Humanists UK staff met yesterday with Sara Khan, the newly appointed lead Commissioner for Countering Extremism, to discuss the work of Humanists UK on related issues and the remit of the Commission going forward.
Discussions focused on the work of Humanists UK in identifying and challenging extremist narratives in the UK, which spans across many branches of our work, from providing pastoral support in prisons, to support services for apostates who are leaving extreme religious groups to providing schools with resources to develop critical thinking skills, to campaigning for inclusive schools.
Discussion also explored the role of dialogue between different religion and belief groups, engagement with hard to reach groups in disrupting extremist narratives, and what roles each will play in the how the Commission examines tackling extremism in the UK.
Humanists UK’s Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented, ‘We are pleased to have had such a constructive meeting with Sara Khan, and hope to build upon this relationship as the Commission for Countering Extremism takes its work forward. Much of our work at Humanists UK, across our community services team, with Faith to Faithless, and through public affairs, is centred building an understanding of shared human values and rights, and providing non-religious people with the tools they need to critically engage with extreme ideas and narratives.’
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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Campaigns Officer Rachel Taggart-Ryan on rachel@humanists.uk or 07951 176 245.
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.
Humanists UK recently changed its name from the British Humanist Association: https://humanists.uk/2017/05/22/bha-becomes-humanists-uk/