The First Humanist Chaplain?

By Anonymous -
Eleanor Davidson, a member of Leicester Secular Society, believes she is the country's first humanist to become a recognised member of a hospital chaplaincy team---she certainly is a first for Leicestershire. On the LSS website Eleanor, an accredited humanist celebrant, explains the need for such a service, how she came to be appointed, how she views the role, and what still remains to be done:

http://www.leicestersecularsociety.org.uk/news-chaplaincy.htm

As an example of the prejudice against which she has had to struggle, when she joined the team, one member even asked 'do you have any morals---seeing as you're an atheist?'!

Eleanor comments that the chaplaincy project is her attempt to bring secularism into the mainstream of community life---in a practical way---and to promote equality for secularism, in an area where faith representatives have an unjustifiable monopoly.

She also asks people to send suggestions for items for inclusion in an anthology of secular works---poetry, songs, prose, pictures, cartoons---suitable for a hospital bedside book.

The editor of this blog, George Jelliss, has experimentally made 'Secular Hall' itself a member of the blog 'team'. This will be a way for members of the Society to post messages to the blog without actually becoming members of the blog team themselves.

If you have something you would like to see posted email secsoc@ntlworld.com, or one of the email addresses on the LSS home page.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ann Atkins at it again

By Anonymous -
Below is an email our member Frank Friedmann sent to the BBC, concerning Ann Atkins' latest "Thought for the Day", and their response. ====== -- To BBC -- Dear Sir, Ann Atkins used the programme on 9 May 2006 today to launch an attack on Rationalists. That she can do so shows up the lack of natural justice in the policy of denying atheists access to the programme - they can be collectively slandered and misrepresented but have no right of reply. I notice that speakers on the programme do not use it as a platform from which to condemn the adherents of other religions - I don’t know if this is out of respect or because they are constrained by editorial rules, but it does emphasise the injustice in the censorship of atheism. Were you to change the policy, might I put forward my wife, Eleanor Davidson, as a candidate? She has just become the country’s first Humanist member of a hospital chaplaincy team (See First Person article in Leicester Mercury 29 April 2006). [See also
Read more

Hindu Council UK objects to talk on "Hinduism: A Wretched, Immoral Compass"

By -
Image
The Society hosted a talk on the caste system on 3rd December 2023. Before the talk on 19th November the Secretary of the Society received the following email - We write to express our deep concern and offense regarding the title of an event scheduled to take place at your venue, titled "Hinduism: Wretched Immoral Compass." It has come to our attention that such a choice of words is not only derogatory but also appears to be anti-Hinduism.   Hinduism, a faith with a rich history spanning thousands of years and followed by over one billion people worldwide, deserves respect and understanding. Using such inflammatory language seems designed to appeal and incite hatred towards Hindus, who are one of the largest and most peaceful communities globally. As a secular society, we believe it is your responsibility to avoid language that may be offensive or disrespectful towards any faith.   We urge you to consider the implications of this event title and whether it aligns with t
Read more

Statement about recent violent incidents in the City.

By -
Leicester Secular Society condemns the recent violence promoted by religious extremists. We condemn those of any religion who seek to divide society, advocate for the domination of their religion and use violence against those with different beliefs. We believe that a truly secular city and county is the only way to guarantee equality to the many different religions and communities we have. We believe that the continued existence and further creation of faith schools in Leicester can only drive communities apart and encourage the growth of intolerance. We do not want to see any more segregation in Leicester. Belfast demonstrates the danger of a failure to promote inter community friendships. We don't ever want to see "peace walls" appearing in our city. Since 1851, the Leicester Secular Society has opposed religious discrimination and stands for an inclusive and plural society.
Read more