{short description of image} Humanism
Return to Home Page Sources for information on this page: University of Glasgow, Interfaith Chaplaincy Religion & Belief Guide 2010–11, with permission;

General Information
A Humanist is someone who emphasises that they can make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values without religious or superstitious beliefs.

Western Europe has a tradition of non-religious ethical thinking that can be traced back some 2,500 years to the philosophy of the Ancient Greeks. This way of understanding the world, of finding meaning in life, and of grounding moral thinking, can also be found in China and India and many other cultures.

Humanism is an approach to life based on humanity and reason, and not based on supernatural beings or sacred texts. Science is seen as the key source of knowledge about the universe. Afterlife and reincarnation are not recognised, with an emphasis on this life. It is considered that ethical and moral lifestyles can be practiced without reference to religious beliefs, and moral codes can be gained from reference to the lessons of history, personal experience and thought.

The core of Humanism is that it is a way of being that brings out the best in people. Human Rights law is important to all humanist organisations globally, they endorse the principles of humanitarian ideals that are enshrined in such declarations, covenants and conventions, as well as universal initiatives which promote the peaceful co-habitation of all the world’s people, especially through the United Nations. Essentially, its beliefs and fundamental principles are embodied in ‘The Amsterdam Declaration 2002’. Humanism is a belief in the advancement and understanding of humanity through its own efforts, stressing individual rights and freedoms as well as individual responsibility, social cooperation and mutual respect..

Registered Humanist Celebrants do conduct non-religious ceremonies to observe life rites (eg birth, coming of age, marriage, death) and other public and private occasions.

Local Contact Details
Chelmsford Quaker Meeting House
Essex Humanists
Meet monthly on Sunday afternoons at:
Chelmsford Quaker Meeting House
Rainsford Road
Chelmsford CM1 2QL

Click here for web information.

This web site has been created and is maintained by Chelmsford Quakers