31 March 2009
Across Europe there is huge variation in the treatment of religion and belief, including non-religious beliefs, in schools. This derives from the differences from place to place in religious, cultural and historical backgrounds. There are many ways in which these differences show themselves, including:- (a) school legal or administrative structures Schools may be run by the state or other public authorities (e.g., local councils), or by bodies such as charities or trusts, including churches or… read more »
Europe’s humanist and secularist organizations display a wide range of opinions as to what is desirable in the way of religious, moral and humanist education. The EHF and national humanist and secularist bodies cannot dictate the pattern of education but the EHF can help clarify the issues at stake and try to prevent or remedy discrimination against people based on their religious or non-religious lifestances. We can define various options that do not offend humanist… read more »
Article 2 of the First Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights This provides that the State should not interfere with parents’ right to bring up their children according to their own beliefs: No person shall be denied the right to education. In the exercise of any functions which it assumes in relation to education and to teaching, the State shall respect the right of parents to ensure such education and teaching in conformity… read more »
(a) Should the state support schools committed to religious or other beliefs? Religious schools committed to teaching as true the beliefs of a particular Christian denomination or another religion are traditional in many states and are almost invariably supported to a greater or lesser extent from taxation. Equality, non-discrimination and a degree of state neutrality can be obtained if all parents have the choice of a school reflecting their own beliefs – including humanist or… read more »
26 March 2009
The Board has adopted a statement on the rule of law – an essential requirement in any state where human rights are to be respected. The topic will be discussed at the open meeting on Friday June 5 before the General Assembly.
21 March 2009
From Values to Principles: why the Rule of Law matters Humanism is a life-stance and as such it rests on a set of values, such as human dignity and the recognition of the inherent and intrinsic worth of the human personality, which allow human beings to lead a full and meaningful life. These values inspire humanists in their interpersonal relations and, more generally, in their behaviour towards other people as well as in their views… read more »
Des valeurs et des principes: humanisme et état de droit En tant que conception du monde, l’humanisme se fonde sur un ensemble de valeurs au centre desquelles se place la dignité de l’homme et l’unicité inhérente à sa personnalité. C’est à ces valeurs, qui permettent à l’homme de conduire une vie pleine et enrichissante, que s’inspirent les humanistes dans leurs rapports interpersonnels et, en général, dans leur comportement envers les autres. L’idée de société juste… read more »
12 March 2009
The EHF wrote on 12 March 2009 to President Barroso expressing alarm at a draft resolution from Pakistan, backed by other members of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, calling for so-called “defamation of relgiion” to be made a criminal offence. We asked the EU to ensure that there was a more vigorous response from its member states than hitherto: The European Humanist Federation therefore wishes to urge the EU and its Member States, in… read more »
10 March 2009
The EHF has protested at a European Parliament resolution that refers to the need for dialogue “between the Union and churches and religious communities, as provided for by the Treaty of Lisbon” without referring to the equal requirement for dialogue with the non-religious – “philosophical and non-confessional organisations”, as the Treaty puts it. We have sought an assurance from the Hans Gert Pottering, President of the European Parliament, that he will “seek to ensure that… read more »
5 March 2009
Our General Assembly for 2009 will be held in London on Friday June 5. It will be part of almost a week of humanist events. This page will be updated whenever new information is available: bookmark it and check it regularly! All proceedings on Friday 5 June and Saturday 6 June will be simultaneously interpreted into French by a team of volunteer professional interpreters. PROGRAMME Friday 5 June: Morning: EHF open meeting We shall start at… read more »