The BHA has voiced its support for a second Mayor who has decided to stop the practice of opening official council meetings with Christian prayers. Writing in a newsletter for the Leicester Secular Society, which is affiliated to the BHA, the Lord Mayor of Leicester Councillor Colin Hall said he was “delighted to confirm that I will be exercising my discretion as Lord Mayor to abolish the outdated, unnecessary and intrusive practice.” The new Mayor has also appointed Allan Hayes, president of Leicester Secular Society and a trustee of the BHA as a ‘Humanist Chaplain’ to assist him in his work.
In addition, the Mayor decided not to attend the official civic service to welcome him as Mayor as his requests to allow speakers from different religions or beliefs (rather than just Church of England) were denied.
Naomi Phillips, BHA Head of Public Affairs, stated, ‘We are very pleased that the Mayor of Leicester is taking such an inclusive approach to his term of office. It should not be compulsory to perform an act of Christian worship through prayer to become part of the democratic systems of the UK. Having prayers before council meetings is divisive and likely to exclude those of other beliefs.
‘By appointing a Humanist to fulfil the usual duties of a Mayor’s chaplain, and asking for his welcoming ceremony to be inclusive of all beliefs, the Mayor is proving that the apparatus of the state has to be religiously neutral and fair. The BHA wishes him well in his position.’
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For further information, contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.
Read more about Humanist Chaplains.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief.