Dear {{{salutation}}},

The attacks in Paris and in Copenhagen have provoked millions of people to demonstrate in favour of secularism and freedom of expression, and this Bulletin focusses on these vital issues too.

We are facing a determination in the UK to retain, or even to increase, religious privilege by the Government. It wants to allow prayers in local government meetings and it refuses to seriously consider reforming religious education.

More positively, we have initiated successful challenges concerning religious schools. They are under unprecedented scrutiny, with the public becoming noticeably more sceptical towards them. The tide seems to be turning too against religious exemptions to animal welfare laws which we have been fighting against; one hundred thousand people have called for an end to the exemptions. We have helped persuade the Law Society to withdraw 'sharia guidance'. And the NSS has helped introduce a Bill to abolish Chancel Repair Liability, a mediaeval ecclesiastical liability blighting thousands of homes.

Throughout the Bulletin you'll see many other examples of the progress we've been making in pursuit of our shared aim of a fairer, more secular society. This has only been made possible by people like you and your support. The NSS receives no funding from government or outside bodies; we rely wholly on donations and on our members' generosity.

From everyone here at the NSS, thank you for your continued support.

With best wishes
Terry Sanderson
President

In the Bulletin you'll find details for our Secularist of the Year 2015 awards ceremony and luncheon. We hope you can join us for this special event on Saturday 28 February from 12.30 to 4 o'clock in central London. Tickets (just £40 for members) are now on sale.