Humanist representatives will take part in Remembrance ceremonies across the UK – including national events in London, Cardiff, Belfast, and Edinburgh, as well as community ceremonies nationwide.
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, will once again represent the non-religious at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. Humanists UK is proud to stand alongside people of all backgrounds and beliefs in a shared moment of remembrance.
As growing numbers within the UK Armed Forces identify as having no religion – 41% of regular forces and 32% of reserves – the presence of humanists at Remembrance ceremonies has never been more significant. Their participation helps make sure these commemorations truly reflect the diversity of those who serve, fostering unity and shared remembrance across all beliefs. By honouring the fallen, we reaffirm our collective commitment to peace and to a future built on compassion and understanding.
More inclusive of the non-religious
This year’s Remembrance follows a historic first for the Armed Forces, with the appointment of Neil Weddell as the first-ever non-religious pastoral carer in the Army. Having begun his role earlier this year, Neil will lead the Remembrance ceremony in Reading.
Alongside Andrew Copson’s participation in the National Service in London, Clare Elcombe Webber, Director of Humanist Care, will represent Humanists UK at the Greater London Assembly. In Cardiff, humanist celebrant Julia Page will deliver a reading for Wales Humanists at the National Service of Remembrance for Wales in Alexandra Gardens, Cathays Park. Humanist Society Scotland will lay a wreath at the national Remembrance event in Edinburgh, and in Belfast, pastoral carer Pippa Swan and celebrants Emily O’Dowd Lewis and Iain Deboys will represent Northern Ireland Humanists, laying a wreath at the Belfast Cenotaph. They join Humanists UK’s many Local Groups in giving greater representation at ceremonies across the country.
Defence Humanists pushed for greater recognition of the non-religious at Remembrance through its ‘For All Who Serve’ campaign, which culminated in the historic decision to include humanists in the national Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in 2018.
Roger Hutton, Humanists UK Patron and former Director International Security in the Ministry of Defence, penned this powerful article on what Remembrance means to him:
‘Ritual can help frame our Remembrance, to give it shape, to channel our emotions. That can take a secular or a religious form. For me, as a humanist, my natural preference is the former. I want and need to hear the stories of those involved in or affected by conflict. I want to know, and learn from, the human experience of conflict.’
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘Remembrance is a time for unity as we honour the courage and humanity of all who have served. As more and more of those in our Armed Forces identify as non-religious, it’s right that these moments of reflection include everyone, whatever their beliefs. Humanist participation makes sure that remembrance speaks to the whole of our society – a shared commitment to peace, compassion, and understanding.’
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
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.