Trouble reading this email? View newsletter online.

Newsline 28 November 2014

Not a member? The most tangible way of supporting our work is by becoming a member and contributing funds to enable us to campaign effectively; the more we have, the more we can do. If you believe, as we do, that a secular Britain is our best chance to achieve true equality for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, then please join us and become part of what is possibly the most important debate of the 21st century. Together we can create a fairer and more equal society.

The Law Society withdraws controversial Sharia guidance and apologises

The Law Society withdraws controversial Sharia guidance and apologises

News | Mon, 24 Nov 2014

The sharia succession practice note has been withdrawn by the Law Society, following widespread criticism for gender discrimination.

Religious influence in schools criticised in House of Lords “religion in public life” debate

Religious influence in schools criticised in House of Lords “religion in public life” debate

News | Thu, 27 Nov 2014

The role of religion in schools has come under scrutiny during a House of Lords debate on the role of religion and belief in public life.

Head of Russian Orthodox Church says secularization in Europe has reached “apocalyptic dimensions,” calls for “Christian values”

Head of Russian Orthodox Church says secularization in Europe has reached “apocalyptic dimensions,” calls for “Christian values”

News | Tue, 25 Nov 2014

Patriarch Kirill said Europe has abandoned its "Christian identity" and that the "process of secularization" has reached "apocalyptic dimensions".

NSS Speaks Out

We were widely quoted in the national press following the Law Society's decision to withdraw its controversial guidelines for solicitors on how to compile "Sharia compliant" wills. Coverage included the Guardian, Times, Independent, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Economist, Third Sector the Christian press and various legal press.

We were also quoted in the BBC's coverage of Ofsted's reports into six Independent Muslim faith schools, which were judged to be leaving pupils at risk of extremist views and radicalisation. Our campaigns manager, Stephen Evans, debated the wisdom of faith schools on LBC and was quoted in a Jewish Chronicle report about the NSS's reporting of a Jewish faith school to Ofsted over concerns about the school's narrowing of the curriculum.

NSS executive director Keith Porteous Wood was also quoted in a Church Times (£) article about a private Members' Bill seeking to restore the right of local councils to pray at meetings.

This email has been sent to you by National Secular Society in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Address: 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL, United Kingdom.
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7404 3126

Please Note: Newsline provides links to external websites for information and in the interests of free exchange. We do not accept any responsibility for the content of those sites, nor does a link indicate approval or imply endorsement of those sites.

Please feel free to use the material in this Newsline with appropriate acknowledgement of source. Neither Newsline nor the NSS is responsible for the content of websites to which it provides links. Nor does the NSS or Newsline necessarily endorse quotes and comments by contributors, they are brought to you in the interests of the free exchange of information and open debate.

Update Profile / Unsubscribe