Humanists UK has launched a new animation exploring secularism and why it matters in a diverse society. The short film, What is secularism?, is aimed at schools and is the latest resource from Understanding Humanism, the charity’s programme supporting teaching and learning about humanism in classrooms across the country.
Made for schools but accessible to everyone, the animation introduces secularism in clear terms as a practical way of organising society that people with different worldviews can share. It explains that supporters of secularism – including humanists – believe everyone should be free to hold their own beliefs and be treated equally, whatever their identity or worldview. No belief should be privileged in public institutions, and the state should remain impartial so that everyone can meet on equal terms.
Why humanists support secularism
Humanists support secularism because it means no religion or belief receives special treatment from the state. In a society as diverse as the UK, this principle helps public institutions – including schools, the law, and public services – treat everyone fairly. By keeping the state separate from religious authority, people with different worldviews can take part in public life on equal terms.
Humanists UK campaigns for a secular state as a foundation for a modern, pluralistic democracy. This means removing institutional privileges based on religion, such as bishops sitting as of right in the House of Lords or mandatory Christian worship in state schools. A secular state does not oppose religion; rather, it provides a neutral framework in which people of all faiths and none are treated with equal respect and the same legal standards apply to everyone.
Director of Understanding Humanism Luke Donnellan commented:
‘We’re really pleased to launch this new animation exploring secularism and why it matters in a diverse society. We hope the film will help pupils understand how secularism protects freedom of belief for everyone, and how it enables people with different worldviews to live well together. It should provide a fantastic stimulus to conversation in the classroom.’
The short film was animated by OOF Animation. It forms part of a wider set of resources and classroom activities designed to help teachers and pupils explore secularism and its relationship to humanism as part of learning about religious and non-religious worldviews.
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Understanding Humanism Luke Donnellan at education@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3070.
Find out more about our work on understandinghumanism.org.uk.
Understanding Humanism is Humanists UK’s education service. It aims to introduce young people to humanism as an example of a non-religious worldview. It provides teachers with the resources necessary to teach accurate, high-quality lessons about humanism, and assists them with the development of their own subject knowledge. The Understanding Humanism website offers information and services, including free school speakers who can work with teachers to broaden students’ understanding. Visit Understanding Humanism at understandinghumanism.org.uk.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 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.