Defence Humanists exists to support non-religious serving or retired regular and reserve military personnel, their families, and Ministry of Defence Civil Servants. It organises events and community activities for its members, and leads Humanists UK’s participation in Remembrance events and similar activities around the UK.

Defence Humanists is a section of Humanists UK, led by its President (and Humanists UK patron) Dr Roger Hutton and supported by patrons Professor AC Grayling, Dan Snow, and Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou.

‘It’s immensely important that non-religious and humanist serving personnel and veterans have access to support from people with a similar outlook. Service life presents many challenges, and it’s good knowing that there are people out there who understand, including non-religious chaplaincy. These things mean a great deal to non-religious people working in Defence, who feel part of a positive, growing community.’ – Dr Roger Hutton, President of Defence Humanists.

Defence Humanists aims to:

• Raise awareness of humanist and non-religious perspectives in the Defence community.
• Contine supporting the implementation of non-religious pastoral support (NRPS) for UK armed forces.
• Support the annual non-religious Remembrance events which have become well-established over the years.
• Provide resources to support the work of the MOD’s internal diversity and inclusion network, Humanists and Non-religious in Defence (HAND).
• Reach out to veterans and Service families in need of non-religious services such as celebrancy.

Join Defence Humanists:

You can join Defence Humanists by joining Humanists UK. Members of Defence Humanists also receive all the benefits of being a Humanists UK member, including voting rights at the AGM, a welcome pack and membership card, a regular newsletter, and access to the members section of Humanists UK website – as well as supporting our campaigns for a fairer society – all for £5 a month.

Like us on Facebook: Defence Humanists

Follow us on Instagram: @defencehumanistsuk

For more information, please contact Paul Nelson, Secretary of Defence Humanists, at secretary@defencehumanists.org.uk.

We are also always keen to hear from volunteers, including those wishing to join the Defence Humanists committee.