A young man from Ross, Connor Bevan, together with Sam Burford, is holding the first meeting for anyone interested in Humanism at the Lichfield Vaults, in Hereford on August 25th. Anybody interested in the new Hereford Humanists group can come along at 6pm for a chat and a drink.

Humanism is a worldwide attitude to living that puts empathy, reason and kindness at the centre of how to approach the world. Unlike religions which look to an external source of authority like Gods, books and prophets, Humanists look to one another to generate moral values. Humanists also value reason, evidence and science to establish a worldview. Rather than simply ‘not believing in God’ Humanism is a positive outlook on life concerned with human rights, discussion, respect, dignity, freedom, law, charity, happiness, secularism and the common good.

Connor told the Ross Gazette:?“Growing up in Ross-on-Wye, I noticed that Humanism (or any other atheist philosophies/ moralities) had no mention in school curriculums; Religious Education and even Philosophy & Ethics at Sixth Form. Many people had never heard of it.

“With religious concerns proportionately overemphasised locally and worldwide we’d love to let people know that there are alternatives to religious belief that they can become involved with.”

Connor explained that as the group grows they will partner with the British Humanist Association. They will invite guest speakers and they plan to become very involved in the community, particularly in towns like Ross.

He said that the group intends to campaign on local issues, to see Humanism represented fairly in government, hospitals and schools, inform people about Humanist weddings, chaplaincy, choirs, funerals and to just be fun, friendly and welcoming.

For more information about Herefordshire Humanists find the group on Facebook or Twitter or email [email protected]