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Statutory Objectives, Bylaws etc

Statutory Objectives The EHF’s objectives are defined in Article 3 of the Bylaws. Our principal objective is to promote a humanist vision of cultural, social and ethical values in Europe and to work for social and cultural progress. Subsidiary objectives include: to carry out educational, scientific and cultural action to promote, primarily in Europe, the place of voluntary organisations with the same objectives; to represent its member organisations to the European institutions; to promote exchanges… read more »

Member Organisations

There are many Humanist organisations both in Europe and across the world – for a world list see the IHEU site. Some have been created fairly recently, others are over two centuries old. There are federations embracing millions of members and local groups with only a few dozen. Some work at grass roots level, dealing with social issues, humanist ceremonies, counselling, leisure activities, education and so on; others are more interested in reflection, personal fulfilment or… read more »

Membership and Subscriptions

Membership Subscriptions Applications Membership There are three categories of member: Full Members Consultative Members Supporting (individual) Members Full and consultative membership are for humanist organisations; supporting members are individuals. Only full members have a vote. For details see Article 5 of the Bylaws. Members are required to accept the IHEU Minimum Definition of Humanism: “Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning… read more »

About EHF

The European Humanist Federation unites humanist and secularist organisations across Europe. We promote the principles of humanism and of a secular society, supporting human rights, opposing discrimination against non-believers and fighting for equal treatment. We work in the European Union (where we are officially recognised as a partner for dialogue) and we cooperate with like-minded Members of the European Parliament. We work in the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly. We are active in… read more »

The General Assembly

The main function of the annual General Assembly is the administrative and statutory management of EHF, but it usually takes place in parallel with important activities (congresses, conferences, seminars on an international or European level) set up by the Federation or by the host humanist organisation. It is therefore an opportunity to meet and exchange information and experience for the representatives of the member organisations. Those entitled to attend are:- Representatives of full member organisations… read more »

Secularism

A vital element in Humanism is secularism or laïcité. This is the principle that, in a plural, open society where people follow many different religious and non-religious ways of life, the communal institutions that we share (and together pay for) should provide a neutral public space where we can all meet on equal terms. The European Court of Human Rights has stated (Refah Partisi et al. v. Turkey) that it considers the principle of secularism… read more »

The EHF’s Campaign against Special Rights for the Churches

1997 The EHF’s campaign against Article 17* of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (as prospectivly amended by the 2007 Lisbon Treaty) goes back to the preparation of the Amsterdam Intergovernmental Conference in 1997 which first adopted the discriminatory arrangements in favour of the churches that are now enshrined by the Lisbon Treaty. When the EU proposed its Charter of Fundamental Rights we stressed the right to have, change or reject religious… read more »

Opposing Special Rights for Churches in the EU

The Story of “Article 17″ This is the story of the origins of the special treatment of religion and the churches in EU treaties, culminating in the obligation for the EU to engage in a regular dialogue with religious and non-confessional organisations.  It is the story of the churches’ campaign for these privileges and of the EHF’s long but unsuccessful campaign of opposition. A detailed critique of Article 17 and the way it works was… read more »