Humanism
Links to Humanist sites
BRITISH HUMANIST ASSOCIATION
HUMANISTS...........
...are atheists and agnostics who make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values. We take responsibility for our actions and base our ethics on the goals of human welfare, happiness and fulfillment. We seek to make the best of the one life we have by creating meaning and purpose for ourselves, individually and together.
Humanists hold the principle that we have only one life: this one. And so, it’s important to make the best of it through seeking the happiness of others and creating meaning and purpose for ourselves. Humanists are deeply moral but instead of relying on religion, dogma or superstition to guide them, they turn to the innate intelligence and goodness of humanity.
HUMANIST CEREMONIES
Humanist Ceremonies is part of the British Humanist Association which trains and accredits celebrants to a very high standard. There are three main areas for training - funerals, weddings and naming ceremonies - each is accredited separately and celebrants can train for as many as they wish.
Within the three main types of ceremony there are variations such as memorial services, affirmations, vow renewals and welcomings. The training encourages celebrants to be prepared for any unusual requests and enables them to create a meaningful occasion whatever the circumstances.
Although many individuals do not call themselves Humanists they find that the humanist principles of living a good life without religion are in accordance with their beliefs and for them a Humanist ceremony offers the chance to mark a special occasion in a way that fits.
All the ceremonies are rooted in the relationships between individuals, their families and friends and draw on human emotions such as love, companionship, respect and a sense of shared commitment and values. These elements which are common to all people ensure that a Humanist ceremony is an occasion that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs and on many occasions time can be set aside within the ceremony for people to offer their own silent thoughts if they wish.