What Our Members Say
Religious minorities, atheists and apostates are routinely treated appallingly in theocratic countries. Every human should be free to express their own thoughts, beliefs and religious choices, provided they do not impinge on other people's rights.
Tim, Gloucestershire
I was spurred on to join the NSS by the torrent of attacks on secularism by Baroness Warsi amongst many others, and by the Pope's poisonous and mendacious claim that Nazi Germany was the result of atheism.
Michael, Scottish Borders
"Thank you for all of your help. I had never heard of your organisation before, I bet there are many many families feeling like this with no idea how to broach it with the schools or where they stand legally. You do a great job in empowering people to have the confidence and knowledge to stand up for their beliefs."
A Parent, whose school is pushing an increasing religious ethos
Religion has had far too much privilege, power and protection for far too long. Humanity needs to evolve and the continued inclusion of superstitious beliefs in the affairs of state is not helping that process.
Alex, Southsea
I am angry about faith schools, free schools, and ridiculous 'faith' based views pervading education, including Sex Education.
Niki, London
The redacting of exam questions and the scandal of gender separation at British Universities convinced me to join the NSS, standing up for rationalism, and civilised behaviour, unafraid to stick its head above the parapet and expose hypocrites, religious zealots and apologists
Jonathan
I joined to show that being an NSS member is compatible with being a Muslim. I think the NSS would benefit from having more members of faith. At present, just as many believers fail to understand what secularism means, many who do not practice a religious faith fail to understand the provisions that a just society needs to make for people who do.
Mohammed Amin MBE, Manchester
I feel secularism is a cause for which I can be politically and publicly active. Ultimately it's about removing the archaic rights given to religions to infringe my liberty.
Nicklas, Haywards Heath
I joined the NSS because I sense that those who promote religious observance are becoming more strident, and I believe we need a stronger voice in opposition.
James, Guildford
Religious views should not be impressed upon others. We should not have religion involved in dictating law, meddling in politics and education.
Pauline, Banbury
When selecting a school for my kid, I checked it wasn't focused towards just Christianity. I have no issues with schools teaching about religions and beliefs equally, but don't want my young and impressionable children to be exposed to evangelical practices.
Peter, Leeds
Children can be segregated and discriminated against according to their parents' religion when it comes to school admissions. This worries me immensely. I am not looking forward to letting my children be taught superstition and myths as truth or separating them from their friends. The NSS is all we have to take on the might of these tax-exempt organisations given free access to our children by the state.
Martin, Darlington
It's all very well suggesting Islamic faith schools are potentially damaging children, but the only way to solve this problem is to leave all religion out of education and legislation. I'm not anti-religion, but I am against giving any religion a free ride.
Tom, Leeds
I joined the NSS because I believe in religious freedom and freedom from religion. I want Britain to be a forward-thinking, fair and rational place to live for everyone and for future generations.
Richard, Southampton
On many secular issues, atheists and many theists have common interests. By working together on these issues, voices will be louder. While I am no longer religious, I absolutely support people's right to religious freedom.
Tim, Cheltenham
I am opposed to faith based schools on principle. The government promotes tribalism, the single greatest threat to our future. Many other threats can be solved if we work together and not against each other.
Mike, Petersfield
'I am a realist rather than an idealist. That in the 21st century supernatural beliefs still have a significant influence in matters of state is 'unreal'. The valuable work of the NSS must be supported.'
Fi, Hampshire
"Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis I have been thinking about my legacy and end of life issues. Assisted suicide is currently illegal in the UK, a policy which suffers from strong religious lobbying. Legislating against the wishes of a mentally competent person seems barbaric."
Alison, Aberdeen
As a retired head of a comprehensive school, I am very concerned at the growth of so-called 'faith schools'. I very strongly believe they are dangerous, divisive and a threat to our open society.
Andrew, London
"The state should take no role whatsoever in promoting any particular faith in any sphere of public life. The NSS is one of the strongest and most effective groups working to raise public awareness, overcoming peoples' inertia and lack of information."
Stipo, London
I have come to appreciate that the NSS is often a lone voice of rationality in the wilderness that is dominated by religious dogma, bigotry and political manipulation.
David, Shropshire
The NSS is Britain's front line defence against the vested interests of organised religion that damage our public institutions, not least in education and local government.
Clive, Bideford
"I have come to appreciate that the NSS is often a lone voice of rationality in the wilderness that is dominated by religious dogma, bigotry and political manipulation."
David, Shropshire
"I believe in people's freedom to practise whatever religion they wish,provided it never interferes with the legal system and policy making, in vital services such as education, health. I support any action challenging religious organisations' campaigns to manipulate laws and services. I hope that my membership is enough to make a valid contribution to this important cause."
Amber
Cameron's recent speech on religion made me put my money where my mouth is and join the NSS. I'm against any religious privilege but as a father of 2 young children the issue that infuriates me most is the discrimination in the admission criteria of faith schools and the obvious lack of equality that the government fails to accept.