Channel Islands Humanists held a successful launch event in St Helier yesterday, with the new group now bringing together non-religious people across the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey into a community for the first time.
The launch event saw Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson and States of Jersey Assembly Deputy and Humanists UK patron Louise Doublet speak about the exciting initiative and some of the work it is already undertaking, for example around marriage laws and organ donation, as well as training celebrants to meet the needs of non-religious Islanders.
Andrew and Louise have taken part in extensive media over the last few days including BBC Radio Guernsey, BBC Radio Jersey, Channel 103, and ITV Channel, alongside coverage in print publications.
Welcoming the launch, Andrew Copson commented, ‘We’re delighted to see the recent growth in humanist activity in the Channel Islands and to support the launch of Channel Islands Humanists. With a very high proportion of Channel Islands residents – indeed, a majority of young adults – having no religion, the time is right for a group that works with and on behalf of this community to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail.’
Deputy Louise Doublet, who is joining the committee of Channel Islands Humanists, commented, ‘I’m so pleased to be a part of the new Channel Islands Humanists group. This exciting community-building initiative has come about at a time of change, as we non-religious people increasingly feel able to speak out and identify as such, and the state is starting to recognise that, through, for example, the legal recognition of humanist marriages in Jersey and perhaps soon Guernsey. I very much look forward to taking this role forward to bring non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have.’
You can find out more about Channel Islands Humanists and sign up to the event on our website. You can also sign up to the group’s mailing list at https://humanists.uk/channel-islands/
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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at richy@humanists.uk or 020 7324 3072.
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.
Channel Islands Humanists is part of Humanists UK.