and Portugal. The Mayor of Brussels, M. Yvan Mayeur, commenced the event with a welcome address to all the member organisations present.
BHA delegates attended a number of workshops and sessions geared towards sharing knowledge, experience, and best practice across national humanist associations. At the event’s education workshops, Sara discussed teaching about Humanism in Religious Education (RE) lessons and different approaches taken between countries in Europe. In particular, she and European colleagues discussed the primary years curriculum and how to develop RE overall to better address topics from a philosophical standpoint so that religious and non-religious beliefs can be taught side by side. Pavan and Andrew spoke at sessions on the dangers of populist and extremist ideologies in Europe, and another which specifically looked at means to underline the ethical underpinnings of the assisted dying debate.
Isabel attended a workshop which discussed varying levels of humanist ceremonies provisions across Europe. ‘It was very gratifying,’ commented Isabel, ‘to learn about the full range of humanist ceremony provisions available in countries like Norway, where, much like in the UK, demand for humanist ceremonies is increasing. This has provided us with a very positive model for the continuing development of Humanist Ceremonies™ in Britain. Coming out of this annual assembly, we will continue to develop stronger links with celebrant colleagues in Europe as well, many of whom we hope will be attending our next Celebrants’ Conference in October.’
As part of the weekend, the EHF also held its AGM, where Pavan was re-elected Vice Chair of the EHF. BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson, who also previously served on the EHF Board, commented, ‘This is a welcome continuation of our long history of collaboration with the EHF, spanning back to its foundation. At the moment in Europe, fundamental human rights are under constant threat from growing populist and hardline religious movements, and Pavan’s continued role on the EHF’s Board means the BHA will be able to contribute as much as it possibly can to resisting this trend.’
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For further comment or information contact Pavan Dhaliwal, BHA Head of Public Affairs and EHF Vice Chair, at pavan@humanists.uk or on 0773 843 5059.
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.