Email sent to all councillors in West Sussex on 27th September 2007

Dear Councillor

I represent the British Humanist Society (BHA at www.humanism.org.uk) in Mid Sussex and founded Mid Sussex Freethinkers (www.MidSussexFreethinkers.org.uk) a few years ago.

Humanists believe that we can lead good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs. They make sense of life using reason, experience and shared human values. They respect the right of others to practice religion or not.

The BHA is the largest organisation representing the interests of the non-religious in the UK. The BHA has a positive approach and works constructively with numerous governmental and non-governmental organisations; it also produces a wide range of educational resources.

I recently applied for membership of the West Sussex Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education (SACRE); this body advises WSCC on matters concerning "religion and belief" in education. Surprisingly, my application was rejected. The Councillor representatives voted against inclusion of a Humanist, as did the minority religious groups and an ordained head teacher representative. Representatives for the C of E and teachers voted for inclusion. I will be applying again for membership after the next local elections.

I have attached a leaflet which summarises Humanism for teachers and the SACRE.

I would be most grateful if you could answer the following questions. Please write your replies beneath each question.

*Recent surveys show that the UK is becoming an increasingly secular society: 36% of people prefer Humanist explanations (MORI), 64% are opposed to faith schools, and 64% of 12-19 year olds are either atheist or agnostic (DfES).
European law recognises "religion and belief" as a single category, and protects individuals against discrimination on the grounds of belief. Article 13 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (UN 1989) states: "The child shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds… ".***

* Do you think that the views of the non-religious should be taught
alongside religious beliefs?

* Would you prefer inclusive morning assemblies that do not include
a daily act of worship?

* Do you think "religion and belief" should be taught in a balanced,
impartial manner, and in proportion to the beliefs of the population?

* Do you think that children of all ages should be taught that there
are good alternatives to religion?

* Do you think that the new Religious Education syllabus for West
Sussex should require schools to teach non-religious worldviews
alongside religious ones?

* Do you support the inclusion of a Humanist onto the West Sussex
SACRE in order to represent the interests of the non-religious?

* Other comments.

Thank you for your time.

Andrew Edmondson

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