Humanists UK and Humanist Society Scotland have formed a new strategic partnership to govern how the two charities work together and to foster closer ties.
The two organisations have long worked together closely to promote humanism and help people be more fulfilled in the one life they have, and the agreement announced today cements that relationship and allows it to enter a new phase.
The agreement will see the two organisations adopt a collaborative way forward across all areas of their work. This will include mutual recognition of celebrant accreditation, coordinated campaigns, and co-operation in providing humanist pastoral support.
Recent areas of collaboration include Humanist Society Scotland supporting Humanists UK’s campaign for legal recognition of humanist marriages in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and Humanists UK training HSS volunteers to join the Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network. The two groups have also been working increasingly closely together on securing legal recognition for assisted dying.
Speaking from the annual conference of Humanist Society Scotland in Edinburgh today, Humanists UK’s Chief Executive Andrew Copson and Chair Tamar Ghosh said, ‘We’re delighted to be entering into this new partnership, allowing us to continue to learn from each other and provide mutual support to ensure a growing voice for humanism right across the UK.’
Humanist Society Scotland Chair John Bishop commented, ‘This new agreement is vital in ensuring that the growing community of people across the UK who live to humanist values have as strong a voice as possible. We are excited for the potential a future of working together will bring in campaigning and providing much needed services to non-religious people across the UK.’
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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson on 020 3675 0959 or at richy@humanists.uk, or Humanist Society Scotland Campaigns and Communications Manager Fraser Sutherland on 07477 692109 or at fraser@humanism.scot.
Humanist Society Scotland is responsible for humanist ceremonies, pastoral support, local groups, and legislative work in Scotland, whereas Humanists UK is responsible for the same in the rest of the UK and crown dependencies, as well as UK-wide work such as with the Foreign Office. Wales Humanists, Northern Ireland Humanists, and Channel Islands Humanists are parts of Humanists UK. Both Humanists UK and Humanist Society Scotland are full members of the European Humanist Federation and International Humanist and Ethical Union.
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.
Humanist Society Scotland seeks to represent the views of people in Scotland who wish to lead ethical and fulfilling lives guided by reason, empathy and compassion. We provide a range of non-religious ceremonies and campaign for a secular state. HSS has over 14,000 members across Scotland.