This weekend, humanist groups across the UK will join Remembrance ceremonies, laying wreaths and representing the non-religious at local commemorations nationwide.
Humanist representatives will participate in the national Remembrance ceremonies in London, Cardiff, Belfast, and Edinburgh, as well as in community ceremonies across the country. Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson will again represent the non-religious at the UK’s national ceremony, the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. Humanists UK is proud to stand with people from all backgrounds in a shared moment of remembrance.
Defence Humanists and the Humanists and Non-religious in Defence (HAND, the internal humanist network in the Ministry of Defence) will have their annual remembrance ceremony on Saturday at the the Royal College of Defence Studies in London. The event is fully booked, and will include a list of distinguished speakers including Defence Humanists patron Francesca Stavrakopoulou, as well as representatives from NATO military humanist chaplaincies, members of Royal Hospital Chelsea, and members of the UK Cadet Forces.
As growing numbers within the UK armed forces identify as having no religion, currently at 37% of personnel, the presence of humanists at Remembrance ceremonies becomes increasingly significant. Their participation ensures that this commemoration truly reflects the diversity of those who serve, fostering a sense of unity and shared remembrance across all beliefs. By honouring the fallen, we reaffirm our collective commitment to peace and a future built on compassion and understanding.
As the number of non-religious personnel in the armed forces grows, so does the need for non-religious pastoral support. Humanists UK is working with the Ministry of Defence to increase provision as the official endorsing body for non-religious pastoral officers in the armed forces.
Defence Humanists pushed for greater recognition of the non-religious at Remembrance through its ‘For All Who Serve’ campaign, which culminated in the historic decision to include humanists in the national Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in 2018. Defence Humanists continue to argue for a more inclusive national ceremony; the current ceremony is Anglican-led, with participation from religious groups and humanists.
Roger Hutton, Humanists UK Patron and former Director International Security in the Ministry of Defence, penned this powerful article on what Remembrance means to him:
‘Ritual can help frame our Remembrance, to give it shape, to channel our emotions. That can take a secular or a religious form. For me, as a humanist, my natural preference is the former. I want and need to hear the stories of those involved in or affected by conflict. I want to know, and learn from, the human experience of conflict.’
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘Remembering all those who serve or have served in the cause of freedom and democracy is of the utmost value, and we’re grateful to once again have the opportunity to come together to do so.’
‘Non-religious people play a vital role within our Armed Forces, and it’s essential that they, too, are honoured in Remembrance. Humanist representation across Remembrance ceremonies provides a meaningful moment for humanists everywhere to reflect in a way that resonates deeply with their own values and beliefs.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.